It's been one heckuva year. From fun times and traveling with a good friend to the world being turned upside down. Friends that used to be are no more it seems.
Mom has deteriorated over the last months. We are moving her to next level of care very soon. Makes me sad that she is not the vibrant lady she once was. Though at times you can still see a sparkle in her eye and some mischievousness there. She does love her Elvis.
My Heather is expecting in March. It will be so wonderful to have little ones around again. I'm so proud of Amber working hard and now working two jobs to have a nest egg.
Tears of joy and sadness all mix together in this time of what seems to be constant change.
Silly to wish for a shoulder I know.
29 December, 2014
10 December, 2014
Riding Dream
Rarely do I remember my dreams. Sometimes I wonder if I dream at all. Just now as I get ready for work I remember this wonderful albeit short snippit of dream. I'm not sure where I was, but there were others around. I was at the top of this staggered stepped descent that wound downward for at least a half mile it seemed. I cleared every step, turning and twisting and sitting back with the dropper down from one step to the other. There was no fear, people were encouraging. At the bottom I thought I was done, but someone said one more and it wasn't much of a step but an angled gap. I said and thought I couldn't clear it. I don't know if I did or not. My memory ends there. But in the dream I do remember I was so happy and elated. Finally accomplished something I fear. I felt like Danny Macaskill, well not really but sortof. crazy old woman
peace
peace
07 December, 2014
Jury duty - part 2
Logistics - Pay - in Kentucky a juror is paid $5 a day for their service and $7.50 a day for expenses. (at least in Jefferson County). There are 3 garages that provide a $1 daily discount for jurors, if you have your parking ticket validated. The closest and least expensive garage is across the street from the courthouse, it costs $7 a day with validation. This parking garage is usually full by 9 am. There is a snack bar/grill on the 2 floor where you can get a burger, etc. There's not much choice for a GF, DF vegetarian unless you want salad that is mostly iceburg lettuce. This goes for restaurants in a two-three block radius as well.
Each day varied on start time (9, 9:30, 10), lunch time (11:30 - 1:30), and end time (4:00 - 5:30). The jury was escorted to a jury room each break. We weren't allowed to exit the room until the Sheriff came to get us and then we all went to the elevators together for lunch or leaving at night. We also gathered at a designated place each morning and were escorted upstairs. Add 30 minutes to end of day above for actual time we were out of the building heading to cars. We were taken different routes/exits at the end of each day.
Court doesn't run quickly and there is a lot of time the jury does not hear what is being said between counsel and the judge. There are many objections and requests to approach the bench. The judge has a white noise switch that helps prevent the audience and jury from hearing their conversations.
The fifteen of us had plenty of time to chat and try to get to know each other. I wouldn't say intimately, but finally could address by name and knew at least a little about each. We weren't allowed to discuss the case amongst ourselves until we were sent for deliberation. We were admonished to not speak of this case to anyone, not family or friend. I think this was easiest for me living alone and not having any friends that I hang out with or talk on the phone with regularly. Also, our phones had to be off while in the court room so I just left mine in the jury room. One afternoon when we were in the jury room on a break one of the jurors started making comments about one of the counsel. No one said anything. So I looked at them and said, "please stop". The commentary was inappropriate and I could tell would start us talking. I'm sure my request added some tension between the person and I.
The prosecution called officers, detectives, and crime scene analysts to testify. We saw pictures of the crime scene and different view points of the park from various locations. We learned that Ms Sheckles was shot in the back 3 times and once through the leg. One bullet exited her chest and went through her chin back to front. She couldn't be found when she was to appear as a witness in the trial of the murder of her boyfriend and that trial was dismissed. She had been found in early 2009 and during pre-trial hearings was ordered to appear for the 2nd trial of his murder. D.E. Hammond was in the courtroom at this hearing. She was clearly in fear of her safety and stated so. It wasn't long after that hearing when she was shot in Shelby Park.
As I said in my last post, we were shown hours of video interviews with witnesses. These witnesses were brought in and as they were questioned they would answer "I do not recall" repetitively. So, the videos and some audios were shown to help them remember. Still, a couple of witnesses would not recall while being questioned by the prosecution. However, seemed to be more open to answering questions by the defense.
As I said, this was one of the hardest things I've done. I did not decide until we were in deliberation what my final decision was. We were sent to deliberation on Thursday about 11:30 am. We talked and talked and sent questions to the judge. Each time a question was sent the judge brought both counsels back in and they discussed our questions. We watched the testimony of Ms. Sheckles current boyfriend again. He was an eye witness to the shooting. He ID'd the shooter in a separate proceeding. We deliberated until about 8:30 or so that night. There were 4 charges. Three we were able to agree upon fairly easily. The murder charge was something different. It had 4 parts and while we were unanimous on A and B, C and D were sticking points for a few jurors. The entire trial was exhausting, but the deliberation even more so. Many of us talked about things in our lives that seemed to relate to this. Some shared very intimate pieces of their lives. The process was emotional and mentally draining. When we finally came to a unanimous decision, which is what is required, we were all relieved. The judge had us come back in on Friday morning for the sentencing. Some jurors thought this would be quick and easy. It wasn't. We went into the jury room after opening statements, witnesses and closing statements by counsel about 11:00. We discussed and talked until about 3:00 or so. After the sentence was read and we were released back to the jury room the judge came and spoke with us. She answered many of our questions. We learned things about the defendant we couldn't hear about during trial. There were witnesses we did not hear from and she wasn't sure why they weren't called to testify. We also found out that the defendant is now going to be tried for attempted murder and kidnapping.
