tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216794502024-03-13T12:56:24.704-06:00just another girl on a bikeriding and racing adventuresUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger634125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-13892942196951086072015-08-03T21:24:00.000-06:002015-08-03T21:24:10.031-06:00FightingThat seems like the theme for my past few races. They have been a fight with different entities.<br />
First there was Sundance. This is somewhat my home course as I do have an opportunity to ride it frequently. Although when this race took place I had not taken many of those opportunities. I felt strong that day. My start was weak, but I was able to make my way through the pack. I spent a lap or so in second place. I was so stoked, but the lost it to Nicki as she put in an attack to which I could not respond on the last lap.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIHWEGTZSfRUS5GZlGKCC8jtKxqcpWXOYifQ67c2zXFI8b0T2CJZoakK1la_pHmJLkzMwC03l06lrdKH8xiZtwSZoUgzLo-JhMMEtaewGl608B2tTZ1GYSF-zkFJJaPXaTZHCFA/s1600/Sundance+Chris+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIHWEGTZSfRUS5GZlGKCC8jtKxqcpWXOYifQ67c2zXFI8b0T2CJZoakK1la_pHmJLkzMwC03l06lrdKH8xiZtwSZoUgzLo-JhMMEtaewGl608B2tTZ1GYSF-zkFJJaPXaTZHCFA/s320/Sundance+Chris+2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_e8VCym3biLABDgt9hQJfZKztCKvYp48pWhHNG-w7Av0qXJ8j3dtzBirZMvvxWiExGsPPw3SN7i32ImgP5W7Nm7CXVDVtZ3nJzzhaA3LCM7DSuMu_XKEe5DTG4e_p38_75c-AwQ/s1600/Sundance+KC4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_e8VCym3biLABDgt9hQJfZKztCKvYp48pWhHNG-w7Av0qXJ8j3dtzBirZMvvxWiExGsPPw3SN7i32ImgP5W7Nm7CXVDVtZ3nJzzhaA3LCM7DSuMu_XKEe5DTG4e_p38_75c-AwQ/s320/Sundance+KC4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then there was Snowbird. I have a thing for Snowbird. I am not sure what it is, but I am enamored by this course. I had a horrific start. It was sad. I was way back in the pack--behind most of the semi-pro women. It was tough to make my way through and I wish I would have been more aggressive. I sat in a bunch behind people when I should have made my way around. None the less, I made up several places to take fourth. This was off the podium which was disappointing as the field was deeper than normal, but I felt like this was my best performance this year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZMPeogr4SM9BWl0XCgsa7TqhXLJLOvlJ4t7ue4vEaI14AoiskZOMxdYjw_I0ypQO63FsDX1qqIDJvedRHkq5El-Pt2s_Zavx4lYqGS-IRUKWoeY8qGFwqllkp62ViNIOuksjSg/s1600/Snowbird+Chris+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZMPeogr4SM9BWl0XCgsa7TqhXLJLOvlJ4t7ue4vEaI14AoiskZOMxdYjw_I0ypQO63FsDX1qqIDJvedRHkq5El-Pt2s_Zavx4lYqGS-IRUKWoeY8qGFwqllkp62ViNIOuksjSg/s320/Snowbird+Chris+3.png" width="289" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfSQhS1KS_dSZLVofv7jnUTlgJnf7vvFY55q3dTx-qe1RqFnPw2pZ92cNHrqyp1nMN0ZVokkakymGoVhi6jGXIx_dnmcCDK2Cr-dC0CfPEK_X9dCneMPPeeOF_yiiF6Yp4mrjOA/s1600/Snowbird+KC1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfSQhS1KS_dSZLVofv7jnUTlgJnf7vvFY55q3dTx-qe1RqFnPw2pZ92cNHrqyp1nMN0ZVokkakymGoVhi6jGXIx_dnmcCDK2Cr-dC0CfPEK_X9dCneMPPeeOF_yiiF6Yp4mrjOA/s320/Snowbird+KC1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Last week was the Brianhead Endurance cross country race. I am not sure I did so well here. I spent most of the race being angry. The problem was me. I think I had romanticized this course. I have found memories of the old days racing the Brianhead Epic and my memories my not be reality. Thus, I was disappointed in what this course consisted. As my first lap was concluding, I had to convince myself that I was going to go out for the second lap. The second lap was better mentally and I probably would have had fun on it had I not been bitter about the first lap. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-46156060416704050152015-06-22T13:39:00.001-06:002015-06-22T13:39:30.228-06:00I got knocked down, but I got up again. The Thunderbolt and I got off to a rocky start. I don't hold the bike accountable though. I am quite sure it was result of user error. I had tweaked/twisted my knee previously. I was not sure about racing the Draper ICUP. I went back and forth and decided I had better. I think I did not prepare well and felt it on the climb, so I tried to make up time on the descent. I ended up, in what I perceived to be somewhat spectacularly, flying off the course. This just added to my discontent so I decided to just ride my bike as opposed to race it. I finished the "race", but I was passed by just about everybody...and I mean everybody. This was the third incident/crash, so I assumed I was good. So far, so good.<br />
I then spent some time recovering and just taking it easy. My knee feels better although it was never that bad on the bike. I raced Deer Valley and felt good. I had a blast. I love, love that course. I wasn't sure I would get to race it, but Chris' step dad came up to help out. So grateful. I needed this day.<br />
The next week was the Wasatch Back 50. I was incredibly nervous. It was warm and I was not sure how it was going to go for me. I started okay, but slowly made my way into contention on the climb. I lost a couple of places as I bobbled a pass. I just rode steady. On the descent I caught back up and was in 2nd after the first lap. I was stoked. Then lap two hit HARD. I tried to keep my wits about me and just ride steady. I lost a couple of places again and I hoped I could get them back as we descended.<br />
The descent was LONG. I was in no mans land by myself. I had no idea if I was going fast or not as there was NOBODY around. And then just before I got to the road I saw it...my carrot. I chased. I pushed so hard on the double track and entered the last little bit of single track on third places wheel. She slowed and I got into her rear wheel and I thought that was it. But just then she bobbled and I was able to get around. Third place by seconds for me. Ahh....<br />
And Chris had good races at each of these event too. That makes it even sweeter. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-80033415536783187882015-05-23T14:14:00.003-06:002015-05-23T14:14:56.957-06:00It is here. On Saturday I got this box. I have been waiting a long time for it and was super excited. It was a long day of putting it together (Chris did most to all of it). <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxr79Tb10qSspi9t-zwZJJcBnk2eU__-_SPW4LJX56XegVAHuPrZcR8PNeaC_ctDrVh3pOfzMtFwUenR5qjaZZP58MIYNyodCQh50G_nuoNqPX-1GKQNIQo2cdPcPkvR-fOlmq7w/s1600/IMG_0672%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxr79Tb10qSspi9t-zwZJJcBnk2eU__-_SPW4LJX56XegVAHuPrZcR8PNeaC_ctDrVh3pOfzMtFwUenR5qjaZZP58MIYNyodCQh50G_nuoNqPX-1GKQNIQo2cdPcPkvR-fOlmq7w/s320/IMG_0672%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The long awaited box</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The result was this. We will be making some slight changes on the accessories, but this was just so I could ride it in Moab that Monday. It handled the dirt and rocks like a pro. I felt super smooth and in control. I did go through the FIVE inches of plush travel on occasion. Chris asked about how it felt on the small bumps...I didn't even feel them. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PY-RHeaopew3sKHz8kIfLKM1G4mdsoDKmBrWdew05dYaUXkrSl0NVHq3V_JRpW85YYz0jGSGrx0g2fusnA1-n6KXnPDRyVAAKUKJBEtVdbbmRmsrsN5YTBPchyphenhyphendGryH0rLxJKw/s1600/IMG_0676%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PY-RHeaopew3sKHz8kIfLKM1G4mdsoDKmBrWdew05dYaUXkrSl0NVHq3V_JRpW85YYz0jGSGrx0g2fusnA1-n6KXnPDRyVAAKUKJBEtVdbbmRmsrsN5YTBPchyphenhyphendGryH0rLxJKw/s320/IMG_0676%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It has been hard to find the right window to ride these days. I did get out for a glorious ride from home. This was a view on one of the peaks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFhyphenhypheniZ7SVAxEAO6Fhyphenhypheng2yYt-CkMaHRUoFnAmihQ_fWICZa0GHvitdYMr2lr0qy5BkMMiKALVlfs5ms6PbhIjJPzWR5BaYmZrASjLwmNPmbwZSX4VU2Aap3S7mncQkOebKoeewCw/s1600/IMG_0688%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFhyphenhypheniZ7SVAxEAO6Fhyphenhypheng2yYt-CkMaHRUoFnAmihQ_fWICZa0GHvitdYMr2lr0qy5BkMMiKALVlfs5ms6PbhIjJPzWR5BaYmZrASjLwmNPmbwZSX4VU2Aap3S7mncQkOebKoeewCw/s320/IMG_0688%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And I was able to sell my Element. This was with mixed emotions. I really liked it. I was grateful for the money, but it left a bit of emptiness in my heart. I am thinking that will be filled with my Thunderbolt though. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxEgRQ5FVLQdHk3QUIBQeEgsFRxqUN1oYRWiGDQyIjw9dtLaxP25oEEBZpv0hwqVjsUkhMiObX0OaieiBXB5a-uQxIxHa0Zfy6wwQdOJziudAdmv07w6y92ssfxMwlPrJPySW7g/s1600/IMG_0662%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxEgRQ5FVLQdHk3QUIBQeEgsFRxqUN1oYRWiGDQyIjw9dtLaxP25oEEBZpv0hwqVjsUkhMiObX0OaieiBXB5a-uQxIxHa0Zfy6wwQdOJziudAdmv07w6y92ssfxMwlPrJPySW7g/s320/IMG_0662%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-17594553265383293922015-05-11T06:44:00.001-06:002015-05-11T06:44:36.921-06:00Mesa Verde (SURPRISE) MudderOkay, I will be honest, I really don't know what a tough mudder is. I have not done any research on this, but none the less I whole heartedly believe I that I was thrown into a twisted version of one. <br />
