Jenny

DT Tues

2009-04-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

Today was too nice to pass up the local Tuesday night ride Southeast of downtown. So, I skipped class and joined in the fun/pain. There was a large group at the blue star and we had a nice easy ~10ish mile spin to the start. The course is a pretty flat 7 mile triangle. The group does 4 laps. Today I made it with them for 2 full laps and on the third I dropped off. My heart rate was averaged out at 188 for those two laps. After cooling down I saw Ken Ciolli in the Subaru. YES!!! Motorpacing... ;) Ken was even nice enough to give us a draft back to the blue star.

No casualties this Tuesday, only a couple close calls with the local dogs! Better watch out for that Rottie, Jeff! Oh, and John Myre laying down on the RR tracks...

Conflicts

2009-04-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

More and more often lately I have been in a love-hate relationship with the wind. After Sunday's ride I have decided that it is strictly a HATE relationship. After a 4.5 hour ride, much of it spent in the head wind I have decided that even the tail wind isn't always fun. I think this only applies when you are on a "training ride" with the double pistons of JT. I can honestly say that I have now motor-paced behind a cyclist (instead of the commonly used car/scooter). A 15-mile stretch of 32-36MPH, mouth open, drool/spit flying, leg aching pain was not how I envisioned the tail wind stretch to go. I hindsight I am glad for that effort I was forced to put out because now I am that much stronger - ladies beware!!!

Turning back into the wind was better because we were going slower, I just had to focus on finding the sweet spot with the most draft. Then I had to focus on conserving enough energy to make it home (still head wind). As soon as JT turned off I tanked. The remainder of my ride would be a miserable crawl. Thanks Jeff for putting up with that!

What I learned this weekend:
My front plant area needs 20 bags of mulch, not the 2 I thought was needed
Hills and wind both have horrible attributes, neither is better or worse
Check the dogs paws before they come back inside from a walk
NEVER go to Brackenridge park on a nice Sunday around 3pm

Update

2009-03-26T13:20:00.001-07:00

Since I have not posted much this year, I have some pictures from January. Most are from the Colavita Training Camp in Austin and on from a TT in Casterville.

Fayetteville

2009-03-26T09:21:00.000-07:00

Fayetteville (FSR) has plagued me as long as I can remember. I didn't race it last year because I was killing myself at San Dimas SR. In 2007 I DNF'd on Sunday's race. This year started out really good. Stage one we rode off into an abyss of fog; the kind that forces you to take your glasses off. About half way into the first lap the fog cleared. There were a few attacks and I chased down Tracey but other than that it was a lot of slow to fast, jumpy riding. I really suffer on those types of races, my quick-twitch muscles are pretty lame. I was happy to finally make it with the group to the sprint (I have been sick almost all season so far) and finished around 13 out of a starting field close to 30 peeps. After a nap I got ready for Stage 2: ~7 mile time trial at 5:15pm. It was great being able to warm up with my teamies. :) The TT went average, I got to remember what suffering felt like but my time was 6th fasted and I wanted top 3. I have some work to do.

Stage 3 was on Sunday and my group had a late start (11:20 am) which displeased me because I hate waiting around! So me and the teamies decided to mix the race up today and attack with counter attacks. I should have realized that I am still not near as fit as I need to be and just sat in. All I needed to do was sit in and I would finish in the $$. I was sitting 6th in GC and Catie was 5th. Anyways, I didn't anticipate attacking until the last lap (3 laps) but Kim was off with a pseudo attack around mile 5. Once the pack caught her I did the counter. I spent too much on the counter that when I got caught at the bottom of the hot spot hill that I couldn't grab the back of the group and was dropped. Mile 5. Soooo I tried to TT the rest of the lap and then decided to just call it quits for the day. Fayetteville is not my race. Who knows, maybe next year.

We did get to stay at Las Brisas Ranch and it was THE BEST!

Blaire's Baby Shower

2009-02-26T09:15:00.000-08:00

Friends come first, so instead of racing Pace Bend (one of my favs), I helped out with my best buds baby shower.

BBRC Crew

2009-01-23T08:26:00.000-08:00

So today, my fellow work mates and I took a "group picture"! HAHA, it made me feel like I was back in elementary school....too bad individual shots were not taken. And get this: Saturday is out "End of Year / Christmas Party". Umm, last time I checked, January is already almost over.

LEAKEY

2009-01-19T08:19:00.000-08:00

Solare Eclipse had the LEAKEY training camp this weekend. Both days the weather was great and the climbing was abundant. Saturday we did the "Doctor Dolittle's Death Loop", or a portion of it anyways. Kim, Ken, Robert, and I stopped at mile 60 where a convieniently parked car waited. We sagged the remaining group for the remaining 40 miles. The beginning of the ride was great, Kim and I got a head start and worked together, pushing pretty hard. We wanted to see how long it would take the boys to catch us. Well, around mile 25 they showed up and were suprised it took that long. I was proud! Unfortunatly, I wasted all my energy in those 25 miles, so the rest of the ride I was pretty cooked.

Sunday was a nicer ride, everyone stayed together and Kim and I pushed each other going up the hills. It was a great weekend~!

Training Week (Day)

2009-01-08T20:12:00.000-08:00

So Jim Slauson does an annual "training camp" the first week of January where he rides ~100 miles each day. I was fortunate enough to get off work on Thursday and attend. The weather could not have been more perfect: little wind and the sun was out, no armwarmers needed. After the ride I got to join Jim, Teri, and Lara at Bin555 in Artisan Alley. It was great food!

