Friday night was the latest installment of DNF shows and, by far, the best one yet! Woodshop opened with a great set and it was fun to rock out to them as Club Underground at Spring Street steadily filled up with all our favorite bikers and rockers.
The crowd that turned out was the largest I'd ever seen take over the Spring Street before... it was awesome! And DNF was on fire. As Hollywood put it, they're "the sloppiest band in the Midwest", but all the late night practicing proved to be paying off. They put on the tightest show to date and had the crowd jammin' and singing along.
Jay kept losing his glasses and the crowd got to see his metal-crazed eyes for the first time at any show. Crossmax loved it! As the songs came and went, more beverages were doled out and the "action" portion of the show increased as Hollywood moved around the stage and attempted to take a non-wireless mic into the crowd. By the end, the whole crowd was having a blast, the carpet on the stage was soaked, and there were mics and mic-stands strewn all about.
4130 followed them up, and Brauer put it best when he started with "Thanks to DNF for making the stage all sticky for us!". They kept the show going til the end of the night and had a blast. To top off the already awesome night, we took G-Money & Bill home with us to crash out with pizza and Hangover 2. Jay woke us the next morning with hot coffee, corn beef hash, and eggs before enticing us with a late day fat bike ride at the River Bottoms.
The air was cool and the trail a little slushy and icy in spots, but it was an awesome follow up to the previous night's rockin'. Chucker, G-Money, KK, Hollywood, and I were flying along the trail in the beautiful sunlight, laughing at one another when we fell (without injury), and taking breaks along the trail to just chill out and enjoy the afternoon.
After a good two hours on the trail, we loaded the bikes back up and returned home for hot food and showers, having successfully enjoyed the day. I have never ridden my bike so much in the winter before, but the 9Zero7 from my loving hubby has made winter more fun than ever! Thank you babe!
It's days like these that make it hard to hope for an early spring... cuz I'm just having WAY too much fun. Today's snow is gonna be fun!
Thanks to DNF for rocking my ass, thanks to the boys for letting me ride along, and to my hubby who makes it all happen.. I love you, JJ!
On Monday morning, still tired and ragged from the weekend, I was at a loss for words when asked what I did over the weekend. How do you describe Homey to the lay person?
Where do I begin?
Saturday was a gorgeous fall morning, all sunshine and cool temps with the fall leaves littering the yards. We layered up on clothing, threw some PBR's in our bags, and mounted up on the single speeds, headed out for the meeting spot to begin our 7th Homey together. Our first Homey together, back in 2006, was an eye-opening experience... as if someone lifted the veil to a entirely different existance... and I felt instantly at home. step through the looking glass, Alice
Fall colors and coolness that heighten the thrill in the air, sounds of bikes on the trail, laughter, beers and debauchery .... friends amongst strangers and a smile for both all the same... "I knew who I WAS when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then"... it was my first time on a mountain bike, first time really hanging out with Jay's friends, and I knew in my heart I was utterly falling for this man. It was the night of our first kiss and the new beginnings that would change the path of my life indefinitely. It was, by far, the best Homey ever. This year though, was definitely second!
We started off at a very Northwoods-feel dive bar where you were lucky to get a beer in under 20 minutes. I had just enough time to polish off a Bud with Tyson before the Mad Hatter arrived to begin the journey. We headed off towards Hidden Falls and stopped off once for a derby which I was content to watch from the sidelines... something about a tightening circle around park benches makes me worry about crashing... or maybe it was the lack of bevies in my blood..
Once at the falls, we lounged casually in the leaves, laughing with friends and watching the climbing and coasting feats of strength that played out in front of us. Ahh, THIS is what relaxing is... the fresh air, bikes, and good company.
After some beers and good fun, we headed down the creek a bit for the next derby and this time I didn't hesitate to join in. People stood around aimlessly, so I joined Geno and Hollywood in buzzing them as we widened the circle, coaxing them to join us. The circle filled up quickly and the rubbing began. Round and round we pedaled and the pack began to thin. Jubilant laughter mixed with rubbing tires and tangled handle bars as we all tried not to dab a foot.
In a trance, I circled again and again, watching my opponents through my peripheral, utilizing everything from bump-n-run to stalling out to keep myself in the game. All of a sudden, we were down to me and three dudes as the crowd began moving in on us, tightening our circle. All three of them were battling it out on the opposite side of the tree we circled so I matched their pace, hoping they'd start taking each other out.
