22.2 Pounds

Big sis has arrived! Man, I am excited to ride her. Poor Pinky, however. She is lying in the basement in pieces. I stole some lighter weight parts off her to put on the Era. No, I have not named her yet. Names usually come to me on the trail.

The first addition was to put a pic of Carly on her. This, I think, gives me more inspiration to suffer than being 2 pounds lighter than Crash.

I am still waiting on the Magura SL Mag's to arrive, so for now I guess I will see how the Avids handle. Amazingly, the Roval's are just 200 grams heavier than my Stan's/DTSwiss 190's so it looks like I will have 2 light wheelsets that I can mount different tires on and have both race ready rather than making that last minute decision of which tires to mount.

My first ride on her will be at the Whitewater Center, a trail I am so familiar with I will be able to tell any small or large differences in performance.

I Can't Complain

After yesterday's training on the road in cold, blustery conditions, I was very thankful for the off-road relaxed ride with Zeke and Linda. Today called for 3 hours, keeping the HR in zone 2. No problems there, as I was feeling the intervals from the day before.

Zeke was finally able to coax Linda into riding with us. She has also just recently started training with a PowerTap, so it was exciting to talk to her about numbers. Her background has been in ultra trail running, but currently she is a bad lass in adventure racing. Today she told me that cycling has overtaken running as her favorite sport.

After watching her perform today, I hope I can continue to ride/race as she has been doing for many years. She is amazing and an inspiration. I don't know anybody else her age that can do what she can. I want to be able to maintain like her so that I can explore the country/world with my daughter when she is an adult.

Today also brought back memories of an exciting childhood. The fireroad ride took us to the Lost Creek Campground which is where my Dad took us by car when my brothers and I were just kids. I remember the time Dad decided to take Muffin and Kavik, our two Eskimo Spitz', with us. The dogs were so excited to be going with us, but also very nervous because it was a car ride. By the time we got to the highway turn-off to the fireroad (30 minutes), the dogs were driving him crazy. And I also think Dad was afraid one might vomit. So he let them out once we hit the fireroad and made them run ALL THE WAY to the campground ... 6 miles!

Yes, Dad went pretty slow (10mph), and we kids kept an eye on them through the back window. With tongues hanging out and little paws churning up the dust, Muffin and Kavik made it without incident. Upon arrival, they immediately layed down in the creek and did not move much ... for awhile. But then they came around and we had a blast jumping off rocks (dogs, too!)into deep pools, swimming, and doing the things all kids do when playing in creeks. Needless to say, the dogs were on best behavior for the ride home. Good times!

And today will be etched in my memory as another good time ... with good friends.

Such A Tease

On Sunday, Mother Nature let the sun come out to play. With blue skies and 60 degrees, I eagerly began my 3 hour ride on the fireroads of the Cohuttas.

This was quite a new experience for me, as usually I take the day off after a race. My coach had other plans for me ... my schedule is sort of in experimentation mode, as we are determining how best my legs do after rest days and after hard days.

It may have just been the fact that Saturday's race was short by my standards, but my legs felt awesome. I could have pushed it harder and longer but stuck to the plan. It was totally an enjoyable day ... especially since I did not have to think about what to wear. Just threw on a pair of shorts and a jersey.

This sunny experience I will have to keep in my memory as I don't think I will see it again for at least a week.

The Snake Race Report

Once again, the Snake lived up to its reputation. Although it was 25 degrees warmer than last year's January start, it was a muddy mess. Mother Nature decided to up the technicality by having it rain Friday and on into Saturday morning. It reminded me of a Transrockies day, what with the heavy fog and drizzle.

On top of that, I picked the shuttle that arrived DEAD LAST. By the time I found my bike, pee'd, and made my way to the start, I was 17 waves back. Ughhh! Oh, well, at least I could put my "On your left" skills to the test.

