ouch..starting to hurt a little bit

Today was a 5 hour ride at Chilhowee with some majorly fast mountain bike chicks. We rode some singletrack and fireroads...but I swear it felt like ALL we did was climb. I had one mishap where my headset was loose and all of a sudden (seriously,I was just riding along) the next thing I know I'm on the ground and it hurt. I stood up and shook it off and went to get back on my bike and my handlebars were cocked to the left and my front wheel was pointing to the right. This is how Shelly broke her collarbone on one of the gravel roads at ORAMM a few years ago, so I'm glad I didn't get hurt. I called Eddie after the ride to tell him and he was like "oh yeah, you need to check that once in a while since you are running a rigid fork". Oh well, that was news to me. Anyway, the day ended with a techy descent (some of it was plain unrideable) and then a log crossing. Carey crossed the log on foot, carrying her bike, in about 30 seconds. Then, it was my turn. In case you don't know, I am terrified of heights..and this was only 3 feet off the ground. It took me like 5 minutes to get across and I'm just happy my bike and I didn't end up in the water. Then, it was Danielle's turn. She was a little shaky also but luckily we all made it across unscathed. Yes, Carey must think we are the BIGGEST WIMPS in the world. I don't deny it, trust me..you will NEVER see me at La Ruta for the sole reason that I don't want to die crossing the trestle. Danielle has pics up here.

Today hurt. My legs are toast. I'm getting a little worried about the 6 hour but I know I shouldn't. I never planned for this to be an 'A' race..in fact, it's not even a 'C' race, but I don't really want to go embarass myself out there :) Anyway, I think I will still ride on Thursday but take Friday off..or do an easy hour spin on Friday.

So far I am at 43 hours of riding in 12 days. The goal is to be at 60 hours by this Sunday...eek that is a long way to pedal from here.