Fat-tober* has now become Fit-tober.
Why Fat-tober* in the first place? Because Nationals are done and gone and this is usually the best time of the year to take a month off from a grueling cycling workout schedule. It's an opportunity to press the reset button, both in mind and body. It's time to relax diligent eating habits, frantic heart rate monitoring, geek-ed out speed-o downloads, and planning your life around workouts, etc. Just think of how much time I won't be spending on doing laundry! (2x a day cycling chamois adds up, yo!)
Instead, you should kick up your feet, sip some beer, and bake buckeyes.
Wait a minute! When it is so hard to drop those extra pounds during the regular season, why not keep them off in the off season?
Hence, Fit-tober.
I'm so one dimensional with cycling. It's the only exercise I do during the season. Sure I may throw some dumb bells around on occasion, but getting outside and doing other things I love is easily shrugged off. What about hiking? Climbing? Trail running? Yoga? Skiing? Ah, skiing.
Now is the time to dive back into those other sports I enjoy.
So, without further adieu, I deem October a month of trying something different to get my heart rate up. I will avoid the mixing bowl, baking sheets, etc. and instead break out the climbing shoes, running shorts and fanny pack. My tires will deflate in the bike room and I'll dust off my other gear that has been sitting there since last October. Oh, and maybe I'll wax my skis. Keystone is scheduled to open November 4! And it was snowing on Vail Pass last night on my drive home.
Something tells me I may be missing in the point.....
(The real problem behind binge eating cookies and sweets is that I can't stop from eating them. Especially if they're in the house. I have zero will power. Zero. That batch of amazing Carrot Cake Cookies were gone in one day. ONE DAY! Thanks Michelle, for making it a small batch. Yikes! Oh, and the Buttermilk Chocolate Cake? Gone in four days. A WHOLE CAKE!!!)
*The term Fat-tober was first uttered from the lips of Beth Newell after her double National title wins in the Omnium and Points race. Fit-tober is alllllll me.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Home, or at least for a day.
I feel drunk today.
Thankfully it's from a lack of oxygen of driving from sea level to 6500 feet in a day. I left LA at 8am yesterday and drove straight through, getting home just past midnight. 1,073 miles total, three and a half tanks of gas. No wonder I feel like a train wreck. I'm home for a couple of days before taking off again, this time to visit with my 95 years young grandmother.
I talked to her yesterday on the phone and she sounded little and far away. Getting some one-on-one time with her is priceless. Of course the first question she asked me, "how's your love life?" I told her I'd fill her in on all the juicy details once I get there.
It was great getting some sun and warmth this past week after Nationals in the concrete jungle. To top it all off, on Saturday we went to Six Flags at Magic Mountain. They had a ride called X2 that we waited 90 minutes for and scared me senseless. Actually, I couldn't stop screaming in fright the entire time. And the photo afterward was priceless. Thank goodness they're like a million dollars to purchase so the evidence will be forgotten and discarded. I'm still laughing at how petrified I was on that ride - and I can't wait to do it again!
Thankfully it's from a lack of oxygen of driving from sea level to 6500 feet in a day. I left LA at 8am yesterday and drove straight through, getting home just past midnight. 1,073 miles total, three and a half tanks of gas. No wonder I feel like a train wreck. I'm home for a couple of days before taking off again, this time to visit with my 95 years young grandmother.
I talked to her yesterday on the phone and she sounded little and far away. Getting some one-on-one time with her is priceless. Of course the first question she asked me, "how's your love life?" I told her I'd fill her in on all the juicy details once I get there.
It was great getting some sun and warmth this past week after Nationals in the concrete jungle. To top it all off, on Saturday we went to Six Flags at Magic Mountain. They had a ride called X2 that we waited 90 minutes for and scared me senseless. Actually, I couldn't stop screaming in fright the entire time. And the photo afterward was priceless. Thank goodness they're like a million dollars to purchase so the evidence will be forgotten and discarded. I'm still laughing at how petrified I was on that ride - and I can't wait to do it again!
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Rain Day
I'm on my second cup of java for the morning and I'm blaming the steady drizzle outside for that one. As I drove down the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) this morning on my way to a coffee shop, I thought to myself how little I miss the rain. I mean, it's only been a month and a half and at this point it's safe to say I only want to see rain in the form of snow. Bring on the fresh powder!
I know, I know. Colorado has already softened me.
Speaking of the cold months ahead, I've heard a couple of people getting stoked about winter.... seven weeks until opening day at Beaver Creek, Keystone is rumored to open in a month, mountains are being dusted with white stuff and my giddy factor has increased substantially in the past few days. I've also received two separate heli-tour trips in the Canadian Rockies in the last two days. I LOVE SKIING!!!!
I also think that's a sign that I should take some time off the bike.
I'm itching for some mountain time..... I suppose I'll have to get my fix in the form of MAGIC MOUNTAIN. Yep, world class roller coasters here I come!
Now, how about that third cup of joe....
I know, I know. Colorado has already softened me.
Speaking of the cold months ahead, I've heard a couple of people getting stoked about winter.... seven weeks until opening day at Beaver Creek, Keystone is rumored to open in a month, mountains are being dusted with white stuff and my giddy factor has increased substantially in the past few days. I've also received two separate heli-tour trips in the Canadian Rockies in the last two days. I LOVE SKIING!!!!
I also think that's a sign that I should take some time off the bike.
I'm itching for some mountain time..... I suppose I'll have to get my fix in the form of MAGIC MOUNTAIN. Yep, world class roller coasters here I come!
Now, how about that third cup of joe....
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Gratitude
I'd like to thank the following people who contributed to my successes this past week....
To all the athletes who have helped pushed me throughout the years....Thank you for providing hard core competition and never easing up. For pushing boundaries, giving it everything and then laughing about our close calls and competitive spirits. For ripping each others legs off in the name of sport and balancing it with humbleness. Don't worry - I'll keep pushing you too!
Laura Todd - for helping my realize just how strong my spirit and passion is, to follow my intuition and guts and become the person I want to be. You are the master of your own destiny - and sometimes you need a little nudge as a reminder.
Jeff Pyatt - for believing in track cycling and garnering support for Northwest athletes. Your constant support both as a leader and friend has been the back bone of what I do - thank you!
My mom - for helping my dreams come true and telling me I'm nuts in a loving kind of way. I couldn't do this without you.
The Marymoor Velodrome Association - for providing a steady platform for racing throughout the past six years since I joined the community. This organization does great work and I'm proud to say I am part of it.
Broadmark Capital Cycling Team - for providing a means to race my bike and rip my own legs off. Thank you to all of the sponsors and contributors both on the bike and off to make this team what it is today. I am very fortunate to be a part of this team.
Benjamin Sharp - for being the best coach an athlete could ask for and for being a rock in my foundation. I can't say enough - and I will gladly bake you chocolate cakes for life.
And to my friends and family who have sent me encouragement throughout the years by either watching me race, sending emails, texts or cards and expressing kudos - your support means the world to me. Thank you for believing in me and nudging me when needed.
Oh - and to my readers - thanks for reading!
To all the athletes who have helped pushed me throughout the years....Thank you for providing hard core competition and never easing up. For pushing boundaries, giving it everything and then laughing about our close calls and competitive spirits. For ripping each others legs off in the name of sport and balancing it with humbleness. Don't worry - I'll keep pushing you too!
Laura Todd - for helping my realize just how strong my spirit and passion is, to follow my intuition and guts and become the person I want to be. You are the master of your own destiny - and sometimes you need a little nudge as a reminder.
Jeff Pyatt - for believing in track cycling and garnering support for Northwest athletes. Your constant support both as a leader and friend has been the back bone of what I do - thank you!
My mom - for helping my dreams come true and telling me I'm nuts in a loving kind of way. I couldn't do this without you.
The Marymoor Velodrome Association - for providing a steady platform for racing throughout the past six years since I joined the community. This organization does great work and I'm proud to say I am part of it.
Broadmark Capital Cycling Team - for providing a means to race my bike and rip my own legs off. Thank you to all of the sponsors and contributors both on the bike and off to make this team what it is today. I am very fortunate to be a part of this team.
Benjamin Sharp - for being the best coach an athlete could ask for and for being a rock in my foundation. I can't say enough - and I will gladly bake you chocolate cakes for life.
And to my friends and family who have sent me encouragement throughout the years by either watching me race, sending emails, texts or cards and expressing kudos - your support means the world to me. Thank you for believing in me and nudging me when needed.
Oh - and to my readers - thanks for reading!
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Winning second.
It all came down to the last sprint of the last race. A 2011 Women's Madison national title laid in the balance. Val and I timed our exchange perfectly, putting me for the final sprint with 1.5 laps to go.
I thought I had it.
I gave it everything I had left. I sprinted my legs off and came up inches short, if that.
I knew immediately. There was no question if I had won or lost. I had lost. The titled slipped through my fingers. And the next opportunity? 365 days from now.
I hung my head low, like a dog being sent to the dog house. Replaying over and over those precious final seconds in my head. Did I give it everything? Yes. Did I hesitate? No. Was I tired? Absolutely, but that didn't prevent me from giving it absolutely everything I had left.
But today, that wasn't good enough.
If you think of the greatest sporting moments, when it comes down to the wire - when there's only one winner and a loser, well that one will go down in my personal memory banks to fuel my fire in the season to come, in the long preparation to build up for next year.
In all honesty, I wonder if things were different. What if we had won it? Would I walk away from track racing? Now I'm hungrier for it than ever before. To have something so close be so close you can smell it, taste it, feel it......
Those moments are why I love sport. For all the times you fail, for all the times it stings from being so close.... those are the moments that make amazing individuals. Winning is the easy part. Losing takes more strength.
I thought I had it.
I gave it everything I had left. I sprinted my legs off and came up inches short, if that.
I knew immediately. There was no question if I had won or lost. I had lost. The titled slipped through my fingers. And the next opportunity? 365 days from now.
I hung my head low, like a dog being sent to the dog house. Replaying over and over those precious final seconds in my head. Did I give it everything? Yes. Did I hesitate? No. Was I tired? Absolutely, but that didn't prevent me from giving it absolutely everything I had left.
But today, that wasn't good enough.
If you think of the greatest sporting moments, when it comes down to the wire - when there's only one winner and a loser, well that one will go down in my personal memory banks to fuel my fire in the season to come, in the long preparation to build up for next year.
In all honesty, I wonder if things were different. What if we had won it? Would I walk away from track racing? Now I'm hungrier for it than ever before. To have something so close be so close you can smell it, taste it, feel it......
Those moments are why I love sport. For all the times you fail, for all the times it stings from being so close.... those are the moments that make amazing individuals. Winning is the easy part. Losing takes more strength.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Howdy!
A quick check in between track sessions at the ADT Event Center in Carson, California.....
Today is day three in a row of double track sessions: one in the morning, one at night. The past two days have been filled with omnium racing and I've already calculated 163 race laps already, with 12 left for today in the Gold Medal final for team pursuit and 200 for the points and Madison races. This does not include the warmups or cool downs. Good thing I like racing my bike!
The omnium was a bit disappointing with a mid-race relegation putting me down an automatic 10 points and killing my chance at a National title. But thankfully there were only 10 women competing, otherwise I could have been down up to 24 places. If that sounds confusing, it is. The bottom line - I still ended up fourth, which is pretty remarkable if you ask me. And yes, I learned a lot.
Talk about a range of emotions that you go through when racing. The ups, the downs - it all comes down to who can hold it together for the longest. And the winner - Beth Newell did a remarkable job! I'm so proud of her and Michael, they are a great team.
Tonight we face off to Sarah Hammer, Jennie Reed and Dotsie Bausch in the team pursuit. They rolled a 3:29 in qualifiers to our 3:46. There's a reason they're one of the best teams in the world.
Today is day three in a row of double track sessions: one in the morning, one at night. The past two days have been filled with omnium racing and I've already calculated 163 race laps already, with 12 left for today in the Gold Medal final for team pursuit and 200 for the points and Madison races. This does not include the warmups or cool downs. Good thing I like racing my bike!
The omnium was a bit disappointing with a mid-race relegation putting me down an automatic 10 points and killing my chance at a National title. But thankfully there were only 10 women competing, otherwise I could have been down up to 24 places. If that sounds confusing, it is. The bottom line - I still ended up fourth, which is pretty remarkable if you ask me. And yes, I learned a lot.
Talk about a range of emotions that you go through when racing. The ups, the downs - it all comes down to who can hold it together for the longest. And the winner - Beth Newell did a remarkable job! I'm so proud of her and Michael, they are a great team.
Tonight we face off to Sarah Hammer, Jennie Reed and Dotsie Bausch in the team pursuit. They rolled a 3:29 in qualifiers to our 3:46. There's a reason they're one of the best teams in the world.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Chilling.
