Sacwheelgirl

Alpenrose Velodrome Challenge

2009-07-24T14:19:00.001-07:00

Thursday

After racing one of the fastest women's races I've ever been in at the American Velodrome Challenge at Hellyer this year, I had a better idea of what I was in for in Portland's Alpenrose Velodrome Challenge. It was the same fast women, minus Proman's Shelley Olds and Cari Higgens. One thing I learned out of Hellyer's AVC is that I need to get a wheel and not be scared to get down in the pole. It's still nerve-wracking after seeing some gnarly crashes, including my friend Ashley S. of the Roaring Mice hitting her head really hard.

It was a long and uneventful 10 hour drive up to Portland, other than forgetting that all gas stations are full service up there. Luckily, we went straight for the Velodrome to do some laps at Beth N.'s suggestion. My first thought when I saw it was "I'M GOING TO RIDE MY BIKE ON THAT?????". It looked more like a pro skateboard ramp than a velodrome.

It turns out that it is one of the steepest velodromes in the country-- 43 degrees. What's strange is that the straightaways are nearly flat with not much of a transition. There are some interesting bumps and skids marks on the surface just to make it a little more interesting. We jumped on our bikes and I rode a lot faster than I needed to through the corners, scared of falling down the track. Later, a local told us that a "jedi master" could ride 8-9 miles per hour very uncomfortably, but that 15 miles per hour was safe. By the end of the weekend it seemed like no big deal. Unlike Hellyer, you can't easily tool around warming up. It's like a pool with only a deep end (no treading water). You feel like a pin ball being shot around when you race. The G-forces at full speed in the pole felt pretty cool. Only the locals knew how to really stay down there through the turns. What a trip!

Friday
We stayed in Northwest Portland for a couple of nights. I scored bigtime when I found a french bakery called St. Honore' Boulangerie that was showing the Tour de France on a big screen.

When we got to the track. I felt more comfortable realizing that we had a group of about 18 from Hellyer. As usual, I got lots of good advice from friends and my teammate Andrea Fisk from Portland. I had a qualifying points race to start things out. I was really nervous about qualifying and being with a big group on the steep banks. To make things worse, I found out on the rail that only four of us would qualify for the rest of the women's races. Fortunately, the organizers realized that they would be sending a lot of women home and they opened up two more women's 3/4 races. I still felt a lot of pressure. I stayed with the group, but never did score any points. I ended up 9th. I was really frustrated and a little teary after my race. Dino cheered my up and said "You have five minutes to feel bad, then you have to focus on the next race. It's okay. It means you care." Boy, I needed that. That night a beer at Mcminimum's Kennedy School tasted really good. We also made the mandetory trip to the famous Powell's Books with Dino's daughter Jasmine.

Saturday
Things really got settled in at the Hellyer Camp on Saturday. It was warm, but I had a lot of fun hanging out and cheering for friends. Matt's boy Teo ran around being silly and getting free massages from the massage ladies in the neighboring tents. It was non-stop action and intense speed! Around noon, we lined up for a scratch race. The Hellyer ladies agreed to keep and eye on each other and go for some moves later in the race, possibly getting away. Dave McCook was a great advisor for us all weekend. I got in one good dig, but got caught behind some traffic at the end. It's really hard to pass on that track. Being shorter than Hellyer, you had to set up your position a few laps earlier. I finished 8th and crafty CC made the podium at 3rd.

I went crazy watching Dino in his master's scratch race-- he almost lapped the field to score 20 points!!! He got caught with only two laps to go. Heartbreak for sure, but what a great display of his power and guts. He ended up 5th and caught the attention of the announcers and spectators.

Also, my teammate Velo Bella Andrea Fisk set a new track record for the team sprint. She really is a powerhouse and always looks so solid. We got goosebumps watching her.

I was really impressed and proud of all of the talent that we have at Hellyer. Hanan made one of the most impressive moves of the weekend. I was in the perfect position to watch her non-nonchalantly roll off the front at the end of the scratch race while other teams were battling it out. She won by a half lap. They never know what hit them. Inspirational!

That night we celebrated a good day racing at the host house behind the velodrome.

Sunday
I was much more relaxed on the last day, realizing that I only had one race left, the miss-n-out. At the advice of Andrea, I was going to start in front and stay in the pole I did exactly that and controlled things until the fourth elimination. I should have gotten out of the saddle earlier and could have made the podium. Sugar CRM's Kira P. sure was looking strong all weekend! She ended up 2nd. She's one to watch! I felt successful since I rode my own race.

Dave gave us in an impromptu Madison lesson on the lawn.

After the Miss'n'out and Dino's Scratch race, we left to get some lunch. When I got back I signed up for a heavenly massage. Apparently, when I was gone there was a meeting about the women's points race. They were letting some women who hadn't qualified on Friday race anyway. I didn't know until I heard them calling my name on the start list as I sat in the stands. Doh! I was disappointed that I didn't get to race. I didn't know about checking start lists and not leaving the track if there is a chance that you'll get to race.

Next Year
Even with the emotional ups and down's of racing, I had a great time. I learned a lot and liked trying out a new velodrome. The more I race track, the more I love love love it. I agree with Dino, next year more trips!

Also:
1. Be careful of metal rails--they can give you little burns.
2. Always check the start list and ask questions.
3. Enter More Events!

Mid-year Reflections

2009-06-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

What a race season it's been so far! Since deciding to solely focus on racing and the track, I've made the leap. It's been hard work and it's had it's frustrating moments. My coach Dino fine-tuned my workouts over the winter, giving me a solid base. Doing River Rides over the winter kept me from getting rusty with groups and speed. As things got more into full swing, I worked a lot on sprints and changing speed. I've gotten top tens in all of my criteriums which have been mostly 1/2/3's (with the exception the Menlo Park Grand Prix against the nation's fastest women). I'm happy! I can hang with the big girls unlike last year.

Another thing that's helped has been losing weight! Bella Sabine suggested trying out myfooddiary.com, which is an online food diary. It's helped me lose eight pounds so far without cutting too many calories or hurting my training. I would highly recommend it to athletes who want to learn more about nutrition. It's a great tool for weight management. With Dino's encouragement, I've added a core strength workout five days a week. It's amazing how much less my back aches and how much more solid I feel sprinting. Overall, I feel lean and fast.

Some of the growth I've experienced has been working on my mindset. How I see myself influences my motivation and willingness to take risks. In the past, I was always focused on whether I was good enough to compete. Sometimes, it's hard to distinguish realistic thinking and negative outlooks. The times where I've succeeded, I've let go of that negative paradigm. I am trying to not compare myself with others, and focus more on my own growth. It's easy to think, "Oh, I'm just a mid-thirties busy working woman on a limited budget. What can I really expect?" After rubbing shoulders with some champions, I realized that it was pretty lame to think that way. There are lots of fast women not in their twenties working on their PhD, working in demanding career, raising kids, and being a wife . It's inspirational. Also, I've got a great support system-- a great mechanic/coach/racing financier boyfriend, awesome team and great friends encouraging me.

Since my last post, I've raced at Hellyer Velodrome six times! That's a lot of two hour drives from Sacramento. We don't mind though. We have it down, including the midway stop at In-n-out burger. It has been the most fun I've ever had racing. I love the people, the learning atmosphere, the hangout, the food, and the intense racing. I think so far Friday nights have been my favorite, but AVC was an incredible experience. I am addicted!

May Track Highlights:
5/17/2009 Get Ready for Summer, Woman’s 3-4 Omnium, 2nd Place (That was a HOT day!)

5/22/2009 Friday Night Women’s Omnium, 3^rdPlace

5/31/2009 Get Ready for Summer, C’s Omnium, 4th Place

This weekend, I also competed in the American Velodrome Challenge-- but that's another story for another post (coming soon)...

Having too much fun to blog much?

2009-05-13T18:36:00.001-07:00

1st Friday Night Races: May 8, 2009

Back to the Track

2009-04-06T09:38:00.000-07:00

Anticipation

On Saturday, Dino could tell that I was excited about the first track races of the year, Hellyer's 1st " Get Ready for Summer Series". I ran around triple-checking everything before we made the drive over to San Jose. I wanted to show off my cool new t-shirt that my friend Thomas designed. Unfortunately, we miscalculated the amount of time it would take to get there and get ready. I had about a half hour to get dressed and warmed up before the first C's race. Of course, the ticket machine was malfunctioning, and a huge line of cars waited at the entrance. I grabbed my backpack and ran to the bathroom to change into my skin suit, then jumped on my bike as soon as I could. Luckily, Dino took care of setting up and registering while I did my abbreviated warm-up.

Keirin
He pinned on the number and I was ready for my first keirin. I had trouble keeping up with the moto and got gapped by two guys in front. As it turned out, I had on my warm-up gear!!! After Dino switched it, I got second in the second heat of the keirin, which qualified me for the final. The keirin is a freakin' drag race. I think it's my new favorite. It was a tough way to start the day, however. I was the only woman in the final heat, and got last place. Dang.

Scratch
As we rolled up to the rail for the scratch race, I thought "Geesh, this is a big field." It was a bit windy as we rolled out and I sat mid-pack. Then the swerving started. Nobody was stringing it out and people were way too frisky. A rider swerved randomly in front of me, which made me swerve. I felt like apologizing profusely to everyone behind me. My instinct yelled "Get out of this mess! Hold your line everyone!" I scooted up track into the wind and grabbed DBC's John Licatesi who had won the Keirin. Phew! Much Better!

Crash
Then about five laps in, I heard and felt the sickening sensation of a big pile-up behind me. Six riders went down, including a Michelle, who was just happy to be riding after breaking her back in a crit a while back. I was immediately concerned about her. My concern was misplaced, as she was mostly okay. Everyone got up with minor injuries except for Joe Fineman, a Hellyer institution. The paramedics took him away with a serious neck injury and no feeling in his arms or legs. He's now in intensive care after surgery to remove a disk that was placing pressure on his spinal cord. I've been thinking about him everyday and wish him a speedy recovery.

Scratch Continued
I don't know how you feel after a crash, but my nerves were fried and my enthusiasm dimmed. Getting right back on the horse is all you can do. They gave us about nine more laps after the track cleared.I vowed to attack hard if the same sketchy, silliness continued. Some of the guys had the same idea and they flew off the start. I ended up 4th.

Miss'n'Out
When I was riding around the warm-up ring, John Cheetham reminded my about not getting caught in the sprinter's lane for this one. So, what did I do? Move right into that spot, where I promptly got pulled on the first lap. Doh!!! I haven't done too many Miss'n'Outs in my short track career and it's been at least a year since the last one. File this one away and move on.

Points
I feel most comfortable after racing points on Tuesdays with Larry last summer, even as math-challenged as I am. I pulled off some great efforts got 3rd in our remaining tiny field of C's riders.

Musings

This really was "getting ready for summer" for us. The logistics weren't quite dialed in. I was happy to do my first Keirin and be held on the track for the first time (thanks to uber-holder Andreas Vogel for excellent holding with added coaching).
I have strong legs this year and feel like I can get my track upgrade. Part of me wanted to race the B's after the crash, but I want to get points and the elusive "W". I got 6th overall in the omnium, but know that I could have gotten better without blowing it in the Miss'n'Out. I missed the podium by one spot.
Even though the crash was terrible, I still feel that track racing is no more dangerous than any other type of bike racing. It was a fairly rare thing.
I still get a major kick out of the track. It's a fertile growing environment physically, mentally and socially. Also, Facebook has been a great way to network, keep in touch with old friends and meet new ones in the cycling community.I can't wait to get back!
After six races my legs feel pretty beat up!

Movin' on Up

2009-03-01T15:48:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 28,2009
Merco Criterium: Women's 3/4

Dino and I left home around 5am for the two hour drive down 99. After checking in, I did the same hard warm-up on the trainer beforehand that I used before the Cal Aggie Crit. I used to be afraid of wasting my energy and tiring my legs out, but have learned that a good warm-up prepares the body for any hard efforts off the line. I saw bella-fella Tyler W. and he gave me a good talk through of the course.

It was my first time on the course and I was a little surprised that nobody wanted to do a free lap to inspect it. Was position that important with such wide open roads? I had no problem moving up quickly. It was easy to outmaneuver girls through the fun little schwoopy corners with barriers.