There is much drug trafficking in this city. Some of it is done in our beautiful city parks. There are young people that look up to older ones that provide clothing and shoes and these young people will do things for them even murder. There is much drug use and so much addiction and poverty. We have too many homeless children in our city and country.
I went to a discussion group last month called the Distilled Spirit Discussion Group. It was enlightening and I learned about Restorative Justice. This is a program for youth offenders where they are given the opportunity to pay for the crime they've committed instead of being punished and shamed.
Click on the link to learn more. I hope this can continue to be utilized. Restorative Justice Louisville It makes me wonder where the defendant and Mr. Pettway might be if their earliest crimes were handled in that manner.
I will never forget this experience. I hope someday all of this hate and poverty is eradicated from our world. Sending out the most loving and peaceful vibes I can.
peace and love
Each day varied on start time (9, 9:30, 10), lunch time (11:30 - 1:30), and end time (4:00 - 5:30). The jury was escorted to a jury room each break. We weren't allowed to exit the room until the Sheriff came to get us and then we all went to the elevators together for lunch or leaving at night. We also gathered at a designated place each morning and were escorted upstairs. Add 30 minutes to end of day above for actual time we were out of the building heading to cars. We were taken different routes/exits at the end of each day.
Court doesn't run quickly and there is a lot of time the jury does not hear what is being said between counsel and the judge. There are many objections and requests to approach the bench. The judge has a white noise switch that helps prevent the audience and jury from hearing their conversations.
The fifteen of us had plenty of time to chat and try to get to know each other. I wouldn't say intimately, but finally could address by name and knew at least a little about each. We weren't allowed to discuss the case amongst ourselves until we were sent for deliberation. We were admonished to not speak of this case to anyone, not family or friend. I think this was easiest for me living alone and not having any friends that I hang out with or talk on the phone with regularly. Also, our phones had to be off while in the court room so I just left mine in the jury room. One afternoon when we were in the jury room on a break one of the jurors started making comments about one of the counsel. No one said anything. So I looked at them and said, "please stop". The commentary was inappropriate and I could tell would start us talking. I'm sure my request added some tension between the person and I.
The prosecution called officers, detectives, and crime scene analysts to testify. We saw pictures of the crime scene and different view points of the park from various locations. We learned that Ms Sheckles was shot in the back 3 times and once through the leg. One bullet exited her chest and went through her chin back to front. She couldn't be found when she was to appear as a witness in the trial of the murder of her boyfriend and that trial was dismissed. She had been found in early 2009 and during pre-trial hearings was ordered to appear for the 2nd trial of his murder. D.E. Hammond was in the courtroom at this hearing. She was clearly in fear of her safety and stated so. It wasn't long after that hearing when she was shot in Shelby Park.
As I said in my last post, we were shown hours of video interviews with witnesses. These witnesses were brought in and as they were questioned they would answer "I do not recall" repetitively. So, the videos and some audios were shown to help them remember. Still, a couple of witnesses would not recall while being questioned by the prosecution. However, seemed to be more open to answering questions by the defense.
As I said, this was one of the hardest things I've done. I did not decide until we were in deliberation what my final decision was. We were sent to deliberation on Thursday about 11:30 am. We talked and talked and sent questions to the judge. Each time a question was sent the judge brought both counsels back in and they discussed our questions. We watched the testimony of Ms. Sheckles current boyfriend again. He was an eye witness to the shooting. He ID'd the shooter in a separate proceeding. We deliberated until about 8:30 or so that night. There were 4 charges. Three we were able to agree upon fairly easily. The murder charge was something different. It had 4 parts and while we were unanimous on A and B, C and D were sticking points for a few jurors. The entire trial was exhausting, but the deliberation even more so. Many of us talked about things in our lives that seemed to relate to this. Some shared very intimate pieces of their lives. The process was emotional and mentally draining. When we finally came to a unanimous decision, which is what is required, we were all relieved. The judge had us come back in on Friday morning for the sentencing. Some jurors thought this would be quick and easy. It wasn't. We went into the jury room after opening statements, witnesses and closing statements by counsel about 11:00. We discussed and talked until about 3:00 or so. After the sentence was read and we were released back to the jury room the judge came and spoke with us. She answered many of our questions. We learned things about the defendant we couldn't hear about during trial. There were witnesses we did not hear from and she wasn't sure why they weren't called to testify. We also found out that the defendant is now going to be tried for attempted murder and kidnapping.