It's the day before the big show begins. Relaxing on the couch feels like a chore, but you know time with the feet up is time well spent. Surfing the tv helps pass the time, but the racing remains on the brain. How could it not? We've all waited a full year for this. And now it's here.
My mental state, as well as physical, is relaxed and confident. I am ready to race and enjoy the lessons it brings with it. I'm not worried if my preparation was enough, if so and so registered or not, of how I will be compared to anyone else. I am living in this moment, right here, right now. I am ready. I am fit. I trust myself and my coach in my preparation for this event and I am ready to throw down.
Content. Confident. Cool.
Come check it out if you're in the la area at the home depot center. The racing is going to be phenomenal.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
City of angels.
I headed out to Los Angeles a few days early, caravanning the 17.5 hours from colorado to la with Cari to hit up a local tune up race on the velodrome today and get a little track time before the big event this coming week. It was time well spent as I was able to dial in my saddle position, gearing and dust off those racing cobwebs. I was pleasantly surprised by my leg speed and engine and know that I have what it takes, more so than any other year before.
It's nice to be back to the west coast with its salt air, humidity, and mild climate. But it's actually sunnier in Colorado then here! Come on sun, burn off that "marine layer" aka smog!
Makiah made the trip with me and she provides a welcome calm amongst racing stress. Not to mention a guard dog. Ha! You read her prowess against the raccoon invasion, right?
I've got an easy day tomorrow and a relocation from the lovely Extended Stay to Long Beach and then some openers to prep for wednesday's omnium marathon. Bring it!
I trust. I'm fit. I'm confident. Let's do this!
It's nice to be back to the west coast with its salt air, humidity, and mild climate. But it's actually sunnier in Colorado then here! Come on sun, burn off that "marine layer" aka smog!
Makiah made the trip with me and she provides a welcome calm amongst racing stress. Not to mention a guard dog. Ha! You read her prowess against the raccoon invasion, right?
I've got an easy day tomorrow and a relocation from the lovely Extended Stay to Long Beach and then some openers to prep for wednesday's omnium marathon. Bring it!
I trust. I'm fit. I'm confident. Let's do this!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Picture story
Greetings from sunny ColoRADo! Thought I would share some photos of the new digs and the surrounding area. This is the new house, which is directly across from Memorial park. We don't have immediate neighbors but the bears and raccoons have done an excellent job welcoming us.
Yes, the munchkin made the journey. She's happy at the new digs and can't wipe that grin off her face. She's not much of a guard dog though. When we had a coon invasion she didn't even bark, or whimper for that matter. She had good reason to be petrified!
Note the stairs. I calculated an additional 25 feet of elevation to get to the front door, on top of the 6,450 Manitou sits at. Talk about some high altitude training! Moving in was rough. Three days straight with approximately 8,000,000,000,000 trips up and down. And yes, the bikes have to come up and down the stairs. Oh joy!
But when you have this out the back door? Totally worth it. This is Section 16, a 20 minute single track trail from the abode.
Yep, affirmed again. The Garden of the Gods park is a 5 minute ride from the house.
Oh, wait. What is that? Pikes Peak you say? In your back yard? Yep. 14,110 feet to the sky and about 3 miles to the summit as a crow flies. I plan on conquering the sleeping giant soon.
The mountain got its first snow of the season last week and fall is starting to show her colors. This is the spot where I feel like someone needs to pinch me, every time I ride by. Which is every day.
Even Makiah needs to nap from having new surroundings to play in. Man, she's a fur ball!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
I am committed.
The hardest step was making the move to Colorado. To pack up my things from 10 years of living a life in a Seattle craftsman house and put it all in a U-Haul truck. Going through the objects in my life was a journey in itself. I had to put some things to rest, honor others and down size, a lot. But I had committed to it and there was no turning back.
I've always dreamed of writing a book. And being someone who is keen on following her dreams, I am taking the time to do so now. I am committed to it - giving myself a due date of February 14, 2012 and allowing myself the time to give it everything I've got. It is a self-discovery process and I hope that by sharing my life experiences it will inspire those who read it to follow their hearts and dreams and also know that there is potential in finding love, life and laughter again after losing someone dear to you. You are the master of your destiny.
So, dear readers, I hope you are doing exactly what you want to be doing at this very moment. And that you commit to live each day to the fullest.
(PS - Writing outside is RAD. Thanks Laura for the suggestion.)
I've always dreamed of writing a book. And being someone who is keen on following her dreams, I am taking the time to do so now. I am committed to it - giving myself a due date of February 14, 2012 and allowing myself the time to give it everything I've got. It is a self-discovery process and I hope that by sharing my life experiences it will inspire those who read it to follow their hearts and dreams and also know that there is potential in finding love, life and laughter again after losing someone dear to you. You are the master of your destiny.
So, dear readers, I hope you are doing exactly what you want to be doing at this very moment. And that you commit to live each day to the fullest.
(PS - Writing outside is RAD. Thanks Laura for the suggestion.)
Rainbow jersey wearing heroine: Judith Ardnt.
When I first started racing 8 years ago, Judith Ardnt was having an amazing season. She got silver and bronze that year in the road world championships and sported a super hero cape for women's cycling. Of all the female cyclists competing at the time, she stood out to me due to her calm demeanor, fierce competitive spirit and professionalism.
Not only is she an amazing athlete, but she has continued plugging away at the sport's top tier of racing, through the ups and downs of life and results. I've kept an eye on her throughout her career and today she road a perfect time trial, winning gold at the Road World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Wow. A well deserved journey and rainbow jersey. Congrats Judith!
Not only is she an amazing athlete, but she has continued plugging away at the sport's top tier of racing, through the ups and downs of life and results. I've kept an eye on her throughout her career and today she road a perfect time trial, winning gold at the Road World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Wow. A well deserved journey and rainbow jersey. Congrats Judith!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Joey are you okay? Joey are you okay? Are you okay Joey?
You've been hit by, you've been hit by a smooth criminal!
Can't get that song or the flip out of my head....
Can't get that song or the flip out of my head....
Thursday, September 15, 2011
I be Manitoid.
Try as I may, avoiding the bizarre happenings in this little corner of the world was absolutely impossible.
I should have seen the signs - the Wizard shops, the trinket stores, the arcade with nickel games, even rumors of a coffin race that runs through the middle of town. But Adam's Mountain Cafe threw me off with its orgasmic organic foods and the easy access to trail upon endless trail.
It rained hard last night. So hard it brought down mounds of red rock, staining Lovers Lane and causing a morning closure of our street. We woke up to down right chilly temps - in the mid-forties with no sign of warming up. A quick check on the webcam for Pikes Peak and yep, there's snow up there.
I had to turn the heat on even with layer upon layer of wool. I drank a second cup of coffee, broke out the slow cooker, bought squash that was on sale, and baked banana bread. All in vain attempt to delay the inevitable goodbye to summer. She may return and kiss our checks soon - her overnight departure a shock to the system, for sure.
As the clouds lifted, slightly, Makiah and I both needed a walk. On our stroll up the lane to the post office, we stopped to chat with two people looking intently up a tree 500 yards from the house. Perched in the tree, soundly slumbering, was a mama bear and her two cubs. We snapped photos and the couple asked me if I was a Manitoid - and my response, "only for the past three weeks!" Apparently Ray, who gave me his purple "Satellite System Repairs" business card enjoys chasing bears in his free time. He had kind of a crazy look in his eye - and told me the bears around here don't hibernate until late November, depending on the season.
I met myself a bonafide Manitou bear scarer. Or as his card says: Duckman.
Hmmm.
And I thought I had seen it all yesterday with five Segways cruising through the Garden of the Gods.
Something tells me this is just the beginning.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
It rains in paradise, too!
Dodging thundershowers but not escaping wet pavement, this morning I smiled realizing I haven't pedaling in the rain since June. That's got to be a record. Spoiled. Rotten.
The sun slips out between the showers - making colors pop and drying the porch. I look up out the window in my office, peaking West towards Pike Peak in hopes clear skies are to come for the second ride of the day.
An even bigger smile spreads as I think about now tacky trails beckoning me in the surrounding hills.
Those early morning pain cave intervals are quickly becoming a distant memory....
The sun slips out between the showers - making colors pop and drying the porch. I look up out the window in my office, peaking West towards Pike Peak in hopes clear skies are to come for the second ride of the day.
An even bigger smile spreads as I think about now tacky trails beckoning me in the surrounding hills.
Those early morning pain cave intervals are quickly becoming a distant memory....
Monday, September 12, 2011
Getting settled
With the last of the boxes gone from the front porch, I think it's safe to say we're settled. Makiah has a perma-grin and bounce in her strut that's nothing other than happiness. Come to think of it, so do I.
The tan lines are deepening, the hair getting blonder and the lungs adapting to the 6,500 feet of elevation. The days are shortening, ever so slightly, and I'm ready for the flip side of summer knowing that I'll have more Vitamin D than Miami. Yes, you heard that right. More sun than Miami. (Not as warm, but those are minor details.)
Reading through an old journal from 2001 revealed my desire to live in the Colorado Rockies back then. It only took me ten years to make it happen! But better late than never. ;)
The tan lines are deepening, the hair getting blonder and the lungs adapting to the 6,500 feet of elevation. The days are shortening, ever so slightly, and I'm ready for the flip side of summer knowing that I'll have more Vitamin D than Miami. Yes, you heard that right. More sun than Miami. (Not as warm, but those are minor details.)
Reading through an old journal from 2001 revealed my desire to live in the Colorado Rockies back then. It only took me ten years to make it happen! But better late than never. ;)
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Jones Downhill
Thinking of yesterday puts a smile on my face. It was a lazy but early morning, starting with breakfast at Adam's Mountain Cafe. We got there close to opening so the world famous cinnamon rolls were available and they did not disappoint. Mmmmm. Whole wheat cinnamon rolls with honey icing, which practically makes them guilt free! It didn't matter though - we had our work cut out for us that day, with a 5+ hour mountain bike ride on tap.
We loaded the car up and hit the trail right at noon. Let the 12 miles of climbing begin! We both rocked our hard tail 29ers (I finally chopped 2" off the handle bars and it no longer feels like I'm maneuvering a low flying aircraft). Opting out of adding on an additional 1.5 hours of riding from the house and roughly 1,500 feet of climbing, we started at the Gold Camp parking lot at around 6,500 feet. From there the route climbs over 12 miles to roughly 10,400 feet, where the air is cool and thin. At that elevation, it's important not to put yourself in the red zone where recovery is non-existent.
The first part of the climb is a hiker/cyclist/equestrian only trail that links to a red neck/biker/gun shooting crowd. As we were plugging away at the first section, Chris Carmichael came bombing downhill. Up, up, and up we climbed. At the half way point, we came upon a lookout where we felt silly in our spandex/camel back outfits compared to the gun rack welding, muddy jeep driving "YEEHAW!" screaming crowd. Shortly there after, we saw two guys pulled off on the side of road, having target practice at various bottles aimed toward the road. Sweet. I was very thankful to see two Forest Service patrol cars cruising the area.
We kept climbing. Two and a half hours later, we found our trailhead - 701. Just as we got to the top, three dirt bike riders from Pennsylvania crested and were friendly enough - but also a reminder that we were going to be sharing this single track with bikers as well.
I'll put this out there right now: this single track downhill is TOTALLY worth every single minute of uphill climbing, at altitude!
The trail was a little technical for me in some rocky sections but as the day wore on and I got sick and tired hiking my bike, I grew some heuvos and clipped in, rolling over the majority of features. That's actually when the real fun began - when I didn't give a shit anymore about whether I crashed or put a foot down and just went for it. Suddenly I was clearing stuff I would have hesitated on before and hooping and hollering about it. Thankfully the boy waited for me at certain points throughout the ride - and at one point was starting to get worried only to see me pop out with a big smile on my face with satisfaction of NOT un-clipping. YAHOO! He had been waiting about 15 minutes. Ha!
After 2 hours of single track, we came out onto High Road and decided to continue climbing up to the parking lot. And who did we see coming down High Road at the exact same time? The guys on dirt bikes from Pennsylvania. We all did a double take. Nice!
We were both blown by the time we got back to the car. A quick stop at the store on the way home for hamburger fixings and beer and we were in bed, sawing logs by 9pm. I think that's the trick to living in this area: play so hard during the day that you have to got to bed by 9pm. Done.
Yep, I still have that pinch me feeling.
