12 Hours of Mesa Verde Redemption

This is my second year doing 12 Hours of Mesa Verde, and I had one goal in mind for this race--to greatly improve from the year before.  Last year when I did the race I was fresh off of my heart surgery.  I thought things would go well at that race, but well let's just say that was when I learned the upcoming year was going to  be a year of recovery.  For me the race this year was a pinnacle, a turning point from where I have been and where I am going.

This year I raced with some great gals Sally and Heather--our team name Cranky Cowgirls (theme for the race was western).  Heather started us off, with Sally second and me third.  Heather and Sally killed it on their laps and then it was my turn.  I started out strong, in fact a little too strong.  I was going to hard at the first and was worried I would end up blowing up.  I kept telling myself to slow down a little bit, but no go, I kept going.  Eventually I did settle in and started going at an even, fast pace.  About half way through the course I looked at my time and saw I was ahead of my goal--I was feeling great, everything was falling in to place.  Then it happened, I crashed!  I didn't just crash, I flipped my bike and landed hard on the ground with a huge grunt, startling all of the people behind me.  I jumped up, moved my bike off the trail and let a train of people ride by.  I saw two women in our division go and began to panic--what if I lost our place, what if I ruined everything Sally and Heather had done.  As soon as the trained passed I hopped on my bike and proceeded to catch up.  In less than one mile I crashed again!  This time nothing major, but once again I had to let a train of people go by and fix my brake--ugh, all that time lost.  From here til the end I flew, hoping to make up for lost time.  Results, I improved my lap time by 15 minutes from last year!  Of course all I could think was if only I hadn't crashed how much faster my lap time would have been.  My biggest concern, not letting my team down.



 I wish I could say my second lap was great, but alas it was not.  Both my laps were in the heat of the day, but my second was in the prime of the heat.  Coming from 40 to 80 degrees just does not seem to agree with me--I can't wait to for it to get warm, so I can start to acclamate to the heat.  The other issue, I drank a very heavy milk product inbetween laps.  I know better than to drink milk during a race, I don't know what was I was thinking--I guess you could say I wasn't.  Needless to say when I left for my second lap I was sick,  all I could think about was throwing up, I even tried about mile 3, but without success.  I felt so miserable, my legs didn't want to go and I all I could hope for was to get through the lap and not lose our place.  My goal had changed from killing it on my lap to making sure no woman passed me and I passed any woman I could see.  I felt so miserable I was sure it took me an hour longer to do this lap.  Lucky for me that was not the case.  I only lost us 8 minutes, and no women passed me....whew. 

Heather coming in on her final lap.

Heather wrapped us up with the final lap and our team held on for a poduim win of 5th place.  The teams this year were much faster than last.  To put it into perspective the first two teams were retired pros and pros, and beat last years times by over an hour.  I can't begin to say how cool it was to race with Heather and Sally and podium.  What a great comeback from last year, and what a fun, fun race.  I am so looking forward to returning and racing here again.

Awesome team mates, awesome team!

What Happened at Cholla?

I was actually nervous before the race started.  I am not sure why, because I did not have any expectations.  I knew I was still not up to being as fit as my competition, and I would be lucky if I could hang with them, but for some reason I was nervous.  Sally thought it was because we had to wait around for the start and I tend to agree.

KC & Chris's dog Texas making himself home on my chairs so he could watch the race.

Weather conditions were great for the race, except for one minor issue--the heat.  Had the race started earlier the heat was manageable, but since it was later...well, it was not so manageable for me.  When we started the race it was approximately 82 degrees.  Now this is not so bad except apparently some parts of the course were 94 degrees as I was soon to find out.

It was hot enough for the lizards to sun.

I started out the race in true fashion fast and at the front.  Now this is not unusual for me, because I seem to have a fast start, but it doesn't get much faster from there and about 15 seconds from the start people start to pass me.  However, this time that did not happen.  I was a little stunned.  There was some jostling for place going over the slick rock, and I was doing great.  I continued to be near the front until we started to climb.  At this point others began to pass me.  I was okay with this, because we stayed close together and I felt great.  I was pushing it just perfect.

Over the slick rock.