The 12 Hours of Mesa Verde weekend started like we expected. We arrived and rode the course. It was wet and tacky. It sprinkled on us a little bit but the course really handled the moisture well. We had checked the weather the night before we went to bed. It looked like the worse of the weather was over and the next day was going to be pure delight on a fast, fast course.<br />
The pre-race meeting confirmed our expectations. The directors said the course should be great. Weather looked promising. Everything was a go.<br />
Chris headed out. I did my thing getting ready, but it started to snow and get cold. I made some last minute attire changes dressing more warmly than I previously planned. Chris came in second place just behind the leader. He is so fast at these things. I went out hopeful.<br />
I took some time to get a feel for the course as it was really wet. Chris and I discussed riding smart, so I did not want to blow it my messing up myself or my bike due to a slick trail. I knew I was riding slow. I finally took off my glasses and could see again. I sped up a bit. Things were going ok. I was wet, but not really cold. I got through Tuffy Rim which should be the end of the hard stuff. Now it was time for the fun.<br />
Fun did NOT happen. The fun sections turned to muddy, clay messes. I spent the last three to four miles on and off my now 35-40 pound bike. I had to stop and clean it multiple times; the mud just stuck and nothing was moving. I pushed my bike up hills. I pushed it down hills. The mud would accumulate around my bottom bracket and push my chain off the chain ring. It was an absolute mess. I was a mess. The mud made everything cold.<br />
My longest lap ever at MV had no redeeming value until it was over. They essentially called the race during my lap. They reassessed a couple of hours later but decided the trail could not take the moisture they had unexpectedly received. I guess we were lucky as our 12 hours of MV turned into 3 hours, but other teams only made it a little over an hour. And many individuals never even raced their bikes. <br />
So if a Tough Mudder is slugging around in the mud going through obstacles (i.e. carrying a bike up and down slick trails), yes I have done one. I think I would like it better if I was prepared.<br />
Of note, I have nothing but respect for the directors of the 12 Hours of Mesa Verde. They made logical and wise decisions in the heat of the battle. Kudos for sure. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-77874457384872104802015-05-01T13:57:00.000-06:002015-05-11T13:58:13.985-06:006 Hours of Frog HollowI was so excited that Chris felt that he could race. I was really nervous/apprehensive for him though. I hoped that he and his shoulder would feel good and that he wouldn't be frustrated with either. After his first lap (coming in first) my worries were lessened. He was so fast all day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuTpu5jmLHYOmtu5Xp0I6O2M2-XKJPpz7qJxc6yHcoZ5m0btCP1pSUkHtMx7A9X0vpowOy2nFSHpJ2qiDG0m3S7HxkYcPT-utP9MdpXGntAaDt45RM5t8NsnWmqovzqCgm3dzEA/s1600/6+Hr+Frog+Chris1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuTpu5jmLHYOmtu5Xp0I6O2M2-XKJPpz7qJxc6yHcoZ5m0btCP1pSUkHtMx7A9X0vpowOy2nFSHpJ2qiDG0m3S7HxkYcPT-utP9MdpXGntAaDt45RM5t8NsnWmqovzqCgm3dzEA/s320/6+Hr+Frog+Chris1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyyloVMn7-SNos5xbPzK1NcwWW6kE3awwkR3OqgzLS4Ph9xCmwyahwniBjbfZQQdAdMvegpNhEYUb1By_tiQjjRWLFhUx7-WylUNOwW3R4Kk_xZtGKccNFt3RUMJYH10lRK96fA/s1600/6+Hr+Frog+KC2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyyloVMn7-SNos5xbPzK1NcwWW6kE3awwkR3OqgzLS4Ph9xCmwyahwniBjbfZQQdAdMvegpNhEYUb1By_tiQjjRWLFhUx7-WylUNOwW3R4Kk_xZtGKccNFt3RUMJYH10lRK96fA/s320/6+Hr+Frog+KC2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
I on the other hand did not perform so well. It is time to lighten up. <br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-25657509451599605522015-04-20T06:02:00.000-06:002015-05-08T06:06:59.144-06:00Moab Thaw<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The Moab Thaw was the inaugural ICUP EXC race. Thus it was
longer, around 40 miles or so. The other really, really cool thing
about it was the location--Moab. Moab is known for mountain biking but
not so much for mountain bike racing. I believe this event can change
that. The course was great, relentless, but great.<br />
I still have quite a bit of work to do, but felt good about my performance. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTHvIWRoxTI2oKDGiBQmSxzOEIkYUpW9ME37qliLuFBBnf33ULBugbf5NipumkbVlN-8OTKRaCaTiTcMYnxVkIEZrkLCOa_J7IgXqmyeETWAR8FljncSfgLwXnSQaOnjmELZbuw/s1600/moab+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTHvIWRoxTI2oKDGiBQmSxzOEIkYUpW9ME37qliLuFBBnf33ULBugbf5NipumkbVlN-8OTKRaCaTiTcMYnxVkIEZrkLCOa_J7IgXqmyeETWAR8FljncSfgLwXnSQaOnjmELZbuw/s320/moab+5.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7eJXWT5yfiovCJhcDdmocB2br7BMQut1koiAiDbNv6YSD3uQtzC_WBvd1WidJE51vwchm5NZP2C3u5E5BQ6i3yIt050KR2yqoZInlWdr2vAfd0b7Fej3CQuZTOx_Hwwqirvk3g/s1600/moab.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7eJXWT5yfiovCJhcDdmocB2br7BMQut1koiAiDbNv6YSD3uQtzC_WBvd1WidJE51vwchm5NZP2C3u5E5BQ6i3yIt050KR2yqoZInlWdr2vAfd0b7Fej3CQuZTOx_Hwwqirvk3g/s320/moab.png" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-6jCTAaKvypF3rZ38jnSNAuE6M39Y6cVai7dQvzF26GUZY9mKFC9Ioha1akGIscp3wjwtHPZgQ71hCQQY0nR8GqbBGqu1XTlbXFCCIMz29bBWT1xClyVKQNYJ46bayp0VP5TFQ/s1600/moab+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-6jCTAaKvypF3rZ38jnSNAuE6M39Y6cVai7dQvzF26GUZY9mKFC9Ioha1akGIscp3wjwtHPZgQ71hCQQY0nR8GqbBGqu1XTlbXFCCIMz29bBWT1xClyVKQNYJ46bayp0VP5TFQ/s320/moab+3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfKFwqg4v8RZniuFKZtoEvhLND0MUJAoU_MPsICWTeJE-NX3pz74-xQpDC0cWaxC_tzTFGSsNbNAXBRVfEkvU_Ix9KIcJNnAfZzB-8ioCt4A3y4pCTn6Af8H5G9Kt-kvzc-UqWQ/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfKFwqg4v8RZniuFKZtoEvhLND0MUJAoU_MPsICWTeJE-NX3pz74-xQpDC0cWaxC_tzTFGSsNbNAXBRVfEkvU_Ix9KIcJNnAfZzB-8ioCt4A3y4pCTn6Af8H5G9Kt-kvzc-UqWQ/s320/Picture1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvR9V9odw9UwUR6Aow2R0yaSYm8kT8G89mD_PdlILbh6Taff1tFSccWRW2LAki3i0xDlpYiuvob_xS95k7lg4fsBC44Xu2MMyna7AFjxL1J3JRWuuWYazZicoCLVWn-yH0N5-4nQ/s1600/moab+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvR9V9odw9UwUR6Aow2R0yaSYm8kT8G89mD_PdlILbh6Taff1tFSccWRW2LAki3i0xDlpYiuvob_xS95k7lg4fsBC44Xu2MMyna7AFjxL1J3JRWuuWYazZicoCLVWn-yH0N5-4nQ/s320/moab+2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsKeTZzkRP3_jdsW95DpewWZ5D4osrxjwCId3NhT57JEtMZ4hyphenhyphen8NQEWUJE3-wjhMUh35l5atgWKSjXR5a6rhec7MC-qhA_nhaY6sxbbgys1xtFnNdVAAT7mt8jN16-xtXGznLIA/s1600/moab+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsKeTZzkRP3_jdsW95DpewWZ5D4osrxjwCId3NhT57JEtMZ4hyphenhyphen8NQEWUJE3-wjhMUh35l5atgWKSjXR5a6rhec7MC-qhA_nhaY6sxbbgys1xtFnNdVAAT7mt8jN16-xtXGznLIA/s320/moab+4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-57189374286290907682015-03-17T06:28:00.000-06:002015-03-23T06:29:20.073-06:00Redemption Finally.I finally, finally finished True Grit. What a relief. I was so nervous as this finish has escaped me both times I have attempted. This year everything was better though...and the times show it. The weather was ideal. The trails were awesome--let's just say Stucki Springs was not an absolute chore. And my bike stayed together, tires and all.<br />
The start was a bit sketchy as we took off with the guys. And I get anxious in a peleton so the first couple of miles on the road were not my favorite. Once we got on the dirt it was better, but it got really dusty until we hit the Green Valley race course. Then things seemed to calm down. By that time though I had no idea where I was in the group. I knew there were three maybe more girls ahead of me. So I just rode.<br />
I did have to warn a few guys that I was going to be riding sections and they were pretty good about getting out of my way which was nice. Chris prepped me beforehand though reminding me that if I did not have a clear line on sections it is better to walk than ride them. I lucked out and got to ride everything I wanted.<br />
I do feel as though I blasphemed Zen. I just felt like I cheated when the course took us around the waterfall section. I understand why it done, but it just did not seem right to me on a personal level.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEyucLDudt7Y4uiuVCzlWFSl3VlYaBzdYFwQemCiVnjsbZe4AF6hJyoh3rx-g6aCxya29hzD7Qyoa4626l-MxdJHvdd2FYWYvWsbjGu-WeWGa2bL_1GW0zR6nnd_n-xhCocLPqA/s1600/Tru+Grit+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEyucLDudt7Y4uiuVCzlWFSl3VlYaBzdYFwQemCiVnjsbZe4AF6hJyoh3rx-g6aCxya29hzD7Qyoa4626l-MxdJHvdd2FYWYvWsbjGu-WeWGa2bL_1GW0zR6nnd_n-xhCocLPqA/s1600/Tru+Grit+1.png" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
