Sometimes you’re Jens - and sometimes you’re Cadel.

Which is not to say that finishing the TdF with a broken arm is for wimps. It’s just not the same as crashing so hard that you destroy your bike, then borrowing a child’s bike to chase back into the race with broken ribs, and later suggesting that broken ribs are “over-rated“.

And after Jens did that? He likened the TdF to that one time when Conan the Barbarian and a lone friend are surrounded by an entire army and Conan says: “Dang - it’s going to take days to kill all these people!”

I was more anxious than a broke-armed Cadel at the Firecracker pre-ride. I worried about everything from catching the men when they bottle-necked at the first drop, to dust on the trail.

But - on Sunday - I had an really, really great race. I finally had that race that I’ve been looking for since the day I started racing - when the singletrack is not the whole world because the ride is - and the wind is at your back. I had a great time.

I think some of the credit goes to a fun course, our great team mechanic Wilhelm, and switching my XR2 rear tire from “action” to “traction” mode.

I was sorry to miss the Border Battle but Jared hooked me up with some great interviews for the race report.  I wonder if I would have battled the heat more than MN?

Been mostly off the bike the last few weeks - then did a sweet surprise century day this weekend with first Jen and then Matt.  It was Jen’s first road ride more than 50 miles, and she killed it!  I felt so lucky to be able to give her a tour of our gorgeous biking west of town.  Then we went out for another 50+.  Matt is nice enough to ride his Top Fuel with big tires when we attack the hills west of Blue Mounds together.  Total lack of the ‘proper’ - or any? - training should mean that the Ramble will be interesting.

Meanwhile, I’ve come to admit that I just don’t like August.  The fall-like weather we’ve been having this week is my idea of ideal and I’m back to loving life.  I’m eagerly looking forward to cold fall rides, XC skiing and riding my bike in so many layers of coats that I hit Narnia before I can get in the shower after a ride.  Maybe Wisconsin is getting to me.

Once again, I’m overdue for an update here.

Sunburst: 5th place. Patti K really made me work for it, and so did my asthma. I had to take the inhaler after a moderate pre-lap on Saturday, and was out of breath from the asthma and jumpy from the inhaler for the entire Learn to Race Clinic. I did a great job of demonstrating exactly what happens when you panic in a tight, grassy switchback and touch your front brake - right after I had explained that this is exactly what you should not do! My front wheel swept underneath me and I ended up sprawled on my stomach lookin’ pretty silly, and bumped my knee so good that I still have a bruise.

During the race I felt pretty rough on the climbs, and my breathing was an issue from GO. I thought often of dropping out, but decided to stick with it. A big reason to stay in was that I was able to race with another lady. Patti was with me every inch of that race, and really made it hurt on the climbs and in the open. I tried to take the lead each lap on the big climb, thinking I could get away, but it hurt alot and she kept closing the gap after the top. On the last lap, she led up the singletrack and I tried to rest, knowing by then that my lungs would give me maybe a few hard minutes - and no more. I just barely got ahead of her on the last lap and stretched out the gap. Although I hated (and loved) every minute of it, it was great to be pushed so hard, and I hope she comes out again!

Subaru Cup: I don’t know what place. Honestly - and I don’t think I’ll look. A lot of philosophical moments in this one, and here’s my tip for you: the number of philosophical moments in a race is positively correlated with sucking.

After dropping out last year with my first-ever asthma attack, I was keeping a positive attitude about the heat and the humidity. I really enjoy the course, and I really wanted to finish. The start was a little odd for me, and I was waxing philosophical about asthma and how “this must be what it’s like for the boys if you have a bad start” - i.e., a lot of waiting and passing in the first lap.

Then Andrea M and I crashed in the little rock garden by Fern Gully. It was such an ugly crash that the women behind us paused in concern. I was certain at first that I’d broken the same rib I cracked two years ago. I was beneath her and I remember turning from the rock that was impaling my ribs to see her rising up off the end of my handlebar with a terrible look of pain and surprise on her face. We both felt like total crap, and I think we were both scared by the crash - but I think that look made me more scared for Andrea than I was for myself.

We got back on our bikes. My ribs were killing me and so was me knee, although as Bruce pointed out - it did look badass with all the blood. Thanks Bruce! Way to SuperFan!

And then the race sucked a lot for a little while. I couldn’t pedal. I had no power, I couldn’t breath, and it hurt. I got passed again and again, but mostly it just hurt.

This just shows how little I actually “race”; I decided that there was no chance in such a short contest - like less than and hour and 20 - that I was going to earn back many of the spots I had lost, especially with no pedaling-power. So, I settled in and decided that I was going to enjoy myself while I tried to finish.