We had a good field of crafty 3/4 women and plenty of active teams. There was one obvious strength in a solo girl sponsored by Whole Foods. She was off the front and in front the whole time. I stayed right on her tail an tried to keep anything from getting away. In the first couple of laps I was stuck in no-woman's land after a prime sprint and I bridged up to the two girls in front. One of the girls wasn't going to work with her teammates back in the field and we sat up. Attacks came from several different teams including Colavita and Roaring Mouse.

When it came down to the final lap, I maintained my good position. After the final corner several things happened in retrospect: I should have shifted to one harder gear and got out of the saddle, I waited too long before sprinting all out, and I should have let the teams do more work since I was solo. We were placed separately so I think I ended up 7th in the 3s (official results aren't out yet). I got a little $ for lunch on the way home.

Despite that I am really happy with myself. I felt in control of the race and kept a really good position. I felt really strong (a good indication of things to come). The high end sprinting will come with spring/summer and track racing! It amazes me how far women's racing has come in just the last couple of years. The speed and skill level has definitely increased. This is a race I want to do again.

Cal Aggie Cry-tier-ee-um

2009-02-05T18:09:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday was the first race of the season for me. I was much more mentally prepared than last year. Dino has been focusing my workouts on speed-work and convinced me to do a harder warm-up. It was nice to race later in the day with the 1/2/3's. We had a nice little safe field of 26ish. Teammate Soni and I spent the first lap up front at a reasonable pace. From there on, it's like a song that got faster and louder. My old friend Mary (Vanderkitten) controlled a lot of the race-- toying with us really. I watched her draw people out by hammering up front and getting a little gap, just watching who would follow. I tried to stay on her tail-- She could have led me out for a prime but she was just too fast! It was suprising that she didn't take it in the end. She ended up 2nd to Cal Aggie Amanda. Touchstone looked strong with Kelly and Carol contesting the prime sprints. I ended up 10th place. I was very happy with that. Good times!

When Dino analyzed my power files later, I had gotten all personal bests (except for 1 second watts). He raised my threshold by 20 watts. A big jump! Amazing after being off my bike for a week with a stupid chest cold. It re-inspires me to work hard and look forward to a good season.

Stats: Average Speed- 23, Normalized (average) power 244 for 50 minutes

Rubbed the Wrong Way

2009-01-11T11:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was quite interesting. When the river ride rolled out, it was obvious that racing was going to start soon-- I could almost smell the testosterone in the air. It was one big swirly pack and there wasn't much wind to boot. My friends Heather and Jenn showed up-- a nice treat to have other ladies in the peloton, although I do tend to get more competative. It's good practice marking someone!

Things were great until after the first sprint. On the way back through the big bend my quads started to ache and my breathing became labored. It didn't make sense considering how good I've felt lately. Maybe I rode too hard on Thursday? Maybe my lack of sleep was catching up with me? It kept getting harder and harder until I couldn't match the efforts of the pack and drifted off the back. I turned right to catch back onto the group in the inner loop and failed to keep up with them.

I was pretty upset and confused. Yeah, I got teary eyed and had to try not to beat myself up too much. Soon, I was pushing over 200 watts just to go 15mph. There wasn't any wind. Hmmm... Strange. I heard a hissing sound. I stopped and realized that BOTH BRAKES were fully engaged. My hoods had finally slipped forward so much that they pulled the brake cables, keeping the brakes in the on position. It probably accumulated over time, hitting all of the lovely potholes on the garden highway. Boy, I felt relieved and a little frustrated.

Col du Galibier

Blown Away

2009-01-08T18:57:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I've looked at my schmarmy "price on joy" title for too long now-- I just haven't had much to say. Last Saturday's River Ride was a Belgian's Delight-- which means hang on for dear life. The North wind's a'blowin'! I have had to learn to ride elbows out in the gutter fighting for a wheel like a lamb on it's momma's teat. The pain is enough to cry for your mommy. There are some people I've heard in the peloton that say "I love it when it's like that!" Posh-- those are the type who can crank out 400+ watts for a long time. The wind is a "selective" factor (for those of you that don't know selective= you are going to get your ass kicked if you aren't really strong or skilled. I remember racing in the Martinez Crit in the rain a few years ago, which is technical. People were getting shelled left and right and the announcer says "This is a selective course." Uh, yeah). The bright spot is that in the past getting dropped meant never seeing another soul. This time I was with 20 odd wankers who went straight. I looked around and thought, "hey, these be some strong peeps!" Maybe I'm stronger.

I hope it isn't as windy this Saturday.

You can't put a price on joy.

2008-12-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

After a hectic couple of weeks running around Christmas shopping, I was starting to feel worn down by the holiday more than anything else. Saturday seemed far removed from that, however. On that day, a special group of people gathered at Steve Rex Cycles to have a raffle for not just one but two of Steve's custom hand-made bikes.

Steve was badly injured last month on the River Ride, suffering a horribly fractured hip and elbow, an especially terrible thing for someone who makes a living on his feet. To make maters worse, his teenage daughter tripped into a campfire, getting 2nd degree burns on her arms. Dave Burke of Rio Strada Racing got a great idea a few weeks ago to have a raffle for one of Steve's bikes. The idea was to sell tickets for $10 a pop. Anything in excess of the $2500 grand prize would go to the family. He had no idea how big it would get! The raffle raised almost $30,000!

Before we drew the names at the raffle, Steve and his wife, Peggy, said a few words. He talked about how he was overwhelmed by the response from people. Peggy talked about how it made the last 20 years of his work seemed validated. To me it seemed really simple. You can't put a price on joy. A beautiful custom built bike makes joy in a person's life. Think of all of the happiness he has created for people, not just by making nice bikes, but by being a good person--someone down-to-earth who listens and creates. It's only karma paying him back. Now if that isn't a Merry Christmas, I don't know what one is.

These are the Days of the Peloton

2008-12-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

yet another episode...

Yesterday I piled on the usual winter layers for the 45 minute ride to Midtown Sac for the River Ride. I felt pretty good after a good night's rest and being loaded up on way too much junk food on the last day of school before winter break. I felt that little squeeze of anxiety when a lot of the big guns showed up -- Jesse Moore, Mike Sayers, Chad Gerlach, etc. and I realized a little north wind was blowing. "This could hurt", I thought. My buddy McCaw asked, smiling, on the roll out "Are you going to hang on?" I pantomimed holding onto my handlebars as hard as I could. I used all of my wheel-sucking powers and remembered what Sarah Bamberger said about suffering "is all in your head"

I made it through the first sprint. I saw someone make a U-turn without looking, putting a Team City guy into the farm ditch. I stayed with the group for the inner loop until the last left turn on the levee. Damn, that thing always gets me when my legs are hurting at the end of the ride. I came off the levee and dangled precariously off the back, letting a gap build. I spun, remembering not to jam it into a harder gear. I felt a hand on my back pushing me, then pulling my wind vest, and the voice of Dino saying "Dig Deeper". I shouted a few choice words including "help!" I was mad at all the yayhoos behind me not helping fill the gap. It never occurred to me that I could be their only hope. Luckily, the group slowed before the final sprint and Dino came around at the last minute to pull us back into the fold. Victory!! Dino was cheering while I tried to uncross my eyes.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T11:01:00.000-08:00

Sacramento's 21st Annual Thanksgiving Ride

Vince rallies the troop and declares "No Racing"!

Ride the World Cups #3

2008-11-23T08:09:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, Dino and I made the trip to Hellyer Velodrome in San Jose for Ride the World Cups #3, a benefit for Shelley Olds. People always look at us incredulously when we say we came from Sacramento. Our standard response is that it's a lot more fun than waking up at 5:00 in the morning to race in a corporate business park crit for 45 minutes! We travel 2-4 hours all the time to get to road events.

I had the time of my life! It has to be one of my favorite times at the track. I saw old friends, made some new ones and raced well. Frankie Andreau was a commentator and there were lots of pros in the A's races to watch including Daniel Holloway (Garmin-Chipotle). There were lots of Bellas out to cheer, eat and hang out. We had barbequed eats, the keg of beer and a scrumptous bake sale, with Beth's infamous "Kentucky Derby Pie".

It was impressive to see Hellyer's champs gather in one picture.

The C's had two races, points and scratch. Both times, I tried to get to the front of the line when we went to the rail. That was going to be my strategy for the day-- give everything I had! For the last two years, I've treated track racing as a novelty. I didn't give it the importance of my other races, mostly because I was new to it. This year, I am going to see it differently.

I took fourth in my scratch race-- Larry Nolan said "Good Job, Katie" at the end and I told him "Thanks to you", since he really helped my over the summer. Under Dino's tutelage, I felt totally different sprinting after doing short intervals, speed work and fast pedals. Something has clicked and all my hard work and discipline is paying off.

The scratch race was a kick in the pants! It was my first time behind the moto and honestly, I always wondered "what was the point?" Now, I understand! It adds a whole different element to racing. Who's going to be behind the moto next or attack around it? The answer Saturday was me! I was really aggressive the whole race up front. My major move was attacking when the moto came off with two to go. I held a good gap almost all the way and got passed by two others on the line to end up third place. Later, after Dino analyzed my power meter file, I found out that my cadence was 107. That is pretty good for me! I know that I can do even better than that next time.

Veteran's Day

2008-11-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

It took the Wheelmen 6 hours to get in 3 hours of riding on Veteran's Day. Not because we were going slow mind you, but because we took an hour and a half for breakfast and stopped at Coffee Republic for a long conversation about important things like the sounds Big Foot makes and the possibility of life outside our universe.

It's been on my mind to pay tribute to my riding buddy Tom Goodwin. The guy is about 50 years older than me and he still hammers with the best of them. He always puts me in a good mood with his wisecracks and infectious optimism. He has traveled all over the world riding and even conquered Alpe d'Huez last summer. I want to ride like him in my 80's.

"Laugh in the morning and ride around the block."

Cross Virgin

2008-11-10T19:01:00.000-08:00

Cross in the Capital City: Discovery Park, November 09, 2008

Bellas looking fly

So, before this weekend I had never been to a cyclocross race before, despite my bike buddies' admonitions and predictions about my ability and passion for cross racin'. The good excuse to go to one was my teammate and track friend Beth Wellie needed a place to crash the night before the race and I thought it'd be fun to cheer for Bella Marian and her. We had fun hanging out and my cat Chinook fell for her. Plus I really wanted to see my friend Sarah Maile in her full glory. The host club Rio Strada was all abuzz on a smokin' River Ride about the race the next day and I wanted to see Rich, Sarah's husband in action organizing the event in Discovery Park.

Rich giving instructions

It was a triple crown event for me!

Beth led the B's in the NCNCA cup up to that point and brought home another win for Velo Bella. Awesome!!!!

Wellie Poodeeum

My friend Linda Elgart won the master's women's race.

Linda Poodeeumm

I was so nervous when Sarah didn't show up for roll call in the A's race. Her hubby was yelling for her. She was waiting for the loudspeaker! Luckily she made it in time and had a little trouble getting in her pedals (as she told me later). She made it around the pack to make it first to the corner. After that it was all style. She looks so graceful and beautiful on her bike. It made the course look easy, although she never let up and her relentless pace that kept over minute gap in the field at times.

Sarah Poodeeum!!! A's race

I don't know why they put the podium under this big tree. It really made it hard to get good shots.

Other highlights included getting to see Ned Overend race and borrowing Miss Mary's Kona cross bike (thank you Miss Mary!!!) to take a lap for fun! I can say that Cross racing is really fun. I can't see myself getting into it right now, with my extra time and energy going into Track Racing! But who knows in the future?

Revisit

2008-11-06T22:02:00.000-08:00

The Old Me (1999?)

After (2001-2008)

You gotta love bike riding. Sometimes I forget how heavy I was. (Yeah, Weight Watchers is pretty awesome too).

8 more lbs until I'm at race weight! I've lost 6 so far (holding steady, but I'm sure there's some muscle there).

Enjoy

2008-10-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

I stood at the backdoor this afternoon fully geared up with my cheap plastic rain jacket from Performance contemplating if I should ride or not in the now steady rain. I didn't feel a compulsive neurotic desire to train. I needed to ride:

These are the last few precious days before daylight saving time ends during the work week where I can enjoy a ride in the evening.
My ex is harassing me over some financial loose ends in the divorce. It's brought up some emotions. Riding my bike always helps me clear my head.
My inspirational boyfriend commutes to work rain or shine all year long at night. He likes riding in the the rain. I've raced in the rain. Why do I skip training in it? It's not like I'll melt like the wicked witch.
I ate a big lunch and I'm in weight loss mode again. When I'm on the lose weight bandwagon I have to seize the day. It takes work.
Because I can. Fat Cyclist's wife Susan is losing her battle with cancer. His blog has been a part of my cycling life for a while now. His latest was about appreciating the small moments in our lives-- how did I want to spend my time? On my bike.