There is much drug trafficking in this city. Some of it is done in our beautiful city parks. There are young people that look up to older ones that provide clothing and shoes and these young people will do things for them even murder. There is much drug use and so much addiction and poverty. We have too many homeless children in our city and country.
I went to a discussion group last month called the Distilled Spirit Discussion Group. It was enlightening and I learned about Restorative Justice. This is a program for youth offenders where they are given the opportunity to pay for the crime they've committed instead of being punished and shamed.
Click on the link to learn more. I hope this can continue to be utilized. Restorative Justice Louisville It makes me wonder where the defendant and Mr. Pettway might be if their earliest crimes were handled in that manner.
I will never forget this experience. I hope someday all of this hate and poverty is eradicated from our world. Sending out the most loving and peaceful vibes I can.
peace and love
06 December, 2014
Jury duty - part 1
So I spent the last 3 weeks on jury duty. I'd always wanted to have the opportunity to serve, but had never been called until now. I have to say this was most educational and probably one of the most difficult things I've been asked to do.
The first day had quite a few dockets, but I wasn't selected and was released around 4 or so. We had orientation and video to watch that morning prior to any jurors being selected. The second day there were a couple of cases and then the third case I was the final juror selected of ~ 50. We were sent to the 9th floor and filled the jury box and both sides of the audience seating. The judge spoke to us and then the prosecution and defense began voir dir. According to Wikipedia:
The first day had quite a few dockets, but I wasn't selected and was released around 4 or so. We had orientation and video to watch that morning prior to any jurors being selected. The second day there were a couple of cases and then the third case I was the final juror selected of ~ 50. We were sent to the 9th floor and filled the jury box and both sides of the audience seating. The judge spoke to us and then the prosecution and defense began voir dir. According to Wikipedia:
"In the United States, it now generally refers to the process by which
prospective jurors are questioned about their backgrounds and potential
biases before being chosen to sit on a jury. "Voir Dire is the process by which attorneys select, or perhaps more appropriately reject, certain jurors to hear a case."[4] It also refers to the process by which expert witnesses
are questioned about their backgrounds and qualifications before being
allowed to present their opinion testimony in court. As noted above, in
the United States (especially in practice under the Federal Rules of Evidence), voir dire
can also refer to examination of the background of a witness to assess
their qualification or fitness to give testimony on a given subject.[5] Each of these types of voir dire is taught to law students in Trial Advocacy courses.[6]"
That was educational to be sure. We were asked questions and allowed to approach the bench if we had anything we wished to say in private to the judge and counsel. There were a couple of rounds of some being dismissed and replaced with new jurors from the pool. On the final day of voir dire those of us left were asked to sit only in the audience seating as the jury box would be saved for the final selection of jurors. Fifteen were selected and sat through the trial. Mine was the 15th number called. We were always referred to by our numbers and our identity was anonymous save the judge and counsel.
The case we heard was the Commonwealth of KY vs. Dejuan Earl Hammond. The charges were complicity to murder, retaliation against a participant in the legal process, intimidation of a participant in the legal process, and unlawfully providing a handgun to a juvenile. There was no hard physical evidence. There were plenty of video of interviews with witnesses though. We watched hours of video and then the witnesses were brought in and mostly said they "did not recall". That was a most frustrating thing to sit through.
to be continued...
26 October, 2014
Bull Mtn Enduro weekend
I had forgotten the creek runs adjacent to the cabins and camping spots. As soon as the engine was off I heard it. I've gotten the therma rest filled with air. It's 11 pm and I'm having a FFOH as a nightcap before turning in. 6+ hours travel time is tiring but I'm wide awake. Didn't sleep much last night and I'm usually ready to sleep by 10.
So much has happened in the last weeks. I've pushed through the pain of flareups and worked hard to do my training program. missed almost an entire week but got on the trainer when the trails were wet. Many have ridden anyway and even been out at night.
I'm anxious and concerned about Saturday. I want to make it to the start in time. After that I can do the first stage and attempt the next.
I met up with Bruce of ProGold last night at Eva Bandman. I've known him a couple of years and we talked quite a bit last year at MTB Natz in PA. I told him if I'd known he was coming he could've stayed in my house for the weekend. oh well. things always workout the way they should.
He asked if I was coming to Bull MTN with Brian and I said nope I was traveling solo. He seemed surprised and concerned about that. I honestly don't understand why people have that response with women but not men. like I can't take care of myself? give me a break. But I digress. He told me about this secret ride in GA said it's really hard but a big party and if I wanted to do it I'd have to send a letter of intent. so for shits and giggles I did. seriously doubt I'll do it. I first need to ride that climb tomorrow (Friday) and race on Saturday. If my legs and privates hold up I'll decide then whether I'm going to ride Bear Creek and Pinhoti 1&2 or do the one stage of the secret stage race. I'm thinking the former due to drive time and the fact that it's convenient to Mulberry gap.