And I did! I totally had a wonderful, fun last lap. It was like riding at the Kettles, only way more fun, and once I finished - I was so happy that I had. And that it was over! I hope that is my worst race - ever. I may never look at that finish, but I think - as sappy as this truly is - that it was kind of a win.

After the crash, my ribs were bruised and weird but the knee was the real problem. It’s hurt for two weeks, and I still feel like my power is low. I considered not racing the Short Track, but I was on Cloud-9 for Don and WORS after the Pro race seemed to go so well, and I figured “What the hell.”

I’m glad I raced. With no significant climbing, I don’t think the course suited me super-great, and my knee hurt like a mother - but it was over pretty quickly and man was it cool to be cheered on by my peeps at WORS and Georgia Gould too. I can’t remember if I got 5th or 6th, but I was surprised by that, especially given that damned knee.

And to continue harping on about the knee, it is still hurting me. Like, keeping me up at night hurting. You look at the picture and it’s a whimpy little scrape, but I’ve been riding a little and I feel slooow and powerless. So, I’m not sure about Eau Claire, but I’m really looking forward to the fun trails and who knows - that’s racing.

Lastly, and because no one is still reading this run-on post - I’m not exactly saying that I think Adam Craig is super rad for actually having a smart-ass conversation with us while he was riding through some technical singletrack during the Pro XCT - but I did notice this quote:

“Nice work, Sam, and in front of the best crowd we’ve seen at a National Series race in years. The last Switch Back climb and Yee Haw descent of each lap was packed with cheering fans from all walks of life. There were the families, the drunk singlespeeders and the stoked junior racers. I told the most stoked junior to come find me for a reward of some type. All I could think of were the size medium Giro test gloves I raced in.” Adam Craig, Robo Bank Giant

I did not know that you could SuperFan for items of clothing - but ladies - if we work together next year - think of the possibilities. Just sayin.

Thanks to WORS Photographer Danny Marchewka for the photo!

Really liking the new job + lots of work for the upcoming Subaru Cup + beautiful weather = zero updates since April. In fact, I should be writing a WORS race report right now. So, here’s a quick one by the numbers:

Iola. 6th. 11 seconds behind 5th.
Crystal Lake. 6th. 23 seconds behind 5th.
Big Ring Classic. 4th. 48 second behind 3rd.

Bottom line? I need to chase that lady ahead of me, because she’s getting away.

The new team has been great this year.

Abby’s undefeated, and Matt just stepped on to the podium for the first time with a 5th place finish. It was a little weird to have to interview him about his race for the race reports.

Last Saturday we set out early to mark the course for the WORS Women Spring Fling. It all started in Waukesha; the ‘Fling’ was as a silly idea at Sonia’s birthday party this winter. Somehow, it became an event with almost 40 women planning to attend from as far away as Rhinelander and Chicago. That was largely due to the efforts of several WORS Women - including Sonia, Kate Heil, Regina, Kelli and myself - and the support of WORS Don and Wheel & Sprocket Delafield. I think what ended up happening was much bigger than any of that.

This event really amazed me. Ladies who had never raced their bike came out. Ladies who had never ridden on dirt came out. Ladies who had never heard of WORS came out. Daughters and mothers and grandmothers came out together. The entire running field cut the course together and we all got DQ’d. Russell yelled “COMP leader” at me on every lap. Carlitos learned to honk the car horn. I got smoked in the tricycle beat down races. It really cheered me up.

WORS Women Spring Fling at Lapham Peak from Team WORS on Vimeo.

Matt and I joined C.O.R.P. on Sunday morning at Cam Rock Area 3 for some trail building fun.  It was a beautiful day, and with 30 people under the direction of trail-boss Chuck we had alot of fun in the dirt.  Afterwards, Matt and I set up the demo tent.  We were busy all afternoon.  A good day.

Trek Team Trail work & Demo day from velocorapture on Vimeo.

…never the H8TR.

1st Loser. That’s the result of my second stab at it. The three D’s of my 2010 H8TR:

Dénouement Next thing I knew, Katie was going in the wrong direction. She was 5 feet ahead and I yelled as loud as I could “Katie! Right Katie, Right!” She stopped, turned around, and gave me the most classic “WHAT???!!!!” look I’ve ever seen.

The boys behind me were also yelling and pointing now, and we all hit the pavement together. There were 5-6 people behind me.  We crossed Seminole, and I went.  As fast as possible.  I was expecting her to chase back up with Cale in the mile+ remaining.  I think she didn’t chase.  I was sorry that we didn’t get to sprint it out, and I ended up heading through the sandpit with some of the guys, and that was that.