Larry Nolan, World Champion

2008-10-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

I've seen Larry beat up on guys half his age repeatedly on the road, characteristically getting to the front and drilling it with a grimace on his face. I feel so lucky to have raced on Tuesdays with Larry in charge. He freely offers advice and support and he is a good person to boot. I am very proud and awe inspired. We have such talent in Norcal.

2008 UCI Masters Track Worlds, Australia

Lawrence "The Nolanator" Nolan

6th 500 Meter Time Trial
1st 2000 Meter Pursuit
1st 7500 Meter Scratch Race
1st Match Sprints
1st Points Race

More info?
Larry's Blog
Results and Video

Mystery Rider

2008-10-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

It's been a lovely week off for me. I've gotten in lots on riding in the beautiful fall weather. On Thursday, I joined the Wheelmen on their weekly breakfast ride. We started up the bike trail heading out for breakfast in Rocklin.

A rider I didn't recognize joined us, with a retro euro-fabulous white kit and sleek light blue carbon machine to match. Looking at the legs I would guess him to be about 30, looking at the face about 85 years old.

The advanced age wasn't what caught my attention, it was the way he rode. He held himself with control and finesse-- suplesse that takes decades in the saddle to hone. He seemed weightless on his bike and moved around the group effortlessly. The upper body was completely relaxed, shoulders down and arms bent. He balanced his weight on that sweet spot when out of the saddle. His bike wasn't weighed down with do-dads and gizmos. A very elegant rider. This was form that couldn't be bread out of someone. It made the rest of us look like bumbling oafs.

When I got a chance I said to him, "You are a very nice rider. How long have you raced?"

He grinned and replied "You speak French?" Sadly, I told him no and we continued talking in a limited way. It turns out that he had raced professionally in France since the age of 14.

Mt. Diablo

2008-09-22T19:59:00.000-07:00

Geesh, last weekend after the River Ride I got a sore throat and missed three days of riding. It was some kind of little virus that made me really tired and sore. Luckily it went away and I had a fun ride on Wednesday on the bike trail.

This Saturday, I got two rear flats. I hit a little staple at the chatty beginning of the ride. I fixed it solo and got back in with the pack on their way back after the first sprint. Last week I broke my old record of 37.2 mph-- it was in a crazy serpentine sprint down the levee spinning like mad on my compact crank-- 37.8 mph!! Awesome. I got another flat on the inner loop and called it good. Dino and I rode back home on the bike trail.

Sunday was a reunion with an old friend, Mt. Diablo. It has to be one of my favorite places to ride my bike. I've never had a bad day there. I love the views, lack of cars and other cyclists. We started in Walnut Creek, went to the top, then back down to the south gate (with brand new pavement) and back up to descend to the car. The weather was perfect. Kevin Metcalf rolled all stylish and nonchalant by me on the way up the south side. A great day.

Seriously...

2008-09-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

So when I was deciding what field to sign up for for the Giro de S.F., Dino mentioned that racing with the pros might be more "festive". It was, but that might not be the word that I would use.

The Giro is one of my favorites! Great atmosphere. A bumpy, but fun course. I saw the April Bella got 3rd in the 4's! Yay! I saw Andrea Bella and gave her a quick hug-- she got 7th in the 3s field. I saw old pal Flavia O.-- she had already won the Cal Cup points. She works really hard all year long. She always makes me feel welcome and justs expects me to race with her field. I hung out with Dave in the Vanderkitten tent and got cute socks, tattoos and stickers. Another old pal Mary M. offered to share her energy drink and watch my bike. I love that girl-- she always smiles her crooked grin when she's off the front (or sticking her tounge out). So freakin' strong.

I lasted about ten laps with them but kept going. When they came back around I jumped back in for a while. I put aside my fears of looking like a bloomin idiot and started looking at the number sequences. There were only about 6 of us 3s left. If I finished I could place well (and I needed the workout). One of my early role models for sticking it out is Ellis. It's always better to finish. I started to have fun when the crowd started yelling for me. Michael, who was MC, made some nice and funny comments every time I went by. A huge group of guys at the top of the hill made me smile every time- screaming all sorts of stuff including "Look at the booty!" I ended up 4th for the 3s. The race had some awesome solo breakaways and chases. Unfortunately, I could only see some of it from my perspective. Sarah Bella finished 22nd in our field (training for cyclocross). I was sorry to see Shelley Olds crash on the last lap.

I am proud of myself for even trying to race with people of that caliber. LOOK AT THE NAMES! I wanted some autographs at the starting line. Christine Thorburn!!! Now I can say that I raced with National and World Champions. Geesh.

This year I learned how smooth and safe the pros can be. I also learned how tactically smart they are (it was mean how they drove up the hill every lap). I realized that I was mentally handicapping myself by relegating myself to the back. "Just try to hang on." Anyone worth their bike-racing salt knows that that spells doom and it takes a lot more energy to hang out in the back. You are always in danger of being popped off. Thing is with them though, it's not like Women's 4 races where I could boss people around, pushing people off wheels and taking the front whenever I wanted, the crit boss. If I did that they would hang me out to dry so fast. It's hard to move up. You have to be really good at cornering and keeping wheels to stay in the game.

I had fun!

Giro Results

2008-09-06T08:17:00.000-07:00

Women 1/2/3
1   826 Martina PATELLA          Unattached                            
2   831 Brooke MILLER            Team TIBCO                            
3   828 Karen Brems              Webcor Builders                       
4   829 Christine THORBURN       Webcor Builders Cycling Team          
5   815 Flavia OLIVEIRA          Unattached                            
6   824 Karla KINGSLEY           Easton/SugarCRM/Specialized             
7   809 Starla Teddergreen       Dolce Vita                              
8   834 Virginia PERKINS         Unattached                              
9   802 Kristin DRUMM            PROMAN Cycling Team                   
10  836 Vanessa Drigo            Village Peddler                       
11  822 Olivia DILLON            Unattached                            
12  816 Jane ROBERTSON           Unattached                            
13  808 Liza Rachetto            TEAM TIBCO                            
14  837 Stacy MARPLE             Unattached                            
15  812 Mary Elizabeth MAROON    Vanderkitten                          
16  807 Jane DESPAS              Unattached                            
17  830 Victoria BASTIDE         Team TIBCO                            
18  800 Sarah Bamberger          Cheerwine Cycling                     
19  803 Amanda Eaken             Metromint Cycling on Marin Bik        
20  817 Katharine CARROLL        Unattached                            
21  813 Laurel GREEN             Dolce Vita Cycling                    
22  835 Sarah KERLIN             Velo Bella                           
23  832 Alison STARNES           Dolce Vita Cycling                    
24  819 Laurie FURMAN            Code 3 Racing                         
25  827 Jennifer VAN MUCKEY      Easton/SugarCRM/Specialized           
26  810 Anna Woldring            Code 3 Racing                         
27  811 Lauren HECHT             Webcor/Alto Velo                      
DNP 801 Patricia Black           Morgan Stanley/Specialized/24H        
DNP 804 Sarah Kayfetz            Dolce Vita                            
DNP 805 Melodie Metzger          Cal Giant Cycling Team                
DNP 806 Yukie NAKAMURA           Team Kenda Tire                       
DNP 814 Shelley OLDS             PROMAN Racing Team                    
DNP 818 Anny HENRY               Unattached                            
DNP 820 Brianna HAND             Metromint Cycling on Marin Bik        
DNP 821 Katie Kelly              Mako/Mellow Motors                    
DNP 823 Beverly CHANEY           ROARING MOUSE CYCLES                  
DNP 825 Elizabeth HATCH          Unattached                            
DNP 833 Hanan Alves-Hyde         Proman

Cat 3(B)  Women
1   198 Carol Irving             Touchstone Climbing                   
2   188 Rita SZETO               NorCal Velo Women's Cycling Te        
3   193 Lesley JENSEN            Mako                                  
4   197 Katie Norton             Velo Bella                            
DNS     Karena Shannon           Code 3 Racing                         
DNP 187 Jessica CONNER           Dolce Vita Cycling                    
DNP 189 Lucia MOKRES             Easton/SugarCRM/Specialized           
DNP 190 Kimberley PAYNE          Webcor/Alto Velo                      
DNP 191 Marissa Axell            Roaring Mouse                         
DNP 196 Kate Riedell             Roaring Mouse Cycles

Calling it a season...

2008-09-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

Three tough downtown crits with super fast smooth women:

Carerra de San Rafael
Susuin Harbor Criterium
Giro de San Francisco (big scary pros-- more later on this)

Mostly I was dangling at or off the back (not a good place to be). I got better at cornering, keeping a wheel and keeping my composure.I finished even though I got dropped by the pros. I had a lot of fun.

I just need a little bit more "umph" for next year. Dino helped me get some of it back. Next year I'll make it.

The face says it all (yesterday's 1/2/3 Giro):

The new skin-suit is the bomb!

Tour of the Unknown Coast

2008-08-11T15:24:00.000-07:00

I spent a little time last week on the Northwest Coast. A little camping, a big bike ride, smore eating, and berry picking. It was a great time. I needed a vacation!

The Tour of the Unknown Coast Route is one of the most spectacular routes I've ever ridden. I would recommend that any serious road cyclist travel Mattole Road. You get it all giant redwoods, coastal mountains, surreal coastline views, no cars and some neat places to stop. It's definitely a billy goat ride-- 97 miles with 9700+ feet of climbing.

Carson Valley Classic: District Criterium Championship

2008-07-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

The bellas-- Andrea, April, Soni and I came out to play in the smoke in Minden, Nevada. My new 35+ is a fast masters category. There weren't even any 30+ that showed up. We attacked, sprinted for primes. I tried to position my teammates and keep them out of the wind. April won a prime-- she has really raced her way into superb shape this year. She did a lot of work. It was hard to breathe. Taitt beat up on us a little. I narrowly avoided a solo crash in turn one. It was a good race. I love working for my team and hoped I could help them a little more than I did. I ended up 10th place. Andrea rode really well and ended up 6th! :)

The highlight-- seeing Soni get 1st! in the 40+ and seeing Jeff win after that bad crash last year.

I like my horoscope today:
July 27, 2008

Taurus (4/20-5/20)

Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. So if you are upset that you recently failed to attain a goal, don't dwell on it as a failure. Try to see it as a lesson, not as a waste of time. You are taking away something very valuable from this endeavor. Use it to carry your forward. You've got other goals to pursue, so switch your focus to those and choose to believe that you will attain them. Just because you missed last time does not mean you will fail again.

Eppie's Great Race 2008

2008-07-24T16:05:00.000-07:00

35th Annual Eppie's Great Race: "The World's Oldest Triathlon"

Saturday, July 19th, 2008

Eppie's isn't your average triathlon, but it's a heck of a lot of fun. It includes a 5.82 miles run, 12.5 mile bike ride on the American River Bike Trail, and 6.5 mile paddle down the American River benefiting Sacramento County Therapeutic Recreation Services. Everyone from the most hardcore athlete down to your neighbor next door who has a bike or kayak competes. This year there were over a thousand teams, with over 2000 people competing in team, iron-person, corporate, fire/police, kids and adaptive divisions. It's a big deal here in Sac Town.

This was my second year sponsored by California Canoe and Kayak. Last year we won the open women's division and wanted to defend our title. This year we added a new fast runner, Karen Jeffers, to our already strong team. I had great faith in our paddler Elaine Baden, who is one of the best female open water paddlers in the Bay Area.

2007 Podium

I touched bases with Karen in the morning about 7:00 and warmed up on the way down to Sac State were the bikes were staged. I know the bike trail like the back of my hand, so I knew exactly what was coming. I chatted with Linda Elgart and some other River Ride peeps, until we heard the news helicopter coming. My heart rate jumped up to 100 bpm and palms started to sweat, even though I knew it would take a while for Karen to get to me. The fastest runners started coming down for hand-offs and Karen was one of the first women in. They told her to go down the wrong chute, but she lept like a gazelle over the barrier and pushed me off in my ungraceful not-a-triathlete-or-cross-racer mount.

