tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230043268023706682024-02-19T05:21:57.765-08:00A Galaxy of FrecklesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823004326802370668.post-55058038454969503152012-07-18T08:03:00.000-07:002012-07-18T08:03:42.190-07:00USA Cycling XC Nationals<br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nationals… a
race I’d been looking forward to, really, since I <i>left</i> Nationals in July of 2011. Last year, despite the best efforts
to plan and organize, my trip came unbuttoned then back together after some
unexpected events thanks to the kindness of others. This year was going to be
different. This year, I’d fly <i>WITH</i> my
bike so as not to lose it somewhere in the western part of the country. This
year, I’d have the support of my husband and our friends. Honestly, I was giddy
with excitement and anticipation once the school year ended and I could focus on getting ready. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’d raced
two NUE’s in the Spring, so after my last hundred miler at Mohican on June 2<sup>nd</sup>,
I’d planned to focus on speed and tempo work during the month of June. By the
end of June, I was feeling exhausted, so I took about 4 days off from
regular training. It pained me not to get out on those gorgeous, June days, but
I knew my body was crying out for a bit of rest. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On July 3<sup>rd</sup>,
we flew out to Utah and drove up to Ketchum, Idaho all in one day. 19 hours and
1 speeding ticket later, we arrived at our condo where we’d stay for the week.
The air was crisp, clean and was filled with scent of the fresh pine that was
all around us. I couldn’t have been happier to be there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the next
few days we took advantage of the numerous trail systems that Ketchum had to
offer and tried to suck every last drop out of the amazing riding that beautiful
place boasted of. The air was thin, and our legs burned, but it didn’t seem to
matter. Carving our way up those mountains through wildflowers, butterflies and
backdrops of snow covered peaks, then ripping down the dusty trails gave us all
the motivation we needed to forget the pain of the altitude. By Friday I said
to Ron, “I’m not sure if I’m just used to feeling poorly, or if I’m actually
acclimating a bit…” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By race day
we’d pre-ridden our courses and were ready to go. The Cat 1/Singlespeed course
was 1 lap with a 6.5 mile climb in the beginning. It hurt to pre-ride but the
views were stunning and the downhills were ripping fast. Fun! Ron pulled off an
incredible finish despite not feeling his best. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That
afternoon, after a solid warm up, I lined up with the nation’s top female
riders. This year I’d moved up a bit with the 2<sup>nd</sup> to last call up.
Yes, <i>progress</i>!! There was something unspeakably inspiring about lining up (albeit
several rows back) with the women who are representing the U.S. at the Olympics
this year. What an honor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The race
started with a sprint to get in a good position before hitting the single track
that led to that first, killer climb. Ten seconds into the start, there was a
crash in front of me that I was able to navigate my way around. 2<sup>nd</sup>
to last call ups have their benefits! I made a couple of passes through the
rocky single track and started my first of those five climbs. Words, pictures,
even video clips do not do this climb justice. It is easily the hardest climb I’ve
raced. In fact, while we were pre-riding Ron looked over at me and said, “I
cannot believe you voluntarily flew back here to race this course.” It’s a
gravel road, straight up the ski slope that takes the majority of each lap
time. For me, it was about 12-15 minutes per climb and I actually tipped over
in my granny gear on the pre-ride because I didn’t keep my cadence high enough. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKfmRyS0uOlHawIv1eKbz92BKOM4esBNqQ8mUqaI-KAnuE1ocUfqUUCnnXLhHcLNXBAlDTzk5oWqMXsyuvF7ETOBZfWRiEkNMztT5US9Rj7aLTpPbqOWG5dslGolvhdhmnxL9LJtzqfw/s1600/323202_396829687031729_1037449063_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKfmRyS0uOlHawIv1eKbz92BKOM4esBNqQ8mUqaI-KAnuE1ocUfqUUCnnXLhHcLNXBAlDTzk5oWqMXsyuvF7ETOBZfWRiEkNMztT5US9Rj7aLTpPbqOWG5dslGolvhdhmnxL9LJtzqfw/s320/323202_396829687031729_1037449063_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo by Spoken Chain</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZxLAVK92-2nYCaObx5nB0hXFxDh1dDROzXRkJAtlhg9NVLIx14tHl_yHqgQQ2COQ4ZYCnRoy2h16IRKaegTQYesu8NTuioqJBTZPnWR8ilbmwUYwsDwLvs4zjmLrQmLroln8zjEo3Wo/s1600/169390_396829823698382_1613726764_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZxLAVK92-2nYCaObx5nB0hXFxDh1dDROzXRkJAtlhg9NVLIx14tHl_yHqgQQ2COQ4ZYCnRoy2h16IRKaegTQYesu8NTuioqJBTZPnWR8ilbmwUYwsDwLvs4zjmLrQmLroln8zjEo3Wo/s320/169390_396829823698382_1613726764_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo by Spoken Chain</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUon-4iXHOFuWKEvPoqE__CsXBcB07LI1y2DIpbWpbD4YFzoUI4uJ5EGxSIjsLZv3myD_aa_OVPZVKCP0YjhSYiITJulhyphenhyphenDXaSVBtclA8bt0GEUZLff5Tnt2oXcfrc8mQ2lEhY8aVcOI/s1600/177728_396829760365055_1331056234_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUon-4iXHOFuWKEvPoqE__CsXBcB07LI1y2DIpbWpbD4YFzoUI4uJ5EGxSIjsLZv3myD_aa_OVPZVKCP0YjhSYiITJulhyphenhyphenDXaSVBtclA8bt0GEUZLff5Tnt2oXcfrc8mQ2lEhY8aVcOI/s320/177728_396829760365055_1331056234_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo by Spoken Chain<br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back to the race… once I made it into the switchback downhill section, I tried
to focus on my breathing, drink, and take the descents as quickly as possible.
This seemed to work well and I made another pass or two. I pushed hard, tried
to stay focused and appreciated the encouragement greatly from Ron in the pit
and Mike, Ali and Mark on the climb throughout each lap. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;">By the last climb, I
was cooked. I didn’t know if I had it within me to get up it without walking
for a bit. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;">I’d seen some others dismount
which made it all the more tempting. A sweet, older gentleman looked me
directly in the eyes, smiled and said with great confidence, “You KNOW you can
do this.” Right then, I made my mind up and pushed through the burning to get
to the top one last time without dismounting. It was a small, yet positive
victory.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo by Spoken Chain</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;">I finished
19</span><sup style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"> that day and was elated with a top 20 finish at Nationals. As I
flashed back to last year and compared the two races, I knew I’d ridden
stronger and with much more confidence this year. More importantly, I had so. much.
