tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28577897283737459672024-02-07T06:24:36.678-08:00Tales from the Wheels (and other hallucinations)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-10867198253740908902009-06-06T11:49:00.000-07:002009-06-10T11:43:20.061-07:00Tulsa III
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dmduDRS54V_6Ob7AjSihI23WYF_D95O51XWMM5btp2tXbt3s1BjfRRVH0xOtsHfFcqDeAp2l53lGgYKhoYslypLJp1y5doNmUzuKHX3_HvqXoZWOZZmGoAloZ8fdj25OAHiTM1HSfZlS/s1600-h/JW+at+start+of+day+3+rvd.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dmduDRS54V_6Ob7AjSihI23WYF_D95O51XWMM5btp2tXbt3s1BjfRRVH0xOtsHfFcqDeAp2l53lGgYKhoYslypLJp1y5doNmUzuKHX3_HvqXoZWOZZmGoAloZ8fdj25OAHiTM1HSfZlS/s320/JW+at+start+of+day+3+rvd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345707307692628434" border="0" /></a>
<br />Ready to go! (photo by Ronee van Deemter)
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<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CJennifer%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:targetscreensize>544x376</o:TargetScreenSize> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Saturday evening we were treated to a lovely BBQ dinner at Tim and Melissa's house.<span style=""> </span>There home is gorgeous and it was great to sit on the patio and enjoy the evening and the food was delicious!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Waking up Sunday we were hopeful to battle back after a rough start.<span style=""> </span>With 5 out of 7 of us having hit the pavement our host house is more like an infirmary.<span style=""> </span>Last year Sunday morning we were treated to a huge storm in the morning.<span style=""> </span>This time the skies were clear and the sun was shining.<span style=""> </span>I particularly like the course with the short power climb in it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As was typical, we took the Riverwalk bike path to the race and this time had no dog or drunken cyclist encounters.<span style=""> </span>The temperature was over 100 when we started the race.<span style=""> </span>Today I actually had a new friend coming to watch.<span style=""> </span>It really is a small world.<span style=""> </span>A friend in France has a friend in Tulsa and she put us in contact with each other.<span style=""> </span>And never having met her right before the race, I hear someone call out my name and it was Ronee, she had found me!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0ZS-rkuzwHwTbjoR9fFNAmV2PegK9j64Tn0gKutu3UPkx2QwILi4lONq62Gp6d67tE71GlLTlsu9CuTYS8w9V_9h22gUgVwCqkYKvPOUJ52yXQqOo3722vC3l3lv0c586aWw0eJJ6nxH/s1600-h/racing+Tulsa+day+3+rvd.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0ZS-rkuzwHwTbjoR9fFNAmV2PegK9j64Tn0gKutu3UPkx2QwILi4lONq62Gp6d67tE71GlLTlsu9CuTYS8w9V_9h22gUgVwCqkYKvPOUJ52yXQqOo3722vC3l3lv0c586aWw0eJJ6nxH/s320/racing+Tulsa+day+3+rvd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345707311164667682" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">It is already strung out (photo Ronee van Deemter)</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As is typical the race started fast.<span style=""> </span>Melissa on her SRAM pit bike dropped her chain on the first lap and went to the pits but was a lap down.<span style=""> </span>As the race progressed we kept dropping riders thinning out the pack.<span style=""> </span>With about 18 laps to go I got stuck at the back of a crash on the climb and had to stop my bike.<span style=""> </span>Due to complete race brain I tried to chase back on not even thinking that I should have gone to the pits having been involved in the crash.<span style=""> </span>Dumb move on my part, as I never made it back to the front group and just dangled off the back.<span style=""> </span>So my race was done.<span style=""> </span>We only had Melissa, Leigh and Melodie left in the race and they held their own and finished with the front group.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmLwMirQjWHG8c1DhpV7HbMW1781J1KGcala7QuvPY0DYX_KNE9EAj7dydaE3fohf6YzYtBSpaGCkjp95_e0uC7iumuZYRnsLLQmSenh3pG5N9-lc9kcESP51KHwSFrozzBOgoLrDZQWb/s1600-h/wheels+done+tulsa+day+3+rvd.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmLwMirQjWHG8c1DhpV7HbMW1781J1KGcala7QuvPY0DYX_KNE9EAj7dydaE3fohf6YzYtBSpaGCkjp95_e0uC7iumuZYRnsLLQmSenh3pG5N9-lc9kcESP51KHwSFrozzBOgoLrDZQWb/s320/wheels+done+tulsa+day+3+rvd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345707311770925682" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Suffering! (photo Ronee van Deemter)
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<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I actually got to chat with Ronee and her girlfriend Carrie which was nice since we had been Facebooking and texting before.<span style=""> </span>It was great during the race to have someone cheering for you.<span style=""> </span>Ronee took the photos in this blog which are awesome for her first time as a sports photographer!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After the race it was back home to pack up the bikes to fly home that evening.<span style=""> </span>Never a dull moment when racing.<span style=""> </span>Our flight from Denver to LA was delayed and X and I did not get home until about 3am.<span style=""> </span>We had quite the adventure at LAX with the Flyaway bus to Van Nuys driving past us.<span style=""> </span>Thanks to a great Prime Time driver who stopped and drove us to the Flyaway or we would have had to wait another hour.<span style=""> </span>Luck and miracles do happen every day.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iwc_MXQrLj25EJJs_cyfeWh460HiW4KiXNYxH29RGBbcQV_VkvePUqjhEMesv3mWCns3lZ6cLZjQXcR9tibqePRlJ45vuAgIe1_GipenRv9H6AceBslywxyGcsCNqZkjaVg_GmT_YXM_/s1600-h/Me+and+Ronee+tulsa+III+full+body+rvd.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iwc_MXQrLj25EJJs_cyfeWh460HiW4KiXNYxH29RGBbcQV_VkvePUqjhEMesv3mWCns3lZ6cLZjQXcR9tibqePRlJ45vuAgIe1_GipenRv9H6AceBslywxyGcsCNqZkjaVg_GmT_YXM_/s320/Me+and+Ronee+tulsa+III+full+body+rvd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345771160362606898" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">With Ronee the famous photographer!</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The past 4 days have been filled with work and laundry as I am currently on my way to Philadelphia for the Liberty Classic race.<span style=""> </span>As always, Ashton and Tren at Sundance have saved the day for me as Tuesday evening while putting my bike together I broke my seat clamp bolt.<span style=""> </span>The fun never ends with bike stuff but they totally helped me out so I was able to do my sprints Wednesday on my rockin' Storck bike.<span style=""> </span>Sundance Cycles is also one of those miracle things.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Check back for the update from Philly.<span style=""> </span>Life is full of adventures!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjKjCyaQ32BbFdu6KAKrQYgGamK3g7LFbL3ztrkPl006CrQS9Qhr-rhksVwqhSJcN56gt30O1qxqfqJGXTHervO9jpvedIMg5VO1XePo44ThYRgsWxeala8qenAwP2RGuJ18RRjMSCZw0/s1600-h/X+Liz+Wheels+tulsa+day+3+rvd.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjKjCyaQ32BbFdu6KAKrQYgGamK3g7LFbL3ztrkPl006CrQS9Qhr-rhksVwqhSJcN56gt30O1qxqfqJGXTHervO9jpvedIMg5VO1XePo44ThYRgsWxeala8qenAwP2RGuJ18RRjMSCZw0/s320/X+Liz+Wheels+tulsa+day+3+rvd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345770412322899586" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">The kittens, X, Liz and myself! We survived.
<br /></p> Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-24441688725773798002009-06-03T09:30:00.001-07:002009-06-03T09:36:42.766-07:00Tulsa - Part IIWell, the girls made it home from the hospital at 2am. Melissa received 9 stitches in her arm and Virginia has a broken collar bone and 2 broken ribs. Not good.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3oyVUWIrLv4av2725o0gdlWzcz_6UxmSD8rpJf8N5KD4-2jlgKQ0DSUTeIb89YpoQwYEf9wORDq1t66RgEpmvx8jPsdIjgUc9ZCNb-ysYBdTGFVnZv61l8H992Q8C3_Znu89Mylwk3lO/s1600-h/IMG_0145.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3oyVUWIrLv4av2725o0gdlWzcz_6UxmSD8rpJf8N5KD4-2jlgKQ0DSUTeIb89YpoQwYEf9wORDq1t66RgEpmvx8jPsdIjgUc9ZCNb-ysYBdTGFVnZv61l8H992Q8C3_Znu89Mylwk3lO/s320/IMG_0145.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343140024109531506" border="0" /></a><br />VK Club member Brittany in the 3/4 race<br /><br />Saturday we got up and those of us not “broken” went on a morning spin where I was chased by this crazy dog who bee lined for me though I was the furthest rider from him. That was a fun way to get the heart rate up quickly. Then on the Riverwalk bike path we were almost taken out by a guy on a bike holding a mysterious brown bag which I think would explain why he was weaving. Eventually we made it down to the race course to see the end of the Women’s 3 /4 race and cheer on Brittany a Vanderkitten club member. It was then back to the house to rest up for our afternoon race. The weather was not too hot but on the ride back you could feel the mercury rising!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMCdBOZz18RgKv8tL8XR3gTPHiV1LwaWj2lhwHhIzBY9FhfW-yhPGLw8AW4hG4I1KfBoR5ZURvGStnS0LPzdciM3Yr1DOh1s7pXNGO9yiuypDQ4zM6MyNHYbB_oKv7LDSb4mgQBcTTyYX/s1600-h/IMG_0147.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMCdBOZz18RgKv8tL8XR3gTPHiV1LwaWj2lhwHhIzBY9FhfW-yhPGLw8AW4hG4I1KfBoR5ZURvGStnS0LPzdciM3Yr1DOh1s7pXNGO9yiuypDQ4zM6MyNHYbB_oKv7LDSb4mgQBcTTyYX/s320/IMG_0147.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343140026551129154" border="0" /></a><br />Melodie, Leigh and X on the Riverwalk trail - beautiful day!<br /><br />At 2:30pm we left for our race. Melissa, the brave soul that she is got set up on a SRAM neutral bike and we were back to a force of 6. We were determined to have a good race today and I wanted to be aggressive. My legs were feeling pretty good and the other VKs were keeping good position in the front of the pack. I did a mini attack up the hill and felt pretty good. Just after that lap going through the start/finish straight there was a huge pile up of girls probably 30 on the floor. I was able to unclip and jump off my bike but then someone hit me from behind and I ended up on my behind. No injuries for me but a lot of the other VKs went down including X right next to me. Liz is the only one who has been pavement free. The referee neutralized our race which I thought at first was due to the crash but actually it was so they could bring an ambulance on course to assist a spectator who had heat stroke and was apparently having seizures. We had to wait about 15 minutes.<br /><br />We were eventually restarted to race for 40 minutes. My legs felt like crap which I’m sure was a mutual thought throughout the peloton. I could never seem to get my rhythm back but fought hard to get my body to turn around. The race was crazy and the pack was moving in strange ways. I have to admit this has been the strangest racing I have ever done as far as pack movement and bike handling. With 5 laps to go I was sitting in a great position on Laura Van Gilder’s wheel but then everything shifted and I was back in 25th place again. With 2 laps to go Melissa made a huge move to the front and I got on the train about 4th wheel and fought to get into the pack. I was not very successful and the pack slowed causing a massive surge and I was swallowed up. I could not get out and just suffered finishing a poor 48th. Liz held good position for a top 30 place.<br /><br />I am very frustrated and I think all of the crashes have gotten to us mentally. I have never seen so many crashes on nice big open roads. <br /><br />Today is another day and we are hoping to have some good come out of it. I am off to go to the race now. Ciao!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4A5YTG3KMQ3gNeqEYfOpuXRQ4wdzSx9BduuLLLjGr1_v9EN-dACsrRrKE1S_dgxMv5J-XW_nqWZKqdshxb5vX8ddme8nEB1EHHqBvxBUS-ilUxn-cpWXblvjf_97Rxc_rUvsSmwOfkhL/s1600-h/IMG_0151.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4A5YTG3KMQ3gNeqEYfOpuXRQ4wdzSx9BduuLLLjGr1_v9EN-dACsrRrKE1S_dgxMv5J-XW_nqWZKqdshxb5vX8ddme8nEB1EHHqBvxBUS-ilUxn-cpWXblvjf_97Rxc_rUvsSmwOfkhL/s320/IMG_0151.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343140031362828978" border="0" /></a><br />X soaking her wounds after the crashJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-2278609434889108322009-05-29T21:23:00.001-07:002009-05-29T21:40:01.979-07:00Tough Going in Tulsa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmQroxRHaDM_CNtg1TwLyF00TLVsqf8OYwC6rvw4eRIKErjBG1uZO-SY4qLydJPznA8SHpEZ9J_wVSARTGWazgmmTVjYnlG1gUPRNXuoYVnNUiC4j-Y4j_5ofOE8sggTxUMoyNi4jkVaz/s1600-h/img_0123.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmQroxRHaDM_CNtg1TwLyF00TLVsqf8OYwC6rvw4eRIKErjBG1uZO-SY4qLydJPznA8SHpEZ9J_wVSARTGWazgmmTVjYnlG1gUPRNXuoYVnNUiC4j-Y4j_5ofOE8sggTxUMoyNi4jkVaz/s320/img_0123.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341469672823725330" border="0" /></a>
<br />The Arkansas River!
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<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CJennifer%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">At least this trip did not start off like Speedweek with an 8 hour flight.<span style=""> </span>And, our bikes made it as well.<span style=""> </span>We are staying with Brent again this year in his amazing house and living in the lap of luxury.<span style=""> </span>It is also really cool because the entire team can stay in one house.<span style=""> </span>Thursday night Brent treated us to the most amazing diner at “The Local Table” where of course I had a steak, very rare.<span style=""> </span>Would have loved to have had a bourbon with it but no way with 3 days of racing ahead.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZJfzznXxJBWHtJkysKtnKwQf11WP6GQZAJixKAC8KKG2QJAFhP5u3PJwh5qXwP7bjMJOoh9qAWzIWSCuO6zWnfXmQfEc-mCSk7U9DY1au1ca94NeLni76WvMtzeCq-iI5jImlKJjZ9m-/s1600-h/img_0124.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZJfzznXxJBWHtJkysKtnKwQf11WP6GQZAJixKAC8KKG2QJAFhP5u3PJwh5qXwP7bjMJOoh9qAWzIWSCuO6zWnfXmQfEc-mCSk7U9DY1au1ca94NeLni76WvMtzeCq-iI5jImlKJjZ9m-/s320/img_0124.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341469674200054530" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Liz always looking for the "cross" experience.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKF5yrGIAXeaQMBYuLvkF9aUHNWc4xezIHISqYghYvJV_gp3tLRsRLWAFy1RNi7F1js9sPYnKCuckNzrsxcn3sUs5xdn7vwzKHieZSPAD0g0wNkbi0Nt0BWp5nCpIm7lw_eV-jTD9kVSjS/s1600-h/img_0129.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKF5yrGIAXeaQMBYuLvkF9aUHNWc4xezIHISqYghYvJV_gp3tLRsRLWAFy1RNi7F1js9sPYnKCuckNzrsxcn3sUs5xdn7vwzKHieZSPAD0g0wNkbi0Nt0BWp5nCpIm7lw_eV-jTD9kVSjS/s320/img_0129.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341469678821264578" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">X explaining how to move my seat, funny!</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Friday we all slept in a little, built our bikes and then Brent took us on a great ride on the Riverwalk Trail to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Turkey</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype></st1:place> and back home.<span style=""> </span>The weather was beautiful in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tulsa</st1:place></st1:city> warm but not too hot with a slight breeze.<span style=""> </span>It was great to be back with all of my “teamies” and hang out.<span style=""> </span>Back home to shower up and head to Whole Foods for another round of shopping.<span style=""> </span>Racing is all about riding, eating and sleeping, nothing else.<span style=""> </span>Thank goodness though for Whole Paycheck as I like to all it so I could get my goat yogurt.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtCShUIT8__AZX7hrByDGnQyrGyOHZcXwOnCTRQ82l8_9AstjNHMro3TQoDTyV8up2QyzgZWkxqsrWJfeBKt7zrbZZmcN2OxhUUrzBo83My4QPgVrNvMNheRaf2Lw56k0uzzOL1gpfR-M/s1600-h/IMG_0132.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtCShUIT8__AZX7hrByDGnQyrGyOHZcXwOnCTRQ82l8_9AstjNHMro3TQoDTyV8up2QyzgZWkxqsrWJfeBKt7zrbZZmcN2OxhUUrzBo83My4QPgVrNvMNheRaf2Lw56k0uzzOL1gpfR-M/s320/IMG_0132.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341469690075443634" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">The brawn of VK!</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fi3wwI8WY_3lgB-uz-gr5XZpTQqabqnLNgfx-uHZNjqyPD36KNNYKgzcmvGl_jIVPQWEZ74QbIvZXvfhLl-osl98vDXpfoZV6c5nGLd8gakj_tAHe_-344buwtWMyDtt3el0VNHtAWAX/s1600-h/img_0134.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fi3wwI8WY_3lgB-uz-gr5XZpTQqabqnLNgfx-uHZNjqyPD36KNNYKgzcmvGl_jIVPQWEZ74QbIvZXvfhLl-osl98vDXpfoZV6c5nGLd8gakj_tAHe_-344buwtWMyDtt3el0VNHtAWAX/s320/img_0134.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341469684106250402" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Love this photo, Liz on the crackberry while Mel and Brent fix her flat. LOL!</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 5:30pm we headed downtown for the first race.<span style=""> </span>It is a figure 8 course with nice wide streets.<span style=""> </span>Downtown <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tulsa</st1:place></st1:city> is coming along as they are renovating it and the pavement was so much nicer than last year.<span style=""> </span>VK was riding a good race and being very attentive to attacks.<span style=""> </span>I was feeling good (finally!) and did my rotation on the front making sure nothing got away that we were not in.<span style=""> </span>During the race there were several crashes which I could not understand with such wide roads.<span style=""> </span>Teammates were going down right and left but luckily were getting back in the race.<span style=""> </span>Awful to see.<span style=""> </span>With 12 laps to go there was a big crash on the last turn and the next time around I noticed there was a VK rider on the ground and not moving.<span style=""> </span>Ugh!<span style=""> </span>She was there several laps and I kept trying to figure out who it was.<span style=""> </span>It is the hardest thing to keep racing when you see one of your own on the ground and not getting up.<span style=""> </span>It turns out Melissa went down and the rider on the ground was <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Virginia</st1:place></st1:state>.<span style=""> </span>We tried to make something of the end but I have to admit my nerves of steel had softened to liquid form.<span style=""> </span>The girls in the race were all over the place and it was one of the sketchiest races I have done.<span style=""> </span>Out of our team of 7 only 3 of us stayed up.<span style=""> </span>Not a good ratio.<span style=""> </span>It turns out Melissa will need stitches and it looks like Virginia has a broken collarbone though we are unsure as the hospital is busy tonight (go figure) and the girls are not home yet and as I write this it is 11:14pm Tulsa time.<span style=""> </span>Leigh and Melodie are banged up and have road rash but doing okay.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Uam6DKDXwrzOuuE9KIUL1nNuNUO8PTDbJaeWGt1kZTF29VuUmA6TWgHTV-vN_S6YnaYgr7bmRpqK9URcvkcEYjPv_gNyyQX2R8ktVOyyK1uXFkLYgDHP7VvmPf38_39WqUZSZS9TZ4Yf/s1600-h/img_0142.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Uam6DKDXwrzOuuE9KIUL1nNuNUO8PTDbJaeWGt1kZTF29VuUmA6TWgHTV-vN_S6YnaYgr7bmRpqK9URcvkcEYjPv_gNyyQX2R8ktVOyyK1uXFkLYgDHP7VvmPf38_39WqUZSZS9TZ4Yf/s320/img_0142.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341471236697778370" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Liz sporting her Sammy Hagar hair - just awesome!</p><p class="MsoNormal">
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<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thank goodness for X’s cooking earlier in the day as we came home to warm pasta and a salad.<span style=""> </span>We sent Dave off to the hospital with clothes for the girls and food.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tomorrow is another day and I am hoping a much safer race.<span style=""> </span>I am bummed at my lack of mental fortitude as I finally feel like my old self on the bike.<span style=""> </span>When will my head and body meet up this year?<span style=""> </span>I am off to bed hoping that we will hear good news about <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Virginia</st1:place></st1:state>.<span style=""> </span>This definitely deserves a big “Cheese and Rice!”<span style=""> </span>And yes Robin, we did get fisted this evening!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-56253033433705419362009-05-27T07:20:00.000-07:002009-05-27T07:33:17.013-07:00Ventura County Stage Race and Barry Wolfe Crit<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnB0bqmJERLlwUmdYnYWyJmGSUQxW3ppdB6IS92c0vo5wz5Z13zihDPlwCJbh3GEoeLyupzhWKqBhVEEZftGQdvpF4AkdIoimPe8PggwmRJjENzgNka7tkoeZIWg0FWCwuDNm2a38OyY9/s1600-h/in+n+out+ventura+county+stage+race+2009.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnB0bqmJERLlwUmdYnYWyJmGSUQxW3ppdB6IS92c0vo5wz5Z13zihDPlwCJbh3GEoeLyupzhWKqBhVEEZftGQdvpF4AkdIoimPe8PggwmRJjENzgNka7tkoeZIWg0FWCwuDNm2a38OyY9/s320/in+n+out+ventura+county+stage+race+2009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340510854659999794" border="0" /></a><br />The standard!<br /><br />Boy how time flies. Last weekend I did the inaugural Ventura County Stage race which was a 3 stage 2 day race. Since my season has been a little up and down my coach wanted me to do it to continue to work on my race legs.<br /><br />Saturday the 16th started off early with a drive to downtown Ventura for a time trial start time of 10:13am. I brought Murphy my time trial bike and my disc wheels. The course was a 1.7 mile out and back with a steep little power climb in the beginning. I debated using Murphy but opted for him in the end. I went gang busters off the start and felt like I was going great and felt powerful. I started my watch when my 30 second girl went and finished with a time of 3:16. I did however accidentally cut the course short on the turn around as it was not clearly marked and therefore ended dead last on the GC. Bummer as I felt I would have had an excellent time.<br /><br />I then spent my day resting in my car and found a great little bakery that made sandwiches to eat at. Thank god for my iPhone and a good book which helped the time pass until the 5:30pm criterium in the evening.<br /><br />Before the race I went and got a Starbucks coffee and ran into Neil Brown from Road Magazine and Phillip Chang who I used to dance with back in the La Danserie days. Crazy how small the world is. I did a great warm up for the crit and off we went. The course was a 4 corner with a climb after turn 1 and a screaming downhill after turn 3. As usual La Grange with there 8 squad (or which seems like 8 riders) team kept launching attacks. I tried to be smart about what I went after hoping that some of the other teams would chase if they were not in it. This was not the case and a La Grange and a NOW rider went up the road. I waited and finally decided to launch an attack to bridge. Since the GC was out of reach for me a stage win would be fantastic. The NOW rider fell off the pace and I nearly caught the La Grange rider who was 8 seconds off of me but for some reason I could not quite close the gap. I found out later that La Grange after a bit went on the front of the pack to reel me in. Crazy to be so marked. Near the end of the race the attacks were furious and just being one rider it was really hard to mark everything. The field came down to a sprint for 5th place and Beatriz nicely rested came around me to take it and I got 6th. More importantly though I felt like I was finally coming out of this crazy start to the season I was going through and my legs were feeling like the old me. Good news!<br /><br />The next day was a 40 mile road race in Ojai with an afternoon start time. It was hot in Ojai and my frozen bottles were melting even in the cooler before the race. Scott Searway and his daughter Emily surprisingly showed up to watch which was great. We had to do the circuit 7 times which meant climbing the 1 mile climb 7 times. I felt good during the race which was the typical slow pace until the climb and then slow pace again, until lap 5 when my body just over heated and said stop. My water was warm and neutral feed was few and far between as well as having warm water. Cheryl Roth from Helen’s and Alexis Ryan from Major Motion and myself rode the last two laps together. Mostly Cheryl and I wanted to do the descent again which was totally fun. I even survived a bad feed from the neutral feeder who held the bottle incorrectly and I almost went down. I was really happy when the race was over. I finished 16th overall starting from dead last after my wrong turn so not too bad but not great. It is very hard to do road races in the heat without the help of a feeder with cold fluids. On the way home I stopped off for the traditional In n Out Burger. Yum! Didn’t really deserve it with the way I rode but it still tasted delicious.<br /><br />Memorial Day Weekend – Barry Wolfe Criterium<br /><br />Another weekend, another race. Luckily for a very intuitive wise friend and the brilliant knowledge of Ashton at Sundance Cycles my bike is finally feeling correct after a long hard time of getting it to fit. Jenn X and myself rode from our homes and met in Warner Center for the race. X brought me a 100mm stem to switch out on my bike (I love my friends!) which I did before the race but ended up having headset issues right before we started. I couldn’t seem to get it to lock down but the stem was on tight. I had a slight jiggle in my headset but decided to try and race anyway and if it was too bad to pull out.<br /><br />The race started and I took the first turn hesitantly and then from there on out figured all was good and I was back to whipping it through the turns. X of course thinks I am crazy! I think I was super frustrated from the headset ordeal and rode the beginning of the race like a maniac going after all the attacks and being super aggressive. My bike was feeling good and I was feeling like my old self so why not ride super hard, right?<br /><br />I then heard the magic word of a free haircut prime to the winner of the next lap and I was motivated knowing this was coming from my hair stylist, David Alva – the best in the business. I had to sprint for the prime and got it. I continued to ride hard and X was being very aggressive as well. Not bad for being only 2 girls against the many numbered local teams. X finally got in a break of 5 girls with all the teams represented. It was weird though because they never got more than a 35 second lead on the main field. Girls from the main field kept trying to jump to the break and I was covering the moves. A group of 3 or 4 got off the front of our group a little and I pulled them back to only get attacked again. Eventually though there was a melt down in the break and with just over 5 laps to go we were back together. Cheryl Roth from Helen’s attacked once the break was caught and X did a great job of reeling her in. Funny how the teams with more riders were not so concerned but X and I wanted to practice everything we could for our upcoming weekend in Tulsa so riding hard was on our agenda. With a couple of laps to go X was back on the front doing a great lead out and keeping me out of the bubble. Between turn 3 and 4 Pam Schuster (Helen’s) jumped and I was on her. We went into turn 4 hard and I immediately jumped off her wheel and went for the sprint and won! Excellent! X finished 9th which was awesome after all the work she did for me. In addition, while she was in the break she won a haircut pime as well. We could not be happier! My headset held up (fixed it correctly when I got home) and finally my bike is like home again. I can’t wait for Tulsa. Stay tuned.<br /><br />VK in the house!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-45821711706695502092009-05-05T08:06:00.001-07:002009-05-05T08:39:02.113-07:00Southeast Crit Series Thursday April 30th - Monday May 4th