We loaded the car up and hit the trail right at noon. Let the 12 miles of climbing begin! We both rocked our hard tail 29ers (I finally chopped 2" off the handle bars and it no longer feels like I'm maneuvering a low flying aircraft). Opting out of adding on an additional 1.5 hours of riding from the house and roughly 1,500 feet of climbing, we started at the Gold Camp parking lot at around 6,500 feet. From there the route climbs over 12 miles to roughly 10,400 feet, where the air is cool and thin. At that elevation, it's important not to put yourself in the red zone where recovery is non-existent.
The first part of the climb is a hiker/cyclist/equestrian only trail that links to a red neck/biker/gun shooting crowd. As we were plugging away at the first section, Chris Carmichael came bombing downhill. Up, up, and up we climbed. At the half way point, we came upon a lookout where we felt silly in our spandex/camel back outfits compared to the gun rack welding, muddy jeep driving "YEEHAW!" screaming crowd. Shortly there after, we saw two guys pulled off on the side of road, having target practice at various bottles aimed toward the road. Sweet. I was very thankful to see two Forest Service patrol cars cruising the area.
We kept climbing. Two and a half hours later, we found our trailhead - 701. Just as we got to the top, three dirt bike riders from Pennsylvania crested and were friendly enough - but also a reminder that we were going to be sharing this single track with bikers as well.
I'll put this out there right now: this single track downhill is TOTALLY worth every single minute of uphill climbing, at altitude!
The trail was a little technical for me in some rocky sections but as the day wore on and I got sick and tired hiking my bike, I grew some heuvos and clipped in, rolling over the majority of features. That's actually when the real fun began - when I didn't give a shit anymore about whether I crashed or put a foot down and just went for it. Suddenly I was clearing stuff I would have hesitated on before and hooping and hollering about it. Thankfully the boy waited for me at certain points throughout the ride - and at one point was starting to get worried only to see me pop out with a big smile on my face with satisfaction of NOT un-clipping. YAHOO! He had been waiting about 15 minutes. Ha!
After 2 hours of single track, we came out onto High Road and decided to continue climbing up to the parking lot. And who did we see coming down High Road at the exact same time? The guys on dirt bikes from Pennsylvania. We all did a double take. Nice!
We were both blown by the time we got back to the car. A quick stop at the store on the way home for hamburger fixings and beer and we were in bed, sawing logs by 9pm. I think that's the trick to living in this area: play so hard during the day that you have to got to bed by 9pm. Done.
Yep, I still have that pinch me feeling.
Friday, September 09, 2011
As a kid growing up, I remember my grandfather would routinely go on 50 mile bike rides. At the time they seemed like an impossible distance. He would come home, sweaty and salty from roaming the Eugene hillsides and sit down at the kitchen table in black spandex shorts, wife beater undershirt and start inhaling anything within reach. I still remember the way he smelled.
It took a while, and unfortunately my grandfather passed a couple of years ago, but I too share his passion of long road rides, coming home too tired to shower before cramming in as many left overs as possible. I thought about what I was going to eat the last twenty minutes of my ride, willing myself to go faster so I could get that much closer to eating.
As I go back for my second helping of mushroom risotto, I think of you, Bope. And toast the next big spoonful of goodness to you.
Long live long road rides!
It took a while, and unfortunately my grandfather passed a couple of years ago, but I too share his passion of long road rides, coming home too tired to shower before cramming in as many left overs as possible. I thought about what I was going to eat the last twenty minutes of my ride, willing myself to go faster so I could get that much closer to eating.
As I go back for my second helping of mushroom risotto, I think of you, Bope. And toast the next big spoonful of goodness to you.
Long live long road rides!
Thursday, September 08, 2011
The book is coming along.... and it has been hilarious to relive my boxing days. Wow, it really was my first love in sport. It's crazy to think that the majority of the women who I boxed with are all now professionals and have continued killing it in the sport. That's ten years of getting knocked upside the head!
I miss it. :)
I miss it. :)
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Pedaling out those demons.
There's nothing flat about where I moved. Manitou is literally in the foothills of Pikes Peak. To start any ride, I head down Lovers Lane through Old Colorado City and the options start from there. Do I: a)ride through Garden of the Gods (hilly), b)head over to Gold Camp (big hill), c)ride into town via Colorado and head east (flat but exposed and usually windy)?
Today's ride contained the first two options and I'm blown. Throw in multiple world champs, pan am champs, world record holders and Wheeler and well, you've got yourself a world class group ride. Too bad not many of them are competitive with one another. Ha! It was a queen of the mountain competition up anything resembling a hill.
At the top of Gold Camp is a 3k dirt section that's a little dicey at times on the road bike. You definitely have to navigate around any deep gravel sections and today my navigator skills failed me - I took a big slide on the bike eating serious dirt and banging my right wrist. Dope! Nothing like a little bruised ego to keep you in check.
The prep for Elite Track nationals is in full swing and I'm looking forward to the venture West at the end of the month. The track here is fast and the community has been really welcoming and inviting. I got rid of the last box in the living room and our space is starting to look habitable. Things are starting to come together, that's for sure.
Today's ride contained the first two options and I'm blown. Throw in multiple world champs, pan am champs, world record holders and Wheeler and well, you've got yourself a world class group ride. Too bad not many of them are competitive with one another. Ha! It was a queen of the mountain competition up anything resembling a hill.
At the top of Gold Camp is a 3k dirt section that's a little dicey at times on the road bike. You definitely have to navigate around any deep gravel sections and today my navigator skills failed me - I took a big slide on the bike eating serious dirt and banging my right wrist. Dope! Nothing like a little bruised ego to keep you in check.
The prep for Elite Track nationals is in full swing and I'm looking forward to the venture West at the end of the month. The track here is fast and the community has been really welcoming and inviting. I got rid of the last box in the living room and our space is starting to look habitable. Things are starting to come together, that's for sure.
Sunday, September 04, 2011
Breaker two niner
Rad weekend filled with track racing, followed by more track racing, followed by three hours of fat tire action on the 29er with the boy. HUGE, big smiles were had. And the best part? Along with those smiles came a realization that I am right where I should be, enjoying this moment and living it to the fullest.
YES!!!
YES!!!
Friday, September 02, 2011
10.
It would be impossible not to cry today. My tears came early this morning as I looked out East to a sunny sky.
Today would/is? have been our ten year wedding anniversary.
And in a few days marks the third year since Ryan's death.
Big sigh. Big tears.
Last night I raced my first night at the 7/11 velodrome. Corner two wasn't haunted with his presence. And when I struggled from digging myself into the red, I used my own strength to finish the race. I was frustrated at not having the strength to hold on from an early move in the point a lap - and I know better. But sometimes you have to struggle just for the sake of struggling.
Guess what? It's sunny. For the 12th morning in a row. The sun is great for drying tears.
Today would/is? have been our ten year wedding anniversary.
And in a few days marks the third year since Ryan's death.
Big sigh. Big tears.
Last night I raced my first night at the 7/11 velodrome. Corner two wasn't haunted with his presence. And when I struggled from digging myself into the red, I used my own strength to finish the race. I was frustrated at not having the strength to hold on from an early move in the point a lap - and I know better. But sometimes you have to struggle just for the sake of struggling.
Guess what? It's sunny. For the 12th morning in a row. The sun is great for drying tears.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Late night visitors
Three nights ago, I had a dream my car was stolen. I woke up in the middle of the night, looked out the bedroom window and after seeing my car where I left it, fell back to sleep. In retrospect, something must have woke me up - and in the morning we discovered the garbage can was over turned and its contents picked through by some sort of animal.
Gross.
Then two nights ago, a LOUD bang! and there was an enormous bear (the size of a PT Cruiser!) riffling through our stinky garbage. After yelling and screaming, it sauntered up the street, garbage bag in its mouth, ready to dine on a picnic basket. Apparently Yogi hit several dining establishments in Manitou that same night.
Then last night? I hear something fall off the pantry shelf at 2:30am. I go downstairs, a little spooked about the whole bear incident, only to see a bag of corn kernels had fallen from the shelf and busted open on the floor. I used the bathroom, and went back upstairs to try and fall asleep. A few minutes later, another crash sounded.
What was that?
Makiah, here girl! And she comes groggily out from the closet. Some watchdog she is!
Looking around for a weapon of some sort to confront what ever is downstairs.... and the best thing I could come up with is a toilet plunger. We turned on the lights - hollering and making as much noise as possible. And whatever had climbed into the house through the dog doors, climbed back out them. Time to close that point of entry!
Although we didn't see it - my guess is that we had a late night visit from some coons, of the raccoon variety. They left a distinct red-rock paw print on the bathroom sill downstairs.
And poor Makiah was blamed for their visit last week. I knew something was up when they got into the cranberries. Makiah's a chicken skin lover, all the way! Cranberries? Only if she was starving. Poor little dog took the rap for some pesky critters!
Gross.
Then two nights ago, a LOUD bang! and there was an enormous bear (the size of a PT Cruiser!) riffling through our stinky garbage. After yelling and screaming, it sauntered up the street, garbage bag in its mouth, ready to dine on a picnic basket. Apparently Yogi hit several dining establishments in Manitou that same night.
Then last night? I hear something fall off the pantry shelf at 2:30am. I go downstairs, a little spooked about the whole bear incident, only to see a bag of corn kernels had fallen from the shelf and busted open on the floor. I used the bathroom, and went back upstairs to try and fall asleep. A few minutes later, another crash sounded.
What was that?
Makiah, here girl! And she comes groggily out from the closet. Some watchdog she is!
Looking around for a weapon of some sort to confront what ever is downstairs.... and the best thing I could come up with is a toilet plunger. We turned on the lights - hollering and making as much noise as possible. And whatever had climbed into the house through the dog doors, climbed back out them. Time to close that point of entry!
Although we didn't see it - my guess is that we had a late night visit from some coons, of the raccoon variety. They left a distinct red-rock paw print on the bathroom sill downstairs.
And poor Makiah was blamed for their visit last week. I knew something was up when they got into the cranberries. Makiah's a chicken skin lover, all the way! Cranberries? Only if she was starving. Poor little dog took the rap for some pesky critters!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Affirmations
I love affirmations.
Sometimes they are blatant and super obvious.
Other times they are subtle and easy to miss.
And every once in a while they are so perfect and meaningful, they fill your heart with joy.
I wish I knew how to bottle this feeling up, this joy. But I know that to fully savor it, I have to live in the moment - in the here and now.
And just like that - an old Built to Spill song comes on my playlist, the sun peaks out of the clouds and brightens the day. We'll see if I'm this stoked tomorrow during a field test on the bike. :)
Sometimes they are blatant and super obvious.
Other times they are subtle and easy to miss.
And every once in a while they are so perfect and meaningful, they fill your heart with joy.
I wish I knew how to bottle this feeling up, this joy. But I know that to fully savor it, I have to live in the moment - in the here and now.
And just like that - an old Built to Spill song comes on my playlist, the sun peaks out of the clouds and brightens the day. We'll see if I'm this stoked tomorrow during a field test on the bike. :)
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Pinch me.
Sun.
Lots and lots of sun.
I've doubled my cycling tan lines in the short week I've been here. I can't wipe this shit eating grin off my face either. Every time I ride up to Manitou, a little mountain town 20 minutes from downtown toward Pike's Peak, I have to pinch myself. Even today, after a brutal group ride where we covered 50 miles in just over two hours, both water bottles completely empty, body suffering in the altitude (Colorado Springs is at 6200 feet, Manitou at 6400), an unmistakable smile spreads from ear to ear.
My backyard is Pike's Peak. Down the street sits the Garden of the Gods. Across the street, literally, is a park where they teach outdoor yoga, every day. And everyday at 2pm like clockwork a thunder head rolls in, dumps a little bit of rain and then gets sunny again.
Someone on the group ride today told me this area gets more sun than Florida. YES!!!!
It is perfect and exceeding my expectations. Come check it out for yourselves.
Lots and lots of sun.
I've doubled my cycling tan lines in the short week I've been here. I can't wipe this shit eating grin off my face either. Every time I ride up to Manitou, a little mountain town 20 minutes from downtown toward Pike's Peak, I have to pinch myself. Even today, after a brutal group ride where we covered 50 miles in just over two hours, both water bottles completely empty, body suffering in the altitude (Colorado Springs is at 6200 feet, Manitou at 6400), an unmistakable smile spreads from ear to ear.
My backyard is Pike's Peak. Down the street sits the Garden of the Gods. Across the street, literally, is a park where they teach outdoor yoga, every day. And everyday at 2pm like clockwork a thunder head rolls in, dumps a little bit of rain and then gets sunny again.
Someone on the group ride today told me this area gets more sun than Florida. YES!!!!
It is perfect and exceeding my expectations. Come check it out for yourselves.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Taking the leap....
Thirty plus hours of driving and well over 1500 miles in three days and we're here. It's the first morning in the house and the sun is shining, the sky a brilliant shade of blue and birds happily chirping outside.