Karen of the River City Rebels

Thank God I started doing intervals over the Winter, so I knew a little better how to pace my self. I did some 2x20's, so I figured this would only be about 10 more minutes of pain. Unlike most time trials, you are allowed to draft and I quickly hooked up with some serious triathletes in full aero gear (unlike myself). They were flying along between 24-27 mph. I could only hang with that for so long, and popped off near a footbridge over the river. I blew a kiss to the parents when I passed and settled into my pace. My fast friend Suz caught me and we traded drafts for a bit. She flatted and I was solo again in the pain cave. I averaged 236 watts/174 bpm heart rate, which I was really happy about, knowing that I that's about where my threshold is. I averaged about 22mph-- about the same as last year.

I reached the Kayak point and handed my bike off to a volunteer, running down towards the river in my look cleats, ack! I was hoping not to fall flat on my face in front of the hundreds of spectators. Elaine was easy to spot in her Dalmatian Ear helmet. I breathed a sigh of relief and ride back with a group of cycling buddies to the finish.

I got back to the finish just in time to see Elaine come in. Our team was interviewed by the local news and we dedicated our finish to my Dad, who went through heart bypass surgery in March and is turning 65 on the 24th. I made it in a little sound byte that made it sound like I trained 20 hours a week just for Eppie's (not). Oh my... let's just hope they don't repeat that one over and over.

The Results?:

1st Overall Open Women's
Karen Jeffers, Katie Norton (Velo Bella) and Elaine Baden
Time- 1:52 (very few teams made it under 2:00)
26th overall out of over a 1000 teams

The second team of much younger women (we are all 35+) came in 23 minutes behind us! We smoked' em! Tee hee! My boyfriend Dino also hit the podium again with a 3rd place on the Co-ed team division. I'm hooked and if the sponsorship holds I'll be there again next year.

August Races?

2008-07-23T11:22:00.001-07:00

Now What?
When I look at the race calendar, I think about the following things: How far away is it? How much energy do I have? Will I have any teammates there? Will I get my butt kicked? I'm trying to figure out where I want to go from here this season.

At this point, I feel like I have learned a lot this year. I don't feel to hung up on doing any one race. I don't feel too disheartened after my DNF on the Terrible Two (I found out that only 140/250 people finished), but it made me want to focus on a new direction of sprinting instead of hill climbing. I have lots of base miles to keep going strong. Points racing on Tuesdays at the track has kept things fresh and fun.

Possible Races:

Carrera de San Rafael 8/9-- It's the Saturday after we get back from camping, if we haven't ridden our legs off! 1:35 min drive in the evening. W 3/4 race at 2:45 and W 1/2/3 race at 6:50. Lots of cash and prizes. Not in the Cal Cup It's the same day as Patterson Pass. I've never done it before.

The Esparto TT (W 1/2/3) is the next day. Esparto was a fun experience last year and I'd like to get more chances to TT in the future. I don't think I'll do that well. I could pick either the Carrera or Esparto. Right now I feel like the Carrera is more where I'm at since I've done the points races. Cal Cup Race.

Dunnigan Hills Road Race 8/16. I'd like to keep the energy level up for the next day, but this course isn't too too demanding. Long flat rollers. I'm not sure what categories they are offering right now. Last year I think they had seperate women's categories. I got 3rd place in the W4's last year. Nice and close to home. Cal Cup Race.

Suisuin Crit 8/17 (W 1/2/3)-- Back in the saddle for this baby! Last time I got dropped on the first lap as an unattatched 4 who was having trouble getting in her cleats. It was an open women's field in the Cal Cup. Doh! It will be nice to hang with that one. Cal Cup Race.

Winters Road Race 8/31 -- A fun course close to home on familiar roads. It was my first road race back in 2005 and I had a great time. Rollers and one short power climb/ technical descent. I would get to say hello to Kyle's Camel. Cal Cup Race.

Help Me Decide? What races do you consider fun? What do you think of the Carerra? To TT or not to TT?

2008-07-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

Tour De France Commercials
For those of us without a DVR, we get the pleasure of watching the same commercials over and over again. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad the tour has sponsorship. What I've determined:

1. My beer and my life should have more than one dimension.
2. It's never too late to set yourself straight.
3. You can take energy from exhaust and recycle it.
4. Repetition does not equal joy.

Tuesday Points Racing
Every week has been more fun! Great camaraderie and learning from the pros. Larry Nolan does a great job running things, teaching and keeping it fun. I feel like I've turned a corner and have figured out how to get up on top of the gear and sprint. We did three 30 lap races, sprinting every six laps with a few brownie primes thrown in. I attacked a few times and got some points, which is better than my past performance. At the end of the last race, I knew I was cooked and outgunned by the juniors and Kelly of Proman, so I attacked with three to go. Beth, my bella teammate, used this to her advantage and attacked after me and won 1st (I think she won two of the Cs points races for the night). Go team! Go Beth.

Drat....

2008-07-07T15:50:00.000-07:00

This cute little email popped into my in-box earlier today... when it's purple, meaning VERY UNHEALTHY, and 111 degrees in my back yard I have to listen to reason (especially with asthma). Sigh... it feels like rain days in the winter. I'll have to vent my frustrations on the track tomorrow.

The high particulate matter 2.5 forecast for today and tomorrow is due to smoke from wildfires and is focused primarily on high readings in Placer County .

Sacramento Regional PM2.5 Forecast

Monday, Jul 7: 205 AQI - Very Unhealthy (PM2.5)

One happy cyclist again...

2008-07-07T14:39:00.000-07:00

What have I been doing since the Terrible Two?

1. The Monday Night River Ride--
Pain, suffering, wind and camaraderie. Who will be the next king or queen of the freeway overpass?

2. Tuesday Points Racing at Hellyer Velodrome-
"As long as I breath, I attack." Bernard Hinault

Four bellas + cookie primes + repeated attacks = the team wins (Erika)! It's really hard to have more fun on the bike. Friday night racing is sponsored by the team. The Beergarten Beladrome! Dino smashed the B's race by lapping the field and earning 46 points.

3. Davis 4th of July Criterium--
"If you brake, you don't win." Mario Cipollini

I decided to race with the 3/4s considering the pro field signed up. It was fast, competitive and surprisingly safe. No crashes in our field. Last time there were four (with myself involved). I was nervous and let gaps build in the corners, but once I started spinning and relaxed, it was more fun. April and I finished mid-pack. I met my goal of just doing it again and keeping the rubber to the road.

4. The Saturday River Ride--
The boys were tired after racing on Friday, so there were some unusual breaks in the speed. No one was too froggy. I kept up just fine.

Racey! Racey! Yeah baby (ala Austin Powers).

Terrible Two Double Century 2008

2008-06-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

Or the heading could read:

"Hill Slug Attempts defy Gravity (Trying to do everything in one season)."

Yes, folks, after 14 of these suckers, she finally DNFs. I missed the cutoff at lunch by two minutes. But I don't feel ashamed. It was bloody hot and I haven't been targeting the Terrible Two as THE RIDE (which you pretty much have to do, unless you are one of those hill mutants). The TT has taken out many experienced, fit, and resourceful riders. There is a reason for the name.

The Report:
Ride Start
The roll out from the ride start was fun! We were paced by a mini. Lots of friends and fast women there. It was going well until a dog ran out into the peloton and caused a crash right in front of me. It's always good to focus on your line around and try not to look at the people tumbling on the pavement. Our friend Tim helped me make sure that Dino was okay. He must have seen the look on my face. We had a Shlug running in motorcycle helmet and underwear and someone kept singing Boy George's "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?" Good times.

Trinity Grade
I forgot how steep that sucker is. I tried not to think about it when lots of people passed me. "No, you're not the very last one on the course." The chalk from the tour of California was still there. My favorite chalk sign was "I want my mommy." It was cool to imagine the pros racing up it including the 40-something Cippo in the lead group. On the twisty technical descent I sped ahead of Dino who got his first front flat of the day. I kept riding, not knowing what had happened and knowing that he would catch me soon. I was in and out of Rest Stop 1 in 9 minutes.

The Geysers
When I did this ride back in 2005, the Geysers was completely engulfed in fog which was probably good because I didn't see how steep, long and exposed it was. I was feeling really sick to my stomach which I was concerned about (if you don't replenish the calories it's game over). I kept drinking and crawling up the hill. The Santa Rosa Bike Club had three sag vehicles up the climb, filling our water bottles and pouring water over our backs. They give incredible support. Dino was waiting at the top and found out that there were 50 riders behind us.

To Lunch
You can't go too fast through the up and down section from the top of the Geysers to Lake Sonoma. There are gravel sections worthy of Cyclocross, cattle grates, and blind corners. It's one of the maddening aspects of the ride. You can't make much time on the sections between the climbs. That's were Dino got front flat #2. We weren't feeling too confident in his front wheel, especially since he had a front flat at the Nevada City Bike Classic the week before. I knew we were cutting it close to the time cut off at lunch. They rang the bell right before we got there. Drat!!!

Cut off Ride
I still felt fine, and my pride kept me from getting into a sag vehicle. We opted to ride back to Sebastopol after having sandwiches and letting Dino take care of his flat issues. The ride back was incredibly gorgeous, going through the rolling hills and vineyards of the Alexander Valley. It made me feel better. I was having a nice reflective ride until we stopped understanding the map, ran out of water in the heat and Dino got front flat #3. I felt like we were lucky that it didn't happen at high speed coming down one of those technical descents later in the ride.

Home
We eventually made it back with a three mile detour and a pit stop at a gas station for water and Gatorade. We ended up with 147 miles and lots of climbing. At the finish line we saw some of the first people come in at around 12 hours and 20 minutes. Absolutely incredible to finish 200 miles, 16,000 feet of climbing in 100 degree heat in that time. We had a little food then high-tailed it back home.

Time to Re-evaluate
Okay, so maybe you can't do it all and expect results. I'm still figuring out what I can be successful at and what are my limits. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained," right? Dino had a challenge fitting everything in when my training goals were to race on the road, track and ultra-distance. Cycling is always an experiment of one and I'm happy I gave it a shot. I still think I need variety to avoid burn-out, but realize I need to make more specific targets.

Are you ready?

2008-06-17T18:44:00.000-07:00

It's the question everyone asks when I mention the Terrible Two this Saturday. What always fires off in my head immediately is "Of course not!" I don't think I'll ever feel truly ready for it. I could always grind up more steep pitches and eat less donuts. I think the feeling comes from the respect for the magnitude of the ride, the length, the climbs, the descents... Respect that keeps me humble, but ready to go.

Ft. Ross at Sunset

Hopelessly Addicted...

2008-06-10T19:57:00.000-07:00

I've had this up all day, obsessively checking on the latest deal. They only show one item at a time until they sell out:

http://www.chainlove.com/

Be sure to read "The Mission".

Sigh... I love new bike things.

Golden State Criterium

2008-05-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a long week. I jumped right back into my normal bike/teach/drive cycle without pause after the Davis Double. I did suprisingly well recovering considering everything I do. About Tuesday I decided to sign up for today's local crit.

Rolling out of bed this morning, I got a shocker looking out the window. RAIN!!! You've got to be kidding after last week's scorcher. I thought about riding over but felt like the trainer might be a warmer and more consistent warm-up.

I was happy to see my teammate April looking fly in her Bella kit. I missed having Dino with me. We were both a little more nervous with the rain and the 180 put into the course. We had a nice field of mostly experienced 3s in our 3/4 field of about 25 so it turned out to be pretty safe in the rain. We had a couple of crashes, but no one was taken out too badly.

The four Metromint girls were active as usual and there were some good attacks that made it more interesting. They are fun to watch. I spent most of the time up front guarding and chasing attacks. I focused on staying up front, especially through the 180.

There were three girls who attacked through the final corner and I couldn't quite get on a wheel. I ended up getting 4th place. April was behind me at 8th place. One of the Metromints who won the blueberry prime generously shared them while we waited for the results. After a mediocre start to the season, it was nice to have my form back. I think the rest of the season is going to be great.