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pGsi6yRyKgSi5QvH35HM3HHpDDu4LSIapPgiZ7qOyOAIU-sk89DfrEFeO0gufZ2ECesS2e9R-tGghxZDlu94HF-D4Hf1BcAKBEisx2AA8kwyU9E_dIs3I3oPRxaQO4620x1Y0FLq8NmP/s1600-h/IMG_0112.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pGsi6yRyKgSi5QvH35HM3HHpDDu4LSIapPgiZ7qOyOAIU-sk89DfrEFeO0gufZ2ECesS2e9R-tGghxZDlu94HF-D4Hf1BcAKBEisx2AA8kwyU9E_dIs3I3oPRxaQO4620x1Y0FLq8NmP/s320/IMG_0112.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332360482772884082" border="0" /></a>
<br />A park in Spartanburg
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<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CJennifer%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Wingdings; 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mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Thursday April 30<sup>th</sup></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We made it to the Hawley Company in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Lexington</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">SC.</st1:state></st1:place><span style=""> </span>Their place is great and it is like a candy shop for cyclist.<span style=""> </span>The company is expanding which is always great to see.<span style=""> </span>We got to meet the entire crew.<span style=""> </span>It was wonderful to actually meet in person the people who are supporting and believing in us and it is fantastic to be associated with such great people and such a wonderful company.<span style=""> </span>Andy, our main man for our bike support wanted me to challenge Colin to an arm wrestle which if anyone knows me I am always up for.<span style=""> </span>I guess Andy and Colin have a little banter going on and I was more than happy to help Andy out.<span style=""> </span>I have to admit Colin got a little red when I met him and immediately mentioned that I heard he was quite the arm wrestler.<span style=""> </span>Colin did not want to arm wrestle at first but Andy was insistent and so the table was set up.<span style=""> </span>I gave Colin a run for his money but he eventually won.<span style=""> </span>I think my arm could have been raised higher as he is bigger than me but it was all in good fun.<span style=""> </span>To check out how it went down you can go to the Hawley blog link and see a play by play.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Steve Hawley took us to lunch at this great bistro with Derrick and we got to chit chat and get to know each other a little better.<span style=""> </span>Steve and Derrick are awesome and we had a great time at lunch.<span style=""> </span>We went back to Hawley and hung out with everyone a little more and then hit the road for <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Spartanburg</st1:city></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQo7O-1ptwkigSgWww23T7T4qsnvfDD9gZUKXsiyTdbZae0A1IbZzLCF1cZ2yMbrYeHwTc4t6p-Cnv6DH6OAtG47CJUYFUkX3lQj9MBOME_FM6wPk9t8ubUn0tbACAuQOJXuasj_WtRkw/s1600-h/IMG_0113.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQo7O-1ptwkigSgWww23T7T4qsnvfDD9gZUKXsiyTdbZae0A1IbZzLCF1cZ2yMbrYeHwTc4t6p-Cnv6DH6OAtG47CJUYFUkX3lQj9MBOME_FM6wPk9t8ubUn0tbACAuQOJXuasj_WtRkw/s320/IMG_0113.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332360490865118834" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">On our morning ride in Spartanburg</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Jenn X, Melissa and myself stayed with Angela again in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Spartanburg</st1:city></st1:place> which was great.<span style=""> </span>She is so nice and I love her house.<span style=""> </span>The other girls stayed up the street from us and we all went out to dinner where we officially determined that I have T-Rex arms and Jenn X has an extreme wingspan and obviously has some of my arm length, lol.<span style=""> </span>Friday AM we got up and did a little ride on the hunt for coffee.<span style=""> </span>Angela had mentioned that all of the coffee shops downtown had closed and so we ended up going to the Little River Coffee Company.<span style=""> </span>We took a nice little ride through a park and then it was back home to rest.<span style=""> </span>It seems like the trip is just filled with riding, resting and eating.<span style=""> </span>We went back out again for coffee before the race at 6:30pm.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Spartanburg</st1:place></st1:city>’s course is a 4 corner fast circuit with turn 4 really narrowing and the start/finish straight being tight.<span style=""> </span>VK rode a good race with Jenn X, <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Virginia</st1:state></st1:place>, Haley and myself covering the moves in the first 20+ laps.<span style=""> </span>The other teams were super aggressive and we had to be very attentive.<span style=""> </span>Jenn X got a prime by rolling off the front on the first lap.<span style=""> </span>Near the middle of the race the pace stayed high and the other VKs Leigh, Liz and Laura kicked into gear.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>The race heated up with 5 laps to go and with 3 laps to go there was a small group off the front.<span style=""> </span>I knew we had to get Melissa up there so Laura and I hustled to pull them back.<span style=""> </span>After that I was toast, job done and Mel sprinted to 6<sup>th</sup> place.<span style=""> </span>Still not feeling quite like my normal self on the bike which is very frustrating but glad that I could help out the team in anyway.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was back to Mellow Mushroom for dinner and a drink together as on Saturday our team would be splitting up to cover both the NRC race in Alabama and the other race in Dillworth where are sponsors would be.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-OTUFZpMWyFgQkzzEd9XfH3OXtA8vbwBLyqVGbW9IKl2mt084ovhRhMJxG33a4dQztChRJHzww6auezM8RQKkq6ejOhb51EEkMVtT5ZOcPvQXKbt0_H30kPOVbA3bqhwQBAAh-mluXx2/s1600-h/IMG_0110.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-OTUFZpMWyFgQkzzEd9XfH3OXtA8vbwBLyqVGbW9IKl2mt084ovhRhMJxG33a4dQztChRJHzww6auezM8RQKkq6ejOhb51EEkMVtT5ZOcPvQXKbt0_H30kPOVbA3bqhwQBAAh-mluXx2/s320/IMG_0110.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332360487333423938" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Virginia and Andy</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOF4Cgp2LN8DThTdTK7toIs5zmUGNKjRdkpwKlIhHmVi7zvUEqG_wofC5TvwOORjRV42PVSolCyXQ298Gaio38Km0l8iKquC2WuD28Nol2LPTfujekshN84F3oWAPEFiVsIB19gKLs6TzH/s1600-h/Jeff+at+mellow+mushroom.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOF4Cgp2LN8DThTdTK7toIs5zmUGNKjRdkpwKlIhHmVi7zvUEqG_wofC5TvwOORjRV42PVSolCyXQ298Gaio38Km0l8iKquC2WuD28Nol2LPTfujekshN84F3oWAPEFiVsIB19gKLs6TzH/s320/Jeff+at+mellow+mushroom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332362208602732882" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Jeff at Mellow Mushroom</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Saturday May 2<sup>nd</sup></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the AM we were packed and hit the rode by 9am.<span style=""> </span>Luckily for us Dillworth was only 1 ½ hours away from <st1:city st="on">Spartanburg</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">SC</st1:state> in <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">North Carolina</st1:state></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>The course was a fast loop around a park with a tight turn in to the uphill start/finish.<span style=""> </span>Our goal was to get Liz in a break with Rebecca Larson who was riding for Jittery Joes knowing that she was a strong rider.<span style=""> </span>Virginia, Haley and myself worked hard in the beginning to make this happen and it did.<span style=""> </span>The girls stayed away for most of the race holding an 8 to 12 second gap.<span style=""> </span>I radioed to Liz to keep the gas on as the chase and attacks from the pack were aggressive.<span style=""> </span>Things were looking good when all of a sudden I saw Liz coming back to the pack and I knew something must be wrong with her as she is such a fighter.<span style=""> </span>VK then tried to bridge up to Rebecca but could not get successfully away so then we tried to pull her back by working together.<span style=""> </span>With 5 laps to go we knew Rebecca was gone and it would be a field sprint for 2<sup>nd</sup>.<span style=""> </span>Virginia and Haley did a great job of keeping me at the front and then the pack started to come around on the long haul to the finish.<span style=""> </span>I got a little jumbled in the mix and think I was in too big of a gear and got 3<sup>rd</sup> in the field sprint for 4<sup>th</sup> overall.<span style=""> </span>I was very frustrated not feeling quite like my normal self in the sprint.<span style=""> </span>My legs were also super tired from the weeks racing that we had been doing so far.<span style=""> </span>It was great though to have Steve Hawley and his wife Jan at the race and hang out with them a little more.<span style=""> </span>Also Steve’s son came by from college to check out the racing and cheer us on.<span style=""> </span>We are very appreciated of their support.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Liz was okay but suffered a severe asthma attack and had to go to the medic.<span style=""> </span>Having asthma myself I totally felt for her and understood the fact that she could not get any air.<span style=""> </span>There must be something with <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">North Carolina</st1:place></st1:state> (no offense) as last time I raced there I got heat exhaustion or perhaps it has to do with the barometric pressure.<span style=""> </span>As we were driving the 4 hours back to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Georgia</st1:place></st1:country-region> this crazy intense storm hit us and I could barely see the road in front of me.<span style=""> </span>Cars were even pulling over under the over passes just to seek shelter because the rain/hail was so intense.<span style=""> </span>All I can say is that I have never experienced rain like that back in So Cal.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Four plus hours later we made it back to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Georgia</st1:place></st1:country-region> and finally got showered and got some more food.<span style=""> </span>We went to the Grange where Jeff knows the owner Steve (an Irishman!) where I had a great meat pie.<span style=""> </span>The <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Alabama</st1:place></st1:state> girls got in around 11:30pm having a pretty successful day with some primes and Melissa got 8<sup>th</sup> place.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We were back together again and ready to hit the last day of racing in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Sandy Springs</st1:city>, </st1:place><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">GA</st1:state></st1:place> on Sunday!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sunday May 3<sup>rd</sup></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Melissa and I stayed and Jeff and Leigh’s place and we were treated to an awesome breakfast made by Jeff, an omelet with fresh veggies and amazing pancakes.<span style=""> </span>I needed the big breakfast as the weeks worth of racing was catching up to me and I think my food intake had been down during the week due to the stress that racing puts on your body.<span style=""> </span>Fueled up, we hit the road for the ½ hour drive to <st1:place st="on">Sandy Springs</st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>This course is a tight circuit with a downhill chicane and a tight downhill turn into the up hill finishing straight.<span style=""> </span>Knowing it would be hard X and I did a longer warm up than usual through these great neighborhoods.<span style=""> </span>Both of us forgot to bring our camera so we don’t have any photos <span style="font-family:Wingdings;"><span style="">L</span></span>.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Positioning was everything and we were all at the line early.<span style=""> </span>My rear brake was attacking up and Jeff was able to fix it for me right before we started.<span style=""> </span>I tried to do all I could in the beginning to keep the race under control unsure how I would feel near the end.<span style=""> </span>Every time up the hill we were flying out of the saddle averaging 26 – 27 mph.<span style=""> </span>There were some breaks up the road but the usually only contained one rider so we were able to spread the load of bringing them back with other teams. <span style=""> </span>With 10 laps to go X and I went to the front to set tempo for a couple of laps and then it was gas on.<span style=""> </span>Leigh helped Mel as much as she could to drop her off near the front and she got 9<sup>th</sup>.<span style=""> </span>We were done.<span style=""> </span>Also, this is the course last year that I crashed really bad on and had that horrible concussion.<span style=""> </span>I was happy to see the countdown under 7 laps to go as that is the lap I crashed on last year.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8zEY-oiRHHVl_B_0s1Q5Q3VqIcebwvpKIU3OlSAr1atMcmN16e_8FduiFMIQ67xSN-HrS3eTVQe7QD4r70BaE1nS5gZ9z-btyzZK7je8l5lTmvjXSh08JrpLeD2oPvLyjJ6BJrOupgGH/s1600-h/Liz+sad+no+more+beer+Meehans.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8zEY-oiRHHVl_B_0s1Q5Q3VqIcebwvpKIU3OlSAr1atMcmN16e_8FduiFMIQ67xSN-HrS3eTVQe7QD4r70BaE1nS5gZ9z-btyzZK7je8l5lTmvjXSh08JrpLeD2oPvLyjJ6BJrOupgGH/s320/Liz+sad+no+more+beer+Meehans.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332362223711091618" border="0" /></a><span style=""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Sad :( no more beer.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After the race we collected are winnings as we actually had riders in the overall for the week as well as the individual races and headed to Meehan’s the Irish pub on course to watch the men’s race and get a well deserved drink.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6RL69tP5LsfuCJVLp0qI-UQaDrrMJf-C2QA6M4Db_3hQlIOdVhTTXJrZ6YKXuVCY2QK0d4-0gv7UjJJofVtnCOvaB5vLevnPR0H5iv7cCcBreEpFi76-rR1SuNE65CxbHGxRmaTAwgNK/s1600-h/crown+and+coke+at+meehans.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6RL69tP5LsfuCJVLp0qI-UQaDrrMJf-C2QA6M4Db_3hQlIOdVhTTXJrZ6YKXuVCY2QK0d4-0gv7UjJJofVtnCOvaB5vLevnPR0H5iv7cCcBreEpFi76-rR1SuNE65CxbHGxRmaTAwgNK/s320/crown+and+coke+at+meehans.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332362215160302162" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">What I love about this photo is the Motor Tabs bottle behind my drink -- hydration and a crown and coke, lol!</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was home to shower and then back out to the Grange for a post race party.<span style=""> </span>The Colavita girls hung out with us as well as some of the guys and our ever handy support team of Andy and Brittany from Storck.<span style=""> </span>Dave from Storck also joined us which was great.<span style=""> </span>I have to admit we all got pretty toasted but had a great time.<span style=""> </span>Luckily Leigh and Jeff just live down the street so we got a nice walk in afterwards.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So now I am on the plane home and have just over 2 more hours left (it is 10:29am <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cali</st1:place></st1:city> time).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thanks for staying tuned and I hope you enjoyed the journey.<span style=""> </span>Back home to tune the body up a little more and meet with my coach, continue to work on my house and back to work.<span style=""> </span>I race again in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tulsa</st1:place></st1:city> at the end of the month.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkJFCqYi6Q_-KCbyKdV5qw6WjvKRa5_ytN5Z2Q06qlvA3BMGAkP9F4SbCykVlf0W9Lf0E_lUkK7B9YH0ejWDJGf0PL4DNm-Gl4SDRzFOWMUXCDwmKa14kgOl1h7gH598JFEG8heZfzvjh/s1600-h/The+Grange.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkJFCqYi6Q_-KCbyKdV5qw6WjvKRa5_ytN5Z2Q06qlvA3BMGAkP9F4SbCykVlf0W9Lf0E_lUkK7B9YH0ejWDJGf0PL4DNm-Gl4SDRzFOWMUXCDwmKa14kgOl1h7gH598JFEG8heZfzvjh/s320/The+Grange.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332362227536652482" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">At the Grange Sunday evening, we made it!</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">To some up the weeks worth of racing I will quote the ever hilarious Laura, “cheese and rice”.</p> Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-18245451325662510082009-04-30T08:11:00.000-07:002009-04-30T08:39:59.063-07:00Monday - Thursday Southeast<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMfxppkHcP31WZnDKgbJ2buKtuvP40pkAhlnYhOiRAS5CS09Wrc-BUyOkZGHRE602RHzY-dpWi3ziFS3L-WHcmRI3kp-MfGNaujQFGqEUYxBNhuA37c09tPNrJ0Ti8kuI1nidIElV_19h/s1600-h/IMG_0095.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMfxppkHcP31WZnDKgbJ2buKtuvP40pkAhlnYhOiRAS5CS09Wrc-BUyOkZGHRE602RHzY-dpWi3ziFS3L-WHcmRI3kp-MfGNaujQFGqEUYxBNhuA37c09tPNrJ0Ti8kuI1nidIElV_19h/s320/IMG_0095.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330506708086499186" border="0" /></a><br />The VK girls on the morning Beaufort ride, looking awesome!<br /><br /><br />Monday 4/27/09<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDK3hyphenhyphen1-Ms-rRsclSlXjB6WT_6dTMjijEE3zpF2jnGmMtVoelq1w_88RSvITk9J9NR-IXgspOi66Wzw6um-YwdhwmsN9E0OYwWb-raQDLg1li1nvEAc6-hj0S7bHA9JXWMHa0XfhRtSFU_/s1600-h/IMG_0103.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDK3hyphenhyphen1-Ms-rRsclSlXjB6WT_6dTMjijEE3zpF2jnGmMtVoelq1w_88RSvITk9J9NR-IXgspOi66Wzw6um-YwdhwmsN9E0OYwWb-raQDLg1li1nvEAc6-hj0S7bHA9JXWMHa0XfhRtSFU_/s320/IMG_0103.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330504349992520434" border="0" /></a><br />From the backyard of the Thompson's house. I could stay here forever!<br /><br />We finally made it to Beaufort, SC after our jail incident. I love Beaufort, it is completely southern. We were staying with Gary and Pat Thompson who have a beautiful house on the waterfront. We were treated to a wonderful salmon dinner. Melissa and I took the guest quarters above the garage which we named the “man cave” as there was all this workout equipment and a huge screen TV. I slept like a log. I think I am finally catching up on sleep.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNqy1pPVGiR4cJij56NocIDU86AkwgpwLANZG2AS77PcdpnS6jEI79S5P7M6CUfcjL36JgOCOfcMklVudapN8bLON9gqYM0AR2zzD39jGiElAmET8B4stHmHOdcwZK1okYPjZs8N4dtPN/s1600-h/IMG_0101.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNqy1pPVGiR4cJij56NocIDU86AkwgpwLANZG2AS77PcdpnS6jEI79S5P7M6CUfcjL36JgOCOfcMklVudapN8bLON9gqYM0AR2zzD39jGiElAmET8B4stHmHOdcwZK1okYPjZs8N4dtPN/s320/IMG_0101.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330504342261418290" border="0" /></a><br />Another view from the backyard. Stunning!<br /><br />The next day we went on a morning ride to a school where Vanderkitten, Colavita, Richmond Cycling and some other teams spoke with K-5th graders regarding cycling, helmet safety, etc. Jenn X tore it up and had the kids going. She is great at these types of things and stole the show. The kids seemed to have a good time and were excited about the race that evening.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2inEPBY3LiRdJLq3T_XYhmeoIj0_i-oZpu4Osi9hVSoiBhd7828wbM0kY79mbcn-aG7NxUm_fNDAGi8M5UxoPuz6R4ungl9TE-VrE72HAw1A4xjpARPGjVGeLAF3KhhfJ4aGvCThE06gT/s1600-h/IMG_0088.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2inEPBY3LiRdJLq3T_XYhmeoIj0_i-oZpu4Osi9hVSoiBhd7828wbM0kY79mbcn-aG7NxUm_fNDAGi8M5UxoPuz6R4ungl9TE-VrE72HAw1A4xjpARPGjVGeLAF3KhhfJ4aGvCThE06gT/s320/IMG_0088.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330504339844712210" border="0" /></a><br />Jenn X showing off how are shifting and gears work.<br /><br />6pm race start in Beaufort. This course is crazy and short with many turns. The first corner is super tight and narrows extremely. I felt great in the beginning of the race but then the slow sluggish legs came upon me and I could not seem to recover or get on top of my gears. I eventually fell off the pace and was extremely upset. What is happening with me, I am fit and ready to race and yet. In the morning, Erica Allar from Colavita mentioned to me that she was trying to fix my rear brake way back at Athens at the start because it was rubbing. I had checked it prior to the Beaufort race but when I pulled out my rear brake was plastered against my rim. Ugh! I think with all of the bumps on the road and my crazy riding it must have come off center. My guess was that in every race it must have been doing this. I opened the cable and hoped that in the next race this would be the answer. I was very upset with my performance up until now as it was not typical of me. The VK team did an awesome job and Melissa got 5th. Things are starting to come together.