As I stated Stucki Springs was not so bad this year. There was hardly any wind and nor dust. It was pavement-esque. This made it (seem) much faster. I always love climbing Rim Runner and was elated to climb back over the gate with air still in my tires. All I had to do then was Barrel Roll and back. I was so nervous at this point. All I could think about was keeping it together and ride smooth. Barrel Roll is scary to race. You can just see so many people and it is nearly impossible to tell if they are coming or going as the trail wraps around and around.<br />
Finally, I was on the road back to the start/finish. Again, I was sure there were riders behind me about to pick me off. So I pushed and pushed. Excited to be all but done, but riding scared at the same time. And then I saw the final corner, family cheering, and I was done. Completely done. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-50230583531955624292015-03-09T07:08:00.003-06:002015-03-09T07:08:33.019-06:00Let it beginMy race season has started; the first ICUP MTB race was this weekend. Honestly, I did not have very high expectations. I spent the week prior traveling abroad so my schedule, diet, training and the like were all different. I had tried to put in a big block of riding so I could go into my travels tired. I also tried very hard to "train" while I traveled. This can sometimes be difficult as I am a bike snob.<br />
<br />
The "bikes" to which I had access were uncomfortable at best. The seat
was enormous so standing up was difficult. In fact, I had to drop the
seat down in order to comfortably be out of the saddle. Staying in the
saddle was equally uncomfortable as the adjustments made the seat height
either a bit too high or a bit too low. Luckily, I had trouble
sleeping. The early waking allowed time (and motivation) to hit the gym. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmaqrDNgVnMA_NpyMoULMpc6ZwSGvW2vBqiqHdtpcZtxRbeZpgHqztuBHkjxMFpzMRSqGGPr4d7Plyfy3VpL5JO-t_k0cevZAtml0_aoU-SEBtz1hPR02GTBMV2KNVqElDTmFqg/s1600/IMG_0501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmaqrDNgVnMA_NpyMoULMpc6ZwSGvW2vBqiqHdtpcZtxRbeZpgHqztuBHkjxMFpzMRSqGGPr4d7Plyfy3VpL5JO-t_k0cevZAtml0_aoU-SEBtz1hPR02GTBMV2KNVqElDTmFqg/s1600/IMG_0501.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost a bike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I got home on Friday after 5 pm. I had to unpack, pack again, pack for another, clean up from the travel funk, and get to bed so we could get up early and head down to St. George. I did not expect to do well. This weekend was more about next weekend than anything else. I figured getting hard effort in would help prepare for the long race I have scheduled. I lined up on the second row and as Chris said after the race, I did not have a good start. After a little bit though I started to reel in some individuals. There was a lot of back and forth for third, fourth and fifth place. I ended up in fourth quite pleased with my effort and outcome.<br />
<br />
I was also very lucky to avoid getting taken out by a rider at the very end. A competitor had just gotten around him. I realized that he had a completely flat front tire. I alerted him I was approaching and started to go around him. Just as I did his front washed out and he went down. I felt badly and wondered for a moment if I should stop. I didn't though and was able to pass the competitor just before the end capitalizing on the fact that she made a mistake. I was completely spent by the end. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO2FP2Fhbyci6xoSp-3DxQKf9uHXLQNy05fEJ16XkxPYOYSuiQebhSBZdd5Y8KJmvSalMs29Y-SE0qSHF7tvON8fTodiRedY6EW_Y_Pd_1YuUw7ersC-hSUHCciQNgQqTg6Ngwg/s1600/March+St.+G+ICUP+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO2FP2Fhbyci6xoSp-3DxQKf9uHXLQNy05fEJ16XkxPYOYSuiQebhSBZdd5Y8KJmvSalMs29Y-SE0qSHF7tvON8fTodiRedY6EW_Y_Pd_1YuUw7ersC-hSUHCciQNgQqTg6Ngwg/s1600/March+St.+G+ICUP+(1).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Cred: Zep Tittensor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-EasPlmWSYkeaoS13uYv-5Qw0s_VVQQOf4SXTJUbeazjytISvgwqMLmP70Ro21caYRrEwmdS8rluyougOgsy0ccfFqULY6N_GQMFKuLFXO03KBXOxQyrSoGRHWt1XNs_7ZBCUw/s1600/March+St.+G+ICUP+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-EasPlmWSYkeaoS13uYv-5Qw0s_VVQQOf4SXTJUbeazjytISvgwqMLmP70Ro21caYRrEwmdS8rluyougOgsy0ccfFqULY6N_GQMFKuLFXO03KBXOxQyrSoGRHWt1XNs_7ZBCUw/s1600/March+St.+G+ICUP+(2).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Cred: Zep Tittensor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Travel photos<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuqnkkxMbVR9q_lt0Sp3f9ZZAOXaxrjg362M4U6CJGLadIXe0NCxDC_1oj0hB-hrSvEx1oEigJ6-OTB0Zm355UaL46tYd30R3MoOo_Ks4hMoZ4QF_9LlGrcDiBriHU3AFlfRECw/s1600/IMG_0502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuqnkkxMbVR9q_lt0Sp3f9ZZAOXaxrjg362M4U6CJGLadIXe0NCxDC_1oj0hB-hrSvEx1oEigJ6-OTB0Zm355UaL46tYd30R3MoOo_Ks4hMoZ4QF_9LlGrcDiBriHU3AFlfRECw/s1600/IMG_0502.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shanghai in the morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzH1U53r0RkKCBYhzWg5tvzVvikpympTXIkWrxFsXIgmM2znIOgfU2zVO9KGLZwGCBirew7KIrKzrpzxxo2aIO7W37eu-Mxl5QEz_G8j3PhDDgLLlN7-k0nRLvsw1yDIqx5F9JcQ/s1600/IMG_0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzH1U53r0RkKCBYhzWg5tvzVvikpympTXIkWrxFsXIgmM2znIOgfU2zVO9KGLZwGCBirew7KIrKzrpzxxo2aIO7W37eu-Mxl5QEz_G8j3PhDDgLLlN7-k0nRLvsw1yDIqx5F9JcQ/s1600/IMG_0503.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-XBH2-NO2bJfmywkwmZk_vkYyogkl49NsicEQQhXsg2Plf3L0DiLKoDYGSVql0EQUW-so72u3cIcIeMehm6dG_Mwm-8r2MKeLbU2cxG7cvcS8EEy5PAbPwq4UN2H1y7jiOv6JQ/s1600/IMG_0504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-XBH2-NO2bJfmywkwmZk_vkYyogkl49NsicEQQhXsg2Plf3L0DiLKoDYGSVql0EQUW-so72u3cIcIeMehm6dG_Mwm-8r2MKeLbU2cxG7cvcS8EEy5PAbPwq4UN2H1y7jiOv6JQ/s1600/IMG_0504.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shanghai Innovation Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQX_XOXGndvD8bdhZyRxNYGflxIyfcSeRr4FDrT3oNvxjMP6-zjv7aU8BHcRAF_x2bkzhOUdHu-td_qIAiW1ny4GeZ2C6yFzdxTml_l8znSbc9b76M_N3-S-zz49ZruEkF27_W5A/s1600/IMG_0506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQX_XOXGndvD8bdhZyRxNYGflxIyfcSeRr4FDrT3oNvxjMP6-zjv7aU8BHcRAF_x2bkzhOUdHu-td_qIAiW1ny4GeZ2C6yFzdxTml_l8znSbc9b76M_N3-S-zz49ZruEkF27_W5A/s1600/IMG_0506.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shanghai at night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdT9AMridyutXy8HwmhCMzx7mMEClBJSNfIrDcz6g5WRR9WFev6Sgj6An0YNQ0U9CA0L2JDwcqh2Lg2Ia_FgZxFqS5ISUdhaOdlATO5lw7_3GvQtHU3-hnVp5-keedPSczmu71_Q/s1600/IMG_0507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdT9AMridyutXy8HwmhCMzx7mMEClBJSNfIrDcz6g5WRR9WFev6Sgj6An0YNQ0U9CA0L2JDwcqh2Lg2Ia_FgZxFqS5ISUdhaOdlATO5lw7_3GvQtHU3-hnVp5-keedPSczmu71_Q/s1600/IMG_0507.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dZ63iGRwaeoFXT34E_zMlbaEuGFIRj3gDqTNdia4VzA08XlwUMTTi7eDeJH4zGjB68zwOEZYN1umoqbmPqpxdaDiEtTubwVI44P7PlNSyNTutSJzALVuTWBpFl_wBGJDvD0gmw/s1600/IMG_0510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dZ63iGRwaeoFXT34E_zMlbaEuGFIRj3gDqTNdia4VzA08XlwUMTTi7eDeJH4zGjB68zwOEZYN1umoqbmPqpxdaDiEtTubwVI44P7PlNSyNTutSJzALVuTWBpFl_wBGJDvD0gmw/s1600/IMG_0510.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No trumpeting?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-91700229071163821652015-03-01T13:21:00.001-07:002015-03-01T13:21:44.291-07:00This whole blogging thing is much more difficult these days. I can remember when it was easy to get out for rides and the issue was being over trained as opposed to under trained. As Chris says I should be getting 12 hours in the saddle per week, I am pretty shy of that.<br />
I try to make my rides count though. The weather has been cooperative for the most part. It may be the best February ever. I have had a bit of bad luck here and there though. The trip to St. George where I did not ride. It started raining mid ride or it would snow--on both these occasions though I waited through it and the weather turned delightful. <br />
<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbO5-5vk7TK0Gzi0GTisZGhOKIsqlg34g1bpODATx5eXcKSwYNpntzzSuHPJ14FvFslV9COoB8fS0SKUvZ1sUg1wNCTvetvf4mYJ68nV08lajUBj-5kA6vZn0zhcYxlbHAEQN8Q/s1600/IMG_0464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbO5-5vk7TK0Gzi0GTisZGhOKIsqlg34g1bpODATx5eXcKSwYNpntzzSuHPJ14FvFslV9COoB8fS0SKUvZ1sUg1wNCTvetvf4mYJ68nV08lajUBj-5kA6vZn0zhcYxlbHAEQN8Q/s1600/IMG_0464.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain coming down at Slate Canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Every once in a while I go out for an easy ride to just spin the legs.