In one hard move, Thor took out them both, emerging from the mangled fun as I rounded the tree and made a hard charge at me. Hoping to catch him off balance, I pedaled straight for him, ramming him hard and bracing as our tangled bikes began to tip his way. Tipping ever so slowly, I got my feet up and shouts filled the air as he put his foot down to catch us. In pure excitement, I tumbled backwards off my bike, hands in the air, with the biggest shit-eating grin stretched across my face.
Last year was the first time I'd even made it 1/2 way through the derby, and here I was the winner! I guess the pigtails probably didn't hurt my cause, but I didn't care... I rode the high for the rest of the night.
We continued on, deeper into the rabbit hole, farther from a 'normal' existence, riding our bikes along trails covered in leaves on our way to the river for the next contest.. Rock Skipping across the river! I, unfortunately, have absolutely no skill in that category, so I sat and watched happily like the Cheshire Cat. It was great fun to watch my friends line the river's edge for a simultaneous stone throw.
Once to our final destination, the riff raff jumped their bikes off the base of a tall oak as we stood below, watching and wondering from conversation to conversation. The beers continued to flow and the stunts never ceased as the afternoon stretched on.
We stayed until the sun began to melt into the horizon and our hunger took over. Making our break for it, we got back on our bikes to try and make it home before dark, stopping only once to grab some pizza to fill our bellies with. Satiated and warm at home, we dozed off to sleep for an early evening nap to recover from the festivities. It was definitely one of the most fun times I've had with the crue and a smile tugged at the side of my lips as night grew and we laughed about the fun we'd had.
I think Alice said it best... "I'm not strange, weird, off, nor crazy. My reality is just different than yours."
The cyclocross race at Baker Orchard was our big kick-off to the season...finally! Yes, we did a couple of the FarmDog Time Trials and the Pre-Fat, but this was the first real UCI race this year with the peeps we're so used to racin' against, and it was awesome!
Not only is that one of my favorite courses on the calendar, but we made a weekend of it, too. To start, we closed up the shop early on Friday afternoon and headed to Greg & Jodie's house for dinner and a Friday night high school football game under the lights. We only made it through 2nd & 3rd Qtrs and half-time before the evening chill lead us back to the car and back to the warmth of G&J's home. We closed out the evening with wine and good company, before falling asleep in the warm grasp of my husband.
Come morning, the usual race jitters met me at the breakfast table with a cup of coffee and nervous stomach eyeing up Greg's blueberry pancakes. We downed our food and loaded up the car for our first race of the year. Unfortunately, it was friggin' cold and our absence from the previous races kept the Belgian-Hard-Man strength in hibernation as we donned arm warmers and leg warmers to keep warm.
The size of the women's field was impressive with 15+ strong ladies towing the line. I was on my sexy new single speed in a desperate attempt to accelerate my 'spring' training, and we were ready for the challenge. As the whistle blew and we took our first charge for the front, I saw a handful of colors tangle as they approached the ground, so I averted my eyes and rode harder.
We got onto the trail and through the start-finish line to 'begin' our race and I found myself on the wheels of my SHEroes with no panic in my lungs. Begin positive affirmations.... Damn, I feel great! Heart rate is low, legs feel fine, breathing is relaxed... stay with them.... I turned over the pedals in time with my competition and held on for a while. Then, the group started to splinter a bit, but I still felt great and kept up my speed. Somewhere around 4 laps to go, I was caught by Abby, a super strong athlete, so I felt no shame as she rode away from me. But I was far from done.
With thre laps to go, I still felt strong, so I pushed myself harder, and began pacing myself with some of the men, using them in the head winds, and trying to push hard into the trails. Then I came up on Abby, and planned out my attack. I used the tail-wind straight-away to help drive me onto her wheel and used the head-wind for recovery, setting up to attack as we got back onto the trail section. I pushed hard into every turn, hoping to create the gap and disappear into the trees and it worked. I felt amazing so I forced myself not to let up. she's coming for you... she won't let you get away
I stayed hard on the gas, surprised to find that I'd hunted down another rabbit in my field in blue.. perfectly timed on the course, so I could repeat my same attack. Charge - recover - attack - run scared. there are half a dozen women chasing you... they can see you... but you can't see them... faster.... master says faster...
With one lap to go, I knew I had to ride hard, but I had to ride smart, only taking risks as I needed to, listening to my breaths and turning off my brain. your legs don't hurt... you are NOT tired... you are NOT done... if you go faster, you can get onto the podium.... pain is temporary
Crossing the line with dirt in my teeth and air struggling it's way down my throat, I kiss my ring to salute my husband waiting on the other side. Thanks for the support, the beautiful bike so reliable and light, for believing in me.... I did it - I rode my way onto the 3's podium at my season debut - bitch, puh-leeze!! Third freakin' place! Jay wrapped his exhausted arms around me and I chewed through each dusty breath and our faces ached with stretched smiles as we relished in our dueling 3rd place finishes... wow..