Davis Double Century 2008

2008-05-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

Double Century #14 (Davis Double #6)

Spiritual Observance
After doing these many, I had to think to myself, "Why?" I don't exactly have to prove that I can finish. I guess they are kind of the equivalent of religious holidays (church of the rotating mass). Not doing them is like not celebrating Christmas. Sure, it would be a lot less hassle, but something would be missing. I both look forward to and dread them. I get to see people I only spend time with once or twice a year. They are markers in my life. They make me take stock of myself and come face to face with my limitations. They make me grateful for my ability to finish. Each one has its own character and story.

This Year's Highlights:

Tandem train freebie averaging 22 for the first 45 miles
Seeing 1000s of butterflies swirl around the riders up Cardiac Hill
Dino singing Oscar the Grouch's "I Love Trash"
Tube Socks filled with ice around my neck
Seeing the same tube socks littering the back roads from Clear Lake to Davis (someone probably wonders about their origin)
Knowing the route by heart
Being mistaken for Sabine at one of the last rest stops
A bike that ran as smooth as butter
A beautiful TAILwind for the last flat miles (riding 20-25mph)
Having Logan finish his first double incident free
Watching Dino's calves
Awesome support of the Davis Bike club. The best ever.
Having two strong, devoted ride mates (D-train and the newly dubbed L-train) looking out for me (keeping me cool and pulling me along) SPOILED!

Low-Lights:

109 degrees on the climb after lunch (up Resurrection). I have never gotten along with that hill!
3 hours lost to getting cooled and hydrated at rest stops
blisters from the heat
seeing people abandoning the ride, looking dejected in the shade

Scroll through the pictures to see me impersonating a T-Rex.

Whut's Crackin'?

2008-05-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

Buy now... Pay Later!
Wednesday brought me some great sprint #s (in the 800s). Then on the Thursday south river ride I died a slow painful death, sucking wheel as if it were my last breath.

Coolest 24 hour/Lake Loop Virgin
Friday I stocked up on Groceries to feed the cycling calorie consuming machines. Saturday I rode up to Cool via Salmon Falls Climb to witness my first ultra mountain bike race-- The Coolest 24 hours! It was a party! I heard soo many people say "Hey Bella!" and "Go Velo Bella!". I saw Yvette C. who I haven't seen forever in a team relay for 24 hours. I saw Marion J. line up with the 8 hour group. We saw each other grinned and I said "I didn't know you were going to be here!". She said "I didn't either!" I was happy to cheer my lungs out at her start. There were lots more friends to see including the awesome Brad C. and Dezi! It was a great way to get 101 miles in. It was my first time doing the Folsom Lake Loop (hard to believe considering all the times I have ridden the different parts).

Back to Back Benjamins
Today was another 101 miles off to Davis and then up to the lake. I felt okayish. We saw some people riding up to Folsom on Penny Farthings and one unicycle. There are some interesting people on the parkway. I was toast by the end but had Bandera Cluck and Moo for dinner which made it all worth it.

Why all the miles? It's May!

http://www.mayisbikemonth.com/

Dino is going to take it all!! Yeah baby!

No rest for the wicked...

2008-04-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

The numbers from last week:

Approximately 270 miles
16 hours of riding
37.2 mph on the River Ride on Saturday (somehow I always get a little push that helps me hang on). A new land speed record for me in a pack in the flats.
Hitting in the mid 700s for my sprints (getting higher).

I'm right on track for the Doubles coming up!

On the Personal Front:
Dad is doing well (although he's a little stir crazy). He got a new bike for my birthday (yes, my birthday). It's what I wanted!

Breathing Room

2008-04-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

Today was the first time in the last few weeks when I feel like I have really been able to catch my breath. Thank Dino for talking some sense into me about taking a day off riding if needed. Quality training is more important than grinding yourself into the ground.

Where do I even start?

My healthy exercising dad had a quintuple bypass surgery the Monday after my Spring Break of fantastic riding. I am so bloody lucky to have pops around. Life is precious (underscore, bold, exclamation point to infinity). It was a good wake-up call and brought the family closer (and Dino and me). I am heading up this weekend to check in on him and get in some good climbing in Grass Valley.

I went down to the Madera Stage race last weekend to support Dino. I still got in over two hours of quality riding. I had soo much fun!! I love seeing the fancy TT bikes (and fantasize about putting Dino on one). I could hardly stand watching the crit I was so anxious (spectators counted 17 flats during the race). Dino had great position until he got a flat and other people in some breaks wouldn't commit. I watched Kyle, my student and friend, pull off a great sprint to win it in the end.

That night I hung out with the Bellas at the Vineyard. I am so happy to be a part of the team. They are tough, beautiful, funny and have the right attitude. We crowded the 35+ podium when the weekend was done and made a good showing with the 4s. After that it was an Italian dinner with Team City-- more neat people even though the food stank (and I'm not that picky).

The road race was hot! The women's 3's got grouped with the 1/2s. As you can imagine they weren't thrilled but did pretty well. Ali from Metromint stayed with them (gosh she's strong this year). I worked the feed zone and road the rollers in the start finish. What a beautiful, fun course! The view of the Sierras was spectacular. It was a really fun weekend.

Now it's time to get some serious miles in before ultra season starts!

Land Park Criterium Pics

2008-04-06T15:31:00.001-07:00

I need to work on my game face... savage!

Copperopolis Road Race: Category- Women's Solo Training Ride

2008-03-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

I won my category and learned a lot in the process.

So I raced with the women's 4 field in 2006. It was my first real year racing and I was unattached. At the start, I chatted with others to calm myself down. The woman I talked to (who will remain team-less and nameless) gave me a "great pep talk" about how big girls do better at crits because they can throw their weight around. There was some truth to that, but I didn't need to hear it at that point. ("There is a special place in Hell for women who don't help other women " Madeline Albright, Secretary of State). I then proceeded to redline on the first lap and get dropped on the smooth section after the feed zone and rode solo the rest to the way to finish next to last. Not a confidence builder.

At that time, I had more of a complex about my size and shape, and felt like it was a major inhibitor to being good at bike racing. When I watched the pro women at the San Francisco Gran Prix it was a major eye opener. I thought "Man! These girls aren't all pip-squeaks!" There was hope after all. After that I tried to sign up for races where I didn't set myself up for "failure"--things that were more suited to my strengths. I met my goal last year of moving up a category and had more fun than ever being a part of Velo Bella.

I cheered on my friends and teammates for the first wave of racers, then took a lovely training ride once around the course. I rode up to the feedzone with a backpack full of bottles and gu's to feed people that might need it. I hung out with some really cool people, gave Dino food and a bottle of Heed and then spun over to the start/finish to laze about in the sun with Linda E., Team Cities and Laura. My friend Sarah (Mtn. Bike Pro) won the Women's 3 race. Awesome.

Observations & Conversation:

The largest pack I saw maybe had a dozen riders finishing together.
There were a lot of solo finishers-- including people I knew to be very strong (hill-climbers even).
A lot of people seriously asked me why I wasn't racing (in that past I would have thought "Are you serious? Can't you see I'm not built for this course?")
Most people don't think they are built for this course.
I overheard a very strong pro (Tait) saying "This was a wakeup call today." (Everyone has thoughts like this?)
I don't care about smack talk anymore (bring it on).
It's more honorable to race and finish then to not try (duh).
More women need to sign up for races. Period.
There is no failure if I have fun, learn something or can help out a teammate.
I take things too seriously sometimes.

I looked up my results from last time and found out that Virginia P. won that time (now an NRC contender and Cat 1). I finished 12th place. Good for me! Maybe next year I'll sign up.

Oh my god, I'm doing it again...

2008-03-24T08:41:00.000-07:00

I have been planning on finishing the TT again for a couple of years now, but when I got the confirmation email yesterday, my heart went pitter-pat (reality sets in):

From: SRCC@memberlodge.com
To: sacwheelgirl@sbcglobal.net
Date: 23 Mar 2008 14:16:28 -0400
Subject: Katie The Terrible Two Registration Confirmation
Dear Katie Thank you for registering: The Terrible Two
Start Date: 21 June 2008, Saturday
Start Time: 05:30 AM
End Date:21 June 2008, Saturday
End Time: 10:00 PM
Location: Analy High School, Sebastopol, CA
Thank you for registering for the Terrible Two, Sonoma County's toughest cycling event.

Respect the ride:

197 miles, 16,480' of climbing, 17 hour time limit

It permanently changed me as a cyclist and person. I couldn't make excuses after getting through the "longer anniversary route" in 2005. This time, I'm getting the t-shirt!

Zamora Bariani Road Race: Women's 1/2/3

2008-03-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

We arrived at 6:30 and the north gale of frozenness was a blowin! I saw so many riders quitting early. but Dino looked so strong. He stayed with the pack and chase groups the two times I saw him (most watchers were waiting in cars to stay warm, including myself). I managed to get out a few times to watch him.

None of us cared much about warming up for our race in the howling frozen wind. I was happy to see four of my teammates, who worked the field pretty well.

I didn't have much hope at the start, being that I'm a big girl who doesn't race well up hills (although I have a serious love affair with hills and do pretty well over distance). I can't say I'm a bad climber, I just don't weigh 100 lbs.

My goal for the day was to hang in there as much as possible and have fun. It's such a pastorally gorgeous course: Little birdies tweeting, green rolling hills, sunshine, grape wines, sheep running, and the beautiful Bariani Olive Oil Plant of course. They rule. We are so lucky to have them. I wish I would have won the olive oil prime.

Anyhoo-- It was slow going into the wind. I had to bridge up twice in the first lap which took a lot of energy. There was one ride who kept making aggressive moves up, then would gap us out. Argh.

I ended up doing probably too much work for the chase groups that ensued, but I did a lot better than expected. I spent the last lap alone. At that point, I was riding for Kristy, myself and the promise of an In-N-Out cheeseburger (I had to burn at least 1500 calories).

I had a change of attitude after Snelling-- my first rest stop on some Doubles is at mile 50. Why quit a road race 30 miles in? I loved seeing Dino at the Start/Finish every time (although I tried not to oogle too much). I finished 33 out of 37 starters.

It was a great day.

Land Park Criterium: Women's 1/2/3

2008-03-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

I was nervous last night! Pacing the floor and trying not to think about my first 1/2/3 race (it will be just like Master's Districts right?). My anxiety was somewhat calmed by knowing that I would have teammates and a great support crew (Dino). I also felt small for worrying about how I would do with the reality check that Kristy's death gave me. You only get a certain number of days on this earth, you better make them count. It would have been her first 1/2/3 race, and I would have liked to see how she would have done.

I watched the women's 4 race. April spent some time at the front, then shuffled back at the end. She passed a lot of people in the sprint along with Beth Newell. They both got stuck behind some brake-happy girls in the final Schwoopty and ended up top ten. New bella Sherri Lehman was there to cheer both fields on.

For our race, we did a neutral silent lap for Kristy and Matt and then it was game on. Right off the start one of the Team Z girls attacked. Before thinking, I countered her and caught her for the pack. The pre-race plan was to guard the attacks and lead Ryan out if possible, so I felt like I helped out a little. My main goal for the race was to hang in, take a few risks, and see what I could do for teammates. There were a lot of primes, so it felt like a points race at the track. Follow the attacks in the back section, settle into the corners, sprint for the line, lather, rinse, repeat. I caught another attack from Proman about halfway through the race. That was about all I had left, and just hung on to a wheel for the final sprint. Marian and Ryan both spent time on the front and following attacks. Soni was so strong and held her position in the pack well. Our team was definitely active out there!

I came away from the race feeling more confident and excited about the rest of the season. I loved how well the other racers handled their bikes and let people know about their position. I liked the speed and rhythm. Now I just have to grow the motor! More watts please!

Pictures to come (some good ones).

Memorium

2008-03-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

It's been hard for me to write since hearing about the tragic death of Kristy Gough and Matt Peterson. My words can't capture the horror people must have felt that day on the ride when the Sheriff's car careened into the group of three or the sadness at the loss of such talent. For cyclists, we know that we take that chance almost every time we go out, yet we go anyway. After hearing about it, I immediately imagined the times I've been spinning up some lonely hill around a blind corner a little too fast, a little too close to the center line-- imagining all of the close calls that I have had. We delude ourselves into thinking that there is a way to avoid an accident like that. People want to place blame because we are trying to create meaning out of meaninglessness; that somehow we have power over our fates. It's a humbling reminder of our mortality and how damn lucky we are to have every day. We are all fragile but incredibly resilient at the same time.

