Many have asked how
Chicken crosses the road? Fast.
On her Specialized!
Thanks to Robin for this edition of Wednesday Haiku.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Weekend Update
CycleLife powered by Specialized.
For once my weekend did not involve dogs and I was kind of upset about that. The weather was not looking all that great for Saturday so the CycleLife gals decided to move our previously scheduled clinic from Saturday to Sunday. That left Saturday open for our "photo shoot." I use that term very loosely. Look for updates on our website soon.
After the photo shoot, Sonja Retuled some bikes. She is going to fit all of us to our new bikes....
Sonja loves her Zin. I'm afraid she might try to Zin me.
... which are just waiting to be built!
Saturday evening we attended Ken Bob's and Jean Bean's cross party. Thanks Ken and Jean. We had a blast.
Backtracking a bit to Friday, Sonja and I played "Bike Path Warrior" and rode up to Mount Vernon on the bike path. We love being Pathletes.
Backtracking a bit to Friday, Sonja and I played "Bike Path Warrior" and rode up to Mount Vernon on the bike path. We love being Pathletes.
We checked out Fort Hunt on our way to Mount Vernon.
The Mount Vernon bike path is one of our favorites. Lots of scenery along the way. We once spotted some bald eagles as well. However, we were disappointed this time because the cafe at Mount Vernon was closed for renovations and we were not able to warm up with some much needed hot chocolate.
View of the Potomac from the bike path.
Round 2 of the CycleLife coached clinic sessions was Sunday. We worked on pacelines and race tactics. For a few pics check out the Team CycleLife blog. Afterwards we all sat around Mike's place and made fun of Wendy. How could we resist?
Wendy aka Plain Jane accountant.I was trying to upload some video of Coach Mike demonstrating pace lines using his son's building blocks, but my internet connection seems to be a bit slow (or maybe it's just me that's slow), and now I've finished the bottle of wine (I had help!) and am going to bed. Consider yourselves spared.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
2008 in a Nutshell
2008 is officially in the books, has been for almost a week now, and I can safely say it was a year like no other. The way January 2008 started out with Mom getting sick and missing vacay out in Breckenridge, I was digging in my heels and preparing for the worst, but by the time December rolled around, I have to say, I had a good year.
On the family front, everyone is healthy and happy. I did not get home to Alabama near as often as I would have liked, but I did get to spend a week with my father riding across the great state of Iowa. It was an experience I will cherish always. Sad to say, I only made it home to Alabama twice. So here is resolution #1: spend more time with family this year.
On the work front, things went well. I have the most boring job in the universe but suffice it to say, I have a good job, with good co-workers, at a location that allows me to ride my bike to work every day and even provides indoor secure bike storage and shower and locker room facilities. What more could I ask for? Resolution #2: have a better attitude and motivation for work. It's hard to get excited about crunching numbers day in and day out, but it was my choice to become an accountant (a government economic accountant at that) so suck it up Nancy and try to set a good example.
On the running front.... ha! I think I ran a total of 30 miles this year. I had to bow out of the Myrtle Beach marathon that I was scheduled to run way back in February due to injury and never seemed to get in the rhythm again. I had a few more injuries that kept me from running later in the year. Would I like to run another marathon? Absolutely, but I don't see one in the near future. However, resolution #3: run more. Hmmm, maybe I can run the Nation's 1/2 marathon in March. I'll have to see what Coach has to say about it.
And now to the meat of the post, cycling. I can be a bit more specific here since I actually had goals for 2008. In a nutshell, I had my eye on the following:
1. Poolesville Road Race
2. MABRA Time Trial Championship
3. Win a MAC race.
4. Top 3 in the MAC series.
5. Top 10 at a USGP (Mercer Cup)
6. Cross Nationals
Along with these very specific goals I wanted to basically "not embarrass myself" in the women's category 1/2/3 road races and try some of the larger stage races. I spent a lot of time as a cat 4 getting dropped and being forced to upgrade with all of 6 points to my credit and only having won one race by virtue of being the first cat 4 across the line even though I was 5th overall.
So how did the season pan out?
