Albany Crit versus The Beach

by Robyn Berry

Albany, CA -- Beach day. That’s what the weather, my family and my legs were telling me. Sunday was definitely going to be a beach day. Then, like always, I get an annoying little e-mail (you got it too): “I’m doing the Albany Crit this weekend – it’s close – anyone else want to do it?”

Usually, it’s easy to ignore these race reminders from Katie. First of all, anything in the 209 area code is automatically off my list – that eliminates most of the road races around here. But Albany is in the 510 – that’s practically next door. It did not qualify for my normal list of excuses – too hilly, too long, and too tough of a field. No, it was flat, short, and a cat 4 only race. After a long racing break, Katie had finally sent one that piqued my interest. I waited until the last minute, cringed, then, gave Active my credit card number. Darn Katie!

At the start line, they informed us that the mentors in the race would be picking the “winners” based on their use of skills and racing techniques. Perfect – I might have a chance! This concerned Katie, who was poised and ready on the front row. “Uh, aren’t you going to count the actual winners for points?” She and the rest of the front line were assured that, yes; the top riders across the line would receive the points. The rest of us now had our goal: we were racing for style!

The whistle blew quickly, and the sound of sixty sidis clipping in was followed by the whir of thirty bikes traveling as one. I had missed this adrenaline-inducing hum – the sound of the peleton. I was glad to be back, now just waiting a few laps for the burn to kick in.

Katie’s race experience showed, as she always remained toward the front of the pack, taking her turns leading, too long, she said. I raced inefficiently – first in back, then in front, devouring the corners, and losing places on the straights. I was just happy to be part of the race. A highlight was when Katie and I both shared the front briefly during the middle of the race – not an ideal time to lead - but a thrill nonetheless. A tip from Taitt Sato, one of the mentors helped me. She advised me to get out of the saddle coming around the 2nd turn. This is a minor uphill stretch on the course. I did it every lap, and passed riders every time.

Katie finished a very strong 6th, and ever closer to her goal of becoming a cat 3 racer. I still do not know my place. This is what happens in a crit – if you can count the riders in front, you have placed – if not, you are middle of the pack and you have to wait for the posted results.

Four days later, the results still aren’t posted, but no matter. I showed up. I raced hard and well. And, I still had time to go to the beach.