<br /><br />The good thing was at the race I bumped into Nancy and Steve Kessel who hosted us last year. It was great to see them. The Beaufort community is so nice and I chatted with several of the spectators and thanked them for hosting the race. Gary and his wife Pat cooked us up some wonderful steak and potatoes. It seems everyone who lives in Beaufort is a wonderful cook.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrt791z13CXUYf7qDLs7jCPyqysecn0esXxR_rpif9Yc_LicMjL_edo_0tb5e4XVarS1Mx2AWmrLmvB4f82R8_fcbIy_whztFSgnyXa-Ew_ISyBeoqH2dCS3pgQQ1kTnais5GQhnFhaWoS/s1600-h/IMG_0100.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrt791z13CXUYf7qDLs7jCPyqysecn0esXxR_rpif9Yc_LicMjL_edo_0tb5e4XVarS1Mx2AWmrLmvB4f82R8_fcbIy_whztFSgnyXa-Ew_ISyBeoqH2dCS3pgQQ1kTnais5GQhnFhaWoS/s320/IMG_0100.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330506715723484354" border="0" /></a><br />We love Andy, Brittany and the Storck van!<br /><br />Wednesday 4/29/09<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMHy8g3nmN63AOrKBuAsq3YRNEwBpA84XPX_TT2kZrXZ_VwCtCIVgI-diGxZ4bkncqEQ1nttZp9dKNZFDNV3Udsqk4YvKs43SpG8hNAJZUI6h1GZq8SBUvwtNZGhqTu1ah-hvOK7IE_OW/s1600-h/IMG_0097.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMHy8g3nmN63AOrKBuAsq3YRNEwBpA84XPX_TT2kZrXZ_VwCtCIVgI-diGxZ4bkncqEQ1nttZp9dKNZFDNV3Udsqk4YvKs43SpG8hNAJZUI6h1GZq8SBUvwtNZGhqTu1ah-hvOK7IE_OW/s320/IMG_0097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330506710339724546" border="0" /></a><br />View while having our morning coffee in Beaufort.<br /><br /><br />We went on another quick spin in the morning to open the legs and the traditional coffee stop. Coffee is a must if you cycle. We then packed up to head for Walterboro or as X kept calling it, Waterloo. No host housing for this stop so it was the motel stay.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQh_oDjq3rORSg6kkrrTHWRpeAo2q2VuIwTLskG4WSyMg4iTNhpcnwFDfgI3thQ9_htreqgZQOzxD9TFymkw4-yiRbWKhF1Rq-REVqefSW82Nlhmm27cU0wpFYUeZX-P4JcP1pvzeoMSS/s1600-h/IMG_0098.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQh_oDjq3rORSg6kkrrTHWRpeAo2q2VuIwTLskG4WSyMg4iTNhpcnwFDfgI3thQ9_htreqgZQOzxD9TFymkw4-yiRbWKhF1Rq-REVqefSW82Nlhmm27cU0wpFYUeZX-P4JcP1pvzeoMSS/s320/IMG_0098.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330506710622744354" border="0" /></a><br />Virginia on my bike. Hilarious! She is so tall that my bike looks like a clown bike.<br /><br /><br />The other teams had heard about Jenn X’s jail break and we won’t name names here to protect the innocent but somehow handcuffs got attached to her bike. It was hilarious. She rode the race with them attached to her seat. Every time I saw here I cracked up.<br /><br />Since I did not know what was going on with my body my job was to cover all the early moves. I was on it. I felt good during the race and could recover. It must have been my brake all along. I was ecstatic and it felt good to be back in the race. It was crazy fast as usual and the course has a narrowing into the finishing straight which seems to be a theme during Speedweek. There were some crashes and Tina Pic went down right in front of me. I was able to skid to a stop and just go around her head. I couldn’t believe I made the move without hitting her. Since I kept feeling like my normal self during the race I continued to monitor moves to the end. Melissa ended up 13th. We just needed a little more leg power at the end to help keep her near the front. VK was riding well though and I feel like we are really getting it together. I was toasted, but mentally happy that I had finally solved my problem and was back to my old tricks. I can’t wait to race Friday evening.<br /><br />Dinner at Ruby Tuesdays was fun as we finally got to relax a little bit with Thursday being a rest day. A lot of the other teams were there and it was great to hang with them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9KcaaRjezoS3G8vBqXKGVGMzYZqeBvii_GR_B123SNt0t57qRyIXavVTHlWw7ZsTXZDNY0RfaNTYoZRZbU4j6UP1-oy3jppsyfIsOHrvuqAHi2UfziBeYBdJqB5Q6kOzKgHzUv4yJkYK/s1600-h/ruby+tuesdays+VK+Dinner.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9KcaaRjezoS3G8vBqXKGVGMzYZqeBvii_GR_B123SNt0t57qRyIXavVTHlWw7ZsTXZDNY0RfaNTYoZRZbU4j6UP1-oy3jppsyfIsOHrvuqAHi2UfziBeYBdJqB5Q6kOzKgHzUv4yJkYK/s320/ruby+tuesdays+VK+Dinner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330509227293240466" border="0" /></a><br />Making the VK logo, pimpin'<br /><br />Thursday 4/30/09<br /><br />I am currently in the van as we are on our way to Hawley in Lexington, SC who is one of our sponsors. We are going to have lunch with them and it will be great to meet all of the people at the company.<br /><br />We did a morning ride before leaving to get coffee and keep the legs moving.<br /><br />Stay tuned as there are 3 more races left in Speedweek.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-36337493336359809722009-04-27T12:46:00.001-07:002009-04-27T21:39:18.542-07:00Update - Athens Twilight, Roswell and travelling
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuiTEAPwsuNUQ8Bk_idSIxJcXboGU7ENPG8MKFTb4GnGbMOY7ubRoKInqGoITkCkrY1uA_kW2Qii-olRSDsUXjhQAqJJsbg-gl960gvcfYLWP19pxAERtiFL-k-3SN78kxapSqE8J2wcm/s1600-h/laura+athens+twilight.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuiTEAPwsuNUQ8Bk_idSIxJcXboGU7ENPG8MKFTb4GnGbMOY7ubRoKInqGoITkCkrY1uA_kW2Qii-olRSDsUXjhQAqJJsbg-gl960gvcfYLWP19pxAERtiFL-k-3SN78kxapSqE8J2wcm/s320/laura+athens+twilight.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329460997239376002" border="0" /></a>
<br />Laura on the attack
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<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CJennifer%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Saturday 4-25-09 Southeast</p><p class="MsoNormal">
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<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On Saturday morning we did the Hub Bicycle ride with the guys from Storck.<span style=""> </span>We did this great loop through some great countryside (did not bring my camera!) and I meet some really cool people.<span style=""> </span>After that it was back to Travelodge where we had one room to hang out it for the remainder of the afternoon until Athens Twilight at 7:45pm.<span style=""> </span>It was great to hang out with the entire team even though the room was less than desirable and also to have Dave and Mark with us.<span style=""> </span>At 6pm we suited up and were out the door to ride to the race.<span style=""> </span>We had our primo spot again on turn two and the Storck guys hooked me up with a tune up on my bike as my cables were stretching (typical of a new bike).<span style=""> </span>We also meet Steve Hawley and his wife Jan (more sponsors) which was fantastic.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Down to business.<span style=""> </span>As is usual of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Athens</st1:place></st1:city> you line up to start the crit about 30 minutes before it actually starts as placement is everything.<span style=""> </span>Even though I was ready early I ended up starting in the second to last row but the good news is that I got a call up for getting third there last year and for being 2<sup>nd</sup> overall in the USA Crit series last year.<span style=""> </span>Thank god for that!<span style=""> </span>It was game on right from the start and the pace was wicked fast.<span style=""> </span>For the entire 40 laps we did an average of 26 mph.<span style=""> </span>Last years race was not nearly as fast.<span style=""> </span>Tibco was very active on the front attacking but nothing was getting more than 11 seconds ahead of the main field.<span style=""> </span>And, as usual at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Athens</st1:place></st1:city> there were plenty of crashes to keep the drunken crowds entertained.<span style=""> </span>Luckily all but one was behind me.<span style=""> </span>The one that was right to my left happened as I found out later because a spectator jumped over the barrier and a rider hit him.<span style=""> </span>All I saw was a rider up in the air.<span style=""> </span>Crazy stuff.<span style=""> </span>VK did a great job of keeping things under control and was very attentive to the race.<span style=""> </span>It was great to feel all of my teamies around.<span style=""> </span>With 5 laps to go Melissa and I were sitting in pretty good position for the field sprint.<span style=""> </span>With just about 2 laps to go there was a crash directly behind me and Melissa went down.<span style=""> </span>The pace was furious and I was doing all I could to fight for my position.<span style=""> </span>Girls were leaning on my in the turns and it was all bumping and shoving.<span style=""> </span>With ½ a lap to go my legs gave out and I gapped off the front group.<span style=""> </span>Ugh – frustrating.<span style=""> </span>I ended up 16<sup>th</sup>.<span style=""> </span>The other VK girls finished well and we had a couple more in the money.<span style=""> </span>Melissa ended up being generally okay with just the typical road rash and soreness that occurs after hitting the pavement.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We had a rough drive home after a meal at Applebee’s.<span style=""> </span>Poor Laura started to feel sick and we spent our drive home pulling over for her.<span style=""> </span>Our hearts went out to her.<span style=""> </span>And then, after pulling over on the highway we thought Ludo the pug got out of the car but luckily we found him climbing out from under a seat in the mini van.<span style=""> </span>What an evening.<span style=""> </span>We finally made it back to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:city> and to bed by 2am.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKhko1TBcuHmhONvzBCRHRiLeBhFi8IVELFta9L_cCM-X4-APRlNsqGyAlnIJEzkIei_nfpsYw7IKIv6ijE0f4dcUQ-dNiIZtLjc5iZjtgwDQl55nvnq-RglW_gtkKyYMRXU2kwt5fdgV/s1600-h/liz+2+athens+twilight.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKhko1TBcuHmhONvzBCRHRiLeBhFi8IVELFta9L_cCM-X4-APRlNsqGyAlnIJEzkIei_nfpsYw7IKIv6ijE0f4dcUQ-dNiIZtLjc5iZjtgwDQl55nvnq-RglW_gtkKyYMRXU2kwt5fdgV/s320/liz+2+athens+twilight.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329460995794455714" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Lizzer killing it</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqHxs_Ynp9tSiSEdX9wVs6SmsLoXZWUxUhzSlQ6JAHf5fHAFuqZXJFCJaBCQd8cX1OCqCWWTHOJVJN3VB2xU6oBvXXTaWmiApbWRbLVgi1ZyqE2fjS-aq2QMz2V6neP69FkZkdNoukDcy/s1600-h/jw+athens+twilight.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqHxs_Ynp9tSiSEdX9wVs6SmsLoXZWUxUhzSlQ6JAHf5fHAFuqZXJFCJaBCQd8cX1OCqCWWTHOJVJN3VB2xU6oBvXXTaWmiApbWRbLVgi1ZyqE2fjS-aq2QMz2V6neP69FkZkdNoukDcy/s320/jw+athens+twilight.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329460996441110914" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Wheels finishing Athens</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CJennifer%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Sunday 4/26/09 - <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Roswell</st1:place></st1:city></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OVDMnz2pcB1okk4YwL4dccZJk2GlcTj8DPV-beh7BIow_whBFBHzNJf8-YvVkAwnRlQLH31yQLdyDZdUQvJIprsZVETRFeIVujxn81Ee2U8pj_3jSOkaszrusp3u6TnoIiy9jv2zMbtc/s1600-h/side+of+storck+van.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OVDMnz2pcB1okk4YwL4dccZJk2GlcTj8DPV-beh7BIow_whBFBHzNJf8-YvVkAwnRlQLH31yQLdyDZdUQvJIprsZVETRFeIVujxn81Ee2U8pj_3jSOkaszrusp3u6TnoIiy9jv2zMbtc/s320/side+of+storck+van.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329589666269773474" border="0" /></a></p> Our hot looking support vehicle - Rockin'
<br />
<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Usually we would have gotten up and gone on a morning spin but we all opted to sleep in and hopefully recuperate from the past two days.<span style=""> </span>Our Storck van met us at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Roswell</st1:place></st1:city> which was awesome.<span style=""> </span>We got there in plenty of time to do a really good warm up on the road and get the cobwebs out.<span style=""> </span>The sun was out and the temperature up.<span style=""> </span>The race was hard again from the start and Tibco was launching attacks.<span style=""> </span>VK rode a really good race and covered a lot but in the end a break went up the road and we were not in it.<span style=""> </span>We chased as best we could but never got it back.<span style=""> </span>It was a rough day for us and for me especially.<span style=""> </span>For some reason my lower back started to spasm again and there was not a lot of power coming from my legs.<span style=""> </span>Frustrating!<span style=""> </span>Hopefully after Mondays rest/travel day I will feel better and with a couple of more adjustments on my awesome Storck bike.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After the race we ate BBQ at Swallow in the Hallow in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Roswell</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>Pretty good BBQ but I miss Fox Bros in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Decatur</st1:city></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>It was great though to hand with the VK girls and Liz’s parents.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNMrrH6Q1wGdCDJZ6DP0weTRc5UaWf1sdc2WDdZ-4oYRlhBvRDhGhtfFRKLdRroVCAbkWnFulNSe4jpbbnbpkgR5TzohvFQ3sYhqX7tP78tSa48a-wDpToFPSWz7PataNVelXZ3Emjaze/s1600-h/pre+race+roswell+GA.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNMrrH6Q1wGdCDJZ6DP0weTRc5UaWf1sdc2WDdZ-4oYRlhBvRDhGhtfFRKLdRroVCAbkWnFulNSe4jpbbnbpkgR5TzohvFQ3sYhqX7tP78tSa48a-wDpToFPSWz7PataNVelXZ3Emjaze/s320/pre+race+roswell+GA.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329589670216333650" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Pre race madness
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CJennifer%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Monday 4/27/09</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dTMb5xmUBP1ii8M-MA6Vs5x564nz2wKFWv3q7hg4SPrE4ZWW9ZGjZhdrYC6N-WezYi-UXo9yAq_lSy8K5lFTgOaFcwnkPROsU5KCaHdnuulhVjiyiv7bmV1CLwJyq3C1g2Xy6sE6ALco/s1600-h/IMG_0073.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dTMb5xmUBP1ii8M-MA6Vs5x564nz2wKFWv3q7hg4SPrE4ZWW9ZGjZhdrYC6N-WezYi-UXo9yAq_lSy8K5lFTgOaFcwnkPROsU5KCaHdnuulhVjiyiv7bmV1CLwJyq3C1g2Xy6sE6ALco/s320/IMG_0073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329592137185057042" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Our hot Zero Gravity VK brakes.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Travel day – always on the move.<span style=""> </span>We were able to sleep in a bit Andy and the Strock van meet us at 10am for a ride.<span style=""> </span>We did a great 1 ½ hour loop through the suburbs of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city> and then had lunch at the Java Monkey.<span style=""> </span>Legs felt much better today and I raised my seat which seemed to help my back.<span style=""> </span>I think I am ready to rock it tomorrow night in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Beaufort</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">SC.</st1:state></st1:place></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"></st1:state></st1:place></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFubW47mdsTWqoMQRPxMjTfheyBAAmJowc9rSMbHa7hS-ijY0Lh-L2tlLXdC1nI857Ik3szL0WQ0U_RS6vhMR-k-B7g_cHDXLl2LJlHpJ76b9r7zKh2A38c9cinjxJiQ2SvDYtAEJ22ia/s1600-h/IMG_0074.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFubW47mdsTWqoMQRPxMjTfheyBAAmJowc9rSMbHa7hS-ijY0Lh-L2tlLXdC1nI857Ik3szL0WQ0U_RS6vhMR-k-B7g_cHDXLl2LJlHpJ76b9r7zKh2A38c9cinjxJiQ2SvDYtAEJ22ia/s320/IMG_0074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329592134583508594" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Sweetness!</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Stay posted.<span style=""> </span>I will try and keep the blog up to date between traveling, racing and running the studio. However, while writing this blog we are just now getting pulled over for speeding, ouch. It has been a wild trip. We are now driving to jail to bail Jenn X out. Apparently being out of state she can't be written a ticket but needs to go to jail so we can pay the ticket and then will be let to go. Will update the blog with more photos in a bit..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h24Woc463vSG3pInbLPZE6z4uY8saNfdI2PFjfWrfQKlJffxfAKKIy0hcUpQlj5_9jABM3GzFrFqRVacJFcEfcr_X3DPSe-BYC9qRm2pARLcuh8HauNk9Ha3VzGfpDt6Iix07j-9ct5_/s1600-h/IMG_0067.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h24Woc463vSG3pInbLPZE6z4uY8saNfdI2PFjfWrfQKlJffxfAKKIy0hcUpQlj5_9jABM3GzFrFqRVacJFcEfcr_X3DPSe-BYC9qRm2pARLcuh8HauNk9Ha3VzGfpDt6Iix07j-9ct5_/s320/IMG_0067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329589670721796914" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">On the ride around Decatur with Steve (Liz's dad) and Andy from Storck</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjidoj_W_JsHYuBBZFhFTYNUjSFuUcrYA6-ZfsaJQ6myoLA8ENx-DZklODJDTMxIwY_8jcaajgJ_2FzX_EUF02G-h-rIY1ngzHX9cun7hacu-9fxZ1V6tCxfJih8Z5i8PgItdRRzQ-iAs/s1600-h/IMG_0071.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjidoj_W_JsHYuBBZFhFTYNUjSFuUcrYA6-ZfsaJQ6myoLA8ENx-DZklODJDTMxIwY_8jcaajgJ_2FzX_EUF02G-h-rIY1ngzHX9cun7hacu-9fxZ1V6tCxfJih8Z5i8PgItdRRzQ-iAs/s320/IMG_0071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329592131390876578" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Hopkins on his cruiser on our way to the Java Monkey</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Okay we survived the Macon County prison after I had to take the van and get some cash from an ATM at a Shell station to get X out. Apparently they only take cash. Crazy stuff. While leaving the jail we were serenaded by the prisoners tapping on the windows.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcmNcvTzBIp1lXxrQ3b41J7X03VlqPGOHXfb-O_8PBRNYPR2EiLEZaLaVEeqo5PKBjazplCA22nBNe_tVL4uYt3qlXodmkKiE038Kb2H-YtfmyNwsVvxnz-izUPnaKQu9hizY8VnqKMjo/s1600-h/IMG_0075.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcmNcvTzBIp1lXxrQ3b41J7X03VlqPGOHXfb-O_8PBRNYPR2EiLEZaLaVEeqo5PKBjazplCA22nBNe_tVL4uYt3qlXodmkKiE038Kb2H-YtfmyNwsVvxnz-izUPnaKQu9hizY8VnqKMjo/s320/IMG_0075.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329595278584807442" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Getting X outta jail - jail house rock baby
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-88154811354795196502009-04-24T19:08:00.000-07:002009-04-24T19:22:27.809-07:00Friday Georgia 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1whh4OL7pg3c68-6SA_d6gIFhhFy7WY1Mmskj9S17OsMv2Nf348YrlrtW6vhVgDgp3Il88QFjJq_z9XyXj-sHcZSVgMFZEYKlV1ipCC0xw7BbwEzpZtkRo53J89ltlB176W0EXbuccyi/s1600-h/leigh+java+monkey.bmp"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1whh4OL7pg3c68-6SA_d6gIFhhFy7WY1Mmskj9S17OsMv2Nf348YrlrtW6vhVgDgp3Il88QFjJq_z9XyXj-sHcZSVgMFZEYKlV1ipCC0xw7BbwEzpZtkRo53J89ltlB176W0EXbuccyi/s320/leigh+java+monkey.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328447463097931010" border="0" /></a><br />Leigh at the Java Monkey --classic looking<br /><br /><br />The trip got off to an interesting start with me bagging all of my food Wed. evening for the termite fumigation on Fri. After working Thurs morning, Jenny X and I headed off to the flyaway to LAX. Our flight had a crazy ending as the air tower in Atlanta was struck by lightening which caused a fire. We circled for quite a bit of time then had to land in Huntsville, AL to refuel and did not land in Atlanta until 1am. So our 3 hour 45minute flight turned into 8 hours. We did luck out and get food at the Majestic Diner where there was a diverse mix of interesting people at 2am and I got my southern grits!<br /><br />A wake up call from Jeff at 10:30am felt like 5am. The four of us, Virginia, Melissa, X and I managed to get up and get in our kits to meet Liz and Leigh for a quick spin. We went to Avondale Lake and ended up at one of my favorite places the java Monkey for a cup of joe. Back to the hotel for a shower and then hit the road to Athens.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1-oLgRrfPCvChtrnRdd_MeyGceBvqHIObDwoAC2Od7EtSS75OenoDew8tJjebOer4TZbigVsbBxFivNsfZ6YKM-3EdcCz8DK3KdKKQoX9dtOwwwAzAPdENWMn3H16GCbfNuiVZ8GuG0Z/s1600-h/spingery+carbons+and+kenda+tires.bmp"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1-oLgRrfPCvChtrnRdd_MeyGceBvqHIObDwoAC2Od7EtSS75OenoDew8tJjebOer4TZbigVsbBxFivNsfZ6YKM-3EdcCz8DK3KdKKQoX9dtOwwwAzAPdENWMn3H16GCbfNuiVZ8GuG0Z/s320/spingery+carbons+and+kenda+tires.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328447467324318370" border="0" /></a><br />Our new Spinergy carbon wheels and Kenda tires. Hot looking!<br /><br /><br />We went to a Vanderkitten party this evening at Hub Bikes, the bike shop who built our race bikes (thanks guys, awesome job!) and meet some locals and signed autographs. It is odd to feel like a rock star but great to talk to fellow cycling enthusiasts. Tomorrow we will do the shop ride at 9am and then in the evening is the Athens Twilight race. I love this race because of the crowd and I am also nervous as I want to do well.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0JEd3YI0zbz1nw7XlbDHMponlGXXXMhlYndsxwfFlgRO0FiWKGb7z3uRmMFEr3XI5Ot1IFhru4zb1CfvgjV-GJ26ogKscWnzY8XOwu3OFsKsEzTIwNVUfmBlkSIW4z4oU8-QqTDxhF87/s1600-h/hub+bikes+kids+art.bmp"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0JEd3YI0zbz1nw7XlbDHMponlGXXXMhlYndsxwfFlgRO0FiWKGb7z3uRmMFEr3XI5Ot1IFhru4zb1CfvgjV-GJ26ogKscWnzY8XOwu3OFsKsEzTIwNVUfmBlkSIW4z4oU8-QqTDxhF87/s320/hub+bikes+kids+art.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328447463344970306" border="0" /></a><br />The kids Vanderkitten artwork.<br /><br /><br />Signing off now but check back for race updates as the week progresses.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdi5ueK3b3tJhBt1vOzSRk7Zst2MWoI6LCAxnikpw5vxWTS7bQUsANc2s2ABQ_hloemqQ0ymeAYbihBoeQU6KNWYPk2b-P5rhlP5o3Q9geG4C8Z9w5Cy4atI1uw5BmD9rFMN5kAFXsAkb/s1600-h/typical+Jenn+X.bmp"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdi5ueK3b3tJhBt1vOzSRk7Zst2MWoI6LCAxnikpw5vxWTS7bQUsANc2s2ABQ_hloemqQ0ymeAYbihBoeQU6KNWYPk2b-P5rhlP5o3Q9geG4C8Z9w5Cy4atI1uw5BmD9rFMN5kAFXsAkb/s320/typical+Jenn+X.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328447472126015394" border="0" /></a><br />Typical Jenn XJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-64258020973812205932009-02-19T21:18:00.000-08:002009-02-20T00:48:36.911-08:00Tour of California 2009 - Santa RosaThe season has started!Though I thought I would be more prepared here it is and I am excited.<span style=""> </span>Like last year, our first NRC race of the season was the Women’s Criterium at the Tour of California in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>Lucky for me, my good friend and partner in crime, Jenn X is guest riding with Vanderkitten for this race so we drove up to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Berkeley</st1:place></st1:city> together on Friday morning.<span style=""> </span>We left at 7am and made the customary stop at Starbucks in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Valencia</st1:place></st1:country-region> and off we went.<span style=""> </span>The grapevine was open and the mountains looked beautiful with the snow on them.<span style=""> </span>The iPod was hooked up and we were rockin’.<span style=""> </span>We arrived in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Berkeley</st1:place></st1:city> at 1pm and promptly got dressed and went on a ride with some of the other VKs, Liz and Leigh.<span style=""> </span>It was great to see them as I had not seen them since Vegas in September.<span style=""> </span>We attempted to get an easy ride in to loosen the legs but the rain came and we jetted back to our hotel.<span style=""> </span>We were treated in the evening to a team dinner at Dave and Jennie’s house which was magnificent.<span style=""> </span>Thanks again for a great evening!
