Have Fun

Last night I did the Opus crit. This was the second time I’ve attempted this course. As you know, the first time didn’t go so well but this time no matter the circumstances I told myself I was going to have fun.

There was a good turnout for the women (20 racers). 6 Flanders women where there…mostly cat 1 and 2. I did a few laps to warm up, took a few deep breaths and we were off! The cat 1 and 2’s few down the hill on the first lap. I don’t know if they meant to do this, but they slowed down for the group on the hill and stayed with the group for the first three laps. I say this, because there was no way I could be in the same group as them for three laps. Yep! You read that correctly. I was able to stick with the group for the first three laps—after the first sprint it really broke the group apart. I got 10th place on the first sprint.

On the fourth lap three of us suck together. I wheel sucked ¾ of the loop before I was yelled at to pull up. Lap 5 I learned a valuable lesson—when someone yells at you to pull up you do your part but don’t do too much. I pulled those girls all the way to lap 6—I was spent. Laps 6-9 was on my own in survival mode. On lap 9, the last part of the hill climb I was in shot of passing one more girl to the finish line. I know my persistence to get the edge over her motivated her also…but I got it by ¼ a wheel! I placed 12th out of 20. I’m pleased with my result considering the field I was in and my performance last time.

One thing that amazes me about Criterium racing is the risks that the riders take in a pack on the corners—especially descending on a corner. If you have control and the endurance to be able to be part of it, it’s extremely exciting!

By the way...Congratulations Erika!

Ken Woods and the Ironman

The weather sucked. The peddling was fun—but I had to come to work to recover.

This past Saturday I did my first official USA sectioned road race down by Cannon Falls. It was 21 miles in a rectangular shape. The flier said; “The entire course is in open farmland were the wind can be quite a factor.” Man, that was a true statement.

I was placed in Wave 1 starting time was at 9am. After registering and putting on what I thought was enough layers, I went out on the course to test the headwinds. I got about 2 blocks before I went back to put on more layers. The temp was about 35 degrees, wind was 25 mph with 40 mph wind gusts that was bitterly cold. I had four layers on my upper body including my jacket I used for skiing and a face mask. The mood in the parking lot was pure determination to get this race over.

Right before we started, the official announced they were moving our start time to 11:30 (when wave 2 would start), there was ice on the south side of the route. As I waited, the wind seemed to pick up, the snow started to come down more, and the temps were dropping…BUT the sun was now coming out! The big boys and girls started to show and the phrase that was rolling off everyone's tong was “This sucks. Why the hell are we out here?”

We all lined up, I was in the last group to go with the Juniors. We started in the middle on the north part of the course. The first mile was an easy 25 mph ride. We turned right and headed south. I quickly learned that those corners where going to bring us a new challenge. I was almost pushed off the road due to the winds. After regrouping and figuring out the only way to ride was to tilt our bikes to the right about 10 degrees while our bodies where upright. Before we started, us girls said the only way we were going to get through this was to work together. It was understood that taking a flier was not going to get you to the finish line faster just to a fast bonk.

The next right turn took us straight into the wind. Average speed on this stretch was between 8-10 mph. About 2 blocks before the next right turn while I was in fifth position, the girl in the third position touched wheels and went down causing us two behind her to run over her. My chain fell off and I started to panic thinking the group was going to take the turn and I wasn’t going to catch-up. The girl that went down was fine and so was I. We got up and worked together to make it up to the group shortly after they made the turn. We settled back into our original positions.

Heading northeast the wind was pushing us to speeds over 40 mph. It was a blast! The next right turn was the homestretch. The hill that I heard so much about wasn’t hard it was long and steady, but after pushing the wind for about 20 miles it was surprisingly more difficult than expected. Determination took over and I plowed up the hill, moved to my big wheel and sprinted to the end at 28 mph—not in my wildest dreams could I image doing that.

I was convinced that I came in fourth place. Not until I saw the final results and found out that a Jr. was in front of me and didn’t count in my category…I got third! The girl that fell got first.

Sunday was the MN Ironman. This is not a race, but a ride…thank god! I rode with Erika, her husband Andy, Matt Anderson and some of his friends. Matt did the race the day before so we where both not interested in anything further then 62 miles at a leisure speed, unless it was to get to the food stops quicker. Erika had a hard day so I hung back and pulled her to the first stop. The boys from MGC were there with the truck. I—being a smart ass—thought it would be funny to go up to Travis and stop right in front of them. So was the plan. I didn’t realize I was going as fast as I was so I wasn’t able to stop in time. I ran into Travis, took out a bike stand (the stand was empty) and a pump before I went down. Thank god since the truck was a few feet away. Laying there on the ground with my bike on top of me I started laughing. I looked at Travis, who was in shock, and said “My breaks don’t work.”