SAN ANTONIO ~ State Cyclocross Championships

2009-01-04T19:23:00.000-08:00

This season the San Antonio weekend was my favorite. Saturday was sunny and hot, I was sad that I had taken my water bottle cages off. I mean, really, cyclocross is supposed to be crappy weather where you don't have to worry about dehydration. Jeff was there to give me hand ups though, thank God for that! The course was great fun, including the never ending sandpit and the landfill hole of dispair. I unfortunatly crashed on a loose off camber turn but was able to not lose any positions. I won the age group and got 2nd overall.

The weather on Sunday, however, was completely different than Saturday's "summer weather", as the sun was no where to be found. As I got out of my car at Padre Park I immediately regreted not packing my knee warmers and other cold weather gear but was confident that it would get warmer as the day progressed. Not such the case this time, it got colder. Stef Childs and I warmed up along the mission trail bike path, next to the San Antonio River and then I hid in the Solar Eclipse tent next to the space heater and waited for my race.

The Open Women raced 30 seconds behind the ample Men's 3/4 pack. The start was on the street and was a fast, straight shot, into the trees. This section was more technical; we wound our way through the trees on little banking rollers. Then we hit the pavement and I noticed Christina had already created a gap for herself. Lisa, another girl and I were still together as we came to a 180 turn down hill to another 180 where I got off my bike and ran back up the hill. I pulled away from the other two when we hit the cement climb and caught up to a few men at the barrier. At this point I just had to keep (and increase) my gap on the girls behind me. After a the 2nd lap I caught a Peak Fitness guy and was able to ride with him for a few laps. He was finally able to get rid of me on the straight to the finish line in the horrible head wind!

Stef stayed at my house this weekend and we had a blast, even when we had to get in our cars and hunt down her boyfriend who was lost 281N on his bike...haha

Jersey!

2009-01-03T20:17:00.000-08:00

Lisa, me, Stef, Christina, Janice (with Bailey)
Wearing our championship jerseys from the TX age based cyclocross race

Houston CX

2008-12-08T09:55:00.000-08:00

Another round of CX races under the belt and I am feeling good. I met Steph in Houston Saturday for a much welcomed late start time of 2:45! YAY! So I drove the speed limit and it felt excrutiatingly slow but, alas, 3 hours after I pulled out of my driveway I was searching for a parking spot at Tinsley Park. I remembered this course from last year...not too technical. Lisa Ferris showed up, I was glad for another girl to line up with. Saturday the open women raced a full hour at the same time as the open men. It was not bad at all, despite the fact that I had taken off my water bottle cage and was use to the 45 minute races. So at about 45 minutes I had sweater teeth and my lips felt like they had a glue-like substance on them. ugh! After the race I joined David Kay's daughter on the swings.

Steph had fanangled us a really nice hotel and I was stoked to see the living room and 42 inch panel TV. They even shuttled us to dinner and back! I am so use to staying in Hotel 6 and other similar places that this was a real treat!

Sunday's race was at a new venue and looked fun! It was more tireing than Saturday's race because there was more climbing and more twisty turns that I slowed down for then had to speed back up.

all to nothing

2008-12-05T13:26:00.000-08:00

Wednesday - 2.5 hour round trip commute
Turkey day - 3 hour ride in the mist
Friday - 3.5 hour ride in the rain
Saturday - 3.5 hour group ride
Sunday - 6 hour death ride with horrible wind

Monday-Friday - 0

Hmmm, I guess I jumped back into a training regimen full on, and it caught up to me. I have done nothing but work and sleep all week. I guess I will be well rested for the cross races this weekend. Yeah buddy!

Fort Worth

2008-11-23T22:13:00.000-08:00

4:30am on Saturday; I should be asleep but I am in my car headed to Round Rock to pick up Stephanie and continue to Fort Worth for the Cyclocross races. Making good time, my cruise control is set to 75mph, just 5 miles over the speed limit. I did not see the speed limit drop to 60 in Hillsboro, nor did I see the construction zone with the worker present. But the cop DID see me. And so I got, yet again, another ticket. This one will not be dismissible since there was a stupid construction worker out there at 8am on a Saturday. UGH! The cop was not letting me off either.

So, I collect myself and continue on the way, and we end up at the location early. I was in a good mood by now though because I remembered the course from last year, it was one of my favorites! The race was pretty tough though, Christina off the front and I had Tammy not so far behind me. I faired with 2nd place. Steph and I then went on the search for a hotel and I turned hostel since I was hungry and the GPS didn't seem be on our side. After shutting it off and just looking along I30, we found one and unloaded. Then to Jason's Deli...mmmmmmmm.

Sunday's race wasn't as cold so I was happy but I was a bit nervous since Tammy was out there again and I know she was aiming to beat me. I started out ahead of her and then she passed me in one of the corners. Fortunately for me she was behind a guy that crashed and she had to break. I took advantage of that and opened a gap. I spent the rest of the race trying to build on that gap but was never satisfied. I was getting tired. 45 minutes passed and I new it was over, until the ref said "One to go". I hated that person. I made one final lap then thought I would die. But I was satisfied with my race, and took another 2nd to Christina.

The drive home was slow, as I stayed UNDER the speed limit. Okay---I stayed at the speed limit to the dot. We almost got into an accident in Waco...Some one's cheap, aftermarket fiberglass hood flew off their car and just before it smashed into my windshield it hit the ground and I straddled it best I could. No major damage happened so I was able to drive home (with the smell of exhaust filling my car, not a good sign).

