Fear - What is it Keeping You From?

Fear is not easy to overcome, but when we do we get to experience life at its fullest.

Fear kept me from building friendships and opening up for the longest time to more than just a select few. Believe it or not it also kept me from riding my bike.

I like people; I love people, but showing that can be difficult. For many years I kept myself at a protective distance not letting others in, typically only opening up when prompted, or after trust had been established. This year I made an effort to become more open allowing others into my life. It is still a work in progress, and recently because I was afraid, I missed letting someone know what a great best friend that person was to me. I regret not saying anything. Sometimes fear creates missed opportunities and growth.

A few weeks ago, while in Utah, I rode my bike up to Squaw Peak. It is a 4 mile climb, with a 2, 023 elevation gain, and a killer grade the last 1/2 mile--I think it is a 13% grade.

The last time I did this ride was 2013. For six years I have been too afraid to attempt this ride! There were many reasons why, but fear of not getting to the top is essentially what stopped me.

July 6 of this year I decided my fear was no longer going to keep me from this ride. I was scared, but I was not going to let my fear stop me. I took off that morning on a solo ride to the top.

It was tough, I plugged along one pedal stroke at a time eventually making it to the top exhausted, spent, shaking and elated I had made the climb. The view was beautiful! To think I had missed out on this for the last six years.

How often do we let our fears keep us from moving forward? How often do we have missed opportunities, and miss out on the beauty of life and the spectacular view because we let our fear hold us back?

I missed an opportunity in one situation because of fear, but in another I overcame my fear, and experienced a wonderful view as well as a sense of accomplishment. So do not let your fear stop you, you do not want to miss out on life and all of its spectacular views.

Fun Filled Days

Saturday June 12 - Deer Valley I-Cup

Went to the race in the pouring rain.  On the way up we saw the tail end of the Provo 1/2 marathoners (Heather was too fast, so I didn't see her), and the Provo full marathoners.  I kept talking about how miserable they must be running in the cold and I couldn't believe they were racing in such miserable weather.  Then lI realized we were going up to ride in the same miserable weather.  Oh the irony.

Random pics of people I don't know running in the rain.

The race was cancelled and resheduled for Wednesday.  On the way back the rain stopped, and the view was beautiful.

Midway mountain scenery.

Once I got home.  I went with the family to movies to see A-Team.  The show was fun worth going to. 

Then I decided to ride Squaw Peak.  For some reason this ride was especially painful, and I mean that in every sense of the word.  I actually had to stop where it says 3 3/4 on the road for a minute to let the pain leave my legs.  This is the first time I have had to stop because I hurt riding Squaw Peak.  By the time I got to the top I felt like I was pushing with everything I had.  Somehow I don't remember the end of climb being so steep.  I think pain has a lot to do with the perception of steepness.

In some ways it was a little discouraging because I had to ride in my small gears to get to the top and because it was such a struggle.  In other ways it was great, because now I have a guage and new goal to accomplish by the end of the summer.  Sometimes reality can be harsh, but at least you know what to prepare for.

Pic I took while riding up.

Love the view.

The ride down was very cold.  Another storm had crept up while I was going up, so I went up with a head wind, and down with a head wind.  I was shivering cold by the time I got to the bottom.  Just as I got to the bottom I heard a clinking noise.  I crossed the road, and discovered I had a flat tire!  I am sure hoping I was climbing with low tire pressure, then maybe the next ride won't be so painful.  I didn't want to change a skinny tire while I was so cold, so I called my husband and he met me at Timpanogous Park.  What a great guy to come and rescue me from the cold and changing a tire.

Sunday June 13 - My Birthday

Had a great birthday.  The family surprised me with great gifts, we had pizza and cheese cake and lots of fun.

My cake topper my husband didn't dare put on the cake.  Isn't it cool.  It played Happy Birthday.

Cute Octapus balloon bouquet.

Monday June 14th - AF Canyon

I finally got to ride AF Canyon.  I met up with Steve and we went to see how far we could ride before the trails were unrideable.  The trails were great except for Pine Hollow, so we only rode up to the look out and back.  I love this trail--hopefully next week the trails will be in good condition and I will have time to do the entire loop.

This view never gets old.

The patch spot below is where Pine Hollow & Salamander Flats intersect.  I can't believe how high up we are.

On the way down the canyon I came upon a rider on a road bike.  Not unusual when you ride in this canyon, what was unusual the rider was riding right by the double yellow line.  I could not pass--granted it was a double yellow, but if he had moved over to the side I could have slowly gone around him.  But he didn't. 

When we got to Timp Cave parking lot I thought for sure he would pull over.  Lots of room, but no he stayed right by the yellow line!  I had to ride behind him almost to the guard shack because he would not ease over.  I have to say I was a bit frustrated by this.

The other unusual thing--jeans.  I cannot imagine how painful it must be to ride up AF Canyon and down in jeans, but that's what he did.