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOs1rDxVVprUbwh1BZiArVSxWLV-ZFhPQiFAEBx-xvBOR9h4bp-HlWAhAU8sVngyqbnFVsdxBpBzB3_nmlRaeiqsKZ-awUl_7cbUhtMB_upDHNw1Mk41xA1AeRhgBJucGx_kzVlqA6xuC/s1600-h/IMG_0014.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOs1rDxVVprUbwh1BZiArVSxWLV-ZFhPQiFAEBx-xvBOR9h4bp-HlWAhAU8sVngyqbnFVsdxBpBzB3_nmlRaeiqsKZ-awUl_7cbUhtMB_upDHNw1Mk41xA1AeRhgBJucGx_kzVlqA6xuC/s320/IMG_0014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304745059353816482" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CJennifer%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">The next day we all drove to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">San Jose</st1:place></st1:city> to do a local criterium to get the legs open for the BIG race the next day.<span style=""> </span>Even though it was a local race, most all of the big teams were there doing the same as us.<span style=""> </span>It was a course with quite a few turns and the wind was picking up.<span style=""> </span>VK did a great job of making sure we were in nearly every move off the front and we were working well together.<span style=""> </span>It was great to be back in the mix.<span style=""> </span>Our “guest” rider Jenn X got a prime during the race.<span style=""> </span>I got myself in 3 moves off the front but nothing stuck.<span style=""> </span>Even though the sun was out we did experience a bit of ran which caused a crash; only a prelude to what we would endure on Sunday.<span style=""> </span>I was feeling pretty good for my first race back with the “big” girls.<span style=""> </span>With 2 laps to go I made a bad choice and took the wheel of some girls cookin’ up the inside to a turn which I had taken the inside of nearly every time during the race and found it to be the fast.<span style=""> </span>However, this time was different and we got pinched and I had to ebrake.<span style=""> </span>I spent the last lap fighting for position.<span style=""> </span>Ugh!<span style=""> </span>I bungled the sprint!<span style=""> </span>The important thing was that I rode at the front and was able to position myself into moves.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The VK gang went out to dinner that night at the Pyramid Brewery where I enjoyed a yummy <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kobe</st1:place></st1:city> beef burger.<span style=""> </span>It was great to be hanging with the gang again.<span style=""> </span>After dinner it was back to the hotel to rest up and gear up for what was going to be a very rainy day if the weather channel was correct.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBp7ukXnRGWY8I_xqGNj2eD-bqYhOQL1OZeXzxUxQju99g-2P_3KUoJ3RDupXuM1XaSyXBd80nIF-AZnncZ5_l8D3r-rvK0KSsbSHrfT2KNcadJl8qgXP_JWS2myjfodSAoMfx3TPusHc/s1600-h/IMG_0019.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBp7ukXnRGWY8I_xqGNj2eD-bqYhOQL1OZeXzxUxQju99g-2P_3KUoJ3RDupXuM1XaSyXBd80nIF-AZnncZ5_l8D3r-rvK0KSsbSHrfT2KNcadJl8qgXP_JWS2myjfodSAoMfx3TPusHc/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304747713498745058" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Typical Jenn X</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CJennifer%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Guess what?<span style=""> </span>We awoke to gray skies and rain.<span style=""> </span>We packed up the van and headed north for <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>After a quick stroll through the vendors it was down to business.<span style=""> </span>We had wonderful help from Emma and other Vanderkitten’s and it was great to be surrounded by so many well wishers.<span style=""> </span>I got a good warm up in and somehow found myself rushing at the end trying to figure out where the time went.<span style=""> </span>It turns out they were starting the race 10 minutes early, strange.<span style=""> </span>And, of course as our race start came so did the rain in a torrential down pour.<span style=""> </span>Because the race started early and we were unaware of this, we all started the race at the back of the pack.<span style=""> </span>Not the best place to be when you have heavy hitters like Ina Teutenberg and National Champion Brooke Miller in the peloton.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTSBfDN9HjnIt3PJjlZg0LkBn7UxgBrglwx4zfQNFqof4rxAylRlC3AEfrF1BbG-l8CdV6bkWz7glnqNmMzb_1_D3yIJZzURkvUB_sUIyKbuMAltor6CS02YgaTQqRjxg887zHsmO1pSn/s1600-h/Santa+Rosa+TOC+2009+larry+Rosa.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTSBfDN9HjnIt3PJjlZg0LkBn7UxgBrglwx4zfQNFqof4rxAylRlC3AEfrF1BbG-l8CdV6bkWz7glnqNmMzb_1_D3yIJZzURkvUB_sUIyKbuMAltor6CS02YgaTQqRjxg887zHsmO1pSn/s320/Santa+Rosa+TOC+2009+larry+Rosa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304748682130425682" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Myself and Jenn X "racin" TOC 2009 photo courtesy Larry Rosa</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CJennifer%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">The pace was pretty fast from the start though we were careful through the turns due to the rain.<span style=""> </span>To add to the “fun” there were tons of bot dots on the course which you had to navigate even while turning.<span style=""> </span>It took a little bit of time to get to the front of the race since I started way in the back.<span style=""> </span>The only good news about starting at the back was that when Versus showed the seconds of coverage there was my butt.<span style=""> </span>Hot!<span style=""> </span>Within 12minutes there was a break from the pack.<span style=""> </span>I was sitting on the opposite side of the peloton pretty boxed in when it happened.<span style=""> </span>Twelve riders went free and I did a quick check, all the heads of state were still in the peloton: Ina, Gina, Tina, Brooke and LVG.<span style=""> </span>There was a lot more time in the race and I thought for sure they would be brought back.<span style=""> </span>Jenn X decided not to wait around for that and launched herself off the front I was on her wheel and made the decision to sit up and let her go.<span style=""> </span>In hindsight, it would have been nice to have 2 VKs in the</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> break to help each other.<span style=""> </span>After killing herself she eventually bridged to the break, now they were 13.<span style=""> </span>I stayed up at the front to monitor and block as best I could should anyone decide to take the leap.<span style=""> </span>There were mini attacks and LVG was anxious to try and break free.<span style=""> </span>I was on them all figuring if anyone was going to bridge they were taking me with them.<span style=""> </span>The race organization started to give pack primes and after I realized that the break was going to stay away I decided to go for one.<span style=""> </span>Lucky or unlucky for me the one I went for also appeared to be on Ina’s check list and I got second behind her.<span style=""> </span>Bummer, but not bad considering she is such an animal.<span style=""> </span>Next on the list was to prepare for the finish.<span style=""> </span>Even though we were not sprinting for the win I knew it would be an all out sprint for the finish considering who I was with.<span style=""> </span>The rain continued to come down heavy and it seemed to be getting colder.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxkrQgDZC9_cOUTVBEb-YRD-x6aBtKShDSy24LZQSgqUFbmubj8GR4SAqA5rTqm9f2YS3_U-7F5hmT1teLZ6bOmlD4W2rQgrcLd_SqslW-jvgQ7W5BltiVwsp_ekWAARM-WVnizcU4pX-/s1600-h/dirty+chin+2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxkrQgDZC9_cOUTVBEb-YRD-x6aBtKShDSy24LZQSgqUFbmubj8GR4SAqA5rTqm9f2YS3_U-7F5hmT1teLZ6bOmlD4W2rQgrcLd_SqslW-jvgQ7W5BltiVwsp_ekWAARM-WVnizcU4pX-/s320/dirty+chin+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304798122313558610" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">How do I get so dirty? photo courtesy Dave Verrecchia</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I really took to heart Jeff “Hoppy” Hopkins words of advice and was able to stay on Tina’s wheel through the last couple of laps and only started to lose it when Ina who was in front of her lit it up entering turn 4 and exploded away from all of us.<span style=""> </span>I was pretty gassed at this point having done so much work to stay at the front and suffered during the sprint.<span style=""> </span>It was so cold outside and I could not feel my fingers having no clue what lever I was hitting to select my gear.<span style=""> </span>Jenn X did a great job in the break and finished 11<sup>th</sup>.<span style=""> </span>I held</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> my own in the sprint and got 10<sup>th</sup> in the field for a 23<sup>rd</sup> finish overall.<span style=""> </span>At least now I have more confidence in being able to hang with the top sprinters to the line.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcWNNJlA7StwPfJPMkoNsZhTK-i8YNtXkHp11D-TCH2C4DUwUNYYv9ua0glrOeX2N5miximdIhgr9LikXeI_V9X3FQ1vlOhBcQbV-UJlfq87lCuG25Mdnf2OHpcVm9OrGYYDOTCp-Xg8O/s1600-h/Santa+Rosa+TOC+2009.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcWNNJlA7StwPfJPMkoNsZhTK-i8YNtXkHp11D-TCH2C4DUwUNYYv9ua0glrOeX2N5miximdIhgr9LikXeI_V9X3FQ1vlOhBcQbV-UJlfq87lCuG25Mdnf2OHpcVm9OrGYYDOTCp-Xg8O/s320/Santa+Rosa+TOC+2009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304749463210175794" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Are we having fun yet? photo courtesy Kurt Harvey</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CJennifer%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Jenn and I went to the Russian River Brewery after the race to try and finish my gift card that I won last year in a prime.<span style=""> </span>We did not do much damage because we were driving home.<span style=""> </span>After a coffee at Peet’s (my favorite) it was back to the van for the long drive home.<span style=""> </span>The iPod was roaring and the caffeine flowin’.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlb_INiYUsFYJIsQId-rYuXg3ghtTT1uBSZ-0kfV0B5g0-MjyAsckTwXT9xkIc1Ba-grvQuLW1E5y2cpYqrVT4vQsuyYMl_g5g8NCWeuJ6IYUD2DAORemeVQ55LBScAjARiYFe1Gydi-dO/s1600-h/IMG_0022.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlb_INiYUsFYJIsQId-rYuXg3ghtTT1uBSZ-0kfV0B5g0-MjyAsckTwXT9xkIc1Ba-grvQuLW1E5y2cpYqrVT4vQsuyYMl_g5g8NCWeuJ6IYUD2DAORemeVQ55LBScAjARiYFe1Gydi-dO/s320/IMG_0022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304750018748727938" border="0" /></a></p>At least we didn't super size! <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CJennifer%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]-->Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-89432680594991988552008-06-13T17:52:00.000-07:002008-06-13T18:02:10.625-07:00Last Days of the Southeast Crit Series<p class="MsoNormal">I am so behind in my blog!<span style=""> </span>Just a brief recap of the last days of the <st1:place st="on">Southeast Crit</st1:place> series.<span style=""> </span>My cold turned into a chest infection and every day I raced worse and worse.<span style=""> </span>Ugh!<span style=""> </span>The frustration!<span style=""> </span>On the last day of racing in <st1:place st="on">Sandy Springs</st1:place> I crashed hard. <span style=""> </span>In fact, so hard that I do not remember the crash or where I was after I came to.<span style=""> </span>All I can remember is that is was really green wherever I was.<span style=""> </span>My teammates were great after the crash and took care of me.<span style=""> </span>The flights home were a little rough as my neck and shoulders were all bruised and sore.<span style=""> </span>My head was constantly throbbing.<span style=""> </span>Luckily I made a call to Dr. Wells from the airport and knew that relief was on its way the next day.<span style=""> </span>Sure enough, on Tuesday Dr. Wells started his magic and I was on the road to recovery!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikujSNqMXyykrHymGvn5HY_ilAo2FiuRWI0A4Bbf3GHOUNOpgOip1NWaSXY8EHzwNVi3eXG0vIngSe5D_5pasPDyv703OBpmCQEUKfigOwbK7OhzLsVcBWF5a3haAQotRuKSpZT7v0OVpb/s1600-h/IMG_0264.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikujSNqMXyykrHymGvn5HY_ilAo2FiuRWI0A4Bbf3GHOUNOpgOip1NWaSXY8EHzwNVi3eXG0vIngSe5D_5pasPDyv703OBpmCQEUKfigOwbK7OhzLsVcBWF5a3haAQotRuKSpZT7v0OVpb/s320/IMG_0264.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211535175094649042" border="0" /></a><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> Leigh with the wild flowers of Greensboro behind her.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7-2eYeuHdYV98XXTVMwae01FZ1ESDWNIPjyzlQlhpafGC7TDMdGS2pxNkBWBjQpG5eQdkAo6w6mciKg_NvtE1LEFjDwpxHtJDIYZf8VhY9VhIbHQYdgXEnqrxJERG4G30dNci64FPIIO/s1600-h/spec_h2+%282%29.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7-2eYeuHdYV98XXTVMwae01FZ1ESDWNIPjyzlQlhpafGC7TDMdGS2pxNkBWBjQpG5eQdkAo6w6mciKg_NvtE1LEFjDwpxHtJDIYZf8VhY9VhIbHQYdgXEnqrxJERG4G30dNci64FPIIO/s320/spec_h2+%282%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211535199871691394" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My helmet after the crash. It broke in about 8 places! It did its job.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFCS3Cja_qpENjUOhVE8p3M7y-tD0e5dGABSXqzEB7pfmcY-CNXm1gCcJCIlYMvl1sNrcYh20xFf-vNyTZTQnS40Zh3UHB5mgggkUraiaTA2hbsRvnbgaa2KIHbs5ikI9MT849Em3pQRh/s1600-h/IMAGE_056.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFCS3Cja_qpENjUOhVE8p3M7y-tD0e5dGABSXqzEB7pfmcY-CNXm1gCcJCIlYMvl1sNrcYh20xFf-vNyTZTQnS40Zh3UHB5mgggkUraiaTA2hbsRvnbgaa2KIHbs5ikI9MT849Em3pQRh/s320/IMAGE_056.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211535210833628258" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Melissa at our Decatur hang out, the Java Monkey!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-13156109255370616652008-05-01T20:50:00.000-07:002008-05-02T07:07:11.198-07:00SE Crit Series – Walterboro Wed 4/30 and Greenwood Thurs 5/1<span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday</span><br /><p class="MsoNormal">So sorry for the delay in the blogs.<span style=""> </span>Sometimes there is so much stuff to do that just resting becomes an issue.<span style=""> </span>Well I have finally admitted that I have a slight cold.<span style=""> </span>It is only in my nose so that is good.<span style=""> </span>Our host family is so awesome and they let us stay one more night so we commuted a little over an hour to Walterboro.<span style=""> </span>We did the usual AM ride and then rested and ate some lunch.<span style=""> </span>Then it was time to hit the road.<span style=""> </span>When we arrived at Walterboro the main highway was blocked.<span style=""> </span>We thought it was for an accident and then found out that the Walterboro Courthouse had a bomb threat.<span style=""> </span>Wow, a bomb threat in the little town of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Walterboro</st1:place></st1:city>?<span style=""> </span>Once we routed our way to the race course we found out that the Courthouse is on the race course.<span style=""> </span>Our race was supposed to start at 5:30pm but we started after 6:30pm.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2Ktf-mBdt33JUFl219gq0eRRn76gJV1YUx3gAFk7oT6SRbqIesHe1vEY2nunmx9_rDACNZg6AkyEO3I7N73L8GYp2Asn62y_dPBzkPL6tRJ_SKEaowJc24HfUK579vzd3U9I6IU9_pLv/s1600-h/IMG_0248.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2Ktf-mBdt33JUFl219gq0eRRn76gJV1YUx3gAFk7oT6SRbqIesHe1vEY2nunmx9_rDACNZg6AkyEO3I7N73L8GYp2Asn62y_dPBzkPL6tRJ_SKEaowJc24HfUK579vzd3U9I6IU9_pLv/s320/IMG_0248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195623842356206786" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Bad picture from the car of the front of the Marine Air Corp in Beaufort</p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sX4x4E4c53p3zpRmVv3JwwBj5S4hi_U6b023evYruGwI2_TFbOjFriZS7PihJhv00a18Hozoy7cNyE2j_KhHJ5eVI1KDHpDjdZfUBZpu9-ZOB3ocflXcLLOha2cPMlUiXeWE5gFqgNWO/s1600-h/IMG_0249.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sX4x4E4c53p3zpRmVv3JwwBj5S4hi_U6b023evYruGwI2_TFbOjFriZS7PihJhv00a18Hozoy7cNyE2j_KhHJ5eVI1KDHpDjdZfUBZpu9-ZOB3ocflXcLLOha2cPMlUiXeWE5gFqgNWO/s320/IMG_0249.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195623855241108690" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">The start/finish line in Walterboro</p><br /><p class="MsoNormal">The race was fast paced as usual and the course had some rough spots and sand.<span style=""> </span>The usual teams Aaron’s, Colavita and Cheerwine were aggressive on the front and we were doing our best to go with things.<span style=""> </span>I even felt spunky and attacked on the backside but everyone was on my wheel.<span style=""> </span>The course was a hard course to stay near the front as there were some narrow roads and as the race went on the course was pretty dark.<span style=""> </span>A break of 6 girls got up the road and we unfortunately missed it.<span style=""> </span>I had just gone with 2 primes/attacks where gaps had occurred and then it went.<span style=""> </span>On was on the right side of the road and it went on the left.<span style=""> </span>Ugh!!!!<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our team did a gallant effort to bridge and pull it back but since all of the 3 big teams were represented we did not get any help.<span style=""> </span>As the laps clicked down I realized a field sprint was our best bet.<span style=""> </span>I fought hard on the last couple of laps to find Tina Pic's wheel.<span style=""> </span>On the last lap I gave a little inch to Jenny and suffered for it.<span style=""> </span>I spent the rest of the lap hustling to regain position and came in 15<sup>th</sup> overall.<span style=""> </span>Jenny was able to get 9<sup>th</sup> overall.<span style=""> </span>I have to admit I was pretty bummed and ended up getting dropped down to 9<sup>th</sup> overall in the series.<span style=""> </span>Tomorrow is another day.<span style=""> </span>Luckily we headed back to the Kessel’s who had the most amazing pasta dinner waiting for us.<span style=""> </span>I have to say they are the best host family ever!</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Thursday</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We got up earlier this morning to get a ride in.<span style=""> </span>Melissa led us on a great path towards these golf courses and great homes.<span style=""> </span>We even had a deer run in front of us.</p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8sf8-Q7zbDCJp4HNLHSouzm6kkBwXoWMETlHqJuHj4eh_MukjMCOOl0URXQUurcqzBoufQhpYTyipoIRSr_sCiqzlAqXVW0Pi7s-8GOWvfDsKcC0z3skJ09qnZPTwnSesa5XHaK6jk0s/s1600-h/IMG_0251.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8sf8-Q7zbDCJp4HNLHSouzm6kkBwXoWMETlHqJuHj4eh_MukjMCOOl0URXQUurcqzBoufQhpYTyipoIRSr_sCiqzlAqXVW0Pi7s-8GOWvfDsKcC0z3skJ09qnZPTwnSesa5XHaK6jk0s/s320/IMG_0251.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195625272580316386" border="0" /></a><br />Right before the deer crossing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE28IBvsOlU03-iOWhWeCe4Ny9aBoeIpRE-CSAQcNfK8YksCT-9boeMRqrm0l0I-kMqIZ38qvcBtSsSWGz9X36eGkojsAig1FqB7WYz4wM4pMLktjl2MDg_KFlLSnHDmZbQvf_Q6BVsqQH/s1600-h/IMG_0252.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE28IBvsOlU03-iOWhWeCe4Ny9aBoeIpRE-CSAQcNfK8YksCT-9boeMRqrm0l0I-kMqIZ38qvcBtSsSWGz9X36eGkojsAig1FqB7WYz4wM4pMLktjl2MDg_KFlLSnHDmZbQvf_Q6BVsqQH/s320/IMG_0252.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195625294055152882" border="0" /></a><br />Some cute homes along the way.<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Back to the great house to eat all of the leftovers from all of the great meals and then we hit the road.<span style=""> </span>We had a 4 ½ hour drive to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Greenwood</st1:place></st1:city> which is north of Beaufort.<span style=""> </span>It was a beautiful drive through some great country roads.<span style=""> </span>I did not take any photos because my camera was in the back and I drove part of the way.<span style=""> </span>I kept thinking, where are we going?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We got in early and were able to check in to our hotel for some R & R right before the race.<span style=""> </span>Today we were joined by Leigh (yeah!) so I was trainer less.<span style=""> </span>X would have been proud as I warmed up on the road and felt great.<span style=""> </span>I was happy that we were racing a little earlier at 5:30pm and the temperature was warmer.<span style=""> </span>The course was great with a little rise to the finish and a chicane on the back side.<span style=""> </span>We were also joined by Sonja, a regional Vanderkitten rider.<span style=""> </span>More legs for us.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our goal today was to not let a break get away without one of us in it.<span style=""> </span>Success!<span style=""> </span>We were all attentive on the front and were very good about staying with things that would go away.<span style=""> </span>It was great to have Leigh with her fresh energy.<span style=""> </span>Melissa nearly got in a break but it was brought back.<span style=""> </span>Two times I was with a good group up the road but the pack caught us.<span style=""> </span>We were all very encouraging and helping each other.<span style=""> </span>I was feeling good despite my clogged nose.<span style=""> </span>I was jamming it up the side on the front straight up the hill and a rider put their front wheel into my foot which totally ripped my buckle off my shoe.<span style=""> </span>Now my shoe was just held on with the Velcro.<span style=""> </span>I asked on the radio if I could go to the pits and Kele heard me and was not sure.<span style=""> </span>I did not want to risk it as I would be a lap down.<span style=""> </span>I suffered through the rest of the race.<span style=""> </span>I tend to pull up a lot when I sprint especially up hill and each time my foot kept slipping out of the shoe more and more.<span style=""> </span>I tried as best I could to retighten the Velcro but it always seemed to come loose.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As the lap cards went down I knew we were going into a field sprint.<span style=""> </span>I had great position with 3 laps to go and then had a bad position.<span style=""> </span>I started to freak out a little bit about my shoe concerned that I would sprint and fly out of it.<span style=""> </span>I think my mind kind of freaked me out and I had horrible positioning into the last turn.<span style=""> </span>I past a bunch of riders and held up at the line to not pip Jenny Trew.<span style=""> </span>It is not classy to pip a teammate.<span style=""> </span>We came in 14<sup>th</sup>, 15<sup>th</sup> and Melissa came in 16<sup>th</sup>.<span style=""> </span>She rode a great race and her and Leigh got some primes!</p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nmnDeW8U25Zq5DTIzOicNDrQRFpKQSpwSv9DeEG3F-VsqTNFOPjQzYvubxVYVCHnxnjBE_SCztEhEuQaTPVQrE6MUIsNH5aYDSe6BIm2bY_21xM2UJqpW9XOpkP3mJ9yrQYOF8vEnpu4/s1600-h/IMG_0260.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nmnDeW8U25Zq5DTIzOicNDrQRFpKQSpwSv9DeEG3F-VsqTNFOPjQzYvubxVYVCHnxnjBE_SCztEhEuQaTPVQrE6MUIsNH5aYDSe6BIm2bY_21xM2UJqpW9XOpkP3mJ9yrQYOF8vEnpu4/s320/IMG_0260.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195780827705842946" border="0" /></a><br />My poor buckle or lack of one I should say!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLZSmcpYd9ZPcHZpd9dVb2trnrqSjbWGXzQiDXXeMxX3O74rp9okIH1Qx5zmXaNZYfIhjmUkS0TF_WrfDV4-L-27ku60sTCKLMtbDMe7o04v8k05ggDUEBFHWzCNjFsrlvzN4dTLXwkTM/s1600-h/IMG_0259.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLZSmcpYd9ZPcHZpd9dVb2trnrqSjbWGXzQiDXXeMxX3O74rp9okIH1Qx5zmXaNZYfIhjmUkS0TF_WrfDV4-L-27ku60sTCKLMtbDMe7o04v8k05ggDUEBFHWzCNjFsrlvzN4dTLXwkTM/s320/IMG_0259.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195780836295777554" border="0" /></a><br />Leigh and I enjoying our Spotted Dick dessert and the pub.<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Well it is off to bed for me.