Cross Pix

2008-11-18T05:56:00.001-08:00

Madison HS

2008-11-10T11:20:00.000-08:00

Lonely and heartbroken today. I went to a craft fair with my mom and then TV shopping for my uncle. Good quality mother-daughter time.

Then I went to Blaire's house to watch a movie. NEVER EVER watch Two Days in the Valley. What a waste of time! It took forever to get the story set up, then it didn't even have a closing on some of the situations. LAME! I was so mad that I accidentally knocked over my glass of lemonade. It shattered on the tile floor, leaving glass shards and stickyness all over the place. Sorry Blaire! It was good lemonade too...

Weekend Warrior

2008-11-08T23:12:00.000-08:00

Everyone at work had to come in on Saturday for 4 hours to get caught back up. This meant that I would have only enough time to do the medium ride from Bicycle Heaven. I was upset at first, but soon realized that I would be good to just be able to make it home from the medium ride.

I woke up and headed to the shop (~10 miles from my house) on my bike. Kim met me at the shop with some Solar Eclipse kits to wear until we get the 2009 uniforms in. I was happy to see her there, I haven't gotten to ride with her in a while. Of course Brandon Z took off with a faster pace than the group and I was on h is wheel. Well, once we got to the first hill in a neighborhood of Spechts Rd, I was dropped. I kept looking behind me for the rest of the group so I can get some rest while hiding in someone's draft. It wasn't until the right turn off 46 when I saw them. They caught me and I hung on for a efw miles. Then I got the joy of riding Bulverde from Smithson VAlley all the way to 1604 all by myself, in an unfriendly headwind.

So I made it to work on time with my legs feeling full of fluid. I won't be riding tomorrow!

Cyclocross TX Cup Series (weekend 1)

2008-11-03T11:06:00.000-08:00

The opening races were in Austin! Yay, not far to travel. It was fun, even though there was next to no girls to race against. I will have to get strong enough to hang with the masters or 4s. I hope to be getting back into shape soon... Saturday's race was tough, even though it didn't appear that way. I crashed on the last lap right before the barriers but was okay.

Still sick

2008-10-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

It has been 2 weeks since I took amoxicillin for my sinus infection and it seems to still be here. I cannot breathe through my right nose hole...ugh! This sucks big time!

Still loving my ScootScoot

2008-10-27T19:51:00.000-07:00

After a bike ride I couldn't resist the urge to jump on my Buddy. Obe wanted to join too!

Sister Bike Ride

2008-10-26T17:32:00.000-07:00

Becky doesn't ride bikes. I have been riding since 2002 and have always wanted my sister, Becky, to ride with me. Today I got her to go! She didn't agree to wear the shorts, jersey or even my shoes, but she was going so that is all that mattered to me. I changed out the pedals on my KHS soft tail and was ready for some fun and laughs! She hasn't been on a bike in 10+ years.

We decided McAllister Park would be a great place for a short beginner ride. At first Becky was a little shakey and had some doubts about the seat height (her feet wouldn't touch the ground flat when she was in the saddle - haha), but after a short warm up she was ready to go! Riding with my sister reminded me of my first mountain bike ride, she was "whoa"ing every time she hit a rock or a root but she didn't go down. After about half an hour she was making some serious progress but because she didn't wear the shorts, her but was getting sore... It was a great time and I am glad she finally joined me in a ride!

Happy Birthday

2008-10-24T22:41:00.000-07:00

The big 29er. My allergies were still bugging and I had to work since I used all my PTO on loosing races this year. Still a good day. Thanks to everyone who thought of me, or even better got me goodies!

CAMPING

2008-10-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

Choke Canyon with my best bud Blaire. We saw hogs, alligators, rabbits, a bob cat, owls, a fox (dead), birds, fish, deer, and too many spiders!!! ACK! I hate spiders. Had a great time!!! I love roasted marshmellows! The dogs did good on their first camping trip...

Work Peeves

2008-10-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

I absolutely cannot stand it when lazy people take the elevator at my work. I work in a building that has two floors and the elevator is right next to the open staircase. I understand that there needs to be an elevator to get all the big and heavy things upstairs (computers, file cabinets, cubicles, etc) but it isn't intended to carry the heavy carcusses of lazy people from one floor to the next. Today there was a perfectly able person standing at the elevator waiting for the doors to open. I walked up the stairs at a slow pace and when I got to the next (and only) floor I saw the elevator doors open and that able person walk out. She was not carrying anything. Ugh!

So all you lazy people -- you know it is you -- please burn an extra calorie or two and take the stairs!!

Down hill

2008-10-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

I am not doing good this month. I have been having sinus problems and just feel depressed. I am trying to not dwell upon the past and need to focus on the current and future, but I can't help listening to my sad music and asking "What if?". I have done some pretty unruly stuff the in the past and am having a hard time dealing with it.

This weekend I tried doing the local shop bike ride and had to do the short route because the sinus infection and antibiotics were telling me to get home. This weekend I was the laziest turd ever, watching a whole season of worthless America's Next Top Model, and about 5 hours of CSI Miami. Pathetic.

I even had to drive in to work today...boooooooooooo

Homebody

2008-10-02T12:57:00.000-07:00

Not much has been going on. I have had a headache for the past week and am ready for the weekend!!! Me being lazy with the dogs:

ByeBye VW Metro

2008-09-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

2008 road racing season is at an end and I have decided no Metro VW for me next year.

I had a blast this year and got to hang out with some awesome people. I admit that I will miss this next year. The reason why I will not be racing on Metro next year is because I cannot compete at the same level of my teammates and travel to all the races with them while I have my current job. Unfortunately, my job will not allow me to take the time off to train/race that is needed in order to compete at the races with the top females. So, I plan on racing locally with my friends in San Antonio. You never know though, I may just venture out to a few of the National races.