Right by the yellow lines.

Proof of the jeans--I wasn't making it up.

Tuesday June 15th - Recovery Ride

Went for an easy ride today with my husband up to the Provo Trail.  On the way I got a flat tire, fixed it and we continued on our way up.  On the way back I got another flat tire, tried to pump it up, but it didn't work.  I did not have another tube, so my husband rode home while I waited for him come back with the car.  The entire time I waited riders went by, but only one asked if I needed help.  I always ask if someone needs help.  One guy actually went so far as to look the other direction like he didn't see me with my flat.  Glad my husband could come to the rescue again, otherwise I would have been stranded for quite some time.  Three flat tires in less than a week.  I think I may need to get new tires.

I believe this is the universal sign for a flat.

Oh My Seat (Butt) Bones

Normally I like to tell of the fun I had on the trail. And this weekend I had a great amount of fun. I mountain biked and road biked and had great fun riding with friends. However, there will be other times to tell of my fun. Today I am going to share in my weekend woe, or more to the point my bruised butt bones. Sorry if I offend anyone, but it is what it is

My husband informed me that I do not have butt or seat bones. But I disagree, because the bones I sit on are bruised and sore, therefore they are my seat/butt bones.

This weekend I learned the importance of a good saddle. I did 2 separate rides Saturday. The first was a small mountain bike ride. We rode up Squaw Peak, and then up roller coaster road to Dragons Back, down Dragons Back to the trail and home. I did this ride on my WSD saddle and was comfortable the entire time. Distance only 24 miles, and I felt really good and ready for my next ride--a road ride out to Lincoln Beach.

The ride to Lincoln Beach was a slow to moderate pace and only 36 miles. I have done this distance and more on my mountain bike without any problems or any soreness, but today on the road bike ouch! Let me say that again OUCH!!!

I do not have a WSD saddle on my road bike. The saddle is not a stock saddle, it's one I bought, but now that I have been spoiled by my other saddle is it the most miserable saddle I have been on, and it brings tears to my eyes--the tears are not tears of joy.

During the entire road ride I had to keep shifting around, and it did not matter how much shifting I did I was not going to be comfortable. Eventually I began to feel a burning sensation, I thought I was on fire! After that I became numb. This is not so bad as you can at least finish out your ride, but you really have no idea of how sore you are until you are done. Well, unfortunately I found out just how sore I was before my ride was done. The last couple miles we ended up on a gravel paved road. The vibration of the road took away all numbness. I don't think I could have gotten off the road soon enough.

Since my numbness was now gone I could not wait to finish our ride. Thank goodness we only had another mile or so to go. By the time we got back I more than ready to be done. I had a great time riding, but it is now time to buy a new saddle for my road bike--and to think all winter on the trainer I thought the pain was from the trainer...now I know.

Squaw Peak - South Fork

All week long I have been wanting to ride Squaw Peak, but time and weather did not cooperate. Today was the day rain or not I was going to ride Squaw Peak Road. The big decision before the ride was whether to ride skinny or fat tires. I chose fat tires mostly because I did not want to take my bike off the trainer. With this decision I was off.

The weather was not so bad. It was cloudy, overcast 51 degrees and no wind--a good day for a hill climb. Starting up Squaw Peak road I immediately jumped in to my small cog. The last time I rode up Squaw Peak I had to be in my granny gear. As I rode I realized granny gear was way to easy and switched up to my middle cog. This was a great feeling, because last year the idea of riding up Squaw Peak in my middle cog was inconceivable.

Since the gate was closed going up the road was great. I could ride any part of the road and did not have to worry about cars. The road was fairly clear for about half way, and then there started to appear snow patches here and there. I was able to scoot around the snow without any problems, but as a I got further up the snow started to cover the road more and I ended up hiking over three spots until I came to the point where I could no longer ride. From here I turned around and rode down.

One of the obstacles on the road.

End of the road. I was not going to hike a bike on this section.View on the way down the road.

I had put on my windbreaker for the downhill, but I should have put on my ear warmers and gloves as it was brrrr cold coming down. At the bottom I still felt the need to ride, so I took off to South Fork. On the way I crossed over a section where there had been an avalanche. I think it will be awhile until this section is cleared.

Going up South Fork I did not feel as strong as I did on Squaw Peak. I was still in my middle cog, but some of my kick had gone, but I persevered. Up ahead I saw a roadie, and thought it would be cool to catch him, however my legs did not agree. As I went up it started to sprinkle just a bit, but not enough to deter me and cause me to turn around. I continued all the way to the end, and this time I put on extra gloves, ear warmer and wind breaker.

Deer eating by the side of the road. I took this while riding, looks just like the ones when I am standing still....blurry.

The ride down was not near as cold as Sqauw Peak but it was very, very wet. The rain had picked up and I ended up riding all the way home in the rain. When I got home I was soaked to the skin, but very, very happy. There is nothing better than a good long ride.