Drafting While the result was the same as last year, the pace was faster and the drafting was better. This time, I came prepared with a cross bike and a friend or two. Mr Walls was also out to take the air that morning, and he was kind enough to specifically take the air directly in front of me. As predicted, it was drafting effort for us ladies too, and we all worked with the boys to tough it out.

Dammit Russell! Poor Russell suffered a sudden loss of leg-power when faced with the prospect of a girl-fight showdown. But he toughed it out to fight again.

And, two M’s:  Matt did great. Many thanks to djonnymac.

And to his Dad, because DJon seems to have inherited a gift for sharing the kitten-worthy bikeness.

I just updated his ringtone.

When Fabian Calls ringtone 700 Kb

And speaking of good men, I’ll have the H8TR report up soonish. Big shout out to Rick Walls.

The first week of Spring Break, in the books.

Spring Break 2010 from velocorapture on Vimeo.

Front side of Wayah, Gun show at Tsali, Junaluska, Back side of Wayah, Stecoah Gap, Cherohala and more Tsali: just over 300 miles in the mountains. It’s been beautiful. I especially enjoyed Back side of Wayah on Monday with the Brazen Dropouts, and Cherohala. I was happy to summit about 5 minutes behind Holly and D-train, and 5-10 ahead of Kelly E.

The sunshine has arrived, so I don’t know if I’ll see the road bike again this trip. The Top Fuel is making me really happy on the trails. Looking forward to the singletrack waiting for us back in WI.

Because we’re soon to repeat this trip for spring training camp in NC.

Friday the 13th from velocorapture on Vimeo.

First day of Spring Break training camp with UW Cycling

early spring riding from velocorapture on Vimeo.

Claire and T6B at LEB from velocorapture on Vimeo.

I race for Twin Six. I like racing for T6!

So… Does anybody know the protocol on talking smack to your Sponsor? Because I might have gotten myself into trouble…

It started out innocent. I was drinking coffee and thinking about taking my new MTB for a ride.

Say What?! Oh No He Didn’t! p.s. “lil girls bike”? Count yourself lucky if you never say that to my competition.

Sonia and I went for a ride in the hills near Waterloo on Sunday. The turkeys out there are pretty, and Sonia is a lady of many talents - including charisma that extends to peafowl.

That’s the name of the song. And was the name of the game: dropped and dropped again. I had a very nice time in very fine company and thanks to Sparky for the photos.

p.s.

The slicks came back this week and so did the pain box.

So… I’m a rational, patient person. If you’re feeling me, then we both know what that means. It means that I’m just as irrational and impatient as everyone else, but I have trouble admitting it.  And I’m lucky to have Matt to help me with the biking goodness, but sometimes I take his good name in vain. It’s Matt who keeps our bikes clean and shifting all year round. I pay him in unlimited back and leg rubs. This is a good system because neither one of us can figure out who’s getting the better deal. And because Matt is knowledgeable and a tinkerer - every once in a while he kinda, sorta forgets to tell me about something he has changed on my bike or with my equipment.

And then I demonstrate how patient and rational I am.

For example. That one time when I went downstairs to the bike cave - all suited up with cape and everything - and the bike I intended to ride had no wheels. No wheels! Anywhere in the house.

Dangit Matt!

Or last month, when I was going to ride outside in 6 degree weather and I discovered 10 minutes before the ride that my winter boots had no cleats! The cleats?! They were gone???!! DOUBLE GOSH DANGIT MATT!!!

THE DIRTY CLEAT THIEF

So, when he called me at Ray’s in Cleveland and told me not to freak out because he’d changed something on my bike - it was kind of a tense moment for both of us. I didn’t ask him if it still had wheels, but - you know? Then I got home, and this is what I found:

ALL NEW DURA-ACE on my road bike

Dangit Matt - YOU ARE AWESOME!

p.s.

That was the pace.

Back at it today

p.s. Thanks Mom!!

p.s.

We had a great time at Ray’s Angel’s Women’s Weekend.

Not sure what was most momentous about our meeting with Ray, but I’m going to have to go with the fact that Regina VOLUNTEERED to hand Ray the 10-year Cheddar I’d brought him from Wisconsin. Regina + Cheese. Just sayin’.

What I lack in height I make up for in wanting to get there. I am obsessed.

Busted. Night riding the rhythm jumps.

Night riding at the pump track. That’s kinda difficult to see, but it was just like this:

Valentine’s for Her: “Get out of jail free” pass to bring the nasty bike inside, instead of washing it out in the cold.

Valentine’s for Him: That mess will be out of his shower by the time he gets off the trainer after work.

It was 11 degrees before windchill when we started out, and so I thought our Jens Factor might finally rise above a 4. However, it was sunny and gorgeous out.

We did meet an Ugg factor of 4+ on the bike path during passing time. I had to use the jelly bell.

