Racing

Do Amateur Women Have More Fun? Notes From Back of the Pack

18.07.2014
by

Elizabeth Miller is one rad chick. She’s a Mom of an awesome little guy who will soon be off his Strider bike, holds down a crazy full time job as General Manager of an up and coming radio station (meaning she does a little bit of everything) and plays outside year round. And she’s ALWAYS stoked and ready to get after it, even if that means her son is coming along. E-Beth wrote this for Enduro Mountainbike Magazine about her Keystone Big Mountain Enduro race experience.

E-Beth heading towards the Oskar Blues beer tent, just like every other enduro racer at the end of a long weekend.
E-Beth heading towards the Oskar Blues beer tent, just like every other enduro racer at the end of a long weekend.

Monday, July 14, 2014: Dear Diary, Keystone Big Mountain Enduro in the bag! I didn’t walk away with a podium finish in my Amateur Women 19-39 category… just a few bruises, tired arms, and tons of new friends.

As a typical cross country nerd, the Enduro format, especially on Keystone’s rugged terrain, is out of my comfort zone. But challenging myself on technical descents, and trying to keep up with some fast women was exactly what I needed; a break from a typical XC sufferfest. I was able to make it over to Keystone a few times to pre-ride. I cleaned all the lines and was feeling like a badass downhiller. But it didn’t take long to crush my confidence. With a hard crash halfway down Stage 1 on Mosquito Coast, I was brought back to reality. Maybe not as badass as I thought?

I had another tumble down Wild Thing on Stage 3, so by the end of Day 1, I was thoroughly banged up and limping home to nurse my bruised body. Luckily I am a girl and so the ego was still intact… I just knew I needed to make some changes for Day 2. That night, as my teammate and I drank beers and cleaned/repaired bikes, I discussed my concerns. In practice, I had ridden the stages with just a few bobbles. And now I was crashing like it was my job. So what’s up? Was I distracted by the other riders, spectators, or photographers? How could I block out the “noise” and just ride?

At that point, I just wanted to have fun on Day 2, and arrive at the Oskar Blues tent in one piece. So with the help of the Amateur gals, including an impromptu yoga session on the Summit House deck, and an inspirational ‘Eye of the Tiger’ dance party before stage 5, I was able to find my mojo. I enjoyed the race for what it was… a big group ride with 300 of my closest friends, followed by beers at the base. Nothin’ to it! So glad I had all my ladies there to help calm my nerves, and cheer me in at the finish of every stage. I can’t speak for other categories – but I am pretty sure Amateur women have the most fun. We were all tired, dusty, bruised, and ready to register for the next one!

E-Beth charging towards the finish line on Stage 6 in Keystone, just above the village at River Run.
E-Beth charging towards the finish line on Stage 6 in Keystone, just above the village at River Run.
Bikes need to be cleaned after racing. You may as well hang out with good friends and enjoy a cold beverage while doing it.
Bikes need to be cleaned after racing. You may as well hang out with good friends and enjoy a cold beverage while doing it.
This punk needs a 160mm travel Mondraker. Suit him up. Jarle, E-Beth's son, with his Mom's beer cozie.
This punk needs a 160mm travel Mondraker. Suit him up. Jarle, E-Beth’s son, with his Mom’s beer cozie.
It's all about the good times. Now that E-Beth has completed at least three enduro races, she's ready to burn all her lycra clothing.
It’s all about the good times. Now that E-Beth has completed at least three enduro races, she’s ready to burn all her lycra clothing.

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