I bolted at the start. Being cold, I was wanting to get warm ASAP. The initial 3 miles of fireroads/doubletrack was very chewed up and slick. Once my core warmed up, I backed off the pace a bit to allow my screaming muscles a chance to warm up. I took it a bit easy on the initial climb; I forgot my HR strap, but could tell I was going too fast to keep the pace up for the whole 34 miles.

Once I was into the first singletrack, I knew it was going to be an interval type of day, as there was a line of racers as far as I could see. Knowing it was my fault for the bad start, I was patient and polite as I passed each and every one of them. I ended passing 35 racers en route to the finish. Only 2 passed me, but I eventually passed them back. I was just thankful that on the many times of going off the trail to pass, I did not encounter any cat-head rocks or dildos that love to leap up into your derailleur.

The singletrack held up well under the deluge of rain, but the fireroads and doubletrack was like peanut butter ... very energy-sapping. The first 17 miles flew by; when I hit the Snake Creek Gap parking lot, I was 5 minutes faster than the previous year's time. My legs felt great! I had passed all but one of my competitors. I swapped Camelbaks and began to climb out of the parking lot. I passed Kylie in the parking lot; at this point I had no other "carrots" save for Zeke. I knew he was somewhere up ahead and having a great race of his own.

Halfway through this first climb of the second half of the race, my legs began to hurt. Kylie came back around me (on a singlespeed). This helped to motivate me and to forget the pain. At the top of the climb, I passed her back, as she seemed to be in her own little "pain cave." I have got to hand it to her, she was doing very well with one gear; a lot better than I could ever hope to do.

Once to the top, the rollers were pleasant. I was still passing people right and left, and each effort to do so hurt and sapped a little more energy from me. Although tiring, I was still on a PR pace. I pushed it on the descent to the multiple creek crossings, wanting to gain as much time as possible before I entered the final 8 miles of rocks.

The climb up to the last rocky section was slicker 'n snot. Just last Thursday I had ridden this section and it was SO FAST! I tried to put the noise of my chain grinding through the mud out of my mind and focus on what lay ahead.

About halfway through the rocky section, I heard the unmistakable voice of Zeke ahead. He was a cussin' and a swarpin' those stupid rocks. It seems as if he still hasn't learned to finesse it through and kept banging his pedals. But I have got to hand it to him, he had a great race and I think is currently in second in his class. Not bad for an old man!

I seemed to still be on record pace through the rocky section. The last 4 miles I began to fumble through the rocks and decided that running through some of the sections was faster than riding through it ... especially after seeing a number of racers crash.

Once I hit the pavement, I tucked into an aero position and let gravity take hold. This last 1 1/2 miles I always look forward to, as I can give my legs a bit of a reprieve. With the road being wet and with a heavy fog, I had to focus a bit more.

I rolled into the finish with the time to beat and a PR ... 2 minutes faster than last year! I was stoked! And so thankful to have a coach that knows me better than I do!

I learned a lot during the race and will do a few things differently next time. Like provide my own shuttle so that I can have a better start. And if I do need to pass people, I will lower my voice a few octaves and try to sound like a guy. There are still those out there that for some reason are offended that a woman wants to pass them. And to those I say, "GET OVER IT! See it as a challenge to improve!" I will never forget being passed by a 9 year old during a 5k race; I was 16 at the time. I saw that pass as awesome for the kid and a motivator for me.

Stumpy rocked! She smoothed out the trail for me. And the Captain tires gripped the rocks like a gecko gripping glass. Rapidade kept me fueled and my Swiftwicks kept my toesies warm, even when wet. And although my shorts were muddied through and through, my Chamois butt'r kept my taint comfy.

I am so looking forward to the next Snake!

Don't Forget Your Cycling Roots

Heading into my first race of the new season, I have been reflecting on the past. I have gotten some awesome sponsors, but it required a trip to Las Vegas, a formal proposal, and a lot of walking and talking.

The one sponsor who has been beside me since Day 1 has been The Outdoor Store. Bruce and Pam have never wanted nothing more other than me wearing their shop jersey, yet they have given me so much. Time is a very important commodity in today's crazy world. I cannot begin to count the many times they have taken their precious time to help me and my broken bikes.