Thank you Metro!

My Genuine BUDDY 125cc

2008-09-08T12:01:00.000-07:00

I have a new hobby! I bought a scooter and absolutely love it! It is a Genuine Buddy and goes almost 70 mph, but I have only gotten it to go 65ish. And great gas mileage: 85mpg. The crazy part is that I have to actually get a motorcycle license now. The Buddy is going to be great for motorpacing, yeeeeeeeeaaaaahhhhhhh!!!

Obe Juan

2008-09-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

Today I expanded my little family and adopted another Boston Terrier! His owner was forced to find a new home for him. He looks just like Reagan but he is 10 years old! I thought that I would be cool and let him lay around my house for the rest of his life and expected him to sleep a lot. Well, turns out that he has more energy than Reagan so I will have my hands full!

FOXY

2008-08-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

ORIGIN8 Foxtrot, I will call her fox! My new cyclocross frame/fork came in and I can hardly wait to start commuting on it. YIPPIE!

Random Pictures

2008-08-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

SO I am bored at work and found a few pictures to share with ya'll...

The state crit wearing baby shirts:

I love night rides:

Women's Metro Team at the State Crit.:

State TT

2008-08-02T20:53:00.000-07:00

It Blew! Got a front flat about 5 miles in. Boooooooooooo!

Saturday Bicycle Heaven Ride

2008-07-27T05:42:00.000-07:00

I rolled from my house headed towards Bicycle-Heaven at 6AM Saturday (instead of the normal 8:30 ride) with plans to ride 200k+ (124miles). It took me about 30 minutes to get to the shop and I was already soaked through with sweat, I could tell it was going to be a humid day.

At the shop I was surprised to see a dozen people ready to go. I knew that several or the riders would need to be back at the shop earlier but guessed there would be about 9 that would atempt the whole feat. At the start there were the 4 Slauson's (Jim, Teri, Will, JW), B-H reps Matt and Foxy, B-H team riders Phillips, Ayers and Bentley. There were a lot of Bicycle Heaven kits! The non-green/black outfitted riders where Park (Solar Eclipse), Dan Lazarine (the guy I credit my past cycling accomplishments to), Jun Longhurst (one of the first guys I met when I was working at Britton's Bike Shop), and lastly me in my Metro Volkswagen kit.

We rolled up Blanco Road over 46 past Edge Falls (bone dry despite the recent rain.) Stopped in Kendalia to eat (Will had 2 breakfast tacos) and refill fluids. From there Jim planned to head towards 281 then drop down Rittiman to keep as many riders together as long as possible, Nathan suggest continuing with the original plan and head up to Blanco on Crabapple. Good move as we might have bailed earlier on the ride if we headed back toward B-H with the riders going shorter. Plus the Crabapple, Trainer Wuest, 102 roads are some of the coolest roads to ride around.

I ended up with 114 miles, and was exhausted but the ride was a good one. Jun bailed on the longer ride a little earlier as we unfortunately rode fairly near his house at about mile 80 so he quietly slipped out of the group there.....

**Blog copied and pasted here from www.bicycle-heaven.com written by Jim Slauson-> Blog. I made some changes. I am a lazy slug...heheee**

Boise Wells Fargo Twilight Crit

2008-07-20T06:22:00.000-07:00

It was kind of a last minute decision to do the WF crit in Boise. The air fair was just right and Nathan would let me use his bike so I wouldn't have to deal with the hassle of bringing my bike along. Woohoo! SO I fly up there Friday night and instantly fall in love with it! Hmm, I work for WF and the same department I work for is located in Boise as well. There may be a job transfer in the future~. So when I wake up Saturday morning I am happy to see my teammates Shannon and Ashley, and also got to meet Coryn. The host house we were staying at was almost unimaginable. It was located on this mountain road with the best view of the town. Me and the girls rode down the mountain into downtown where we met Nathan for breakfast at a little cafe. The weather was great and the feel for the town was great. There were people outside, and many of them were riding bikes. Not just race bikes either, all types/breed of bikes.

I haven't mentioned yet that Nathan's bike was just wonderful! It actually felt better than my bike! Go figure. So after the morning ride we just relaxed and watched movies until it was time to race. not many women lined up at the race compared to the other crit series races I have been to and quite a few of them seemed to be local riders. We waited 15 minutes for the Wells Fargo Stagecoach to make it around the course then we were off. I though I for sure was going to do well in the race until the second lap (also the second minute...the laps were so short) when my mouth dried up and it stung to breath. SO I guess we were at altitude. I lasted half the 50 minutes and then was pulled from the race. I got to watch the second half of the race and Kristen lapped the field on the last lap. Dang. So, anyways, only 15 girls finished, and more than half the girls were pulled. I was pulled. I still had a blast though and would have loved to stay in Boise longer.

Mountain View, AR (Day 2)

2008-07-11T23:54:00.000-07:00

The beds/futons in the cabin were not that comfy to sleep on, and after a day of crashing and a rough night's sleep I wasn't too eager to start a day of adventure. Judging by the way my neck felt and how wet the grass was outside, I opted out of the morning mtb ride and decided it would be a great day to check out Blanchard Caverns. I only saw one bat but got to see a lot of bat pooh! This is a picture of the river coming out the backside of cave, it was 58 degrees but very clear!

Walking back to the car I could have sworn I walked into a spider web this big:

After the underground expedition, I was ready to go explore more trails on Daisy! This time I thought maybe Steve and I should take the beginner trail.

