Two First Days of School

Mandy started school like almost everyone else in the area on Wednesday.

Happy first day.

Then we found out they had an opening in a charter school we had been considering getting her into.  We took her there, toured the school and then enrolled.  She was nervous about starting a new school, and was not thrilled about about wearing a uniform.  After her 2nd first day of school the uniform was fine.  She had a great time and now she has 2 firt day of school pics!

Cute 2nd day pic.

My Stupid Ride--Major Ouch!

I know some of us have done stupid things on a ride.  Last Saturday's ride I had my fill of stupid on this ride.  But first I need to digress to what led up to my stupid ride. 

Now race season is over I can finally focus on getting fit, losing weight and generally getting back to good health.  I started with taking up yoga.  Absolutely love the classes I went to and was looking forward to many more.  I also had started riding more, working on getting my heart up endurance wise.  The long rides, and the yoga led to tight hamstrings in areas I have never felt tight, but no big deal, because I knew eventually the tightness and soreness would leave and I would be stronger for it.  So Saturdays ride started out with tight, sore hamstrings.

Saturday was supposed to be a long, casual 3 hour ride.  I was so looking forward to this, seeing new trails and getting in a really fun ride.  The planned ride was Jurassic - Ridge - Mud Springs - Mill - 4 corners - Deer Creek South Fork - up to the Summit - back down Jurassic.  I have never been down Mill, up Mill or on trail 157 to 4 corners.  I had been reading about it and it sounded like the perfect adventure.  That wouldn't be too long, but a different way to go.

We (Dennis and I) got off to a good early start.  I should have realized the ride up Jurassic was going to be a prelude to the other climbs.  My hamstrings were sore, and climbing was somewhat uncomfortable--not hard, but uncomfortable.  We reached the summit and went on to the ridge trail.  The climbing was not too bad from here to Mud Springs and my legs were doing okay.

The descent for Mud and Mill was great--great trail conditions, fast, fun riding and no mishaps.  Then came the climb for Mill.  I have never climbed Mill and did not know what to expect.  It turned out to be a very scenic, fairly easy ride, but very, very long.  For those who have ridden Solitude I-Cup race course, if you remember the switchbacks going to the top it was a lot like this.  Going on forever and ever and ever.  The ride was so long my legs got mad, very, very mad!  I also became hungry before even reaching the top.  Since I didn't want to collapse from being hungry and having tired, mad legs I stopped to eat and took some great pictures.

By the time I reached 4 corners I was soooo ready to go down hill and get back to the car.  My legs were madder than a hornets nest and I was just plain tired.  We had already been riding for 3 hours and I just wanted to be done.

The going from 4 corners to the Summit was pretty good, except for one thing--tons and tons of motorcycles.  I forgot to mention there were motorcycles on every trail I was on, and twice as many on the trail up to the Summit.  By the time I got to the Summit I was so sick of having to pull over for motorcycles.  They were all polite, but I was very frustrated with choking on exhaust and dust in addition to being tired.

I was so looking forward to going down Jurassic.  Being as tired as I was took it easy and didn't go fast as I normally would.  Which was good, because I would hate to crash from being too tired to ride my bike.  I was almost to the bottom when the major stupid happened.  I hit one of the switchbacks that was rocky and sharp.  Being not good enough to negotiate it, I got off and walked.  Below the switch back was a loose, rocky trail.

Instead of clipping in and riding over it, I decided to coast over it no feet on the pedals.  Stupid, stupid, stupid.  I ended up bouncing on the rocks, bouncing into the mountain side, and then thrown off the trail and down the mountain side.  I rolled down, down, down and injured my ribs on the way down.  When I hit my ribs you could hear me cry out--I sounded like a wounded animal, it was so pathetic and painful.

The mountain I rolled down.

Lucky for me a girl further down the trail heard me go down.  She came to help me.  She was so nice helping me get my bike picked up and making sure I as okay--I was definitely shook up.  A quick assessment of me showed injured ribs, a piece of bark sticking out of my leg and a lot of scrapes and scratches (later turning to a lot of bruises), but nothing worse.  The bike was okay and I could still ride well enough to get back to my car.  I am so lucky nothing worse happened.

The stupid things I did on the ride I hope to never repeat:

1.  Know exactly how long the trail is your are going on.  If you are on a time limit experimenting and exploring is probably not the best idea.  We were supposed to be going only 3 and instead we were gone 4 and a 1/2.

2.  When you start a new exercise regime, don't plan something huge and big--give yourself a chance to recover.

3.  Always clip into at least one pedal!!!  If I had been clipped in the trail would not have controlled my bike, I would have.  This was probably the most stupid thing I did.  I am so mad I did this.

So now what?  Well, each day is up and down.  I had one day with very limited pain and other days with a lot of pain.  I have discovered if I take the medication prescribed by the doctor the pain is more bearable.  The doctor told me it will be awhile before I am pain free, but I can go back to riding as soon as I want.  Although his recommendation was to not fall on the ribs as it would be very painful--I agree.  I went on a road ride yesterday and it went well except for when I stood up to ride.  I think it will be about 2 weeks before I can negotiate a mountain bike, but at least I can still ride.

The Canyons Finale

There were no expectations for this last race.  Due to being sick and Royce having surgery I did not get to pre-ride the course.  I had gotten some good descriptions, but had a hard time visualizing it except for the fire road climb up and down--luckily that part was taken out.

There were 11 women in my division for this race which is a great showing.  Our group got off to a rough start 2 women ended up skidding on the loose dirt with one of them bring me down.  She was very apologetic, and I told her no worries--stuff happens  The climb was not so bad, and I was able to see most of the group (a first in a long time) up until we entered the singletrack.  At that point they became lost in the trees and turns.