A cool lady who will be racing Elite in 2010 Facebooked me last week to ask for training tips (hi Kate!). “Umm… err… enjoy riding your bike?” I didn’t have much. Alot of people talk about training plans, and I know what they say. But, I’ve never followed a plan except for the above, and so I can’t speak from much experience. I got to thinking, though - and I know some stuff. So imma post my mega-helpful, claire-tested tips here from time to time. Fun!

OK. Winter training tip #1 - French Onion Soup.

Research says that an appetizer of soup reduces calorie intake during a subsequent meal. I studied obesity and feeding behavior for 10 years and I know the guys who ran these studies - but I never bothered to try this until a) crap! I am officially old and b) racing weight doesn’t happen by itself.

It works great. It’s 30 calories per cup. If you have your soup between 10 and 20 minutes ahead of a meal, you’ll notice your deliciousness to calorie ratio* has gone up. This works especially well on those occasions when you stumble into the kitchen and you’re so hungry you are about to gnaw off your own arm. Soup = good.

*I’ll explain this more fully when I have the graph finished. Abby knows what’s up.

My head’s a little sore after the Friday night’s winter training plan.

Two of those were mine. Two. Eisphyres.

We’re lucky to have the rad friend back over to help us ride it off.

Sufferefest!

I’m heading down to racing weight. With our spring trip only 49 days, 4 hours, 43 minutes and 12 seconds away, I’m feeling pretty motivated. Since I have a research background in the area, I’m a hater on most diet books, but I enjoyed Racing Weight and thought it was useful. I like the recipes, too. The banana pancake one is especially good. So good that I added it to the recipe collection. Now that I’ve made a stock of the dry ingredients in a mix, it takes me less than 7 minutes to go from switching on the griddle to pancake. They’re also great with jam. We’re always thinking about getting sweeter and faster!

Alex, of the most inspired blog I’ve been reading lately, is on a Geo-inspired drinking spree that’s lasted long enough to be a vision quest. According to #twitter. Here’s something Alex posted, that I like. I don’t think it’s necessary to swear, but I do think I’m trying to be funny. Or, sometimes, I’m trying to be honest. I’m kinda easy to find online, and what’s here and there is OK with me. So, if you are down with that, let’s make things metal.

Also: Happy Monday everyone. Here is a segment of Lost & Found 2007 which I made to introduce the most inspired coffee propaganda ever filmed. And I don’t mean the dethklok part.

Coffee transition L&F07 from velocorapture on Vimeo.

Mashup Lost & Found 2007 from velocorapture on Vimeo.

The whim to make movies for my own enjoyment has lapsed a bit since the thirst was slaked by an avalanche of WORS videos. I’m hoping to free myself a bit and start up a WORS remixed video series for any and all who share the editing bug. And maybe to get around to editing some of my own fair-weather footage, for nostalgia’s sake. In the meantime, I spliced and uploaded the mashup from 2007’s Lost and Found DVD. The theme that year was ROBOTS. Or, maybe, that my job was sucking my soul out of my eyeballs. You can be the judge.

I had a poster of MLK at the Washington Monument up in my lab, with the note to self: “My heroes had the heart.” The theme for L&F 2008 and 2009 (as yet incomplete) is NATURE. I’ve been out in it, and am about to get back to it in the black freezing fog this MLK day. And you know how I mean that. Peace.

Big ups to my cousin for sharing these selections.

• Iceman: first SS long ride. 32:16. under-geared.  2nd for 1st half, 1st for about 20 minutes, finished 3rd.  Also, I guerrilla attacked the podium mic.
• Carter made a friend when we dog-sat Meika.
• TeamWORS and friends went to the Trek Trails with Matt and I.
• We enjoyed some h8ters before the snow flew.
• Matt and I had a Scrabble beat down and Kiester family fun over Thanksgiving.
• Matt put some HUGE tires on my Big Sur to surf on all this powder.
• I mailed alot of WORS movies.
• I got the facebook.
• Andrew got a recliner.
• I always forget to take a picture when Abby and I go riding.  Because I’m having too much fun.
• This is my first winter in Madison.  I sometimes wish I was back in Milwaukee for the tropical weather and snow-less roads.
• We got an Xbox.  I’m also digging the vast collection of Sir David Attenborough on Netflix streaming.
• my cross country ski boots look like I ripped them off a japanese action figure.
• got a twitter shout from T6B
• Matt got written up by Alex, and I better get off my a$$ and update.
• we can fit five people and the projector in the trainer party room, but we steam up every window in the house.
• Matt and I bought all the vegetables in the world.
• my training buddies are the best.

]]> http://velocorapture.net/?feed=rss2&p=1857