I picked up my pride, got some food, figured out how many miles to the next stop, said Hi to the TH group, and we were off! Last year the Ironman was my first century and what I think of as my first real accomplishment on the bike. I would never have imagined that the words “what’s next” that I said after the ride last year in the HS parking lot would have brought me to this point in my life. Every day I get off my bike and in some form of “what’s next” seems to come out of my mouth. Thanks everyone for your help and encouragement to get me to that next point!

This will be fun...

The weather report during the time I will be
racing my first "offical" road race.

Luce Line

I’m stoked! A co-worker told me the paved portion of the Luce Line, from Vicksburg—where I live, will bring me two blocks behind my office building. Last night I tried it out, not only did I not feel like my life was in danger by being on the roads during evening rush, but I made it home faster than if I was to drive!

Once I got home I dropped of my bag and headed towards Wayzata High School to meet the MGC Wednesday group. I was feeling great. Speed was up, hills were no problem. I finally found the group two miles north of the High School. I turned around and within 10 minutes, against a wind that kicked up within the past 15 minutes, I bonked. Not even the granny wheel could help me. I told the group to go and that I would do my own route and go home. Once the Tonka team passed me like I was standing still I knew it was time to go home.

I’m taking today and tomorrow off before the Ken Wood’s race.

Rockn’ Cockatoo

Off to the Races

Yesterday I was contemplating if I should do the Opus Crit or not. Being put into an open field with the elite women—I don’t have a chance. It came down to: Do I want a beating or do I not want a beating? I went for: not this time. Instead, I rode down to the crit and was able to make it in time to watch the Men’s Cat 5 race. Bernie and Jordan were the only two that I knew. Bernie did great the first half getting sprint points on a couple of laps. Jordan took points on the second half of the race. Wow…what an amazing kid!

In the Cat 5 race, there was a guy that was racing that looked like a commuter. He had a bike rack, a fanny pack, mirror on his helmet, knee high socks, and a regular t-shirt. He was in last place, but he looked like he had potential if you shed some of the weight off his bike. He had a great attitude and was having a blast! I heard he is a two year cancer survivor and just wanted to come out and race. Everyone was cheering him on every time he passed. It was great!

Bernie and I volunteered to be corner marshal on the first turn after the line. Loons where in full force last night.

The women’s race was fun to watch. There were three women from the Flanders team that raced. Wow...they are fierce! One of the ladies missed the start and was ½ a lap down. I told Bernie to watch she’s a strong rider and will catch up. Second lap she was still down. Third lap she was down. Fourth lap she was leading. Her and a teammate had a breakaway and stayed away the rest of the race. I would love to get to know these ladies! They seemed nice when they were not racing. One poor girl was way behind…I felt her pain and was cheering her on every time she passed.

The Men’s Cat 1,2,3 where flying averaging about 28 mph—what a good race. I think Alex came in within the top five. I’m not sure since I was at the bottom of the hill after the finish line. Jim C did great during the middle he was in the breakaway group for a few laps. Skippy raced (race number: 666) he looked good, but dropped after about 5 or 6 laps. Matt Anderson from Penn Cycle was there—I went to REGBRAI with him last year. He was in the breakaway for the second sprint then was pretty much done for the rest of the race. The guys were going so damn fast around the corner I was on, it was hard to see everyone.

I'm glad I went down to watch, I have a better understanding of the strategy it takes to do that type of race—if I can stick with the peloton.

After the race I had to ride home. Not the most exciting ride. I couldn't see a thing it was so dark. Thank god there was little traffic. I almost lost it on a pothole. It was a great motivator to go all out on Vicksburg.

This morning I road to work. My legs felt like bricks after my sprint to get home last night. I’m trying out a few different routes. I haven’t quite found the right one yet. I was told about a pathway that I’ll checkout after work. I hope to make it home to drop off my stuff and to meet the MGC Wednesday group ride.

And this is why...

Fun weekend

I can’t believe it’s Monday already. This weekend went by fast!

Saturday didn’t start off how I planned. I woke up at about 5:00am looked out the window and contemplated—hypothermia (40 degrees and raining) or a warm bed and a few extra hours of sleep. Guess which one I chose?

I met the TH group at the shop at 9am for the coffee shop ride. There was a good size group that showed for the second ride. Erika came and we meet Laurie at the coffee shop. The lady at the counter was excited to see us, she said she knew it was summer when us cyclist start showing up on Saturdays. Although, she was disappointed that “the little one” wasn’t there.—Jorge that was you!