This place is cooler than I thought it would be.
The house is funky and built into a hillside. it is perfect.
Directly across the street is a park with a fountain and community garden plot. To the south and out a bedroom window I have a view of Pike's peak. Out the other bedroom window I watched the sunrise this morning. A perfect spot to write my book.
A lump builds in my throat, tears flood my eyes at the realization of how far I've come and rebuilt my life. I am astonished and am embracing this moment. To say I am joyful and happy is an understatement.
YAHOO!
Amazing.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Jiggidy Jo Jammin....
I made five batches of jam yesterday. Blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, boysenberry and mixed berry.
Yum, yum, yum, yum and YUM!!!
I had one last bonding session with my kitchen before I seriously pack things up and get ready for the wagon roll out on Friday. The past few weeks have flown by and the last few days before my departure date are zooming.
I will savor the fruits of my labor come winter. I'll be that much more thankful for taking the time, standing over the stove in the cool Seattle days of August, and putting a lot of love into that jam. Anything worthwhile take time and a whole lot of love.
Yum, yum, yum, yum and YUM!!!
I had one last bonding session with my kitchen before I seriously pack things up and get ready for the wagon roll out on Friday. The past few weeks have flown by and the last few days before my departure date are zooming.
I will savor the fruits of my labor come winter. I'll be that much more thankful for taking the time, standing over the stove in the cool Seattle days of August, and putting a lot of love into that jam. Anything worthwhile take time and a whole lot of love.
Leaping Leprechauns!
My living room has an odd assortment of boxes. I'm cheap and don't want to pay for boxes that will just get recycled. I've been sorting through the objects in my house that have been collecting all my life. I'm being brutal about getting rid of things that clutter up space. I marvel at how much money I've spent on such random stuff over the years - rain sticks, drums, kitchen gadgets, bikes, etc. And I vow to never buy anything new again... until I do.
I keep coming across hidden gems, ones long since forgotten. Ryan's leprechaun outfit... the one he wore for Halloween when we were 20 and got so pissed drunk off a spody that he blacked out. Don't be fooled - I was hammered too and dressed up as a 350 pound lumberjack. Picture us, if you will. Ryan, in green tights, knickers, plaid sport jacket, red beard, green felt hat, elf shoes and a crooked cane. And me, plaid shirt stuffed with a pillow, size 48 pants with rainbow suspenders, black beard, lumberjack hat, doc Martin boots and quadruple Ryan's size. At some point in the evening, some friends and I thought we should add wood chips to enhance my fake black beard and used bread crumbs. Nasty. I have pictures.
We were smart enough to walk home night in the cool fall air of Bellingham. The leaves had mostly fallen from the trees, blanketing the streets in a slick leaf carpet. Ryan wanted to make out - despite my large stature and bread crumbed beard. Feeling far from sexy, I insisted he walk on the other side of the street. And then I watched as he swung his crooked staff to knock a low hanging branch and somersaulted in the air, landing flat on his back in the middle of a pile of leaf sludge.
THUMP.
I peed my pants.
We got back to the house, and I was still hysterically laughing. I made him strip off his wee outfit in the mudroom since he was filthy. It was then thrown in a plastic bag, where it's remained ever since. And that's what I discovered this morning.
I didn't pee my pants this time. But I sure did get a kick out of recalling that night.
I keep coming across hidden gems, ones long since forgotten. Ryan's leprechaun outfit... the one he wore for Halloween when we were 20 and got so pissed drunk off a spody that he blacked out. Don't be fooled - I was hammered too and dressed up as a 350 pound lumberjack. Picture us, if you will. Ryan, in green tights, knickers, plaid sport jacket, red beard, green felt hat, elf shoes and a crooked cane. And me, plaid shirt stuffed with a pillow, size 48 pants with rainbow suspenders, black beard, lumberjack hat, doc Martin boots and quadruple Ryan's size. At some point in the evening, some friends and I thought we should add wood chips to enhance my fake black beard and used bread crumbs. Nasty. I have pictures.
We were smart enough to walk home night in the cool fall air of Bellingham. The leaves had mostly fallen from the trees, blanketing the streets in a slick leaf carpet. Ryan wanted to make out - despite my large stature and bread crumbed beard. Feeling far from sexy, I insisted he walk on the other side of the street. And then I watched as he swung his crooked staff to knock a low hanging branch and somersaulted in the air, landing flat on his back in the middle of a pile of leaf sludge.
THUMP.
I peed my pants.
We got back to the house, and I was still hysterically laughing. I made him strip off his wee outfit in the mudroom since he was filthy. It was then thrown in a plastic bag, where it's remained ever since. And that's what I discovered this morning.
I didn't pee my pants this time. But I sure did get a kick out of recalling that night.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Jamming!
There's something about acoustic music that makes me want to write. Maybe it's because it puts me in a relaxed state of mind and I can let my thoughts wander from between my ears to paper.....
I'm between raspberry jam batches as we speak. This is the first year I haven't gone out to Remlinger farms to pick the berries myself, but to say I'm slightly pressed for time is an understatement. Luckily I'll have two dozen of jars to make the journey with me to Colorado. They'll serve as a midwinter reminder of the northwests summer bounty.
It's crazy to think I've never lived outside of washington or Oregon. But I must explore. I must see what's out there. I want to dry out my skin, hair and soul in the southwest. I want to surround myself with dozens of fourteeners, endless single track and less oxygen. It feels so right, this exploration, this grand adventure.
Life is short, and I'm making the most of it.
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
We interrupt this broadcast with the following message: connecting with a friend who has been in your shoes is priceless. I repeat, priceless.
Thank you, Emily, for meeting with me tonight. The sushi at Shiro's was perfect and the company fantastic.
And for the record, we shut that place down.
Word.
Thank you, Emily, for meeting with me tonight. The sushi at Shiro's was perfect and the company fantastic.
And for the record, we shut that place down.
Word.
Monday, August 08, 2011
Poof!
I probably would have stayed in my pj's until 1pm yesterday had Heidi not shown up. I needed a lazy Sunday morning and can't remember the last time I shuffled around the house and watched a marathon of True Blood episodes. Legs propped up and blinders on to the dozens of boxes filling my living room. I recharged my batteries and it felt really good.
I chatted with a woman this morning on the phone who said if she ever had to move again she would just take a match to everything she owned. Amen, sister. Amen.
My garage sale was a small success but I wish everything would have sold. Instead random objects are gone - and a lot of goods remain. But rather than bring them back into the house to deal with, they're in my garage waiting for Salvation army to stop by and pick them up.
I'm getting rid of all the stuff that has some how accumulated in my house. A match does sound easier.
I chatted with a woman this morning on the phone who said if she ever had to move again she would just take a match to everything she owned. Amen, sister. Amen.
My garage sale was a small success but I wish everything would have sold. Instead random objects are gone - and a lot of goods remain. But rather than bring them back into the house to deal with, they're in my garage waiting for Salvation army to stop by and pick them up.
I'm getting rid of all the stuff that has some how accumulated in my house. A match does sound easier.
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Another sign of bravery.
Oh yeah, that's me. On my Novara Big Buzz, circa 2003. Seattle to Portland. Rocking the camel back, squeaky baby doll head on the handle bars, and braking for no apparent reason while sporting Smith Slider sunglasses.We all start somewhere.
The only thing that hasn't been swapped out by team gear, a road bike and streamlined clothing is that big whopper doozy of a smile. That's remained constant. :)
In 2004 I got myself a new Pink Kona that loved to pass men and bought the commemorative postcard photo of myself. And to think - I thought I was hot shit!
If you send me your address I'll send you one.
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
I am brave.
Bravery. What does that mean to you?
Courageousness, daring deeds, acts of heroism, audaciousness, a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear.
In the past three years, I've gained a new perspective on what it means. I've been overwhelmed this past week with physically dealing with inner demons and ghosts. I'm stirring up the dust that has settled in my basement and not backing down.
It is easy to forget when things are out of sight and out of mind. Yet for some reason, when you're faced with dealing with something or not - it seems perfectly reasonable to put its judgment off until later, to delay sorting through messy emotions and feelings. We suppress things because they evoke an emotional charge - and it's much harder to deal with something that isn't positive. So naturally, we put it off. Or at least, I do.
Trophies from childhood, rock climbing gear, hockey gear, a ten year old wedding dress. Things that remind me of my past but now mean something different. Like what it's like to live life beyond losing your spouse. Like how you have a choice on how to pick up the pieces and move on.
I have been given a fresh start, a new beginning. The gaping hole in my heart has been filled and expanded in other ways - ones that I wasn't expecting. And in ways that have my heart signing again. As I sort through the things in my basement, I know that I am making room for the new adventures and love in my life.
Courageousness, daring deeds, acts of heroism, audaciousness, a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear.
In the past three years, I've gained a new perspective on what it means. I've been overwhelmed this past week with physically dealing with inner demons and ghosts. I'm stirring up the dust that has settled in my basement and not backing down.
It is easy to forget when things are out of sight and out of mind. Yet for some reason, when you're faced with dealing with something or not - it seems perfectly reasonable to put its judgment off until later, to delay sorting through messy emotions and feelings. We suppress things because they evoke an emotional charge - and it's much harder to deal with something that isn't positive. So naturally, we put it off. Or at least, I do.
Trophies from childhood, rock climbing gear, hockey gear, a ten year old wedding dress. Things that remind me of my past but now mean something different. Like what it's like to live life beyond losing your spouse. Like how you have a choice on how to pick up the pieces and move on.
I have been given a fresh start, a new beginning. The gaping hole in my heart has been filled and expanded in other ways - ones that I wasn't expecting. And in ways that have my heart signing again. As I sort through the things in my basement, I know that I am making room for the new adventures and love in my life.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
BIG steps
I've lived in this house for 10 years. The gear pile Ryan and I accumulated filed half the basement. It didn't help that we both worked at REI and got a pro deal on EVERYTHING. I swear every paycheck we earned there went right back into outdoor gear.
We also held onto sports gear from our younger years. I've counted 5 pairs of skis over 198 in length, 3 tennis rackets, scores of trophies, dozens of climbing shoes, ski boots, hockey sticks, stinky boxing gloves - and my prize possession rediscovered today: CHUCK NORRIS ass kicking gloves.
Guess which item made the cut?
It's wild going through this stuff. Especially Ryan's. It was from an era long before we ever met. He was so flipping talented of an athlete. Baseball, football, hockey, basketball - anything to do with sports - he mastered. He also mastered collecting cards. I have well over 5,000 of them. I can just imagine him as a little kid - organizing them in scientific fashion and pulling a fast one on some unsuspecting kid who didn't know the worth of what they held in their hands. It's sad, going through his stuff. It's an in your face reminder of how much I miss him and how big of a space he filled in my life. But I was going to have to do it sooner or later. And I'm not carting that stuff with me to Colorado.....
I also sold my motorcycle today. That was huge. It was a gift from Ryan and we used to ride them together. I put it up on Craig's List last week and it sold within 2 days. The truth is I don't ride it. And let's face, I need the cash. Following your dreams doesn't come without sacrifices.
We also held onto sports gear from our younger years. I've counted 5 pairs of skis over 198 in length, 3 tennis rackets, scores of trophies, dozens of climbing shoes, ski boots, hockey sticks, stinky boxing gloves - and my prize possession rediscovered today: CHUCK NORRIS ass kicking gloves.
Guess which item made the cut?
It's wild going through this stuff. Especially Ryan's. It was from an era long before we ever met. He was so flipping talented of an athlete. Baseball, football, hockey, basketball - anything to do with sports - he mastered. He also mastered collecting cards. I have well over 5,000 of them. I can just imagine him as a little kid - organizing them in scientific fashion and pulling a fast one on some unsuspecting kid who didn't know the worth of what they held in their hands. It's sad, going through his stuff. It's an in your face reminder of how much I miss him and how big of a space he filled in my life. But I was going to have to do it sooner or later. And I'm not carting that stuff with me to Colorado.....
I also sold my motorcycle today. That was huge. It was a gift from Ryan and we used to ride them together. I put it up on Craig's List last week and it sold within 2 days. The truth is I don't ride it. And let's face, I need the cash. Following your dreams doesn't come without sacrifices.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Dream Box
Months ago I read somewhere on how to make a dream box. Basically you take any shoe box or something similar in size and write "Dream Box - what is inside will be."
My original dream box was accidentally used by Jasmine, our office assistant. She had a copy toner crisis and needed a box. So she went into my office, emptied the contents and used it. I didn't realize it was gone until the shipment she sent out was returned to sender.
"Hey! That's my dream box!"
She looked at me wide eyed and slightly panicked.