Arrived at Bull Mtn about 1:30 and parked under a tree. It was an interesting day. I talked to the promotors and got a map. The course was semi flagged but I missed a turn. Was still good to get out and ride, felt better about it but still nervous. I'm just not a climber and this needs to be corrected.
Cleaned bikes and had Grilled GF pizza for dinner and some interesting conversation. it didn't get as cold as the night before at MG. I slept from 9:30-1 and woke up and didn't fall back to sleep until 5. just added to the challenge of the day.
The climb to the start of stage one was tough. But I made it in about 1:20 or so. My Garmin didn't record the first two miles. Asthma at the top depleted oxygen in my muscles. it was a 30 minute wait to start and this I was thankful for. I was the last to start stage one. I only saw one other racer the rest of the race because he had a flat then he passed me. I had a blast on the stage except for the first creek crossing. The transition to stage two was another gradual climb with a few steep sections thrown in. Stage two was fun but more pedally than I expected. i rode 15.5 miles in about 3.0 hours. You had to be at start of stage four by 3:30. And I just didn't think I had what it took to ride another 15 miles and make the cutoff. Hopefully next year. it's a great course and event. Sad only two women entered. But they gave me swag so that was cool.
Waited (napped) for Brian to finish and the results to be posted. He did a great job out there. I left and drive back to Mulberry Gap. Arrived in time for a shower before dinner. they had bicycle rides in the barn following dinner on these little tiny bikes. Fun stuff.
There was a group of women there from Alabama and other places to ride for the weekend. Grace was one of the ride guides and invited me to join them. I did. my legs were toast. It wasn't exactly the recovery ride I should've done but heck I was in the mountains so you have to climb. Cramps were not much fun but was so nice riding with 14 other women.
6+ hour drive home kicked my butt even more.
So many things I will journal about that I won't put here. Somethings make mecrazy mad and others just make me sad. But end of today I am grateful for every moment, experience and conversation.
too tired to write a better report.
peace and love to everyone
p.s. I had to ask him to, but Brian took this photo and the email subject line said, "Don't look so excited". nice Everyone else was in front of me even though it looks like I'm alone. Just last.
p.s. I had to ask him to, but Brian took this photo and the email subject line said, "Don't look so excited". nice Everyone else was in front of me even though it looks like I'm alone. Just last.
16 October, 2014
Nothing adventuresome
to write about for now. I'm tired and have been sad. As I have said since I started this blog life is change and we need to roll with it. A person I considered to be a close friend has decided that has changed. Maybe I invested more than they. It's possible. But I feel taken for granted and taken advantage of.
Thank goodness for bicycles and yes trainers. Timing and weather have kept me indoors this week. But my bikes keep me sane, well more calm than I would be without. hah
So many others are hurting in much worse ways and I feel almost ashamed for my drama.
Living the most I can in the moment. Hope tomorrow is a better day.
peace and love to all of you
Thank goodness for bicycles and yes trainers. Timing and weather have kept me indoors this week. But my bikes keep me sane, well more calm than I would be without. hah
So many others are hurting in much worse ways and I feel almost ashamed for my drama.
Living the most I can in the moment. Hope tomorrow is a better day.
peace and love to all of you
03 September, 2014
Fitting in
I've wanted to since my first memories of being with others my age. Why is it you want things that aren't for you anyway? Seems this is an important lesson for some of us, right?
From the beginning of riding bikes I have wanted to fit in. I worked hard and I tried, first with the local bike club and later with other groups or teams. Just doesn't work out for whatever reason. And I realize that this is okay and how it is supposed to be.
The same way I am not comfortable in large groups with several conversations happening around me. I tend to be focused on one person or maybe a couple and in one conversation. Too many people or too many stimuli and I have to leave.
Last night I watched the local racers ride past on River Road as I started to ride the Big Four Bridge across to Indiana. There were at least 25 in a group. The sound that a group that size makes is attention grabbing, all the wheels whirring like one big engine. A couple of years ago I tried to hang on to that group a few different times, but once they hit the flat with no traffic lights the speed rose above 25 mph and I popped off the back each time. I get popped off the back when I try to join groups in life also. Not sure exactly what that's about, but I remind myself that it's really not for me. It's ok and I have other things I'm here to do.
As far as riding I've had a big week (8+ hours) for me and then another short week to follow it. Weather hasn't helped and the flareups keep happening, though not as severely recently. A friend suggested I spend more time riding out of the saddle. I think I'll take his advice and work on that. I did try while riding Brown County over the weekend. It's not so easy when there's little fitness and almost no stamina. I'll keep trying though. I don't have to compete, though it would be nice to have the fitness to throw in a race again sometime.