A little more than half way through the first lap.  I hear a cute, little voice behind me, saying she is just pacing off me....it that's okay.  Of course it is okay, I didn't mind, it's always nice to have a little company.  I could see the whole pack as we rode, and was ready to put a few riders behind me.  However, the trail conditions made it difficult for me to pass and then all of the sudden it happened.  We were in this canyon, gulf, gully, I don't know what you want to call it, but all of the sudden I got very, very hot.  I was heating up from the inside out.  I backed off making any move for a moment and just hung with the group hoping my internal heater would cool down.  No such luck.  I continued to get hotter and hotter and as I got hotter I got slower.  Realizing the group was starting to pull away from me and I was not cooling down.   I let my pacer know that she would need to make her move, and she did.  In fact she made such a great move she took 1st place!!!  Something she needs to be posting from the mountain tops--or at least on facebook.

As for me.  Well I never cooled down, but I never quit.  I pushed as hard as I could, but my body rebelled and I heated up each time I tried to push it.  I finished, but I honestly do not know what place I took.  I know it was 3rd to last, but that's all I know.  I was so toasted when I crossed the finished line, all I was concerned about was cooling down.  The cool part of the race  Although I got very hot and my body couldn't handle the heat, my body could handle the race.  It felt strong, which has me looking forward to more races to come.

JEM Trail

After every good race is a well deserved ride.  A group of us decided we need a good cool down ride and headed over to ride JEM.  The ride was beautiful and perfect.  We had a nice little breeze that kept us cool, with perfect cloud coverage.  The down was awesomeness and by the end there was nothing but smiles and huge grins.  What a perfect way to end the day.

Awesome Race - Desert Rampage

Just a few from the team.

Desert Rampage is one of my favorite races, although I will admit I do have a few.  The fun thing about this race is seeing everyone again, starting off on a fun course that doesn't kill you, good passing, and ending on the downhill.  This year held true.

The race was great fun.  We had a large group of women in the sport category about 17/18 (when I counted I can't remember if I counted myself or not).  Great to see so many women on the start line!  My start was a little rough.  My stomach was too full from liquid, so I ended up making myself throw up what was in my stomach.  No, I didn't stick my finger down my throat, it was easy as bending over and what shouldn't have been there came out.  I felt better, but my tummy was still pretty full. 

As we took off the start line I was up near the front, but held my speed not getting much faster.  Little by little people came by me and were passing, until finally somewhere along the first hill climb I ended up being in dead last.  This was not where I wanted to be.  At first I was a little discouraged, but I told my mental bad talk to take a hike and rode as well as I could, while figuring out what I was going to do so this would not happen again.  I have to add although I was in last place, I could still see my division and was very much in the race.

On my first lap, in the wash I passed a gal in my division.  Her sidewall had ripped.  I was so bummed, because it never feels good to pass someone due to a mechanical.  I continued to pound along, and by the end of my first lap I was feeling really good, and started to pull in on others in my division.  My nex pass was right in the lap/finish area.  We almost ended up crashing into each other, because she thought I was going for my water bottle and I was actually on the opposite side.  I didn't go for my bottle, because my tummy had been too full to take in any water.

I had now passed 2 gals, and I could see more in the distance.  Little by little I began to pass women on the trail.  Two on the first climb, one on the first downhill, one at the first of the second wash, another one with a mechanical towards the end of the 2nd wash.  There were still more women ahead and I soooo wanted to catch them.  I kept pounding determined I was going to get them.  I finally caught my last rider at the beginning of the second down.  We were coming off the single track at the same time and heading down our final descent.  She took the the single track and I took off the course for the pass.  It worked!  I took off hoping I could keep her from catching me and hoping I might see someone else on the down I could pass.  I made it to the finish not passing anyone else from my division and without being passed.   Whew, it was over and I felt good, tired, but good.

The results.....I believe I took 9th and I took over 3 minutes off my time from last year!!!  This is great since last year this race was just before my heart surgery.   I am getting stronger and getting more fit.  I can't wait to see the direction my health will take me.

Goregous St. George Views.

  

Fun with friends on the pre-ride.

What is My Fitness Level?

As the first ICup race of the season approaches I have been asking this question over and over again.  What is my fitness level?  How am I going to do at the race?  Have I improved any?  Have I done enough that I feel like I made progress from last year to this year?  These and many other questions have been going through my mind.  As I have been calling friends and making plans for the upcoming trip to the race I have discovered I am not the only one with this question.  Apparently everyone else is wondering the same thing!
How nice it is to discover I am not the only one wondering where my fitness level is.  I guess we all have the same or similar questions as we head towards the first ICup race. 

So how do you determine your fitness level?  This is the question I am trying to answer.  For me I don't think it is going to be about winning the race.  Of course I would love to win, but realistically speaking I know I am not there yet.  Last time I was on a mountain bike was in November!  Since then it has been the trainer, and I have done my best on the trainer, but there is nothing that compares to the actual ride.  My weight--well, I am lighter, but still not even close to where I need to be.  So I go into this with not the expectation of winning, but of doing well.  Am I settling?  I don't think so, I think I am being realistic, but I am not counting myself out.