Fun!</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just as I’ve
been drafting this particular post, the same message has come to me twice from
different friends. It seems so appropriate to close with. It states, “Your best
is always good enough, because it comes from you, and you are always good
enough.” –Madisyn Taylor <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know
without question, I gave XC Nationals my best this year, and I will never
forget the memories made in Idaho and Utah, all of which I’m so thankful for. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823004326802370668.post-83701166132699065442012-06-25T08:19:00.000-07:002012-06-25T08:26:05.198-07:00Guy's Neshaminy XC<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Neshaminy is one of those races I'm just never sure about. I blame that on my last couple years there. Simply put, it's not gone well for me at this particular venue. But, I see every year as a new opportunity, and I'm ready to head back and give my all. Such was the case yesterday, though the past couple years' experiences were definitely doing their best to haunt me. We got to the venue, kitted up and headed out for a pre-ride to check out the course. I felt good and thought only positive thoughts about the day ahead throughout that pre-ride. Shortly after warming up, we lined up and were off. It was hot, but didn't feel worse than the heat at Mohican and certainly not 12 hrs. of Granogue. Once off the line we shot into the woods. Kristin, myself and Selene lined up following a Moda-Bikemagic racer who took the lead into the woods. We stayed behind her for a bit, but were able to pass her up the first main climb. We didn't see her again. From that point on, we stayed in tow together for awhile. Selene and I switched places, then switched again, and Kristin pulled away. During the 2nd lap it hit me. The burning that crept into my legs toward the end of the first lap was now in full effect and I could no longer ignore it nor kick it. I tried slowing up a bit, drinking as much as possible, but I couldn't seem to work it out and get the legs moving. Before I knew it, my stomach and back followed suit, cramping up and I was fighting the dnf demons. Don't do it, keep pushing, finish the race. Repeat. For the remainder of the race, I did my best to get out of my head and enjoy the tight, twisty trails, and the fun technical aspects of the course. I definitely looked over my shoulder once or twice knowing my heavy legs weren't doing me any favors getting me to the finish line as fast as I'd hoped. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron, handing me a bottle after his hard crash/DNF. (Photo by Jennifer Sears)</td></tr>
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In the end, I was happy I'd finished. Though I'd wanted to personally best the past years' times and experiences there, I had to accept I just didn't have it yesterday. It's tempting to give up on those harder days, but I really believe it's more important to push through and give it my all just as I would on a good day. I'm not sure what happened yesterday and how pinpoint why I'd felt great during the warm up and not so during the race, but these days happen and it'll fuel the fire for my next race. </div>
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As a side note, I couldn't be more proud of my incredible teammates who each had a great race! I've viewed it as such a privilege to line up and race with such strong, accomplished women this season and look forward to many races ahead.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht89iB_S3_ZEyY56_RcXWuG58xL6Nzy1tCuEKxjioOR2aa0G0u1VobrRnLLgqdThlzwhGVGLrrZEygq8_bG-bSupGfqdRAkz47OkYBCOefCtKj3Iq8awPZzSDEa_PbRr_CM0ipK_rp3mE/s1600/Neshaminy+Podium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht89iB_S3_ZEyY56_RcXWuG58xL6Nzy1tCuEKxjioOR2aa0G0u1VobrRnLLgqdThlzwhGVGLrrZEygq8_bG-bSupGfqdRAkz47OkYBCOefCtKj3Iq8awPZzSDEa_PbRr_CM0ipK_rp3mE/s320/Neshaminy+Podium.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women's Pro/Cat 1 Podium (Photo by Jennifer Sears)</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Next up, nationals in Sun Valley, Idaho!</span></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823004326802370668.post-72403164410509599632012-05-24T06:51:00.001-07:002012-05-24T06:52:19.930-07:00Syllamos Revenge 125K<br />
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On May 17th after months of training, Ron and I packed the
car and headed south for our first ever <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/nue-series-announces-the-2012-schedule" target="_blank">NUE</a> race, the Syllamos Revenge 125K.
The race was said to be mostly single track and very technical. Perfect, coming
from PA, we love the rocks. After 19 hours on the road, we pulled into Mountain
View, Arkansas, checked into a cozy B&B, registered and headed off to check
out a section of the race trails. We pre-rode one of the most technical
sections that afternoon, and we found the trails to be flowy and enjoyable but
definitely technical as described. I knew we were in for a great day ahead.<br />
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Before I knew it, the next morning had come, and I was standing on the start
line bright and early in a valley of the Ozarks. The hours and months of
training all seemed to lead up to this moment, and I was ready to put it all to
the test. In an instant, we shot off the line and up the mile climb into the
single track. My goals for the day continued to be in the forefront of my
thoughts as I started the race and as the hours ticked on that day. I had hoped
to ride a steady, consistent pace, maintain the right caloric intake and simply
have fun as I was learning what the NUE was all about. The day was sunny and
very hot, but with the right amount of fluids, the heat did not seem to be an
issue as it sometimes is.<br />
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The time passed quickly that morning, and I found a rhythm that worked well
through the technical sections, the climbs and the descents. I had
conversations with other racers and if my attention started to wander, I
quickly reminded myself of my goals for the day. I enjoyed the beauty of the
Ozarks and worked toward each aid station, toward the next set of cold bottles.
That little detail meant so much during this first, hot race of the season. <br />
<br />
Finally, after 8 hours, my time at Syllamos was coming to an end. The course
finished out on a rocky, flowy section of single track through a burnt pine
forest. The sun beat down through those trees, and I was ready to cross that
finish line. When I hit the last downhill, I couldn't have been happier, and I
crossed the line to the tune of Ron's whistles and cheers. I heard the
announcer from Cycling News state my name and place, 4th in the women's open!