On the family front, everyone is healthy and happy. I did not get home to Alabama near as often as I would have liked, but I did get to spend a week with my father riding across the great state of Iowa. It was an experience I will cherish always. Sad to say, I only made it home to Alabama twice. So here is resolution #1: spend more time with family this year.
On the work front, things went well. I have the most boring job in the universe but suffice it to say, I have a good job, with good co-workers, at a location that allows me to ride my bike to work every day and even provides indoor secure bike storage and shower and locker room facilities. What more could I ask for? Resolution #2: have a better attitude and motivation for work. It's hard to get excited about crunching numbers day in and day out, but it was my choice to become an accountant (a government economic accountant at that) so suck it up Nancy and try to set a good example.
On the running front.... ha! I think I ran a total of 30 miles this year. I had to bow out of the Myrtle Beach marathon that I was scheduled to run way back in February due to injury and never seemed to get in the rhythm again. I had a few more injuries that kept me from running later in the year. Would I like to run another marathon? Absolutely, but I don't see one in the near future. However, resolution #3: run more. Hmmm, maybe I can run the Nation's 1/2 marathon in March. I'll have to see what Coach has to say about it.
And now to the meat of the post, cycling. I can be a bit more specific here since I actually had goals for 2008. In a nutshell, I had my eye on the following:
1. Poolesville Road Race
2. MABRA Time Trial Championship
3. Win a MAC race.
4. Top 3 in the MAC series.
5. Top 10 at a USGP (Mercer Cup)
6. Cross Nationals
Along with these very specific goals I wanted to basically "not embarrass myself" in the women's category 1/2/3 road races and try some of the larger stage races. I spent a lot of time as a cat 4 getting dropped and being forced to upgrade with all of 6 points to my credit and only having won one race by virtue of being the first cat 4 across the line even though I was 5th overall.
So how did the season pan out?
- I hit a pothole 15 minutes into the Poolesville race and had to abandon because my shift lever snapped off the handlebars.
- I won the MABRA time trial championship.
- I won a MAC race (4 of them!)
- I won the MAC series.
- I did not attend Mercer Cup or Nationals due to a fall-out with my team at the time.
Overall, I have to say that's pretty good. I did manage to survive most of the 1/2/3 races and would like to think that I even helped my team to some good finishes on the road. I also managed to make 1 major stage race (Fitchburg) and two local ones (Washington County and Millersburg). Performances at all three were mediocre. The TT championship just happened. I had not trained for it but had just gotten back from RAGBRAI and had some good miles in my legs. Honestly, the way my season had been going until then it really came out of nowhere. And winning the MAC championship, it was truly unexpected and I think I am still in shock over it.
My 2008 season ended on a great note... I won my last race at Capitol Cross. It was somewhat bittersweet and a summary of my entire cross season. My motivation to actually race had been waning because according to the new rules of the MAC and being allowed to drop races, I had already sealed the MAC championship. But then I spoke with a friend of mine and he told me I should not race if I was not out for the win. His words to me exactly: "You need to beat that field like it owes you money." Besides, I wanted to do well for my new team. At the mid-point of the race I had established a pretty good lead when I started thinking about the entire cross season and the tremendous ups and downs I had faced. I typically tune out everything when I race but now my concentration was being interrupted by thoughts and words, like a flashback of everything I had experienced in every race with C3. That's when the "money" comment came to mind and I regained my composure and stomped on the pedals again. Knowing you are about to win a race is an incredible feeling so coming up to the finish line I was thinking to myself, "Take that C3" but then out of nowhere I thought of Buttercup, my former teammate on C3 and how much she has meant to me. Thru everything that happened with C3, Buttercup was by my side, offering support (she even offered to go to Nationals and pit for me!) and motivation. I burst into tears and was crying as I crossed the finish line. No victory salute, just tears of joy, tears of sadness, and even tears of relief if such a thing exists. I then went to hide in my car until I was able to regain my composure.
And as for the team thing since so many of you have asked, I've been told never to speak of why I left. Kind of funny considering but I will just say this.
I will not be on a team that plays favorites. I will not be on a team that conducts back-door meetings to try and kick people off the team. If you have a problem with someone on the team, bring it up with them, or better yet at a team meeting at which they are present. Not saying these things happened on C3, I'm just saying that I will not be on a team that conducts itself in such a manner. I won't even go into the rest of my spiel. CycleLife has already proven that they certainly don't play games. If someone on the team has a problem it's all over the listserv. It's actually quite refreshing.