I gain inspiration from all the ladies I follow both locally and around the nation and world. There are so many stories of perseverance and overcoming many obstacles, both physical and otherwise. I don't do well in big groups, but I like people a lot! I ask questions of them. I ask too many questions of some. I've worn out my welcome on at least one, the one I truly enjoy listening to and being around.
sorry for the ramble, needed to type. hope this didn't come off as a pity pot session, was not my intention.
peace
From the beginning of riding bikes I have wanted to fit in. I worked hard and I tried, first with the local bike club and later with other groups or teams. Just doesn't work out for whatever reason. And I realize that this is okay and how it is supposed to be.
The same way I am not comfortable in large groups with several conversations happening around me. I tend to be focused on one person or maybe a couple and in one conversation. Too many people or too many stimuli and I have to leave.
Last night I watched the local racers ride past on River Road as I started to ride the Big Four Bridge across to Indiana. There were at least 25 in a group. The sound that a group that size makes is attention grabbing, all the wheels whirring like one big engine. A couple of years ago I tried to hang on to that group a few different times, but once they hit the flat with no traffic lights the speed rose above 25 mph and I popped off the back each time. I get popped off the back when I try to join groups in life also. Not sure exactly what that's about, but I remind myself that it's really not for me. It's ok and I have other things I'm here to do.
As far as riding I've had a big week (8+ hours) for me and then another short week to follow it. Weather hasn't helped and the flareups keep happening, though not as severely recently. A friend suggested I spend more time riding out of the saddle. I think I'll take his advice and work on that. I did try while riding Brown County over the weekend. It's not so easy when there's little fitness and almost no stamina. I'll keep trying though. I don't have to compete, though it would be nice to have the fitness to throw in a race again sometime.
I gain inspiration from all the ladies I follow both locally and around the nation and world. There are so many stories of perseverance and overcoming many obstacles, both physical and otherwise. I don't do well in big groups, but I like people a lot! I ask questions of them. I ask too many questions of some. I've worn out my welcome on at least one, the one I truly enjoy listening to and being around.
sorry for the ramble, needed to type. hope this didn't come off as a pity pot session, was not my intention.
peace
22 August, 2014
foolish woman am I
in most things, whether riding bikes or relationships and friendships. But I am honest to a fault and I am too damned sensitive for my own good. Christine is right, I'll leave it at that. Lessons I learn over and over, so I'm not quite getting them yet. End of the day I am grateful for all of it. The joy and pain of love. The joy and pain of effort to achieve things beyond my ability. This is life. Happy to wake each morning and look forward to the next.
19 August, 2014
Snowshoe, Kingdom Trails, and Windrock
The women's Downhill MTB camp was a blast. 54 women, lots of women coaches all IMBA certified and many pro or former pro racers. My group had 7 women and Pat was so patient with us. We did skills drills early Saturday morning, broke for lunch and then hit the trail to practice. We would take one skill and focus on it. Ride the berms, work on cornering. She would go ahead and then stop and watch. We each received individualized feedback. Did this all afternoon and then on Sunday morning. Sunday was all about how to jump and land on table tops. Wish we had some around here I could ride and practice. I highly recommend this camp, even if you have no intention of riding downhill much if at all. Having women be so patience and encouraging for a weekend is a big confidence builder.
Kingdom Trails was a much difference experience. I flew to Maine and stayed with Disa and her husband. She and I met through a common friend after she moved away from Louisville. It's always amazing to build a good friendship with someone that lives hundreds of miles away. I met all of her friends. The trails we rode at KT were so much fun and challenging. Everything was on Darling Hill. We rode about 20 miles that day. Longest I've ridden in a while. No one was trying to kill it. There were at least 12 of us riding together and we regrouped at trail intersections. Not that we had to regroup really, we all rode pretty much together. The climbs were built in such a way that they were fun to do. Yes they were challenging, but had enough relief following each switchback that you didn't feel like the climb was as much elevation as it was. One of the trails is called Sidewinder. What a fun fun trail! It's big berms with high sides and deep dips all the way from top to bottom. Here's a photo I grabbed from the mtbproject site.
Sunday morning as we took the bikes off of the cars and got ready to ride the heavens opened up with lots of cold rain. Disa and I decided not to ride and drove back to Maine. I had the most lovely weekend and made new friends. I'm grateful for this and hope I can return sometime.
Windrock. A friend was going to go there to ride this past weekend and posted on the faceplace about it. I said I'd love to go and was willing to camp also. He had 3 buddies from Columbus, OH and Lexington, KY that met us there. This place is not for the faint of heart. It's also not for old women who are out of shape and overweight, meaning me. After a 4 hour drive and a Kroger stop we setup camp. His buddies showed and we took off to ride the XC trails. He was very kind and waited for me. I was not ready for the climbs, but the descents were fast and technical. After riding we grabbed food and took a respite. Then we drove up to the midway point at the downhill trails and walked Middle Finger. I should say I tried walking. Slid down a few of those descents. I have to say this was the gnarliest, most technical place I've been. Steep steep descents with roots and rocks and sharp switchbacks. Sunday we went back to ride. I " walked" most of it. I did ride several places. I also crashed and smacked my face on a rock and cracked the glass on my Garmin also. So happy I didn't lose any of my new teeth or get a black-eye! Funny thing, my friend crashed not 20 feet in front of me. My bike was wrapped around me and it took a few minutes to figure out how to get out of it. We finished the trail ( I walked and rode), then I decided I would be shuttle driver for rest of the day. My buddy had been so kind-hearted to ride with me, show me the place and was very patient. I knew he needed to really get in a good ride though.