Elated, I got off my bike, and hugged Ron who had also had an amazing first
endurance race that day with a 2<sup>nd</sup> place finish in his SS class and
5<sup>th</sup> overall. It was certainly a hard effort, a memorable race, and a
trip that will not soon be forgotten.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAkC3DTDEc3GIoUucui7v-LeY0B4x7CFvnx8YX4_9ji-s1S40ZJo67UOdrWlBV-Ri-dhXMP87kK00LJTNI_KXTvs6-mWJDNK_T_Zqw07-nlgWtq_eRCZvUkTydrpPFHv1vEVfaHaF57Y/s1600/Syllamos+Revenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAkC3DTDEc3GIoUucui7v-LeY0B4x7CFvnx8YX4_9ji-s1S40ZJo67UOdrWlBV-Ri-dhXMP87kK00LJTNI_KXTvs6-mWJDNK_T_Zqw07-nlgWtq_eRCZvUkTydrpPFHv1vEVfaHaF57Y/s320/Syllamos+Revenge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to teammate Mark Drogalis for the photo!</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823004326802370668.post-16136846186148277142012-05-22T11:49:00.001-07:002012-05-22T12:56:26.439-07:00On The RocksMany years ago, I threw a leg over my first hand-me-down mountain bike
(26" steel KHS) and hit the trails in French Creek State Park with my
then boyfriend, now husband, Ron. French Creek is a lush forest with
solid climbs and descents, well known for its relentless, yet fun rocky
trails. While it certainly wasn't the easiest of places to learn to ride
cross country, it did quickly teach me to let go of my fear and build
on my technical ability. We frequented French Creek through the snowy
winters and hot summers, and I learned to love the challenge those
trails brought with each ride. My memories are fond of the early days
when I learned to weave my way through those tricky rocks.<br />
<br />
Each year when the French Creek race comes up in the <a href="http://masuperseries.com/" target="_blank">Mid-Atlantic Super Series</a>, I look forward to it and know it will be a challenge. This
year, the race was put on by <a href="http://www.trestlebridgeracing.com/" target="_blank">Trestle Bridge Racing</a> and the course, in
my opinion, has never been so fun since I've raced. I lined up on
Saturday afternoon amongst many other women including 3 of my new CF
teammates, and the four of us charged into the woods leading the race.
Feeling much better than I felt the week before at the Iron Hill
Challenge, I tried to maintain a solid, steady pace while riding on the
caboose of what many called our CF train that day. By the second lap I
was sitting in 3rd and feeling great while exchanging encouraging words
with my fellow teammate. Finally, by the third lap I took 2nd, though it
was short lived as I jammed my crank into an unseen rock and shot off
my bike like Superman. This seems to my preferred method of falling off
the bike these days. I quickly gathered myself, picked up my bike and
noticed my handlebar was crooked and right brake lever was twisted,
though I figured with just about 7 miles left, I'd focus on my wheel
rather than the bar & brakes and ride it out. Back in 3rd I finished
out the race and was greeted with cheers and hugs from fellow teammates
and racers. The day couldn't have been more beautiful, and I went home
that evening with another great memory of French Creek and riding "On the Rocks".<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing up - http://www.pjfreemanphotography.com/MountainBikeRacing-2/MASS-MTB-series</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCerAIMBuj8eo93LSwvrpwbzvgbKB_rwLjaQdJvu-j8NoW0IcogXmR-_fcz8Vseh9y2tLHswqeRwQpBvttWXp2rPQYlRCHWwyuKNAv5Q-ejGzBhp8SnuW0VTPwyGpR4Hk9B-kaD27VCR4/s1600/FC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCerAIMBuj8eo93LSwvrpwbzvgbKB_rwLjaQdJvu-j8NoW0IcogXmR-_fcz8Vseh9y2tLHswqeRwQpBvttWXp2rPQYlRCHWwyuKNAv5Q-ejGzBhp8SnuW0VTPwyGpR4Hk9B-kaD27VCR4/s320/FC.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great day for the ladies of CF. - http://www.pjfreemanphotography.com/MountainBikeRacing-2/MASS-MTB-series</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823004326802370668.post-85545989628393734082012-01-17T13:05:00.000-08:002012-01-17T13:05:59.617-08:00Looking Ahead2012 has brought about some exciting changes... <br />
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1. Racing for Team CF Elite <br />
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2. Becoming a <a href="http://www.athleta.net/chi/featured-athletes/" target="_blank">2012 Athleta Sponsored Athlete</a><br />
<br />
3. Completing my Master's in Educational Leadership (this Spring... <i>finally</i>!!)<br />
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Needless to say, I'm filled to the brim with giddiness and excitement right now. Over the last few years of studying hard and training harder, I've been thankful to accomplish many personal goals. As I look to the year ahead and strive to achieve new goals, I'm filled with expectancy and hope for all that 2012 holds. Racing in the NUE, racing 2012 XC Nationals, hosting an event at <a href="http://athleta.gap.com/customerService/info.do?cid=74089" target="_blank">Philly's Athleta</a>, blogging for Athleta, and meeting career goals in teaching only name a few. Many of you have reached out to show love. You guys are the best, and I'm so thankful for your support! Feeling incredibly blessed these days...<br />
<br />
Cheers to great New Year!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nationals, Sun Valley, ID - Can't wait to go back!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823004326802370668.post-56127486957733862432011-10-17T18:42:00.000-07:002011-10-17T18:44:05.499-07:00Something NewCross. I've avoided it for at least 2 years now. Two years ago this month, Ron entered his first cross race, Beacon, in New Jersey. Sure, it was fun to spectate, but I had no interest in racing. The single track on my mountain bike was all I craved, I loved it and I had no desire to try anything new at the time. Last year, Ron raced again, this time at Nittany and Granogue. Again, spectating proved fun, the races looked enjoyable for those that were into cross, but I was focused on mountain biking.<br />
<br />