I raced with Kristy twice this year. At the Snelling road race, she made the most gutsy attack I have ever seen, straight into a brutal headwind on the bumpy section before the finish. No one could stay with her, and she rode solo for three laps to win. She did that in every race she competed in this year. I have never seen a gift like hers.

Sick Day

2008-03-01T15:31:00.000-08:00

I finally succumbed to the bug that I've been fighting all week. I have been around so many sick people lately, but optimistically thought that I'd be immune. Thursday, during intervals on the trainer, I realized that this wasn't the normal fatigue of living la vida loca. Friday morning my throat was sore, I was achy all over and I was pretty crabby. Now I know how Dino has been feeling.

I am disappointed that I probably won't be able to race tomorrow at Merco with Dino, but I see the big picture. I don't like to be a quitter and like to tough things out, but I am thinking differently than I used to. In the past, I would have gone anyway and ended up with bronchitis for a month. A little voice of doubt would have said "Are you really that sick?" Instead of seeing it as quitting (or being a wuss) I think of it more as taking care of the race machine. I want to be healthy for Land Park and Zamora for the 1/2/3 race. All of the hard work and discipline won't amount to anything if I don't get healthy.

Snelling Road Race: Who said the wind was our friend?

2008-02-24T17:19:00.000-08:00

Looking Back

After my first race in 2005, I felt a vague sense of disappointment.
I remember thinking during the race, "When are we going to start really racing?" This was after riding in local men's race training rides getting hung out to dry, suffering, and sometimes doing pretty well. I didn't have any idea about what I was getting into and had no model "racer chick". I wondered if I fit the bill? I could get top tens and some primes the first year, but the skills and confidence needed some help. I rode long long miles at tempo. I had a strange mixture of insecurity and disbelief. Yet, I knew what I was going after-- I saw great riders and understood the kind of power, skill and guts that it takes to succeed.

Last season the major limiters were off and it felt easier.
I was frustrated with some races--Too short, too slow, too boring. My training rides were far more challenging. It seemed backwards. I take responsibility for not making them more interesting-- although I was able to get in a few breaks and pull off some fun attacks. I got better at patiently waiting to get those points at the sprint.

My First Cat 3 Women's Road Race

I was calm at the start for a change.
I felt like a member of the community.
The vibe was friendly and competitive.
Observation: Fast women come in all shapes and sizes.
Obstacles were pointed out in a nonchalant way.
No body freaked out or squealed even when girls bumped.
No one announced "braking" before we turned
and the front accelerated hard out of the corners.
Everyone rode in their drops at the right time.
I saw an incredibly gutsy move into the blistering headwind
that blew apart the field (she stayed away solo and won).
Groups formed and rotated and echeloned after.
My teammates are the best.
It was really hard.
This is what I signed up for.
Maybe I just like getting my ass kicked.
Home at last.

Dino and the Start of the Cat 3 Race

Sherri at the start of the Women's 4 Race (200 women racing total for the day)!

Tour of California- Stage Two Finish

2008-02-24T16:59:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

I rode an easy two hours in the morning at endurance pace (three hours hard tempo the day before) watching Dino blazing by doing pain cave intervals. Took a nice long bath, snagged a the burrito racer cruiser from the shop and did a quick tour of the expo around the finish line at the capital. Before the racers arrived, I settled into a spot at 58 Degrees, a local wine bar on the route reserved for friends of City Bicycle Works. It's nice to have connections. I got to catch up with Judy about her ski racing and snuggle with my sweetie. All of the masters racers said "YES!" when they heard that Cipo had claimed 3rd place. There were so many spectators. It's bodes well for the future of our sport.

Norlund Construction, Inc. Corporate Criterium (Say that three times fast)

2008-02-18T10:50:00.000-08:00

Flibbity Floooooo....

Luckily, I kept the rubber side down despite gravel trucks parked on the course. It was a violent swirling of STRONG cat 3/4 women with 90 degree corners. Man, it was time to get my crit grove back on after the crash at Timpani last year. It was bunchie bunchie the whole time. I never got into a rythmn.

I moved up, got shuffled back, moved up, sprinted after the soon-to-be-upgraded at the bell, moved up, got shuffled back. Want to steal a wheel, sure go ahead! Want to sneak by me on the inside before a corner, sure go ahead! Argh! April, my teammate, reminds me of myself last year-- strong, works hard, go get it attitude. She was great at keeping the pace up front.

I was very proud of my sprint at the end. I flew around a lot of people and pulled off my highest watts of the season. I had some real fear that needed to be squelched by the Crit Boss Attitude that I felt last year. I have the power and the skills. Everything is coming together... All the ingredients are there and developing nicely (equipment, training, support, skills, mental ability).

I have to admit that I was dissapointed by my results (probably 12th out of 25?). I got a little spoiled last after beating up on the Cat 4 fields... Chalk it up to experience and move on. This year I am going to learn a lot.

Off to the Snelling Road Race next weekend.

New Shoes!

2008-02-18T10:42:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I love a new pair of shoes as much as any other woman, but these are the most expensive pair I've ever had (cycling or not). I think they look fast. Plus, they fit like a glove and have super stiff carbon soles. They look great with the Velo Bella Kit. It helps me feel more psyched about the race season ahead.

Track time...

2008-02-08T15:22:00.000-08:00

Off to San Jose tomorrow for a points race! I'm excited since it's been a while. I am curious about how I am going to feel after my new improved winter training. 100% of proceeds go towards helping the Proman Track Team get to all 4 of the UCI World Cup Track races. Free food and beer (microbrew):

http://www.ridetheworldcups.com/

Old haiku written many moons ago...

2008-02-07T06:20:00.000-08:00

Pop - hiss - thump - thump - thump
Broken bottle stops our group
quick fix ride goes on

Trainer Haiku #1

2008-02-05T20:53:00.000-08:00

Sweat splatters pergo
Loud whirring sound hums along
How many minutes?

Test #2

2008-01-27T16:36:00.000-08:00

Saturday was a second test of my all-out 1 minute and 5 minute power with some sprints thrown in. Across the board, I had gains in power. I know it was the intervals on the trainer! I was excited to hit my all-time top-end watts in sprint! My body feels so solid and my legs felt awesome.

It's not that big of a surprise after doubling my dismal amount of training over last year, improving my diet, just generally taking care of myself and having a genius coach training me. I have to tell you though-- each gain was hard work (blood, sweat and tears). Bike racing ain't for pansies. Nope.

2008-01-22T19:28:00.000-08:00

"Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase."

Martin Luther King Jr.

Bike Cleaning Party

2008-01-18T18:53:00.001-08:00

Time to listen to the radio (groovin' R&B oldies with Barry White baby) and give the bikes a little love for once (they give and they give without asking much). This one goes out to all the bikes out there:

"Never, never gonna give you up
I’m never, ever gonna stop

Not the way I feel about you
Bike, I just can’t live without you

I’m never, ever gonna quit
‘Cause quittin’ just ain’t my stick
I’m gonna stay right here with you
Do all the things you want me to"

I like cleaning bikes (it's just the getting set up and starting). The gundge bunnies were way thick on the dérailleur pulleys. Thank god for Simple Green and elbow grease. Had to keep an eye out for the pesky orange cat trying to jump the fence.

100 miles tomorrow into the foothills with some peeps. Very Fun!!! I'll be thinking about my bella teammates having fun at camp this weekend. If I could win the lottery and be two places at once. Looking forward to some couch time on Sunday. Football championships baby! Go Brett!!!!!

2008-01-14T17:38:00.000-08:00

Well folks, this is the general game plan this year. Add in some time at the track and a full time job and I'm a pretty busy gal. Nothing set in stone of course. S uperficially, it looks like criteriums are good training for Double Centuries. Ha!

*Races*	*Date*	Category
1. Snelling Road Race	2/23	¾
2. Merco Criterium	3/1	¾
3. Merco Road Race	3/2	¾
4. Menlo Park Gran Prix	3/8	3
5. Land Park Criterium	3/15	1/2/3
6. Zamora Road Race	3/16	1/2/3
7. Martinez Criterium	4/5	1/2/3
8. Madera Stage Race	4/11-4/13	Support
9. Wente Criterium	4/27	3
10. Davis Double Century	5/17	Crazy
11. Golden State Criterium	5/24	1/2/3
12. Dunlap Memorial Time Trial	6/1	1/2/3
13. Eastern Sierra Double Century	6/7	Crazy
14. Terrible Two Double Century	6/21	Crazy
15. Burlingame Criterium	6/29	3
16. Diamond Valley Road Race	7/26	35+
17. Minden Criterium	7/27	35+
18. Esparto Time Trail (Ouch)	8/10	1/2/3
19. Dunnigan Hills Road Race	8/16	3
20. San Ardo Road Race	8/23	3
21. Winters Road Race	8/31	3
22. Giro de San Fransisco	9/4	3
*23.* *Knoxville Double Century*	*9/20*

On another note, check out "100 miles of going nowhere" on one of my favorite blogs:
http://www.fatcyclist.com/!!! Seriously funny.

Happy New Year

2008-01-02T15:53:00.000-08:00

2007 was a crazy year for me...

It had its ups and downs.
I tested limits.
I felt broken, beaten and scared.
I felt invincible, strong and elated.
I learned what was important to me.
I learned to really appreciate everyone and everything.
I laughed more than I ever have.
I experienced joy and love.
I rode over 8000 miles.

My wildest dreams came true... and what's amazing is that there is more to come.

Wishing everyone the best in 2008.

2007-12-17T06:04:00.001-08:00

"So oftentimes it happens
 that we live our life in chains
And we never even know
 that we have the key"
      Eagles - Already Gone

Christmas Light Ride

2007-12-09T13:48:00.000-08:00

Recipe for Holiday Spirit or My Idea for the Perfect Date

Chicago Fire Deep Dish Pizza after a long ride to Winters
Snuggling in the backyard, pre-ride social with my honey
Burrito Racer Cruiser
Midtown Sactown Christmas Lights Extravaganza
A giant horde of Cyclists from all walks on well lit and tinseled beater bikes; ages 0-99?
Grapa stop at the ultimate bike shrine garage
Completely taking over the road and having motorist actually cheer for you

How could it get any better? Next year I want to go all out with the decorations!!

I just needed a kitty in my basket to be the Bella on our jerseys.

Learning Curve

2007-12-04T17:48:00.001-08:00

I guess everyone who cycles carries around an image or sense of identity; roadie, mountain biker, trackee, cruiser, messenger, even the kid who rides the trike around the block. Or rather, I should say there are two identities-- the real you and the one you pretend to be for the day. Who hasn't pretended that Phil is narrating your mundane little training ride or business park crit? That's part of the fun of it. If you take it too seriously and they meet face to face, it can be frustrating.

For me, that image has evolved a lot over my life on two wheels. When I really started to get into riding back in 2001, I had a lot of limiters. I settled for being okay as someone who gets dropped in the hills on club rides and being happy just to finish. Sure I get the whole zen, "I'm just happy to be out there and have fun" idea, but there is a competitive side of me that wants to win. A primal urge to go fast.

I wanted to start racing the day I watched my ex race in a criterium for the first time. He had already told me "you better not start racing, or you know you'll take it too seriously." It was a big concern for him, feeling like it would take too much time in my already busy life. Wanting to be the good wife, I wanted to please and was careful about how into it I got and how much I let myself dream. I settled for being someone who races occasionally who doesn't really care how she finishes.

Now all of the limiters are off. The only thing holding me back is myself. I have decent bikes, a fantastic team, a man who supports me unconditionally who happens to be a great coach, and more knowledge skills and confidence. Now comes the real work. What do I want? How will I get there? How do I get the balance right between work, rest, and cycling? What is my new bike identity? What am I good at? Where can I realistically improve?

I know that I want to compete in races where I can use my strengths. I love sprinting!

I know that I want to finish more doubles (especially the Terrible Two).

I want to experiment at the track more (I get my ass royally kicked every time, but it's still fun and I wonder if I can get better at it).

It's always a work in progress.

We're so cute (which one is the evil twin?)

2007-12-04T17:34:00.000-08:00

Friday Night Points Race at the Track

2007-11-24T09:31:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to get back on the track after being away since August. The trip out there seems to get shorter as I get more familiar with the drive to San Jose. We got there a little after 3:00 and set up the mother of all chairs (seriously, it's like a portable couch). We had two hours to warm up and mess around as old friends filtered in.