The beginner trail ended up being not so beginner. There were some parts that were easy but I was on my guard because I did not want anymore crashes! There was a lot of climbing...

...and it was worth it to see the view!

I was super glad that I didn't crash on this ride.

Mountain View, AR (Day 1)

2008-07-10T21:02:00.000-07:00

I needed to break in my new hard tail (yellow Yeti named Daisy), so I found the Syllamo Trails in Mountain View, AR. Back woods, ya baby! 50+ miles of awesome single track.

(TREES)

(Getting ready for the ride)

After a rough 11 hours drive time, Steve and I pull up to the trail. We decided to ride the 7.3 mile Bald Scrappy Loop. There were dark skies and thunder off in the distance as we started the loop. I was quick to notice that Daisy had a much lower bottom bracket height than I was use to. The scenery was awesome but the rocks were covered in a slick moss because it had been raining the past few days (weeks?). So I slip over the first technical rocky descent and after a few choice words I am on the ground. A few more light crashes and bobbles later it starts to rain. Hard rain. I didn't mind because I was already completely drenched in sweat and covered in dirt/mud from rolling around on the forest ground. The rain eventually stops but my crashing does not cease. I try to hop over a fallen tree (normally I could do this with ease)but am unsuccessful as my chain ring catches it and I am sliding down the mud-slick trail on my belly. Nice. That one surprisingly did not hurt at all. Back on my bike I get into the rhythm and start adjusting to Daisy and how she rides. She likes to go fast. So I get comfortable and start talking to Steve, who is ahead of me and hasn't crashed once. I was mentioning how epic the ride was when I found myself laying on the ground again. This was the hardest of my 8+ crashes that day. Apparently my pedal had clipped a rock (again, taking time to adjust to the low BB) and sent me to the ground before I could even realize what was happening. Lucky for me, no major damage was done. Just a little whiplash, and some scrapes and bruises. That was my last crash. We were soon back at the car and I survived possible the longest 7 miles ever! And, I had a blast!
(The cabin)

(No cell phone reception)

WIPEOUT

2008-07-01T08:42:00.001-07:00

Okay, so here is the reminder. Wipeout is on tonight at 7PM on ABC, you will not be sorry if you watch it.

Other than waiting for the funniest tv show ever, I am still waiting for my beautiful Yeti frame to arrive. It should be here any day now.

And, I have started my commute successfully 3 days last week. After riding in yesterday (Monday) by back was in a lot of pain from the heavy back pack I have been using. Sooooo, my awesome buddy and personal mechanic, Rick, has orded me the Topeak RX TrunkBag DX! I will get to try that out tomorrow. I can't commute by bike on Tuesdays since I have to get my weekly allergy shots...

This past weekend I did the local group ride and got to catch up with my old buddy, Abby, who is home this summer from college. On Sunday I did the University Oaks crit with the boys. I didn't do too good though, my legs are sore from the commute. Pathetic, I know. HaHa. I still was able to chase a few attacks at the beginning...lol.

YESSSSSSSSSSS

2008-06-25T20:44:00.001-07:00

So, I won the ebay bid for my new mtb frame! YAY. I also commuted today instead of going to the local TT. I am already benefiting from the commute. Things are looking up!

In LOVE

2008-06-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

So, while at work today, I was browsing through the MTB hardtail frames and it was love at first site! keep your fingers crossed for me!

Commute

2008-06-23T06:47:00.000-07:00

Today I have started my commute to work. Planning on 2 days a week for now, this will add 5 hours to my weekly time on the bike.

commute
Find more Commutes in San Antonio, Texas

AT&T Austin Crit

2008-06-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

WOW. This past Saturday was the AMLI crit. I raced it last year, the few women that showed up were combined into the Men Cat 3 feild. It was crazy. This year the crit was part of the US CRIT SERIES so there was a Pro women's feild and close to 50 women were registered. The first few laps of the race were good, I was at the front. After about 10 minutes (of 60) I started to get tired and found myself slipping back towards the tail of the group. A few accelerations later, I was off the back and my race was over at a sad 20 minutes... Time to pick up my training.

State Crit

2008-05-26T21:00:00.000-07:00

The State Crit race was this weekend. It was a great weekend for Metro Volkswagon!!! We took home 4 different State Championship jerseys and other high placings! Christian won the Mens P1,2 race, off the front. Men's 4 was also a Victory for Metro Volkswagon. As for the womens' race, I ended up off the front for almost the entire race. I was only able to do that with my wonderful teammate's (Kim, Ashley, Shannon, and Rachel) help. Rachel won the sprint and the women's 3 overall victory. It was a great day to be wearing the Metro VW kit!

Sugarland Crit

2008-05-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

Last night my sister got married. I did not get home and into bed until 2 in the morning. I had to decide if I had enough time to take the 104 bobby pins out of my up-do hair style before the race, or if my helmet would fit over it. I managed to get two hours of sleep and then was able to take my hair down in time before I had to leave for the crit. Steve had volunteered to drive me the 3 hours to Sugarland so I was able to take a little nap on the way.

Once there I started to wake up a little and was excited to see Rachel and Lee. Rachel was warming up on the trailer and I spent my pre-race time searching for a decent bathroom. No warm up for me today. So the race was 60 minutes and pretty flat. I love flat courses so I was pretty positive. One girl got off the front with a junior (women raced with juniors) and stayed off. The rest of the group stayed together but people would get tired and drop from the group. After some attacks and 55 minutes of racing there were 8 girls left in my group. Rachel and I discussed when We would make our move. She is a better sprinter so I was going to lead her out. On the back side of the course I went for it. Around a few technical corners and it was just me and Rachel for the sprint. She came around me for second and I got third. It was beautiful! I love being on METRO VW!

