Event: Fair Hill Classic

Name: Cassandra Ramirez

City: Newark

State/Province: DE

Country: USA

Age: 35

Place: 4th

Category: Sport

CLASS +/or Age group: 35+

Team: Wooden Wheels

XC Race Bike: Cannondale with bits and pieces from other bikes

Tires: Very Mismatched

Conditions: Peanut-Buttery Mud/Rain

Email: puddincat@aol.com

How was your fitness level going into this race?

Fairly decent for a roadie. This was my very first mtn bike race. I had been practicing in bone dry conditions...was a bit apprehensive about racing in rain.

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

Oh, yes. I was sitting second wheel in first asphalt mile. I was going GOOD then.

Were you strong from start to finish?

Well, no..not really. As soon as my tires hit the mud, cowardice and lack of coordination quickly ensued ... panic attacks took hold, as well. Nice mix.

When did you put the hammer down?

Well, really, I put the hammer down on myself when, at mile one, I pummeled myself and my bike, WWF-style, onto the shrubbery, mud and stumpage to left of trail. that did NOT feel too good. Everyone passed me, then...a bit relieved, I think, to have me out of the way

Did you have any unusual problems?

Yes. Increasing fits of panic and fear, combined with fits of self-debasing comments and lots of cursing in spanish...mostly directed at myself for sucking so bad. Oh, when the girl behind me yelled "Bad line! Bad line! Bad line! On your right!!! augh!!!!!", I knew I didn't quite belong out there...

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Yes. Actually that was the highlight of my epic ride, the feed zone folks. At the last stop, when asked if needed water, I yelled back "Do you have any courage??" all were very nice folks plus the course was superbly marked.

Did you have any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges with competitors/spectators)?

Well, the fact that it took me almost 4 hours to finish a 23 mile loop. That's sorta interesting.... kinda.

Anything you would like to add?

I have nothing but mouth-wide-open respect for every single person who's ever raced a mountain bike!! and, undying gratitude towards Wooden Wheels for allowing me to ride in their jersey!