I rode to work today.

Today I rode to work. Now this may not be a big deal, but it has been one I have been trying to figure out. See my job is not very far away (only 2.3 miles), but the problem I have is how do I carry my lap top and files, and do I go in cycling clothes or work clothes. I finally figured out the laptop issue. I found a back pack with padding in it. It holds my files and lap top and wouldn't you know it a change of shoes. So I gave it a shot and rode. Today I rode in my work clothes. It was not hard, because I had dress pants on, but I think even a short ways needs to be in cycling clothes. It was just hot enough to cause a slight perspiration. If I would go slow then I wouldn't have to worry about perspiration, but I have to see how fast I can go....it's just something I always have to do.

My new bike accessory.

Soldier Hollow Race

My fifth Icup race was today. It was a 9 mile cardio killer. Even Mandy's race had her pushing up a couple of steep hills. Mandy did not do very good this race. At first I thought it was because of the steep hill and she struggled. Later I found out Mandy was trying to get 5th place and so she didn't try very hard. She was trying to win the prize they gave out to the 5th place winner. She said she tried to take fifth and then when she realized she wasn't she went faster on the second lap. We talked later and she is going to do her best from now on. I have to laugh I never would have thought of sabotaging until she brought it up.



Mandy racing around on the first lap.

My race was great. Prior to the race I had some minor issues, the first was my camelback leaked. Since I wasn't sure if it was a spilt leak or a problem, I quickly got a new camelback and loaded up. Then put it in the car. Unfortunately when I changed I missed putting my inhaler and quik link in. This was a concern. Luckily I had an inhaler in my softball bag, but there was not much in it, and it was not at potent. I took 2 puffs, and then right before the race took another, and crossed my fingers it would work. I started out hard on the up and down of the first portion of the course. The goal was to get past as many racers as possible, so I wouldn't get jammed up on the little gully. I was able to hang with Dot (Mad Dog Race Team) and see her for the first of the race right up to where I was trying not to get jammed up, and of course I did. There were people blocking the way up, so it was a quick jump off the bike and tear off. Up ahead was Dot and Tasha. I thought good, as long as I can see them and they are close it will be fine. Then wouldn't you know it one spot I did not expect to get jammed and I did. I was on a double track that went to an uphill single track. There were two boys in front of me, but they were too far for me to catch. I yelled at them to speed up and get in their granny gear. One boy did and one did not, and I ended up off my bike, because he stopped and did not move his bike.....ugh so frustrating. Because I had to get off, Jolene (Utahmountainbiking.com) passed me right there. I got back on and then followed on Jolene and Tasha's heels. I was right behind them for a short time before Tasha had mechanical problems, and then Jolene broke her chain. I saw Jolene's chain broke, and I felt bad I didn't stop, but I let her know I didn't have a quick link. I then pumped it up and worked on catching Dot. Close to right before I hit the uphill switchback section I had an asthma attack, I could not get any air in. I kept trying to get air in, and nothing, my lungs would not open up. I was worried I was going to have to get off and stop in order to get air into my lungs. Luckily on the fourth or fifth try I was successful and finally got a breath in. At that point I had to ease off pushing it and spin for a little bit. This was a pretty good place to ease off, I was able to see in front and behind me. Luckily even though I had eased off I was able to continue to pass some racers. Right before I hit the downhill switchbacks I passed 2 beginning men. This was a mistake. I ended up not going fast enough for them, and they had to pass me back, along with a pro rider. I felt bad, but I stayed fairly close to them. We hit the downhill double track, and I let it go. I rode brakeless, which in the pre-rides I had never done. I knew someone was behind me, and I had to let loose in order to maintain my lead. I had lost Dot at some point on the uphill switchbacks, and that was the last I saw of her. I kept going strong for the rest of the downhill with a little uphill portion, but boy did my legs start shaking at the very end, and it was not because of the trail. At the very end I was passed by a female rider, luckily she let me know she was not in my class, or I would have had to kick it in much more. I was exhausted at the end, but I felt good, because I knew I did well. Now its time to start training for the next race.








Working to get in the lead at the first. The other rider is Jen from Mad Dog.

The Night Before

The night before a race can be so consuming sometimes. On Fridays the family usually goes to a movie or something else. When we get home it is between 6 and 7, and then it is time to get ready for tomorrow's race. I put the bikes up on the bike rack and give them a through run through. Make sure the chain is lubed, tire pressure correct an everything is functioning like it should. Then I put the bikes on the back of the car. I get race clothes ready, because at 6:30 in the morning I do not want to have to look around for the right things to wear. I also make sure we have everything in the car we need, helmets, change of clothes, gloves, extra clothing for after the race and extra clothing for weather changes. After that I get food ready for tomorrow, and all liquids ready so everything is very cold when I am racing. Finally I make dinner, eat put the youngest to bed rest and then go to bed, which is what I am going to do right now. Whew.....sometimes this can be exhausting.