<span style=""> </span>I hope that I can find a Sidi buckle for tomorrow.<span style=""> </span>If not it is duct tape for me to keep my shoe on.<span style=""> </span>I hope tomorrow is a better day.<span style=""> </span>I know I am better than how I am racing.<span style=""> </span>I am so frustrated!</p>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-77223783073321737832008-04-30T09:37:00.000-07:002008-04-30T10:09:14.098-07:00South Carolina – Mon 4/28 and Tuesday 4/29<span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday</span><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Well today we woke up to rain.<span style=""> </span>We packed up the car and started our road trip to <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">South Carolina</st1:place></st1:state>.<span style=""> </span>It was pretty uneventful but we encountered quite a bit of rain on the way.<span style=""> </span>Luckily we have an iPod adapter so we were cruising to some tunes.<span style=""> </span>The drive took about 4 ½ hours.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We are staying on Lady’s <st1:place st="on">Island</st1:place> in Beaufort which is just the most beautiful town.<span style=""> </span>Our house is gorgeous right on the bay and our hosts the Kessel’s are wonderful.<span style=""> </span>We went on a 1-2 hour spin to open our legs up and we ended up getting rained on.<span style=""> </span>I think the storm must have been following us from <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Georgia</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style=""> </span>The rain was pretty intense and the wind kicked up quite a bit.<span style=""> </span>I know I should have turned around sooner to go home and I think that is why now I am feeling like I am fighting off a cold.<span style=""> </span>I was completely under dressed for the rain and quick change in temperature.<span style=""> </span>Luckily we were able to get our wet clothes off right away and jump straight into the shower.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGint_7CC5bX7qIt4dXGHiggLNEr6u1Z0j5Nol9nGrhwojq2Zmi-TTAQ062P6q1BVOfxc2hb_eKKvzeA6RdDoXkUMoZY7QZGbxajIQ6NP0Gw0jg8WYFAg4qhHUShbxwUy590n7gNybpGEF/s1600-h/IMG_0216.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGint_7CC5bX7qIt4dXGHiggLNEr6u1Z0j5Nol9nGrhwojq2Zmi-TTAQ062P6q1BVOfxc2hb_eKKvzeA6RdDoXkUMoZY7QZGbxajIQ6NP0Gw0jg8WYFAg4qhHUShbxwUy590n7gNybpGEF/s320/IMG_0216.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195079412301765682" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Ridin' in South Carolina</p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyOGhEJmC17DvmmQ46W-2OD42htdOd56JmhSEpfe0EuUv7k-ohGqfyc25-xaVr2TzlhdamXaNt7HBM5UmGd1XuwYJxz-_rvsmtDrHH017Wza4kTnMrnRNlBxGqy7yHvUb4GZzFw4Bc5tZ/s1600-h/IMG_0247.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyOGhEJmC17DvmmQ46W-2OD42htdOd56JmhSEpfe0EuUv7k-ohGqfyc25-xaVr2TzlhdamXaNt7HBM5UmGd1XuwYJxz-_rvsmtDrHH017Wza4kTnMrnRNlBxGqy7yHvUb4GZzFw4Bc5tZ/s320/IMG_0247.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195079425186667586" border="0" /></a><br />Jenny showing off our host house<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Nancy and Steve are hosts are so fantastic.<span style=""> </span>I feel like every night we are eating at a 5 star restaurant.<span style=""> </span>We had the most wonderful Salmon, pasta and salad the first night.<span style=""> </span><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Nancy</st1:place></st1:city> has an herb garden and so everything had that extra added fresh taste.<span style=""> </span>Our accommodations are also wonderful and we have plenty of room to spread out and relax.</p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4oTqhaDBHS8rwRDkqEBOszbLKKPfaKNNU64eSA-BDtd6JuclTgv5dxCYd6LRXhQx5N5gltHR3WhCHehaRc7sq_XwacsoSdkYa6QSr00lplQc3kbI12RUJcTqDG1faOowWE52WE4g3TmP/s1600-h/IMG_0218.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4oTqhaDBHS8rwRDkqEBOszbLKKPfaKNNU64eSA-BDtd6JuclTgv5dxCYd6LRXhQx5N5gltHR3WhCHehaRc7sq_XwacsoSdkYa6QSr00lplQc3kbI12RUJcTqDG1faOowWE52WE4g3TmP/s320/IMG_0218.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195080318539865170" border="0" /></a><br />Sunset off of the back balcony!<br /><br /><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Tuesday</p> <br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>We awoke to much better weather but it was still pretty windy outside.<span style=""> </span>We went on our morning spin and ran into the Colavita men’s team again at the same point where we had seen them the day before.<span style=""> </span>Our morning spin ended at the <st1:placename st="on">Waterfront</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Park</st1:placetype> were we did a school talk with the Colavita guys and a team from <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Virginia</st1:state></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>The kids were great and they were very impressed with Luca’s bike tricks that he performed for them.<span style=""> </span>We mostly talked about safety, the importance of wearing a helmet and nutrition.<span style=""> </span>I think we might have gotten some kids interested in doing the kids race that happens right before the women’s race that evening.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbrnmmkoplMHToJs7bliHbsCR6CXqZ_NQvzDJEYPS5RWgZa1oLDBPte8OSVsIpUzlabH1zkAxtYbn9oPMdpZyT23iv2sP8h9YIt9zW8mwS7_Zw6UqBj8Petd6a2BUw6JInznD2mHLjug3/s1600-h/IMG_0224.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbrnmmkoplMHToJs7bliHbsCR6CXqZ_NQvzDJEYPS5RWgZa1oLDBPte8OSVsIpUzlabH1zkAxtYbn9oPMdpZyT23iv2sP8h9YIt9zW8mwS7_Zw6UqBj8Petd6a2BUw6JInznD2mHLjug3/s320/IMG_0224.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195081929152601186" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Downtown Beaufort</p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKU4pDmhfn3ZjDvNkhAoOaGPAbWrNxbdVCbFS3jAJNYMcynf0QXMd0_6SuZTzm66X-HTX57fUni7W_Ys0BnvXWanP05Qpa7GD6zuCbkaWPjNKRIVmuBAF0VSh8slq16ykb-btDGGvZ7ASv/s1600-h/IMG_0225.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKU4pDmhfn3ZjDvNkhAoOaGPAbWrNxbdVCbFS3jAJNYMcynf0QXMd0_6SuZTzm66X-HTX57fUni7W_Ys0BnvXWanP05Qpa7GD6zuCbkaWPjNKRIVmuBAF0VSh8slq16ykb-btDGGvZ7ASv/s320/IMG_0225.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195081942037503090" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">They have carriage rides downtown. Beautiful horses!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBJv4b8CS1Pik7XWXfWuPkdxCTljeFvUWEhdGE0RWz-bd-mzj2gLDMMVx_9Om-Tl_SPryM0YsNwqau8pYHBfZezXK8urQ8tKMbDXBxPET7LENVFWH-mqbVqeWLN3hqqsVXk5-OQVXoos6/s1600-h/IMG_0229.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBJv4b8CS1Pik7XWXfWuPkdxCTljeFvUWEhdGE0RWz-bd-mzj2gLDMMVx_9Om-Tl_SPryM0YsNwqau8pYHBfZezXK8urQ8tKMbDXBxPET7LENVFWH-mqbVqeWLN3hqqsVXk5-OQVXoos6/s320/IMG_0229.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195081950627437698" border="0" /></a><br />At the school talk<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Back home for some R and R before packing up to head back across the bridge for the race.<span style=""> </span>The course was a shorter course than <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Athens</st1:place></st1:city> and had some rough sections with a tight narrow street after turn 1 and some rough really bumpy sections in the road.<span style=""> </span>I was sitting 3<sup>rd</sup> overall in the series so I got my second call up of my career.<span style=""> </span>Yeah!<span style=""> </span>Off we went and as is usual the pace was fast from the start.<span style=""> </span>Colavita had some fresh legs on their team so I knew there would be more to look out for, etc.<span style=""> </span>Attacks were very fervent off the front and quickly into the race I started to develop a spasm in the left side of my back by the lower part of my ribs.<span style=""> </span>This was debilitating and I found myself suffering at the back end of the pack.<span style=""> </span>This is not a place that I usually ride so bad news for me.<span style=""> </span>The other 3 Vanderkittten's were riding great and staying near the front.<span style=""> </span>After one break got away that was reeled in by Kele M., Tina Pic (Colavita), Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) and Rebecca Larson (Aaron’s) got off the front.<span style=""> </span>I should have been with this but was suffering so much that at this point I was just happy to still be in the race.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The other VKs Kele, Jenny and Melissa did there best to bring it back or bridge but the front break had just enough manpower to stay away by 25 seconds.<span style=""> </span>With about 20 laps to go I started to feel better as I had been trying to stretch my side out during the race.<span style=""> </span>I launched an attack up the side but was immediately pounced on by the pack.<span style=""> </span>We were getting down to the wire and now I started to think of the finish.<span style=""> </span>We were actually gaining on the break and several girls tried some really hard jumps near the end of the race to bridge up but were unsuccessful.<span style=""> </span>I tried my best to stay near the front but the pace was not too fast and so it got very bunched up.<span style=""> </span>I was able to sprint at the end for a 6<sup>th</sup> place in the field sprint and a 9<sup>th</sup> overall.<span style=""> </span>Not quite what I wanted but giving the circumstances it was palatable.<span style=""> </span>Jenny T finished in 10<sup>th</sup> place right behind me with Melissa S. in 19<sup>th</sup>.<span style=""> </span>Kele who had continued to try and catch the break finished I believe in 23<sup>rd</sup> place.<span style=""> </span>She is making best friends with the SRAM pit guys as her seat post broke in the middle of the race so she had to get that fixed and get pushed back in.<span style=""> </span>Crazy stuff.<span style=""> </span>Currently overall in the series I am sitting 5<sup>th</sup> and Jenny Trew is 10<sup>th</sup>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We came home to a lovely dinner made by our hosts of lamb chops, mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables and collard greens.<span style=""> </span>Yummy!<span style=""> </span>I do not believe that I have ever eaten so well.</p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMeV9LjqqfJFMpcrlhq3Maj2BqL7gon9K14THUgv99stWT8BTCYNpOLX1XYxoeCjF6krm8znmYx3-E0giMJReMdxpGn3x8Ejl2hEt68qSDEXlWxSXIhOsDxwEk9PgyboHdRz-Kwj61-V_/s1600-h/IMG_0233.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMeV9LjqqfJFMpcrlhq3Maj2BqL7gon9K14THUgv99stWT8BTCYNpOLX1XYxoeCjF6krm8znmYx3-E0giMJReMdxpGn3x8Ejl2hEt68qSDEXlWxSXIhOsDxwEk9PgyboHdRz-Kwj61-V_/s320/IMG_0233.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195084282794679442" border="0" /></a><br />View of the bay from downtown Beaufort<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkD1S0DV5eyvvGC35e2jRzfuN7wQ2NXi6ENZzOlZv9XXB77Ab1O-Z0xArNHF6cKKebbB4Z9C0ar5099YIo2ZMVCh-XNkzs7eV_bD32Vd1WljlcLDIDnKY5B7H9Hl8xTawX_F8zq8XlhaQ/s1600-h/img_0242.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkD1S0DV5eyvvGC35e2jRzfuN7wQ2NXi6ENZzOlZv9XXB77Ab1O-Z0xArNHF6cKKebbB4Z9C0ar5099YIo2ZMVCh-XNkzs7eV_bD32Vd1WljlcLDIDnKY5B7H9Hl8xTawX_F8zq8XlhaQ/s320/img_0242.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195084295679581346" border="0" /></a><br />Backyard of our host house! Absolutely gorgeous.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0RWH47FWx8kgwYMeHU2iM6uInvpKNniCeVnwjuHGlxjFRDa845O8QIrsvgPqw2HtOnRAXqnRHkZBb55ouIsY9ENOrGGPnHz1z7SHB9CTFTqAyYrIvwXlb5ytWuF3CGEAjLCwQ7H449nZ/s1600-h/IMG_0238.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0RWH47FWx8kgwYMeHU2iM6uInvpKNniCeVnwjuHGlxjFRDa845O8QIrsvgPqw2HtOnRAXqnRHkZBb55ouIsY9ENOrGGPnHz1z7SHB9CTFTqAyYrIvwXlb5ytWuF3CGEAjLCwQ7H449nZ/s320/IMG_0238.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195084299974548658" border="0" /></a><br />Flower picture for X.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-7569608839835638282008-04-28T20:18:00.000-07:002008-04-28T20:38:29.901-07:00USA Crit Series - Sat 4/26 and Sun 4/27<span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday</span> <p class="MsoNormal">Luckily we race at 7:45am tonight so we got to sleep in this morning.<span style=""> </span>We were treated to a delicious pancake breakfast and yummy coffee thanks to Jason and Jennifer our hosts.<span style=""> </span>After breakfast we hooked up with all of our teammates and went for a little spin to open the legs up.<span style=""> </span>Jennifer, our host, is just getting into cycling and it was great that she went on the ride with us.<span style=""> </span>We did a little out and back to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Avondale</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Lake</st1:placetype></st1:place> which is really cute.<span style=""> </span>What is so cool about <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:city> and adjoining towns is that there are actual little neighborhoods.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsXDNLhQIJurIM5e9o8WxZoq_M9eM0FW0TtUVotAvtRAF7Vc5LpcI0VA78g2NbU-IHnaqXSuaQrgATdKREg-zsk7CnLWnl7l2ngT9Zzd7UTBGiERMZloZsm7ZBOq3CfJHBM004EJGQh5x/s1600-h/IMG_0191.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsXDNLhQIJurIM5e9o8WxZoq_M9eM0FW0TtUVotAvtRAF7Vc5LpcI0VA78g2NbU-IHnaqXSuaQrgATdKREg-zsk7CnLWnl7l2ngT9Zzd7UTBGiERMZloZsm7ZBOq3CfJHBM004EJGQh5x/s320/IMG_0191.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194502658323454930" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">The VK girls on a morning ride in Georgia!</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGtnT4FKGmkZIEBlppcNYLNNvAYPLCrKo_CDZGMNyFPeBZxYtV0uYncwh-YP5-tPhjirUlTiwZ9CzIpKUR5EjphL6dGD_x-3VRrYr0BQjPchBZkHEUbqF1mszcxDyCCdLbUw_jxQGh3Dd/s1600-h/IMG_0194.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGtnT4FKGmkZIEBlppcNYLNNvAYPLCrKo_CDZGMNyFPeBZxYtV0uYncwh-YP5-tPhjirUlTiwZ9CzIpKUR5EjphL6dGD_x-3VRrYr0BQjPchBZkHEUbqF1mszcxDyCCdLbUw_jxQGh3Dd/s320/IMG_0194.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194502662618422242" border="0" /></a><br />Avondale Lake<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">After the spin we all went home to relax as much as possible and get ready for our trip to <st1:city st="on">Athens</st1:city> which is about 1 ½ hours from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>We wanted to get to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Athens</st1:place></st1:city> early so we could get a good parking spot and eat some food.<span style=""> </span>I knew the race was going to be crazy because the people were already starting to party and the streets were getting crowded.<span style=""> </span>Just seeing all of the barriers being put up on the streets was starting to make me nervous.</p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yToRMbGiraIcq1WmG7afLP_N5-fYEM0u5lgfBvJmRAZnMpnuPsUed1WTa74-H2AulNKqoRSIEGGk3H5FV15SSLAgtKCJKEezDWJQvBqdNZZ3ibJX8mc6p8Au7qZIRVcRCXqtYKjtvx73/s1600-h/IMG_0202.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yToRMbGiraIcq1WmG7afLP_N5-fYEM0u5lgfBvJmRAZnMpnuPsUed1WTa74-H2AulNKqoRSIEGGk3H5FV15SSLAgtKCJKEezDWJQvBqdNZZ3ibJX8mc6p8Au7qZIRVcRCXqtYKjtvx73/s320/IMG_0202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194503805079722994" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Willie the Weimaraner keeping the host house guarded!<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Since I flew here I do not have a trainer but the guys from Kelly Benefits were kind enough to lend us a couple as our race started way before theirs, sweet!<span style=""> </span>The SRAM guys were there for neutral support and I immediately took my bike over to Jeremy who I eas told is a whiz with the zero gravity brakes.<span style=""> </span>My rear brake was not re-centering itself and was rubbing the rim.<span style=""> </span>He was the “man” and hooked me up with a quick fix of re-cutting my cable.<span style=""> </span>I love those SRAM guys.<span style=""> </span>Back to the car for the pre-race readiness and to start getting warm as if the hot humid air was not enough.<span style=""> </span>When I finally got on the trainer I noticed that my headset screw had dropped down.<span style=""> </span>My headset did not feel loose but Mandy (a friend of Vanderkitten) kindly took my bike to the SRAM guys again.<span style=""> </span>They checked it out and I was good to go.<span style=""> </span>At this point I was just trying to remain calm and relaxed.<span style=""> </span>I did a quick warm up and then it was time to go to staging.<span style=""> </span>I must say that coming from <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">California</st1:state></st1:place> it is weird to see so many people smoking and I found myself searching for fresh air while we waiting and watched the 5K runner’s race that was going on.</p><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Finally it was our turn to go and as usual the typical fight to get to the front of the pack for the start.<span style=""> </span>Each time we moved up a bit I seemed to find myself further back.<span style=""> </span>I decided not to focus on this and just on the race.<span style=""> </span>The whistle blew and we were off.<span style=""> </span>The town was completely crazy and people were screaming.<span style=""> </span>The pace was hot from the gun and as usual it seemed like it would never let up.<span style=""> </span>Each turn was a learning experience as I was on my new BH.<span style=""> </span>Since I now have a normal size stem I had to readjust where I put my weight in the turns.<span style=""> </span>Quickly enough though I felt like I was one with my bike.<span style=""> </span>I love the BH!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Kele Murdin who is riding with us as a guest rider was aggressive from the start and got herself in a good break.<span style=""> </span>They were working well together and then I looked ahead and saw Kele hit the pavement.<span style=""> </span>Ouch!<span style=""> </span>The pace picked up in the pack and we quickly caught the break just around the next 2 turns.<span style=""> </span>I knew that another move was going to go and even though I was hurting I was being attentive.<span style=""> </span>Soon enough on the back side, Rebecca Larson (Aaron’s Pro Cycling) took off.<span style=""> </span>I was able to fight my way to Tiffany Cromwell’s (Colavita) wheel.<span style=""> </span>There were five of us that made this group with Catherine Cheatley (Cheerwine) right on Rebecca Larson and Jacquelyn Crowell (Team Kenda Tire) joining.<span style=""> </span>Once we realized who was there heads went down and off we went as the right teams were represented.<span style=""> </span>Everyone was pulling hard and working together.<span style=""> </span>There was a slight mix up with Kele Murdin and another rider getting put back into our break.<span style=""> </span>Last that Kele knew she was in the break.<span style=""> </span>She had no idea that the break she was in got caught when she went to the pits after her crash.<span style=""> </span>The referees made a slight error in putting her in our break which did cause some confusion amongst us in the break.<span style=""> </span>Kele did not work or do anything to help me in the break and just sat on the back which was the smart thing to do considering the situation.<span style=""> </span>We definitely got clear pretty quickly from the pack as we were all pushing the pace.<span style=""> </span>I was suffering but tried to pull as much as possible knowing that you have to pay to play.<span style=""> </span>I knew too that it was only going to get harder as the laps trickled down from the 23 (?) to go when we got away to the finish.<span style=""> </span>The crowds were going crazy and I was getting sprayed by beer several times as I went through the start finish because we would slightly hug the barriers.<span style=""> </span>I knew at anytime that anyone of these girls could attack and I was just trying to be very attentive.<span style=""> </span>Liz Hatch (Vanderkitten) was on the radio and was very helpful in boosting my confidence.<span style=""> </span>With 5 laps to go my legs were screaming and I started to think of the finish.<span style=""> </span>The girls kept rotating through and I knew it was going to be tough.<span style=""> </span>Entering the last lap my heart was pounding and I wanted to do the best I could for the team.<span style=""> </span>Right after the slight climb on the back side Rebecca took off with Catherine on her wheel.<span style=""> </span>I booked it up the inside and was on Tiffany’s wheel through the last turn.<span style=""> </span>I took the turn tighter than her and gave it everything I could in the sprint.<span style=""> </span>I came in third and couldn’t believe it.<span style=""> </span>I really wanted the win and in hindsight felt that I should have gone earlier.<span style=""> </span>Every race for me is a learning experience and I consider this a huge one.<span style=""> </span>I was very excited to get on the podium being the first podium finish for me in a pro race.<span style=""> </span>Also, <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Athens</st1:city></st1:place> is such a prestigious race so I was super excited for the team!!!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS6Ori5Il9VSlQrUt14n3pDHaUIURk9H1xb7VusdvQU3mI8_boO1_M5oHfxECfZ23abhKsD8EauI6YLv7seikGR7pLy8rlotecLPfCSomTmbf4N_kJWoeedEIX9MjUmvzvaKV8s_2SMWP/s1600-h/IMG_0210.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS6Ori5Il9VSlQrUt14n3pDHaUIURk9H1xb7VusdvQU3mI8_boO1_M5oHfxECfZ23abhKsD8EauI6YLv7seikGR7pLy8rlotecLPfCSomTmbf4N_kJWoeedEIX9MjUmvzvaKV8s_2SMWP/s320/IMG_0210.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194504664073182210" border="0" /></a><br />The podium at Athens!<br /><br /><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Sunday</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We had a day off from racing today and it was great.<span style=""> </span>The weather was a little sketchy with rain coming on and off.<span style=""> </span>Melissa and I hooked up with Jenny and Kele and their host Amy and tried to go on a ride.<span style=""> </span>However the rain picked up and was extremely heavy so we went to the Java Monkey of course and had a cup of coffee and a muffin.<span style=""> </span>The rain picked up even more so our ride was way delayed.<span style=""> </span>Eventually is lightened up and we headed out for a 1 – 2 hour spin.<span style=""> </span>Amy took us on a great ride and we made it back just in time to catch the boys in the Tour of Georgia scream by with 3 laps to go in their circuit.<span style=""> </span>My friend Jacob Erker was in the break and I was very excited for him.</p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntru-K7K69sysNbMm1sFGOC_9-vteknbkjWjeh2nLL1a-1-P9YAp10wv1GdZRCtMQQrfWx3TibWjKPNDMhYVHORAMCk3MciZ2xpTdOSUB0q7-5lyhs9-7Rke17zuYbGupCBHnezoQVSSj/s1600-h/IMG_0211.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntru-K7K69sysNbMm1sFGOC_9-vteknbkjWjeh2nLL1a-1-P9YAp10wv1GdZRCtMQQrfWx3TibWjKPNDMhYVHORAMCk3MciZ2xpTdOSUB0q7-5lyhs9-7Rke17zuYbGupCBHnezoQVSSj/s320/IMG_0211.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194505879548926994" border="0" /></a><br />A typical Decatur home<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWYsj38g9JASP8X-WC0GoRHDsSIf116Pgh8I-BYS_l3p5WYSmYnkvdTM6uDgv4s_1UqcQ7MxXQSmBSwznA8v8ncK11Kt_OV3-nxgTSxIKnxO2cvCM_uVgTRFOanbbbgcOEerT1VTvQYS8/s1600-h/IMG_0212.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWYsj38g9JASP8X-WC0GoRHDsSIf116Pgh8I-BYS_l3p5WYSmYnkvdTM6uDgv4s_1UqcQ7MxXQSmBSwznA8v8ncK11Kt_OV3-nxgTSxIKnxO2cvCM_uVgTRFOanbbbgcOEerT1VTvQYS8/s320/IMG_0212.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194505888138861602" border="0" /></a><br />The break in the Tour of Georgia<br /><br /> <p class="MsoNormal">When then had a great lunch at the Highland Bakery where they know our teammate Leigh super well.