VEGAS BABY!

2008-04-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

So this weekend was my sister's bachelorette party and it was so fun. I learned that what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas because you are too drunk to remember what actually happened! HAHA. I am suprised that we did not gamble at all, it was clubs at night, and sleep at the pool during the day. I came home looking like a cooked lobster! AAAGGGHH.

Oh, and I go to see my new niece, Madilyn! she is soooo cute!

San Dimas Crit

2008-03-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

This would be an embarassing day for me. Today was the crit, with many people around to watch. I didn't have anything left in my legs. I lasted maybe ten minutes until the referee's told me my race was over. um, ya.

San Dimas Road Race

2008-03-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

So this morning was the circuit race and the laps were about 8 miles long. We were to do 8 of them. I lasted 2. The begining of the first lap I was feeling great but at the end of the lap there was a hill and I sank like a rock. The second time around we hit the hill and I fell off the back. Guess I have some hill workouts to do. SO I spent the rest of the race in TT mode, trying to keep the gap distance a small as possible.

San Dimas Hill Climb

2008-03-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

YAY! I am in Cali! I got in late last night and today was the hill climb TT. I wasn't stressed because it was only about 4 miles. I didn't know those 4 miles would last a lifetime though...God did not bless me with a tiny, climber's body so I slowly slothed my way up to the top of the hill. I was not happy when I saw that I only beat a handful of girls. Not good. This is my first National race, other than a cat 3 Sea Otter race 4 years ago. These girls are FAST~!

Britton TT

2008-03-27T08:07:00.001-07:00

Last night was the first Britton's TT of the year. Out and back, ~15 miles, hilly but not too bad. The wind was blowing hard and I had to try not to get blown too much off the next to non-exsistant shoulder on the road. I ended up doing good but I was a little dissapointed. Not in my performance but because the turn out was much smaller than I anticipated. I know there are many San Antonio peeps with TT bikes, and this is the only local (and FREE) weekly TT. So, what gives? I am thinking it may be because it is the night after the Helotes 2s (maybe we can change it to Thursday?) or it may be because the location has become somewhat dangerous with the construction/traffic. I still got a great work out and hope to see more people out there in the future!
Britton TT
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After the TT I spent the night pcaking for SAN DIMAS!

1 for 3 on the 2s

2008-03-25T21:57:00.000-07:00

THIS GAME CHEATS!!! HaHa. No, really, out of the 3 Tuesday Nite Rides that there has been this year the only good one was the first one. The second one I flatted in the mud rain, and this one there was a crash. A bunch of spandex-clad men, too busy fighting for a spot in the draft (was pretty windy), that everyone failed to point out the enormous pot-hole in the road. SO, somebody was bound to hit it. Jeff was ok but his bike would not get him back to his car. Chris, suffered a broken collar bone and would have to be transported back by a nice lady who stopped to render aid. CrAzY!

Flash backward to before the ride... I am at the P&R getting ready to ride out to Helotes when I see a fellow teammate (yet to meet) get out of his car. I am the only VW METRO in SA so I was shocked and excited to see a matching uniform! I got to meet Web, a super cool guy who was in town for business. He was seriuosly strong on the bike and very nice! I hope work brings him back this way someday.

Saturday Bicycle Heaven Ride

2008-03-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

What a nice day for a ride. It is Easter weekend and there is no local racing so all the bike shop rides are in high attendance. This made for a super fast group ride. I was happy the weather was great because if it hadn't been, I would have turned around at mile 10 and gone home. The ride started out so fast that I had to check the back of my jersey to make sure there was no race number pinned on. Ha! My plan was to go hard and stay in the group as long as possible then just relax because I was planning on doing a longer ride. We ended up doing the long BH loop with Rebbecca Creek road added to it. The total distance was 88 miles (no, I am not a Kilo girl).
BH Long Loop
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Happy Easter!

Helotes Tues

2008-03-19T08:01:00.001-07:00

It was the second Helotes Tuesday Niter of the season. As I leave work to head out to Helotes I notice that it is super windy. Once I get to the park and ride I notice the temp. dropping, then on the ride it starts to rain. DIRTY, NASTY RAIN! I looked like I had just finished mud wrestling it was so dirty.

Well, I flat less than 5 miles into the ride but have my trusty wing-man/mechanic with me so he pulls over to change my flat. I would have done it myself but we would have been there for half an hour (slightly exxagerating), versus the 2 minute job that Rick can do. We then book it to see if we can catch back on but the group is no where in sight. BOOOOOO! I am disgruntled because I am out in the cold, dirt rain, wind and without a pack to sheild me from the elements. So we decide to turn around and head back. This is where we spot the injured pit bull laying on the side of the road shivering. He looked so sad and scared. I got off my bike to help the poor doggie but he growled at me so I wasn't about to get too close. A truck pulled up and a couple got out and told me they would help the dog so I got on my bike an headed back to my car.
Such a happy bike riding day for me.
Next week sould be better!

