Firsts on First

They said the fog would lift at 10. It lifted, grudgingly, at 4.

It was less cold and wet than yesterday, but the mist brought a certain surreality to the San Bruno Mountain Hill Climb. I would hear the finish line before I could see it.

The pack took off at a blistering pace. Yikes! I was off the back in no time, and with adrenaline spiking my heart rate, spinning seemed like A Mighty Good Plan. I caught and dropped another woman from the Cat 4 field before the veil of fog shrouded the rest. Her front wheel came into view briefly near the bottom of the upper climb, but I held her off - to finish: Not Last!

It's important to have goals. Being a late bloomer, I focus on the achievable. Although, this being an official bicycle race, being Not Last was conceivably a stretch goal. I was delighted to be cheered by spectators along the way, enthusiastic children with cowbells, and the encouraging shouts of descending racers as I approached the summit. And with so many familiar faces from the Low-Key Hillclimbs, overall I felt more relaxed and less intimidated.

My first official bicycle race. My best time up San Bruno Mountain. A blog begins.