This year? Well, this year I'm giving some new things a go. As mentioned in my previous blog, it's the off season. It's time to kick back and enjoy some of the old mixed with some of the new. Running and climbing are my old standby's, and I truly enjoy each one. The new? A little cross, and hopefully a local trip or two with <a href="http://www.hardtales.blogspot.com/">Kim </a>for some ice climbing this winter.<br />
<br />
Day 1 of Granogue came early this past Saturday morning. My alarm went off at 6:30 and I hit the snooze. I laid in bed wondering what the day held, what I was getting myself into. Ron and I had races several hours apart, so we decided I'd head down the first day alone. It was a little nerve racking, but thanks to some great teammates and friends that were there that morning, my nerves were quickly settled. I warmed up, took a couple of laps on the course between races, pitted my mountain bike and lined up for the B race. Dennis from Wooden Wheels was so kind to let me borrow his pit bike to race, but I hadn't had the chance to ride it last week, and Friday night when Ron went to fit me on it, it turned out to be slightly too big. So I raced Ron's Motobecane and put my Niner in the pit. Thanks again Dennis!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dennis Smith Photography pbase.com<br />
Not so sure yet about cross yet...</td></tr>
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The race had a quick road start and I had no idea what to expect. I had never ridden a cross bike, let alone raced one, so my nerves definitely kicked back in, but I was determined to see what it was all about and just have some fun. A couple of laps in, I slid down a hill, dropped my chain, quickly pulled myself together and jumped back on. Shortly after I felt my ankle hitting my crank and noticed my crank arm was about to fall off. I made it to the pit, well, <i>past </i>the pit and was told I could run backward to the entrance and pick up my mtb. Phew. I jumped on that thinking it would be a good familiar feel, but I found it felt heavy and squishy... not quite was I hoping for to finish this race well.<br />
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Did I have fun that day? It was undeniably a fun course, but my head wasn't in it. I was too uncertain of what to expect. I headed home to PA, picked up Ron and we headed back down to watch some friends kill it in the women's elite race before his race at 4. Back at Granogue some friends congratulated me on 6th. Huh, did they say <i>6th</i>? I was surprised and really happy. Not a bad way to start.<br />
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I decided I'd ask for permission to bump up to the elite race the next day. With my UCI license I was able to no problem, and I found myself with those familiar pre-race jitters the night before. Kristin (my new teammate on CF!!) was so sweet to hand off her sick carbon race bike to me for Sunday's race. Much lighter indeed. Dennis from Wooden Wheels offered to pit for me and I felt ready to go! Prior to the race, Nikki (my other new teammate and great friend!!) led me around the course and watched me clumsily dismount and remount my bike.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTywSzSdN30gKhWbfWNuLSQPWlVlib-wWtsq1bAUtgweFLSVkqB4ZtIKpEfEAcybJcNL__lEjMWuLUlluAHdPqVy8yjVsZEdBO3nMEPEpiAtdeZ8AZu61mgm1uOj1rkPUNSvqIMua1_U/s1600/Cross+3+dismount.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTywSzSdN30gKhWbfWNuLSQPWlVlib-wWtsq1bAUtgweFLSVkqB4ZtIKpEfEAcybJcNL__lEjMWuLUlluAHdPqVy8yjVsZEdBO3nMEPEpiAtdeZ8AZu61mgm1uOj1rkPUNSvqIMua1_U/s320/Cross+3+dismount.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><br />
Dennis showed me how the pit worked, <a href="http://www.thesweethammer.blogspot.com/">Vicki </a>and I chatted about what the day might hold, and Carolyn (another friend and new CF teammate!) made sure I was running the right tire pressure. Vicki and I were both starting in the back of the pack as we're so new to this. It was nice to have a familiar friend there with me at the start. 1:55 came quickly and before we knew it the race started, <i>my first UCI cross race</i>!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWIYSvpx4Y4mWQBw0dZJJYjnkozmsQ3HwgoRlnezmOZKf951y95o0SR6JYDN8rYQbfk1W_QH1gtYm5D6BHx9rAYyINWAWiIvCr6WEckVMSUITvXDSVbD70JB9uI3A30fdVvD8nMVUYCo/s1600/Cross+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWIYSvpx4Y4mWQBw0dZJJYjnkozmsQ3HwgoRlnezmOZKf951y95o0SR6JYDN8rYQbfk1W_QH1gtYm5D6BHx9rAYyINWAWiIvCr6WEckVMSUITvXDSVbD70JB9uI3A30fdVvD8nMVUYCo/s320/Cross+1.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><br />
Wow, I couldn't believe how quick the start was. I cautiously proceeded, hit the grass and started to pick my way through racers as I was able to. Mentally, 40 minutes seems short compared to the 2+ hour mountain bike races, right? Sure, until you realize it feels like you're starting, full speed the entire 40 minutes. Yikes. Slowly I made my way up and I heard friends cheering out, "16th, Kathleen! 15th! Keep it up, keep picking those girls off! She's right in front of you, go get her!!!" It was awesome, cross is so much more spectator friendly and those cheers are a tremendous help and support during that intense effort! Kristin's carbon ride felt great and though the tubular wheels were new to me, I was able to use what I've learned in mountain biking to take the corners and downhills as fast as I could. The remounts? That's another story. I lost so much time just getting back on my bike, getting my feet jammed in my pedals. I couldn't believe how difficult that simple task proved to be. It cost me several seconds each time. In fact in the cyclingdirt <a href="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/240328-Granogue-Cross-2011/video/510652-Granogue-Day-2-Elite-Women">video</a>, I run by the camera ready to remount, and down below you can see several girls who got back on no problem, with no sign of me before the video cuts out. Must work on the remount.<br />
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I worked hard the whole race, pushed up the hills, shouldered my bike (ugly as it was) where I could to save some time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Z4WrqhTDozDrQN2MZaXymcTTk_jSOdnCYSWRuhLHWs8T-4i9Sx_OIRm6vRtKfU5PWxMvp4U0TOyERa8-Lswe-zenPRlce4E7vNm6AiXLWAxwMrUA_Do_g7G3viSTEo18nk2JPXK-Gvk/s1600/Cross+6+shoulder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Z4WrqhTDozDrQN2MZaXymcTTk_jSOdnCYSWRuhLHWs8T-4i9Sx_OIRm6vRtKfU5PWxMvp4U0TOyERa8-Lswe-zenPRlce4E7vNm6AiXLWAxwMrUA_Do_g7G3viSTEo18nk2JPXK-Gvk/s320/Cross+6+shoulder.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><br />
