Enjoyable weekend

I've been trying to mix things up a bit. Easy trainer ride in the morning before work and hike/run or walk/run after work several evenings each week. Trails are fragile this time of year due to freeze/thaw. 

I've had my Scalpel almost 8 weeks and have ridden it about a dozen times. It's different and I am want to get more comfortable on it. First XC race is March 10. 

Last Saturday Cathy and Kirk with the Louisville Bicycle Club put on a MTB/hike afternoon in their neck of the woods. They live in Crandall, IN. Beautiful area it is. They have a route that includes fire roads, single track and corn fields. The fire roads were mostly mud and made for one heckuva ride. It was a workout, at least for me it was! They were gracious hosts and had food everywhere, even vegetarian chili with no pasta or cheese! 

Snake Creek is in two weeks and I've not been on my scalpel for the amount of time I will be that day. It finally got colder here over last few days and even colder further north. Yesterday I drove to Brown County, hoping for 17-20 miles. Started later than I wanted. Trails were in good shape until I almost got to top of Hesitation Point.  There's an open field just below the picnic area at the top. I didn't realize until I was in it. I got off and walked but it stuck to the tires pretty good. Following a brief trip to the outhouse, I started to ride my bike and the rear derailleur was full of mud. The three creek crossings at the bottom of Aynes got the downtube all covered in ice. Mud and leaves and ice was clogging the rear wheel. I walked back down past the fire road crossing and the trail was shaded and still frozen. Got off several times and walked where the trail was exposed to sunshine. Beautiful day to be in the woods, very cold when the wind found you. 


The Versailles forecast for today started out in the teens. I got up and out of the house by 7 ish. 

Google maps suggested IN 62 to 421 and finally 129. I arrived right about 8:30. Seems better than I-65 to North Vernon. At least it's more scenic. About 5 miles south of Versailles there was a light dusting on snow on the road. 

The park was covered with about 1/2-1 inch. Everything was crisp and bright. There was only one other car in the parking lot and it was 2 guys hiking.

I was first human tracks made today. The only sounds at first were my tires crushing the snow. Then once I got on creek side and later on Grandview there were teeny little paw tracks in front of me running along the trail. The water was lapping at the edge of the banks underneath the frozen edges.   

All of a sudden about 1/2 way back Grandview a wood pecker was making a racket on one of the trees.

I felt good riding today, no lung issues at all. My legs seemed happy as well, though I was quite cautious on the frozen trails. Since I was the only one on the trails I felt it best that I not take any chances falling. I've got to do something about my feet though. Maybe battery operated hunting socks. My toes hurt so badly and then started going numb. Not a good thing!

I miss riding with others. About 90% of my riding is solo. However, today it was so serene, being in the woods. I thoroughly enjoyed my solitude with nature all around me.

Sincere hopes that you had a wonderful weekend, too!



peace

Inside Outside

what I feel like on the inside doesn't always look the same as what I look like in the outside. This is a Very Good Thing!

It's over

and what a year it was, '12. 

The beginning was full of uncertainty. No job, not much to even apply for. My self esteem took a bit hit. The first rejection emails weren't so easy, but I began to be grateful for them. So many companies do not keep you informed of your progress in their search for candidates. A couple do and it was refreshing to have that level of consideration and respect in the job search. I stuck with the job search. It was my full time job. I found a part-time contracting position that has me working 30-35 hours a week and so far I'm able to pay my bills.

I rode my bikes and set goals around training and races.  I am very lucky that I got to ride quite a lot and have friends that could join me on treks to Brown County, Versailles, French Lick, etc. Debbie and I got quite a few miles on the trails together. Stephanie and Debbie put together a Monday night ladies mountain bike ride. This was so much fun and I met many other women that ride trails. I made lots of friends and watched so many improve their riding ability and skills over the spring, summer and autumn months. This was good for me, to focus on others and encourage them as they overcame their fears.

My youngest daughter moved in with me end of February. I wasn't sure how that would work out, but I must say it's been good and we've gotten to know each other really well. She's found a good job and loves it. Already talking about moving out on her own again soon. I'm very proud of her and her sister. They are smart, loving, beautiful women.

I had several crashes on my mtn bike this spring and summer. Debbie saved me at French Lick. She also took me to ER when I lost 20 minutes of memory at BC DINO for no apparent reason. I'm so lucky she's my friend.  All those crashes, sprained wrist and bumps on the head prevented me from getting the training groove on for CX in the fall. I haven't been on a CX course on my bike since Worlds in January. I missed that a lot.