Trails in My Backyard

I have a lot of trails in my backyard, and I didn’t even know it. How lucky am I! Today was a very tight scheduled day, so my ride started early for a Saturday—6:30 in the morning early. Although it was 25 degrees out it felt pretty much the same as yesterday which was 35 degrees. I guess after a certain temperature it all feels the same….cold.

This morning I met Kerry and we took off up 2000 south like we do during the week. However, today we left our normal route and ended up going to the water tank in Orem. It was not too soon going up the road towards the water tank I felt fatigued. I was really surprised as I have made this climb without any problems before. I wondered if the cold had something to do with it or if I was tired. My answer came very quickly as not halfway up the hill my EIA (exercise induced asthma) the cold was definitely playing a part in my riding.

We continued up the road and ended up going on the service road past the water tank. This road is your typical dirt service road, not too difficult, but a good climb. I don’t know how far we went on the road, but it was cool to look out over the valley. I could see trails by Squaw’s Peak; I could see the BST and all around the valley. As we rode we came to a single track. Kerry, Eric and Stephen call this the Windy Ridge, and it is true to its name. Apparently it is always windy here, and the wind is a cross wind. Today is was not too strong, it was just enough to pull up my face protector and continue down.

From here we came out around Canyon Glen Park and go up the trail to Bridal Veil Falls. I have seen mountain bikers up there before, but could never figure out where they were riding. Today I found out.

There is a fun trail that goes up the mountain and over to Squaw’s Peak. It is like a little roller coaster as you go up the mountain making the climbing very easy. The trail goes all the way to Squaw Peak road. I am not sure where it comes out on the road, because we didn’t take the road down. Instead we did turn around and went back. Turning around was sooooo much fun. The little roller coaster trail that makes the climbing easy, makes the downhill a blast. I was giggling all the way down I was having so much fun.

At the end we took off up Provo Trail and home. About halfway down the trail we started to have the sun hit us. It felt really good and although the temperature did not change much it warmed me up having the sun on me. I can’t wait to do this again. There is nothing better than having trails in my back yard.

In or Out

I was supposed to go on a Mtb ride early this morning in AF Canyon. The last I heard from the weather man last night was it would not start to rain until close to noon. The weather man was wrong! At 6:15 am this morning the wind was blowing and the rain had started to come down--ride cancelled. As I watched the rain all morning long all I could think about was riding my bike. I wanted to get out and after resisting as long as I could I finally gave in. Excitedly I got my gear on, pumped up the tires on my road bike, added the flasher to the back so people could see me and took off. Looking up to the mountains with the clouds low and surrounding them I knew exactly where I wanted to go. My destination Squaw Peak Road.

The rain drizzled lightly as I started down the road towards Provo Canyon. I had all of the vents on my rain jacket vents unzipped which turned out to be the perfect temperature for the ride. I was looking forward to riding Provo Canyon Trail and Squaw Peak Road I figured in this rain the trail and the road would be empty, and I was mostly right. Going up the trail I was able to ride where ever I wanted without having to worry about a cyclist, rider or long board coming my direction. It was cool being on the trail by myself. Just as I rounded the corner near Timpanogous Park I saw another cyclist. We exchanged greetings and continued on our way.

This was my first ride up Squaw Peak Road, and I was not sure I would be able to ride the hill. But was determined to give it my best. The ride up the road was great as most people were at home due to the rain. There were a few cars that came down the road and three that passed me coming up, but not as many as there usually are on a weekend. A feeling of peace and calm surrounded me as I road by myself. There is something about rain, dusky darkness and low clouds around the mountain that bring calm and joy at the same time. The fall colors are beautiful right now and the swirling clouds around the mountain enhanced the beauty. I wanted to take stop and take pictures, but did not want to stop riding, so I comprised and decided to take pictures on my way down. As I rode up the road the rain was a steady drizzle, but as I climbed and got higher the drizzle became stronger. By the time I got to the top the rain had become a steady down pour. Lucky for me going up keeps your warm.

At the top I took some pictures of the valley and the mountains and then started down. I didn't get far when I realized I needed to close the vents on my rain jacket as it was getting cold going down. I made a couple of stops on the way down to take pictures. At one of those stops I had to get out my extra gloves, because all of the sudden my fingers were getting cold. I guess that's what happens when you go faster than 5 miles an hour. The ride down was quick, fun, soggy and cold. On the Provo Trail I ran in to one more cyclist, he seemed to be enjoying riding in the rain as much as me. I found even though I had on shoe covers that my socks had become squishy inside my shoes. It reminded me of when you are a kid and you play in the rain puddles and you have the squishy tennis shoes. By the time I got home my outside gear was soaked. The rain jacket worked pretty well, and my jersey was only slightly wet. The ride was great and I have now learned I can ride skinny tires in the rain and I will not kill myself!