posted by (Jennifer Triplett)
First of all, having an outdoor wooden track is insane. I only say this because I willingly live in a part of the country where it actually rains nine months of the year (the rumors are true!). Take for instance our weather this year. Everyone in Seattle remembers exactly where they were and what they did that one 80 degree day in April. Why? Because it usually doesn't stop raining till late June. Then last weekend we saw record temps soar into the 90's, creating massive river flooding due to our unusually high snow pack in several counties across Washington. Two days later, it's back to normal with low 60s as a daytime high and a damp chill in the air. A wooden track just wouldn't last here - it's simply too wet.
As a track racer, I look forward to the summer heat. Your body moves easier, your joints don't protest as much and it just feels good. So far this spring we've been teased by abnormal heat, which just means that I can't wait to visit a part of the country that is actually warm and dry!
My local track, Group Health Velodrome in Marymoor Park, has already hosted three weeks of preseason racing. We have to deem May as "preseason" because far to often we are rained out. But luckily the "dry" weather has held so far - and tomorrow night is the final preseason before regular Friday Night Racing begins. In an attempt to prepare for the upcoming MN Fixed Gear Classic, I've been racing with the Category 3 men. It's a great way to test my fitness and work on out-sprinting the fellas. This is my second season hanging with the guys and they've definitely accepted me, although I still hear some grumbling when I beat them in a sprint. ;) And although it's still early season for track (Elite Track Nationals aren't until October!) - my legs are getting quickly accustomed to my race gear. Though I could stand it to be a little warmer!
A friend of mine says the NSC Velodrome is her favorite track in the country. I really do think it's cool to have an outdoor wooden track and am jealous of those who get to put in some serious mileage going in circles there. As I test my ability tomorrow night, I'll also be dreaming of warmer temps and wooden planks.
Labels: bike, cycling, Great River Energy Bicycle Festival, Minnesota, MN Fixed Gear Classic, Nature Valley Grand Prix, racing, velodrome