It was such an amazing finish, but it was the race itself that I loved most, not the podium photo at the end. The entire race was full of enjoyment - it was the pure ecstasy of my favorite bike racing all over again, after a long year off the bike full of no sleep, illness, injury and work... it was like another addition to this chapter of life, and a reminder of the joys in my life. Man, I wish my family could have been there to see me, but I know there's many more to come.
Happy to be back in the saddle... again
Kristy Kreme
For the last 10 years, I've given it a go as a corporate employee, but am excited to say that I am on the final countdown to a new type of work life. With only one week to go at my current job, I'm happy to say I've decided to follow my heart and accept the responsibilities of being part-owner and Shop Manager of Hollywood Cycles!
Yep, you know it! Rather than living in Cube World, punching the clock to pay the bills, I've decided to pursuit a different path in life by joining Jay at the shop. Rather than punching the clock for nameless faces, I'm excited to be working for something that's ours... helping make Jay's dream live on and succeed!
Current dress code: Business Casual
New dress code: Whatever I damn well please! Did someone say Kat von D?! That girl knows what she's doing... there is nothing I like to wear more than a bikini top and a tank! Bitch please!
Current office laws: No pets allowed
New office laws: No going to work without Rosco!!! Whoohooo!
Current Food & Beverage Rules: No drinking at work or lunch
New Food & Beverage Rules: Have 2 beers as you wait for takeout at Matt's Bar and sound the alarm if the shop fridge is low on beers or Mountain Dews
Current HR Rules: No consorting with management
New HR Rules: Romantic encounters make work life better!
Not to say that I didn't enjoy what I've been doing for the last three years - I learned a TON, and I'm positive that the skills I learned have given me the confidence to make this change - but I feel it in my heart and soul that this is the path for me. That the world has realigned the planets so I could be something bigger than a spreadsheet or service call. I will now be able to make an impact in the world that I live every day and the people I love to be with.
Come down and see me starting July 23rd! I'm sure my first week will be spent cleaning up after my cleanliness-allergic hubby, but I don't think you'll find a bigger smile on anyone's face! Thanks to my super hubby, Jay, for supporting (and encouraging) this life changing decision!
Now I just have to figure out my new title. Shop Manager? Or, my favorite suggestion from my friend Leslie... the CHIC.... Chief Hellian In Charge! Bitch please!
Friday nite, Jay took me out on a double date with Cave & Kristie to grab some food, beers, and a killer Hairball show down in Hastings. Dinner was tasty and the company was great. The best part came after...
Jay was the King of the knight, acting as sober cab to get us to the show and back safely. Anxious to rock out, I twitched in anticipation, holding back on the "are we there yet's" as we made our way down to Hastings. Once we finally arrived, we exited the car to find the show having just begun on a fabulous outdoor stage! I haven't been to an outdoor concert since I saw Paul Simon & Bob Dylan in Canal Park 13 years ago... awesome!
The summer air was warm and inviting, and a gentle breeze kept the bugs at bay and the jackets off, allowing us to enjoy the show in our favorite summer wear. There were VIP lanyards awaiting us at the ticket table, and we quickly grabbed a beer and made our way to the front of the crowd. Jay taught me how to move to the front long ago, and I have gotten to the point where any spot more than 2 rows from the stage just doesn't do it for me any more. I didn't come here to watch douche bags and whatnots dance in front of me, I came to see the band... so stand outta my way Too-Much-Hairspray or Bathed-In-Aqua-DiGio... I came to rock out!
Back to the concert.
We made our way to the very front and stood directly in front of Freaky. The sound was so loud it wrapped us up and helped us roll around in every rise and fall in the music. The drums came through so thick, I thought each slam on the base drum would interrupt my own cardiac rhythm... oh my, I love that feeling! It was as if the music passed right through you, the songs melting away the constraints of your body and becoming one with you.
Freaky, as always, was electric. And there's something about watching my loved ones do amazing things that just seems to breathe life into my soul. As if being able to watch fills me with the same energy that they're experiencing. Maybe its the current state of my existence and the life I love and live every day, but there was something about the music and the night air that made me feel that, if only I could breathe in deep enough, I could fill myself with the energy in the air, become a part of it, and open a new door in life.