Working on the training plan and race schedule now. Started a strength program that's mostly body weight and kettle bell. Trainer is setup and I'm getting morning spins a few days a week. The nutrition plan is still in place. Lots of fresh veggies and fruit, very little grains, some eggs and fish and plenty of water and herbal teas. Trying to eliminate as much sugar as possible. But I do like peppermints and chocolate. My CSA lasted through the 2nd week in December. It's been the best for having fresh veggies and new things I'd never tried.

First race of year is Saturday. Not sure I'll be doing much more than riding and suffering the 17 miles. I see lots of friends have registered. Some are missing this one though do to injuries. Cyclocross Elite Worlds is in Louisville 1st weekend in February  and I've signed up to volunteer. Now I need to buy my ticket for the Sunday races. This will be so much fun!

So what's my resolution? Continue to learn more about me, take time to think before reacting to circumstances. Be thankful for the obstacles and "bad" events as well as the "good" ones. Let love and life take the lead and remember I am only in control of my own happiness.

Happy New Year to everyone. May your life be full of love and blessings in '13.

peace

namaste

 

It's almost Christmas 2012

Lot's of life has happened since I last wrote. Not much riding bikes though. 

I must say I am staying busy at work, plenty to learn. Everyone is busy and the lady I've replaced is now retired. It's good. My brain is getting much needed exercise. I've been out of shape. So now I need to get back to where I can work and work out on regular basis. The bike is on the trainer. I even bought a special trainer tire.

I've slowly started riding again. I've started a strength/stretching training program as well. The days are getting longer again, which is always a good thing. We've gotten a lot of rain. I have a feeling we will continue to get some kind of precipitation. At least if it snows and is below freezing we can ride trails. That would be so much fun. Especially under a full moon.

Last weekend there was an Alley Cat "race". Some raced, some just enjoyed the ride (me). I rode my SS. That wasn't so bright, but had mechanical issues at home so that is the bike that was available. There were about 25 of us I think. It was so much fun, riding in the city at night. Exploring with other routes. We even rode up and over a walking bridge. It had two 180 degree turns that were fun!

I rode fire roads today. It was short though ~10 miles on mtb. It's frustrating. The lungs are bad and what little cardio I had is nonexistant. You have to be able to handle the spikes in HR. I need to ride. So traininer/rollers it will be for me now. I'm putting together my race/training plan over the next week. Already looking at going south to ride for a week come March.

The world hasn't ended. That was funny to read everyone's posts.  There have been many sad events though. Friends and strangers alike are experiencing losses, illnesses and tragedies. 

Christmas means a lot of things to many people and has no meaning for others. I'm thankful that this is a time of year I get to spend time with my family and friends. I hope to snap more pictures of Mom and all of us. The best gift in the world as far as I'm concerned is to spend quality time with the ones you love and care about. And that gift should happen year 'round.

We have some bigs things happening in our fair city soon. The culmination of years of work and sacrifice of a friend of mine will happen end of January, first weekend of Feb. Louisville2013 will be the first time cyclocross Elite Worlds will take place outside of Europe. I'm so excited. Eva Bandman park is the place to be. I hope to see all of my pro CX heroes!

Merry Christmas to everyone, much love to each of you.

peace

Rode today

First time since the face plant 3.5 weeks ago. Though I've wanted to ride, my head just hasn't felt quite right. So, I took some time and put on some weight unfortunately. Hah!

I'm fairly positive most fitness is gone. The ride was better than I expected. That's not saying much.  My arches started aching by the time I reached top of Hogan's fountain climb. Looking at my stats I was shocked my HR hit 174. Normally, that is saved for racing. I was "riding easy". 

I've spent a lot of time off the bike this year. I hope that is limited to 2012. But I know it's probably going to continue. Not due to crashes necessarily, more of the saddle problem. It's not caused by riding, this I know. I had issues while off the bike and not doing anything.

I love to sweat and today felt great. I haven't gone this long without sweating since before I started riding in 2007. 

Looking at next year's calendar and races. Probably won't set anything in place until Christmas/New Year's. Hope to get to some new venues. 

Today's weather was great. Lots of people in the park and on the trails. 

All the best to all of you. 

peace   

and life keeps rolling

After race weekend at Land between the Lakes, there was no way I could sit on a saddle Monday night. I hated missing that ride last week. Love getting out there with the ladies. Tuesday wasn't any better for me. Then a friend called a beer ride to NABC for Wednesday, FINALLY! Had been waiting for Evah. 

