Epic - normally a word reserved to describe 5+ hour mountain bike rides or something like that. But when chamois time passes the 8-hour point, I’m pretty sure we’ve moved into the realms of epicness. Even if we were just at the track.

Sunday was the epic track day. Proman sponsored an International Omnium at Hellyer. Five events, lowest point total at the end of the day wins based on a system where first place gets 1 point, 5th place gets 5 points, etc. We did a 200m TT, 10-lap scratch race, 2000m individual pursuit, which is pretty much a TT, 20-lap points race, and a 500m TT. A really fun sequence of racing...it just took a really long time. 

Before I get into the details a huuuuge thanks to track rock star Beth Newell. She pulled me aside first thing and talked me thru the different events and took me out on the track to show me how to do a flying 200. All day long she was full of tips and gave me feedback on every race, all while focusing on her own racing and winning the whole darn thing. Very cool.

I showed up at the track with my brand spanking new Pista and immediately Hernando wanted to change my tires because that’s what Hernando does. But changing the wheelset meant jumping up to a huge gear. So I went with what I had and did my 200m. And spun my gear out between turn three and four. My time was respectable, so I was still happy and I think I did most of the things Beth told me.

So the wheels got changed and then it was time for the scratch race. I suddenly felt like I was riding a stolen prosie bike with the new wheels and bigger gear - I had no idea that could make such a difference. The race itself - lots of nervous wheels made me nervous. Sabine did a great attack, then I did a rookie attack from the front so I didn’t really get away, then we were tired, and then it was over and I was boxed in near the back. Ten laps is really short.

Next was the 2000m pursuit. Six laps all out. Well, my first three laps weren’t so all out, then I got on it and finished up okay. I had no idea what 6 laps would feel like, so I’d like a do-over on that one. But either way, I think that distance by yourself will always be a sufferfest no matter what.

Feeling exhausted, the sun beating down, my Scandinavian skin tones shifting from a soft pink to a deep red, we got ready for the points race. Sabine rocks at points races so I knew we would have fun working the front. But this rookie made another mistake in this one...I thought we were on lap 16, with points up for grabs on lap 15. So I got a good run from mid-pack and suddenly had a lot of speed and checked the lap card as we came through the line - it said 17 laps to go...CRAP! I was already going too fast to turn it off and knew I couldn’t hold it for 2 laps, but I stupidly went anyway. But it set up an exciting sprint for lap 15 and I pedaled my ass off to stay with the front group of speedy chics as they went by. And then Superwoman Sabine bridged up to us and made me sooo happy. She would roll to the front and I could get a breather before we would sprint off again. Next time I’ll get on her wheel as she floats by because her lead out is magic (sorry Sabine!!). But I was honestly in survival mode every time. The bummer was that for all our hard work, I think I only scored one point I think. But I felt like I actually belonged in that race, which was a huge confidence boost.

Another hour of forcing oneself to not throw back an icy cold Fat Tire while we waited for the 500m TT. I really liked this distance. It was a standing start, so getting on top of the gear at the beginning seemed tough but once I got going it was fun. My time again was not too bad, so I was happy. And happy that I could finally get out of that stinky jersey and chamois! I finished 6th, one spot away from the podium.

Overall, a great day.  Really fun. I am really loving the track.