Let me say first: Being included with the amazing athletes at the Paracycling camp was the greatest highlight of my unorthodox cycling career.
Camp was for me a total immersion in the world of high level cycling, as well as learning a lot about disabled athletes. It was overwhelming, but thankfully, riding bikes has a fantastic way of making all of my worries go away. Each day we woke, ate (fantastic food at the OTC!), then rode 3-4 hours. Lunch (again, soooo good), then off to the velodrome, or if we were lucky, a little down time and a recovery ride. Dinner and socializing closed out the night.
The first day was the most tense; The time trial (TT) out Otay Lakes road loomed large. Both Carrie and I knew this was our golden opportunity to show our drive to the coaches, and to hopefully make the emerging time standard. We had done one TT a few weeks ago in Denver to see where we stood. We averaged a respectable 1:49 per kilometer, but had a ways to go before we hit the 1:43.8 of the emerging standard. But nervously waiting at the start of the TT, we knew we had a good chance.....and off we went! We pushed hard, occasionally frustrated by the shifting on our borrowed tandem. A little over 24 minutes later we crossed the finish line.
Our time per kilo? 1:39. We made the emerging standard!
Next up, making the talent pool time of 1:33.1. It's great to have goals :)
My only two regrets from camp? Having to leave early (stupid work), and not taking enough photos. But I got a couple good shots with my roomates:
My roommate Susan Katz (so fast!) and I
Me and my suitemates Erica and Tara--I lucked out to have such awesome roommies.
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