The music played on for hours, but the excitement never waned, only built up into a frenzy of strangers singing every word to every song. From KISS, to Poison, Queen and AC/DC, the crowd followed every beat and we danced freely to every sound. For the first time since I threw out my back a week prior, the pain wasn't constantly nagging me, telling me to lay down. Maybe it was the movement of swaying to the music that helped keep it loose, whatever it was, I will take two.
The music played on and we were far from done. Cannons filled the air with confetti as they rocked out some Queen tunes, and I spent a moment or two simply looking up and watching as they fumbled their way to the ground. I watched as time seemed to slow and everything around me became united. It felt as though my eyes were a camera recording the live performance... watching confetti flutter across the ground as Freddie Mercury lulled the crowd.... any way the wind blows.....
The show ended to the crowd's disappointment, and we slipped backstage to say hi to the band. The guys were charged and sharing laughs and stories with us as the fans chanted in protest at the end of the night. We happily caught up with our friends before slowly making our way back to the car. Jay was sweet to drive us all home as the black night sky hung outside the windows and we eased back into relaxation and looked forward to sleep.
It was an amazing night... one of those concerts I'll look back on fondly years from now... not exactly remembering each song that played, but the feeling the night left us with. I never feel like I can describe a Hairball show as splendidly as I experience it, but I hope this helps. Thank you, Randy, for inviting us to come enjoy this with you!!! I can't wait to do it again!
Last Saturday, we dug out the time trial bikes and helmets for the first TT of the year down at the Farmdog Time Trial in Eureka Township. Not only had the bikes withstood the big shop move, but had to wake them up from being apart so long... pretty sure the last time I'd been on El Gato was last July or August. So, needless to say, we not only needed to put some air in the tires, but I actually had to dust her off before hoping on the trainer.
Once I got out on the road, I remembered how much I love time trials... how much I love El Gato. She's steady, responsive, light, and sneaky quiet.
My March legs didn't really enjoy me trying to pull off a May legs cadence, but I asked them too anyway. It was a struggle against the wind and my out-of-season body, but I pulled it off. My time was about a minute slower than I would like it to be, at 0:23:02.9, but I had to remind myself that I haven't even spent 150 miles in the saddle yet this spring... it'll come.
Jay looked and rode great, as always. Working like a dog at all hours of the day and night hasn't kept Jay from riding when he can and nothing can keep him from his pain cave. Awesome job Hollywood!
Then, on this past Wednesday, we hit the Farmdog TT to tackle the course again. The winds were almost non-existant, but the real question was if it was going to be a help, or a hinderance. Yeah, no headwind to fight, but no tailwind to push you on. Either way, we took the challenge and fought it out again. I was able to shave off some time, finishing in 0:23:00.2, with a goal yet this summer to take off another 30-60 seconds.. I've got some work to do.
But, when it comes down to it, I'm still doing something I love with my best friend & hubby, and hanging out with my friends while exercising. Add in a couple beers after the race and a warm, summer sunset with my puppy in my lap, and you have all the wonderful things that make life great. Only thing we're missing is family and the Scamp. :oD
Friday nite, I took Jay out to Burger Jones for a date night with some tasty burgers and beers. Low and behold, as we waited for our table, the Mayor and lil Mayor appeared out of the darkness, ready to dine on some delicious grub as well. It was an awesome surprise and a delight to have them join us for dinner.
Last summer, BJ had the Nacho Burger on special. Jay ordered it and I got my standard plain burger. Tempted throughout the meal by the toppings, I begged Jay for a bite... then another... and another. It was so amazing. And every month after, I checked the Specials board each time, hoping and praying for the burger to come back so I could reunite with taste-bud splendor.... but that time did not come.
So, Friday night, I decided to build my own! Luckily, Chonny was the Exec Chef on duty and he remembered my favorite special from months gone by and was able to recreate... better yet, improve upon.... the dining memories I had.
As we waited on our dinner, we split an order of Poutine - fries covered in beef gravy, bacon, raw cheese curds and green onion... oh my!
Once the meal arrived, I was blown away by the burger I've waited so long to reunite with. Hand-pattied beef, in-house sesame bun, avocado mayo, jalepenos, beans, Chonny nacho cheese, lettuce, and salsa, fresh cilantro and, you guessed it, tortilla chips!
I've never finished a 1/2 lb. burger ... but this night I did. I have no idea if anyone was sitting at the tables next to us, I struggled to remember Jay's Chubby Cheddar burger or what was on the TV overhead... I was in my own world with my burger, my taste-buds, and the adventure we embarked upon. I slowly devoured the burger, impressed by every bite, and my stomach so addicted that it never waivered or asked me to stop.... it was better than I ever remembered and I can only beg and plead for them to bring it back again.
