Today was probably the most memorable race for us, the prologue of the Absa Cape Epic. Debra and I were the 4th team to go off in the womens field which included a total of 23 teams and 12 of which were UCI pro teams. Our strategy was ease into the race and basically start off easy and not blow our legs up for the remainder of the stages.

We loomed at each other on the start ramp, "ready?!" And we were off weaving uphill through the campus area and onto the dirt climb. It was at this point we passed all the teams in front of us and were sitting in the lead! Helecoptors were flying everywhere and at that moment we were being followed and on live tv! The climb continued on and as we rode a few other teams passed and then when we started approaching the summit, the top pro women including world champions caught us and we were in the mix!! They didn't blow by us so we stayed a safe distance behind as helicopters flew catching the race! This was so exciting for both of us, not to mention the crowds of people cheering along the course and so encouraging! What a dream!!

Once we reached the top it was pretty much awesome down hill and some fun singletrack too. We think we lost some time there but talked about how we could be better in certain sections keeping appropriate distance from each other without slowing down.

Very exciting day for us which just happens to be both of our dad's birthday!! So to my dad who has most definitely inspired my adventurous spirit, "Happy Birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Dad! Happy birthday to you!!! Hup Hup horray!!"