Neil and I had a great conversation back to the shop. We talked about the book he was reading and about blogging. Going back to my first entry there was four reason why I started this blog (I’ll let you go back and check it out), but I have a few guidelines to my entries. Nothing about work, nothing in-depth about family, no pictures of my bike parts (you can ride next to me to see them), and to keep the subjects on my rides, races, and fitness progress. I apologize if I come off egotistical sometimes, that is never my intention. I’m excited to tell you what happened and that I wasn’t expecting it to go in my favor.

Everyone looks so different in regular clothes!

Saturday night was Bill’s 50th party with his “bike friends”. Thanks to his wife Patti and to everyone who was able to show up it was a great time! Matt—we missed you! Those that were non-cyclists I hope were not bored with our continuous talk about spin class and/or the bike. Bill got some great gifts! I couldn’t pass on getting him the BBQ-3 Park Tool Barbeque set. Now he can flip a burger and tighten his peddles with the same tool.

Sunday I met Diamond Dave, Dave H, Mike B and Tom C for the Stone Arch-St Paul ride. We started off at 9am at 40-something degrees. The closer we got to the Smith bridge to start our hills the more nervous I got from the anticipation for what was to come. Last year I had more miles of riding on the Baker Park area hills then this year. Aside from Tom, we all agreed we were not ready to do the Ramsey/Summit hill instead we took the switchbacks to the top—equally has hard. On our way back I was happy with my performance so early in the season on those hills and I wasn't as spent as I was last year. I’m not sure, but I hope I wasn’t holding up the group. I would like to think I was able to keep up with them. I’d like to go back and do that route as often as I can to improve my climbing skills—let me know if you are going.

This morning I pulled myself out of bed to go to the gym to run and lift. 40 minutes into my 60 minute run I was told I had 15 minutes to get off the treadmill for the Team Fitness group. That group is really starting to piss me off! I wasn’t able to get as many miles in as I wanted, but I was able to pull up the speed and stay there for longer than I’ve ever been able to in the past.

Tomorrow is Opus again. I haven’t decided if I should go back quite yet for another beating.

Group Rides

This week the group rides official started. It’s great to get on the bike again, but it’s even more exciting to go for a ride with a group of friends that are equally geeked out about the bike. See Mom it’s not just me!

Wednesday I commuted to work, as I said in my previous entry (7.5 miles one way). It’s a lot harder than I thought. It takes a lot of logistics to make it happen (not to mention the issues of contending with traffic) especially when you are a female and you work in a business where you have to dress-up every day. I chuckled while I packed my 2.5 inch stilettos in my backpack. Unfortunately, I’ll probably use the luxury of the automobile more than the joys of the bicycle due to commitments after work (like riding with a group or god forbid a Opus Crit). At $3.45 a gallon now, at what price does society say I can’t do this anymore?

I road home after work to drop off my bag and then headed out to meet up with the MGC Wednesday group. Unfortunately, due to the winds they changed the route. I tried to meet them, but with the sun setting at 8pm there wasn’t enough time for them to meet me on 116. Instead I rode up to 117 and did the TT loop. It sucked to do 20 miles of pure headwind on my own, but it was a good resistant training. The winds pushed me to the church and then back down 116 and home. I made it back by 7:45pm.

Thursday the ladies rode again (there was only 4 of us). I met the girls at the MGC shop. A lot of new people work at the shop this year so they were not sure what to think of me showing up in cycling gear since they have only seen me in street clothes. Most of them came out to see us off, but unfortunately we didn’t get far (6.8 miles). Erika was taking the lead up a small hill and was shifting down when her derailleur flipped up and somehow got her chain stuck in the derailleur causing the chain to lock up. This is not the first time this has happen to her. Last year she had a similar problem which is how she got the nickname Skidder—she left a 15 foot skid mark from her bike tire on the road. We called the shop and got one of the mechanics to come out to either fix the bike or to pick her up. Laurie and I road back towards the shop since he wasn’t sure were to go then back to Erika. He was able to fix it but due to it being so late we just headed back. I got in about 15 miles, but it was fun just to be out again with the girls.

I skipped our brick run since there was cake waiting for me at Neil’s 40th b-day party at Moonrock. Unfortunately, the cake was gone, but the shots were still coming out thanks to Diamond Dave! It was really fun to see the guys and to catch up. Thanks guys for all your feedback about my race. Jorge…your one of a kind!