What is "doing well", as I contemplate this I think it is coming in where I came in last year or better.  I feel as if my heart is doing great, so I want to be where I was last year at this time or better.  Big dreams--well we all need to dream big.  Also, I do not want to take last, or 2nd to last.  To some this may not be a big deal, but really after all of the struggles from last year, watching everyone take off ahead of me was so frustrating and discouraging I need something different.  Yes, I get it my heart was healing and I couldn't go faster, but I want it to be be different this year.  With that said if I end up taking last or close to last I guarantee it will only motivate me more.

So how do you determine your fitness level?  What will you be satisfied, or will you be satisfied?

How to Pass

Last year by the end of the season I was pretty much fed up with all of the different passing scenarios that had occurred.  I have been in the thick of it where I have been passed and I do the passing, and nothing is more frustrating to a rider than a pass gone bad.  After putting some thought in to it I decided to share my perspective on how to pass, prior to the ICup race season beginning.  Some of you may read this entire blog, some may not, so I am going to give my conclusion at the very first.

When asked to pass let the person pass, if you are faster then you will get the opportunity to pass them back.  It doesn't matter what division they are in, expect at the very end of the race, then if needs be sprint it out to the end.  Do you really want to be on the podium knowing you hogged the trail and prevented 3 other people from passing you--were you really faster?

PASSING

1. Let the rider know you are coming. One of the best ways is holler “rider back” This gives the rider in front an opportunity to determine a good place to let you pass.

Last year during the Draper race, a rider behind me called “rider back” I looked ahead and found the perfect place to pull over – made my move, and he sailed right by. I was able to keep accelerate as soon as he went by. Both of us ended up in a good situation. Same thing happened at The Canyons race. Both parties are happy and very little if any time is lost.

2. Clearly state your intention to pass i.e. “on your left”, “on your right” “pass please”,. This lets the rider ahead know what you want to do.

Two years ago at Deer Valley race I had a rider approach behind me and due to my ear warmers that were on (it was about 25 degrees that race), all I heard was a mumbled “meer”. Not knowing what he said my reply was “what???”. He repeated himself with a little more clarity “pro”. My thoughts, “oh I think he wants to pass.” I let him by. As he went by I called out “I am racing too.” I get you are a pro and another fast guy is probably going to be coming up soon, but telling me what division you are in does not help.

A similar incident happened again last year at the Draper race. On my last lap heading up the little hill to the parking lot, where the lap and finish split is, a rider came behind me and said “expert”. At this point in the race I really could have cared less—I was sick, tired and just wanted to finish. My reply to his declaration of his division, “how’s that working for you?” Funny thing he never replied.

3. When passing wait until the rider ahead gives you the go ahead. This is for the safety of you and for the rider you are passing.

Last year at the Sundance race while I was riding Archie’s I had a rider pull up and tell me he wanted to pass. I looked ahead and told him just a moment, right up here. He yelled “no, now!” and then shoved right by me. I ended in into the side of the mountain and luckily he did not end off the edge of Archie’s. Not 2 seconds later another rider came up, he waited and we both had a safe pass. Really is it worth it?!?

GETTING PASSED

1. If someone behind you asks to pass let them pass! This is by far most the most important rule. If they are asking they are faster than you, LET THEM BY! Who cares if they are in the same division as you, who cares if it is a chick and you ego feels a little bruised, if you are faster then you will pass them back. Do you really want to win a race by hogging the trail and preventing the other three people behind you from passing!

Last year at The Canyons race I was doing pretty good, but eventually on the uphill I got passed. We hit some downhill and I passed people back. Then uphill again and I was passed. Final descent I passed a lot of people, one was in my division (who by the way I had let pass me on the up). She let me pass and I was able to fly downhill. Had she not let me pass it would have been dangerous for both of us, because I was riding right on her tail. She actually ended up beating me across the finish line, but we passed each other back and forth the entire race—now that is a race!

2. When riding narrow singletrack on a mountain side pull over toward the mountainside (hill/steep) and let the rider go around you.  If you go inside they have to deal with bushes and trees and may not get around.

These are a few of my thoughts or suggestions on passing.  Anyone care to add to the list???

Moab - The bits and pieces

This is very long.  Sorry, but I don't know how you can condense 24 hours.