I am not sure how much I have helped their business by sporting their jersey ... probably not much. I do mention them at every opportunity but has that increased there cash flow? Probably not. I have their logo on my blog, my truck, and a jacket. Other than being asked if I own or work at the store, it probably has not turned into a purchase.

I remember my first ride on clipless pedals ... way back in 1999. I went with Pam and Bruce to the Tellico River State Line ORV trail system. My first thoughts were, "This is not the place to start clipless. I am going to DIE!" Now when I ride there, it is effortless.

I have come a long way in the last 10 years. I would not be where I am without the backing of The Outdoor Store. I plan on going longer the next 10 years.

Thanks Pam and Bruce.

Takes A Lickin' and Keeps On Tickin'

That would be me, not the bike. This is how it unfolded ...

Today was supposed to be a "ride how you feel" day. I was feeling pretty good and with temps in the low 60's, I was not about to pass up a good day on the road. My legs were light and springy; I would say I was riding "without a chain."

Coming back home I was heading North on Cedar Springs Rd. The white Grand Am was heading South. I saw him and the red pick up behind him (as I always try to be aware of vehicles near me). Without warning (no turn signal), the Grand Am turns left into my path.

Not even a chance to brake! All I remember is the initial impact. The next thing I know is I am staring down at my broken bike. Adrenalin and anger boiling inside me, I rush the car, ready to do battle. What do I see in the driver's seat, but a little old man with an oxygen line running to his nose.

Man! I was so mad, all I wanted to do was hit this person ... but how could I strike an 87 year old man who can't see or breathe? He was pretty upset and kept asking if I was o.k. Shaking his head, he said, "I never saw you." A pretty typical response when cyclists get hit by vehicles. Now I was worried about him; I didn't need him stroking out or having a heart attack. I told him to just stay in his vehicle until the police came. He said he would probably lose his license over this to which I replied, "That's probably a good thing. You could have killed me!"

The two men in the red pick up stopped and offered their help and also to stay and give their eye report to the police. I asked them if they saw the whole thing and they did. Since I did not remember anything except the thud of my body against the vehicle, I asked them for their account. The younger man said that when I hit the right front quarter panel, I catapulted over the hood and landed on the opposite side of the car. Then I immediately sprung up and went running after the white car as it slowly came to a stop about 15 yards from the point of impact.

What I cannot figure out is how I landed. Nothing above my waist was damaged, body nor clothing. From my power file, I was going 20mph at point of impact. Did I land on my feet? If I had landed any other way, I am sure I would have had some abrasions or torn clothing. Thank goodness for that as I was wearing my new Specialized kit.

So, I have a large bruise on my right quad, bruises all over my left lower leg, and a deep cut on my right lower leg. Other than that, I am o.k. Thank God!

My bike was not so lucky: broken fork, cracked frame, and two taco'd wheels. Not sure about the PowerTap. Fortunately, the driver's insurance is through State Farm, who sponsored our team a few years ago. My Dad said, "Just had to take the hard way to get a new bike for Christmas, didn't you?"

What really sucks is that I rode as safe as I could and did everything right. Lights both front and back and wore a light colored kit. Now I will have no power files for my coach for a couple weeks and I am going to be sore for the next few days. This person has really inconvenienced me and that is what is really frustrating. He license should have never been renewed; he even told me he was not allowed to drive on the interstate.

I am very thankful to be alive. I just hope that Charlie allows me to go back out on the road again. Now that the adrenalin rush is over, I do not need a drink ... I wanna get back out and RIDE!!!!!!

The rest of the story

Zeke here : Most folks know Carey as the fast,yet sweet red haired girl . HA ! She is devilish ! On the snake ride we checked out a creek crossing,so as to find the best line,which we did . On the way back Carey( as always ) got a big gap on me . She went up stream and walked across the creek . THEN she submerged a log right at the exit of our line ! You can guess the rest !!