A girlfriend met me at my house and we rode to Kye's across the Ohio river. Met up with several friends and rode to NABC. We rode Mtb's with lights since it was dark. We had a great time. There is some single track, double track, gravel paths, 2 wooden rickety bridges and paved path before riding the last 1/4 mile on city streets. The company was great, the beers (I had 2) were tasty and the frites were delicious. We headed back and one peeled off as he had parked his car in New Albany. Somewhere not too far into the ride we were going to ride up to the top of the flood wall. I turned a little early and while I thought I was riding on grass, I rolled up onto a large pile of boulders (rocks about the size of your head). I remember trying to pedal and wondering why it was so difficult. Don't remember much until I'm back on the bike riding back towards the 2nd Street bridge. People said it was a GoPro moment. Someone said there was blood, but my clothes didn't have any on them. Once back to Jeffersonville, one of the guys offered me a ride home which I readily accepted. 

I think I landed nose first. Thank goodness I had on my Oakleys. They saved my right eye. There's a huge scratch/gouge right in the center of the lens. I lost the right nose piece too. Nothing was broken and bike seemed to be fine. But I scraped my nose and wound up with 2 black eyes. I missed work on Thursday, mostly due to vanity. I looked pretty pathetic by Friday, but felt ok.

Sunday saw Stormin' Eva, our local CX race. I had planned to race just for fun, but after Wednesday's crash and not remembering it decided I would sit out this year. I truly wanted to race. I think I'm out for the season. So sad. I have missed my CX family something terrible. Friends I only see at these races were coming to town, so of course I had to go and cheer them on! It was a great time. But of course I never got to spend much time with anyone, but got to talk a little bit to most. There are a few I didn't and am very sad about that. Being this close to Halloween most people come in costume and lots of them race in costume. Since I had a ghoulish face I wore a black blouse with flowing sleeves and a long skirt. From afar people thought I had a great makeup job. I felt terrible because they realized when they got close it was real and then weren't sure what to say. 

I am so glad I got to cheer all my lady racer friends on in their races. The fields have grown so much in three years. Makes me proud to have been a part of it. I have no CX fitness and right now need to wait at least til weekend before I even get back on bike again. I want to be out there. But there's always next year, right? If everything aligns properly.

I had an interview yesterday for a full-time position. The hiring manager seemed ok with the fact that I had two black eyes. We chatted about my crash but he wanted to talk about CX. That was cool. Not sure what the outcome will be. It will be what it will. I'm liking what I'm doing right now and the people are very nice. 

Live now, yesterday is gone and tomorrow hasn't arrived.

peace 

Work and ride

That was my pat answer to people asking what I do until last October 25, which was my last day at my former employer. Since then I have traveled, searched for jobs and ridden my bikes. No need to complain or be upset as I've come to realize there is very little in my control. 

So I went to work last week. Boy am I out of shape! Getting up to an alarm, finding proper clothes to wear, fixing my hair!, using my brain for 6-7 hours each day, staying focused, learning new things for 5 days in a row was tough. But I enjoyed it. The people I am working with are very nice. The hiring manager and 2 team members took me to lunch on my first day and we broke the ice. I'll start training on something new tomorrow. It's definitely time for my brain to get a real workout.

Speaking of out of shape, wow I have no speed and no power on the bike these days. I rode as much as I could week before last as a last hurrah before starting work.

I took an overnight trip and drove to Owensboro. Got up and rode Ben Hawes. What a fun place! No climbing to speak of but fast and flowy and whoop-di-dos. If I hadn't already planned on riding at a second location I would've ridden both directions. Good reason to go back and ride with someone next time too. Next I went to Ferdinand. Wow, just wow. Tons of climbing and it's pretty rugged as well. Found out afterward that I should’ve ridden clockwise and not CCW. It definitely showed my climbing weakness, which I already knew about. But I must say it’s a lovely place to enjoy nature. The colors were starting to pop and I saw some wildlife and heard lots of birds singing. I will definitely go back and ride. Well hopefully ride and not push my bike so much up those hills. One climb was like 12%!

Last Mtn bike race of year (for me) was this past weekend at Land between the Lakes, Race to the Canal. I’ve never ridden there before. Decided to drive down on Friday, find a camp site and ride at least the start on Saturday. The ride down WK Pkwyhasn’t changed much since the 70s except for a few more exits. Traffic is still very light and makes for a nice drive. There is still a service center in between the East/West bound lanes at Beaver Dam.There used to be those on I65 decades ago. The colors were just past peak I think, though there is still quite a bit of green left.  I found a camp site, went to Grand Rivers and had dinner. There's not much choice for a vegetarian that is trying to be gluten-free. Salmon over rice worked. 