I was in the red for most of the race, but I wanted to hold my spot and keep pushing forward. At the end, I lost two places right at the end, one in a sprint finish and ended up 13th out of 32!! <a href="http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/10/cyclocross/2011-granogue-cross-results-day-2-women_195691">http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/10/cyclocross/2011-granogue-cross-results-day-2-women_195691</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnBuNzXvZKjvXeQUVVh5UYUPeGYrM7xZhCR2WW1YZUON7oo5MpVvXxQm1KLkuJ_eyEOvEFpY4JOCd_YW1daiV9fNcZkPuoc6m2bWur-4gVmveJvYEB6ufztNhub8V-hL-fygpfblMhTE/s1600/Cross+7+uphill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnBuNzXvZKjvXeQUVVh5UYUPeGYrM7xZhCR2WW1YZUON7oo5MpVvXxQm1KLkuJ_eyEOvEFpY4JOCd_YW1daiV9fNcZkPuoc6m2bWur-4gVmveJvYEB6ufztNhub8V-hL-fygpfblMhTE/s320/Cross+7+uphill.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
A day later, Ron and I find ourselves watching the <a href="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/240328-Granogue-Cross-2011">coverage </a>on cyclingdirt.org and looking at friends' photos of the race, <i>craving more cross</i>. Oddly, I find myself daydreaming about the race and<i> more cross</i>. Being so different from mountain biking, I never knew it would be so fun. Kim always says, "Cross is Boss," and Vicki says it's addictive. Now I know exactly what they're talking about. Nikki has asked me to travel a bit, and I find myself tempted to take her up on it. I don't know what cross holds for me in the future, but I do know, I couldn't have picked a better race. Granogue was put on by an incredible group of people and the courses didn't disappoint. I'm really enjoying the something old this off season, definitely mixed with the something new.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVdzoKBqjgM7i5eA80qFjD1e1c9BPcEsORDoE7UjZDq0d5y9DE8BaPP8ymF990HSEex2cn14ilHfiwwnF7XEM2WkeBdkqmEbDd86uHM08YipEhO2ZP-6mBzXhhJj9nZC2G4Si_C5wLKw/s1600/rON.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVdzoKBqjgM7i5eA80qFjD1e1c9BPcEsORDoE7UjZDq0d5y9DE8BaPP8ymF990HSEex2cn14ilHfiwwnF7XEM2WkeBdkqmEbDd86uHM08YipEhO2ZP-6mBzXhhJj9nZC2G4Si_C5wLKw/s320/rON.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron, picking people off, flying up the climb on Day 2.<br />
Photos by Mike Campbell<br />
Thanks Campbell!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823004326802370668.post-21755313951404703742011-10-11T08:58:00.000-07:002011-10-11T08:58:28.302-07:00The Off SeasonAfter 6 months of racing, the end of September is welcomed with its shorter days, colorful changes and a huge exhale after a hard and exciting season of competition on my mountain bike. It's a time to look back and reflect on what I learned as a racer, how I grew, and what I look forward to for next year. It's time to enjoy fall rides mixed with climbing and running. It's time to rest.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2am5OCAfZ7xD3d_289zPJJmhVStTdGQ2aBQNCyBpMn9TNSJXYO42VJbxqF0KKunWpYhyphenhyphen4hHfAv_8Bc_60u9mvgc7O_KqJjf5DUTQSBz5M9aiGgt9RiOyw9Up3ydnrg34soKnc1S3Cjrw/s1600/Fall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2am5OCAfZ7xD3d_289zPJJmhVStTdGQ2aBQNCyBpMn9TNSJXYO42VJbxqF0KKunWpYhyphenhyphen4hHfAv_8Bc_60u9mvgc7O_KqJjf5DUTQSBz5M9aiGgt9RiOyw9Up3ydnrg34soKnc1S3Cjrw/s320/Fall.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Looking back over the 2011 season, I feel fulfilled and excited after experiencing so many incredible races in different places on such varied terrain. We traveled from West Virginia to New York, and even to Idaho for my first ever PRO XCT race in the Sun Valley National Championships. To have finished that race alone was a huge personal victory! It was a great season filled with many memories that I will honestly never forget.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2htuU2p-DlhAHY-89jgH0oM6gXQORbmeKLmcny-oU4CiKGNmqRZ3EMGvjzrmiv6QIBQHXwyPwomZ_W1oT9ozZDj1qVLsFoE0n6h6hVfyp0XpIYOgIMGPNwTVey9Dw3Bo-025lj7MkO0/s1600/Group+shot+-+KPerna.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2htuU2p-DlhAHY-89jgH0oM6gXQORbmeKLmcny-oU4CiKGNmqRZ3EMGvjzrmiv6QIBQHXwyPwomZ_W1oT9ozZDj1qVLsFoE0n6h6hVfyp0XpIYOgIMGPNwTVey9Dw3Bo-025lj7MkO0/s320/Group+shot+-+KPerna.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from KPDS</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The end of September also brings our annual trip to East Burke, Vermont with some of our closest friends where we sleep under the stars, sit by campfires, and enjoy long days of riding on some of Vermont's finest trails in the Northeast Kingdom. There's no better way to end the season, and it's something I'll look forward to each year for years and years to come. We couldn't ask for a better group to share that time with...<br />
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<span id="goog_1663188594"></span><span id="goog_1663188595"></span><br />
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So what's next? This past summer I received my USAC Pro license and could not be happier to have been offered a spot with the elite riders on <a href="http://teamcf.org/">Team CF </a>for the 2012 season! They are an incredibly talented group of riders with years of experience, and I respect each of them greatly. I plan to race several more races in the PRO XCT tour and hope to make it to Mellow Johnny's in Texas, Ute Valley in Colorado, Mt. Morris in Wisconsin, and I wouldn't want to miss the 2012 National Championship back in Sun Valley, ID. I'm also hoping to try a couple of the longer races, hopefully in the NUE. After October, training starts and I'm excited to work with a coach for the first time ever! I look forward to snowy rides, long weekends on the road and fun nights of climbing in the gym. The winter can often be long and intense in PA, but with the anticipation of next season and so many fun events mixed into the interim, it'll be a great few months.<br />
