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Written by Caryn Giarratano
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It was 32 degrees and snowing. I knew I was crazy to RIDE in this weather much less race in it. But there I was at Three Mile Prairie Elementary on March 1 wearing my new team colors for my first race of 1998. I wasn't the only nut. CBC Cat IV teammates Kimi Chinn, Joy Flood, Michelle Hawks, Julie Pautler, Cammy Ronchetto, Julie Snell and Cindy Woodcock stood shivering over their bikes next to me.
I had done my best - between working full time, decorating our new house and writing my dissertation in pursuit of my PhD - to get ready to race. After the time change in October, I had put in 1183 miles, 645 with my new team, to train for the ?98 season.
I thought I would freeze while standing at the start line but I wasn't nervous. I didn't think I would ride well since I never ride well in the cold. And it was COLD!
Go! Allison Larkins shot into the lead and I grabbed her wheel. I was shocked that she went out so fast. I checked my computer and was even more shocked. I didn't think that my body was capable of going 24 mph with such a wind chill. Suddenly feeling like I was going to lose breakfast, I sneaked a peak behind me to see how the other ladies were doing.
THERE WAS NO ONE THERE! Bye Allison...I let her go.
I regained control over my unruly stomach and took the pace up to 18 mph. Soon I spotted Cammy Ronchetto working in a paceline gaining on me. I eased up. Cammy and two others--Amy Potts from Jefferson City and Jen Goldstein from St. Louis--caught me. We worked together and averaged 18 mph over the 30 miles.
As we turned onto Route Z on the final leg of the route, Cammy took the lead and stepped up the pace. Determined to help her if I could, I managed to hang on. The four of us began climbing the hill to the finish line. As we thundered to the line, Cammy suddenly ran out of gas and Amy stood to sprint. If the CBC yellow was to lead the pack, it was up to me. I gave it everything I had...and I DID it!!! What an intoxicating feeling! I guess that all that saddle time I put in over the winter DID help!
It was so much fun that I would like to do it again! Would someone please volunteer to organize the Froze Toes next year?
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