These used to be hard to do because I would always end up pushing too
hard. Now they are easier. I just bring a lil' friend with me and
cruise.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZEQl6-h_HJfYMGE3djX-g2akDQ-IThMZVI4j7atIWjYx4CZjbrg0gQvYY_pcWxl0N8BjUkkwLvgp0iO-T0MEV6th6uKtgQaxXtky1gOhiHgp9EDKsf2xvXYQQi17VsJRlPdnZA/s1600/IMG_0463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZEQl6-h_HJfYMGE3djX-g2akDQ-IThMZVI4j7atIWjYx4CZjbrg0gQvYY_pcWxl0N8BjUkkwLvgp0iO-T0MEV6th6uKtgQaxXtky1gOhiHgp9EDKsf2xvXYQQi17VsJRlPdnZA/s1600/IMG_0463.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I did have the opportunity to ride Camp Lynda. It was 90 plus miles in two days as day three was a rain out for me. It was kinda like the old days but Chris wasn't there so not quite as good. <br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-51214757909422645992015-01-12T06:37:00.002-07:002015-01-12T06:37:57.164-07:00Trip SuccessIt can sometimes be difficult to know if a trip was worth it. Does traveling some 250 plus miles to ride bikes make sense? Sometimes it seems much more worthwhile than others.<br />
We did it this weekend. Chris and I each rode about six hours or so in the Green Valley and Santa Clara areas. Chris seems to believe that having someone to ride with is part of making it worthwhile, so when he heard he could have a riding partner he was game to make the trip. Personally, I do prefer to ride with someone--I just think it is safer--but I don't find it a necessity.<br />
I was lucky and a friend joined me for a bit and then I rode on my own. I was able to hit Zen, the race course, Barrel Cacti, all the Rim trails, Barrel Roll, Sidewinder and Suicidal. <br />
It would have been nice to hit some of the Hurricane stuff. I was thinking Church Rocks, Prospector, etc, but it did not work. None the less, I thought is was a good trip.<br />
Then I saw a token polygamous. Trip success. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-59541089453848612972015-01-05T07:25:00.001-07:002015-01-05T07:25:05.216-07:00New Year's Resolution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4tpQ6gs_lKvQJUNprZ59lMyv6kk2HWpAmB7M-85bn8_9wlKTcH99XfJgbU7o6LKXfU6fkHtt0BDkn77OpI7lwSu5ydRPfsi-kpLhdQpY20HlT-aEqBO9V0TwKK6uw9nTkmuOXg/s1600/happy-new-year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4tpQ6gs_lKvQJUNprZ59lMyv6kk2HWpAmB7M-85bn8_9wlKTcH99XfJgbU7o6LKXfU6fkHtt0BDkn77OpI7lwSu5ydRPfsi-kpLhdQpY20HlT-aEqBO9V0TwKK6uw9nTkmuOXg/s1600/happy-new-year.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
One of my New Year's Resolutions is to start keeping this blog updated again. The past year was tough trying to juggle everything. Hopefully, this year will be better. So this is my comeback. <br />
<br />
Last year I was disappointed in my performances. I think it is because I had unrealistic expectations. None the less, it made training and competing hard. I felt better towards the end of the year, but still feel as like there is lots of room for improvement. I also hope to train enough to feel confident going into some endurance events. I have always enjoyed (relatively speaking) longer races. Last year I did not feel like I could train or was fit enough to enjoy these events and be competitive. That is what I am aiming to do this year.<br />
<br />
The plan...yes, I know I need a plan. I am still working on this. I know that I need to shed some poundage in order to be competitive. So to start of the year I have a diet plan--cutting out sugar and focusing on whole, real foods--to hopefully attain this portion of the goal.<br />
<br />
Last year I failed to focus on strength. In the past I would yoga as my strength/core training. I hope to return to this and need to also work some additional core training into my schedule. (Note to self: Do this.)<br />
<br />
The rest is just ride <b><i>and recover</i></b> as much as possible. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-37142716583274292022014-05-28T17:32:00.000-06:002014-06-02T01:32:50.141-06:00Draper ICUPI raced Sundance again and this time it was fun. I think I am getting faster. I am definitely not fast per se, but getting to the point that I am having more fun. (Everyone knows fast=fun, right?)<br />
Then I tried to take it easy over the weekend and raced on Monday (Memorial Day). There were nine pro women, NINE! That is a lot for our little series. Several moved on up from Expert. I hope they liked it as they deserved to be there in my opinion...mostly because they are faster than I am.<br />
It was warm and the course was long. Most of it was pretty fun and I had a good time racing/riding my bike.<br />
I started thinking about Memorial Day though. Maybe it is because I don't do any real memorializing on this day and I feel guilty, but could we (and I don't necessarily know who "we" is) do more. I know it is the Stan Crane Memorial Race, but I don't know who Stan Crane is/was. I have been racing the series for years and I have never heard a thing about him. We don't really memorialize him during the race. There is no moment of silence for him or anything. So what if during this race, we actually made it a Memorial. Racers could select riders for whom they are riding. Racers or friends who have passed--most of knew or remember <a href="http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/racing/Scrapbook12-patrickmcknight.htm" target="_blank">Patrick McKinght</a>. Or service people. Anyone really. Those names could be put on stickers and placed on number plates, helmets, or someplace. Then conversations could start about those we have lost.<br />
I don't know it is just an idea that came to me as I was suffering during this race. I thought I would put it "out there". <br />
Here are some photos from the race thanks to the Powers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-keGm2fY_tt2S35MpX6YhsNDfSK-LYXjV2tosut8esVxdZF_e3XFDbVCHt1dp8rMBENgH__eZ0DkR5Rk1zwOKy1vB4Z8QWF-Bbcyt7C3vkrlmUeU6z4rRf-0jgjN8Fxxc52r3g/s1600/draper+chris+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-keGm2fY_tt2S35MpX6YhsNDfSK-LYXjV2tosut8esVxdZF_e3XFDbVCHt1dp8rMBENgH__eZ0DkR5Rk1zwOKy1vB4Z8QWF-Bbcyt7C3vkrlmUeU6z4rRf-0jgjN8Fxxc52r3g/s1600/draper+chris+1.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqwJQJe0HZ5GEl-zhE8YeejmHCbh2iabyomdCAEP1APVHqYwj4l0u_fgNZrC9G5y5rjYYCOyBr9zIN7YIsHlqUy6XdqUWAYqwD2mGZgCLjHs4F_yh1komK9PbAt1UPvkwfi0-Dg/s1600/Draper+Chris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqwJQJe0HZ5GEl-zhE8YeejmHCbh2iabyomdCAEP1APVHqYwj4l0u_fgNZrC9G5y5rjYYCOyBr9zIN7YIsHlqUy6XdqUWAYqwD2mGZgCLjHs4F_yh1komK9PbAt1UPvkwfi0-Dg/s1600/Draper+Chris.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_C1I7ryDIQbKH4MDDDmmAgegXXsFYMsub-MJzdwhk5bUlHwVYM4-vy8XmVj6Ut-f4DTxl1OxcOZS7_pdYMZhdPd_hV7FZ0fF6c87HEqPNSOs551U-5EqpbF2TOm5vrMYDSEvD9Q/s1600/draper+KC+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_C1I7ryDIQbKH4MDDDmmAgegXXsFYMsub-MJzdwhk5bUlHwVYM4-vy8XmVj6Ut-f4DTxl1OxcOZS7_pdYMZhdPd_hV7FZ0fF6c87HEqPNSOs551U-5EqpbF2TOm5vrMYDSEvD9Q/s1600/draper+KC+1.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVOgpYjIJdd4G1gaskIgz2lLkqbkVE2ogteI2rFhwjb45PTe1DITTfJV03GJpXf91h4fcQU8k9vxE_-G3UaSWVnbsXgxUUlPZmrMCGpMBcUE07b8nagHgVCW1_fyBf6vswb9BDg/s1600/draper+KC+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVOgpYjIJdd4G1gaskIgz2lLkqbkVE2ogteI2rFhwjb45PTe1DITTfJV03GJpXf91h4fcQU8k9vxE_-G3UaSWVnbsXgxUUlPZmrMCGpMBcUE07b8nagHgVCW1_fyBf6vswb9BDg/s1600/draper+KC+2.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnj3blG7ffPkB6gAGY17cqD1cP-p1Jov0b4vI6s5B7rzgGUDZOqB1t4TA83zkMfyPJcR2K8Xea9LNMumj4YziWCwf5gajNOahjFUZGs1D2v3RaXT5XZrMdUcTVVEDntlYopapng/s1600/draper+KC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnj3blG7ffPkB6gAGY17cqD1cP-p1Jov0b4vI6s5B7rzgGUDZOqB1t4TA83zkMfyPJcR2K8Xea9LNMumj4YziWCwf5gajNOahjFUZGs1D2v3RaXT5XZrMdUcTVVEDntlYopapng/s1600/draper+KC.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-51118859009721309192014-05-13T10:47:00.000-06:002014-05-17T10:50:48.811-06:00The Difference a Few Days MakesI had an epic breakdown. It was bad. I kept thinking about <a href="http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbikecom/featured-stories/willow-koerber-rockwell-retires-racing" target="_blank">Willow</a> and totally understood why she decided what she did. It is just so hard balancing everything and then there is work on top of training. I struggle balancing caloric and macronutrient needs while trying to get my shape and fitness back.<br />
I raced Wednesday and it was a mess. I know I did not eat well that day of the race. I may still have needed some recovery also from our Moab trip. None the less, Sundance wasn't fun. Sundance is always fun...always. I came home and told Chris I quit.<br />
I tried to find him a partner for Mesa Verde but he finally came back and said he did not wanted to race it without me. If I wasn't going to race neither would he. Ugh! I said I would race then.<br />
I decided that I would not focus on pushing hard on my laps. I instead try to focus on riding smooth. Smooth riding would equal quick laps and spare my energy to ensure I could make it through the event. I was apprehensive about putting in my half of the 12 hours.<br />
I had lots to do in between laps. Chris was throwing down fast times around 75 minutes. That did not leave me with much time to do the normal bike maintenance, fuel, relax, and the needed "personal time". After my third lap, I was exhausted. I just wanted to sit in a chair surrounded by food and eat. I knew we would be cutting it really, really close to get nine laps.<br />
On my fourth lap, I still try to focus on smoothness but I knew I needed to push some too. It was getting super close to the cut off and I thought I might make it back in time for Chris to go out. I didn't though. I was a few minutes late. We only got eight laps.<br />