Soldier Hollow Pre-ride

I went to ride the trail I will be racing Saturday yesterday. My plan was to ride it twice, once by myself and then once with a group. I did it once, and was not sure I could do it again....whew, it tuckered me out. I got back to my car and I was not sure I would be able to go again. Luckily I was able to rest for about 45 minutes, so I was ready to go when the rest of the group showed up. It sure was a lot of fun to go with a group. I like riding with a group, because it makes it fun and adds to the joy of riding. Yet I also like riding by myself, because I can do the trail how I want and not feel like I am holding anyone back. The trail is not too challenging technically, but cardio wise it is a kick. You go up a hill and then down a hill, and then back up and up and up. I am definitely going to have to figure out how to pace myself for the race. I am going again tomorrow and hopefully it will give me a better idea of how to ride the trail.

A funny thing did happen to me yesterday. I changed out my tires to tubless and sure enough while I was on the trail I accidently rode over a cactus! I probably with a tubed tire would have gotten a flat, but as luck would have it I did not and was able to continue on! Now is the big question. Do I dare not take a tube during the race....I guess I will have to think on that.

Not the best picture, but for some reason my camera was acting up. Oh well, hopefully at

the race I will have better.

Sherwood Mud Fest

This was my 4th Icup race. We arrived at 8 am to a soggy, but not sloshy ground. While we were getting ready there was a rumor the race would be delayed an hour, but as rumors go it was only a rumor and we started on time. This race was a 4.9 mile loop, so they started all of the divisions separately. Our race started at 9 am. As usual they started the men first and the women went last. Since there was only a few women in beginner and a few in 35+ we optioned to start all together. Being at the back of the pack we ended up going through a chewed up and very muddy trail. Some of it was impossible to get through, because it was so slippery. I didn't get a chance to ride the trail before, so in addition to a muddy trail I rode blind. I had a blast. It was the hardest 4.9 miles I have ridden. Mud bogged down my bike, but I kept going, I was determined not to stop. At the first of the race 3 of us broke out front. It was Dot, Tasha and me. There may have been a beginner woman with us, but I am not sure. The very first had a single track that turned through a snow packed trail and went up a hill. I took this with good momentum and was able to get right up the hill, where I saw others have to get off and climb. We were on single track for a short time and then on to double track. I saw Dot and Tasha on the double track, and was able to catch Tasha as we headed in to the trees and more single track. Dot was in the trees quickly and that was the last time I saw her. Tasha and I went back and forth for a little bit, but then we hit a long section of downhill singletrack and I let her pass me. I saw her in front of me the whole time, but never did catch her. I tried on a few the straight aways, but she was too far ahead, and I couldn't get her. I came in 3rd at this race with a time of 1:02. That's a long time for 4.9 miles, unless you consider all of the mud and the bogged down track. Even though it was hard it was fun, and if I was given a choice I would do it all over again.

Mandy's race went great. She took first out of all the 9 and under girls and she took 3rd overall in the 9 and under division. She got very muddy, and had mud bogged down on her bike. It looked like she had a lot of fun.

Step Up and Help

Normally I would write about my game and how things went, but this is much more important than a game. It has given me a great appreciation for my family and what a wonderful life I have, and how lucky I really am. Recently I have been reading the blog Fat Cyclist I have read this blog off and on since I started mountain biking and cycling in October. He and his family have face several challenges. The most recent is heartbraking, and sad, and yet I feel it needs to be shared. After reading below the comment from one of his readers, please go through and read the fat cyclist blog. Get acquainted with his life and start a new appreciation for your own.

Dear Readers of Fatcyclist.com,

This last week has been truly tragic learning of the down turn of Suzan’s illness. As I read these comments left by all you good people, the over all theme is the same. “What can we do for Elden, Susan and their kids?” I decided it was time to stop wondering and time to start doing. I set up a bank account in Elden’s name at a local bank here in Utah. It is linked to pay pal. The pay pal account is winsusannelson@gmail.com . If you don’t have a pay pal account you can also donate by going to my business’s website http://www.kennysphoto.com/ and clicking on the link in the middle of the page, where you can donate with the credit card of your choice. Please know that all funds collected will go directly to this bank account and after a two month period will be given to Elden, Susan and Family. Elden is unaware of this account, until now, of course. I’m not sure how he will react to this comment, but if he removes it, I’m going to continue to put it back on his blog and I invite you as fatcyclist readers to also put this on your own respective blogs. I truly believe that we bless our own lives, when we help others, so I hope that Elden will allow us to help him through this very trying time in his life. He truly has touched each one of us, through his writing and his friendship.
Respectfully yours,
Kenny

I know I haven't shared my blog, but in this case I am sharing and hoping you will pass this on and share with others.