At the end of the night, we retreated home to snuggle on the couch and bathe in our dining euphoria. Yeah, the name Burger Jones is dead-on. Go there. Satiate that Jones.
Jay and I decided to show 2011 the door in proper form by rockin' out three days straight! Oh, and did I mention we were on the List for all of them? Life is Good!
We kicked it off with a killer show at the Spring Street Tavern in Nordeast on Thursday - 4130, Detroit Roll, The Jones Dickens, and none other than my favorite... DNF!!! Jay and the boys were 3rd of 4 on the bill and didn't hesitate to rock the crowd's asses right out of their chairs. The group moshed and sang along with fists in the air, and beer spilling on to the floor. It was their best show yet, and hopefully just a prelude of what's to come.
Friday night made way for an intimate, at-capacity show at the Cause in Uptown for our favorite lady of rock, Ashley, and her hubby, Ed, rocking out in BNLX! Jay got some sweet shots and the rock was awesome as always.
For our final goodbye to 2011, we headed out to the Myth, through huge snowflakes and sketchy travel conditions to watch Freaky's debut with HAIRBALL!! The smell of sulfur filled the air as the fire works ignited and the crowd's excitement charged the air. Freaky was on fire, sporting some hot leather pants and a KISS t-shirt, trying hard not to blow his load before the show was over.
Freaky, thanks for yet another great New Year's bash! It's hard to believe, but this was the first time Jay and I have ever celebrated New Year's in MN together, but it was fun like all the rest. We broke our routine, but sometimes you have to do that to step into something great. 2012, you better live up to our expectations... I'm looking for greatness this year, and I'll accept nothing less.
I don't know what happened, but all of a sudden it's November! It's 11/11/11 at that! Crazy to think it's been almost a month since I last wrote and there's been tons to write about. Hell, so much so that there's been no time to just sit and relive it all online.
First of all, racing has been AWESOME! Jay and I have been having a blast at the Cyclocross races, carrying our Mtn. bike strength and endurance into the intense, condensed format. I've somehow managed to pull off a top 4 finish in each race, including a personal-best 2nd place in the Midwest Single Speed Championships!!! Bitch, please!
Hollywood has happily surprised himself with great form without week-day training, taking a top 5 spot each race as well, and also taking 3rd in the men's Midwest SS Championships! Rock on! We've kept the racing to a mellow once a week, trying not to overdo it too much before the season hit full swing, and it seems to be paying off.
Hole-Shot Henderson!
Add to it a bitchin' good time celebrating Halloween! From the decorations, costume creation, all the way to the partyin' all night, it was the best year yet! The crowd was bigger than ever before, the music louder, costumes more insane and out of this world, and the fun was endless! Thank you to all of my friends who make this happen each year - Kaity, Teri, Randy, Leah, Kim, Surly Jones and all the rest for letting me help out! I love it!
Next up, holiday season... and how do we get through past Christmas without too much food? If we're gonna hold our fitness levels through winter to maximize our skills through the CX and Ice racing season, it's gonna take some discipline. Yikes!
Jay and I just had the wonderful pleasure of celebrating three awesome years as husband and wife. As we've done for the last three years, we attended the Theodore Wirth Cyclocross race on an unseasonably warm day. Temps in the 80's and a cloudless sky pulled the sweat to the skin's surface as we anxiously awaited our first cross races of the year.
All of my rhythm, I failed to warm up for my race and lined up at the back of the pack come start time. The race went straight up a hill to begin with and I rode a mellow pace to avoid blowing all to hell in the first 30 seconds of the race. For the first two laps, my legs and lungs screamed at me as I suffered in last place out of some 15-20 riders.
Three laps in and the ole legs finally woke up and it was Game On. I started eating up riders as I sailed through the trails and over the barriers. Lap after lap, I moved up and Jay cheered wildly from the edge of the course. Being my first 'cross race of the year, I made him swear never to mention what place I was in or to say I needed to move up.
I kept on the gas and attacked every rider I could find all the way to the finish. As I collapsed from heat and exhaustion just 10 feet after the finish, I was astonished when Jay said I'd moved myself up to 6th overall! Bitch, please!!!!! I wound up taking 3rd in the 3's and had NO IDEA! It was the most insane finish to a hot and dusty race.
Jay didn't fail to live up to our marital glory and killed it in his race too! The mountain-biker-friendly course was perfect for him to flex his cyclocross muscles early in the season. He was bombing the technical downhills and railing across the flats and trails. After all these years, he's a natural and no lack of training in the last couple of weeks was noticed. Flawless..