I am not sure what the attraction is to 24 Hours of Moab, but crazy enough every time I think of the race it puts a smile on my face. For some this is pure craziness, for others it gives them the same smile. Why? Perhaps it is the challenges of the trail or the team unity that emerges as you undertake riding for the next 24 hours. Maybe it is the pure challenge of putting your body through every type of extreme possible in the next 24 hours and conquering it. Whatever it is, it puts a smile on my face.

Pre-Race Days
For me 24 Hours of Moab began Thursday evening. I drove down with Ty and Amber in heavy, pouring rain. The whole way down we were tentative as to what type of weather we would be arriving in, but as we got closer to Moab, the clouds parted and the stars shone bright. This was the beginning to a great weekend.

Friday morning we woke up and began setting up camp. For any that have been at the Mad Dog camp, it is quite the set up. We have a tent for eating, a tent for our bike wrench, tables, chairs, generators and pretty much anything you can think of. Although it is an elaborate set up, with lots of hands it does not take long to set up.

Setting up camp.

After setting up, Amber and I went out on our pre-ride. I was excited for this ride; anxious to see the changes in the trail, and hopeful that my skills had improved enough the trail would not seem so hard. Funny thing about this trail, the rock drops and the triple xxx danger zones do not scare me. No, funny enough what scares me is the big sand hill berms and it showed on the pre-ride. I was so afraid of washing out that is exactly what I did. Oh well, better on the pre-ride and not the race. After the berms I cleared everything, rode strong and felt great. I had only one minor mishape I turned wrong in the sand and went down so fast I didn’t have time to thing. You would think lucky I was in the sand, but no I hit a rock and it took a big chunk of skin off my knee. When I got back Karl (the best ER doc around) cut the skin and helped me out. Funny thing, he reminded me that during the race he wouldn’t necessarily have time for minor injuries, only emergencies. No worries, because during a race I don’t even pay attention to minor injuries.

The hike a bike sand hill.

In the background one of the triple xxx's. If you click on the picture you can see a 4-wheeler trying to manuever it's way down.

Amber on the trail.

Pre-ride injuries.

The rest of the day was spent hanging out with the team, eating fabulous food prepared by Abby and getting to bed early so I would be rested for the next day.

The next morning I hung out, went to the racers’ meeting in my pjs, and prepared for the race to start. The start seems to always provide laughter as we watch the run begin. I really do not envy all of those people running in the dust. After the run we set up our chairs at the front of camp and prepare for the riders to come by—58 minutes later the first rider is in! From here on out it is cheering for team mates, other riders and general fun. Great for me as I was going 4th, so I had a little time to kill.

Teammate Leslie & me at the racer's meeting.

Watching racers ride in.

Keith on the megaphone.

Lap 1
My first lap came quick—my team mates were kicking it! While waiting in the event tent for Dorothy to come I discovered my cleat was loose on my shoe. I grabbed a racer who had just finished riding and he helped me tighten my cleat. He finished helping just in time. Whew! Thanks mister random rider.

I went out on the trail and felt great. I came to the first triple xxx and started down. Now so you know there is more than one way down most of the triple xxx’s; usually there is an easy way and one not as easy. When I started down there was a rider directly in front of me. I followed him thinking he would go down the easy way—the way I knew and was used to. I got a quarter of the way down when it dawned on me this was not the easy way! Immediately I proclaimed for all to hear “shit almighty, this is not the way I normally take!” I know once again I cursed, but really I don’t think my brain knows any differently when I am in such a situation. I guess my exclamation was an indicator to the rider behind me I was going to walk, because he attempted to pass. I let him know to wait and continued to roll on down. All of the sudden he did pass me, and came right in front of me, causing me to have to stop. He apologized; I went “oh well”, got off my bike and then back on. I continued on my way, cleared the next triple xxx and then my troubles began.

You see the cleat I had tightened up didn’t stay tight, it became loose. For those who don’t know what this means, it means trouble. It means coming unclipped from my pedal is very difficult, and there are no quick escapes if I need them. After this when I needed to dab I couldn’t, and when I tried to dab it usually ended up in a crash. I crashed on a rock drop, I crashed in a sticker bush, and I crashed on a turn. Each time I crashed I was stuck in my pedal and struggled to get out. Riders would pass by and offer to help, but I politely told them no and eventually forcibly would get out.

