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December 2002
12/01/02 - Some memorable cross moments...so far, anyway.
Did another cross race on Saturday and this time I got the coveted DFL points! Woo Hoo! I had actually managed to beat another woman until my stupid !@#$! SPD pedal did not release on a dismount. Ouch! The crash was quite spectacular, if I do say so myself. By the time I pulled myself back together, the woman behind me caught back up and left me way behind. To be honest, the only thing that made me stay in the race was the Velo Bella point for finishing and the DFL points.
I've really got to practice that mounting thing this week! I've discovered that I don't get better by just thinking about it. Amazing how that works!
Cathy
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I joined this team thinking it would help motivate me to try my first Cross Race. Team Velo Bella and The Dirty Dozen Contest seemed like a perfect fit. Not to mention the introduction of a women's C category in the Surf City series. I told myself (and Ben agreed) that I could do this. Little did I know I'd end up doing more than just my first cross race. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th races were just around the corner. Each one more exciting and thrilling than the one before. I've surprized myself with my enthusiasm.
Hip, Hip, Hooray!
Goldi Berry
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At the district CX race, Our young Bella Alyson was standing at the top of the long run up, cheering me on with her very colorful, creative and personalized "Go Shelly" sign that she made herself. She was there on lap one, and on lap two, cheering her lungs out for me to get up that hill fast. Then, as I am running up the big hill on lap three, I first think that I am so at my limit that I am seeing double, but there are now 2 Velo Bella signs - the second person was trying to hide behind their sign while cheering me up the hill, because they should have been still racing instead of cheering. Who is this person? AHA! it is our fearless leader, Sabine. I had to give her shit about it, "Sabine, get back on your bike!!", I manage to mutter, but truthfully it was great to have two of my favorite Bellas helping me on the toughest part of the course.
There was an awesome, moment capturing picture taken as I finished that race, with me, arms raised in victory, and two flowery bright Velo Bella signswith Velo Bellas' legs attached underneath. It is not the victory part, but the spirit of team commaradarie and friendship that makes that moment,and that race, so great for me.
Shelly Belly
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My most memorable moment was during my first race.... seeing Sabine at the end of the barriers by the barn with her big, blue wig on top of her helmet. She was standing next to her bike because she smacked her shin into the barrier (I think that's what happened). When I asked if she was okay and what happened, she said she wouldn't tell me until after I finished my race. She knew I was terrified of crashing and didn't want to give me any reason to give up. I'll never forget how much I admired her standing there encouraging other riders and I admired her even more when I saw she got back on her bike! Sabine, you are truly amazing and your enthusiasm about racing is contagious. Thanks for an awesome cross season.
Cheers, Arleen
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MMMMM??? If I had to choose just one single most memorable moment racing at the Surf City, it would have to be every Bella's smile.
Very clear in my mind.
Ann
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Did another cross race on Saturday and I managed not to crash! Yeah! And managed to beat 3 whole women in the process! Totally amazing. Got 5th overall (this was the Ga State Championships) - no money but lots of prizes. Even better. I love cross racing. The entry fee was only $12 and I won 4 pairs of deFeet socks, a box of clif shots and a clif shot t-shirt. Can't beat that with a stick. I don't care if I suck at this. I had more fun yesterday than I did all of last season rolled together.
Looking forward to seeing you next week! Can't wait.
Cathy
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