My lap times were not impressive by any means, but they were fairly consistent and quick-ish considering. I did feel much better about myself and riding. It really was what I needed. And being surrounded by great friends also helped soothe my soul for sure. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-56142841726063517612014-05-04T12:25:00.000-06:002014-05-04T12:25:02.036-06:00We WinChris and I took a quick day trip to Moab this week. We hit up the Amasa Back and Moab Brand areas. There is apparently more new stuff out by Sovereign called "Klonzo". We did not have time to do it, but Chris had heard of it previously. I was a bit surprised and delighted that there is more to explore. It dawned on me, Moab and St. George seem to be in a race or competition to have the best mountain biking. I am not sure who is winning besides us as mountain bikers.<br />
The <a href="http://weeklyraceseries.com/" target="_blank">weekly mountain bike races</a> started this week and I am way stoked to be able to do these this year. The first one was on some new trails cut at Euclid with lots of switch backs up and down. It was a bit loose, typical of new trails, but lots of fun. The lap was short so I had to count to five which was hard when self starving for oxygen. They shook up the categories so I was pretty far out of the points. I am hoping to get faster and start accumulating points more quickly.<br />
The trails were super tacky early this week too. It was so, so nice. I am always surprised how quickly they dry out. They were pretty loose again this weekend. But I am riding my bike so I can't complain too much. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-16899491911056234082014-04-23T17:22:00.000-06:002014-04-26T17:23:11.572-06:00Six Hours of Frog Hollow<br />
We visited "Frog Town" on Friday night. We both Chris and I wanted to get in a ride. I mostly wanted to see the new stuff. So I just did a quick half lap cutting out almost all the dirt road climb and the fun fast descent ending up at the Virgin River Trailhead. I did the new stuff and headed back. Chris did an entire lap and was gone for-ev-er. He got back not much before dark. I did get to hang out and say hi to some friends though which was fun. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6eauFZDamdYNIYTX7mfLm9tVgt6n7ZV20OeMqR3-S6uwbBNkXV6kdoZhwef6buoncvg4J9Xmnxh8NvnI1LP7XNRqpF_Aqq74a73xerc5YB4nVa_mS0AKVWzhReABdyQ9s35g9Q/s1600/sunset.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6eauFZDamdYNIYTX7mfLm9tVgt6n7ZV20OeMqR3-S6uwbBNkXV6kdoZhwef6buoncvg4J9Xmnxh8NvnI1LP7XNRqpF_Aqq74a73xerc5YB4nVa_mS0AKVWzhReABdyQ9s35g9Q/s1600/sunset.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Cred Jamie Rees see <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Author>Marco A SantaMaria V</o:Author>
<o:Version>14.00</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><span style="color: #888888; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://jamesreesart.com/" target="_blank">http://jamesreesart.com</a></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Day of was a bit more choatic than normal. Chris was getting ready to start per the usual. I was trying to help him as I could. He went out for a blazing fast first lap coming in first in a mere 47 minutes. I then went out. My first lap did not go so well. I slid out and went down on the road. My handle bars flipped around pulling my lock out cable from my fork. I thought my front end would be unlocked and super squishy the whole time, but instead the front end felt crazy stiff. Ryan helped me fix it (or more like I helped Ryan fix it) and my second lap felt much better than my first. <br />
<br />
Because the course was different it was hard to know what constituted a fast time. I thought I was pretty quick, but after seeing times...not so much. But then I compared them to my <a href="http://holleyriding.blogspot.com/2013/11/more-ridingand-racing.html" target="_blank">25 hour</a> times six months earlier and they seemed better.<br />
<br />
I still have alot to do. Given the situation I thought the day went pretty well. I look forward to the time when our "support" can actually support as opposed to being a simple baton. But she was really pretty good all day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1EHHjIKydOZZ7ul4kH5tkxtJjBhoBrkpv_6pu7VtpmzUahyFI_IoQfzJ8lhwmj6UwUyB0o_g1f26gODUWL0SLLoLTJaD5BvMkJMmNUEYn6AyZLt03AUovrblvJdbhSc8JBINXg/s1600/6+hrs+frog+hollow+Chris1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1EHHjIKydOZZ7ul4kH5tkxtJjBhoBrkpv_6pu7VtpmzUahyFI_IoQfzJ8lhwmj6UwUyB0o_g1f26gODUWL0SLLoLTJaD5BvMkJMmNUEYn6AyZLt03AUovrblvJdbhSc8JBINXg/s1600/6+hrs+frog+hollow+Chris1.png" height="320" width="231" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESKJd6DYahqo7xpzKOMuPzWx8xOSOfvae6aMdVESShz4bTTe4FePplrgvIJntvYMpgdH0m459rW2qqqm4Ex0V7nNiBdtmU5v6aGATl2HZnASLExW5whdjyNMO5rqNIpzAuQJBqw/s1600/6+hrs+frog+hollow+chris.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESKJd6DYahqo7xpzKOMuPzWx8xOSOfvae6aMdVESShz4bTTe4FePplrgvIJntvYMpgdH0m459rW2qqqm4Ex0V7nNiBdtmU5v6aGATl2HZnASLExW5whdjyNMO5rqNIpzAuQJBqw/s1600/6+hrs+frog+hollow+chris.png" height="201" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPEqtqVQAgUjiUD3B68m_L4uJiMHQV4WlVJXojgrZsFdMkEyHLaLGtfPLsoutrOAWROvamkgm7E2evha5HNYUoNL8RoXKlBatUqx98alX1noqpwU0VPlnktIwpkGClmweiCc0ew/s1600/6+hrs+frog+hollow+kc1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPEqtqVQAgUjiUD3B68m_L4uJiMHQV4WlVJXojgrZsFdMkEyHLaLGtfPLsoutrOAWROvamkgm7E2evha5HNYUoNL8RoXKlBatUqx98alX1noqpwU0VPlnktIwpkGClmweiCc0ew/s1600/6+hrs+frog+hollow+kc1.png" height="320" width="302" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRQMTf0diKBuwocJy8FU8jO9XD0ohBqNNrLjYfCAJVnK0_JqorFIfTg3btijKiDsUL6NRSB63K_SXd1_f42jCV66Kw_s0GqbwOuwyd4gNxEC87KDC90-KyegdQAyh3n4bIX_A9A/s1600/6+hrs+frog+hollow+kc.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRQMTf0diKBuwocJy8FU8jO9XD0ohBqNNrLjYfCAJVnK0_JqorFIfTg3btijKiDsUL6NRSB63K_SXd1_f42jCV66Kw_s0GqbwOuwyd4gNxEC87KDC90-KyegdQAyh3n4bIX_A9A/s1600/6+hrs+frog+hollow+kc.png" height="201" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6eauFZDamdYNIYTX7mfLm9tVgt6n7ZV20OeMqR3-S6uwbBNkXV6kdoZhwef6buoncvg4J9Xmnxh8NvnI1LP7XNRqpF_Aqq74a73xerc5YB4nVa_mS0AKVWzhReABdyQ9s35g9Q/s1600/sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlY0oLpST1rgnITFDBPFpKW9A9_86jaOPk_B-j6qFFJwuUM26u3nVSOUi-kNzKSndBwQ7heaCQyHC6ERrZ2DynePh2PbQ_SJX_KNpirpW0q4S-4N7xsoI9pGswgB5JQNAGZnqmaA/s1600/6+hrs+frog+hollow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlY0oLpST1rgnITFDBPFpKW9A9_86jaOPk_B-j6qFFJwuUM26u3nVSOUi-kNzKSndBwQ7heaCQyHC6ERrZ2DynePh2PbQ_SJX_KNpirpW0q4S-4N7xsoI9pGswgB5JQNAGZnqmaA/s1600/6+hrs+frog+hollow.jpg" height="135" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo cred MTB Race News</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-44378253864098623002014-04-12T07:15:00.004-06:002014-04-12T07:15:54.460-06:00Missed A Race For This<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I usually love the early spring races as they are in St. George. It is fun to get out of Northern UT and soak up the sun while stretching the legs. Even though I am not as fast I had hoped I have still looked forward to these events. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I missed the second ICUP race for a little Australia instead. It seemed like a fair trade off. I left on Monday afternoon, lost Tuesday completely and arrived on Wednesday morning. The office set me up on an afternoon tour of Sydney. Here is what I saw. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I was in elementary school a picture of the Sydney Opera House was featured in one of my text books. I was enchanted and always wanted to visit. I still didn't get to actually visit it, but I did see it in person. It was beautiful. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFhNVCpcEA174DTZ1gWnhrdHG8xbjWoz91tSZ9DZyIwtLTmiXyowqlNw8RFaBmxuy5WBt_GZoGJJfYezvz7RwwniwhZ1k9BilDRsuig8MPDsrrSBTADa7hso5sJznwbzdDtSung/s1600/April+AU+(1).JPG" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7xAkCyWTiKOQBwFYcM_rdVvsWihtEoB1X37CeBpia4ulrGphXQAfiqXj40mzNb4evmRUPIQz-5qCtY0J0GaKWNb3wcWyav94AAViwmp8cZ0hUDqC6l-06BaAT9Rx1vC67XaBbA/s1600/April+AU+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7xAkCyWTiKOQBwFYcM_rdVvsWihtEoB1X37CeBpia4ulrGphXQAfiqXj40mzNb4evmRUPIQz-5qCtY0J0GaKWNb3wcWyav94AAViwmp8cZ0hUDqC6l-06BaAT9Rx1vC67XaBbA/s1600/April+AU+(2).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AU version of Alcatraz </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGxUsC2kXXtHF0vKOMsvKhJQRumV_CHqmKPbfFbmUep2sRocE3HdP_0oeDYSA4lR9QYHJcF8T1jfkJuH9kmXO1fMIsgh085ZYC9s5y4MhRDBkwt2SpF_mScFKtFa-W8lObLBFFw/s1600/April+AU+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGxUsC2kXXtHF0vKOMsvKhJQRumV_CHqmKPbfFbmUep2sRocE3HdP_0oeDYSA4lR9QYHJcF8T1jfkJuH9kmXO1fMIsgh085ZYC9s5y4MhRDBkwt2SpF_mScFKtFa-W8lObLBFFw/s1600/April+AU+(3).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilcVrPfTOlmfyWNl5j2lFSV9Dtdja5SZBNnprEOCCDB231M-iiyiod2jdR7xWWT2_FUQ8CGTr7ssmc4q3e1PO0IoV5bSbHwjekJ9UYtrPT4-ZZ7wmzT9AmfobLksUsyLFa93f1g/s1600/April+AU+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilcVrPfTOlmfyWNl5j2lFSV9Dtdja5SZBNnprEOCCDB231M-iiyiod2jdR7xWWT2_FUQ8CGTr7ssmc4q3e1PO0IoV5bSbHwjekJ9UYtrPT4-ZZ7wmzT9AmfobLksUsyLFa93f1g/s1600/April+AU+(4).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harbor Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDBbCwqbzJToGCoeWL8lTgUJmLnsIG9-OcQuugmghP226zxtlzgrexz45ueX1JgdIZFJmDMVxs8EgV8tqLA0maieddF2N1CuAf0Rb2tADQwIH_gD9Xuv275tpZmPkymfo7H_QFA/s1600/April+AU+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDBbCwqbzJToGCoeWL8lTgUJmLnsIG9-OcQuugmghP226zxtlzgrexz45ueX1JgdIZFJmDMVxs8EgV8tqLA0maieddF2N1CuAf0Rb2tADQwIH_gD9Xuv275tpZmPkymfo7H_QFA/s1600/April+AU+(5).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My shadow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz73tUc0tvURspUjXIlsgEDkpSzzpyQZd_ZB4tl51bgm2VD-YqI9-aHl_d8DBBMGp_FgyFpAvIET91k0F9zjrfdW35ivrYI0hrW1CWe1r0N96VQfwDxrkKNwNKSRQEuKw-qM-BRw/s1600/April+AU+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz73tUc0tvURspUjXIlsgEDkpSzzpyQZd_ZB4tl51bgm2VD-YqI9-aHl_d8DBBMGp_FgyFpAvIET91k0F9zjrfdW35ivrYI0hrW1CWe1r0N96VQfwDxrkKNwNKSRQEuKw-qM-BRw/s1600/April+AU+(6).