I will close with some pretty random photos from 2008. Here's looking forward to 2009.
Off camber downhill at the Reston MAC race, the last race of 2008 for me.
Podium shot from the Reston MAC race. This win was dedicated to Buttercup (aka Lorraine).
Amanda provided laughs at the Fitchburg stage race. She's a good traveling buddy and roomie, even though she lost my sock. How's that dollar bill patch job holding up?
2008, the year of the dog. Sonja and I dog sit for fun and would like to get one of our own,but we don't like vet bills. Besides, we pretty much had a dog every month in 2008.
Off season cross training at my local gym. I will make it thru this cave, just need to perfect this heel hook move first.
West Virginia riding. Not enough of it in 2008 and my climbing suffered. Or maybe it was that extra 10 pounds of lard I'm carrying around.
BP aka Beagle Pup aka Puppers.
Driver and Gary.
Crash victim. I fell in WV and hurt my hip forcing me to pull out of the Giro di Coppi.
WV back-country exploring on the cross bikes.
The White Dog.
Dad at RAGBRAI.
Gabby and I ready to go hiking.
Sandra Baby and I at some vineyard in Napa.
Monday, December 29, 2008
From the Ride That I Didn't Do
Unfortunately I missed the ride last Sunday. Apparently a grand time was had by all. I was in Alabama visiting family. I did manage to sneak in a ride, the highlight of which was getting assaulted by three dogs (three separate incidents). One bit my shoe. I guess I need to work on my sprint.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Bump and Run
Mike explains the day's drills to us.
We worked on bunny-hopping. Here, Mitch displays how to pinch flat your rear tire. (Thankfully, she did not actually flat.)
Plain Jane and Mitch post-clinic.
Di (need a nickname) post-clinic. Besides Sonja, she's the only other person on the team w/o mental issues, and Sonja is debatable.Raw Talent Ranch Dec 2008
Some photos from the escapades of Team CycleLife in WV. Not a lot of words, just pictures.
The road from the Ranch down to the valley was icy in places. Some people chose to walk.
Others, like the BadA$$ (Plain Jane) pictured here, decided to ride.
That's me and Robin in the back. Here we are probably discussing something very important, like what's for lunch or badgers.
Jay and Leslie on the front.
Leslie and her beaver. And that's Eric. He's probably thinking about his next tub.
The road from the Ranch down to the valley was icy in places. Some people chose to walk.
Others, like the BadA$$ (Plain Jane) pictured here, decided to ride.
That's me and Robin in the back. Here we are probably discussing something very important, like what's for lunch or badgers.
Jay and Leslie on the front.
Leslie and her beaver. And that's Eric. He's probably thinking about his next tub.Tuesday, December 23, 2008
There's nothing wrong with my head. I'm just crazy.
Long time, no blog. I can’t even blame Facebook/Dogbook this time. I have no excuse unless you count laziness (and the fact that I'm intimidated by the Muscle's blog). I have, however, felt an obligation to update because I seem to have picked-up a new reader! Welcome John, my cousin from El Paso.
The title of this post is from last weekend. The CycleLife girls convened for our first clinic of the offseason which started with Coach Mike asking each of us what we perceived as our strengths and weaknesses. Come to find out, Mike coaches a team of psychos because most of us responded that our head was our major obstacle. Well, all except Sonja who proudly stated that “I’ve got no problem with my head.” Robin then muttered under her breath, “Yeah, she’s just crazy.” I got a good laugh out of that one.
We then proceeded outside for some bumping drills where most of the team spent time trying to chase Leslie in order to bump her. (Note to Leslie: These are not bump and run drills!)
As you can tell, spending time with the new team is more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Our West Virginia trip a few weekends ago only emphasized that. I feel at home and at ease with everyone on the team, and it’s not just because they like stinky cheese and red wine as much as I do. We all just seem to “get it.”