It was pretty awesome to watch my hubby pull off a third place finish... 3 happy years together, both of us taking 3rd place! Ah, that's love! There was lots of celebrating, rest, and recovery after such hard efforts, but the utter joy made it all worthwhile.
Saturday was the grand finale of the mountain bike season in MN, closing it out with the Great Escape Mtn Bike Race at the St. Cloud jail trail. I love this trail and I was super stoked to wrap up the season there with all my pals. To top it off, Hollywood Cycles's mountain bike team sealed the Team Omnium to take home the State Championship in the MN Mtb Series! Go Black 'n' White! Hwood even made shirts to celebrate it!
Anyways, the race was fast approaching and Pip and I made our way to the line. Considering the amazing weather, I was surprised when only 3 other gals joined us... bummer. But the conditions were great and the trail was FAST! I got the hole shot and held it til the first main climb. I was still tired from Chequamegon, so I slowed up and let Pip into the single track in front of me. Sure, I wasn't railing as fast as Pip, but it was the fastest I've ever ridden the course before. Me and the White Fox were killin' it, riding a blazingly fast 4th place!
All was going great into my final lap until I hit the rock garden on the 1st half of the lap. As I tried to make my way through the rock garden without losing too much time, my lack of sugar in the brain and focus on what's next caused me to miss a large boulder on the right side of the trail. My front wheel nailed it, bouncing straight upwards, and collided with my nose with such force, a large "crack" filled the air and the next few seconds disappeared in the blur of adrenaline and shock. I stood there looking at my bike laying in the rocks, trying to get my wits about me and finish the race. Then I looked down.....
Large red drops fell from my face and I instantly knew my race was over. "Someone grab my bike"..."How am I going to get through these rocks and off the trail?".... Lucky for me, the rock garden happened to be a great spectator section, so I wasn't alone. I collapsed onto the grass as the kindest people in bike racing grabbed by bike and hooked me up with tissues to try to stop the bleeding. As small as this world is, Jay just happened to be riding by just seconds after it happened and saw me hunched over in a pool of blood and skidded to a stop instantly. He came back to check on me, but I figured it was just a broken nose and urged him to get back out there and finish the race.
As for me, I had help off the trail and into the arms of two EMT's and a Dr. to make sure I knew who I was, where I was, what day it was, and to check my eyes and nose for damage. Lucky for me, nothing was broken. But my Garmin mount on my stem slit my nose open, and the impact busted open the inside, so I sat quietly with a fist full of gauze and an ice pack, trying to stop the pain and blood.
Day one...
Add in a massive crash for Jay later in his final lap, catching his leg between the bars and frame, wrenching his thigh hard so hard he temporarily thought he broke his femur. Luckily, he hadn't broken anything either and just wound up with a gnarly hematoma. Add that to Pip's f'd up wrist and Scotter almost breaking his collar bone, and the Black n' White was having a very Black n' Blue day. :o) All in all, we still won the State Team Championship!!! Bitch, please!
Follow that up with some great food and fun at Leslie's wedding reception, it was a very diverse day! Yep, that was me sportin' a lil black dress and face bandaide... $0.25 cent!
Come Sunday morning, that nice gouge invited some friends to play and Captn Black Eye moved in....
Day 3....
Day 4....
Yeah, I'm not embarrassed by a black eye. I was impressed by my coworkers who greeted me at work with "What did you do on your bike now?".... but was kinda disappointed in the "you look like you got beat" comments. Seriously? Have you met me or Jay? Whatevs. I'm just happy nothing was broken and I left the trail on my own two feet. Sure, I can't wear glasses for a couple more days and sneezing feels like the end of the world, but I'll live to ride another day.
Jay and I loaded up the car and Scamp and headed to see Mother Henderson and introduce her to Rosco P. Coltrane for the first time. The weather was beautiful and it was great to see Dot!
To add to the fun, we got out and rode Mtn bikes with Thomas on Saturday as Serena played with Rosco. We hit the Sugar Bottoms, prepping for the next morning’s race, the Sugar Bottom Scramble & Iowa State Mtn Bike Championships. The trail is AWESOME! Super fast and flowing and perfectly laid out! The best part was the Lil White Fox doing everything I wanted at the same time coaxing me into things I’d hadn’t been able to do before.. railing down drops I’d typically hesitate on, hittin’ the bridges without question (I have a slight fear of heights still to overcome), and learning to weave among the trees with less turning and more leaning. Sweet!