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infamous Bondi Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GuCbzWMZC5dryg2UydmGTs-bZNgT8pPXfNc6dprgbjyr4eAZZH35-bhzUpWsTwFUVNMImOIBg1tSVUYgWaMrWtJVzGJJW4V3MeTmv05uAXnFrVCNj8fdYUaydLPLZF5XP3jVEw/s1600/April+AU+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GuCbzWMZC5dryg2UydmGTs-bZNgT8pPXfNc6dprgbjyr4eAZZH35-bhzUpWsTwFUVNMImOIBg1tSVUYgWaMrWtJVzGJJW4V3MeTmv05uAXnFrVCNj8fdYUaydLPLZF5XP3jVEw/s1600/April+AU+(7).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpO90lXqmeKYpbNoBSKaibTd9eCPL9mwEh_2rRMjP6WY2M5_qG5QyvTq4rAPqDm_gdz1tFQHf1xN0tICezpVCDMI3f7oNCUVj29RA9455-LCcgudkDXHMGH_i3Su5Ycs4t7cOAQ/s1600/April+AU+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpO90lXqmeKYpbNoBSKaibTd9eCPL9mwEh_2rRMjP6WY2M5_qG5QyvTq4rAPqDm_gdz1tFQHf1xN0tICezpVCDMI3f7oNCUVj29RA9455-LCcgudkDXHMGH_i3Su5Ycs4t7cOAQ/s1600/April+AU+(8).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpthfEuTh18pwXN_vEoHL-42uXc5VVNIxYNtr8SZTCv39em7tpZ6fbve0BM-5u3H-x_Hf_wTWR8Gmw9LuDLhCTXod74usc-NYJExQE8h6xazF2b41yn11ZCcQDJNj9CxxgvUzlg/s1600/April+AU+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpthfEuTh18pwXN_vEoHL-42uXc5VVNIxYNtr8SZTCv39em7tpZ6fbve0BM-5u3H-x_Hf_wTWR8Gmw9LuDLhCTXod74usc-NYJExQE8h6xazF2b41yn11ZCcQDJNj9CxxgvUzlg/s1600/April+AU+(9).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu21JckM48JAsaj5vbF_d2ihKYWJZe74vThbdNdszy8xu4io8rKUJYdDDkSK6wpkOQ1Chz1XSp21P9rJZjsNwvdbpaeG3GROvCX4uok_IPyx25FY60Vk6I0A6dx4fKhayAOUGBtQ/s1600/April+AU+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu21JckM48JAsaj5vbF_d2ihKYWJZe74vThbdNdszy8xu4io8rKUJYdDDkSK6wpkOQ1Chz1XSp21P9rJZjsNwvdbpaeG3GROvCX4uok_IPyx25FY60Vk6I0A6dx4fKhayAOUGBtQ/s1600/April+AU+(10).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don Riche Grove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyAqn6rsiVrcKstdUN0-DXhljFfzc21KNB-kMhpiJNXN943lUHSpdWxwMD-aLGoocedypdE8nYd56uugUkg4rvs0R1Wr_k7SYb1VFQjbrWyxmQz4VhH1BuTwQFEaV0eb7Tu6tyA/s1600/April+AU+(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyAqn6rsiVrcKstdUN0-DXhljFfzc21KNB-kMhpiJNXN943lUHSpdWxwMD-aLGoocedypdE8nYd56uugUkg4rvs0R1Wr_k7SYb1VFQjbrWyxmQz4VhH1BuTwQFEaV0eb7Tu6tyA/s1600/April+AU+(11).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suicide Point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT66-uCpbgkpYknpP_wsHB-3p_z66AcsKNCAT_9imvpG1TjI28dzQewmghfUTBYGsGEsNCzUP34Bwo7j-wMidTFwxn2TkRFyrejXfowy4c31ZOfFTAXXL2ntKFtBQj179Ys2StcA/s1600/April+AU+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT66-uCpbgkpYknpP_wsHB-3p_z66AcsKNCAT_9imvpG1TjI28dzQewmghfUTBYGsGEsNCzUP34Bwo7j-wMidTFwxn2TkRFyrejXfowy4c31ZOfFTAXXL2ntKFtBQj179Ys2StcA/s1600/April+AU+(12).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoG6p4nwvY5A1-A2u8wnYgS1brt7ZtM3whjmFglkjFtqCXwzs6hFfMKDqWbNNHaTP9g3nq7UQdfqD_TGi8icIxpj563fx0AOSrkl0qeO5EbOXIWAq9gTvxTRyggePotlT9ofcZJA/s1600/April+AU+(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoG6p4nwvY5A1-A2u8wnYgS1brt7ZtM3whjmFglkjFtqCXwzs6hFfMKDqWbNNHaTP9g3nq7UQdfqD_TGi8icIxpj563fx0AOSrkl0qeO5EbOXIWAq9gTvxTRyggePotlT9ofcZJA/s1600/April+AU+(13).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0_EYNEq8hBDgTGNbvvPwwpZqbhd7VW3tSYfx15ECITd3cPH4jUwPrMDE8_6wkZdZC2mWTFXonJ3OEvGHVD_4yXK72shX0oxNvaD9DfOBmX5WjiF4jHwJ_1eTRfiKEo-ntZwiOw/s1600/April+AU+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0_EYNEq8hBDgTGNbvvPwwpZqbhd7VW3tSYfx15ECITd3cPH4jUwPrMDE8_6wkZdZC2mWTFXonJ3OEvGHVD_4yXK72shX0oxNvaD9DfOBmX5WjiF4jHwJ_1eTRfiKEo-ntZwiOw/s1600/April+AU+(14).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFra1n4oP9msYAGKguVPCrHwfv48SSzc3AxNJLSx6hzcp4j0shwr3cguoOyNZGNkx1vPoWc1yCOrcnTfq_g1wzFRCdybZrIHQvRMyDU8mVaZzvM_qpL9NJ-0v8Jq1Tv1kuYkm7tg/s1600/April+AU+(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFra1n4oP9msYAGKguVPCrHwfv48SSzc3AxNJLSx6hzcp4j0shwr3cguoOyNZGNkx1vPoWc1yCOrcnTfq_g1wzFRCdybZrIHQvRMyDU8mVaZzvM_qpL9NJ-0v8Jq1Tv1kuYkm7tg/s1600/April+AU+(15).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh922yVToDoDQ4fO4o0S7G9p_VyFgVpzD2HtH7pshKnZzY9Dmuc89h6XoS6phnRlv9VhvGqUpLuxw6Yt9K0UHZYXVEQL_RP3msBddXWBYWAgFcqID34yXOCM7B_9Bwmf6-lvsr7g/s1600/April+AU+(16).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh922yVToDoDQ4fO4o0S7G9p_VyFgVpzD2HtH7pshKnZzY9Dmuc89h6XoS6phnRlv9VhvGqUpLuxw6Yt9K0UHZYXVEQL_RP3msBddXWBYWAgFcqID34yXOCM7B_9Bwmf6-lvsr7g/s1600/April+AU+(16).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfK3CcCjIEmce7cZhdZgfasfELT3nuiludlRRBGcYESR3ZShve6ptEN41tgvxnCK9seBBPbIlcbfphyVfB7Wp_PcO4_0ky0xUOk7V91wz_kwEYq5_uoYb0P4cw2U7HO-jQaAJhA/s1600/April+AU+(17).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfK3CcCjIEmce7cZhdZgfasfELT3nuiludlRRBGcYESR3ZShve6ptEN41tgvxnCK9seBBPbIlcbfphyVfB7Wp_PcO4_0ky0xUOk7V91wz_kwEYq5_uoYb0P4cw2U7HO-jQaAJhA/s1600/April+AU+(17).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sLnTWnmXkDhc7aiv4RS4-I4K3R4o4xDrhPyuLqUU70MxkgQzB-ug45wbK0hk4Ek3EAB32j3DJrIrq2mamYYbcl8cm6M75MoXzdX0Z-OzR4b5RuuFpXmjkbUknEFITE3R35jNaw/s1600/April+AU+(18).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sLnTWnmXkDhc7aiv4RS4-I4K3R4o4xDrhPyuLqUU70MxkgQzB-ug45wbK0hk4Ek3EAB32j3DJrIrq2mamYYbcl8cm6M75MoXzdX0Z-OzR4b5RuuFpXmjkbUknEFITE3R35jNaw/s1600/April+AU+(18).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2OPTZiRBCv5SECrw3cRQfSK0SRdyJ_PfGVHlUlZ-k2OnBFQguyl9YSytq7Q7bGFz16sEfVnBplxbGaBBh9fS_Tdto3gftdRYleaNB12MQWABa8z8KODgvPnSWUIeLO6VRMEqLg/s1600/April+AU+(19).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2OPTZiRBCv5SECrw3cRQfSK0SRdyJ_PfGVHlUlZ-k2OnBFQguyl9YSytq7Q7bGFz16sEfVnBplxbGaBBh9fS_Tdto3gftdRYleaNB12MQWABa8z8KODgvPnSWUIeLO6VRMEqLg/s1600/April+AU+(19).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DApaIsc7VRbikf9aKGdZfAkAf8Ph2I2b91bxZa-Pnszr3hBax1eWJjUP50z5N2ydoBY2PZOF6gideeXhHu-WKX2A5lhwepAZ2T0qzB1eGoofJP9sBuPr1t5GhdZfcmOzgXsRzQ/s1600/April+AU+(20).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DApaIsc7VRbikf9aKGdZfAkAf8Ph2I2b91bxZa-Pnszr3hBax1eWJjUP50z5N2ydoBY2PZOF6gideeXhHu-WKX2A5lhwepAZ2T0qzB1eGoofJP9sBuPr1t5GhdZfcmOzgXsRzQ/s1600/April+AU+(20).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Navy Base</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkP4UQ4wuzzGhfnD_BLTflI7FS1dNO6qX-DJUYZCzgf6iM1eBYvV8cC28_uJ_gVguB-oWI4YFnWF8JURmOCnt9Vuetqt0Kw2EWU1_vtC7ovZT3GfgIsMxGPvTCW1lWthAMVeqYQ/s1600/April+AU+(21).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkP4UQ4wuzzGhfnD_BLTflI7FS1dNO6qX-DJUYZCzgf6iM1eBYvV8cC28_uJ_gVguB-oWI4YFnWF8JURmOCnt9Vuetqt0Kw2EWU1_vtC7ovZT3GfgIsMxGPvTCW1lWthAMVeqYQ/s1600/April+AU+(21).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most ships were looking for MY flight 370</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9xzIljHmHgzM_thBQYkNf287nGiEUp_-_ysgyMKPmctIUWjpJiKCRk8Cg1suIytcPes902ZLvXr1l6ZwiCD1okG7t7Ee6NlxiqqaYdn4oeADKDOFkTKDiDCQs90DUxUqXja3wg/s1600/April+AU+(22).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9xzIljHmHgzM_thBQYkNf287nGiEUp_-_ysgyMKPmctIUWjpJiKCRk8Cg1suIytcPes902ZLvXr1l6ZwiCD1okG7t7Ee6NlxiqqaYdn4oeADKDOFkTKDiDCQs90DUxUqXja3wg/s1600/April+AU+(22).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I also visited Brisbane. I don't have so many pictures as I was there for a short 24 hours or so. I learned that Australia has lots of sandstone...which made me a bit homesick for Southern UT. It beautiful. The people are super friendly, but European-esque at the same time. The air felt muggy to me, but not too bad. I would definitely go back. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-64403255679687539072014-03-27T19:16:00.000-06:002014-04-12T07:28:47.334-06:00Feeling more normalI think I am starting to get back into shape. Lately on the bike I felt ... more normal. Even though I did not finish, I feel as though I am reaping the benefits of True Grit. It is hard to tell though because I don't get to ride with Chris so much anymore.<br />
I have had the opportunity to ride with EP. She recently moved out of Salt Lake and has been looking for someplace (closer) to ride her bike. She decided to give UC a try. So I showed her around our trails.<br />
It has been great to have someone with whom to do long rides.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzy-PFc0_7IIWNtVuup_MzpIveQHW2b1hiwaJoIuljVeIEU08gJ2LdBOr9c-BOZ47nk1dJF1u_74vszbZjpuCVXDkj2YzpawKx0VwNFYb5wBE4eyvmnb3Rg-VoC0QrpWbXCZkBIQ/s1600/with+EP+March.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzy-PFc0_7IIWNtVuup_MzpIveQHW2b1hiwaJoIuljVeIEU08gJ2LdBOr9c-BOZ47nk1dJF1u_74vszbZjpuCVXDkj2YzpawKx0VwNFYb5wBE4eyvmnb3Rg-VoC0QrpWbXCZkBIQ/s1600/with+EP+March.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Hopefully my form will continue to improve and I can be competitive soon...or at least as fast as I once was. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-33252354837401825632014-03-16T20:50:00.000-06:002014-03-17T16:12:39.647-06:00I lack grit...sort ofThe score is True Grit 2, KC 0. Or more like KC's bikes 0. The last time I attempted True Grit it was the <a href="http://holleyriding.blogspot.com/2011/03/truely-gritty.html" target="_blank">inaugural year</a> and it was a mess. I dropped out before the race promoter started pulling people in order to save my bike. But Chris (a bit before its time) was running a 1x10 and was able to finish and take a podium spot.<br />
This year I was slow. I knew that going in. My plan was to ride a nice steady pace based on my heart rate and see what happens. I thought I was pretty well rested and prepared, but my legs did not feel spectacular off the start. I am not sure how soon after the next categories left but I was caught pretty early by the next group of guys. I was continuously caught by gentlemen as the race progressed. I just try to keep my heart rate up and not get frustrated.<br />
A small group of guys passed me right as we entered the single track of Barrel Cacti/Ride. I hoped this would not be problematic as I planned on riding the techy stuff. As we entered several of the guys ended up getting off their bikes. I called out rider back. And then again. Finally as I was attempting to ride but still had people (testosterone monkeys is what I was thinking at the time) walking in front of me a voice from behind me called out rider back for me. Then people started to move out of my way. So to that guy, Thank you. <br />