With two shots the night before and 4 hours of sleep. I pulled myself out of bed for spin class this morning. I got to the gym in enough time to run for about 20 minutes on the track—this running stuff has taken a back seat to the bike. Damn Du—why did I sign up? Oh yeah…for fun! I did about 7 minutes of sprints then did more sprints in Jody’s spin class. My legs where jello after 40 minutes of class.

Tomorrow is a long ride. My plans are to ride up to TH then do both the 7 & 9 rides then head back home. I might just get in a century! All this because I don’t want to drive my gas hog. Bill—a Jeep is much cooler then a Subaru.

First Race

I did my first “official” race yesterday at the first Opus Crit of the season. Looking back on it today...I’m happy that I did it, I’m happy that I finished, but at the time I was disappointed and very embarrassed.

You always hear you are your own worst critic and I was last night. After registering we started to head down to the yellow loop for the race. As soon as we turned the corner we hit a strong gust of headwind. Once it died down I looked at Kent, who is also a Loon, and asked is this really what I’m in for? We got to the race area and the women were already in the staging area. Kent and Skippy wished me luck. I told them I hope I don’t come in last.

Women’s races are different, since there were only 22 of us they grouped all categories together and they score them later. After a few minutes of waiting we were told how this thing would work and we were off. I don’t mean clipped in and started rolling I mean YOUR OFF!

About 1/3 of the way on the first loop I lost the group. “What the F*&k?” kept going through my head. About 2/3 of the way around the loop we started the climb portion. Before I left home I turned on the weather channel and it said 40 mph south wind gusts for the MLSP area. Right when we started the climb the wind hit me like a wall. I got across the line for the first loop and my heart rate had to be 180-200. My thought at this point was: “how the hell am I going to do 8 more?” I was still with 3 other women. Someone yelled out “work together” there was no communication and the two ahead had no intention towards working together. After the second loop I was alone. They got me on the hill. Loop 3—I wasn’t sure I was going to live to see the end. Quiting was not an option at this point. Loop 4-9 really not sure what happened during that time. It was 24 minutes of pure hell. Each time I crossed that line I kept my head down and pushed through it—I was so embarrassed with my performance—I came in last place.

After a few minutes of circling the parking lot in self-pity, I started to say to myself exactly what you are thinking: It’s your first race. You where in an open field. You finished. Etc. Again, you are your own worst critic.

This hasn’t discouraged me quite yet. Ken Woods is coming up and that race is much different. Opus should start seeing more women in my category (I hope). With all of this said, I took away a few lessons learned that I will apply to my next race.

This morning was my first day comminuting to work. Now that the gas is up to $3.35. I saved half a gallon and burned a few calories in the meantime.

It’s Here!

Warmer weather that is.

This weekend was fun. I went to spin class on Saturday, for a much needed 2-hour Jody butt kicking. We did mostly hill work simulating road then mtb riding. Half the class knows each other so a random shout out across the room or a good belly laugh is common. A friend of mine, who doesn’t come that often, said “This is just like a party!” Jody had to leave the last 15 minutes of the second class so “Dan the Man” was the instructor for those last 15 minutes. He did pretty well due to the short notice. Bill and I couldn’t stop laughing.

After class I ran 2 miles. My heart rate was over my AT that entire time. I needed it.

Somehow I got talked into running Sunday morning with the LRP (Long Run and Pancake) group. What I didn’t know was that it was trail running on the ski trails at Elm Creek—thought it would be on the bike path. We did about 5 miles starting at the nature center, up the “death defying hill” and down the backside then turned around and came back. The only time I’ve done a off-road-like-trail-run was this winter when the sidewalks were covered in snow.

At this point, I would like to reiterated I am not a runner and do not call myself a runner.

Then somehow I got talked into a bike ride with Holly and Carol for Sunday afternoon. I admit, it didn’t take much. It went something like this: “Want to go for a bike ride?” “Sure. What time?” The weather looked a little deceiving. The sun was shining, but the wind was a cold north wind. We hit all of the major hills in the Baker Park area except rollercoaster road (201). After 5 miles of running and 30 miles of hills on the bike, the last “tough” hill was completed purely on determination, the fear of falling over, and a good loud scream.

I’ve been trying to figure this out for a while, but I’m going to do it. I’m going to start commuting to work via my bike a few days a week. This will be good for a few reasons. 1. More miles on the legs. 2. Burn more calories. 3. Less gas used—although the $$ saved will probably go towards body fuel. 4. Motivation to work harder and to go faster to meet groups for group rides. 5. Last but not least—I get to ride my bike more! Seems the facilities in my building are more accommodating then I’ve been told. I just need to figure out the logistics now (route, time to leave, what to pack).