As I rode I kept praying I would not crash. I was getting tired and frustrated of being stuck. I finally arrived to the final triple xxx. I like this triple xxx, and enjoy bombing down. I dropped off the ledge and then I went down. And by down I do not mean down the hill, but instead I crashed, and I crashed hard. I am not sure how I went down, all I know was once again I was down and my shoe was still clipped in. I was mad. Once again I worked my shoe out of the pedal, picked up my bike and started to walk. I didn’t get too far when I realized my finger was throbbing and had instantly swelled up—I had broken my finger! Wonderful, not only could I not come unclipped, but now my finger was broken. I finished my lap in pain and a little fear—I really did not want to go down anymore. Across the sand I pedaled hard and at one point I almost wiped out, had you been right by me you would have heard me chanting “pedal, pedal, pedal”; this was to ensure I did not crash. I finished with my clock showing I was 4 minutes faster than last year- granny did not match my clock and had me 4 minutes slower. Either way a great time and it shows my health is getting stronger every day.

Broken finger.

When I arrived at camp I went and saw doc—I figured a broken finger was a slight emergency. He looked at it and confirmed it was broke. There wasn’t anything that could be done, other than ice, rest and elevation. I could do the ice and elevation, but rest would have to wait. I ate a wonderful dinner prepared by Abby and the other volunteers then went to bed and iced my hand. I only lasted a few hours before I couldn’t take the cold anymore. At this point I got ready for my next lap and went and sat in the warm tent.

Hanging out in the warm tent in between laps.

Lap 2
My night lap was not too bad. When you’re out on the course everything gets blurred. No longer can you see the path the other tires have gone, lines are not definite, and perception is slightly off. As I rode out the first rider I passed announced this was her very first night ride! Of course I was amazed, surprised and felt bad for this poor girl. What a way to be initiated into the night. As I rode off I let her know after this all night rides would seem easy.

This year my night ride went better. I was better able to distinguish where I wanted to go, but my perception was still off. The first triple xxx I got lost and had to wait for a rider to go by—funny thing it was a Mad Dog rider. I watched him go by and proceeded on my way. The next triple xxx I rode down, but discovered having a broken finger made it difficult to maneuver my bike. From here on out all difficult maneuvering was done by walking my bike—I didn’t need anymore broken bones.

I finished my night lap safe and feeling good. I really couldn’t compare to the year before, because last year I got a flat. This year no major problems and only minor ones Dave and Carl were able to fix.

After my lap I had some warm chicken noodle soup and then carted myself off to bed. I think this time is most key for getting your rest for the race. You try to sleep, but in reality you cannot get the sleep you need. Your body and mind are anticipating the lap or laps that are coming up. But what rest you do get provides your body with hopefully what you will need to complete the race.

Prior to Lap 3
Prior to my final lap there was discussion among teammates as to what we should do. Leslie had somehow miraculously cleaned Nose Dive only to have crashed on the little sand hill going to the mats and injuring her thumb. We knew if I went out strong we could get in 2 more laps, but did we want to. The discussion was whether we should or not. The team that was beating us there was no chance to catch. They were throwing down times as fast as the pros and had already lapped us. We were out here to have a good time, do our race and finish strong, so we reached a decision, we were done.

Now the big decision—should I go out or not. This was a lot for me to contemplate. No one on my team felt the need for me to go out. They were more concerned with my health and making sure I was okay. With no pressure whatsoever, I had to decide what I would do.

I went to the tent, got warm and tried to eat, while I thought about what I should do. Like last year my stomach did not want any food. However, this year I only dry heaved once versus many, many times. Since I couldn’t eat food I was not sure what to do. I was already calorie deficit and knew if I went out without eating I was setting myself up to bonk. As I sat I remembered my CarboRocket. I quickly went and filled my bottle and began to drink. Perfect, my stomach was no longer sick and I had gotten some calories into me. I decided to go out, however, this lap was not going to be a race lap it was going to be a leisure lap.

Lap 3
Dorothy pulled up and we had a great exchange. I let her know we were done with the race and I was going to drag out my next lap. I gave her, her coat and my sweat pants then casually walked to my bike. Yes, I was taking this leisure ride very seriously.

I rode at a steady pace and actually felt really quite good. It wasn’t long before I got hot and had to stop to get out of my vest and arm warmers. This was actually quite the task as I had to take everything out of my vest pockets and put them in my jersey pockets. Then I rolled up my vest, put it in my camel bak and began to ride once again.

About 2.5 miles into the race I began to get hungry. I expected this as I knew I had not had enough calories, so I had brought extra food. I pulled over and took a moment to get my food to eat and then continued on my way.

I rode up to the first triple xxx and began to walk—with my finger there was no more riding rough sections. I was in a lot of pain and anything that required gripping the handle bar was out of the question. I visited with a young rider who is 10 years old. This was his 5th lap of the day—he was doing a solo! Can you imagine riding that course at 10 years old??? I can barely imagine riding it now! We talked for a moment and then parted ways.

