August 7, 2005, Zoar Road Race, Zoar, OH
From: Mary Ellen Bailey, women
What a beautiful day for a race! The ladies field was 13 strong this year... double that of last year. Thanks girls for coming out! We noted that our biggest competition was going to be Kelly from Savage Hill and she had brought 2 teammates with her.
Kelly was ready to go as she wanted to step it up on the first time up Middle Run. I told her it was a long race to just hang in there but that now she knew where things could happen. So, the next time around I told her "lets do it, lets see what we can make happen". She and I took it over the top and were away for a little bit and then I saw Sam chasing on. The three of us kept the tempo up for the next lap with Sam hauling our butts down the descents (it's not a good thing when I have to pedal to stay on her wheel going down hill). We were wishing like crazy at this point that it was only a 3 lap race instead of 4! On the last time up Middle Run, Sam and I kept up the pace and that was enough to get away from Kelly. Sam wanted to ride across the line together, arms raised, and I told her that the people watching had paid good money to see a show....lets sprint it out. Of course, the only time I have ever beaten Sam in a sprint is if I come out from behind her so... "what in the hell was I thinking telling her let's sprint it out?"
Great race..... I'm still tired!