Wacko Waco

2008-03-16T19:51:00.000-07:00

Umm, Waco was not my favorite racing experience. I learned that it is easier to fake being in shape on the road than it is on the trails. I had not raced but one expert mountain bike race in three years and thought that I would be okay to just jump back into it. I was in for a rude awakening as the starter began the race and all the girls took off at top speed. I disappeared into the trails with them but soon started to panic at the fast pace we were weaving in and out of the trees. After about 15 minutes of slamming my breaks on, then accelerating from an almost dead stop, I was popped. The girls disappeared ahead of me. I was horrified as I thought to myself that I had only gone about 5 miles in a 20 mile race and was already toasted. I would end up finishing the WACO mtb race more tired than the 103 mile Rouge Roubaix. I had forgotten that mountain biking was a whole different kind of pain and my tolerance was pretty low. I did have a blast I loved wearing the MAD DUCK jersey. And Rachel, you ROCKED! I am so proud of you!

Here is a picture of the part they call "vortex":

Officer Battlefield #0035...

2008-03-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

Hey Mr. Policeman,

Do you think you look hot in those tight spandex pants with your knee high boots while you ride around on that motorcycle? Did you get behind on your ticket quota? I find it pretty lame that you hide behind a neighborhood entrance sign and ticket people for "rolling" stop signs. Don't you have better, more important things to do? How many people did you ticket yesterday?? 3 that I witnessed within 15 minutes. I bet you have achieved your limit for the week, so go eat your tacos and enjoy the rest of your lazy week...

By the way, you must wait 3 full seconds after your wheels lock before you proceed through the stop sign.

Food of the Week Award

2008-03-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

YumYum.

Rouge Roubaix

2008-03-10T08:30:00.000-07:00

YESSSSS!!!!!!! I admit that I had big doubts about this one, but I survived! Only riding two times the past month, totaling under 75 miles I didn't think I was anywhere near going to race the Rouge Roubaix http://www.rougeroubaix.com/ , a 104 mile road/dirt road torture fest. After making the 8 hour drive Friday I was ready to stretch my legs out and ride a portion on the course on Saturday. After we ate breakfast, we pre-rode the 3rd dirt section and it was blast! The first hill (big Bertha) had most of us clipped out and walking. There was a lot of climbing and a few sketchy washed out ruts. I did not know if I would have the energy to complete all 3 dirt sections during the race if they were all like this one.

Sunday morning was burr-cold, but other than that the weather was great. Shannon, Rachel, Austin, and I raced the "B" race. The rest of the team rode in the "A" race. The first 20 miles went by pretty fast. Rachel and Austin started out in the front of our large group. Shannon and I would soon join them, after a near hit by a flying wood plank and a few exploding water bottle bombs. By the turn onto the first dirt section all four of us were close to the front of the group. Things started to split up a bit on that first section but I was glad that is was relatively flat compared to the section we pre-rode yesterday. When the dirt and gravel turned back to pavement I saw Shannon and Austin (and a few other randoms) not far ahead so I joined them for the next 40 miles of road. Once we hit the second dirt section I sank like a rock. I saw Shannon fly up the "mountain" like a billy goat. Fortunately, others dropped with me so I still had a few riding buddies. Once back on the road I knew the final dirt section was not too far off, but also that it was the hardest of the three. Soon enough I was unclipped and marching up the Big Bertha hill. I didn't feel too bad that I was doing the walk of shame because I didn't see anyone else make it up with out walking. I was so tired once I finished that section that I was looking for the finish line. It would not be for another 20+ miles. agh! There was now only two people with me, and I soon watched them ride away from me. I felt like I was going to die, I had to make it though. My odometer was not broken but it seemed like mile 93-98 lasted over an hour. Maybe it did. When I finished I was so happy to see the Metro VW van waiting with Accelerade and Pickle Juice. YUM!

For the women, Shannon got 3rd, I got 6th, and Rachel got 8th. All of us in the top 10! YAY! It was a good weekend.

Smitten

2008-03-01T17:00:00.000-08:00

March 1st. What a great day. It was my mom's birthday. It was a Saturday. It was my first ride outdoors since my surgery that I had over a month ago. Even better, it was my first ride on my new BH bike. I absolutely loved it! The sweet carbon, compact BH frame flung my fat bootie up the hills faster than any of my other bikes ever have. I am stoked! I felt so alive on that bike, I wanted to ride for hours. Too bad my body was ready to quit after 2 hours. I can't believe how much better that bike rides...

Pace Bend

2008-02-25T13:03:00.000-08:00

This weekend I ventured about an hour North of my house, to watch my teammates at the Pace Bend Road Race. It was a great day and my team looked awesome! I do admit that at first I was jealous because I wanted to race too, but I soon relaxed and had a great time being a "feed zone chick". I was proud of all my teammates out there, it was a fast race and there was a lot of carnage, but I think all came out ok. One of the highlights of my weekend was I got to see my new BH bike for the first time and I am so stoked! I can't wait until I can take it for it's first ride. Hopefully I will get cleared to ride from my doctor by this weekend. I was also super glad to see Shannon, since I don't get to see her as much as I'd like to.

The women's field in Texas has had bad luck so far this year with loads of crashes:

More than just the women went down:

More bad news

2008-02-19T10:25:00.000-08:00

I thought I was going to be able to take my road bike out this weekend but my doctor told me "NO WAY" on Friday, at one of my many follow up appointments. He has allowed me to get on the trainer but no outside riding until I start my allergy shots which in in about two weeks! So I spent the weekend on my trainer inside while the sun was out and there was perfect weather. It is going to be hard going to Pace Bend road race this weekend as a spectator.

I am back at work this week and am feeling better.