I rode and rode and got to meet many great riders. I was so impressed with their perseverance and stamina, so many solo riders going on and on all night long—wow! I don’t know how you do it, but my hat is off to you. At the end of the course I picked up the pace and came in strong. I felt good and was very hungry. For me this was a good sign, because last year beginning at 1 am and going into Monday afternoon I couldn’t get any solid food into my stomach. This time I was able to eat a half a sandwich, and did not feel sick.

Final
Our team ended up getting 2nd place, but for me that was not the most important thing. Instead the most important thing was we hit our goal. As a team we rode hard and had fun. I rode with a great bunch of ladies and made some great friends. Funny thing, we never got a team picture. We were so busy riding we forgot. Because of my finger we didn’t stay for podium, but hopefully we’ll hear from granny and get our medals and prizes soon.

I also have to thank all of the volunteers that helped at the race.  Had it not been for them I actually would have to put effort into other things besides racing.  But thanks to them all I had to do was eat, sleep and race.  It is nice to be so well taken care of.
Follow Up
Monday I went to the orthopedic doctor to follow up on my finger. Lucky for me I got in, when I initially called they couldn’t get me in until Thursday. After hanging up, and crying a bit, I called back to reaffirm there was no appointments available. There were not with a doctor, but I could see the PA. That worked for me and I went in. My finger is broken at the tip—this is known as a tuft fracture. But not only is it broken, it is comminuted—which means shattered. I currently have to wear a splint and cannot have it removed until after I see the doctor in 6 weeks. The bad news is apparently this type of break can hurt for up to 6 months. Oh well, I guess I can deal with that as long as I can ride my bike.



On My Way

Bags are packed, lists have been made and checked off and I am almost ready to go.  I have gone on several night rides, ridden my bike when time, weather and my health would allow.  Tomorrow I leave for Moab, with hopes that all my preperation has paid off.  Expecations?  Nothing other than to ride, have fun and on lap 1 come as close as I can to last years lap time--after that it really doesn't matter.  And if I don't come close, that's okay too, because I will be riding my bike, and it is always a great day when you ride your bike.

This year I am racing in the 35+ division with a great bunch of ladies - Lyna Saffell, Dorothy Gibson, and Leslie Knowlton.  I don't think I could be on a better team.  So wish us luck, and cross your fingers that all of us ride well, have fun and make it from start to finish.

One of our many night rides - Lyna, Me, Sally & Jen

12 Hours of Sundance

Although the 12 Hours of Sundance is not a huge race, it is a lot fun.  One of the things making this race so great is you can see all of the riders riding by as they head to the finish line.  You cheer for those coming in, those going out and watch in awe all those tackling the 12 hours solo.

This year my goal for this race was to match or come close to what I raced last year.  I have been feeling better lately (minus the ribs), and I felt this would be a good indicator of any little extra thing I might need to do for Moab. 

About 2 days before the race it dawned on me I had not had any chest pain for at least 2 weeks!  It had faded away so  discretly I didn't even notice.  I felt this race would be good opportunity to see where my recovery for my heart is.  In all races thus far I have always had chest pain during the race.  This race we would see if the chest  pain comes back, or if it is gone for good.

My first lap was good.  I went out at a good pace and was able to hold it the whole time.  My downhill was tentative, but I expected that as I haven't done a lot of mountain biking since injuring my ribs.  I finished my lap and discovered I was 5 minutes slower than last year.  I felt good about that.  I haven't been able to ride like I would like, and I am carrying 20 pounds of extra weight more than last year--not too bad considering all things.  After my lap I cheered Dennis out and began to prepare for lap 2 that would be coming up.  It was during this time I got my infamous "aura" that blinds me and then the migraine comes.  Great timing when I still have more laps to do.  Luckily I brougt a fold out mat and pillow, so I laid down and rested waiting for my next lap to come.

I have to thank the guy that was riding behind me on Archies for my improved 2nd lap time.  I don't know if I would have pushed as hard if someone hadn't been behind be.  I really didn't want to impede the rider, so I went as fast as I could, figuring if I wasn't fast enough he would ask to pass.  Luckily he didn't need to pass until Scott's Pond just before the log stack.  I kept going strong this lap.  As I watched my clock I was sure I was going slower even though I felt faster.  It turns out I was going faster and improved my lap time by one minute making me only 4 minutes slower than last years 2nd lap! 