Speaking of West Virginia, I don’t believe I’ve ever eaten as much in my life as I did that weekend. I woke up to blueberry pancakes and bacon prepared by Jason one day and eggs, scones, and more bacon prepared by Wendy the next. After our ride on Saturday Eric and Leslie prepared a spread of cheese and salami, followed by some of Michelle’s delicious paninis (which she made with the most ghetto of Panini pans). I thought that was it for the evening, but no… Robin then took over the kitchen and made kettle corn, and all that was capped off with steak and chicken fajitas. I think it’s the only time I’ve ever gained weight after a ride at the Ranch.
I'll end with this random shot of Azu and Rena since it's the only photo I've got access to right now.
The title of this post is from last weekend. The CycleLife girls convened for our first clinic of the offseason which started with Coach Mike asking each of us what we perceived as our strengths and weaknesses. Come to find out, Mike coaches a team of psychos because most of us responded that our head was our major obstacle. Well, all except Sonja who proudly stated that “I’ve got no problem with my head.” Robin then muttered under her breath, “Yeah, she’s just crazy.” I got a good laugh out of that one.
We then proceeded outside for some bumping drills where most of the team spent time trying to chase Leslie in order to bump her. (Note to Leslie: These are not bump and run drills!)
As you can tell, spending time with the new team is more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Our West Virginia trip a few weekends ago only emphasized that. I feel at home and at ease with everyone on the team, and it’s not just because they like stinky cheese and red wine as much as I do. We all just seem to “get it.”
Speaking of West Virginia, I don’t believe I’ve ever eaten as much in my life as I did that weekend. I woke up to blueberry pancakes and bacon prepared by Jason one day and eggs, scones, and more bacon prepared by Wendy the next. After our ride on Saturday Eric and Leslie prepared a spread of cheese and salami, followed by some of Michelle’s delicious paninis (which she made with the most ghetto of Panini pans). I thought that was it for the evening, but no… Robin then took over the kitchen and made kettle corn, and all that was capped off with steak and chicken fajitas. I think it’s the only time I’ve ever gained weight after a ride at the Ranch.
I'll end with this random shot of Azu and Rena since it's the only photo I've got access to right now.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
You just got schooled... here's a book.
Plain Jane, Zim, Chicken, Goat, Zig, and LJ
6 Team CycleLife gals got together for a ride today. Not too much to say about the ride, although it was fun watching LJ go offroad. I have a feeling she's going to rock it in cross next year. It was cold out so towards the end of our ride we took shelter at CycleLife. That's where the fun began.
Robin and Jason would like to introduce their son to the cycling scene.
Zig and Plain Jane head upstairs.
Before going upstairs they stripped.
They returned sporting robes. What the hell goes on upstairs at CycleLife?
Really, what the hell were you gals doing up there? Zig looks a little too happy.
LJ wants Barnes & Noble as a sponsor 'cause she's going to be ordering a lot of books.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Wednesday Update
I haven’t updated in a while. I’m going to blame Facebook. What a total waste of time, and yet so addictive. I want to personally thank Chris K for getting me sucked into its vortex. Peer pressure is an amazing thing.
So when I have not been Facebooking (is that what it’s called?) I’ve been:
Hiking with the White Menace. Sonja and I discovered some new trails along the Potomac Heritage trail. Tick Head is gonna love ‘em.
Riding my bike, but not an awful lot. Coach has me on a taper into the offseason.
Speaking of offseason, last race is this Sunday. Yee-haw! No Nats for me. Instead I will be out in WV with some teammates and celebrating birthdays.
On a closing note, I want to leave my reader with this… I was commenting to my mom about all my friends that have birthdays coming up, 3 of us in particular on the 19th. Her response? “Woman who spring on innerspring this spring have offspring next spring.” Just something to think about.
So when I have not been Facebooking (is that what it’s called?) I’ve been:
Hiking with the White Menace. Sonja and I discovered some new trails along the Potomac Heritage trail. Tick Head is gonna love ‘em.
Riding my bike, but not an awful lot. Coach has me on a taper into the offseason.
Speaking of offseason, last race is this Sunday. Yee-haw! No Nats for me. Instead I will be out in WV with some teammates and celebrating birthdays.
On a closing note, I want to leave my reader with this… I was commenting to my mom about all my friends that have birthdays coming up, 3 of us in particular on the 19th. Her response? “Woman who spring on innerspring this spring have offspring next spring.” Just something to think about.
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