Resurfaced

2008-02-13T14:58:00.000-08:00

Hello all! Sorry I have not been updating my blog lately but I had sinus surgery and have been totally off the map for a while. I completely underestimated the surgery(s), I thought I would only miss a few days of work and a week of cycling. Boy was I wrong. I have missed more than 2 weeks of work and hope that maybe the doctor will let me start riding this weekend. Keep your fingers crossed! So I ended up having polyps and diseased "fungus balls" infested in all my sinus cavities, a deviated septum, and a petrified salivary gland that needed to be removed. Today I finally feel better, but I am depressed because I learned that I will need to be put on allergy shots, starting out once a week. Yuck.

I was so upset that I missed the training camp, I was so looking forward to meeting the rest of my teammates. I was also looking forward to Will's humor and riding with Shannon and Rachel...

Reagan

2008-01-27T19:51:00.000-08:00

This is my dog Reagan, begging for food. Isn't she cute?

Painting Day

2008-01-27T19:39:00.000-08:00

Today I did an easy "recovery" ride and then it was time to help paint my friend's house. I can't believe she actually trusted me with a paint brush! HeeHee

Saturday---"BOOM-DEAD"

2008-01-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

My sister always uses the phrase "boom-dead" when she is tired beyond belief. Today, I used her phrase.
I do not know what I was thinking when I promised my friend I would compete in a 25 mile mountain bike race because I had not touched my mountain bike in almost 2 years. So much neglected time on Max and Caddy (the hard tail and full suspension, and yes I name my bikes) had passed that the shifting pods froze up. After a little TLC, I had Caddy ready for her big day, and decided not to test ride her, after all I would get to spend plenty of time with her on the trails during the race. I was excited! Well, after the first 10 miles I had realized that my 45 minute cyclocross races had not cut it for the amount of training I needed to do well in this mtb race. I then remembered I was doing the half-marathon versus the whole one and cheered up a little. I could feel my hands blistering. I loved the down hill rocky drops but dreaded the technical climbs. I didn't have to dismount for any of the tricky descents but had to get off my bike and push/pull/drag up most of the stupid climbs. All in all it was a "tremendous" ride and I fell in love with cross country mountain biking all over again. I ended up getting 2nd in my class and the 4th overall woman. I was happy.

By the way, Lance Armstrong was out there, racing his Mountain Bike!

Gas Prices

2008-01-24T13:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, gas prices are starting to hurt my checkbook soooooooo I am car shopping for something a little more fuel efficient.

Blue is my favorite color!

Full Moon Tonight

2008-01-22T11:14:00.001-08:00

The Tuesday night ride should be fun toinght!

Bad Moon Rising: The Myth of the Full Moon

For centuries, mankind has been intrigued by the notion that a full moon which rises tonight drives people to madness, crime, suicide and major crisis.
It's one of the most enduring myths in human history, embedded in popular culture and folklore from Transylvania and the myth of the werewolf to Creedence Clearwater Revival's breakaway 1969 hit, "Bad Moon Rising." The word "lunacy" has its roots in the Latin word for moon.
And like most popular myths, there's a certain logic to it: Earth is about 80 percent water, much like the human body, the theory goes, and if the moon's gravitational pull can effect the ocean tides, can't it also affect a person's body?

Studies have found that cops and hospital workers are among the strongest believers in the notion that more crime and trauma occur on nights when the moon is full. One 1995 University of New Orleans study found that as many as 81 percent of mental health professionals believe the myth. But a growing body of evidence in the last 30 years has all but debunked the notion that nothing good can come from a full moon.

Copyright © 2008 ABC News Internet Ventures

My weekend

2008-01-22T08:24:00.000-08:00

Riding was cold this weekend, maybe not as cold as Dallas, but enough to make me wonder at what temperature does frost bite actually occur. There was no group in Saturday's group ride, just me and a few other people that didn't go race the first local road race of the season.

When I get back to my house I decide to cut some fabric with this tool that looks like a pizza cutter. Well, I guess my hands were not defrosted yet because I numbly rolled the slicer right over my finger! DARN IT! That was my "Big Ring" shifting finger....

The Culprit:___________The Victim:
______

Sunday would be a better day...yeah right. The sun was out but it was still cold. And windy. Before this ride I never knew which was worse, hills or wind. Well today I have solidified an answer. The wind is no friend of mine. It seems like I head out with a head wind and for the first half of the ride I am happily thinking of the tail wind on the return, but it ALWAYS seems to change half way through the ride. Hills, on the other hand, are a constant. It will always be there, no suprises. You make it up and over the hill and it is done. But the wind will follow you and taunt you, even try to blow you off the road or slap you in the face so hard you are struggling to make it down hill in the small ring. I despise it. So, needless to say, my planned, epic, all day ride turned into a 2 hour fight with my new enemy. Memories of 2007 Walburg RR came back to me vividly.
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State Cyclocross Race

2008-01-16T13:26:00.001-08:00

Saturday was the Texas State Cyclocross race in my hometown, San Antonio. I was excited because there were rumors that some fast girls were going to race. YAY, competition! Sure enough, Christina Smith and Mel Black were on the start line with me. 45 minutes sounds pretty easy but I thought I was going to die after 10 minutes. I was trying to stay with the two lead girls and had the power, but my technical skills are next to none so I watched them ride away. Still in a good spot in the standings, I got into a tolerable rhythm. That didn't last long though, as I not-so-delicately tried to bunny hop a curb only to pinch flat my rear tire. So by the time I made it to the pit three other girls had passed me. Lucky for me, one of the girls that passed me ended up with a flat as well so I finished in 5th place.

Sunday's race was much better except that is was colder. The course was not technical so I was able to get away with 2nd place.

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Nonsense

According to a recent study, women who have red hair apparantly have a higher tolerance for pain.