Third lap I was tired, but still able to ride and clear everything, although maybe not as quickly as my previous laps.  On the last hill climb I was passed by a solo rider.  I was so humbled to see him pass after riding all day long and this was only my third lap.  I told him so, and his reply "it's always a great day when your on the bike."  I couldn't agree more.  I finished my 3rd lap strong and my downhill was finally back to what I like.  My lap was 3 minutes slower than my 2nd lap, but I don't know what it was in comparison to last year.  I forgot to look and it's not posted. 

Anyway, all in all it turned out to be a great day to race and ride.  Our team was entered in the Masters Coed.  We took 2nd in our division, and an overall 2nd against all the other coed teams--yeah for us!  Oh and the good news, no chest pain!  Looks like the heart is starting to heal.

Team Scared Shiftless - James, Me, Tiffany and Dennis

Won a bicycle pizza cutter.

My DNF

I have been sick this week, but felt good this morning, and was ready to race.  I was excited to race this course.  I warmed up, chatted with others and lined up.  We started the race with the 57+, and the 13-15 sport.  Somehow I ended up on the front of the line.  This made me slightly uncomfortable, but it turned out okay.  Everyone went by me, and I was able to hang with the group at the tail end. 

On the climb I was on the back, but passed one girl, and was on the tail of 3 others.  Unfortunately the 2nd girl could not ride downhill very well and the front girl started to pull away.  The 2nd girl was able to pass on the inside of a switchback, and then we hit the rocks.  Now it was just me and this girl with me trying to get around.  I tried and tried, but she was all over the trail and I could not pass safely.  Luckily for me she finally dropped something from her bike and stopped and I got by.

From here I picked up the pace a bit so I could catch up to the others.  It was also here I began to be very sick to my stomach.  The nausea stayed and kept getting worse and worse.  I tried to throw up at one point, but it settled down.  Then about 2.5 miles in I threw up--yes while I was riding.  I dry heaved a couple of times, pulled over and threw up a couple of more times into the bushes.  From here on out I felt miserable.  I was hot, dizzy, nausatious, and kept dry heaving.  I was hoping it would go away, but no go.

At the half loop I was tempted to go down, but decided to try and do a full loop to see if I could shake it off.  I went another half mile, dry heaved and turned around.  I was done.  I walked back to the half loop (had to stay off the trail for racers), got on my bike at the half loop and rode down.  I was pretty wiped out by the time I reached the bottom.  I went to my car, changed and then had to walk up to get my water bottle.  Just walking up the hill about killed me.  I got my water bottle and sat for quite a while visiting with Jen and Kathy and watching riders go by.  You could see the course was wearing on them.

AFter resting a bit I got up and left.  I came come and went to bed.  I still feel sick to my stomach, and have the cold chills off and on.  I sure hope this goes away quickly, because the idea of being off my bike for very long is depressing.

Although this is my first DNF there is good news about the race.  The beginners did not catch me on the climb, no one in another division did!  Had I not gotten sick I don't think I would have been passed by any beginners or anyone other than Greg.  This is a good sign, my heart is getting better and I am beginning to feel better!  Let's cross our fingers for the next race.

Snow Basin Resort

I went up to Snow Basin Resort today to pre-ride the race course.  I have never been to Snow Basin, and I am asking myself why.  What a beautiful area, it is tucked away hidden from everything.  I loved the course and ride, and need to go back soon to ride more of the trails up there.

James coming down the trial.

Wendy on the trail.

Taking a quick break in the shade.

Next 3 pics are a panoramic view--the picture does not do justice to how beautiful it is.

A little snow on the trail.

I Love My Team Mates

I started out very tentative about racing Snowbird.  I guess you could say I have been having a less than positive attitude about racing this last week.  I am a very competitive person, and although I joke about being in the back of the pack and I talk about my improvement sometimes you begin to wonder if it is worth it.  However, with all of that said I do like to race and I do like pushing myself.

So how was I going to convince myself to go to Snowbird.  I did the most logical thing I relied on riding up with a friend.  I called Jolene and she was going to race--great now I had someone to ride up with and a way to make sure I would go race.

The night before the race was not what I would call stellar.  I did not eat well, I played 2 softball games (pulled my butt muscle at my final game), I did not get to sleep until midnight and of course I woke up 30 minutes earlier than planned at 5:30.  "Oh well" I told myself it's not like I was going to do well anyway....still not a very good attitude, glad I was riding with Jolene.

We arrived at the race in good time.  We registered got ready, and rode up to the start line.  I was going to warm up, but by the time I rode up the hill Ed was calling to stage the race.  Not a good way to start a race wtih cold legs.  Once again "oh well".