Happy 50th Birthday to Bill—or Vino on the blogs (or Pantani in the emails, or Beta Blocker Bill on the bike). I hope when I turn 50 that I’m as athletic as him. Bill has said he has done some crazy things on his milestone birthdays in the past. This weekend he took one step closer towards becoming a Fat Tire junkie—he got his ear pierced. Shock and Ahh is ramped in the emails, and what I hear, at his work today. I’m immune to this type of activity—my Mother got her nose pierced when she turned 56. So…good for you Bill!

Welcome Holly to the world of blogging!

Shot of Spring

This past Saturday was absolutely beautiful. I got out on a 66 mile ride with a few friends. Erika came over to my place and we headed out to meet Matt and Joe in the Medina/Wayzata area. Not sure how I got added to the morning group, but by 7:15am we were on our bikes. Poor Joe, he had no idea that keeping with Matt meant you were going to chase down every casual rider you came upon. I on the other hand knew that was going to happen, so I opted to stick back and ride with Erika since it was her first hard ride of the season. She did great!

After we realized there was no way we were going to meet up with Bob, Kenny, Bill, and Eric. Matt and I showed Joe and Erika the rollercoaster neighborhood—one square block of rolling hills. I guess Erika didn’t hear me when I said you take all right turns because she took a left on the second turn. Oh well, we ended doing that loop a second time to find her. Joe thought Matt and I were nuts after we got to the end of the loop each time and said “What a great area!”

I was feeling pretty good so once we parted I headed down to the Opus area to check out the terrain since I plan to do a few Opus crit races. What a fun place to ride on the weekend! I didn’t know it was only 10 miles from my place. No cars, corners are not sharp, clean roads, all the roads are one way so you only needed to watch one direction. I was flying around the corners!

Sunday was a wash (it rained all day)—no workouts or riding for me. Instead, I did what other women do…I went for a much needed shopping trip. How do they do it? I can spend 5 hours on a bike and feel great, but 3 hours of shopping…I needed a nap after I was done. Next time I’m going to wear my heart rate monitor to see what my average heart rate and calories burned verses working out.

This is a great photo. Bill didn't know Kenny took this picture of him. He "claimed” he was adjusting his water bottle. As all of us know...he's full of crap! He found a speck of dirt and was rubbing it off. Take a glance at Bill’s blog he likes to keep things neat and clean at all times. Especially his bikes.

The Family Is Coming Around

I talked with my brother last night and I’m excited to report that I am not the only one over the age of ten in my family who has logged a few miles on their bike this year. Yep, the big-little brother is in! Now I have someone to ride with this summer when I go to our family reunion in Pennsylvania without getting the “that’s ridiculous” comments from everyone. Some of you know what I mean. The best part is, I don’t have to worry about bringing my bike. One of his patients owns a bike shop and will let me use their high end bikes while I’m out there. Now…here is the BUT part. He lives in the Lancaster area. Home of the Amish, Mennonite, Landis, and the Appalachian Mountains—i.e. I will be schooled by 5th grade girls in a dress on a bike built in 1962. I’m up for the challenge.

He also made sure to rub it in that it is 67 degrees today and that he has been out riding for three weeks.

Spring is in the air

View from my window at work. Photo taken on March 31, 2008

I got out on my bike twice this weekend. I knew the Loons where going to be in the Medina area on Saturday, but most of them have been braving this cold winter and have more miles on their legs the I do. I caught up with a couple of them but was dropped quickly. Instead, I did my own route and climbed all of what I would call a MN category 2 hills. I quickly realized that I need a new cassette—I was told mine was fine, but I was skipping up every hill. Made things a bit more interesting, but I knew that if I lost control during a skip I was going down.

Between the lack of road miles and 16-20 mile/hr winds my average speed was very low. I’ve ridden those hills in that type of wind many times so I understand where I should be. I have a lot of work ahead of me to feel like I’m back up to par.

After 3 hours I headed home, exhausted, legs cramping. When it was a nice surprise to see a few guys I know enjoying a day on the bike. Blazen’ Bob, Grasshopper Matt, and Ken the Cook flew past me like it was a race. Beta Bill was no were in sight. Bob never even looked back! He said Hi and was gone. Matt made fun of my clothing—at least I was out there. Kenny yelled that I made the blog. And that was it.

Sunday I went out for a quick loop around Baker Park. Again the wind was strong going west, but was very well welcomed on the way home.

Saturday: 44.1 miles, average 14.7 miles/hr, time 3.03—Medina, Maple Plain area. Worked on hills, the wind was about 16-20 miles per hour.
Sunday: 21.7 miles, average 16 miles/hour, time 1.21—Medina road to 19 up 24 to home.