We Won!

Last night was a big coed softball game for me. Both teams were undefeated, and both of us had beaten the teams that historically have been the most challenging. We new it would be close, but it ended up going right down to the last inning. We were the home team with last ups the score was 7 - 8, so we needed to score 2 points to win. I was the fourth batter up and I thought I might need to change something up when I got up. My past 2 times I had hit right one strong near the line and the other mid. I was sure the team knew I would do the same thing, so I thought about changing to the left or center. However as one team mate said why change something that works, so I agreed and decided to stay right. I got up and the perfect pitch came and I swung. Much to my surprise it did not sail out to right field. Instead it dribbled down the first base line. At that moment fear and shock goes through you and you know you need to run like you have never run before. I did and made it to first. How lucky was I.....whew! Oh, and the kicker, I have pulled muscle on the inside of my quad and running fast hurts like nobodies business. Oh well, I made it and had a runner take my place. After I got on we only had 2 more up to bat, and we ended up winning the game by 1 point. The team was a fun, good team to play, and I can't wait to play them in tournament....I'm sure it will be a close game then too.

Two Knee Caps

Went on a light ride today. Thought I would do the Provo Race Course. It is fairly easy with rolling hills and some down hill. It is a loop you can do a few times and not get tired out. At the entrance to the trail you drop down hill camber to the left and then go up the hill. The hill down has one section that is all rock and is unsteady. As you come along on the camber/turn it is gravely and loose. Today I made a huge mistake and decide to break and go slow. When I braked I skidded out lost my balance and ended up off my bike. On the way down my knee hit a nice size rock and created a huge bump on my knee, which now looks like a second knee cap. Needless to say it hurt enough that I sat on the trail for a minute. I then got up and had to walk up the hill. Eventually as I rode I forgot about the knee and had fun. I noticed I am going slower on my down hills. I think this is due to my crash at the race. Hopefully soon I will start to feel more comfortable going faster.

5 Mile Pass Race

Today was the 3rd Icup race. It was an 11 mile race that took place about 29 miles west of Lehi, Ut. The race course was mostly double track, with a lot of hills with rocks and churned up sand. It had a fun wash, and of course you had lots of opportunity to pass.

Mandy started her race with the 9 and under at 9 am. She did awesome! The funniest part of the race is when she reached the end at the spaghetti bowl. The hill was somewhat steep going up and down. Instead of riding down, she decided to walk her bike down. However, it was steep and slippery, so she let go of her bike and let it go down without her. I guess if you need to get down that is one way to go. Then she went to the finish line. She would have had 1st place, but a 10 year old girl was allowed to race in the 9 and under. She is doing great and having a lot of fun. I hope she keeps having fun.

Mandy racing towards the finish line.

My race went well. I raced in the 35+ division. I was nervous, more so than the previous race. I warmed up until about 5 minutes before my race started. This was good because my legs stayed warm, and it was not so good because I was at the back of the pack. But it ended up not mattering much, because I got a good start, and pulled up to the front at the very first. The first part goes up a gradual hill, and then does a quick downhill drop with a turn and then back up hill. By the time we got to the downhill it was me and one other racer (Dot from Mad Dog). When we it the downhill I used this to pull ahead, and it worked. Then for a little bit I was in the front. This lasted for a little bit, until I was passed by 2 other riders. I know one was Tasha, but I don't know who the other rider was. We stayed together for a while, until about the 2nd hill climb. I struggled and had to walk this got Dot to pass me, and the others to pull a little bit more away. On the next hill Jolene from utahmountainbiking.com passed we. We were close together until the yellow page hill (hike a bike hill)--that was the last time I saw her. Right after the hike a bike is a single track. Every time I have pre-ridden the single track I had to walk parts of it. Today, I conquered the whole thing. The next part was down hill for a short moment, then a gradual uphill. After a minute I increased my cadence and started to pass people. Then I hit the fun part he downhill and the wash. I love the wash it is fast with some great berms. This time I went a little to fast and ended up crashing in the wash. I was okay, but I slowed probably a little slower than I should have. I was passed by 2 more women in my division. Eventually I made it to the end and in good time. My time was 1:36, not sure of the exact race time yet, but when it comes out I wil update. The cool part was I took 7th (which I am happy about), and I got a prize, because 7 was the lucky number for winning a prize.










At the starting line.














Taking off from the finish line.

I really enjoyed this race, and can't wait for the next one next week.

Skills Day

On Monday of this week utahmountainbiking.com had a skills evening for members, family and friends. My husband Royce and I went together. Ryan and Jared took the time to show us how to pedal wheelie over obstacles, lift our back tire and jump off a ramp. After that we used these skills to go over an obstacle course.

Royce clears all of the obstacles....wish I had done that.