It was a fund raiser for locals Dave McCook and Shelley Olds get to four UCI World Cup Track races. Shelley's mom and dad had free barbeque and a keg of Boont Amber Ale. The DJ played lots of classic funk mixed in with other great tunes. I brought about four dozen oatmeal cookies.

Almost nobody signed up for the B's race, so most of them moved up or down. The start of the C's race was really fast. I tried to follow the attack from the start and got dropped. Luckily, after the first sprint, things regrouped-- after all it was a 50 lap race. The second sprint proved fatal to me. The D.J. played AC/DC's "Shot Down in Flames" (how appropriate). I waited up for them to lap me so I could latch back on thanks to the relaxed format of the race. By then the race had blown apart. After that I settled into a pace I could hold. It was great to have some Bellas out cheering me on. I kept hearing the announcer saying Dino's name-- he was a lone wolf chasing down the leaders-- One of the few who didn't get lapped. I think he ended up second in points even with the little gear he put on to make it fair racing with us C's.

After that, we watched McCook, Shelley and Mike Hernandez toy with the A's for 100 laps while we chowed down on BBQ and hung out. It was a great night.

Annual Sac Thanksgiving Day Ride

2007-11-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

I thought I was a little crazy for waking up at 6:30 on a holiday to venture out into the freezing cold (35 degrees). But apparently, I wasn't the only one with a screw loose. I had been warned about this ride-- raging testosterone, brutal attacks on the dirt section, and flats galore.

When we arrived at Bella Bru I saw a lot of familiar faces; river riders, the coffee republic crowd and some old friends. After a photo and warning from Vince about "not wanting to race", we rolled out with about 100 riders. It had to be a sight to see!

Somehow, most of the group stayed together through the rolling hills south east of sac. One of the things I LOVE about road riding is being whisked along in a big pack. I love the sounds, the colors, the speed and seeing the herd flow along the road like a school of fish.There were no Gwavel Twucks on White Wock Woad fortunately. Not that many people could do anything about our critical mass display. It stayed social and nicely paced, although I was dying towards the end. D-know did point out to me that I should have eaten another cliff bar.

I discovered a new favorite! Christmas flavored Gu (mint-chocolate). Yummy! For every box you buy, 10% is donated to the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

Pictures to come!

Recovery Day

2007-11-19T17:13:00.001-08:00

After yesterday it was a nice day for a sloowww pedal on the parkway. 15 miles in an hour and a half listening to music. I did run into Kyle and ride a little faster than I should have, but it's not often that I get to ride with him. Recovery rides really help the muscles.

Thanksgiving for:
a week off
divorce paperwork completed
keeping the house
keeping my car
my health
cycling
family
friends
love

Test 1... uh...Is this thing on?

2007-11-19T15:12:00.000-08:00

Another great weekend in happy cycling land.

Saturday...
was Powertap testing on the canal free of cars. It's kind of like a video game where you are trying to beat your best score: Go as hard as you can for five minutes, 1 minute, add some sprints. The weather was unbelievably warm. I can feel the benefit of the killer interval workouts on the trainer. I like having the feedback of a great coach and numbers. Otherwise, it's so subjective. Why is it that you can feel horrible and crank out the numbers some days?

Sunday...
Pioneer trail on the mountain bike (part duex). My fears subsided after finally getting the pedals dialed in so that I could be confident in clicking out. I still managed a slow speed fall complete with sound effects (umph). So beautiful and fun. We managed to make it to the horse campground, about 32 miles round-trip. We'll get to the end eventually.

On another topic... Can you relate? (and there's more in the cupboard)

More Death Valley Pics...

2007-11-01T19:17:00.000-07:00

It's been five days, and I'm feeling like my old self again. I got back on the bike for the first time today and my legs felt really strong. The energy wasn't bad either. I appreciated the parkway knowing that I won't be seeing it in the daylight during the week for a while.

The Start

My Little Friend at Scotty's Castle

Tim
(Raising Mucho $$$$$ for The Lance Armstrong Foundation & a strong cyclist)

D-Train at Ubehebe (say it again)

Race Results and More Event Pictures

Death Valley Double: The Northern Route

2007-10-29T19:23:00.000-07:00

Double #13, 197 miles, 9000' of Climbing, 13 hours and 20 minutes

1st Solo Woman Finisher! Woo-hoo!

Moon Units Excited to Start at Furnace Creek: Mile 0

The First Half: Mile 96
It was a very mild day in one of the hottest places on the planet. A lot of people started with arm warmers and it only reached the mid 70s. The overcast sky hid the famous stars of Death Valley that I have yet to see. I was feeling super until the D-train drilled it and left a whole pace-line crossed eyed and shattered in lawn chairs at the Nevada border. Luckily, I have a knack for recovering. We needed someone to set the pace.

Lunch was at Scotty's Castle (Party Pad in the Middle O' Nowhere): Mile 120
We passed a really fluffy coyote on the climb up to lunch. He wasn't concerned about us at all. I had to tip-toe (you can do that on a bike, right?) around a tarantula in the road. I felt a lot better after a turkey sandwich.

Onto Ubehebe Crater (OOO-BEH-HEEE-BEE-- Say it! It's FUN)! Mile 130
It was a quick out and back with bad roads and a little climbing. You feel like you're in a parallel universe. It looks like you are going downhill but you are going 8 miles per hour generating 250 watts. Trippy. It can really mess with your mind. I think our minds aren't built to process the scale of a landscape like this. I felt like a little ant at the beach.

Down the Hill to Stove Pipe Wells: Mile 170
Finally some downhill after all the climbing. Thanks to Adventure Corps, the water bottles were always full and we had a nice little group. I was starting to get a little tired of the concentration required for drafting though.

Hell's Gate: Mile 184
It was about dark when we hit the last climb of the day. 6.5 miles with a couple thousand feet of climbing. So dark and so quiet. I felt like I was going to have a seizure when a ride came up behind us with a flashing front light. I let him pass to get away from it. They should ban those things. It was peaceful after that. Nice pavement and not as freakin' scary as it sounds.

Finish Line: Mile 197
There was a big group cheering our arrival including a group of women who had ridden the century who wanted to talk to me. They asked me why I do these things. My answer was that it teaches you a lot about yourself and I'm a little nuts. This says it better than I could:

"But you, by the grace of an ordeal in the night which stripped you of all that was not intrinsic, you discovered a mysterious creature born of yourself. Great was this creature, and never shall you forget him."

Antoine de Saint-Exupery, "Wind, Sand, and Stars"

It was a long but beautiful trip home up Hwy. 395
I got to stop at one of my favorite places, The Whoa Nelly Deli at the mouth of Tioga Pass

2007-10-20T10:33:00.001-07:00

"You can't see anything from a car; you've got to get out … and walk, better yet crawl, on hands and knees, over the sandstone and through the thornbrush and cactus. When traces of blood begin to mark your trail, you'll see something, maybe."

Edward Abbey

Next Weekend...

2007-10-19T18:48:00.001-07:00

It's a strange beautiful place... like God took a scouring pad to the Sierras. You feel like you don't quite belong in Death Valley. What better way to enjoy it than ride your bike through it?

Notice the tiny little rest stop in the background below. Yep, It's Badwater with the disco drag queen RAAM veteran crew (seriously). It's a crazy world folks.

I'm excited, can you tell? Check it out at Adventure Corps.

Not the Perfect Cycling Weekend...

2007-10-14T17:27:00.000-07:00

Can I Make a New Year's Resolution in October?
So I'm cruising up the bike trail, spinning like I'm supposed to, all ready to put in 3-4 hours of riding. Doing my share of pulling for a change and what happens? After about and hour and a half, I'm drafting the boyfriend up the bike trail and before I can even tell what happens I go into his back wheel. He magically stays up and has no marks at all. A dog on leash went across a narrow part of the trail and he sat up. I don't know where my mind was or how it happened. I mean, I know the whole part about looking up the trail etc. I was so frustrated. I banged up my right hand and got a pretty good bruise on my left ankle. I trashed my bar tape, screwed up my front shifter a little and bent a spoke on boyfriend's wheel. I don't think I'm a bad cyclist, but sometimes I can be a total airhead. DAngIt!!!! We limp home and Dino spends time getting the bikes back in running shape. It's just not right. I'm grateful that I bounce back after these things but they have happened with more frequency this year. Maybe I need to quiet the mind...

Sunday Went Down the Toilet
So I have a leaky shut off valve thingy on one of my toilets. The saga started about 11:00 in the morning, about an hour after getting out of bed. Again the boyfriend saves the day. I was all prepared to try it myself with him in the background just in case (I didn't want to do it on my own) and he jumps in with his magic touch & mechanical mind. Three trips to the hardware store later, and the leak is much better and the toilet can be used again. It's a good thing, since it's been a thing on the list to get done before going to Death Valley.

The Future
It was 4:30ish and two foot ball games later when we were done. I thought about getting on the bike. My body feels stiff and sore and I don't feel very peppy. I still have that nagging training nazi in my head saying you need to get out there. I'm glad it's there. It's what makes me better. It's easier to dismiss for one day now. I know I have the fitness and ability to rock the Death Valley Double. That's what experience has taught me. Days down the toilet happen. The body is more resilient than we think. There will be a lot of future rockin' cycling weekends.

The independent woman in me wants to be self-sufficient and hates needing help. I can be pretty proud and stubborn, but sometimes you just have to say "Thank You" to the man in your life. One thing for sure, the boyfriend should get a medal, "best all around". How did I get so lucky?

Nagging Little Doubts

2007-10-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

Those little voices pop up in my head from time to time... I'm not as fast as I think I am... I'll never get my energy back... I'm going to get dropped... blah..blah...blah. Rubbish. The longer I ride the more I see the big picture. It's more like "Get enough sleep, quit hitting the espresso, rest, rest, rest, quit yer whining and ride hard!". At least that's what I needed to tell myself today. Savage. That's all.

P.S. How many of you consider yourselves a "social cyclist"? I am. Can't seem to get quite the same motivation without a wheel to chase. Sigh.. big group rides are ending soon.

Knoxville Double Century

2007-10-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

Double #12, 202 miles, 12,600 feet of climbing

On some level I think that these rides get easier-- at least mentally they are being familiar with the route and all. I learned a lot this year, despite it being the 5th time round at Kx-ville. It was an off day for me this year.

Never take riding conditions for granted. I get sucked into the "Well last year I did it this way and it worked" mentality. I started out the day with arm warmers, a vest and short fingered gloves. It was adequate clothing in Vacaville at 4:30 am. By the time we had made it over Mt. George and into the Napa Valley it was beautiful and 35 degrees. I rotated shoving my hands under my vest riding one handed until the feeling came back in one hand then switched to the next. Hot cocoa saved me at rest stop #1.

A "relaxed social ride" is a relative term. Amongst the Ultra crowd, Knoxville is known for it's low pressure gathering of ultrafastiebadasses (extraterrestrials) and the best support people. The best of the best of the best and all who are tired after a long season of hammering as fast as possible for 200 miles. Kx-ville doesn't keep track of who finishes first or even record times. BUT, it's still a hard ride and it's still 200 miles. You can't take that for granted climbing Cobb Mountain after 110 miles.

Hard Core Bike Riders are Special People. It's a small world really and all. Tough, crazy and nice. I rode with my former 508 rival and friend E. Coli Kerin and saw Monarch Butterfly. Lee "Fuzzy" Mitchell did the squigley wave back at me. Luckily, I didn't see our arch nemesis Chupacabra who nicked us out back in '05 in the last 2 miles of a 512 mile race. The Quackcyclists put on the best show around. They really know how to take care of every little detail. They are fantastic!

Even if you are having a bad day, you should still be proud of getting out there and finishing. I still had fun even though I didn't finish by 8:00 like last year. Emotionally and mentally, I felt the strongest that I ever have and the company was bar none. It's a grand tradition and I can't wait 'till next year. Plus, how could I miss Lito's Hubcap Ranch in the Pope Valley?

By the Way- The 508 is this weekend!