<span style=""> </span>The owner brought us some delicious muffins and jalapeno bread.<span style=""> </span>I ordered eggs benedict with crab (yummy) and had the best grits ever.<span style=""> </span>I have never eaten so well on a bike trip.<span style=""> </span>The food here is just delicious and so fresh as well as the people being super friendly and nice.<span style=""> </span>I am loving it.</p>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-9857126042048947232008-04-25T19:55:00.000-07:002008-04-26T10:04:32.254-07:00Georgia Thursday and Friday<p class="MsoNormal">Firstly, all I can say is that I am so happy it is not cold here.<span style=""> </span>The weather is great, a little hot and a little humid, but beautiful.<span style=""> </span>We arrived on Thursday evening and went to dinner at a place called the Brick.<span style=""> </span>The beer list was so long and I knew that Grant would have loved to have stayed the night trying all of their beers.<span style=""> </span>We all hung out and had dinner together including Leigh’s fiancée Jeff and <st1:place st="on">friend and fellow racer, Iona</st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>The food here is so tasty and inexpensive compared to <st1:place st="on">Southern California</st1:place> prices.<span style=""> </span>We are staying right now in the town of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:city> which is just adorable.<span style=""> </span>Leigh and Jeff are showing us around and every place we have been to has been fantastic.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Melissa and I are room/bed buddies and are staying with Jennifer.<span style=""> </span>Their dog, Willie (a weimaraner), has taken to us and he is our new buddy.<span style=""> </span>Melissa and I hung out this morning and put our bikes together.<span style=""> </span>We took a quick jaunt to Starbucks and then hooked up with Jeff (Leigh’s fiancée - team Inferno), Tim (Jittery Joe’s), Jenny T (another teammate) and Jaime (Inferno) and went for the most gorgeous ride.<span style=""> </span>I can’t even tell you where we went because we took so many turns but it was really nice.<span style=""> </span>Also, most people here are very into cycling as it is Jittery Joe’s hometown and they wave and call out to you as you go by.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuUfq36WMw1rIvxNJUymlKeHWD8ywKhyphenhyphen9BByci-_h2FZQ64lMfcZDX-ITvFITLvNoupI_gh6Xn1Dgo1HtH6WXnFGyrz8Ri5xpM8QmQNar4qZyeR4djS94GEKFIE5MGHbkeFX22LDyn_sN/s1600-h/scooter_parking_cr+%282%29.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuUfq36WMw1rIvxNJUymlKeHWD8ywKhyphenhyphen9BByci-_h2FZQ64lMfcZDX-ITvFITLvNoupI_gh6Xn1Dgo1HtH6WXnFGyrz8Ri5xpM8QmQNar4qZyeR4djS94GEKFIE5MGHbkeFX22LDyn_sN/s320/scooter_parking_cr+%282%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193600826860444610" border="0" /></a><span style=""> </span></p> This is the city for me. A scooter only parking sign!<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">We ended our ride back in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Decatur</st1:place></st1:city> at the Java Monkey where I had the best Panini sandwich and fresh fruit.<span style=""> </span>Again, fresh food but very reasonably priced.<span style=""> </span>The café is way adorable and we are meeting there tomorrow for a team ride.<span style=""> </span>I am looking forward to a cup of joe there and a pastry.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After our meal, we all headed to our respective houses for a shower and rest time. Willie hung out with us again.<span style=""> </span>We then went to dinner at Fox Brothers Bar-B-Q where I had the best pulled pork and beans.<span style=""> </span>I am loving the South, being the meat lover that I am.<span style=""> </span>I must say that everyone here is really friendly and they all chat and talk with you on the street.<span style=""> </span>Love that!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Well, it is off to bed for me as tomorrow after our morning spin it is off to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Athens</st1:place></st1:city> for the Twilight Crit.<span style=""> </span>I am so excited and it is known as one of the best crits on the circuit.<span style=""> </span>We race at night and the crowds are just crazy.</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDBWE3j0wJc0FhniqySQt8UeUmdsd3LqXa3-0BXMEQ5r8ac-0YvGt6lo7BLX4cRAzcecdRq7ej1jPLShidfWic5602KSOY5-W4cjZn8KL16zQggReMOb0RjLwqljySQ7MfgChWPiNbhOz/s1600-h/jtj.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDBWE3j0wJc0FhniqySQt8UeUmdsd3LqXa3-0BXMEQ5r8ac-0YvGt6lo7BLX4cRAzcecdRq7ej1jPLShidfWic5602KSOY5-W4cjZn8KL16zQggReMOb0RjLwqljySQ7MfgChWPiNbhOz/s320/jtj.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193438764859464546" border="0" /></a><br />Jenny and Jaime at the Java MonkeyJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-51997551460829462452008-04-25T15:58:00.001-07:002008-04-25T23:46:26.615-07:00Sea Otter - Sunday April 20th<p class="MsoNormal">X had a free entry to do the mountain bike cross country race so we were up early.<span style=""> </span>I thought I would go with her to help her and then while she was racing, go on my easy recovery ride to spin the legs out.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Of course, today’s weather was much better than yesterday's and it was already in the 50s and there was barely any wind, just a breeze.<span style=""> </span>X was all kitted out in her pink Seigler gear and looked hot on her Jenn X mountain bike.<span style=""> </span>Her race was delayed, so we rode around awhile with Tracey from Bike John’s.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippP6KBkBPD_A-iY2m60lfSzG81BXKWeDlOttyNlHRHDpy1GH_SKSNmyrLHmth6R4ub6jcewpXSqfRj6gMdd1NTPwww__2a7UVQK3pkHlpOaUi4Fp1toe7wfmByUTbuixVxtVmnYAe0chC/s1600-h/pinkx.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippP6KBkBPD_A-iY2m60lfSzG81BXKWeDlOttyNlHRHDpy1GH_SKSNmyrLHmth6R4ub6jcewpXSqfRj6gMdd1NTPwww__2a7UVQK3pkHlpOaUi4Fp1toe7wfmByUTbuixVxtVmnYAe0chC/s320/pinkx.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193440667529976690" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">X all pinked out</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJ7L5DzsfcOmAfx2lsDxxA4L5jV51JGBMf0Nq_V0m9lsQ8X08z1XEhubEBrVjod3WhQsTo48F0tEfyfluug77ugW2ojIDkW3CLRPBJofSp42-MetwC0alQHIDM-FMGd1F08GPLCYCTOKM/s1600-h/pinkx2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJ7L5DzsfcOmAfx2lsDxxA4L5jV51JGBMf0Nq_V0m9lsQ8X08z1XEhubEBrVjod3WhQsTo48F0tEfyfluug77ugW2ojIDkW3CLRPBJofSp42-MetwC0alQHIDM-FMGd1F08GPLCYCTOKM/s320/pinkx2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193441079846837122" border="0" /></a></p>From the top of the course looking out over the valley.<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Off they went and I headed out of the raceway and took a spin to Highway 1 and back.<span style=""> </span>I was all bundled up but happy it was not in the 40s.<span style=""> </span>X ended up getting 11<sup>th</sup> in her race which was awesome considering she has not raced a mountain bike for a long time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As of today, I am officially a member of my new team, Vanderkitten.<span style=""> </span>So I spent my day visiting with them at their booth and meeting customers.<span style=""> </span>I went and saw some of my new sponsors and introduced myself.<span style=""> </span>A busy weekend.<span style=""> </span>I picked up my new BH bike and Vanderkitten gear and off X and I went home.<span style=""> </span>We were pretty tired and desperately wanted to get out of the cold.</p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnaBIbquDLuvgjzpA0YdreAgnd94cpOy62Z6ylzx55I_wYX-3N2nTiny6d7a17OyBR74ShGWV-sDs9e2u8tSoDuoc7RXA78cfQ_LR-m6vYbWFPH3POPOeukxIitEALfR3fJxovhYiwUAp/s1600-h/IMG_0184.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnaBIbquDLuvgjzpA0YdreAgnd94cpOy62Z6ylzx55I_wYX-3N2nTiny6d7a17OyBR74ShGWV-sDs9e2u8tSoDuoc7RXA78cfQ_LR-m6vYbWFPH3POPOeukxIitEALfR3fJxovhYiwUAp/s320/IMG_0184.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193375731919428354" border="0" /></a><br />Group class on nasal irrigation.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_cbJf2mE_5lcM_5Ro3RADF9i1D-ea0fpkRpJWy0Vfi4MTNayTZHJ7fJyJGz4IhntDN1LK_Ku6f0S6lDAHiU_5ZEddRrtblVP3AygbTwohjGeiO2-jjLkGZ9Xuo9VjPTZNPNkM1j7OWmW/s1600-h/IMG_0185.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_cbJf2mE_5lcM_5Ro3RADF9i1D-ea0fpkRpJWy0Vfi4MTNayTZHJ7fJyJGz4IhntDN1LK_Ku6f0S6lDAHiU_5ZEddRrtblVP3AygbTwohjGeiO2-jjLkGZ9Xuo9VjPTZNPNkM1j7OWmW/s320/IMG_0185.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193375731919428370" border="0" /></a><br />McDonald's iced coffee. The only thing you need for a long trip.<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">I am very excited about racing with my new team and we are off next week to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Georgia</st1:place></st1:country-region> to race in the Southeast Crit Series.<span style=""> </span>Yeah!!<span style=""> </span>I will miss my SBW sistas though.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-9823732620039531182008-04-25T15:44:00.000-07:002008-04-25T15:47:45.814-07:00Sea Otter - The Circuit Race, Sat. April 19th<p class="MsoNormal">For some reason I do not think I was meant to do well at Sea Otter.<span style=""> </span>We woke up early to eat the breakfast of champions, eggs, toast and coffee and looked to see that the weather was going to be. <span style=""> </span>High of 55degrees with high winds.<span style=""> </span>We bundled up and pre dressed and off we went.<span style=""> </span>It was awesome being so close to the course.<span style=""> </span>We went straight to the pro parking which is on course and put out the trainers and chairs.<span style=""> </span>Burrr!<span style=""> </span>It was only 46 degrees and the wind was howling probably dropping the temperature quite a bit.<span style=""> </span>We sat in the van as long as we could to not get too cold.<span style=""> </span>Morgan meet up with us and we were back to hanging in the van.<span style=""> </span>I thought I would get on the trainer as close to the start as possible in order to be warm.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Even “warming” up with the cover of the van from the wind was freezing cold.<span style=""> </span>Our host family kept mentioning that it is never that windy in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Monterey</st1:place></st1:city> but of course we were racing so it had to be.<span style=""> </span>At the start we were all shivering just waiting for the whistle to blow.<span style=""> </span>At least the climb got you warm but then the quick descent down the corkscrew would make you freezing cold again.<span style=""> </span>X stuck some newspaper down her jersey in the front which was a smart move.<span style=""> </span>As the laps went on (we had to do 22) the pace picked up.<span style=""> </span>On certain laps it was a Queen of the Mountains competition and on others a sprint competition.<span style=""> </span>I was suffering with my asthma as the cold air was hitting my lungs hard and I was wheezing horribly.<span style=""> </span>I was hanging with the pack suffering on the climb and then would move up on the downhill.<span style=""> </span>Each time we hit the down hill the wind would push itself into your lungs which made you hyperventilate as you were gasping for air from the climb.<span style=""> </span>This pattern continued on and I was suffering.<span style=""> </span>Due to my asthma I knew I was not getting enough oxygen.<span style=""> </span>A group got off the front on one of the QOMs and the chase was on.<span style=""> </span>X was very aggressive and riding super well.<span style=""> </span>I was suffering just trying to hang on.<span style=""> </span>The sand from the race course was blowing so hard across the finishing straight you could barely see.<span style=""> </span>I considered it a free but miserable dermabrasion.<span style=""> </span>The entire time during the race our host family was cheering for us on the side of the road and it inspired me.<span style=""> </span>They are great for sticking out the cold to watch us.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <br /><p class="MsoNormal">The race continued and some of the girls from the break were caught as the pace ramped near the end of the race.<span style=""> </span>I knew if I could just hang on I might have something left for the bunch sprint.<span style=""> </span>With about 3 laps to go there was an attack on the climb and that just broke me.<span style=""> </span>With not having oxygen for 2 hours my body was spent.<span style=""> </span>I rode with 3 other riders until the end of the race.<span style=""> </span>Bummer day for me.<span style=""> </span>I finished in 36<sup>th</sup> place.<span style=""> </span>About 70 girls started the race and only about 40 finished.<span style=""> </span>Ugh!<span style=""> </span>So far my trips to Sea Otter have been very much influenced by the weather.<span style=""> </span>X and Morgan finished jut outside of the money and rode well.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XEpYQJAAv9PT2IEeFVoZF_4RborB9pQvlMvyIyzoAo_zACAmny8VIDgZZf1FfO80mi0uJrQh4mU22imHqRSLii3b9vUmksWqZynkTcJQ-5ZBYmyCeisUd5vMnpPyRU5Dbk1grAlzkzWs/s1600-h/IMG_0178.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XEpYQJAAv9PT2IEeFVoZF_4RborB9pQvlMvyIyzoAo_zACAmny8VIDgZZf1FfO80mi0uJrQh4mU22imHqRSLii3b9vUmksWqZynkTcJQ-5ZBYmyCeisUd5vMnpPyRU5Dbk1grAlzkzWs/s320/IMG_0178.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193318084868381394" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Showing off the Nuun product. I love the stuff!</p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After the race X and I walked the festival and visited our sponsors to say hi and thank them for their support of our team.<span style=""> </span>The wind was just so strong that it was miserable even walking around the festival.<span style=""> </span>Everything was covered in dirt and the vendors were suffering just holding onto their easy ups to keep them down.</p>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-56069862832698279412008-04-25T14:51:00.000-07:002008-04-26T01:28:23.711-07:00Sea Otter Classic - Friday April 18th<span style="">What to say about Sea Otter?<span style=""> </span>It is a beautiful place on the coast however the weather is lik</span><span style="">e D</span><span style="">r. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.<span style=""> </span></span><span style="">O</span><span style="">ur w</span><span style="">eekend started with us (Jenn R) and myself leaving in the afternoon on Friday.<span style=""> </span>All set in the van we headed o</span><span style="">ut </span><span style="">the 5 fwy.<span style=""> </span>Our intentio</span><span style="">n was t</span><span style="">o ta</span><span style="">ke the 46 to the 101 however; we completely missed the off ramp for it and finally realized mu</span><span style="">ch l</span><span style="">ater that we must have</span><span style=""> pass</span><span style="">ed it.<span style=""> </span>I</span><span style="">t is always in adventure with X (Jenn R).<span style=""> </span>However, this error turned into a wonderful one.<span style=""> </span>W</span><span style="">e t</span><span style="">ook the 198 over and h</span><span style="">ad the </span><span style="">most </span><span style="">gorgeous drive.<span style=""> </span>Below are some photos of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Priest</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>I could imagine having a ranch he</span><span style="">re, it is so beautif</span><span style="">ul.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mjwSy38fGUOsq08H9Q9Deh_hAVNKo1NkrBArd29FwsflxK9mz_IT4XpGB_hoICp5wR4dYWKujlVv7-KHYuTTh7zAeWg7sQOEy4Kpi-999WATBMq8M7ghc5EvT0D1Q6no4tnTscyAmgzT/s1600-h/pp_wl.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mjwSy38fGUOsq08H9Q9Deh_hAVNKo1NkrBArd29FwsflxK9mz_IT4XpGB_hoICp5wR4dYWKujlVv7-KHYuTTh7zAeWg7sQOEy4Kpi-999WATBMq8M7ghc5EvT0D1Q6no4tnTscyAmgzT/s320/pp_wl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193465874693036946" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Tejon pass with Lupin!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUa0sZzDqdc8C5apWIzNU9J5kY0eTqd1ndAwzjeDZ0FnY7E2aWA34BPYHDVbn6ZaLTV9TdkxTbpGGJCeFOI41xXX5SxZUpiiw-GFk7h4tLo1P7HQ0wQVYoSgt8_fPZdKHuwWuuuwU0C9kN/s1600-h/pp_sg2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUa0sZzDqdc8C5apWIzNU9J5kY0eTqd1ndAwzjeDZ0FnY7E2aWA34BPYHDVbn6ZaLTV9TdkxTbpGGJCeFOI41xXX5SxZUpiiw-GFk7h4tLo1P7HQ0wQVYoSgt8_fPZdKHuwWuuuwU0C9kN/s320/pp_sg2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193467803133352882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZT73FcREYWJaZXWpmqHRuuTQTQjpfS_1k3-d1f5dr9xKT4tL13IM7PL-tDHvtQBL6_5cNFO3gZ1oeSdgxzguw6mlrjE5FQ2OYL-rKJjee4u4vGoJZyXojqfMSshJ9yJnv4OGu8RWaEXW/s1600-h/pp_sg1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZT73FcREYWJaZXWpmqHRuuTQTQjpfS_1k3-d1f5dr9xKT4tL13IM7PL-tDHvtQBL6_5cNFO3gZ1oeSdgxzguw6mlrjE5FQ2OYL-rKJjee4u4vGoJZyXojqfMSshJ9yJnv4OGu8RWaEXW/s320/pp_sg1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193467442356100002" border="0" /></a><br />Priest Valley! So green!<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Finally we hit the 101 and had only lost 30minutes in our travels by taking the 198.<span style=""> </span>We picked up our packets but another adventure was at hand.<span style=""> </span>There were no more pro parking passes so we contacted the race director, Kendra.<span style=""> </span>She totally hooked us up however on the way to getting this little situation resolved we had another adventure.<span style=""> </span>We had already left the raceway parking and were trying to take a “shortcut” back and found ourselves on a road that was really narrow, had no other cars and lots of people walking.<span style=""> </span>And of course, the two guys we stopped to ask if they had seen any other cars on the road were foreign.<span style=""> </span>Below is the sign that we finally reached at the bridge.<span style=""> </span>When we got to this sign we were dying with laughter.<span style=""> </span>Like I said before, never a dull moment!</p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdOQYRryZGQ1WFN_RYcd5nO4SFiI0UM1W4bQIOBoT60a1Er2YJi3ATa3xRnc5kkddpXXpdDBLWdyUk0QRQ6NXVb2N7xI8C36xuEU4icO1_sBl2SVpMwXHYQCloMRu4AijJ8q4StYJeNla/s1600-h/IMG_0176.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdOQYRryZGQ1WFN_RYcd5nO4SFiI0UM1W4bQIOBoT60a1Er2YJi3ATa3xRnc5kkddpXXpdDBLWdyUk0QRQ6NXVb2N7xI8C36xuEU4icO1_sBl2SVpMwXHYQCloMRu4AijJ8q4StYJeNla/s320/IMG_0176.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193306943723215538" border="0" /></a><br />See the big NO?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA79IPGQTTwIopxgr_-P_97MiKS9spb5unIlvMTgol_wUDjXyD2Uq4ilwbsanaKhGOucRhmgz5on3X0AC-KU9H4G85j4VfzQ-6SxvpWfiRojifac4CRRQD5v6mhqtbOWhCBM4thuEYv2fX/s1600-h/IMG_0177.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA79IPGQTTwIopxgr_-P_97MiKS9spb5unIlvMTgol_wUDjXyD2Uq4ilwbsanaKhGOucRhmgz5on3X0AC-KU9H4G85j4VfzQ-6SxvpWfiRojifac4CRRQD5v6mhqtbOWhCBM4thuEYv2fX/s320/IMG_0177.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193306952313150146" border="0" /></a><br />Does this look like a road cars should be on? The van fit!<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">We finally made it to our host family house which was only 5 minutes away from the course, rockin’!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Vollstedts were the best family.<span style=""> </span>We had a great pre-race dinner of pasta and meat sauce and a wonderful homemade cake dessert.<span style=""> </span>I called it “hotel Vollstedt” because when we went to bed they had put on the mattress heater and the beds were cozy warm.<span style=""> </span>With the weather in the low 50s this was awesome.<span style=""> </span>Off to bed we went as we had an early rise with a 10:15am start time.</p>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-33167931984793062762008-04-06T20:27:00.000-07:002008-04-07T14:35:55.747-07:00Redlands 2008 - Stage 3 The Sunset Loop or Crit as I like to call it!<p class="MsoNormal">Well I made it to the fourth and final day.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately our team was down to only 3 riders for a variety of reasons.<span style=""> </span>But what was great is that they all hung around to help us out and cheer us on.<span style=""> </span>That is exactly what I love about a team.<span style=""> </span>It is not only about winning but most importantly it is about camaraderie.<span style=""> </span>So to all of you Vanderkitten girls, you rock!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Even though I had the hugest piece of lasagna for dinner thanks to Dave V. for taking the team out to dinner, I woke up at 4:50am starving.<span style=""> </span>I tried to drink some sport drink to subside the hunger pains but that only lasted until 5:40am.<span style=""> </span>I heard footsteps and when I went downstairs to the kitchen, I ran into Flavia.<span style=""> </span>Stage racing does strange things to you and you burn so many calories.<span style=""> </span>After a quick snack and a little chatting it was back to bed.<span style=""> </span>Our race started at 10am so we did not need to leave the house until 8:20am.<span style=""> </span>Ah, sleep!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I awoke again to a cloudy day with a high hitting the mid sixties.<span style=""> </span>Where are the sunny 70 degree <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">California</st1:place></st1:state> days?<span style=""> </span>We bundled up and rode down to the crit course as this is where the race starts with a parade out of town before the gun actually goes off.<span style=""> </span>The “boys” already had the Vanderkitten trailer and easy up all set up which rocks.<span style=""> </span>We had our meeting and then the 3 of us went to sign in.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The “neutral” for Sunset Loop is never neutral.<span style=""> </span>We basically cruise uphill at 22miles an hour.<span style=""> </span>I am suffering before the race even starts!<span style=""> </span>Knowing that once we make the turn for the start it is hard to move up, I felt the best thing I could do is help Flavia, our highest GC rider, in the neutral.<span style=""> </span>I could see that she was stuck and not able to move up so I pulled up to her side and pulled her to the front.<span style=""> </span>I was already maxed at this point but hoped that what I did would help her.<span style=""> </span>Bummer for her that the 2 racers left on the team were sprinters. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Off we went.<span style=""> </span>I was actually able to slightly reintegrate with the pack as we got to the climb.<span style=""> </span>With a <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">QOM</st1:place></st1:city> points competition on the first lap the pace is crazy fast.<span style=""> </span>I pushed my body as much as I could, maxing out both my lungs and my legs, just falling off of a group of riders up the road.<span style=""> </span>It looked like I would have a lonely ride the rest of the day.<span style=""> </span>Sunset <st1:place st="on">Loop</st1:place> is a 9 lap course and you have to finish 3 laps to get a prorated time to have it be considered that you “finished” the race.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIGr9WSO-DPy1axzPf2G12MMh_ej9cwCgc1W8x1d0_LE_jB3AQl9KQCLAYxjMty0vNDGl_FH8Uy0kDPv3XVZfZlQiYRGtzBJ8WlMbBTVC5cyplLGH7X30iQaAH3uxTNM-V1WS80ly_Bnf/s1600-h/IMG_0157.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIGr9WSO-DPy1axzPf2G12MMh_ej9cwCgc1W8x1d0_LE_jB3AQl9KQCLAYxjMty0vNDGl_FH8Uy0kDPv3XVZfZlQiYRGtzBJ8WlMbBTVC5cyplLGH7X30iQaAH3uxTNM-V1WS80ly_Bnf/s320/IMG_0157.