I've been very fortunate to have such wonderful experiences this summer. I've met new people, I've learned new skills. I've learned plenty of lessons. I really want to figure out this chronic condition and see how I can minimize the effects it has. I've gained lots and lots of pounds and lost more and more fitness. More pounds makes climbing even more difficult and it's always been my weakest point.
Hoping to get back to riding more as well as real training. Miss the ladies from Monday nites too. All of this rain lately has made for wet trails.
Until next time... peace
Kingdom Trails was a much difference experience. I flew to Maine and stayed with Disa and her husband. She and I met through a common friend after she moved away from Louisville. It's always amazing to build a good friendship with someone that lives hundreds of miles away. I met all of her friends. The trails we rode at KT were so much fun and challenging. Everything was on Darling Hill. We rode about 20 miles that day. Longest I've ridden in a while. No one was trying to kill it. There were at least 12 of us riding together and we regrouped at trail intersections. Not that we had to regroup really, we all rode pretty much together. The climbs were built in such a way that they were fun to do. Yes they were challenging, but had enough relief following each switchback that you didn't feel like the climb was as much elevation as it was. One of the trails is called Sidewinder. What a fun fun trail! It's big berms with high sides and deep dips all the way from top to bottom. Here's a photo I grabbed from the mtbproject site.
Sunday morning as we took the bikes off of the cars and got ready to ride the heavens opened up with lots of cold rain. Disa and I decided not to ride and drove back to Maine. I had the most lovely weekend and made new friends. I'm grateful for this and hope I can return sometime.
Windrock. A friend was going to go there to ride this past weekend and posted on the faceplace about it. I said I'd love to go and was willing to camp also. He had 3 buddies from Columbus, OH and Lexington, KY that met us there. This place is not for the faint of heart. It's also not for old women who are out of shape and overweight, meaning me. After a 4 hour drive and a Kroger stop we setup camp. His buddies showed and we took off to ride the XC trails. He was very kind and waited for me. I was not ready for the climbs, but the descents were fast and technical. After riding we grabbed food and took a respite. Then we drove up to the midway point at the downhill trails and walked Middle Finger. I should say I tried walking. Slid down a few of those descents. I have to say this was the gnarliest, most technical place I've been. Steep steep descents with roots and rocks and sharp switchbacks. Sunday we went back to ride. I " walked" most of it. I did ride several places. I also crashed and smacked my face on a rock and cracked the glass on my Garmin also. So happy I didn't lose any of my new teeth or get a black-eye! Funny thing, my friend crashed not 20 feet in front of me. My bike was wrapped around me and it took a few minutes to figure out how to get out of it. We finished the trail ( I walked and rode), then I decided I would be shuttle driver for rest of the day. My buddy had been so kind-hearted to ride with me, show me the place and was very patient. I knew he needed to really get in a good ride though.
I've been very fortunate to have such wonderful experiences this summer. I've met new people, I've learned new skills. I've learned plenty of lessons. I really want to figure out this chronic condition and see how I can minimize the effects it has. I've gained lots and lots of pounds and lost more and more fitness. More pounds makes climbing even more difficult and it's always been my weakest point.
Hoping to get back to riding more as well as real training. Miss the ladies from Monday nites too. All of this rain lately has made for wet trails.
Until next time... peace
21 July, 2014
Mental note
More to come later if I have time, but right now I feel the need to say this. People have a right to their opinion. People can think whatever they want about anything, even me.
Tonight I got the feeling people have been discussing my bicycle riding, etc. It's really none of my business what people think of me. However, when someone makes a comment about I could die or break my back in five places as an offhand comment to me I must take note.
I ride mountain bikes. I fall down. I get up and finish riding. Only once have I not been able to get back on my mtb after a fall.
This past weekend I attended a Women's Downhill MTB skills clinic. I paid to be taught by women who know how to ride the skills they were teaching. It was a blast. It was scary. I learned more than I've ever learned about mountain biking and myself. I can do so much more than I thought I could. This doesn't mean I'm going to race downhill. This doesn't mean I'm going to ride death drops. But it does mean I'm going to practice what I've learned and I'm going to continue to push myself to do things outside of my comfort zone.
Whose business is it anyway if I get hurt or die doing what I love doing? People that don't spend time with me to understand who I am in the first place seriously need to find other people to concern themselves with.
