All Fun in the Dirt!
Photo of NRC Women's very own captain, Sara Krause, courtesy of www.austinontwowheels.org
Tuesday nights at the dirt derby! Turn your tv off and get your butt out to the track. This is by far the most fun on dirt in Austin! There was a great showing by the NRC/Kona team….I debated about what race to do, should I do one or two. I decided I am not really about the results, but I am about the workout and helping other women feel comfortable out there racing…so, I signed up for the “B” race and the “C - Women’s only race”. The “B” race was first. I lined up in the back, back behind all the men and the 3 other women who braved this race. The “B” race track is a bit longer than the “C” race track…therefore, I was less likely to get lapped by the faster dudes 
Long story short, just like I started I finished in the back, back! It hurt really bad, but was a freaking blast and fabulous workout! After catching my breath for about 10 minutes, the “C, Women’s only” race started. I decided to just “ride” this race, since I was pretty worn out from the “B” race. I started in the back of the pack…realized I had a rock in my cleat, so I was unable to clip in right away. I kicked my pedal a few times to knock the rock out…and continued on my merry way up the track for a fairly relaxed lap one, while encouraging a few first timers along the way. Before I knew it the bell rung for last lap and I saw one of my freinds and fellow racers in the distance…I decided what the heck, let’s go for it and see if you can catch her. It was so much fun…I was gaining and gaining, but did not have enough left in me to catch her on the final climb. Great job my fellow friend for sticking it out! Great job to my fellow NRCer’s who gave it hell on and off the track! It was also super cool to see so many new female faces out there giving it a go!
NRC/Kona Women’s team Cat 2 racer, Kristi Welch – Keep on pedaling!
