Day 1 of racing was hot, humid and long! ABA races run through in a different format to anything I am used to racing. Between each race you sit around waiting for about 2 hours for all the other ages to race. In the final it was a close battle between me and Alise Post from America. I had the hole shot down the 1st straight then she passed me in the first turn and then I passed her down the last straight to take the win on day one. During racing on day 2 a light shower came through and the track was SCARY to ride. The track is covered in soil tack coating for minimum maintenance..but when a slight bit of water hits it….it's like riding on ice! For the final on day 2 I knew that it was going to be another battle between me and Alise. Alise got a better gate and was able to cut me off, pulling up on her in the 3rd straight she blocked me well and I fought all the way to the line. Alise won day 2 with about a wheel length lead crossing the line.
The night after racing a group of us went and watched the New York Yankees vs the Chicago Cubs baseball game at Wrigley field downtown Chicago. Awesome atmosphere and such a great experience.
Back home to Australia now..5 weeks till BMX World Championships in Copenhagen Denmark :)
-Caroline Buchanan
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.