Come race time the next morning, I was ready! I didn’t push for the hole shot, but I quickly moved into first on the climb, diving into the single track in the lead with my heart and lungs ramping up nicely. I wove through the single track faster than I’d ever done before, getting the rear end loose around the turns and exhilarated by the trees whipping past my fast. It was awesome!
I was setting the pace and was surprised to find me and 3 locals off the front with the rest of the field nowhere to be seen. Within a few miles, we started catching the men’s field that started just a few minutes in front of us - we were catching the dudes!!! As we popped out of the single track of the first loop 5 mi later and onto the road to the last section of the course, I pulled aside and invited the three IA gals to pull through - it was their championship on the line, and I wanted nothing to do with interfering with it. I was having so much fun just riding my brains out, I was happy to finish 4th!
Jay rode an amazing race, taking the Single Speed without breaking a sweat! Nice work, love!!! All in all, it was a bad-ass day of racing. Plus, we got done early enough to spend some time with Dot before heading home.
Saturday Jay and I met up with the Chucker for a leisurely ride out to Excelsior and back...yeah, you heard it, I said leisure ride! No races on the calendar allowed us to sleep in til 9 (thank Heavens!) and go for a mellow ride w/ friends. It was a glorious Saturday! The weather was great, the time on the road perfect, and we had the pleasure of having my mom and step-dad over afterwards on the sunny afternoon.
After some belated birthday celebrating, we got Mom and Randy out for some tasty vittles at Burger Jones for an early dinner and lots of laughs. It had been a while since our schedules matched up but it was totally worth the wait and we had a fabulous time! Thanks Mom & Randy - we had a ton of fun and Rosco was super happy to meet his Grandma! :o)
We laid low Saturday night to prep for our early rise on Sunday for the State Road Race Championships. In our true night-owl form, though, we struggled to get to bed before midnite, even with a 6:00AM wake-up looming over us. None the less, we ate, drank, and were merry before retiring to bed that night. The morning came early though, and it was a struggle to get the puppies out of bed. Jay and Rosco finally rose after I spent some time banging around in the kitchen making coffee and toast.
Jay raced in the morning wave in the 35+ race and Rosco and I chilled on top of the hill to offer feeds and support. Jay is so self-sufficient, he never needed a thing, so Rosco and I relaxed and napped lightly between laps. Jay rode a great race but, as he puts it, it was about 4 1/2 minutes too long... he was off the front with another rider coming into the finishing miles but blew his final gasket with less than 2k to go, only to finish quietly within the pack. I was so proud of him and the risks he took, there was no reason at all to feel otherwise. Next up.. me.
So, after being there for 4 1/2 hours already, it was finally time for me to race. I warmed up a bit on the trainer and jumped into the pack when called to the line. It was awesome to have my teammate, Cheryl B., at the line with me - a recent recipient of a fresh new upgrade (CONGRATS!!!). The race was steady to begin, but it wasn't long until Tessy was at the front driving the tempo up to 27mph. I was on her wheel and kept it going as she pulled off, only to find myself solo on the road the next time I looked back.
I kept the pace steady but the gap was soon bridged by Heather T. I wanted to stay gone as long as we could, so I kept away from the mind-games when she wouldn't pull around. She started to pull through after a bit and we were able to keep the pace high. Linda S. and Tessy W. pulled off two bitchin' attacks and got up to us one-by-one... we were a destructive force and charged away from the field. Unfortunately, one of Heather's own teammates chased her down and brought three other competitors with her. It wasn't long until the field caught back on, but the attacks didn't stop there.
I did my best to stay on any wheel I could to remain with the top contenders and stretched myself beyond my limits. At mile 18 or so we hit the major climb and I was struggling bad, having done everything I could for the 3 miles prior to hang on. Luckily the pack wasn't attacking the downhill, and I was able to recover down the hill at 35 mph and catch back on with a lil help from my friends.
There were 7 of us off the front with 2 laps to go and we never looked back and never relented. The pace remained intense to the line. With two miles to go, the leg cramp that surfaced in the week prior's mtn bike race resurfaced and started to weigh on the strength I was feeling. I attacked the first 0.6 miles of the hill as though it weren't there, moving into 5th of 7 in the lead group. Unfortunately, as the pitch increased, so did the pain in my knee and the searing pain in my IT band. With 40m to go, Amy and Heather passed me as I pedaled as fast as I could up the hill. Seventh overall and 4th in the Cat 3's... I couldn't have asked for a better 4th place finish!!! Those are some of the toughest women out there, and I'm just happy to say I hung with them to the finish.