Pioneer Trail

2007-09-24T20:07:00.000-07:00

Saturday I rode part of the Pioneer Trail with my brother and Dino. It is the perfect trail for someone like me-- strong legs, stubborn but lacking the mtn. biking gene which allows one to relax and flow over the bumps. As usual I made all of the mistakes I normally do after spending months off the mtn. bike. Some things I've learned but always forget:

1. Do not brake before every obstacle.
2. Do not overgear before steep climbs and stall (for goshsakes you have track sprinter legs!!)
3. Don't forget to breath and relax the upper body.
4. Mtn. Bikes do not turn like 16lb. carbon fiber road bikes in criterium-- you have to turn the handle bars vs. lean hard
5. Everyone makes mistakes mtn. biking-- that's what makes it fun. There is such thing as a "do over" in mtn. biking, unlike the anal sport of road racing. Nothing like a good mtn. bike ride to remind you that you are a mortal and two wheels are about having FUN and not taking things too seriously.

It was raining lightly for the whole ride. I kept expecting members of the House of Flying Daggers to descend from the trees-- beautiful misty tall pines. The smell was wonderful. The climb was fine. The descent chilly. We made it 8 miles and turned around. I was starting to get spooked-- more technical, more wet, ack!! Luckily the boys were fine with turning around.

On a personal note, I had fun watching of my naturally athletic brother and stupendous boyfriend. They are really fun to mtn. bike with-- the whole ride+++ maybe make it to the lake at the end???? are a "do over" I hope.

Here's the map: http://www.mtbsingletrack.com/index.html

Back to the Bike Trail

2007-09-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

Today we took a nice easy spin up the bike trail to Beales Point. The air had that nice crisp fall feel to it and the people watching was interesting. The squirrels were running around like crazy. It felt nice to take it slow after a busy week.

I took Monday off then rode two hours in the evening on the bike trial with lights. I like how peaceful it is on the trail (and cooler). It's interesting how much things change at night-- the animals are more active and the bugs are loud!

Wednesday as back to school night, so no riding. I was so tired on Thursday that the Thursday South River Ride was tough going. It's a little annoying how work and other stresses interfere with cycling energy. It doesn't seem like it should work that way.

Yesterday was another River Ride + up to Hazel on the bike trail. These rides have felt like great training for the Fall Doubles coming up. Tapping into the endurance systems.

Sly Park to Carson Pass

2007-09-10T18:16:00.001-07:00

I wasn't really thinking about what I was doing when I planned this ride. The idea was to get in some long climbing miles before the Knoxville Double Century coming up later this month. Well, yeah, I just like to spend all day on my bike climbing up hills looking at the beautiful scenery.

Reality set in on the first steeper pitch when I wasn't warmed up and the bugs swarmed me. I felt so much better back on my triple spinning up the hills. I hope someday that I won't need it! Power to weight ratio-- argh! Although, I have 65cm quads y'all!!

Once I settled in things were nice. The weather was perfect and there were very few cars on the Mormon Emigrant Pass. It's a LONG climb. It pretty much goes up for 25 miles to Hwy. 88. I never would have dreamed as a kid that I'd be riding my bike up there. I think of all the times I drove up to Kirkwood to ski.

Unfortunately, I didn't get the email from the ride leader that the ride had been canceled, but apparently I wasn't the only one. It was four of us for the day, including a very experienced strong cyclist named Dan I. who proved nice company for Dino and I for the day.

We stopped at the Kirkwood A-frame super mini smallest store on earth closet for snickers and Gatorade and I stopped questioning my sanity. I got a great view of my favorite ski run- "Sentinel Bowl".

Carson Pass was just another 5 miles and about 1000 feet of climbing (it seemed like). The top was beautiful. Dino won the hill climb!!! Raised his hands for the victory. The nice docents and the Kit Carson Visitor's Center gave us water even though it was against the rules and then we were in for a long long descent with a few climbs thrown in.

The rain started pit patting on us after a couple of miles... then it got harder... then the hail started in. Hmm.. I was starting to see a connection. The last time I rode up Carson Pass with Dino on the Death Ride two years ago it hailed on us. Coincidence? I think not!!! We anger the weather gods!

Eventually, we outran the storm and powered up the last climbs.

85 miles with 8-10,000 feet of climbing!! Time to eat lots and lots!

River Ride

2007-09-08T18:27:00.001-07:00

It was a perfectly lovely day on the River Ride today... Not much wind, some fasties driving it on the front at a safe and steady pace, lots of good gossip and idle chit chat. It hurt less then it normally does. I was amazed to see Rich Maile doing intervals on the side of the peleton of 50+ doing intervals from back to front while we were doing 28-30mph. I can only imagine doing something like that! My silver bike is back in action and running better than it ever has (or maybe I am). After the sprint, I had a good chat with Steve Rex who just finished PBP. He is amazing and one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. Tomorrow, we're off to ride the Mormon Emigrant Trail up to Carson Pass. I'm digging my new expanded cycling lifestyle.

Dunnigan Hills Road Race -- August 17,2007

2007-09-04T18:37:00.000-07:00

I really didn’t feel like racing yesterday morning. After the crash at Timpani, it just didn’t seem as important or fun. My knee felt okay and my boyfriend was racing, so I decided to give it a go anyway. I saw Ryan before her race and wished her the best. I didn’t expect to see any more bellas, but ran into Angela who was racing masters. A new Bella, April was in the Cat 4’s with me. A slew of Velogirls and Hill&Co ladies asked about Tracy Loper and wanted to express their concern. I gave them what I knew and told them about Tim’s blog.

I started towards the back with April, with the plan of moving up as soon as I could. April went up front early on a picked up the pace for the group. Man, she’s got some power. Unfortunately, I was stuck further back with no way out. The whole race was nerve-rackingly slow and bunchie. I was having post crash nerves, but reminded myself to relax and be loose. It was rough when several times there were blood-curdling screams from other girls when someone ran over a bottle in the feed zone and another girl swerved a little to avoid a pothole. I wanted to blast off the front and end the misery, but knew that time-trialing in the wind would be foolhardy after just 10 miles. “Just be patient” I had to tell myself. I got yelled at when I moved closer to the more stable front and stole a wheel. “You’re supposed to signal!” I heard and “pick a wheel”. I was really careful about how I stole it really—the old parallel parking maneuver—get right next to the person in front and slowly gradually move back on their wheel. There was even a big gap there for me to get into. Sigh.

We were neuter-ized 1k from the finish, right before the right hand turn over the overpass. Track season paid off—the minute the motorcycle pulled off I attacked hard and made it to the top with a few others. I was blocked for a minute and then poured on the gas to get 3^rd place. It was a close one. Another Velo Promo t-shirt for the collection. Time to send in for my Cat 3 upgrade. Yay! Thanks to everyone for support, advice, and fun.

Hellyer Track & Burlingame Criterium

2007-06-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I went to the Hellyer Velodrome in San Jose. It was a blast. I took the beginner session ($5) which lasted about four hours. Riding a fixed gear in a closed environment is a lot of fun. My favorite was the Australian Pursuit-- were everyone spreads out at the rail (top) of the velodrome. If someone passes you, you are out of the race. The officials yelled "out of the pool" or "off the ice!". It was like a roller coaster for bikes. You use the banking to speed up and slow down. My brother Logan would love it. I attatched video so you could get a sense of it. We had about 35 people and 5 mentors.

Today I raced at the Burlingame Criterium (Just south of the airport in San Fran). It was in a cute little downtown area with some technical corners. I had one teammate in my race, but she wasn't very strong. I did the same as the last race-- worked my way to the front and held off any attacks. It was a lot faster than the last race though. I made my personal best for wattage. I won a prime worth $25 and got third place overall in a field of 35! They had a podium ceremony and there were a lot of spectators. I got a nice prize bag including a bianchi t-shirt, bianchi pump, dura-ace 10 spd chain (worth $60), protech skin care sunscreen, a dura-ace hat, CO2 cartidge, and some coupons for free lip stuff. I think it totals to about $120 worth of stuff. YAY!!!

It was a lot of driving, but luckily the events were in the morning, so the traffic wasn't that bad and I got home early to rest. Today was a great day!

Thursday Breakfast Ride

2007-06-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

Katie Norton Grade Part III

Who: Sacramento Wheelmen Thursday Away Crew
Where: Auburn, Bowman Park and Ride to Beyond Dutch Flat up Norton Grade
What: 72 miles with 5500' of climbing

The History:
2002: 1989 Univega with Downtube shifters and no climbing gears = epic and excruciating, fear of not making it

2005: 2004 Felt F55 triple + 1 flat that took 30 minutes to fix+ 90 degrees = hard work and fun with good friends

2007: 2006 Felt 3C Carbon compact double + powertap + racing = a long beautiful ride with lots of climbing and my good friends including Tom Goodwin, 82 years old (team old go fast)

Today is a rest day! Off to the track on Saturday to try out my new toy-- Bianchi Pista Track Bike!!!! Burlingame Criterium Sunday.

Davis Double Ride Report 2007

2007-06-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

Davis Double Report 2007

Why would anyone in their right mind want to ride their bike 200 miles in one day? For each person it’s probably different. For over three decades the Davis Bike club has put on the Davis Double Century, possibly the oldest and largest D.C. in the country. It’s an ultra-cycling beginner proving ground and family reunion or sorts for the small world of diehard ultra freaks. Over 1000 people each May spend between 8-17 hours peddling between Davis and Clear Lake.

I started doing it back in 2003 when centuries didn’t seem worth the entry fee, since I was doing them as training rides with the Sacramento Wheelmen anyway. After my first finish, I knew I was hooked. What I realize now is that they teach me how strong I am—not just physically, but they teach you what you are made of mentally and spiritually. I also loved the people. Yes, they were a bit off the deep end, but there was no room for whiners. You have to have a well developed sense of humor. The sense of accomplishment and doing something unique just couldn’t be matched.

This year proved to be a strange one. I planned on riding the coat-tails of Dino, my Cat 3/coach/uber-cyclist/boyfriend extraordinaire. I knew it would be a good day based on the fact that he has always been one of my favorite people to cycle with and is a steady strong wheel. We planned on meeting Steve Rex, builder of Rex Bicycles, and the mythical tandem train that everyone tries to stay with—last year they finished in nine hours.

When we met up with them, I spotted Fresno Bella, Lori Cherry-- one of my favorite people in the ultra scene and personal hero. Last year she won the Triple Crown Stage Race! We exchanged hugs and hellos and talked about the latest news. As we approached rest stop #1, I noticed the large group accumulating and make-shift road block. Davis bike club volunteers were turning us around. “There’s a fire up at Berryessa. We don’t know what’s going on, but word is that you’re going backwards.” This screwed up my plans for pacing and skipping rest-stops, but hey you have to go with the flow.

When it started climbing, we gave up on hanging with the tandems that sped us along at 24-27mph in the morning. I settled into a pace and felt my body start to wake up. We didn’t reach a rest stop until halfway up the first climb at mile 66, but I felt fine and remembered the cardinal rule of keeping hydrated and eating a lot.

The first half of the ride went quickly. Things got rough on the climb up Cobb mountain since I didn’t bring the gears I normally do. This was the first time doing a double on a double. Okay, it was a compact but it’s still not the same as having a 30X27! The ride down the hill was fun and we playfully harassed old friends Gilbert and Hooshang riding tandem. We also met up with Keith Cook, who always amazes me with how consistently he rides.

After lunch, I met my old nemesis, Resurrection—the last climb of the day. Why oh why does it always get me? I really don’t know. It’s not that steep or long. I felt trashed, but just kept peddling. I was bummed that I didn’t know where my brother Logan was—he had flatted early in the ride and wasn’t quite trained well enough. I told him that I was going for a personal best, but still didn’t like leaving him in the dust. Dino cheered me up with his wise cracks and encouragement.

At the bottom of the hill, it was time for some rollers and then the dreaded last 40 miles of flats. Time for the big pain riding the Dino-train. The big pace-lines of past years were nowhere to be seen. It was mostly us two in the wind. I never look at the miles, especially at this point in the ride. The time goes quickly, but the miles creep by. One rider came up and asked us if we were part of a tandem team after Dino pointed out a bump. If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me that this year, I would have been able to pay for my entry fee! Okay, I was getting grouchy, but I had an excuse after 170 miles.

I was so happy when I saw the Davis City Limit signs! People were cheering and clapping as riders finished. Even though I had been eating all day long, I gulped down ice cream and apple crisp, barbequed chicken and 7-ups. I finished a little bit faster than last year—11 hours on the bike, 17.7 mph average (big thanks to Dino). Overall it was a great ride. The Davis Bike Club did a great job saving the ride and providing good support.