krank it up

The bike race this morning was surely one to remember.

The plan was to ride and finish together, and Angie and I were determined to stick by each other throughout no matter what. And we sure did. I've always had this mental block with mountain bike races because of a one and only race I joined in KL, where I DNFed. So to say we actually completed it is accomplishment in itself to me... Even if I did feel like a bit of a crash test dummy throughout.

I'll keep this short 'coz I'm still feeling kinda woozy, but I basically endo-ed pretty badly at one of the drop-offs. I tried not to let my nerves get the better of me, but a mixture of fear and panic meant I took the drop with a slanted wheel and a last minute brake sent me flying over my handlebars and sideways onto the hard concrete. Got back on the bike and kept going but I was, needless to say, pretty darn rattled from the crash. Had a couple of minor falls here and there afterwards, simply thanks to my rattled nerves and unresponsive reflexes. I did a lot of boarding with the bike once again, skidding around and trying to maintain some balance.

But not once did Angie take off without me. Whenever I veered out of sight, she'd find a pocket in the shrubbery to wait up for her fallen friend. She knew I was in a bit of shock and I got a strict, 'Come on, Janice. Don't let it throw you off. You're doing great.' She even fed me Gatorade a coupla times to recover. Talk about showmanship... And just as planned, we made it to the finishline crossing it hand-in-hand. The plan was to share the 2nd spot but I felt this was just not right. Angie rode the course like a pro and was such a great competitor... So after some haggling with both her and the race directors, we had it sorted. Athena the Han took first place as expected, and was also declared national female champ of the year - It felt such an honour to be third next to two admirable female athletes.

Sorry babe, I know you insisted and wanted me to say it was so here but it just wouldn't be right! In principle we did share second place though and I honestly couldn't have done it without you. Here's to the next one! =)


champs!


negotiating a corner


right behind orangela


the ladies


cuties


dem boyz


the surly pugsly


sharing second


great job, guys


the great reward


pretty dinged up


close up #1


close up #2


tore my brand new shirt


helping to clear up

More pix here