Linda Gallo's Official Website

A week ago I decided to do a mountain bike race in Folsom, CA (about a 2hr drive north).   Since I plan to race a few Xterras this year, I decided it would be best to do at least one mountain bike race or mini Xterra before showing up in Temecula.   I was originally thinking of doing Xterra REAL in Folsom on March 29th, but that is the same weekend as California 70.3.  Since I have been feeling really fast in the pool and on the bike, I am excited to see how I will do in that race and hence I raced this mtb race.    I drove up early Sunday morning and got there with plenty of time to spare (I like it that way.. : )   I registered and got my bike ready and I still had an hour to spare.  The race was 3 x 6 mile loops for the Sport category.  (Sport category in mountain biking is in between beginner and expert - about where I am right now).   I decided to do a loop of the course partially as recon and partially as warmup.   Definitely a good decision.   The course was not too technical, but still had some rocky descents and lots of twisting single track.   Plus there was a water crossing and a big sand pit!   With one lap under my belt, I was able to go a lot faster on the three laps of the course.    I have been doing a fair bit more mountain biking so I felt really comfortable on this course.  As I said in the subject, this was the most fun I have had on a bike in years!  To be able to go fast and be on a trail in the woods is exhilarating, esp. more than just going fast in your aerobars...  I'm not ready to ditch the road triathlons just yet, but this mountain biking thing is a lot of fun.   I won my age group (sport 30-39)!   Not a huge accomplishment, but definitely progress over my last place finish in the same age group at Sea Otter last year.     After another good week of training, I am now starting to get ready to Ca 70.3 next weekend.  First though is the Luna Chix Photo Shoot and Camp which is this Tuesday thru Thursday in Mill Valley.    Then I'll start the drive down to  Oceanside for the race on Thursday afternoon.   Happy Easter, and more after the race!