Pre-ride: I talked it over with a friend and decided best thing was to check out the start. So I took my time about getting started, it was quite chilly Saturday morning early. I drove to Sugar Bay about lunchtime and started out. The start was a short steep climb with loose gravel and washed out roots. I started out in too hard of a gear and almost blew up my right knee which has been aggravating since Lock 4. Then it leveled out for a bit and then started climbing, longer and less steep than the immediate start but still challenging.Once I reached the top of that climb it didn't seem so bad. Except that the trail was covered by freshly fallen leaves. Initially I thought I would get lost, but then noticed the white trail markings on the trees every 100 yards or so. The single track dumped onto double track which was flat and fairly smooth at first. I started to think maybe I had missed the re-entry to single track as it went further than I expected. Then it started to climb and the gravel got deeper and was loose where it filled in the washed out ruts. There was another cyclist ahead of me and so I tried to follow his lines and spin. Once at the top it didn't take too long to dump back into single track, which i much prefer. I rode to Hatchery Hollow which is about 5.5 miles from Sugar Bay and turned around. There were birds; I heard them, but didn't see them. I think they saw me and wanted me out of there from the sounds they were making. For some reason the ride back seemed a lot easier. I know knew what to expect for the first 20% of the race. I reckoned the rest would be similar at best but most likely worse.

I was lucky a couple of friends were also racing. Since this is a point to point race I did not want to either ride to the start before or after the race. It was about 12 miles on paved road that looked challenging in itself. So I drove them to their starts and left my van. They drove me back to it after the race. Kiersta joined me at my campsite on Saturday night. It was nice to have someone to chat with before turning in.


Everyone gets their numbers, load the van and drive to the Cat 1 start. Sure seemed like a long drive there. I figure it was 15+ miles. Dropped him and his bike and head back to the Cat 2 start. I still had to check air pressure, lube my chain, finish getting on my gear. Wasn't as prepped as I like to be. I tell the other friend to go ahead and ride to the start as it was down a side road about 2 miles or so. By the time I got there they were lined up and getting ready to start the 19-29 age group. No time for a potty break! I moved to the back and realized there were no other women in the Cat 2 race. This saddened me. I assumed everyone has moved on to CX. But after the race I began to think they were just smart not to race this one. :)


I start behind the Clydesdales. At some point in the first 2 miles I pass one of them. Then a couple of more miles (after the gravel double track) I catch site of another. I worked to get closer to him, but he heard me and at the top of a climb he took off. I assume he descends very well considering his Cat. Somehow I managed to turn off my Garmin right after the start of the race. I notice this about 4 miles in and note the mileage at Hatchery Hollow. 1.79, right so I missed about 4 miles, which is what I would added to the odometer as I got closer to the finish. I reached the Cat 3 start and took a short respite and ate some chomps. I was getting tired at 15.5 miles The ladies there said I could look forward to a few miles of less climbing and a fast descent and then more climbing. I was grateful for the info. The more climbing definitely seemed more intense that all that previous. The Cat 1 pros started passing me. With about 4 miles to go both calves started cramping and my hands were killing me. I would have to walk part of a steep climb and as soon as I clipped back into my pedals the cramps would start again. I think this is the closest I've come to crying in a race it hurt so bad. But I was not going to quit. Everyone that raced and finished, finished ahead of me. I was slow. 3:37 is a long time for 24 miles (though someone said it was shorter). I was so happy when I got to the pavement and road up to the finish line.


At some point I said, "I won!" and a friend looked at me and smiled. I should've said, "I finished!" instead. Yes I won and got some cash too. But I know if anyone else had showed up they would've finished in a much faster time than me. So my story stays the same, "I have a lot of work to do". Most of the people from the Louisville area podiumed, which was nice to see. (they didn't setup a podium but called out winners and handed envelopes or prizes).

I was so tired I just wanted to get home. So I filled up the tank and drove straight through. Both calves and my left hand cramped the whole way home. At least I wasn't going to fall asleep at the wheel! haha 

I've not been on a CX course this year. I've not attempted a dismount/remount. I'm not sure I'm going to. It's been a different kind of year, but then the last 3.5 have been so much different than before. No complaints. I want to race CX, but doubt my body will allow it this year. 5 weeks off the bike didn't help. Neither has the "saddle" issue I've had since January. I hope I can find my mojo again. But right now I don't want to sit on a saddle for any long duration. And my hands still hurt from Sunday


Sunday is Storm Eva which is a local CX race. I'm looking forward to seeing all of my CX friends. I've missed them so very much this year. I peruse their pictures on FB and read all of their posts about training and racing. It's such a fun experience.

Sorry about the novella. I got a bit wordy. I started typing this yesterday and lost internet. Then Word got locked up and I lost half of it. Tonight I almost gave up because my computer decided to shut down as I was typing with no warning. But it's done. 


Now I have to decide on what's next if anything. Then start to work out a training plan to get to Bear Creek Resort, PA in July.


If you made it this far just know I wish only the best for you and yours.


peace