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For now, I'll enjoy the rest and all the joy that comes with the off season.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823004326802370668.post-29517678454068789622011-09-16T12:35:00.000-07:002011-09-21T10:30:19.081-07:00Coal Cracker Classic<div class="im">"Someone <i>must </i>blog about this race." As I crossed the finish line of Sunday's Coal Cracker Classic in Tamaqua, PA I was filled with a mixture of disbelief, relief, and a bit of pain from a pretty classic endo I took earlier in the race. I caught the glance of a teammate, and words were not exchanged, we just shrugged our shoulders, shook our heads and began to laugh. </div>We weren't sure what to expect when we headed north to our second to last 2011 MASS race on Sunday. It was a course with new trails and pre-riding was forbidden as part of the race was on private property. We got up there, set up the tent, kitted up and head<span style="color: black;">ed</span> out for a warm-up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVkKhHA-bYtf_81MwOtxG2P8Q5AKeoc1Zdcxeoz-_C2LQh90zpQ5iVlJEibAdzh77BSjayxvqkQa6ZTfVVuUaxfLYlQWP461Mxq57jWT1Qme8g-nsrl5_jZjp1Uu_s7RB2fTjz0F05Mc/s1600/Kit+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVkKhHA-bYtf_81MwOtxG2P8Q5AKeoc1Zdcxeoz-_C2LQh90zpQ5iVlJEibAdzh77BSjayxvqkQa6ZTfVVuUaxfLYlQWP461Mxq57jWT1Qme8g-nsrl5_jZjp1Uu_s7RB2fTjz0F05Mc/s320/Kit+up.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Ron, Mike O. and I headed down the hill into town, up the initial hill (street) climb and into the woods where the trails began. We continued riding uphill for the next half mile or so before we turned back and headed down to see the finish area. As soon as we got there we knew something was up. Most of the sport riders were gathered in a large group, confused and frustrated. As it turned out, some of Tamaqua's finest locals removed some of the race signs in an attempt to be funny. Many sport riders were lost and their races ended early that day. CCC's race director gave them an option to race another lap later that morning. <br />
<div class="im"><br />
We rode back to the tent and shared the update with our teammates. I put my phone in a plastic baggy for the first race ever, threw it in my jersey pocket, and decided I would make a go of it. Our course was different than the sport course. We had a 1 lap, 20 mile loop to complete. We'd heard that none of the expert signs were removed, but I had my phone just in case I found myself in no-man's land for a few hours.</div><div class="im"></div><div class="im"></div><div class="im"></div><div class="im"></div><div class="im"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RCwl2wr2WrAojiM9WHRi5-YJZ8VrSW5QKbUcLEnuxLcnld8OmHdP_uVe42CUq58J-8cYbkzlPSHkYCihDVgUetjck8l7npe3GkZLmRGe2t0JHENDulmBsuf-zaios8OicEY9QWGMBXc/s1600/Street+Climb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RCwl2wr2WrAojiM9WHRi5-YJZ8VrSW5QKbUcLEnuxLcnld8OmHdP_uVe42CUq58J-8cYbkzlPSHkYCihDVgUetjck8l7npe3GkZLmRGe2t0JHENDulmBsuf-zaios8OicEY9QWGMBXc/s320/Street+Climb.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="im"><br />
</div>At the start, we climbed for awhile before hitting the new trails that traversed the ridge. After the record breaking rainy week we'd had with flooding, the trails were loose, technical and made it tough to get into a rhythm. I'd never been so happy to see a dirt road section in a mountain bike race. After a lengthy section of smooth dirt road, we headed back into the woods for several more miles.<br />
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The rocks reminded me of Michaux, but many of the ascents were too steep and filled with boulders to ride, and the descents were loose and gnarly. I exchanged comments with a couple of guys about how exciting it was at <span style="color: black;">one </span>point to be on the bike for even a 15 second period. One replied that he'd never walked so much during a race. I agreed and found out later many of the elite men/women felt the same. After an endo on a rock face, some bottom bracket destroying puddles and more hike<span style="color: red;">-</span>a<span style="color: red;">-</span>bike action than I've yet to experience, the race came to a close at around the 2.5 hour mark. I was so happy to hear those cowbells and cheers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYA_6vMGoCUgbVCG8Q6DW4XuwCPGtNiJaYXROm6MIPlGg1B80xvsIEqRwk1PgsQ4I5gKH6ReFKKZ14RXzOG3hn29s5Io_Fgx2gTKepknbJj8_wZbR7vyS44h4Doi863TVFz8LNAnb8skA/s1600/Finish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYA_6vMGoCUgbVCG8Q6DW4XuwCPGtNiJaYXROm6MIPlGg1B80xvsIEqRwk1PgsQ4I5gKH6ReFKKZ14RXzOG3hn29s5Io_Fgx2gTKepknbJj8_wZbR7vyS44h4Doi863TVFz8LNAnb8skA/s320/Finish.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CCC photos courtesy of Mike Campbell</td></tr>
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As I looked around and listened to the conversation of the expert/elite riders, I found that we were all basically on the same page. It was great to check out some new trails, but nothing could have prepared us for that much time off the bike, grunting out several miles with our bikes above our heads. We all came out of there with some classic stories and unforgettable race memories. <br />
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Hats off to all who competed in this year's Coal Cracker Classic. Next year? That's yet to be determined.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823004326802370668.post-68191696460558469062011-07-25T10:11:00.000-07:002011-07-27T06:45:36.633-07:00National Championship, Sun Valley, IdahoIt was the weekend of a lifetime, one I will never forget...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3ljaxJssgp33kEITBgFtyGCD4xuLe2_paLuwIn26dgVkLr9xxJ3YC9BGBCGjd4W6UtSb-ewPEYyr3UFxzZFzt5Sk7H-hJe7vpIBmZOVourIJO_v-r4T-Z1bHV7KAeW8q4AmqzS5WShI/s1600/DSC_0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3ljaxJssgp33kEITBgFtyGCD4xuLe2_paLuwIn26dgVkLr9xxJ3YC9BGBCGjd4W6UtSb-ewPEYyr3UFxzZFzt5Sk7H-hJe7vpIBmZOVourIJO_v-r4T-Z1bHV7KAeW8q4AmqzS5WShI/s320/DSC_0234.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><br />