Thankfully she put its contents aside, which went unnoticed by me in my office for a week or so. So I had to find a new box. Instead of making a cut out and putting signage on the outside, I just used a plain old cardboard box. I put the contents back in it, and it has sat for months in the corner of my office.
Today I rediscovered it.
It was just a plain box, sitting half open on the floor. I thought, what's in here? And started reading my dreams again. As I read them I realized in disbelief that most of those things have come true. Whoa.
I got goose bumps and somewhat emotional.
Inside was a poster from the Garden of the Gods, which I had collected 5 years ago on a track race bike trip with my mom. Something about that place touched me then. I remember feeling overwhelmed and giddy when visiting the Olympic Training Center. The mountains, the dry air - the Rocky Mountain high. It felt so right to be there - and I felt a strong, intuitive connection to the Springs. And now, the big news.... I'm moving there. In two weeks.
This may come as a shock to most of you - but it's something I've been thinking about doing for quite some time now. A fresh start, a huge step, and sun. Lots and lots of sun. Oh and skiing. And mountain biking. And training altitude. And, and, and..... a Big Spoon.
I also put a note in there to have long fingernails. And after 30+ years of biting, I finally quit.
So what's next? Adding more things to my dream box.
My original dream box was accidentally used by Jasmine, our office assistant. She had a copy toner crisis and needed a box. So she went into my office, emptied the contents and used it. I didn't realize it was gone until the shipment she sent out was returned to sender.
"Hey! That's my dream box!"
She looked at me wide eyed and slightly panicked.
Thankfully she put its contents aside, which went unnoticed by me in my office for a week or so. So I had to find a new box. Instead of making a cut out and putting signage on the outside, I just used a plain old cardboard box. I put the contents back in it, and it has sat for months in the corner of my office.
Today I rediscovered it.
It was just a plain box, sitting half open on the floor. I thought, what's in here? And started reading my dreams again. As I read them I realized in disbelief that most of those things have come true. Whoa.
I got goose bumps and somewhat emotional.
Inside was a poster from the Garden of the Gods, which I had collected 5 years ago on a track race bike trip with my mom. Something about that place touched me then. I remember feeling overwhelmed and giddy when visiting the Olympic Training Center. The mountains, the dry air - the Rocky Mountain high. It felt so right to be there - and I felt a strong, intuitive connection to the Springs. And now, the big news.... I'm moving there. In two weeks.
This may come as a shock to most of you - but it's something I've been thinking about doing for quite some time now. A fresh start, a huge step, and sun. Lots and lots of sun. Oh and skiing. And mountain biking. And training altitude. And, and, and..... a Big Spoon.
I also put a note in there to have long fingernails. And after 30+ years of biting, I finally quit.
So what's next? Adding more things to my dream box.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
teleportation
Big things are happening right now and it's keeping me insanely busy. I will fill you all in when I get a moment.
I will note - that I was cleaning out my gear closet in the basement this morning and got stopped cold in my tracks by a forgotten bag. Inside were Ryan's clothes from the cabin. They still smell like him. And I couldn't move. I cursed myself for holding onto them. For having to endure something that hard - and suddenly being teleport back to day I found out.
Sometimes examining the things in your closet is the hardest thing you could possibly do.
Whoa, that was a rough one.
I will note - that I was cleaning out my gear closet in the basement this morning and got stopped cold in my tracks by a forgotten bag. Inside were Ryan's clothes from the cabin. They still smell like him. And I couldn't move. I cursed myself for holding onto them. For having to endure something that hard - and suddenly being teleport back to day I found out.
Sometimes examining the things in your closet is the hardest thing you could possibly do.
Whoa, that was a rough one.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
gush...
I did an hour recovery ride this morning and it felt AMAZING. My legs spun happily along, thankful for the break and are eager to get back to some racing action. Three days off - completely. Funny how in that short of time you can rekindle your love and passion for two wheeled adventures. Being in the saddle is therapy - I spend time visualizing, exercising deep breathing, and living in the now. It's a portal to happiness.
Six years ago I made a wise decision to prioritize my access to pedaling and it has proved, many times over, to be a smart move. Life is too short to be taken for granted and not do the things you love. Live your passion and follow your dreams.
Six years ago I made a wise decision to prioritize my access to pedaling and it has proved, many times over, to be a smart move. Life is too short to be taken for granted and not do the things you love. Live your passion and follow your dreams.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Wow, what a month. 18 race days in the past 30. I should be tired, and I am.
I have three days off in a row - no bike, no pedaling. Just vegging out. Playing catch up on chores, mentally recharging, spa time, berry picking, jam making, walking the pooch and watching terrible Jack Black movies. And then I get to take my 29er to the dirt. Yes, please.
I take this time off seriously. I spend more time on my couch, feat up, tele on and enjoy the sheer simplicity of doing nothing. I am plugging in my rechargeable batteries and waiting for the green light to illuminate before I blast off again on another big block of training.
Ballard, Bellingham, Burien.... I'm seeing a trend with "B" city named races. Derby Days was close - but it's great to humbled by a veteran pro who is one of the nicest people on the planet. Funny, Amara's photos from the event show me smiling through the finish line. And looking back it's because my head is in a great space. I love competition and being tested on my ability is certainly a highlight of racing. And sure, who doesn't want to win every race? But realistically - who can win every race? To me, knowing you gave something your full attention and effort is something to be proud of and happy about. And on that day I did just that - along with my teammates. (But you can bet I've replayed that race finish over and over in my head on how to improve it for the win - come on, I am sort of competitive!)
I have three days off in a row - no bike, no pedaling. Just vegging out. Playing catch up on chores, mentally recharging, spa time, berry picking, jam making, walking the pooch and watching terrible Jack Black movies. And then I get to take my 29er to the dirt. Yes, please.
I take this time off seriously. I spend more time on my couch, feat up, tele on and enjoy the sheer simplicity of doing nothing. I am plugging in my rechargeable batteries and waiting for the green light to illuminate before I blast off again on another big block of training.
Ballard, Bellingham, Burien.... I'm seeing a trend with "B" city named races. Derby Days was close - but it's great to humbled by a veteran pro who is one of the nicest people on the planet. Funny, Amara's photos from the event show me smiling through the finish line. And looking back it's because my head is in a great space. I love competition and being tested on my ability is certainly a highlight of racing. And sure, who doesn't want to win every race? But realistically - who can win every race? To me, knowing you gave something your full attention and effort is something to be proud of and happy about. And on that day I did just that - along with my teammates. (But you can bet I've replayed that race finish over and over in my head on how to improve it for the win - come on, I am sort of competitive!)
Monday, July 11, 2011
Slurpee Day
7/11/11. A cool day as far as days are concerned. And in honor of 7-eleven... here's snap shot Amara took of Jim Flynn and I sporting some sick jerseys in the men's Madison last Friday.
Thursday, July 07, 2011
A different kind of speed.
My track bike's chain stays are pristine. I only ride it in dry conditions on the velodrome. It lacks the missing paint chunks from a chain battering the stays. My bike's pedals are fixed to the drive train so that when it's moving, so do the pedals. I pump my tires in excess of 140 psi. I have one gear.
But my, oh my - do I lust over some down hill adventures.
I watch these aerialists fly through the air with bated breath. My jaw drops observing the impossible lines these athletes take. They fly through the air sideways, landing on 35 psi fat tires, punishing dual suspension, rocking their bodies in a whirl of adrenaline, close calls and hairy descents. They trust their line, their bike and most of all - gravity.
I want to try this.
But my, oh my - do I lust over some down hill adventures.
I watch these aerialists fly through the air with bated breath. My jaw drops observing the impossible lines these athletes take. They fly through the air sideways, landing on 35 psi fat tires, punishing dual suspension, rocking their bodies in a whirl of adrenaline, close calls and hairy descents. They trust their line, their bike and most of all - gravity.
Kona Operator - Shimano Saint from Christopher Halcrow on Vimeo.
I want to try this.
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
I follow several blogs - and discovered the Boring Runner blog by clicking on the "next blog" button at the top of this page. He has quite a following and is constantly adding content. And since I've been traveling/racing a ton I wasn't able to catch up, until today.
The post that had me rolling is linked here.
But the photo itself can stand alone, no problem.
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Pedaling for Joy
Or should I title this one, the joy of pedaling?
Either way, every time I crank out some revolutions a big fat smile spreads across my face. I am living in the moment, intoxicated with fresh air and endorphins, soaking in experiences and views that life has to offer and Vitamin D. I find so much joy in competition - from mastering the art of cornering, collaborating efforts with teammates, feeling the flow of the group, anticipating the surges and testing the body - and demanding your competitors challenge you and visa versa.
What a weekend. I had my own personal stage race. Track on Friday and Saturday and crits on Sunday and Monday, with a plane transfer. But my favorite part was racing with my teammates who are so savvy and bad ass. I am honored to deliver them a win yesterday. We all had big fat smiles on our faces. And I hope someone caught us doing a four way hug huddle after the race on Monday. Summer bike racing with friends? Yes, please!
Either way, every time I crank out some revolutions a big fat smile spreads across my face. I am living in the moment, intoxicated with fresh air and endorphins, soaking in experiences and views that life has to offer and Vitamin D. I find so much joy in competition - from mastering the art of cornering, collaborating efforts with teammates, feeling the flow of the group, anticipating the surges and testing the body - and demanding your competitors challenge you and visa versa.
What a weekend. I had my own personal stage race. Track on Friday and Saturday and crits on Sunday and Monday, with a plane transfer. But my favorite part was racing with my teammates who are so savvy and bad ass. I am honored to deliver them a win yesterday. We all had big fat smiles on our faces. And I hope someone caught us doing a four way hug huddle after the race on Monday. Summer bike racing with friends? Yes, please!
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Tapping into potential.
I signed up for the keirin with nothing to lose. I am an endurance rider and the keirin certainly falls into the sprinting realm, if you ask me. I went into the race with no expectations or pressure. The first heat I played the patience game and was close but not close enough. I definitely felt like I had a lot more speed and umph to give.
In the rep rounds, the top four advance into the semi-finals. I went in with a mission and accomplished it by making a move long before a lap to go and stuck it to the line.
In the semi-finals I remember thinking, I wonder how many girls make it through to the final? And crossed the finish line in the top four, advancing to the final. I found this out after the race from tela and we both laughed because I had no clue.
Going into the final I was giddy. And relaxed and probably a little annoying. I selected position one from the grab bag of marked golf balls. The gun went off and colleen took the motor and I seeded in to fifth wheel, out of eight. The speed increased, the motor dropped us off at 28mph and all of the girls in front of me moved up track, with the exception of colleen. I didn't hesitate at all and took the pole lane. Dana attacked over the top, Colleen accelerated, I matched her speed and we drilled it. Going into corner three I thought, holy shit! I could win this! But then walker came up and over and I came around Colleen and edged closer to dana - placing me in third. Let me repeat that, THIRD! In the keirin! I think I'm more surprised then anyone!
Next up: the points race. 40 laps with a field of 27. Beth jumped at the gun, setting a wicked fast tempo for the entire race. And letting everyone know we were here to race our bikes this year. Attack after attack snapped the rubber band in my non-existent track legs. I managed a point but had zero left in the tank. I think I placed 8th or so but had a huge smile on my face. Did I mention I got third in the keirin? Ha!
Next up: miss and out and the scratch race. Time to throw down again. Then in the morning I have an early flight home and grab the pooch and my sis as we head up to Bellingham for the state crit. Good times!
Friday, July 01, 2011
Good morning from sunny Caaaaaaaaalllllllliiiiiiifronia!
I'm sitting in Beth newels fabulous house in Oakland accompanied by a fleet of bikes in three of five rooms in the house, delicious food in the fridge, fresh brewed coffee in the French press. The excitement is building for the first of the west coast summer track camps and reconnecting with old friends. And I slept 9 hours straight. Yes!!!
On tap for the weekend: tessarosa velodrome challenge. 25 or so ladies are signed up for the endurance events. Yours truly will be contesting the keirin, points, scratch and miss and out. This is the fifth year running of the event and it's crazy to see old footage from those races - and realize how much accumulated knowledge and muscle memory has developed since then, not to mention hair styles and bike upgrades.
Racing doesn't start until this evening so the morning roller ride is first priority, eating, lounging, sleeping, surfing, you know- the important things. I'm building up my energy for some cheetah action tonight. Focus, speed, and as Anita would say, going for the jugular.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
The Cheetah.
Cheetah's medicine includes - speed and focus, brotherhood, elusiveness, ability to focus intently on something for a short period of time, swiftness, self-esteem, accelerating time, keenness of sight
Different to other felines, who stalk, then swiftly jump on their prey for the kill, cheetahs, the fastest animals alive, run down their prey.
