NEVADA CITY CLASSIC - WIN!

Nevada City has been among my top favorite races ever since I did it back in the early 90's. The crowds are good, the weather is hot, and the course is awesome! Funny thing though, the climb seems to be a little easier now...:) I was scheduled to work on race day but I was fortunate enough to find a 'trade' for the day. That way I could cruise up to do the race and continue on to Tahoe where Sandor and Daisy were waiting for me to begin our first vacation of the summer - fun! I got off work at 7am that morning, plenty of time to pack and get to the race. As I drove up I-80 past Sacramento the bright yellow and blue glow of the IKEA sign drew me in like a moth to a lone porch light. I could not resist the tempting "SUMMER SALE!" banner. You should check it out! I got some really cool outdoor cushions, planter boxes, fake plants (no watering!), lingonberries, and cinnamon buns (for Sandor) -all for under a hundred! I spent a little too much time wandering around (actually I got lost a few times, have you ever been in there? you need GPS to navigate) and had to drive 80+mph to arrive in Nevada City just in the nick of time. Fortunately Niki was right there upon my arrival and immediately began set up my trainer, pin my number, and prep bottles. I didn't need too big of a warm up due to the pleasant warmth of the surrounding the area. On the first lap I could tell I was feeling well - so I kept the pace fast in an attempt to thin out the field right away to make mobility a bit easier. My goal was to always be first or second through the fast downhill turn and to be sure it was someone I trusted to follow, as I did not want to begin my vacation with road rash. I was able to respond and/or counter any attack that was attempted, as my second goal was to stay with anyone that took off. At one point a McGuire girl took off ferociously up the last portion of the climb, with me glued to her wheel. When she reached the crest she gave up and began to coast so I maintained my momentum to ensure my desired first position down the descent. As I passed the start/finish line I heard them announce "TWO LAPS TO GO!". Wow! I'm alone with only two to go? I figured I would give it a try and kept cruising at a good strong pace, just enough to keep my distance but not to blow myself up. The noise of the spectators on the climb was enough juice to propel me up the hill the first time alone. My disbelief and utter excitement that I was about to win a classic race got me around the last time to the finish. What a fun race! Thanks to everyone, especially Niki for the cool beverages before/during/after the race. Now I am in Tahoe, chasing chipmunks with Daisy. We are headed out for a mountain bike ride and will top it off with a sunset kayak tour on the lake. Thanks for reading! - HELENE