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186607207051700690" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">The lead group of the race as they pass through the finish line.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">On I pushed by myself and I finally got into a good rhythm.<span style=""> </span>Scott mentioned over the radio that it looked like I was making up time.<span style=""> </span>This will always help boost your morale. Yeah!<span style=""> </span>I was with a Dolce Vita rider, Karla, for a while and did a lot of work.<span style=""> </span>By the time we hit the climb again I was toast and she rode away.<span style=""> </span>Back to being alone again.<span style=""> </span>I kept pushing the pace, trying to stay in as long as possible for the team since there were only the 3 of us left and I knew out of the team I was 2<sup>nd</sup> on the road.<span style=""> </span>Up the climb I went for the 6<sup>th</sup> time.<span style=""> </span>When I was about ½ the way up, I heard a rider behind me and it was Hannah Banks from ValueAct.<span style=""> </span>My OTB buddy!<span style=""> </span>She was in the group of riders I was in on Friday’s road race.<span style=""> </span>We worked together very well and kept encouraging each other.<span style=""> </span>We decided not to completely blow up on the climb and just ride a nice high threshold pace and then we would fly on the descents and flats.<span style=""> </span>On our last lap Karla from Dolce Vita caught us.<span style=""> </span>I had passed her on one of my laps and she was to the side of the road with a Rock Racing rider.<span style=""> </span>The three of us forged on and near the end of lap 7 an official told us that the leaders were coming and the race was over for us.<span style=""> </span>One day, I hope to not see the fire station and to actually see the finish banner downtown.<span style=""> </span>In we pulled to the fire station where they quickly remove one of your numbers to prorate your time.<span style=""> </span>How demoralizing!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Flavia finished 43<sup>rd</sup> on the day and ended up 38<sup>th</sup> in GC.<span style=""> </span>Excellent job for her first time in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Redlands</st1:place></st1:city>!!!<span style=""> </span>It was a fun weekend of good and very hard racing.<span style=""> </span>Now I look forward to Ojai this coming weekend and Sea Otter the next!<span style=""> </span>Out to go on a recovery ride!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"></p>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-76814039336091798422008-04-05T22:27:00.000-07:002008-04-05T22:44:49.739-07:00Redlands 2008 - Stage 2 the crit!<p class="MsoNormal">Well I made it to the crit my favorite race.<span style=""> </span>I woke up early starving wishing that I could sleep more but my stomach had other ideas.<span style=""> </span>I made some eggs and toast, prepped a little for the day and then went for a spin and a cup of coffee and a muffin.<span style=""> </span>The day was brisk and the high today was only supposed to be 69 degrees.<span style=""> </span>I would prefer warmer but I figure if it is not raining it is a good day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Since our host housing is so close to down town we all rode our bikes to the course and Dave, Scott and the guys already had the Vanderkitten trailer their waiting for us.<span style=""> </span>Awesome!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Team meeting and warm up and off we went to the start.<span style=""> </span>I always like to get there early as placement is everything.<span style=""> </span>Even though you start in the 1<sup>st</sup> row by the time they do all of the call ups you are in the 2<sup>nd</sup> row and sometimes the 3<sup>rd</sup> row.<span style=""> </span>There was a great rendition of the national anthem by a very young girl with muscular dystrophy which touched all of us.<span style=""> </span>Then the gunshot and we were off.<span style=""> </span>Once the gun goes in the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Redlands</st1:place></st1:city> crit you are going over 100% for the next 60 minutes.<span style=""> </span>This course is very technical with 8 turns and a slight chicane in it.<span style=""> </span>Placement is everything.<span style=""> </span>I was able to mostly stay in the top 20 the entire race and only periodically would I drop below that.<span style=""> </span>I was watching key riders and tried to place myself around riders like Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine), Emilia Fahlin (Highroad), Lara Kroepsch (ValueAct) and Nichole Wangsgard (Colavita) knowing that they are good finishers and good wheels to follow.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGo8L3KiAdJRFzbuAzNoHR1ZXubxK39OQQIQQYFmasXovljUtyWLYdB8mJTVGX9Ex6pCmgfjCIzI-5lpLQfSiUb7wGnIsC0CR7s6ZJ010-Ufnjjjv23R9xaiPr7dtoouZyscO3jCfOTtk7/s1600-h/IMG_0150.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGo8L3KiAdJRFzbuAzNoHR1ZXubxK39OQQIQQYFmasXovljUtyWLYdB8mJTVGX9Ex6pCmgfjCIzI-5lpLQfSiUb7wGnIsC0CR7s6ZJ010-Ufnjjjv23R9xaiPr7dtoouZyscO3jCfOTtk7/s320/IMG_0150.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186000100539509138" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Just another glamorous day riding. Free dermabrasion!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As is typical at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Redlands</st1:place></st1:city> I think there were about 4 crashes in the race.<span style=""> </span>Luckily for me I was in front of all of them.<span style=""> </span>Whew!<span style=""> </span>It was great to see Jenny Trew my teammate up in the mix and both of us placed well during the race. <span style=""> </span>You are so busy racing and your eyes are so wide eyed that you forget how long you have been in this state.<span style=""> </span>I took a glance up and could not believe that we were sitting at 8 laps to go.<span style=""> </span>The race was filled with attacks from Cheerwine and Aaron’s as they fought for time bonuses for their GC riders.<span style=""> </span>Now I had to think about the finish and placement for the last time bonus which is at 5 laps to go.<span style=""> </span>Everything was starting to get even crazier and you had to push just to maintain position.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With two laps to go I was constantly working the left side to move up and hold my place as riders for other teams moved to the front to pull hard for their sprinters or pulled off when they were done.<span style=""> </span>Cheerwine had an amazing train going with Highroad sitting on them just waiting like a cat.<span style=""> </span>With one lap to go there was a crash on the first turn which is about a 130 degree turn but luckily it was right behind me.<span style=""> </span>We surged ahead and I was all over my bike digging in for every extra inch I could gain.<span style=""> </span>Into the second to last turn I sprinted so hard out of it my back wheel skipped hard.<span style=""> </span>Into the final turn and I put my head down and gave it everything I had left for an 11<sup>th</sup> place finish.<span style=""> </span>Emilia Fahlin (Highroad) took the win.<span style=""> </span>She is so fast.<span style=""> </span>It was a hard day but oddly fun.<span style=""> </span>Last year I finished 20<sup>th</sup> place so this year was a pretty good improvement.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycRx17DNMG2P5gPKZ1-b5hk-6CRV1CpUbbo6mG0eMgTWNfvgFrWqlHdImLu2jprzYORNobZSRiWBxGLqFCQLZwS0_KnckLDoqREnCkGg9ktjB_3E-u78wlHR0TvsfK5igjiDZf2dSnYi1/s1600-h/IMG_0152.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycRx17DNMG2P5gPKZ1-b5hk-6CRV1CpUbbo6mG0eMgTWNfvgFrWqlHdImLu2jprzYORNobZSRiWBxGLqFCQLZwS0_KnckLDoqREnCkGg9ktjB_3E-u78wlHR0TvsfK5igjiDZf2dSnYi1/s320/IMG_0152.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186001152806496674" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">My teammate Melissa kickin' it after the race</p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8opJi9UC-_itfvRF-Mp0bd5oU7JZ__uF7Gv6m9NfFtgQj-Vm6FtUX70UdVxZjTSK6cPrtOVqfhczByTMDt5Hd37t5UWg_oybEGhmLie82lLhuxGFTyQ9H54wvoj2VO8m7XMZl927d9EI3/s1600-h/IMG_0154.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8opJi9UC-_itfvRF-Mp0bd5oU7JZ__uF7Gv6m9NfFtgQj-Vm6FtUX70UdVxZjTSK6cPrtOVqfhczByTMDt5Hd37t5UWg_oybEGhmLie82lLhuxGFTyQ9H54wvoj2VO8m7XMZl927d9EI3/s320/IMG_0154.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186001157101463986" border="0" /></a><br />The Vanderkitten camp.<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">One more day left, the Sunset Loop.<span style=""> </span>More climbing!<span style=""> </span>Stay posted!</p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wj_v7bdLYrb0AAQKrb80oorXVAFzga7d8GvSVVnI6s7ARaeJdwjU5Vljamj7W1k1KA3fcSFg9UYMXK8AgXlBGZCQ49s75f6x9-4GlKVrdS552DAG1JVJ8zG7t4UufikFioAH19SR0kdF/s1600-h/jw_redlands08_stage1+%282%29.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wj_v7bdLYrb0AAQKrb80oorXVAFzga7d8GvSVVnI6s7ARaeJdwjU5Vljamj7W1k1KA3fcSFg9UYMXK8AgXlBGZCQ49s75f6x9-4GlKVrdS552DAG1JVJ8zG7t4UufikFioAH19SR0kdF/s320/jw_redlands08_stage1+%282%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186003025412237762" border="0" /></a><br />A picture from yesterday's race of myself and the other Vanderkitten you see is Heather Sborz. Also here but not clear in the photo is Melissa Sanborn. Our group climbing San Timeteo working together to make the time cut.<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-11293356577482196442008-04-04T22:43:00.001-07:002008-04-04T22:46:30.511-07:00Redlands 2008 - Stage 1, Beaumont Circuit Race<p class="MsoNormal">Can you say suffer?<span style=""> </span>That is what I did today.<span style=""> </span>The course as I mentioned yesterday was narrow and technical.<span style=""> </span>A lot of energy could be spent just staying in the front which was important to do since the roads were narrow.<span style=""> </span>The pace started off pretty tame but then quickly ramped up as the 1<sup>st</sup> lap contained not only one of the Queen of the Mountain points but also Sprinter points at the finish line.<span style=""> </span>As is typical of me I fell off a little at the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">QOM</st1:place></st1:city> climb but was able to reconnect with the pack with a pretty big group of riders who caught me on the long slight downhill section of the course, a good couple of miles from the start/finish line.<span style=""> </span>I caught back onto the pack just in time to start the ramp up again for the climb.<span style=""> </span>Ugh!</p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruV2KfZFUiOEJUZgfwIPEp0UIpV1uKLwOxRKnlpwGXFnZ2QLn8jgE1OQqONNAzWtdgEh1BBXH2d9DfdmaNGWOEg2saSlvVS5fTJBT5DaKiGOrTyEnZXY3McshXvf4gPKJii_bUvfOmVzH/s1600-h/IMG_0149.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruV2KfZFUiOEJUZgfwIPEp0UIpV1uKLwOxRKnlpwGXFnZ2QLn8jgE1OQqONNAzWtdgEh1BBXH2d9DfdmaNGWOEg2saSlvVS5fTJBT5DaKiGOrTyEnZXY3McshXvf4gPKJii_bUvfOmVzH/s320/IMG_0149.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185633258792823170" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Team parkin'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The beginning of the lap until the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">QOM</st1:place></st1:City> seems to be just a constant gradual climb and the pace was kept up by the big teams.<span style=""> </span>Aaron’s was super active which kept the pace up.<span style=""> </span>We made the left turn on to San Timeteo and we started the climb.<span style=""> </span>I was able to hang on but got a little caught up in traffic on the descent and lost a lot of speed in the sharp left hand turn leading into the park (I think it is Bogart park?).<span style=""> </span>Not good for me.<span style=""> </span>As we entered the park the pace picked up again and I was struggling.<span style=""> </span>Not to help matters I was wheezing like a banshee from my asthma.<span style=""> </span>Right as we were getting close to the top of the climb I blew and that was it.<span style=""> </span>I hustled to the top in hopes that my descending skills would come in handy and I sat just off a group of girls.<span style=""> </span>They were so close but no matter how hard I tried they were so far away.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the long slightly downhill section I felt a tap on my butt and it was Heather, my teammate.<span style=""> </span>We rode together for quite some time almost catching the riders in front of us.<span style=""> </span>As we made the first left turn past the finish line Heather noticed that there was a group of riders behind us and it contained a teammate, Melissa Sanborn.<span style=""> </span>Sweet!<span style=""> </span>We were now a group of 8.<span style=""> </span>We started to work together and figured that staying together would help us possibly make an extended time cut because we were such a big group.<span style=""> </span>Off we went for the next 2 laps (total of 4 in the race totaling 66miles).<span style=""> </span>We kept the pace pretty tame on the climbs so as not to drop anyone and diminish our numbers.<span style=""> </span>As the race went on the wind continued to kick up so pulling and being in the front got a little harder.<span style=""> </span>We all took pretty short pulls on the front and rotated through in a double pace line.<span style=""> </span>Heather earlier in the race when it was just the two of us quickly did the math (amazing with race brain) and figured that if the winners finished in 3 hours we could be no more than 18 minutes behind them in order to make the 10% time cut.<span style=""> </span>Entering lap 4 we knew we had to hustle and the 8 of us focused on the job at hand.<span style=""> </span>After the climb we hit it a little harder knowing that it would be close.<span style=""> </span>On the slightly downhill section back into town and the finish line we picked up another rider so now we were 9.<span style=""> </span>Excellent!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After the last turn there was a heavy headwind all the way to the finish and Heather was awesome in bringing us home.<span style=""> </span>I did some pretty hard pulls knowing that the finish was close and that every second at this point would count.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After this evening we realized that the 3 of us from Vanderkitten in that group had made the time cut.<span style=""> </span>It was just like Heather had anticipated.<span style=""> </span>Katherine Carroll (Aaron’s, their work paid off) won the day and completed the race in 3hours 4 minutes.<span style=""> </span>We finished 15:46 behind.<span style=""> </span>Awesome we were in!<span style=""> </span>Overall Vanderkitten had a pretty good day with Jane and Flavia making the move and only finishing 5:48 off the leaders.<span style=""> </span>We only lost 2 riders on the day (Leah, hope your knee gets better soon!).<span style=""> </span>Good work ladies!!!<span style=""> </span>It was fantastic to have teammates to work with.<span style=""> </span>Six of us will continue on to tomorrow.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tomorrow is the crit which I am so excited about.<span style=""> </span>Even though this crit is considered one of the hardest ones on the NRC circuit I love it!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"></p>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-37421597435194761522008-04-03T21:20:00.000-07:002008-04-03T21:29:31.537-07:00Redlands 2008! Prologue TT<p class="MsoNormal">Well, I woke up early, packed the car and headed out to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Redlands</st1:city></st1:place> very excited to start the race.<span style=""> </span>On the way out on the 10 fwy I hit some rain (probably because I washed my car earlier in the week) that got pretty heavy at times.<span style=""> </span>All I could think was better today then later in the race.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal">I met the rest of Team Vanderkitten today and all of the girls are great and saw Melissa Sanborn who I had not seen since last year which was awesome<span style=""> </span>Up went the spicy pink Vanderkitten tents and it was time to get down to business, pin numbers and warm up.<span style=""> </span>The weather held in the low 50s with cloud coverage and it looked like it could rain at any moment.<span style=""> </span>Even though the effort today would be under 15 minutes, my coach has me do roughly a 60 minute warm up.<span style=""> </span>You go out of the starting gate with the engine in top gear.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTKjaJ7ltEV_2wor6ou0efIHavgIP1RRUaQfKu0BH0Y2Jf54kiSk7CTOWXivhXhsWl53Yxr5QgsQDHTOdpe3ZJCnLV5uzliw2ZjQdBghU6OhSF6olzIltW_78FqNsPMoAtwSUUD051ap2/s1600-h/jw_at_redlandstt_start+%282%29.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTKjaJ7ltEV_2wor6ou0efIHavgIP1RRUaQfKu0BH0Y2Jf54kiSk7CTOWXivhXhsWl53Yxr5QgsQDHTOdpe3ZJCnLV5uzliw2ZjQdBghU6OhSF6olzIltW_78FqNsPMoAtwSUUD051ap2/s320/jw_at_redlandstt_start+%282%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185241115393796450" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Grant grabbed this from the live streaming video of the start. It is me on the ramp just about to go.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The girls were really amped up and we had some rockin’ music pumping out of the car which was great to warm up to.<span style=""> </span>As usual I arrived pretty early to the start line as I am always nervous of being late.<span style=""> </span>I rode around a little bit and then got in line to get my bike weighed and the geometry of the seat to the cranks checked.<span style=""> </span>All was okay.<span style=""> </span>After you enter the start area time goes by pretty quickly and then it was time to get on the ramp.<span style=""> </span>Another count down 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and I was off.<span style=""> </span>I was in the perfect gear off the ramp and got a good spin up with my legs.<span style=""> </span>I settled into my pace and focused on the road ahead.<span style=""> </span>This is my third year doing <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Redlands</st1:place></st1:city> so I knew the course well.<span style=""> </span>I felt more prepared than ever with how I was going to attack it.<span style=""> </span>Up the first climb and I was still feeling good.<span style=""> </span>Through the orange grove section by the freeway which is basically the only flat part of the course I caught and passed my 30 second girl.<span style=""> </span>I had never passed anyone on this course before so that added to my confidence.<span style=""> </span>Now for the big grind to the finish.<span style=""> </span>I turned the corner and hit it as hard as I could.<span style=""> </span>There was less than a kilometer to go so I put it all out there.<span style=""> </span>The climb is pretty steep and your legs and heart scream at you to stop but you know the end is near.<span style=""> </span>With about 400meters to go I was passed by a Webcor rider and a Colavita rider.<span style=""> </span>Ugh!<span style=""> </span>Not bad though for me.<span style=""> </span>I finished in a 13:29.<span style=""> </span>I am 2:19 off of the leader and sitting in 56<sup>th</sup> place out of 99 women.<span style=""> </span>Our Team Vanderkitten did pretty well for today which is great.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tomorrow is a crazy circuit race with tight narrow roads and gravel.<span style=""> </span>Wish me luck!</p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTV8zzFQJdWBhLNzvbSAbGOvoP0woXcTeXrzacQfPhjVQlZOygPFwKcpZ4qU9Qa7pEx1BxQM9qBJHEwsKdtLw5-2xfkAw4fwrgVbgvfJEqrXsAx4EQFr82aVtRHSjM0NA_bMU3zy76bgX/s1600-h/IMG_0148.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTV8zzFQJdWBhLNzvbSAbGOvoP0woXcTeXrzacQfPhjVQlZOygPFwKcpZ4qU9Qa7pEx1BxQM9qBJHEwsKdtLw5-2xfkAw4fwrgVbgvfJEqrXsAx4EQFr82aVtRHSjM0NA_bMU3zy76bgX/s320/IMG_0148.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185242236380260722" border="0" /></a><br />Flavia checking out the road we are going to go down tomorrow.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-58333537203073640482008-03-30T20:10:00.001-07:002008-03-31T08:47:53.065-07:00San Dimas Stage 3 - Old Town Classic Crit!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFd-MufoWxMw2ATMVrlPkaUiNPGVOnLidaH90k0181VkkZNGiOtiQocyNq1miBZKc1ucpLUt68444B5jHzj80nih2qlNr0O6LaoEkzhUBdY1WHunOVD5WHN_mYo5YEHiDoosoix9-hZhyphenhyphen/s1600-h/P3300196.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFd-MufoWxMw2ATMVrlPkaUiNPGVOnLidaH90k0181VkkZNGiOtiQocyNq1miBZKc1ucpLUt68444B5jHzj80nih2qlNr0O6LaoEkzhUBdY1WHunOVD5WHN_mYo5YEHiDoosoix9-hZhyphenhyphen/s320/P3300196.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183738156013070498" border="0" /></a><br />Pre race warm up. X crackin' up and me breathing hard!<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">The final day of the stage race!<span style=""> </span>Oh, before I forget, yes I did get 8<sup>th</sup> yesterday.<span style=""> </span>There was a mix up with riders and this morning before the crit I asked the referees to check the video and I just got pipped at the line.<span style=""> </span>There as a lot going on with me being right next to the barrier and a photographer leaning out right at the finish.<span style=""> </span>Oh well, still top 10 which is good.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I love crits!<span style=""> </span>It had rained in the morning and rained while we were driving to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">San Dimas</st1:place></st1:city> but luckily for our race it was just cold and real windy.<span style=""> </span>After the call ups of the top 10 in GC the whistle blew and off we went.<span style=""> </span>The pace was fast from the start with Highroad hitting it hard.<span style=""> </span>I stayed near the front ready to go with what I could and the one time I was not in great position 2, not 1, 2 Highroad riders went off the front, Kim Anderson and Alex Rhodes.<span style=""> </span>Their gap was not that big and again ValueAct tried to bring it back but the cards were not in their favor again.<span style=""> </span>All I can say is Lara Kroepsch (ValueAct) is a stud.<span style=""> </span>Yesterday she spent all of her time on the front trying to bring the break back and again today.<span style=""> </span>Once the pack realized that they were not going to be reeled back in it became a game of who could bridge.<span style=""> </span>My teammates X and Morgan were all up in the front and for 3 riders we covered every move we could.<span style=""> </span>It was exhausting but we love hard racing.<span style=""> </span>Both Morgan and X got primes which was cool.<span style=""> </span>Lara K. kept attacking and I went with her in hopes that the string between us and the pack would break but not today as the other Highroad riders were very attentive.<span style=""> </span>At one point Morgan got away with a ValueAct rider very casually off the front and X and I were at the front to block but then the pack clued in and they were caught.<span style=""> </span>Too bad!<span style=""> </span>There were a couple of crashes in the race but no SBW riders were involved.<span style=""> </span>It seemed that some cones on turn 5 had a magnet on them as both times riders seemed to dive right for them.</p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKXjXXDGui2Jpk2-RGhnDtpgTtw9ktA2JlgDzOXAesD5pEXTTTwVYummyM3vsmxFqOaoyrd2SmlNHRIxwR3KW8loBAl73-cbh66f3BCdlXwhGAMfi8nZNi-i_8Ns13A4AO7xfsxJLGUNQ/s1600-h/X_at_front.