RACHEL GUTISH
Though most riders sigh with relief at pre-check – The day ’ s over ! – I ’ m at my most nervous . I hate bike work . My dexterity ’ s awful and I ’ m easily frustrated . Even at home and with plenty of time , I fumble things like second-string JV receiver , and lose my temper and throw things flying like a NFL quarterback . Add the stress of knowing my team and I ’ s results depend on my ability to change a tire … not a good combo . When it comes to ISDE , this is my deepest fear and most embarrassing inadequacy .
The irons won ’ t go in , I trip over the Rabaconda arm , and if not for my helmet , I ’ d have scalped myself on my license plate . If not for Jay Hall ’ s calming presence , I wouldn ’ t have made it . When I get to final
check , I ’ m so disheveled and so full of residual panic that the official is concerned for my well-being and the FIM interview man gives me a wide berth .
Back at the paddock , we change , give interviews , and inhale plates of pasta . I finally see the day ’ s results ; I ’ m shocked that we already have a three-minute lead , and as an individual I ’ m sitting in fourth . The drive back is a completely different atmosphere than our muted drive out . We know what to expect now , and are well on our way to a good week !
DAY TWO
Rachel2 arrives at breakfast later today , but we still beat my teammates . By now , I ’ ve realized
VOL . 6 ISSUE 10 - OCTOBER 2021 // PAGE 97