The lesson to be learned here, the inspiration, is to fulfil our goals with speed and focus. When we feel stuck, cheetah energy can help us spring into motion. If we are moving with great speed but with little direction, cheetah medicine can help us to keep our eyes on our goals, to focus, and to find the most direct way of achieving them.
Sometimes we must carefully consider all aspects of a plan to reach a goal. At other times, it may be necessary to be flexible and adaptable in rehashing plans. However, sometimes the most important thing to do is to act with both speed and focus. The goal is almost reached, but continually putting something off, or lack of clarity keeps one from accomplishing it. It is at times like this that cheetah medicine is extremely valuable.
There is more wisdom to be taken from the cheetah's actions - there are those who want to accomplish their goals but who may take on too many goals at one time. Though the cheetah is able to reach speeds of up to 63miles per hour, it can only maintain this incredible speed for a short period of time. Afterward, it must rest for around 15 minutes.
The cheetah period of rest teaches us that intense activity should always be followed by a time of rest, relaxation, and contemplation.
(Source: http://www.shamanicjourney.com/)
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Physical!
What the pint?
Sorry - it just got stuck in my head and I thought some of you might appreciate that one too...
Sorry - it just got stuck in my head and I thought some of you might appreciate that one too...
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Letting go
I started meditating about a month ago. I take ten minutes out of the day - using a timer on my phone to make sure I take a full time - and visualize myself standing on top of the South Early Winter spire, overlooking the snow capped mountains of the Cascades. The serenity and senses I visit each mediation help center me in so many ways. I feel the gentle breeze on my skin, the accomplishment of getting to the top of a mountain by human power. I feel content, loved, happy with my mind and body at ease.
When I don't take the time things start to unravel. Little stuff starts to invade my peacefulness. The overgrown yard, things that should be put away, the bikes in the living room, the chores, etc. And as soon as I realize I've traveled down that path, I stop. I break out my phone, set my timer and I climb the spire and sit at the top - absorbing, observing, and just being.
A few days ago, for the first time, I had an unexpected visitor. Ryan joined me there. I know this sounds crazy, but I swear to God he was there. I felt him and heard his voice. It made me cry - but this time not from sadness and grief but from the realization how lucky I am to have someone who touched me so much. He's very much a part of me - and I take strength knowing he's there when I need him.
Three years is flying by.
When I don't take the time things start to unravel. Little stuff starts to invade my peacefulness. The overgrown yard, things that should be put away, the bikes in the living room, the chores, etc. And as soon as I realize I've traveled down that path, I stop. I break out my phone, set my timer and I climb the spire and sit at the top - absorbing, observing, and just being.
A few days ago, for the first time, I had an unexpected visitor. Ryan joined me there. I know this sounds crazy, but I swear to God he was there. I felt him and heard his voice. It made me cry - but this time not from sadness and grief but from the realization how lucky I am to have someone who touched me so much. He's very much a part of me - and I take strength knowing he's there when I need him.Three years is flying by.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
It is the last day here in Wisconsin. My bag is partially packed and a full day of travel and racing awaits. The past 2 weeks have been filled with a ton of experiences and a lot of laughter. After our morning spin, we'll get a few hours of down time before departing for Madison to race the last crit of the Tour of America's Dairyland series. Then we'll beat feat to the airport in Milwaukee to catch our 9 pm flights. A tight squeeze as our race is at 3:30-4:30 - but we should be able to make it. Then I get to sleep in my own bed! And make peace with my little dog dog dog.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
She lives! She breathes!
I am still alive! And I'm still in Wisconsin. A total of 10 race days (with two more to come) since June 10th, is certainly taking its toll on all extra brain power.
Two more crits to go (Downer's Crit and Madison) and then I get to sleep in my own bed for four nights before packing up the track bike and racing in San Jose....
Updates to come, I promise!
Two more crits to go (Downer's Crit and Madison) and then I get to sleep in my own bed for four nights before packing up the track bike and racing in San Jose....
Updates to come, I promise!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Om.
I found my OM in Waukaesha. Or perhaps it's better to say my OM found me.
I also found my physical limit. It hit me like a rude awakening. A glass ceiling that shattered into a million pieces.
Let me set the stage. Yesterday was the fourth day of racing in a row. The day before I had a stellar performance. It was one of those days when everything syncs up - nutrition, physical prowess, mental attitude - at one point I remember thinking to myself, "who is this girl?!" I didn't let any doubt sink in. Instead, I filled my head with positive affirmations and kicked. some. ass.
That night I went to bed, thrilled with the prospect of another opportunity to demonstrate my ability. Especially since Waukaesha defeated me five years ago when I visited Wisconsin for Speed Week while racing for Tamarack. I visualized being a position master throughout the race, especially the finish.
You can imagine my delight when I got a front row call up - right before Laura Van Gilder, the series leader. The announcer said something about "And out of Seattle, Washington - surprising everyone yesterday with her aggressive racing, riding for Hagens Berman..... JENNIFER TRIPLETT!" Who? Me? Oh right, that girl and I are one in the same.
The race starts and I'm ready to go. I pull the first time through the start/finish, setting myself up for perfect positioning. And then, well.... I lost it. I found myself floating further and further back into no man's land. Then I'm dangling and playing the whip on the back. And next thing I know I'm detached. I just can't push any more. Time check? 15 minutes. UGH.
I roll off the course - on the exact same street I did 5 years ago. Defeated. Cooked. Exhausted. But this time, I'm hungry. Not only for calories - but hungry to recover. I'm hungry to rest, to relax and come back on Tuesday to throttle it again.
I pedal back to the car, the long-head-hanging-low way. If I was a dog, my tail would have been between my legs. I eat a chocolate chip cookie, eat a peach, drink some water and call the coach. We talk things through - and I'm already picking myself back up. I put on my civies, changing back into my Clark Kent clothing and make my way to the finishing straight to watch the end of the race.
As I'm waiting for Cari to finish up, I wander into a jewelry shop. And there, hidden at first are a pair of earrings with the OM symbol and a turquoise stone. Perfect. And there's nothing like a little retail therapy to cheer the soul. Especially something as symbolic as that.
OM. Meditation. Accepting things for what they are. Embracing life's lessons. A crafty smile spreads across my face for there is nothing I would rather be doing, right here, right now. Well, maybe one thing....
I chalk the day up as "just one of them days" and take today off from the road race, propping my feet up on the couch and recharge for the remaining 5 days of racing. OM.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Yesterday I raced my bike.
Racing your bike is more than putting on a team jersey and shorts. It's more than pumping up your tires, lubing your chain and making sure your helmet straps are tight. It's more than toeing up to the line and taking a sip out of your bottle to quench cotton mouth. It's more than following a training plan, being diligent about rest and recovery.
Racing your bike is being the master of your own destiny. It's staying in the front 1/4 of the race. It's anticipating the surges, responding and making the surges happen. It's attacking just after a prime lap when the sprinters sit up. It's recognizing a break and putting yourself in it. It's laying it out there with no fear of failure and no fear of success. It's living in the moment and then celebrating your success for doing so.
For the first half of the race I didn't see more than 6 different racers. And honestly, sitting up in the front part of the race is much much much easier than hanging out in the middle. Any time I would slip more than 15 ladies back, I would make an effort to get to the front. I had confidence in my engine and my bike handling ability. It was as though a light bulb went off. I found myself in perfect position for two primes.
And my efforts were recognized - with a "Most Aggressive Rider" jersey. I am happy to be taking steps in the right direction but I am far from satisfied until I stand atop the podium. I've got another plan for today....
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Recovery Mode
Cycling requires mastery of many things. You have to master handling your bike, pedaling efficiently, hydrating, nutrition, timing gu's, cornering, sprinting, bridging, pushing your body, learning lessons and moving on - but above all you must master recovery.
For as hard as one must push their body, it takes three times as much recovery to enable a repeat performance. Time spent laying down is money in the bank. And as much as I would love to be seeing all the wonderful things the state of Wisconsin has to offer - I also know the inside of my guest bedroom like the back of my hand. It's a glamorous lifestyle, let me tell you.
Tonight is the Grafton Crit- a stop on the USA Pro Crit series. Huge crowds, big cash premes and ladies ready to throw down will ensure a true test of grit and determination. I have a game plan - a confidence building, ninja moving, leg throbbing good bike racing strategy. Here's to making it happen.
For as hard as one must push their body, it takes three times as much recovery to enable a repeat performance. Time spent laying down is money in the bank. And as much as I would love to be seeing all the wonderful things the state of Wisconsin has to offer - I also know the inside of my guest bedroom like the back of my hand. It's a glamorous lifestyle, let me tell you.
Tonight is the Grafton Crit- a stop on the USA Pro Crit series. Huge crowds, big cash premes and ladies ready to throw down will ensure a true test of grit and determination. I have a game plan - a confidence building, ninja moving, leg throbbing good bike racing strategy. Here's to making it happen.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Well today was a learning experience, that's for sure. I have an easy time moving around in the pack, taking corners with ease and feeling comfortable with everyone around me. My engine is big and I am able to recover and relax in the amoeba. But when push comes to shove, I struggle with maintaining my positioning. So tonight's meditation will be dedicated to holding that position and fending off any challengers.
I came back from the Thiensville crit and laid down on the floor for 45 minutes. I was unable to move and just soaked in how hard I had pushed my body. There is nothing like doing this much racing back to back to back. You get so many opportunities for improvement. And there's free chocolate milk after every race.
Tomorrow is another day of racing - it's all about recovery after those races and chilling out as much as possible.
I came back from the Thiensville crit and laid down on the floor for 45 minutes. I was unable to move and just soaked in how hard I had pushed my body. There is nothing like doing this much racing back to back to back. You get so many opportunities for improvement. And there's free chocolate milk after every race.
Tomorrow is another day of racing - it's all about recovery after those races and chilling out as much as possible.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Hellllloooooo!
Well, I can tell my legs are still attached to my body. They are throbbing a little bit at the moment - letting me know I punished them today. Good. They needed it!
The first race in Shorewood is complete. I got pipped at the line not once, not twice but three separate times for cash and prizes. All in all those pips cost me about $600. But lessons learned were huge and tomorrow is a new day. My game plan - do as little as possible. Wait to burn my matches for when it really counts. Things are only going to get better from this point forward.
Cari did well - she placed 3rd! But one thing's for sure - we're both singing the blues about how veteran racer Laura Van Gilder got us for some big cash premes. It is on like donkey kong tomorrow.
The first race in Shorewood is complete. I got pipped at the line not once, not twice but three separate times for cash and prizes. All in all those pips cost me about $600. But lessons learned were huge and tomorrow is a new day. My game plan - do as little as possible. Wait to burn my matches for when it really counts. Things are only going to get better from this point forward.
Cari did well - she placed 3rd! But one thing's for sure - we're both singing the blues about how veteran racer Laura Van Gilder got us for some big cash premes. It is on like donkey kong tomorrow.
The Chamois Test
I picked Cari up at the airport yesterday morning and she quickly assembled her bike so we could beat the rain for a mid-afternoon ride to stretch our legs. Our host housing (at casa de Riege) is centrally located to all of the racing - and less then 1/4 mile from Friday's Thienville crit. It is also a stone's throw from a fantastic bike trail that runs north to south.
As we were riding, we passed a female rider going the other way. She waved and was super friendly and Cari and I both wondered if we knew her? Nope. Cari was in her Peanut Butter & Co. kit, and I was masked in my HB shorts and Marymoor track jacket as the temps were a little on the cool side.
We continue on our ride - turning around after 50 minutes or so. I threw in a couple of efforts to wake my system up and circled back to rejoin Cari. As I was finishing my last effort, I cross paths with the same female rider and say hello. She completely ignores me. Doesn't wave, doesn't say hello, nothing. I turn around, to rejoin Cari and watch as the girl gives Cari a wave with both hands.
How do you say.... chamois sniffer?
As we were riding, we passed a female rider going the other way. She waved and was super friendly and Cari and I both wondered if we knew her? Nope. Cari was in her Peanut Butter & Co. kit, and I was masked in my HB shorts and Marymoor track jacket as the temps were a little on the cool side.
We continue on our ride - turning around after 50 minutes or so. I threw in a couple of efforts to wake my system up and circled back to rejoin Cari. As I was finishing my last effort, I cross paths with the same female rider and say hello. She completely ignores me. Doesn't wave, doesn't say hello, nothing. I turn around, to rejoin Cari and watch as the girl gives Cari a wave with both hands.
How do you say.... chamois sniffer?
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Trusting your gut and intuition.
It is easy to recognize when you did or didn't follow your gut after the fact. But how often do you find yourself in the moment and hesitating on which direction to go? Do you find yourself in limbo to make a decision or do you just do it?
