Jitters

I don't know why, but I have pre-race jitters today. I keep thinking about the race and getting nervous. Normally the night before race day I am fine, and I am concentrating on getting ready for the next day. But today that is not the case. Maybe it is because instead of having other distractions throughout today (work, school, errands) this day I don't have any. Today is more of hang out and relax day. So much for the relax part. Oh well, soon I will go to sleep and then it will be morning, and the nerves will hopefully be replaced with anticipation.

Stan Memorial Draper Race Pre-Ride #3

I went this afternoon to ride the Draper Race Course. I met Dale and Rachel Hutchings, and we rode the lower loop of the race course. Actually we rode all but the steep climb for 2.25 miles and the trail to the steep climb. The trail is beautiful with purple flowers and trees full of green leaves. Rachel noticed the flowers looked like fireworks....what a great observation. Heading down we followed Rachel. She is 14 and a new rider. I was so impressed with her riding. She was not afraid to take on any part of the course. I am much older than her and there are many parts of the course that I am very hesitant on. On the course there are some very tight switchbacks that are very difficult to maneuver. Rachel took one of these too tight and ended up getting launched into the trees. As I came around the switchback there she was laying on top of the trees, along with her bike. The very impressive thing was she got up, brushed herself off, and was ready to ride. I don't know if I could have done that when I was 14. The rest of the course went smoothly. There is one part of the course that we could not ride. What once was a small stream is no longer small.

Check out the water level.

Put a Smile on My Face

Rain and wind yesterday, enough wind that I didn't want to ride my bike as going down hill would probably feel like going up hill. But today it was only rain and I can handle the rain, so I geared up and went for a ride on the road. I road Provo trail and different parts of the city. I decided not to ride my road bike, as I prefer fat tires on rain slick road versus skinny tires. The ride was awesome, and I am glad I got out. It's funny, but I notice I am always smiling when I ride, doesn't matter what I am doing I am always smiling. I guess it shows how much I love it.

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.