My first lap I ended up in 3rd, but rode not to the best of my abililty.  I was bobbling around on the single track and on the downhill I kept braking making the down less than fluid.  Coming around for my 2nd lap Keith, Chris and KC were on the sidelines watching people go by.  I rode by and I hear Keith telling me to push it pedal faster and catch the guys in  front of me.  I start to push it pedaled a little bit better and with more determination.  I was able to pass 3 guys.

I kept riding, but we hit a small section of down and I still was not riding well--very frustrating.  There is a great section of up hill switch backs going up to the top.  As I rode these I became fatigued and my heart was definitely feeling worked.  I rode, but backed off my pedals.  Near the top who should I hear behind me, Keith encouraging me to push and pedal.  I did and made it to the down hill road.  I started out tenative again, but then Chris blew by me on his bike and I picked up my speed.  For some reason my confidence was growing.  KC and Keith came by with more words of encouragement and my confidence continued to increase.

I rode down the road okay, not great, but much faster than my 1st lap.  I then entered the single track and saw KC in front of me.  I like riding behind KC, so my goal was to try and catch her.  This time I rode the single track like I know how--no front brake and better rear braking on the turns.  I made it all the way down the single track riding much better, all thanks to seeing a teammate in front of me.

As I rounded the chair lift and went up the final real climb Keith was once again encouraging and pushing me along.  I kept going and went hard on the single track until finally my legs were too tired to go anymore.  I ended the race tired, exhausted and glad I rode better.

I always tell people interested in racing they should join a team.  I explain the benefits and usually get a skeptical look.  Well Snowbird is proof of what team mates can do to support you.  Had it not been for the encouragement as I rode I would have stayed back and kept at a moderate pace, I wouldn't have ridden the down hill well, and I definitely would not have pushed myself to my limits.  But thanks to their encouragement I ended like I should have.  My time wasn't great, and my attitude still needs some adjusting, but I think that comes with any recovery.  In the mean time I took 3rd and I am happy with that.

The Final Taming of the Tetons

I kept debating back and forth whether or not to go to Jackson.  I couldn't spend any time if I went, the cost of going by myself, going really far to race a race, I know I don't have a chance to place well.  Here comes Jessika and Wendy to the rescue--they were willing to car pool and share a room!  With cost significatly cut and people to ride with the not placing didn't matter.  I guess this means I don't just race to win.

We left Friday morning for Jackson.  The ride up was great, it is so much fun to have a girls trip, especially these girls--they know how to have fun.  When we got to Jackson we went up and pre-rode the course.  It was here we discovered this is going to be the last Jackson race.  They are going to turn the trails to downhill trails.  It's too bad, because I love the trails, but it is what it is.

Jessika and I had a lot of fun riding the trail.  The one thing about riding the trails for fun, you see things you never see while racing.  Very beautiful scenery.

Jessika on the pre-ride

Me on the trail.

What a view.

Race day was great.  The temperature was perfect and the little bit of rain we received that morning made most of the course perfect conditions.  I was a little nervous about doing 2 laps for this course.  I knew I could do one, and doing a half was doable, but 2 seemed daunting.  I started off good, but couldn't keep up my division on the hill climb.  After about a mile I lost the gals in my division and was riding with various men in different divisions.  This is good, because it is hard for me to push when no one is around, at least with someone I have enough pride to not back down--at least on the first lap.

The first lap went well, except I rode like a little girl on the down hill.  It was a bit frustrating, but I decided it really didn't matter too much.  We came off the down hill and there in front of me was "the hill".  I took a deep breath and rode until my heart said stop.  Lucky for me it was about 3/4 of the way up the hill.  After the hill there is one mile left of down hill, and then you circle back around for the 2nd lap. 

There was not rush for me to as I went through the 2nd lap, because I was tired!  From here out it was no longer a race, but a ride I needed to complete.  Thank goodness for all the people cheering as I rode.  Lucy's husband was awesome.  I heard him a couple of times cheering which totally helped me pedal my bike and keep going.

My 2nd lap I ended up stopping several times to let people pass, and in general was pretty beat.  By the time I got to the down hill something happened and I was able to ride much better on the down than my first lap.  I rode about the same on "the hill", and was sooo glad when I finished.

I finished my 2nd lap tired and trashed, but happy I finished.  It turns out I took 6th out of 8th, which I feel pretty good about.  I also had a faster 1st lap this year than last, so I am getting stronger.  Now if I can just get the strength down to do 2 laps strong. :-)

Thanks for taking the pic' Jess.