I find, for the most part, I just go for it. Hanging in limbo can be the hardest position. But if you're able to listen to your gut and instinct they are often way more powerful then we give them credit.
Racing is great because it gives you immediate feedback. If you hesitate, the moment is lost. If you make the wrong choice you immediately find out. If you make the right one, you can win. And sometimes, you can make the wrong choice but it plays out in your favor. There are so many scenarios and different factors that play into a race that it never gets boring, that's for certain.
One thing I know for certain, every time I trust my gut and intuition it results in unimaginable results.
Trust your gut and instincts.
Monday, June 13, 2011
And that's a wrap.
My feet are up, track bike shipped, road bike packed and I'm relaxing this morning before heading to the next stop on my mid-West tour: Milwaukee.
It's quiet, finally, here at the dorms. Most everyone has departed - with a few of us left waiting on afternoon and evening flights. I hope to catch a few more zzz's....
But first: a race recap!
The endurance ladies only had two more events in our omnium - a 12 lap tempo and Madison. I did a proper warm up for the tempo - making sure to get into a lung throbbing effort on the track before racing as that may have been my demise in the miss and out the previous morning. We had a little over an hour before the gun went off for our race so I relaxed on the infield and kept the legs rolling every 15 minutes. I geared up - as the tempo is probably the most brutal race. For those unfamiliar, a tempo awards 2 points to the first person across the line, 1 point to the second person per lap. The person with the highest accumulated points wins, with the last sprint being the tie breaker.
What ends up happening is pretty much a sprint from start to finish, with no recovery between efforts. If you let up at all - points slip right out of grasp and leave you gasping for air. So you might as well get points, gasp and push yourself to the limit since it's such a short race. I haven't been that close to puking after a race in a long, long time. Val won, Megan second and I was third. It was a close race and super fun.
We had some down time between the tempo and Madison, so I ate some food, and geared back down. Four teams were signed up for the first ever Women's Madison held at the National Sports Center - and it is really cool to be a part of history! Oh, and my teammate Val and I lapped the field, twice. Winning is fun.
The award ceremony was great - with Megan winning the overall Endurance title, Val second and myself third. Not bad for a girl who hasn't been on the track since December.
The next time I get to ride my track bike will be in San Jose for the Tessarosa Velodrome Challenge, July 1-2. Should be fun! But for now - I'm all about ten days of crits and win some chocolate milk.
Facebook has a ton of photos... check em out!
It's quiet, finally, here at the dorms. Most everyone has departed - with a few of us left waiting on afternoon and evening flights. I hope to catch a few more zzz's....
But first: a race recap!
The endurance ladies only had two more events in our omnium - a 12 lap tempo and Madison. I did a proper warm up for the tempo - making sure to get into a lung throbbing effort on the track before racing as that may have been my demise in the miss and out the previous morning. We had a little over an hour before the gun went off for our race so I relaxed on the infield and kept the legs rolling every 15 minutes. I geared up - as the tempo is probably the most brutal race. For those unfamiliar, a tempo awards 2 points to the first person across the line, 1 point to the second person per lap. The person with the highest accumulated points wins, with the last sprint being the tie breaker.
What ends up happening is pretty much a sprint from start to finish, with no recovery between efforts. If you let up at all - points slip right out of grasp and leave you gasping for air. So you might as well get points, gasp and push yourself to the limit since it's such a short race. I haven't been that close to puking after a race in a long, long time. Val won, Megan second and I was third. It was a close race and super fun.
We had some down time between the tempo and Madison, so I ate some food, and geared back down. Four teams were signed up for the first ever Women's Madison held at the National Sports Center - and it is really cool to be a part of history! Oh, and my teammate Val and I lapped the field, twice. Winning is fun.
The award ceremony was great - with Megan winning the overall Endurance title, Val second and myself third. Not bad for a girl who hasn't been on the track since December.
The next time I get to ride my track bike will be in San Jose for the Tessarosa Velodrome Challenge, July 1-2. Should be fun! But for now - I'm all about ten days of crits and win some chocolate milk.
Facebook has a ton of photos... check em out!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Mega Session #2
Last nights rain out meant today was packed with 10.5 hours of racing, straight. Wait, I take that back. We had a 45 minute break. My legs are feeling it. Thankfully their steady throb is becoming a dull ache as I wind down for the night. Jesus Fest 2011 is still rocking next door though - pulsating through the windows and walls of the dorms. I hate to say it, but don't they have a noise ordinance at 10pm or something?
Today's racing was good. Some new lessons learned. Ready? Here we go.
Lesson #1 - Keep your thoughts to yourself. Miss and Out - whittled down to a small handful of us left. I'd been drilling it at the front in the pull lane, on Megan's left hip. I'm getting a little tired. A girl comes up and over the top, boxing me in. They're pulling riders every two laps. Tired from the effort and not ready for a big effort of backing out and going back over, I'm doing battle with Shelby "Scrappy" Reynolds. We both bike throw - she willing to get a little closer to Shelley's pedal and I get pulled. My immediate response, which I told her: "Shelby, you're such a scrappy bitch!"
Her response, "I know!"
Lesson #2 - Spell check twitter updates. Well, this one wasn't a lesson I had to learn. But rather Shelby - she tweets "@jtothetriplett Shelby your such a scrappy butch!"
Lesson #3 - This one hurts. I had the points race in the bag. That is no exaggeration. I'd managed to win 3 of 6 sprints, and lap the field with Megan. All I had to do was mark her wheel, nothing else. Instead, I'm struggling with my recovery and off goes Megan. In a well timed move, she laps the field, again. FUDGE. Even with her additional lap, I lost by a mere 6 points. 46 to 40. That one still stings.
Lesson #4 - Winning stuff is cool. I arrived in MN with very little clothing. Mainly because most of my luggage weight was allotted to bike gear. It's been a little chilly here. And today in the points race I won a sweatshirt. YES!
Lesson #5 - Keep your ears open. There is some funny stuff happening on the infield. Bike racers are a fun lot of people - and today's quote of the weekend goes hands down to Kevin: "Contrary to popular belief, BALLS are not cushions!"
Okay - bedtime. Jesus Fest finally called it a night and I'm exhausted.
Today's racing was good. Some new lessons learned. Ready? Here we go.
Lesson #1 - Keep your thoughts to yourself. Miss and Out - whittled down to a small handful of us left. I'd been drilling it at the front in the pull lane, on Megan's left hip. I'm getting a little tired. A girl comes up and over the top, boxing me in. They're pulling riders every two laps. Tired from the effort and not ready for a big effort of backing out and going back over, I'm doing battle with Shelby "Scrappy" Reynolds. We both bike throw - she willing to get a little closer to Shelley's pedal and I get pulled. My immediate response, which I told her: "Shelby, you're such a scrappy bitch!"
Her response, "I know!"
Lesson #2 - Spell check twitter updates. Well, this one wasn't a lesson I had to learn. But rather Shelby - she tweets "@jtothetriplett Shelby your such a scrappy butch!"
Lesson #3 - This one hurts. I had the points race in the bag. That is no exaggeration. I'd managed to win 3 of 6 sprints, and lap the field with Megan. All I had to do was mark her wheel, nothing else. Instead, I'm struggling with my recovery and off goes Megan. In a well timed move, she laps the field, again. FUDGE. Even with her additional lap, I lost by a mere 6 points. 46 to 40. That one still stings.
Lesson #4 - Winning stuff is cool. I arrived in MN with very little clothing. Mainly because most of my luggage weight was allotted to bike gear. It's been a little chilly here. And today in the points race I won a sweatshirt. YES!
Lesson #5 - Keep your ears open. There is some funny stuff happening on the infield. Bike racers are a fun lot of people - and today's quote of the weekend goes hands down to Kevin: "Contrary to popular belief, BALLS are not cushions!"
Okay - bedtime. Jesus Fest finally called it a night and I'm exhausted.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Session Uno
Rain delay. Drats.
At least I got one race in - a super sprint to elimination. The officials wanted only 12 women in the miss and out final so they decided to take our field of 20 and whittle it down a little in two qualifiers, ten ladies each. The first portion of the race is run like an elimination - with only 3 riders being pulled and the second half is run like a scratch race, with one person from that race being eliminated. One lap to go and I hit out - putting a little daylight between myself and the rest of the ladies and sailed through uncontested. Might as well start the weekend off with a bang, right?
Then big fat rain drops started coming down - slowly at first. Teasing us - letting the men do a couple of "rickshaw" rounds (that one's for Tara - they're called repechage (sp?)) for the Keirin before having a ten minute rain delay and then calling the racing off, entirely.
Around 80 of us got to spend some serious time in the chamois - and you know what they say: "Chamois time is training time!" If that's the case then I'm ready for an iron man.
Early morning tomorrow - and a long session. I'm hitting the hay early....
At least I got one race in - a super sprint to elimination. The officials wanted only 12 women in the miss and out final so they decided to take our field of 20 and whittle it down a little in two qualifiers, ten ladies each. The first portion of the race is run like an elimination - with only 3 riders being pulled and the second half is run like a scratch race, with one person from that race being eliminated. One lap to go and I hit out - putting a little daylight between myself and the rest of the ladies and sailed through uncontested. Might as well start the weekend off with a bang, right?
Then big fat rain drops started coming down - slowly at first. Teasing us - letting the men do a couple of "rickshaw" rounds (that one's for Tara - they're called repechage (sp?)) for the Keirin before having a ten minute rain delay and then calling the racing off, entirely.
Around 80 of us got to spend some serious time in the chamois - and you know what they say: "Chamois time is training time!" If that's the case then I'm ready for an iron man.
Early morning tomorrow - and a long session. I'm hitting the hay early....
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Step número UNO.
Step one.
Even with three hours left in my day before my airport ride arrives, I am in mad scramble to get everything together. It figures as traveling with two bikes and spandex to outfit a small army and keeping my baggage under the 50 pound allotment is a challenge in itself. But I write from the air so I managed to get it all in, somehow. And thankfully Frontiers bike fly free policy is legit, indeed.
Destination: Blaine, Minnesota.
Why: Fixed Gear Classic, version 2011.
Three days of track racing with an exhausting schedule. It's all about the law of diminishing returns. I entertained the thought of doing both the sprint and endurance omnium until glancing at the schedule again - no way, no how.
I am excited to be traveling again for racing in events longer than 4 minutes. I am thrilled at prospect of good competition, to express 100% of my ability and pushing my limits.
And an added bonus - reconnecting with the travel circus show of trackies. These are my peeps. Last time we were together was in la for nationals. It will be a whose who of national caliber racers and a check to see how well we've been doing our homework. And we are all staying in the dorms.
Follow me on twitter at @jtothetriplett
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Lining things up
As I prepare to leave town for the month of June, I've been tending to the little details. Setting yourself up for success while on the road, at least for me, has been planning and organizing gear down to the smallest detail. This sport requires a lot of gear and with airport luggage fees not what they used to be - you have to pack light.
Thankfully I had some serious practice this past winter traveling overseas and am packing the same amount of clothing and gear as I did for 3:45 minutes of racing as I will for 3+ weeks on the road. Sad, but true.
With the biggest chore being removing my seat post out of my Felt bike complete, the rest is a cake walk. I've managed to pack 2 bikes in under an hour and am using a suitcase that holds me rollers - fully assembled. I've found that to pack as light as possible lists help a lot and once you've pulled out everything you're taking with you, cut that in half.
Really what more do you need then 2 bikes, 4 wheels, helmet, shoes, computer, iPad, iPod, iNano, iShuffle, enough Nuun and Gu's to sink a ship, jerseys, shorts, business time socks, gloves, knee and arm warmers, pillow, track sack, rollers, chain whip, tubes, patch kit, water bottles, kitchen sink, towel, rubber mallet, pedal wrench, hair dryer, etc.?
With a little more down time (is that possible?) - I should have lots of time to report on my whereabouts and racing.
Next up: Blaine, MN for the Fixed Gear Classic.
Thankfully I had some serious practice this past winter traveling overseas and am packing the same amount of clothing and gear as I did for 3:45 minutes of racing as I will for 3+ weeks on the road. Sad, but true.
With the biggest chore being removing my seat post out of my Felt bike complete, the rest is a cake walk. I've managed to pack 2 bikes in under an hour and am using a suitcase that holds me rollers - fully assembled. I've found that to pack as light as possible lists help a lot and once you've pulled out everything you're taking with you, cut that in half.
Really what more do you need then 2 bikes, 4 wheels, helmet, shoes, computer, iPad, iPod, iNano, iShuffle, enough Nuun and Gu's to sink a ship, jerseys, shorts, business time socks, gloves, knee and arm warmers, pillow, track sack, rollers, chain whip, tubes, patch kit, water bottles, kitchen sink, towel, rubber mallet, pedal wrench, hair dryer, etc.?