My ride on Zen was good and then not so much. I made a couple of the harder climbs and thought things were going well. Then I bumbled the descent at the end before the big drop. this was after definitively telling the guy behind me that I was going to ride it. I ended up making him have to jump off his bike. So to that guy my deepest apologies; I really can ride that section. And now I was frustrated.<br />
The climb to Bar Claw/Poppy was a climb. I was thrown off by the sign about what routes to take and ended up taking a slower route down for the first little bit of the initial descent. Next time I need to preride and pick the way I want to take. <br />
Stuki....well Stuki sucked. Sorry but it just did. I am not a fan of Stuki (why can't we race something fun like Snake Pit?). The wind was brutal, but at least I only had to do it once. I feel so badly for the 100 milers. I heard the wind got even worse throughout the day.<br />
My friend Steve caught me on the dirt road section towards Rim Runner. He was kind enough to slow down and let me try to hang with him, but I couldn't. First, I just am not good at drafting. And I think I just had to go my pace at that point. None the less, it was kind and fun to ride with him for a bit.<br />
The Rim Runner ascent was actually pretty fun. At each switch back the wind turned. Tail wind, head wind, tail wind, head wind. Finally I could really feel the winding helping and not just hindering. I was pretty excited as I descended Rim Runner. I knew I just had Barrel Roll and then back. I could do this. It could me fun. Spshhhhh. I sliced the sidewall on my rear tire.<br />
It was a big gash. I remained calm and optimistic. I pulled out my tube, air, etc and got to work. I had some plastic I hoped was big enough to boot the tire. I fought the tire trying to get it back on the rim and finally opted to use my tire levers because I could not get it. Then I heard it again but more quiet. Spshhh...I just punctured my tube. That was it; I was defeated as more and more people passed me.<br />
I walked from the bottom of Rim Runner then to the Cove Wash aid station, borrowed a phone, called and texted Chris to come pick me up when he was done, and started walking to Santa Clara practically in tears. I had tried to hard and come so far. Erin, who was at the aid station and let me borrow her phone, was making her way back to her vehicle. She got off and walked with me. I was so grateful for the company of a friend. I really needed that talk to calm down. I told her maybe I was done with True Grit. Today though I think I need redemption. I hardly ever mechanical and I have twice at this event. I can do this race. I know I can. <br />
Each year that I have DNFed Chris has taken a podium spot. He finished third I was so proud of him. But then I was angry because we had to wait for-ev-er for awards. Totally worth it though. I think the year of Chris is extending into 2014. <br />
I raced/rode 34 miles and then walked two. Next year, right? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-3JLh5VjIT5WiqrtqLXs_WlZpEQVhqFzHhpizQBiAuKo_gMGJMi6zOenIH46-E0OwH3PonLnU74SgNHwN1-7v-r2lzTWhBBMGPal-VA6orUrUzTP8BZwzNJoFQswXrB04j2Dbg/s1600/Tru+Grit+Chris+podium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-3JLh5VjIT5WiqrtqLXs_WlZpEQVhqFzHhpizQBiAuKo_gMGJMi6zOenIH46-E0OwH3PonLnU74SgNHwN1-7v-r2lzTWhBBMGPal-VA6orUrUzTP8BZwzNJoFQswXrB04j2Dbg/s1600/Tru+Grit+Chris+podium.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-28767889565288591022014-03-04T06:36:00.000-07:002014-03-04T06:36:34.734-07:00As I expected....So I lined up for the first ICUP race this past weekend. I felt awkward and out of place...like I did not belong there. The field was an average size for ICUP, but a bit small for this race; there were four of us.<br />
Overall it hurt. I felt slow. And in the end, it went down pretty close to how I expected.<br />
<br />
Off the line two girls took off. I figured they were gone; I knew one was for sure. With two of us remaining we rode through the wash and up the next climb in close contact with each other. We slowly caught and passed one of the girls off the front. For a bit I was in second place and was ecstatic at the prospect. <br />
But then I was passed. I was pretty content with the thought of getting third. I turned around and there was the fourth girl. Son of a....! And I was passed. I talked myself into being okay with fourth (last). This is when an expert woman caught me as an ultimate slap in the face. She chose not to pass me as we were going to descend and then she was done. <br />
Then the girl in my category who just passed me was on the side of the trail. I asked if she needed anything because I really would have stopped at this point; she said no. <br />
Coming through the lap the last time, I could see second place not far ahead of me. I caught and passed her again in the wash as she hit her pedal and bobbled a climb. It was not long until she caught me and passe me yet again.<br />
In the end I was the last finisher with a time 10 minutes slower than the last time I raced this course. As I expected I have LOTS of work to do. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0xYBJXOe9dGtUaziQKsgKTvek75mePGqMRqaFnF_2k0Cf1ZLk42j5Sh1TZfMauNXgFiOsfBQsAdR1L_EBI5OpBg7OfeHozhWh4MHWLVp5SvNsmpRGEie31iK5hsco68Wnb1Ang/s1600/ICUP+St.+G+Chris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0xYBJXOe9dGtUaziQKsgKTvek75mePGqMRqaFnF_2k0Cf1ZLk42j5Sh1TZfMauNXgFiOsfBQsAdR1L_EBI5OpBg7OfeHozhWh4MHWLVp5SvNsmpRGEie31iK5hsco68Wnb1Ang/s1600/ICUP+St.+G+Chris.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RrB3i43fktrYEilHUUuf-9RKUA3InfesPM3HsS2-O0tVSB3iSJ3-fpxaz0Udmh-Xmu7jmXTxt2fZ5_DsHHMICgoneaXRp9w8jESNvZNaIxqP_E0v0ILihjughyze_RiUFaShQg/s1600/ICUP+St.+G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RrB3i43fktrYEilHUUuf-9RKUA3InfesPM3HsS2-O0tVSB3iSJ3-fpxaz0Udmh-Xmu7jmXTxt2fZ5_DsHHMICgoneaXRp9w8jESNvZNaIxqP_E0v0ILihjughyze_RiUFaShQg/s1600/ICUP+St.+G.jpg" height="168" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo cred: Mark Nelson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-44255583266300497332014-01-20T14:09:00.001-07:002014-01-20T14:09:04.216-07:00South(west) Times TwoWe have had the pleasure of riding in St. George and Hurricane the last two weekends.<br />
This past weekend we went down for a quick day trip. We dropped off our lil apprentice with Chris's mom and step dad. They have been so great about helping us out. And we then headed down continuing South. Chris had the goal to ride for five hours to make it worthwhile. We met up with Jon and Jeff in the parking lot of Hurricane Rim.<br />
We rode counter clockwise through most of Jem. We then did a little loop on Goosebump. I was not so impressed with it, but will likely get better with more traffic. We then finished up on Gould. Jeff and Jon went to the parking lot, while Chris and I turned around and did it all again backwards (without Goosebump). Jem was so fun on the way back.<br />
By the time we got back to Hurricane Rim I was about spent. It had been close to four hours of pedal time. I was out of food and water.<br />
Chris wanted to do Church Rocks and Prospector, but I was too dead. We started and then turned back. I am a big wimp these days. Granted the four plus hours of pedal time I averaged 166.<br />
The weekend before that was a family affair. We stayed in St. George and rode in the Green Valley and Santa Clara areas. Comparatively, I felt better this weekend than when we rode down there a month or so ago. I didn't seem to struggle as much on the climbs. This may have been a pseudo good feeling attributed to riding solo. There was no one to try to keep up with.<br />
Hopefully, I am making progress and will be ready to race. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-13552270292743891182014-01-06T07:52:00.001-07:002014-01-06T07:52:48.860-07:00December December was not such a good month for riding. While some people were able to get out and enjoy riding their bikes, I was not one of them. The first weekend we had a big trip down South scheduled. We had a babysitter lined up, friends were joining us, and everything. But a storm was suppose to roll through St. George. <a href="http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2013/12/07/jek-snow-accumulation-ice-rendering-roads-impassable/#comment-18759" target="_blank">And apparently it did in a big way</a>. They got clobbered with snow and they remained pretty socked in for over a week, including the following weekend.<br />
This brings us to the third weekend. Again, we thought about going down but ended up deciding not to go. We couldn't really find people to join us on rides. We decided to wait and go down the next weekend instead. Friends were going to be down then and we would have people to join us. I had my bags packed and ready to go on Friday night. (And they are still packed, actually.) I was excited. Then in the wee hours of the morning I felt it. I had a killer sore throat, two ear aches and a head ache. I woke up frequently and each time I kept hoping to feel better.<br />
I must of woke Chris up because he asked me something in the early morning and I told him I did not think I was going. I felt terrible...even after taking some medicine. That illness lasted for a week or so.<br />
Now I am beginning to feel better and looking forward to the time when we get to ride on dirt in the sunshine. I cannot wait.<br />
2014 hopefully holds better riding than 2013...it has to right? Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-52674534063992215562013-11-19T18:34:00.001-07:002013-11-19T18:34:23.399-07:00Preoccupied, Lazy or Both? I haven't been riding like I think I should. In pondering this I have come up with three potential reasons. <br />