It's kinda hard to come back to this course as defending champ and finish 4th. But the competition this year was intense and I can flat out admit that this was one of the hardest races I've ever done. Especially having not done a road race in 2 months, I'm crazy happy with my performance and finish! Shit, I could have finished last place and been happy for myself just because of that first major break with Tessy, Linda, and Heather. I rode out of my comfort zone for 50 miles and have no reason to feel sorry for not getting on the podium.
I'm sure that, out of the gals in the rest of the breakaway I'm the only one who doesn't train, so to be part of their pack at the finish was a genuine honor. Next year: intervals and training rides... or maybe we'll stick to late night concerts and partyin' with friends, who knows?
Friday night, Hwood and I were lucky to find a puppy-sitter (thank you tons, Cross!) so we could get away for Vegas & Kate's wedding. The weather was perfect for their outdoor ceremony, and I was so excited to be on the arm of my snazzy-dressed hubby for the night... it was the third time I've ever seen him in a tie, so it was fun!
The ceremony was beautiful and the reception was fabulous! Thank you so much for having us, kids! You two are an amazing couple and we're so happy you found each other.
After a long night of celebrating, we slept in on Saturday before heading north to Duluth for the next round of Scamp-ventures. We wanted to get up early and pre-ride Sunday's Great Hawk Chase mtn bike course, but some AM rain storms made the trails to muddy to ride. Instead, we hopped into the camper for a short nap and a quick road ride to the top of Hawk's Ridge and back. We then met up with Jeanne and Greg for some tasty treats and cold beers before bedtime. It was a great way to just chill with our friends who we mostly get to only exchange a quick word with at 'cross races. Later, we closed out the night by parking the Scamp in their driveway and tucking in for bed.
Come Sunday, we had an awesome time riding the trails and seeing friends. Hollywood had a killer finish, taking 11th in the Expert, Devon locked down 7th with ease, and Pip rocked a sweet 3rd place in the Expert women! And I was happy to take 5th behind some awesome women! Although the weather was beautiful and I didn't want to hit the road, we knew we had some weekend traffic to deal with and got on the road by 4:30. We stopped off to grab some grub for the road and get some fun pics in..
Puppy is still so tiny, that pink quick stick looks HUGE next to him!
Pony & the Scamp
Unfortunately, our 2 - 2.5 hour drive was extended by a lot of construction & weekend traffic, causing us to get home 4 1/2 hours after we left! It was ridiculous! Probably won't be going up that way again any time soon. Sheesh!
Hwood and the Chucker took the Scamp up to the Cayuna trails for Vegas's 'dirty' bachelor party of mountain bikes, boats, and camping. The Scamp was all perdy in her finished splendor but since Rosco and I weren't there to help tell the story, it only counts as 0.5 of a Scamp-venture. Jay had a great time, though, annoying poison ivy and all.
Me and Rosco had a wonderfully fun and clean weekend at home together just hanging out. We kicked it off with a ridiculously lazy Friday night, cuddling on the couch and watching documentaries about dogs... perfect way to relax after the work-weeks I've been having..
Saturday I got to spend some time solo, getting up early for the All Women's TT to get my ride on. The course was AWESOME! Even though the heat was climbing as the start creeped up and the air was thick with moisture, I was excited to get El Gato on the road and push the legs to the limit. Once the race began, I was surging with energy and fire, cornering faster than I ever have and bombing the downhills.
It was fabulous! With the hills, heat, and wind, I wasn't surprised that I was slower than my goal average speed. I was, however, ridiculously surprised to find that I'd had a killer time, taking third overall and winning my age group, against some really fast women! Wow! Thanks to Endurance Promotions for an awesome event! I hope to see it on the calendar again next year.
So, exhausted but happy as can be, I returned home to clean up with Rosco and hit the town. I had fun introducing them to our friends having a garage sale, hanging in the sun, and running errands. We returned home for more relaxing and vegging out. Sure, I thought about cleaning the house or doing laundry while my hubby was away, but skipped it this time. How fun is it for me to clean all weekend while he's out having fun? He can help me when he gets home. So that's exactly what I did - Rosco and I laid low all Saturday night!
Puppy was so sleepy, he forgot to tuck in his tongue!
Come Sunday, we were relaxed and ready to roll up to the Hillside Mtn Bike race. I'd only ridden there once before, but had a fabulous time riding the trails and pushing my bike to the limits. Hwood met us at the course, covered in poison ivy and more exhausted than I'd ever seen him. He still rode hard and knocked out a top 15 finish.
Although the relaxing, quiet time with the puppy was cozy and sweet, we missed Hwood terribly and were happy to all return home together Sunday night for dinner and time spent veggin' out as a family. :o)
