Sunday looked to be a nasty, rainy day, Sturdy Bitch Racing brought a tent and the new contingent of Diamondback Bikes.  Added to the quiver, 2 Sortie Blacks  for Katie and I and an carbon hard tail Axis for Jodi.  This would be Jodi's first ride (she's brave to race a bike she's never ridden) and Katie and I would be riding the Sorties we had gone out on a short ride on.  What would the race bring?  Well -no rain and a decidedly NOT muddy Whidbey Island Mudder. See below for excerpts of the SB race report...
 
From Katie: "This race was probably the most fun I have had all season. The trails were in fantastic condition and the Diamondback Sortie Black was super smooth, responsive and fast. I started off the race in the middle of the pack and then was able to work my way up to the lead by the middle of the first full lap. By the second lap Jodi was right on my tail.  We pushed each other for the rest of the race keeping a pretty fast pace and we were in the lead by about 3-5 minutes despite Jodi having to stop a few times to fix her seat post that kept quitting on her.

We decided it would be fun to cross the finish line at the same time just for giggles. The race official asked us which one of us won and we just answered, "I don't know. You figure it out." Later we realized that we were in different categories so WE BOTH WON! I feel so fortunate to have such great teammates to ride and race with. Great job Sturdy!!

The race had a great turn-out with probably close to 200 racers (or at least that is what it seemed like). This is the first real race of the season where there was a venue for us to be able to put up a tent and show the SB logo as well as the DB bikes. We had lots of positive comments on the Sturdy Bitch name and the DB bikes certainly got some attention. Lots of interest in SB t- shirts and gear and where we came up with the name. Oh, and there is  also a small market for Sturdy Bitch t-shirts for men."

From Jodi:  "I agree with Katie that that was the most fun I have had all season.  It was actually the most race-like race I have ever experienced on a mountain bike.  I can't add much more to Katie's blow-by blow, but can be a color commentator of sorts. The Axis was incredible.  It was thrilling and at times overwhelming to be on such a light, responsive, stiff bike.  The frame is perfect.  I had some seatpost issues but didn't want to risk overtightening.  I know I can tighten it more for the next ride.  Might put on a riser bar to aid my aging back, but the bike itself is perfect.

Katie rocks.  She looked so smooth and effortless. I know because I got to watch her most of the race.  I kept thinking "oh, I will close the gap after this little segment" and then I would finish that little segment and she was GONE.  Just cruisin.  I agree that we must have made each other go faster since we kept saying "don't you want to come around, you are right on my wheel "and the one behind would say" no, this is as fast as I feel like I can go right now". 

The first full lap was really exciting.  April and Nicola were leading, then me, then Katie a little farther behind.  I screwed up on a tight switchback uphill (duh) and let April in front of me there.  I stayed on her wheel (and she on Nicola's) until a steepish longer climb when I down shifted and the leap from big to small ring on me 2X10 left me chainless momentarily. I took the opportunity to hop off and adjust my seat (first of 4 times).  Katie passed me there and I was back on pretty quickly.  She "pulled" (OK no real drafting, but there is a benefit to being on someone's wheel - especially when they are choosing good lines)  for most of the rest of the first lap.  Honestly I was thinking I would need to look for a place to pass, but she just kept closing the gap.

Before the big fun downhill, Katie cruised by April, and then right by Nicola.  I stayed behind April and Nicola for the rest of the lap as there was no real safe place to pass.  And I was trying to be patient.  I passed Nicola right after the first lap, and stayed on April until a longer wider uphill.  I gunned it to the top (puke) and hoped off for # 2 seat adjustment.  Got back on before she caught me, and then set out for Katie.  This took longer , but when I caught up to her, the fun really began.  We were quiet for about a lap, but then she called me a sandbagger by being on her wheel, and then when I tried to answer, she likely heard how much I was sucking wind.  I came around at the start of the next lap (I think she let me by) and then we swapped off a couple more times (and 2 more seat adjustments).  She got a kick out of the few times I led my super responsive Axis into the salal, but for the most part I think we both got smoother and faster.  My legs were definitely giving out at the end of the last lap.  Time for more training.

I think it is hilarious that we both were happy with the tie.  It was the biggest victory, really.  Two sturdy mamas.  Then she reminded me that we were in different age groups.  Hope the sponsors are happy with 2 wins instead of two 2nd place finishes.
 
Thank you thank you thank you Jon and Diamondback!!!!!"

Susan's Comments:

Women are hilarious - so polite - we just want to have fun, totally goofy, but working our butts off too.  Really proud to be a part of a team that is competitive but wants to have fun and can laugh at themselves.  Goooo Bitches!!  Always great to see the Speedy Beavers, Mafia Racing, The Blue Rooster gals, Ragnorak, Sara from the LUNA team, and Kathy from Fanatik along with many others.  So fun to be a part of and race with such an amazing group of women. 

End result - 3 of 6 Sturdy Bitches raced for a great showing at the last ever Whidbey Island Mudder:

Jodi - 1st, Expert, 35+
Katie - 1st, Expert, 19-34
Susan - 3rd, Sport, 35+

Next up in the Indie Series - coming at you from the Bavarian Bike and Brew in Leavenworth on June 5th.  Tough to beat beer, bikes and brew.  Bring it people and ride the hell out of those Diamondbacks! Looking forward to the BC Bike Race on the Sortie Black - think it's going to be perfect for the terrain and the distance.  Thanks Diamondback, Big Tree, Sturdy Bitch,  MDJ Racing, Rocket Promo, BC Bike Race (yup-they contributed too!), we hope to make you proud!