Reason 1: I am preoccupied. At present my schedule is a bit limited due to the nurturing of a future cyclist. This nurturing calls for constant attention and a need from me every three to four hours. This event is best done at home, but I suppose I could do it out and about. But then I would need someone to assist me while I ride.<br />
Chris has been very willing to do what he can and offer assistance. None the less, this has been increasingly complicated by car issues. It took a week of being in and out commission for us to get it registered this year. And then I ended up with a cold that turned into a sinus infection. Every bump on the road hurts my face and teeth. Even riding inside with my head down causes pressure and pain. I did score some antibiotics so hopefully I will be feeling better soon. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTl2Pz7mpJbKhFzfxJRHX2z1CwOTBG9rxhScCW3bSB7sFVVI4cdh18ybGh5FfuU_W_bKBl-rzoKMTFlx2XqWO5ST4RzMg77yCS9EaAlnq8kt1j2mwZyt6rPvtAiKqB9Rp9m_fFA/s1600/IMG_20131112_091040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTl2Pz7mpJbKhFzfxJRHX2z1CwOTBG9rxhScCW3bSB7sFVVI4cdh18ybGh5FfuU_W_bKBl-rzoKMTFlx2XqWO5ST4RzMg77yCS9EaAlnq8kt1j2mwZyt6rPvtAiKqB9Rp9m_fFA/s400/IMG_20131112_091040.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preoccupation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Reason 2: I have been lazy. Similar to this past spring, I have been chilly and thus it has been difficult to get motivated to ride even knowing that it really is not that cold out. I don't know why I do this. My laziness is likely exasperated in part by sleepiness. I have always been one who relished her sleep and now my sleep is very disrupted at best.<br />
In reality it is likely a combination of my preoccupation and laziness. None the less, I am trying to recommit myself to training. While not always the most fun, going to spin and riding some at home seems like the easiest options at present. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-75925048707699512332013-11-04T09:16:00.002-07:002013-11-04T09:16:34.477-07:00More Riding...and Racing?Last weekend was our annual trip with Chris's family. This year's destination was Moab. Because we went with family, we had baby and dog sitters which allowed us to go for rides together. I rode my mountain bike three days in a row...I can't remember the last time I did that. It felt good but definitely wore me out. Chris has photographic evidence, but I don't have access to it presently.<br />
On the first day we hit Pipedreams. I did attempt to ride fast, but thought more about riding smoothly. I dabbed once or twice in both directions, but it was a good time. Pipedreams was a great trail to get back into the Moab riding. We rode the Moab Brand stuff the second day. We did the normal loop minus the North 40. I was pretty tired after EZ, Deadmans, Bar B, Longbranch, back on Deadman's and Lazy. Plus I needed to get back. The next day we rode up Amasa Back, Pothole Arch and came back on Captain Ahab. It was my first time on Captain Ahab. It was a bit overwhelming. I (think) I liked it. I am pretty sure I would like it if I did it again and look forward to becoming more comfortable with the trail.<br />
This past weekend I raced 25 hours of Frog Hollow. I was on a team with Steve and Joan Mower, Monica Batley and their friend Nancy. It was really low key...just for fun. None the less, I wanted to see how I felt and gauge my performance. Just as I suspected I am slow. My first lap was a little frustrating at first. I kept getting passed by people. Then I took a deep breath and came to grips with it. I was doing the second lap, so their were faster people out than normal. (Normal being I usually do a later lap because I am on a co-ed team with faster guys.) And I haven't had a chance to ride or train as I normally would.<br />
My second lap was better though. I attacked the climbs more and felt a little bit smoother on the descents. My second lap was a minute or two faster. Then it got dark. I was going to take it easy on the night laps. My first night lap was slow. When I got back I was talking to Larry who said he just threw down his fastest night lap on this course. That motivated me a bit. I also realized just before I did my second night lap that this would likely be my last lap. I wouldn't have an opportunity to do another day lap, so I pushed harder. I again shaved off a couple minutes compared to my first night lap.<br />
Just to add a little perspective, my fastest day lap was around the time of my night laps last year. So I have some work to do. My initial focus though is going to be on improving my core and ensuring I have a good base per recommendations from Lynda Wallenfels during her <a href="http://lwcoaching.com/open-coaching-q-a-special-for-fb-fans-only/" target="_blank">open coaching day</a>. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-18757915371282649632013-10-21T07:59:00.000-06:002013-10-21T07:59:11.560-06:00Riding SomeThis week was delightful. I was able to ride every other day which I thought was fair and wonderful. This allowed Chris too to ride on days where I did not. This also let my undercarriage "recover" a bit from the days ride before doing another. Although I did some experimenting and I think I have identified a "set up" that would allow me to ride daily should that be possible. <br />
What did I ride? How was it? Well, I am glad you asked. <br />
I did a Dry Loop. The trails were different from what I remember. The late summer storms I have heard account for the changes--ruts, rock and dirt deposits, etc. I did not "smoke the pipe." I was feeling a bit apprehensive about the trails in general. It was my first real ride back. And Chris and I agreed that I need to ease back into it.<br />
My bike has a 32t chain ring on it at present. It feels a bit tall and I would prefer a 30t or less at present. Thus, there were sections that I ended up walking. I tried to be patient with myself and be ok with not making some of the climbs. I had to remind myself that I have been through a lot and have not really ridden a bike (i.e. mountain biked with any intensity) for months.<br />
My second ride was one that I used to do quite a bit. I climb just above the altar, descend crank, return to the altar and go down Frank and Dragon's Back. Wow, Frank was not as fun as I remembered. See the note above about changes in the trail. I was much slower. See the note about easing back into it. None the less, it was still a <strike>good</strike> great ride. <br />
Then I rode Taj Mahal. This time I was on Chris's bike. Mine suffered a catastrophic break of the the XX1 grip shift, again. Chris was so frustrated he said I had to replace the grip shift with a trigger. If you recall earlier I said that I would be good with either. None the less, the trigger shifter is out of stock. So we threw a shorter stem and my seat post and saddle on his bike. It felt a bit awkward, but still felt good.<br />
Taj is a bit intimidating. The side hill climbs tend to make me a bit nervous. I got pretty confident with it last spring, but felt a little uneasy this time around. I was also on the look out for a rattle snake. Chris and Jon ran into one a couple weeks ago on this trail. I lucked out and did not see anything. I did end up walking quite a few climbs.<br />
I look forward to getting more comfortable, gaining fitness, and being back to my old "riding" self. This week of riding reminded me how much fitness affects skill. While I understand I may have lost some skill during my hiatus, I think the lack of fitness is the overwhelming reason my riding is lacking. But fitness will come...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21679450.post-9268112934096019892013-10-12T09:32:00.002-06:002013-10-12T09:32:55.568-06:00Two weeks? The big question at our house has been, "How long until I can ride again?" Ironically, I was not the one primarily asking. Chris was keenly interested in when it was I could get back on the bike. I was pretty content taking it easy.<br />
I went on my first walk/hike the first Saturday (three days after). It was a slow-going, ginger pace. I just walked the dirt road above Timp Park while Chris rode his bike. I did not make it very far. I did this for the first two weeks. My speed/distance steadily increased, except for one time when Tex took a tumble down the side hill and then Chris "rock surfed" down to rescue him. Amazingly, Tex was okay. None the less, we called it quits early and returned to the car.<br />
A little after a week, Chris started to ask when I was going to try riding. The doc had scared me though. He mentioned that if things get messed up down there from trying to ride too early, they can't do anything about it. I looked online for information. No one had anything conclusive; it basically came down to a vague "few weeks". Chris asked what I was going to do. I finally told him, I would assess the situation at two weeks. <br />
At two weeks, I put my bike on the trainer and threw my leg over the top tube. I was apprehensive even though things had been feeling good. I timidly sat on the saddle; it was not too bad. I rode, mostly seated, for 25 minutes. I felt pretty good. I rode for 30 minutes a couple days later. The next day, Chris worked early so he got off early. I asked if he would be ok while I went for a road ride.<br />
I rode my bike for an hour or so on the road. I wore my HR monitor and averaged 153. I felt light and free. I pushed but did not try to bury it or anything. I just savored every pedal stroke, feeling alive as the wind cut threw my jersey.<br />
I still have a bit of a gut, but my body has mostly returned to a more normal state. There are still physiological differences but I am pretty confident that I will get my body back.<br />
So to answer the lingering question, "How long after pregnancy until I can ride my bike?" <i><b>for me</b></i> it was two weeks. I did have some strategic cutting done, but I don't think it was anything too severe. I am really looking forward to my first dirt session. Hopefully, I will get to it this weekend. It just takes my planning and preparation. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1