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKXjXXDGui2Jpk2-RGhnDtpgTtw9ktA2JlgDzOXAesD5pEXTTTwVYummyM3vsmxFqOaoyrd2SmlNHRIxwR3KW8loBAl73-cbh66f3BCdlXwhGAMfi8nZNi-i_8Ns13A4AO7xfsxJLGUNQ/s320/X_at_front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183738495315486898" border="0" /></a><br />X at the front working to bring the break back<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Ever since Superweek I am used to riding<span style=""> </span>1 ½ hour crits so when they announced 4 laps to go I was shocked.<span style=""> </span>Now I had to start thinking about the finish.<span style=""> </span>I went to the front of the pack and spent the rest of the 4 laps constantly getting on any wheel that was going faster than the one I was on.<span style=""> </span>Both Morgan and X did a great job of helping me by going to the front and keeping the pace high.<span style=""> </span>When the pace is too slow and the pack bunches up I do not like it.<span style=""> </span>Fast and strung out is the way to be.<span style=""> </span>I was actually in great position (better than I ever have been) sitting 4<sup>th</sup> wheel entering the last turn.<span style=""> </span>Out of the turn I sprinted as fast as I could but with the wind and everything we finished exactly how we came out of the corner and I got 4<sup>th</sup> in the field sprint and 6<sup>th</sup> for the stage because of the two Highroad riders off of the front.<span style=""> </span>Still not the result I was looking for but still top 10.<span style=""> </span>Morgan did an awesome job and finished 8<sup>th</sup>!!!!!!<span style=""> </span>X held on after pulling hard from 2 laps to go for a solid 20<sup>th</sup>? position.<span style=""> </span>She is a stud.<span style=""> </span>Have to check results to get the final on that.<span style=""> </span>All and all I thought us SBW women did a fantastic job and I am very proud of us!!!!!!<span style=""> </span></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJUV98Y9ElOEpgSAOnXuJunTl1XcfLk386Ng10lKelHPOdHnoR-l-aesfupWwSIoRuqMWyGB56_dw5vZjVSi7LYD-3CyXnPsYhJdqQ-UPOHX5ePK8fRm-ChhsxnuJfOYeZpwB1YJEcZeS/s1600-h/JW_finish.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJUV98Y9ElOEpgSAOnXuJunTl1XcfLk386Ng10lKelHPOdHnoR-l-aesfupWwSIoRuqMWyGB56_dw5vZjVSi7LYD-3CyXnPsYhJdqQ-UPOHX5ePK8fRm-ChhsxnuJfOYeZpwB1YJEcZeS/s320/JW_finish.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183739036481366210" border="0" /></a><br />Me throwing at the line to protect my finishing place!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFlZcQS3vFi3OAFJlKSOQnlo_ifzH72PEZ1Zx-p8wCH18Orz5UoQBvCdsfl6ZbAL29nnIoQJPa37bveQcx-1I92EtQrfqOQTfpFm9B0EveWTj0Zou-QWyr7BSusdCK_NsMDYJysQuk-Ns/s1600-h/moho_finish.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFlZcQS3vFi3OAFJlKSOQnlo_ifzH72PEZ1Zx-p8wCH18Orz5UoQBvCdsfl6ZbAL29nnIoQJPa37bveQcx-1I92EtQrfqOQTfpFm9B0EveWTj0Zou-QWyr7BSusdCK_NsMDYJysQuk-Ns/s320/moho_finish.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183739036481366226" border="0" /></a><br />Morgan throwing down a nice 8th place finish!<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Afterwards we hung out to check the official results and watch the podium.<span style=""> </span>Mara Abbott (Team Highroad) gave SBW kudos stating that we rode very well and were strong, especially since we only had 3 riders.<span style=""> </span>It is always great to here things like that when you spend so much time suffering! Almost forgot to mention our overall GC placings - X held onto her 12th place, Morgan moved up to 16th and I moved up to 23rd.<br /></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKK1o5Tz754OwSVfT2sOZtGGffsVd8ynHdWbH-jS-d5SagxQjYh3D_lKBFJVYgIbjjliVVQ6rhQhuUXqOjpgVHqeJe1-IeIwBVBkDV8EW5ICtvpqE1jX3pzV6CtqNm84_U1KXnW66X4nuv/s1600-h/P3300208.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKK1o5Tz754OwSVfT2sOZtGGffsVd8ynHdWbH-jS-d5SagxQjYh3D_lKBFJVYgIbjjliVVQ6rhQhuUXqOjpgVHqeJe1-IeIwBVBkDV8EW5ICtvpqE1jX3pzV6CtqNm84_U1KXnW66X4nuv/s320/P3300208.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183739783805675746" border="0" /></a><br />The glamour of cycling. Post race vaseline removal and changing room!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopyLGwWTtYRfNefLCCDGsfy80MbF26-hu7IQAioLssbnzC7uZduNyEY2tjM_LdXDositv3fsQk7cIUoPW82J4G7Yksc52DO47v3NOdeSK0p6avYoHT5ajJQ49Rh4hItYhqwt1d6LO6l3a/s1600-h/P3300215.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopyLGwWTtYRfNefLCCDGsfy80MbF26-hu7IQAioLssbnzC7uZduNyEY2tjM_LdXDositv3fsQk7cIUoPW82J4G7Yksc52DO47v3NOdeSK0p6avYoHT5ajJQ49Rh4hItYhqwt1d6LO6l3a/s320/P3300215.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183739788100643058" border="0" /></a><br />Intent search on "Jill" for the nearest In n Out Burger!<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Now to rest for three days and get ready for <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Redlands</st1:city></st1:place> which I am so jazzed about.<span style=""> </span>I will be riding for Vanderkitten and am very excited to meet all of the girls and race hard!<span style=""> </span>Check back for updates on <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Redlands</st1:place></st1:city>!<span style=""> </span>Peace out!</p>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-12809903704714650412008-03-29T19:37:00.000-07:002008-03-29T19:52:51.623-07:00San Dimas Stage 2 - San Dimas Hospital Road Race<p class="MsoNormal">Another day another stage.<span style=""> </span>Although it is great to sleep in your own bed the 6am alarm clock hurt this AM.<span style=""> </span>I woke up starving and since we did not have eggs at home on my way to Jenn X’s I have to admit that I stopped off at good old Mickey Ds to get an Egg McMuffin.<span style=""> </span>I know it is bad but I figured with a 56 mile road race those extra calories would be used up.<span style=""> </span>Picked up Jenn and off we drove to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">San Dimas</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>There was cloud coverage on the way out and we noticed that the temperature was hovering around the mid 50s.<span style=""> </span>I actually would have preferred a little warmer.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We parked and went to sign in and gave Morgan and Christen the heads up to where we were parked.<span style=""> </span>The usual pre-race prep was on with determining which clothing to wear weather wise and when to start warming up as they were about 20 minutes late on the start time for the day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At about 10:25am we were off on our journey.<span style=""> </span>With such a high level field I knew the pace would be high from the start and I immediately worked my way up to the front part of the pack. We completed the first lap (7 miles with climbing) in just 20 minutes.<span style=""> </span>The 2<sup>nd</sup> time up the climb was a Queen of the Mountain points sprint.<span style=""> </span>Morgan wanted to try for this jersey and placed herself well up the climb but just missed out.<span style=""> </span>She did a great job as the pace was pretty intense.<span style=""> </span>Myself not being the best of climbers I tried to start every climb at the front of the back and then maintain contact with the group to the top.<span style=""> </span>This was working well for me.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The 3<sup>rd</sup> time through the finish line was the first Sprinters jersey points competition.<span style=""> </span>Game on!<span style=""> </span>From the climb two riders (ValueAct and Team Highroad) had gone up the road in an effort to break from the field for the points.<span style=""> </span>The chase was on and I decided to go for it.<span style=""> </span>You cannot get points unless you are there to get them.<span style=""> </span>We got the two girls and I ended up being in the front too soon and got 5<sup>th</sup> in the competition.<span style=""> </span>No points for me!<span style=""> </span>However, I felt good about taking the chance and going for it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Every other lap there is some type of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">QOM</st1:city></st1:place> (even laps 2,4,6) or Sprinters (3,5,7) competition.<span style=""> </span>Jenn X, Morgan and myself were riding well near the front of the pack during the entire race and it is still a mystery how 2 Highroad riders Kim Anderson and Alex Rhodes got off the front.<span style=""> </span>It appears that they went on the 2<sup>nd</sup> <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">QOM</st1:place></st1:city> on lap 4.<span style=""> </span>Entering the 2<sup>nd</sup> sprint point on lap 5 I was able to get myself in great position and then my teammate Jenn X gave me a great lead out.<span style=""> </span>I misjudged the distance to the finish and was passed by Rachel Tzinberg (Bicycle John’s) at the line.<span style=""> </span>Ugh!!<span style=""> </span>That frustrates me to no end!<span style=""> </span>Afterwards Rachel and I think realized that there were two riders up the road and she got the last points as they only go 3 deep. <span style=""> </span>Bummer for me!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The chase was on now by team ValueAct as they had a rider sitting in 3<sup>rd</sup> place GC.<span style=""> </span>We rode the rest of the laps at a pretty good pace.<span style=""> </span>On the 7<sup>th</sup> time up the climb Mara Abbott (Team Highroad) took off and we did some chasing but she is so fast uphill that she took the 3<sup>rd</sup> place sprint points that were available.<span style=""> </span>At least I was up there ready to sprint again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lap 8, finally!<span style=""> </span>The pace was a little on and off and Morgan took advantage of this and took a flyer off of the front for quite some time.<span style=""> </span>I was so hoping her move would stick but unfortunately the pack was attentive.<span style=""> </span>Rachel motioned to me to have a go and I kind of went with her but was thinking that I really did not want to blow my wad because a field sprint kind of works for me.<span style=""> </span>Off of that move Tracey Kubas (Bicycle John’s) attacked and her and Leah Goldstein (Team ValueAct) went up the road for a bit.<span style=""> </span>Being the last lap the pace was fast and they were eventually caught.<span style=""> </span>It was great to see my teammates up the road and I hustled to try to get to the front again for the last time up the climb.<span style=""> </span>I dropped off the group but was able to fight my way back on the downhill and the flat before the finish.<span style=""> </span>I went straight up the right side and was in pretty good position and then Jenn X went right to the front and drilled it.<span style=""> </span>This time I was patient and sprinted for a 4<sup>th</sup> placing in the bunch sprint and a 7<sup>th</sup> placing overall for the day as there were the 3 other riders up the road.<span style=""> </span>Although I did not accomplish my goal of getting sprint points I felt that I had a pretty good day.<span style=""> </span>Team Highroad is an awesome team with very talented riders (they race in <st1:place st="on">Europe</st1:place>) and considering the pace I feel pretty good overall.<span style=""> </span>My teammates finished 18<sup>th</sup> and 19<sup>th</sup>.<span style=""> </span>Pretty good for three local riders to finish in the top 20!<span style=""> </span>Rock on sistas!<span style=""> </span>We finished the 56 miles in about 2hours and 40 minutes.<span style=""> </span>My computer showed that our average was 21.7mph.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Back home we drove after getting some food.<span style=""> </span>After a good shower I am resting and writing the blog.<span style=""> </span>Next I have to do some laundry and get things ready for tomorrow.<span style=""> </span>Luckily our start time is at 2pm so I can sleep in a bit!<span style=""> </span>Tomorrow is the final day of the stage race and it is a criterium which I love!<span style=""> </span>Wish me luck for tomorrow.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Myself – 7<sup>th</sup> for the road race and now 23<sup>rd</sup> overall in the general classification</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Morgan – 18<sup>th</sup> RR and now 15<sup>th</sup> overall in GC</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jenn X – 19<sup>th</sup> RR and now 12<sup>th</sup> overall in GC</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Christen – 52<sup>nd</sup> RR and 52<sup>nd</sup> in GC – Christen’s chain came off twice again and she is just coming off of an excellent track season (National Jersey in the Scratch Race and medaling in the team pursuit so she picked a doozy of a stage race to do for her first road race back.<span style=""> </span>Kudos to her as she is doing an awesome job!)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyQM8M-CHoAlXvBNY4awYl2iTMUNMPRXd5gVWUbDVxKVHMMFefQDJ7mttJHySp5l3URnPeeZ-hGZPQ8WOJv_8qLp9jqXaBoVMghJgUC3YOiw6ztug-ACGoi19o8c7lHmlDCFikupSPw8K/s1600-h/img_0139.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyQM8M-CHoAlXvBNY4awYl2iTMUNMPRXd5gVWUbDVxKVHMMFefQDJ7mttJHySp5l3URnPeeZ-hGZPQ8WOJv_8qLp9jqXaBoVMghJgUC3YOiw6ztug-ACGoi19o8c7lHmlDCFikupSPw8K/s320/img_0139.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183359107969329298" border="0" /></a></p> Morgan showcasing the Advil needed after a rough day in the saddle.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-55767157707784762942008-03-28T19:26:00.000-07:002008-03-28T19:40:13.901-07:00San Dimas Stage Race 2008 - Stage 1 - Glendora Mountain Road Time Trial<p class="MsoNormal">Spring is here and that means it is stage racing time.<span style=""> </span>Even though San Dimas is a local race and not on the pro circuit a lot of pros participate in it because it is right before Redlands which is next week.<span style=""> </span>The women went off later in the afternoon which was fantastic as I got to sleep in a little bit.<span style=""> </span>What is also great is that we have more SBW riders now that track season is over and it was great to have Christen K. join us today so now we are a squad of 4.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <span style="">It was a typical TT day.<span style=""> </span>Get there, get your registrat</span><span style="">io</span><span style="">n packet wit</span><span style="">h your number, synchronize you watch with the official race clock, pin your number and get on the bike to get war</span><span style="">m.<span style=""> </span>Even though the </span><span style="">effort today will be under 20 minutes a full hour warm up is necessary as it is full throttle once the countdown goes fo</span><span style="">r y</span><span style="">ou.<span style=""> </span>Instead of being </span><span style="">first off today like I was at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Visalia</st1:place></st1:city> I was close to the end of the women with a 2:12:30 start time and last of my tea</span><span style="">m to g</span><span style="">o.<span style=""> </span>Jenn X who </span><span style="">I drove with started 4 minutes ahead of me so we were able to do most of our warm up together which is always </span><span style="">nice.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2VjnLWj4CBq9l50bbVS-gJKy_Q_UF4B28ieUgY2uXG3QL259shn4_06RI8qvwipM95NQ9AXnIhj6Hg9a5EtUd-Y8uozRPr75nlH2atkVeyKHQTSNQ3h0hjx0cHUHAJUeJKo4AEiWdfdp/s1600-h/IMG_0131.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2VjnLWj4CBq9l50bbVS-gJKy_Q_UF4B28ieUgY2uXG3QL259shn4_06RI8qvwipM95NQ9AXnIhj6Hg9a5EtUd-Y8uozRPr75nlH2atkVeyKHQTSNQ3h0hjx0cHUHAJUeJKo4AEiWdfdp/s320/IMG_0131.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182985170936670306" border="0" /></a><br />Bad picture of our view while warming up.<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Off to the start line I went to line up behind the best climber signed up for the race, Mara Abbot (Team Highroad).<span style=""> </span>I knew she would be a good carrot if I could just keep her in my sites.<span style=""> </span>Off she went and I was next 30 seconds later.<span style=""> </span>5, 4 3, 2, 1 and off I went.<span style=""> </span>The first part of the TT is a false flat for about 500meters and I went as hard as I could knowing that it would help my overall time.<span style=""> </span>I could see Mara up the road however once she turned to start the climb off she went.<span style=""> </span>I still pushed on hard attacking the climb every chance I could get.<span style=""> </span>My heart rate started to go up and after 1 mile I was in the 200 bpm area and over.<span style=""> </span>I was in and out of the saddle trying to maximize every ounce of power I could get.<span style=""> </span>The wind started to pick up which is always bad and I tried to get smaller on the bike and use the hillside to try and block it by hugging the side of the road.<span style=""> </span>Luckily living in the valley I am no stranger to wind.<span style=""> </span>I kept pushing on and all of a sudden I was at mile 2 and everything was pounding, heart, legs, etc.<span style=""> </span>I think mile 2 to mile 3 hurt the most and seemed to take forever.<span style=""> </span>I kept trying to get my legs to turn the pedals over faster and faster and if the gradient let up a little to shift and push a bigger gear.<span style=""> </span>The total climb is 3.8 miles and with .8 of a mile to go I thought my lungs were going to pop out of my chest.<span style=""> </span>With about 500 meters to go an old teammate of mine, Sandra Kolb was on the side of the road and she was very encouraging letting me know there were a couple more turns and then the finish.<span style=""> </span>I pushed the pedals as fast as I could go and when I saw the blue tent of the finish line I stood up to sprint as fast as I could to the line.<span style=""> </span>My legs had nothing left in them and it was all I had to stay on the bike.<span style=""> </span>I finished in an 18:20:00 almost a complete minute faster than last year.<span style=""> </span>Yeah!<span style=""> </span>My teammates rode awesome times and here are our placings after day 1:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jennifer Reither (Jenn X) – 17:33:56 - 12<sup>th</sup> place (Rockin”)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Morgan Kapp – 17:54:15 - 16<sup>th</sup> place</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Myself – 18:20:00 – 29<sup>th</sup> place</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Christen King – 19:20:19 – 50<sup>th</sup> place (she had a chain mishap)</p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBnbnoxrNJm_96jNys1ccbRd-e5Ktr0mieVzes9hjsDnpwNGpcgLIp16YT7c9NpYjSPIbfn-ZlQfS3F8Iz-fGyIweAEgvRJ0n4vCqiaq4CQ8hrSwQjxeFLK11uWCd45hDxDENI1k6Mv_U/s1600-h/IMG_0133.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBnbnoxrNJm_96jNys1ccbRd-e5Ktr0mieVzes9hjsDnpwNGpcgLIp16YT7c9NpYjSPIbfn-ZlQfS3F8Iz-fGyIweAEgvRJ0n4vCqiaq4CQ8hrSwQjxeFLK11uWCd45hDxDENI1k6Mv_U/s320/IMG_0133.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182985986980456562" border="0" /></a><br />The "Cuban Missile" Ivan Domiguez on a cool down ride form Toyota United<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKio89WvDqdBMradHTEmYBNUylNtUZqt6xNFQmsOM9yF0z6VMKbxYNAdMM4GMhWAUMhkpfr-VYlu60UafWJSYxkuTGC31rj58WkYz7xqq1XkQnvPVvBcbdDIg29U0mOkPOkUV97vhXhRVL/s1600-h/img_0134.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKio89WvDqdBMradHTEmYBNUylNtUZqt6xNFQmsOM9yF0z6VMKbxYNAdMM4GMhWAUMhkpfr-VYlu60UafWJSYxkuTGC31rj58WkYz7xqq1XkQnvPVvBcbdDIg29U0mOkPOkUV97vhXhRVL/s320/img_0134.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182985991275423874" border="0" /></a><br />Jenn X showing off her Crocs in another classic X outfit<br /><p class="MsoNormal">Check back tomorrow for an update on the road race.<span style=""> </span>8 laps around <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Bonelli</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place> totaling 56 miles!</p>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857789728373745967.post-36770382929233489142008-03-22T16:10:00.000-07:002008-03-22T16:18:03.971-07:00Scooter!<p class="MsoNormal">I picked up my scooter today!<span style=""> </span>It is so beautiful.<span style=""> </span>I woke up early and went on my bike ride and the weather was gorgeous although a little windy in the north end of the valley but then when is it not.<span style=""> </span>Came home, showered and off we went to Noho to pick it up.<span style=""> </span>It was all ready sitting right in the front of the showroom with a SOLD sign on it.<span style=""> </span>Love it!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After all the paperwork I got the low down on all (ha ha) of its functions.<span style=""> </span>Since I had to drive it home from Noho all the way to West Hills I drove it around the side streets from the dealer to at least get used to it before hitting the busier roads.<span style=""> </span>It took me just a little bit of time to get used to the throttle and how it handled in the turns.<span style=""> </span>Once I felt comfortable off we went home.<span style=""> </span>Grant followed me in the car which was nice to know at least I had someone on the road on my side.<span style=""> </span>I went down Magnolia as far as it could go before getting on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Ventura Blvd.</st1:address></st1:street><span style=""> </span>The ride home was not too bad.<span style=""> </span>I am already programmed to look way down the road for hazards and just assume that everyone will be doing something stupid which is usually the case.<span style=""> </span>It appears that my speedo may be off as I was indicating 35mph to 40mph and Grant said I was doing 28mph.<span style=""> </span>I’ll have to look into this.<span style=""> </span>Anyway, I had a blast riding it!<span style=""> </span>Zoom, Zoom!<span style=""> </span>Oh, I purchased a personalized plate, “CiaoAmi”.<span style=""> </span>Since you have to say ciao on a scooter and it is the Saint Tropez which is French I felt it was appropriate.<span style=""> </span>Here are some photos of the scooter!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdwDCJDqULsY1wYvq8YyX_OvZvUV9cXM4d315eEZYi13BNiZArylEYjeVgWc0IOKxyItcQCjsOfnI2-yYKwIFZaWIxigrYxlE8UV7t0f8ggNRUFv1uqRDdynwq35SQg0kHIxHCS9p43kG/s1600-h/IMG_0123.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdwDCJDqULsY1wYvq8YyX_OvZvUV9cXM4d315eEZYi13BNiZArylEYjeVgWc0IOKxyItcQCjsOfnI2-yYKwIFZaWIxigrYxlE8UV7t0f8ggNRUFv1uqRDdynwq35SQg0kHIxHCS9p43kG/s320/IMG_0123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180708662176131122" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">The side view!</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBIPysrpaOW1g7NbbzbKP5plUAEPFWk5vvvxCWjHOTD8TEuNv4uY9ukf9IelwbhtKUUvu1BLGYl-QqzttE0EP6xCyKJTqK7Vpz_MmoumJ4PP4a49zhkHydl6NgfP8A3OOh6N8pAhTDz_C/s1600-h/img_0125.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBIPysrpaOW1g7NbbzbKP5plUAEPFWk5vvvxCWjHOTD8TEuNv4uY9ukf9IelwbhtKUUvu1BLGYl-QqzttE0EP6xCyKJTqK7Vpz_MmoumJ4PP4a49zhkHydl6NgfP8A3OOh6N8pAhTDz_C/s320/img_0125.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180708670766065730" border="0" /></a><br />Me on my ride!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPZMgw3naax3zueOr4KZ0HnkJfPfT9nUfGes1bK9mdZIiqwCjadbD8CS3Zl57b8fK0PNJtSSjgduqayypjGVa8eK2M7DDsZbVe7Q3hDqWH7TckU8bjhLXdULk3y7NXjQuTAA2tuBXZ-18/s1600-h/IMG_0129.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPZMgw3naax3zueOr4KZ0HnkJfPfT9nUfGes1bK9mdZIiqwCjadbD8CS3Zl57b8fK0PNJtSSjgduqayypjGVa8eK2M7DDsZbVe7Q3hDqWH7TckU8bjhLXdULk3y7NXjQuTAA2tuBXZ-18/s320/IMG_0129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180708670766065746" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The scooter company's logo.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239375554619085888noreply@blogger.com3