I'll take some time soon to write a more joyous entry about this past weekend at Snowshoe.It seriously was a BLAST!!!!!!!
Tonight I got the feeling people have been discussing my bicycle riding, etc. It's really none of my business what people think of me. However, when someone makes a comment about I could die or break my back in five places as an offhand comment to me I must take note.
I ride mountain bikes. I fall down. I get up and finish riding. Only once have I not been able to get back on my mtb after a fall.
This past weekend I attended a Women's Downhill MTB skills clinic. I paid to be taught by women who know how to ride the skills they were teaching. It was a blast. It was scary. I learned more than I've ever learned about mountain biking and myself. I can do so much more than I thought I could. This doesn't mean I'm going to race downhill. This doesn't mean I'm going to ride death drops. But it does mean I'm going to practice what I've learned and I'm going to continue to push myself to do things outside of my comfort zone.
Whose business is it anyway if I get hurt or die doing what I love doing? People that don't spend time with me to understand who I am in the first place seriously need to find other people to concern themselves with.
I'll take some time soon to write a more joyous entry about this past weekend at Snowshoe.It seriously was a BLAST!!!!!!!
23 June, 2014
Living life with no regret
Easy to read and write, but has taken me over 5 decades to learn and relearn and achieve. I've known since I was a teenager that I should not regret my choices or decisions. They all affect the next thing. Honestly, I would not change a thing because of the effect it would have on life as it currently is and will be tomorrow.
Leo wrote this recently http://zenhabits.net/regret/. I like to read his thoughts.
I had some plumbing problems that kept me home tonight instead of riding the Monday night lady's ride. Glad I stayed home. One of Mom's classmates called and we talked for quite a while.
While I don't regret the choices and changes that happen in my life, I do get sad about some of these events. Relationships that change or end. Arguments that happen.
My recurring lesson in life, and I'm still stuggling with it, is letting go. Like I have any control over it by holding on, haha. Working on it.
So I've rambled. I do that more and more lately. Random thoughts that want to be expressed in one form or another.
I love my Mom. Ours hasn't been an easy relationship, but it's been genuine.
peace
Leo wrote this recently http://zenhabits.net/regret/. I like to read his thoughts.
I had some plumbing problems that kept me home tonight instead of riding the Monday night lady's ride. Glad I stayed home. One of Mom's classmates called and we talked for quite a while.
While I don't regret the choices and changes that happen in my life, I do get sad about some of these events. Relationships that change or end. Arguments that happen.
My recurring lesson in life, and I'm still stuggling with it, is letting go. Like I have any control over it by holding on, haha. Working on it.
So I've rambled. I do that more and more lately. Random thoughts that want to be expressed in one form or another.
I love my Mom. Ours hasn't been an easy relationship, but it's been genuine.
peace
10 May, 2014
Mother's Day
My first official was 1982 since Heather was born in July '81. This marks 32 years of motherhood for me. It is truly an honor and privilege to have given birth to Amber and Heather. They are my family jewels. I can't call being a Mother is a job. I never looked to ending my days like people do at a job. I looked forward to reading books at night and riding bikes and playing instruments and so much more.
I still look forward to time with them, though it's less frequent. Our conversations make me smile all over and listening to their hopes and dreams lights me up.
Here's one picture I found where they are posing together.
I love you bunches, Heather Marie and Amber Lee, forever and always.
26 March, 2014
It's been interesting lately
so many people are unhappy and cranky with the weather, who got what seed in the NCAA or some other thing on their life.
As I walked into work this morning and thought about the things I wanted to complain about I looked up and the sun was shining brightly in my face as it rose over the horizon of buildings. (run on sentence?) What a wonderful change this made to my outlook for today!
As I walked into work this morning and thought about the things I wanted to complain about I looked up and the sun was shining brightly in my face as it rose over the horizon of buildings. (run on sentence?) What a wonderful change this made to my outlook for today!
Last night close, to bedtime, I went to the van for something, tripped on the sidewalk steps and scraped both knees and ruined the pants I had on. I cried a little bit. The weekend plans fell through. But I realized it's all just fine. It's going to rain everywhere this weekend unless you live in the desert. I fall down plenty. Pants can be replaced and in actuality those needed to be replaced a few months ago.
After work today I had planned on riding the trainer, but my knees were still tender. I did not want to stay indoors sitting in my arse so I changed clothes and went for a hike in the park. The sun was still shining brightly. Lots of friends and acquaintances were riding their mountain bikes. At first I chided myself for not riding mine. Then I stopped that crazy thinking and went back to walking, listening and soaking in nature all around me. Woodland creatures rustling in the brush. Birds singing and working in their nests. Walkers and runners smiling as they went by. Heck, even the MTBers were on their best behavior and either pulling over or slowing down as we passed each other.
There is so much to be grateful for, why ruin it by complaining about things out of our control? To each his own. Don't get me wrong. I was on my pity pot a couple of days ago. We all are human!
