Date: September 17, 2000
Event: Terror of Teaberry XC 2000
Class: Women
Category: Pro/Expert
Length: 23+
Time: 2:59:35
Conditions: Sunny - 70 degrees
Bike: 1999 IF Special. 12"
Tires: One continental rear and one Semi-slick front.

Editor's Note: Sami wrote the main article for this race and interviewed Mike Capraro for us. Many thanks Sami and great job!

Did you do anything special (apart from the whole training lifestyle) to prepare for this race?

No. I haven't been riding at all 'cause I started a new job. I guess I got a lot of good recovery while riding my desk.

Were you strong from start to finish?

No, I flailed most of the race.

What was your most exhilarating experience during the race?

There was a swoopy rocky downhill where I crashed twice in front of the same guy. I enjoy having an audience for my dramatic descending.

When did you put the hammer down.... do you feel guilty for beating your second place competitor by more than 7 minutes?

On the first climb I tore away. Being under some stress has caused me to lose a little weight, so I probably have an unfair advantage. Yeah, I feel guilty. I'm sure it won't happen again.

Did you have any unusual problems.... perhaps saddle sores?

No, but my saddle bruised me pretty bad.

Women are not supposed to enjoy suffering over "extra chunky" extremely technical terrain or "love" Michaux. Have you thought about perhaps getting some counseling for this?

I'm afraid you are misinformed. That's perfectly normal for women. All the chicks dig Michaux.

How would you rate the course?

Primo, but not as cool as Ironmasters or the Curse. It seemed shorter because there was a lot of road. That was fine by me.

Were you happy with the way the race was run.... besides being mislead about the climbing by our always comical race director?

He did a great job. He didn't really lie---there was a bit less climbing than the other two races.

If you could do the race again, would you do anything differently?

I would get a different front tire, different saddle and change my bad attitude.

Thank you Sami for the interview, your article and helping with interviews!