With a little more down time (is that possible?) - I should have lots of time to report on my whereabouts and racing.
Next up: Blaine, MN for the Fixed Gear Classic.
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Monday, June 06, 2011
Ballard
Saturday's win was seven years in the making....
2005- First big girl race as a category 3. Going into corner three, Miranda Moon crashes right in front of me and I go down, hard. I get up, brush myself off and am ready to get back in when I discover my handle bars are splintered in two. Lame sauce.
2006 - I get 6th - one spot out of the cash prizes.
2007 - A lingering hamstring injury flares up and I pull myself and get to watch as Karen Claeys gets in a breakaway with Jadine. Annette and Deb have a run in on the final lap and next thing we know we hear sirens.
2008 - In Blaine, Minnesota for a track race. Kept tabs on who won. The Ballard crit truly is the gem of Seattle's bike racing crits.
2009 - Tela wins! Though I'm not there to witness it. Must have been at another track race - San Jose, maybe?
2010 - I get 7th. Figured out that positioning is key in that final lap and if I really want it, I have to make the move on the back straight.
2011 - I dial in nutrition, sleep, make life as simple as possible, train right, keep track of my weight, and be super conscientious about everything I do to become the best bike racer I can be. I envision the race, being surrounded by competitors, feeling the wind on my body, the pavement passing beneath me. I keep my eyes up, focus and am 100% in the moment. This is exactly how it plays out in the race and I execute.
We had six HB ladies toe to the line for Saturday's notorious Ballard Crit. With big crowds and glory on the line - Beth, Julie, Liz, Heidi, Tela and I were ready to race our bikes. At registration I ran into Jadine - last year's winner and found out TGH had 10 women there. We certainly had our work cut out. A pre race discussion confirmed that if Liz or I were in a break, we'd be able to do what it takes. But if anyone else were, chase it down to keep things together and set up for the final sprint. This is exactly how it played out - except yours truly countered after a prime lap and found myself solo and at one point 18 seconds up the road, pedaling hard for 6 or so laps. Having friends yelling encouragement on the corners certainly helped - and I could hear Jill Talcott (GO TRIPPY!!!) loud and clearly and fought hard to stay away.
Eventually I got caught nearing corner three and Liz countered, perfectly. I was in the front and braked through the corners, slowing things up for the pack. But the group was having none of that action. Thankfully for me we had 16 more minutes left in the race so I was able to recover for the final sprint.
Going into the final three laps, I'm positioned well right on our designated HB train. Beth is leading with Tela directly behind her, and I'm on Tela's wheel. All I can think is - perfect! Fight for this wheel, stay in position. Two laps to go - things get shuffled up a bit. Suddenly I find Beth and Tela on the right side going up the home straight, and Liz comes sailing up on my left. I get on Liz's wheel and stay super relaxed. I brake slightly as I get chopped in corner one. I have to re-accelerate and weave through traffic finding myself on the outside. We are flying down the back straight in the final lap. I put in a big surge, and advance four places into 4th or 5th wheel, going into corner three. I pedal, misjudging how fast I'm going, clip a pedal and send sparks but manage to keep it upright. We are exiting corner four, Laura Chang has a HUGE advantage. Things spread out. I see a couple of girls just sit up. I weave through traffic, gaining on Laura. I go to her right side, and am closing in, fast. I have no idea where the finish line is but I'm putting out 900 watts. The shadows are playing tricks on me - I think we've passed the finish line and then I see it - do a last minute bike throw and nab her at the line by a wheel length.
http://www.wheelsinfocus.com/2011/BAL/W123/pages/903C0604jpgbc.htm
A HUGE smile spreads across my face and I get head to toe goosebumps as the adrenaline surges through my body. The feeling of everything coming together - team work, tactics, timing, patience, nutrition, fans cheering, performing and execution - that's why I race bikes.
http://www.wheelsinfocus.com/2011/BAL/W123/pages/903C0608jpgbc.htm
Thanks to all of you who came out and raced on Saturday - it is so much fun to throw down with friends and fierce competitors.
Here's to many more team wins to come!
Yay! Crit season!!!
2005- First big girl race as a category 3. Going into corner three, Miranda Moon crashes right in front of me and I go down, hard. I get up, brush myself off and am ready to get back in when I discover my handle bars are splintered in two. Lame sauce.
2006 - I get 6th - one spot out of the cash prizes.
2007 - A lingering hamstring injury flares up and I pull myself and get to watch as Karen Claeys gets in a breakaway with Jadine. Annette and Deb have a run in on the final lap and next thing we know we hear sirens.
2008 - In Blaine, Minnesota for a track race. Kept tabs on who won. The Ballard crit truly is the gem of Seattle's bike racing crits.
2009 - Tela wins! Though I'm not there to witness it. Must have been at another track race - San Jose, maybe?
2010 - I get 7th. Figured out that positioning is key in that final lap and if I really want it, I have to make the move on the back straight.
2011 - I dial in nutrition, sleep, make life as simple as possible, train right, keep track of my weight, and be super conscientious about everything I do to become the best bike racer I can be. I envision the race, being surrounded by competitors, feeling the wind on my body, the pavement passing beneath me. I keep my eyes up, focus and am 100% in the moment. This is exactly how it plays out in the race and I execute.
We had six HB ladies toe to the line for Saturday's notorious Ballard Crit. With big crowds and glory on the line - Beth, Julie, Liz, Heidi, Tela and I were ready to race our bikes. At registration I ran into Jadine - last year's winner and found out TGH had 10 women there. We certainly had our work cut out. A pre race discussion confirmed that if Liz or I were in a break, we'd be able to do what it takes. But if anyone else were, chase it down to keep things together and set up for the final sprint. This is exactly how it played out - except yours truly countered after a prime lap and found myself solo and at one point 18 seconds up the road, pedaling hard for 6 or so laps. Having friends yelling encouragement on the corners certainly helped - and I could hear Jill Talcott (GO TRIPPY!!!) loud and clearly and fought hard to stay away.
Eventually I got caught nearing corner three and Liz countered, perfectly. I was in the front and braked through the corners, slowing things up for the pack. But the group was having none of that action. Thankfully for me we had 16 more minutes left in the race so I was able to recover for the final sprint.
Going into the final three laps, I'm positioned well right on our designated HB train. Beth is leading with Tela directly behind her, and I'm on Tela's wheel. All I can think is - perfect! Fight for this wheel, stay in position. Two laps to go - things get shuffled up a bit. Suddenly I find Beth and Tela on the right side going up the home straight, and Liz comes sailing up on my left. I get on Liz's wheel and stay super relaxed. I brake slightly as I get chopped in corner one. I have to re-accelerate and weave through traffic finding myself on the outside. We are flying down the back straight in the final lap. I put in a big surge, and advance four places into 4th or 5th wheel, going into corner three. I pedal, misjudging how fast I'm going, clip a pedal and send sparks but manage to keep it upright. We are exiting corner four, Laura Chang has a HUGE advantage. Things spread out. I see a couple of girls just sit up. I weave through traffic, gaining on Laura. I go to her right side, and am closing in, fast. I have no idea where the finish line is but I'm putting out 900 watts. The shadows are playing tricks on me - I think we've passed the finish line and then I see it - do a last minute bike throw and nab her at the line by a wheel length.
http://www.wheelsinfocus.com/2011/BAL/W123/pages/903C0604jpgbc.htm
A HUGE smile spreads across my face and I get head to toe goosebumps as the adrenaline surges through my body. The feeling of everything coming together - team work, tactics, timing, patience, nutrition, fans cheering, performing and execution - that's why I race bikes.
http://www.wheelsinfocus.com/2011/BAL/W123/pages/903C0608jpgbc.htm
Thanks to all of you who came out and raced on Saturday - it is so much fun to throw down with friends and fierce competitors.
Here's to many more team wins to come!
Yay! Crit season!!!
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Wow. Yesterday was a great day.
If I could repeat one day like the "Groundhog Day" movie, that could quite possibly be it.
To sum it up: Lunch with my dear friend Molly, winning a bike race and then a concert with Lenny Kravitz and U2. Wham bam thank you mam'!
I should have bought a lotto ticket.
More to come - the sun is out and I'm making the most of the day. Bike rides with friends, pizza later with family and dog walking calls....
If I could repeat one day like the "Groundhog Day" movie, that could quite possibly be it.
To sum it up: Lunch with my dear friend Molly, winning a bike race and then a concert with Lenny Kravitz and U2. Wham bam thank you mam'!
I should have bought a lotto ticket.
More to come - the sun is out and I'm making the most of the day. Bike rides with friends, pizza later with family and dog walking calls....
Friday, June 03, 2011
Thursday, June 02, 2011
An Open Invitation
You're invited. Because your idea of vacation includes alpine starts
to take advantage of all 16 hours of daylight. Because your house is
one gigantic gear closet. Because your laundry is filled with sweaty
workout clothes. Because your family thinks you're an exercise
fanatic. Because you ARE an exercise fanatic. Because life is richer
by moving your body through space and time. The method of doing so
matters not - running, cycling, swimming, skiing, surfing, diving,
paragliding, base jumping, climbing, rafting, kayaking - just to name
a few.
I'm looking for you. We must unite. We must surround ourselves with like-minded individuals. We must say no to Double Whoppers. We must say YES to super sized endurance sports. Let's make plans to ride 4 hours straight through the Olympics, summit the North Cascades, backpack the Enchantments and appreciate the hidden jewels of the PNW. So come Monday morning, you can barely keep your eyes open at your 'day' job but smile contently recalling the epic adventures had.
What are YOU doing this weekend? I'm making plans for some adventures - join me.
"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to
skid in broadsided in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally
worn out, and loudly proclaiming "WOW! What a ride!" - Hunter S.
Thompson
to take advantage of all 16 hours of daylight. Because your house is
one gigantic gear closet. Because your laundry is filled with sweaty
workout clothes. Because your family thinks you're an exercise
fanatic. Because you ARE an exercise fanatic. Because life is richer
by moving your body through space and time. The method of doing so
matters not - running, cycling, swimming, skiing, surfing, diving,
paragliding, base jumping, climbing, rafting, kayaking - just to name
a few.
I'm looking for you. We must unite. We must surround ourselves with like-minded individuals. We must say no to Double Whoppers. We must say YES to super sized endurance sports. Let's make plans to ride 4 hours straight through the Olympics, summit the North Cascades, backpack the Enchantments and appreciate the hidden jewels of the PNW. So come Monday morning, you can barely keep your eyes open at your 'day' job but smile contently recalling the epic adventures had.
What are YOU doing this weekend? I'm making plans for some adventures - join me.
"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to
skid in broadsided in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally
worn out, and loudly proclaiming "WOW! What a ride!" - Hunter S.
Thompson
Down for the count!
I crashed myself out yesterday.
The roads were slick from rain and a car was coming down the street. I tapped the brakes a little too hard and it sent my bike out from beneath me. I remember thinking, "crap! not my collar bone!" and instead landed hard and fast on my wrists and right side of my body.
I was 1/4 block away from home.
The car that was coming down the hill didn't stop. Thank goodness. They would have seen a girl, pissed off and cursing herself for having slick tires on. A quick body check - bones, ok. Wrists - a little battered but ok. Bike - ok. I contemplated going back in but I still had a training ride to do so back on the bike I went! No rest for the weary.
Fremont bridge went up so I got to check out my throbbing right arm - to reveal a nice little gash. But no chin dive or head ache - so on toward Magnolia hill repeats I went!
Thankfully intervals do wonders for concentrating the pain into the legs and lungs. By the time I got home though I felt like sucking my thumb and calling my mommy. Um, OUCH! Crashing is not recommended.
The roads were slick from rain and a car was coming down the street. I tapped the brakes a little too hard and it sent my bike out from beneath me. I remember thinking, "crap! not my collar bone!" and instead landed hard and fast on my wrists and right side of my body.
I was 1/4 block away from home.
The car that was coming down the hill didn't stop. Thank goodness. They would have seen a girl, pissed off and cursing herself for having slick tires on. A quick body check - bones, ok. Wrists - a little battered but ok. Bike - ok. I contemplated going back in but I still had a training ride to do so back on the bike I went! No rest for the weary.
Fremont bridge went up so I got to check out my throbbing right arm - to reveal a nice little gash. But no chin dive or head ache - so on toward Magnolia hill repeats I went!
Thankfully intervals do wonders for concentrating the pain into the legs and lungs. By the time I got home though I felt like sucking my thumb and calling my mommy. Um, OUCH! Crashing is not recommended.
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
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