Yesterday I made my race-feeder debut as a volunteer for the Tour of the Gila. It was my first time on this side of a feed zone. I have always come through as a racer, so it was fun to have a new perspective. Here I am in my giant neon feeder shirt. I have a hat and sunglasses and 45 SPF sunsceen on to protect myself during my several-hour stint in the sun. Notice Keiki the feeder dog smiling from the car. Klemmy was there too...she is just shy, and not such a ham.
Yes, I was vigilant about sun protection, except for on the tops of my feet! Look at my Chaco sandal sunburn. Ouch! This really hurts.As far as feeding, it was fun to watch bike racing and to help out. Watching all the racers go by, suffering up the climb, was really great. I could feel their pain! Parts of the sport are really exciting, but I had no desire to be out there doing it myself! When the women came by, there was a Value Act rider and a Tibco rider in a break off the front. That looked like fun: working hard, rotating, and not being in a peloton. I love the feeling of working hard in a break or up a hill. But that is the feeling I can have all the time in multi-sport! So I get to do what I love now for the whole race.
Today I am at home, packing for my trip, and am trying to get myself psyched up about a trainer workout. There is a major wind advisory here today, so there is no way I am riding outside! I am really glad I am not racing in that wind today.
Also, it was really great to hear that Leah Goldstein from the Value Act Capital Team ended up winning the stage in the Women's race. Talk about a come-back story! I remember racing at the Cascade Classic a few years back, and she had a horrific crash on a descent. She had serious and devastating injuries, but her determination and fighting spirit has paid off. I love examples of people overcoming setbacks. It is an inspiration!