Rewind... A week and a half before the race I shipped my bike to Salt Lake City, to this <a href="http://www.slcbike.com/">fancy shop</a>. I was pumped, I talked to the owner who was so kind and planned to build my bike and have it ready upon my Thursday arrival. The plan was to take my tent, pick up my bike and drive from Salt Lake to Sun Valley, a little 5 hour drive similar to our frequent journeys to southern Vermont. Sometimes things don't go as planned.<br />
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The day before I was set to fly out, I learned my bike was on a truck "<i>somewhere in Illinois</i>". I couldn't believe it, I had no idea what to ride for the race. So, I consulted SLC Bike Company again and they were willing to have a bike ready for me to race. It was a size smaller, but it was a bike and they were incredibly generous in their offer. After our Wednesday group ride, I sent out a Facebook message to ask our (awesome) biking community for any possible connections in Utah or Idaho. It was my last plea and attempt to get a bike that might fit better for my most important race to date. The response was tremendous and overwhelming. Within 10 minutes I had emails, messages and phone calls from friends old and new who wanted to help. It honestly gives me the chills. We are so lucky to be a part of such an incredible community of cyclists.<br />
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Ali and Mark Flis who I had only met once offered to take me in, give me a place to crash in Salt Lake, and fit me on Ali's Cannondale Flash. Again, I was overwhelmed and so grateful for their willingness to help me, someone they barely knew! We quickly became friends, and I can't wait to see them again. What an awesome couple.<br />
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Once in Sun Valley I pre rode the course and called <a href="http://teamcf.org/author/cpopovic/">Carolyn</a> who so kindly offered me a place to stay with her friends from Utah. They took me in and I felt instantly at home. Such a great group of people! It was so great to spend that time with them and especially with Carolyn. We all ate meals together, raced together and rode some of the beautiful, local trails the day after the race in Sun Valley. It was an amazing weekend, and I can't thank each of them enough for making it so memorable!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Vl8IzwkNFxwOW9hJCPlRtOzo3S0g_QFvlakw9wUcXQRP17zigBNffZRTpXARECu6wf39HoKYbkGQgtNqdyH4LvVipwvGlm1bvUiMHM6J9Vu4GJkPU6WgfeJPEiZVqjlWP2vy_sAAi34/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Vl8IzwkNFxwOW9hJCPlRtOzo3S0g_QFvlakw9wUcXQRP17zigBNffZRTpXARECu6wf39HoKYbkGQgtNqdyH4LvVipwvGlm1bvUiMHM6J9Vu4GJkPU6WgfeJPEiZVqjlWP2vy_sAAi34/s320/IMG_0031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Driving to the race I talked with encouraging friends & family and most importantly my husband who believes in me 100%. I knew they were all praying for me and couldn't wait to see how I'd perform. I was more nervous and excited than I had ever been. My hands were shaking on the wheel. I got there, warmed up and got to the start line about ten minutes prior to the start. Once the call-ups started, it hit me. <i>You are about to line up with (behind) :) the top professional female riders of our nation</i>! The course was on a ski slope and started with ~1 mile climb, followed by a switch backed downhill and a rock garden or two before climbing again. We'd race 5 laps total.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptLTNveLCVybdjAUOu4O2hDVW0-w4oD1uBOPsSh-Oi7b2YkGSIpKGsZw1cziKyUFQS2VhYXnMlT9Kazztku3NfqSUE_igP8kfQAmxFoN66vabAlJPJtVZRWXAa8Yhxb1j0rAfzQJdkfw/s1600/Spoken+Chain+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptLTNveLCVybdjAUOu4O2hDVW0-w4oD1uBOPsSh-Oi7b2YkGSIpKGsZw1cziKyUFQS2VhYXnMlT9Kazztku3NfqSUE_igP8kfQAmxFoN66vabAlJPJtVZRWXAa8Yhxb1j0rAfzQJdkfw/s320/Spoken+Chain+Photo.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Spoken Chain</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7R9siZkb_jwi-DEdHK178-0cUenzApQVMQdeCliSTdo8dBTxj-p8ZaDbKYZp20wJJQJK2nyy3FWej3Knqud7zOkkexo98jYjxvTXKbzH5opObnC7gFPBieoCCatHOuDVMPHJd0DL-XQ/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7R9siZkb_jwi-DEdHK178-0cUenzApQVMQdeCliSTdo8dBTxj-p8ZaDbKYZp20wJJQJK2nyy3FWej3Knqud7zOkkexo98jYjxvTXKbzH5opObnC7gFPBieoCCatHOuDVMPHJd0DL-XQ/s320/IMG_0014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRNDT3sfmUWnxVBvvq_c52r74z3b8l3x14hdBuliFayuJcX0e_TJuBtu57JUEuurAxcpnAjZ3l2YtJ8s_mxlsvKZ9SUIaXK7MtqQFd23p20M_zWZQ9MSeFG_z9iYee3aUEOkalSnc23U/s1600/Courtesy+K.+Miller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRNDT3sfmUWnxVBvvq_c52r74z3b8l3x14hdBuliFayuJcX0e_TJuBtu57JUEuurAxcpnAjZ3l2YtJ8s_mxlsvKZ9SUIaXK7MtqQFd23p20M_zWZQ9MSeFG_z9iYee3aUEOkalSnc23U/s320/Courtesy+K.+Miller.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Kyle Miller</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks to the advice of a new friend out there, I started off moderately, knowing I was not used to the elevation, and I needed to maintain a consistent pace and energy for all 5 climbs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHjzHAoOG5EEqoHOT12dQORKk5bAkXDRSVhQ8yy30N-oEWPaGd9N_I4upvqM3RRvAyK-il-OZCUXa3z9p2w9kPzeZtC382ldPAL9Gc7T2UdRKc6VXW0ZVgzuHHjVKFAGmLBOIv6wSzlY/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHjzHAoOG5EEqoHOT12dQORKk5bAkXDRSVhQ8yy30N-oEWPaGd9N_I4upvqM3RRvAyK-il-OZCUXa3z9p2w9kPzeZtC382ldPAL9Gc7T2UdRKc6VXW0ZVgzuHHjVKFAGmLBOIv6wSzlY/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I followed that plan and felt pretty good considering. I refused to get off my bike on the climbs, mainly so I could say I never got off my bike for the climbs. :) It was a small personal victory. On the 3rd lap I started to feel much more comfortable with the terrain. The west is such a different place with dusty switchbacks and exposure unlike anything you see on the east coast. I dropped my chain in the rock garden, and got a bit sick, but kept plugging along. I just wanted to finish without getting pulled or lapped. On the fifth lap I was so happy I was almost teary thinking about it. I met my goal... I <i>finished </i>the race, didn't get lapped and didn't get pulled like some of the other girls. The race is under my belt and it feels so good. I can't wait for next year (with Ron) already! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The weekend came and went and Monday I was back in Salt Lake with Ali and Mark. It was great to see them after the weekend and catch up on all that happened. Monday morning I went out for a solo ride in Park City, UT before my 2:15pm flight. Chad from Ogden drew me a map, gave me directions and sent me on a great ride. I was so happy to get that in before flying out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uFa2fGhfpOFGR2SdXQ25jmgidPzNQlJYu9KxY74nT6OQDnyAbruHTWoeRV3Z4iL7OvbL4JKKK1BegRSeL1HEBxw5SHcqEmZH_Xol4P47MAMrNfngRnESNZyK-aajNpa7QtiNn4I7p9s/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uFa2fGhfpOFGR2SdXQ25jmgidPzNQlJYu9KxY74nT6OQDnyAbruHTWoeRV3Z4iL7OvbL4JKKK1BegRSeL1HEBxw5SHcqEmZH_Xol4P47MAMrNfngRnESNZyK-aajNpa7QtiNn4I7p9s/s320/IMG_0076.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Park City, UT</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7xaQ82H1SjE545aLQIJw3IBMiXp3ytKZOVr0NcjLOeXYJJoietzKuOqvOCKQ8EYvtzMKhNbk6x2CSxGH-bpDcAH1Bz2jETf481RatT9glNxfIMyvi7gJ5sfERhOylUPbwuvflxcAKlo/s1600/IMG_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7xaQ82H1SjE545aLQIJw3IBMiXp3ytKZOVr0NcjLOeXYJJoietzKuOqvOCKQ8EYvtzMKhNbk6x2CSxGH-bpDcAH1Bz2jETf481RatT9glNxfIMyvi7gJ5sfERhOylUPbwuvflxcAKlo/s320/IMG_0079.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out to Park City, UT from the trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sometimes things don't go as planned, but they may turn out better than expected. I will never forget this weekend... truly, the trip of a lifetime.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun Valley, ID</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823004326802370668.post-35665039942775125932011-06-29T07:26:00.000-07:002012-01-18T05:12:12.616-08:00Home trails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I never tire of rides along our home trails. Summer days, fall afternoons, winter nights and fresh spring mornings are spent in these woods year after year. Sometimes rides are solo and quiet, sometimes they're spent with friends. This unique, wooded trail system is filled with rocks, roots, off camber log overs, spunky climbs and technical downhills. These trails have taught me to be a better rider. They've made me faster, stronger and given me more passion for the sport I love... Laughter, tears, curses, and stories have been shared along these trails. Friendships have been forged that will never be forgotten. I never tire of these trails.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNscEUPPaWvVOpup5FRtLngQcYI6_JnuAeu54dtIlLdsfhQS_h4clk7t4Bsegwa2TI8DUE5dMjpQ2lHYr5zXVqvdBvCW2joAySQ_P3NbpUDRxX8qyflfb9FmAKSy2xIb7hNq_kYyiKPPo/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNscEUPPaWvVOpup5FRtLngQcYI6_JnuAeu54dtIlLdsfhQS_h4clk7t4Bsegwa2TI8DUE5dMjpQ2lHYr5zXVqvdBvCW2joAySQ_P3NbpUDRxX8qyflfb9FmAKSy2xIb7hNq_kYyiKPPo/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bud's Memorial spot in HH</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823004326802370668.post-20398080692310933942011-06-14T11:46:00.000-07:002011-10-21T09:50:36.921-07:00For us, West Virginia's Big Bear 2X12 was...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wdGBsJiASl3R_eViD3BVJdtTyikIn1B_7BLo046dO4OX6hyYGU0XvTgqkjsp8elnb3k-HEhrEaoLHmSkIuaUQHiy0AjnPUfc6O9_tmBWWjE3V-_6lCUkC8RGKNERfPdfbGl-aDwwVsI/s1600/Big+Bear.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wdGBsJiASl3R_eViD3BVJdtTyikIn1B_7BLo046dO4OX6hyYGU0XvTgqkjsp8elnb3k-HEhrEaoLHmSkIuaUQHiy0AjnPUfc6O9_tmBWWjE3V-_6lCUkC8RGKNERfPdfbGl-aDwwVsI/s320/Big+Bear.bmp.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Solo_Goat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
...driving through the mountains as the sun sunk behind<br />
...finding out there was free camping with hot showers right at the start of the course (score!)<br />
...pre riding the course, mostly in the dark with one light (because, why not?)<br />
...eating summer sausage and cheddar for our pre-race meal <br />
...braving the thunderstorm, crazy winds, and torrential downpours in our trusty two-man tent<br />
...finding a diner in the morning with WonderBread french toast (yikes)<br />
...racing as a coed duo on a 13 (not 12, what?) mile lap course (meh, no biggie)<br />
...pushing hard to each do our part<br />
...subsisting on Coke, cookies, and Hammer during the race<br />
...crashing hard twice (me) and getting a mechanical (Ron)<br />
...pushing forward hard to make up the time<br />
...twisting and turning our way through the 3rd best pine tree section I've ever ridden (1st and 2nd include Webs and Old Webs in the Kingdom Trails of course)<br />
...placing 3rd with my incredible teammate <br />
...meeting our awesome competition and making new friends <br />
...considering the Stoopid for a little more fun and a lot more pain<br />
...turning the car to get Mexican instead and call it a weekend<br />
...watching the sun sink again behind the green rolling mountains and fog filled valleys<br />
...a weekend with priceless memoriesUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823004326802370668.post-86251401526560904632011-06-02T10:15:00.000-07:002011-06-02T10:27:14.670-07:00The first post...and so it begins. The story of a girl whose parents placed her on her first, banana seated (pink) bike at age 6. Nestled in the countryside in neighborhood between two farms, riding was fun, riding was exciting, riding was vital. As a teenager, my father placed me on my mother's road bike and our 20 mile rides were long and tiresome, yet exhilarating. In college my then boyfriend, now husband gave me a lifetime gift and placed me on my first ever mountain bike. The passion that developed for mountain biking as we wound our way through the Pennsylvania woods, over the Pennnsylvania rocks, and up and over Vermont's Green Mountain range remains unmatched. 25 years after sitting on that first pink bike, I stand on many a start line humbled and thrilled by the professional, elite women competing at my side. This is the story of that girl, who fondly looks back on the many rides past and with great anticipation looks forward to the numerous roads and trails she has yet to discover.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0