I saw daffodils growing wild all over. The naked ladies are coming up as well.
I also want to say that I know many people going through tough times right now. They have family members recently passed or gravely ill. Some are healing following surgery. Others are dealing with physical pain that prevents them from enjoying simple pleasure of life. I try to send my best vibes to them. Either healing or peaceful.
So my little scraped knees or silly disappointments really don't mean much at all.
Love to everyone one of my friends and family and acquaintances.
peace for all of you
25 March, 2014
26 February, 2014
Reflecting
on life and contemplating how it can be so turbulent and calm one into the other or all at the same time.
I have this training plan that I "follow" when the body allows. Making conscious decisions about how I react to that. Not thinking it's a resignation, rather taking what comes and working with it. The plan was written by Hunter Allen for MTBing athletes over 50. There is a lot of good stuff in there and plenty of recovery built on for the "mature" athlete. Auto immune issues interfere. That's ok.
Doubt I will seriously "race" much this year. Going to go to a women's MTB skills camp this summer. It's at a new trail I've not ridden and that's always a plus. There's this style of racing called Enduro. I did one last year. The atmosphere is great and it's a fun test of skills. Maybe I'll do more of that. Most don't require a USAC license which is great.
The final Snake Creek TT of 2014 is this Saturday. I'm undecided on whether I'll race. Might ride other trails in Chattanooga and if weather looks like it'll get wet head further east for Sunday. Right now DuPont is in good shape I read.
Had a fun day this past Sunday. Got up at 3:45 am, ate loaded up in a friend's van and left at 4:30 for Chattanooga. Rode two new trails to me, ate Mexican and arrived back home at 11:30 pm. Didn't even have a beer, but had the best day. Temps rose to 70F and the sun shone brightly. This made the 10 hours of driving worth it.
I'm pretty lucky. Staying grateful and optimistic as much as I can. Good friends and loving family keep me going. I may not be rich with money but I am very wealthy in many other ways that truly count.
Old Man Winter and Mother Nature have teamed up this year. That's ok. We are almost to March and the crocuses will be breaking ground before you know. Then people will be complaining of allergies. haha never happy. Well I am dad-blast-it
peace
04 February, 2014
Snake 2014 - quick and dirty
Drove down in January and got sick with fever and chills overnight Friday, wound up driving home without getting on my bike.
Drove down last Friday. Left town early enough to check in to The Crash Pad and then drive to Dalton and sign in and get my bib #, t-shirt and growler. Slept well, ate oatmeal with an egg and drove to venue. Decided to remove layers at the van in parking lot. Good decision. Goal was to he faster than March 13. Well I was out there longer. not a great effort on paper. Asthma early on slowed me down, so I slowed down. Took a while but got that under control. Was very happy to see low levels in the creeks so my feet stayed dry. Got to the SAG and they remembered me! Gotta love volunteers. These guys rock. Once I left the sag I seemed to be ok. But once I arrived at The Wall and climbed to the top cramps arrived fast and furious. I just kept pulling off so people could get past. The rock gardens would be fun I think if I rode this in reverse. Maybe one day. I was thrilled to see the cell towers. Finally burned more than 1,500 calories and earned my beers later Ssturday night. Had a lovely dinner with Karen. Received an amazing compliment before bed. Drove home in the rain all the way and arrived just on time for mix of snow and sleet and ice.
The plan is to follow the training plan. Hope to have a better result in March. If I don't then so be it. Working hard to relax and enjoy. Let go of the bitterness of disappointment. If nothing else Saturday was a beautiful day in the woods with 400 like-minded mountain bikers. I am fortunate and damned lucky and very grateful.
peace
01 January, 2014
Hello '14
So I got a nice present of a full time job offer with my employer. Took a couple of days to mull it over but of course I said yes. it will be nice to have paid time off again and employer contribution to health insurance and life insurance and more money. Not do easy to give up the flexible hours, but I think it's going to be fine.
The holidays have been quiet mostly. We all gathered on Christmas at my brother's house and all 3 of Moms children and all 7 grand kids along with some significant others were there. it was nice.
Weight had been gained and now it's time to knuckle down for real. Time to put away the beers unless I burn 1,500 calories on a ride. I am hoping I can keep this chronic issue at bay. Too many weeks were lost to not any exercise and most others were starting over again.
I need to find someone that will kick my ass or call me and say they will at least 3-4 days a week. Maybe when I replenish the coffers I can find a coach I can afford.
I am so excited reading and hearing friends goals an aspirations for '14. I hope I can try a few new things and see some new places. Kingdom Trails in Vermont with Disa should happen this year by golly.
Several of my friends have had babies this year and even yesterday.
A few of my much younger friends have been to Belgium racing CX. So very exciting to see! nationals will be in a week in Boulder Colorado. I'd love to go but maybe next year in Austin. Or maybe not. :-)
All the best for each of you in this new year.
peace
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