The climb seemed long, even though it wasn't, and I persisted at the best pace I could go.  At one point there was a long train of racers behind me.  This really concerned me, I was worried I was holding people up, but no one asked to pass, so I kept going.  Eventually a couple of people passed and I kept pluggin' along.  Boy was I happy when we made the down hill.

I "killed" the down hill!  Everyone that passed me going up, I passed back and I ended up passing some that had started in front of me.  Everyone was great about letting me pass and because of their cooperation I ended up coming in for my 2nd lap with two others from my division--a first!

The second lap was short since we did the 12 year old lap.  The gals that came in with me on the first lap ended up putting only a short distance between us on the climb.  I felt confidant I could pass them on the down hill.  Just prior to entering the single track one of the gals got a flat.  Up next was to catch the second gal.  I ripped down the hill and was closing the gap when I ended up falling/bobbling on the last switchback.  I got back on my bike and took off, but it was just enough to prevent me from catching her.

I took 7th place and was only 7 minutes behind 2nd place and seperated by just minutes with the other places!  I finally am seeing progress as I work my way towards recovery. 

Surprisingly I took 3rd overall for the season.  I am happy about the overall win, but somewhat ambivalent.  I don't know that I really deserve it.  I didn't show up to all of the races, for obvious races (the surgery and such).  I only placed in the top 3 and 4 one or 2 times, the rest of the time I was mid-pack or at the very bottom.  I was never the fastest person out there or for that matter even remotely close.  So there are mixed feelings about the whole thing.  But I won it and now can aim for something higher.

Picture taken by Lyna Saffell

The season was good and very hard, I am somewhat relieved it is over.  I don't know that anyone should use racing as part of their recovery, but I did--no regrets.  I learned a lot about myself.  There were many times I wondered why I was doing this, but it seems each race there was someone or something to remind me.  I am glad the season is over now and I can just ride and really begin my way towards recovery--I think it is long over do.

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.

No Vacation

We were supposed to go on vacation to Sun Valley last Thursday, but stuff came up and we didn't get to go.  So we made the best of the situtation and had a semi vacation at home.  We went to the movies, hung out and best of all went riding in our own back yard. 

Day 1 was Snow Basin, Royce didn't come because he ended up working.  But Day 2 he was up and ready to ride some of the Ridge Trail.  I have to admire Royce's courage to attempt the rides I had planned for him, because he is a beginner.  Normally I wouldn't take a beginner on these rides, but he is having surgery on his neck soon and will be incapaciated for several weeks, so it only makes sense to go on some cool rides.

We rode the ridge trail starting at Cascade.  I figured this would give an easy start and end on a good note.  Aside for the many flies and bites the ride was great.  The flowers are still out and look amazing.

Day 3 was Sunday, so we spent it like we normally do.  The final day of our vacation, day 4, we rode Wastach Crest and went on a community group ride.  I told Royce after "puke hill" there was hardly any climbing, and it was down hill all the way.  You know it's not until you ride with someone who hasn't ridden much you begin to realize your descriptions are far from correct.  We hit the top, and there was a little bit more climbing.  We went down for a short time and then there was a small stretch of climbing.  Royce was a good sport about the description of the trail being slightly skewed.  After we got done he liked it despite the fact there was more climbing than I described.  Oh well, at least he had a good time.

I got to lead the community group ride this evening.  I guess the memo did not go out there was a ride.  The only ones that showed up was my family and Mandy's friend.  Too bad no one else came.  The conditions were perfect.

So vacation is over and it's back to work tomorrow.  So glad we live in a place where we can ride in our back yard every day of the week.

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.

Alpine Loop - First Time

I have wanted to ride the Alpine Loop since I started riding a bike 2 years ago, but there was always a reason I didn't or couldn't.  An upcoming race, a cool mountain bike ride, fear of how long it would take to recover, not able to recruit someone to ride with me--always a reason.  Well, this weekend the opportunity arose, and I had to decide if I could go or not.  You see, there was still a really cool mountain bike ride I could go on and many other things.  Lucky for me my family made the decision for me.  They were sick, and it was better for me to be close by than a few hours away riding.

I was excited about the ride, but a little tenative.  I was riding with Jen who is much faster than me, and I knew there was no way I would keep up with her.  Also, the plan was not to just ride the loop, but South Fork and Squaws Peak.  I figured I could ride the loop, and probably South Fork, but Squaws Peak was on the we'll wait and see list.

We started out early in the morning, but ended up being delayed by almost 30 minutes due to my forgetfulness....I forgot the shammy butter!  Lucky for me my husband was home and was willing to bring it to me.  Unfortunately he did not understand I was at 400 East in Lindon/PG and went to 400 E in Orem.  There was some waiting, phone calls, and more waiting, but I eventually got the shammy butter.  Thanks goodness, because I think there would have been a lot of pain without it.

The ride was great, and I was much slower than Jen as I expected, but being slow has some benefits.  Did you know there are purple flowers that grow in random places on the side of the mountain?  There is not much shubbery in these spots, which makes seeing the flowers so beautiful.

The ride also went quicker than I expected.  I would see trailheads I was used to going to on my mountain bike and would be surprised I quickly I got to them.  However, after the last trailhead I was in unfamilar territory and did not know how much further it was to the summit.  Which sometimes can make it hard to keep going mentally, but I just pedaled and pedaled hoping the top would come soon.

It was not long after this point I ran into a cyclist with a flat tire.  I was able to give him some air, and would have given him my tube, but he refused--hope he made it down okay, because that was his 3rd/4th flat of the day.  While he was patching his tire I learned it was not much further to the top--yeah, I was almost there!  Jen sheepdogged back down, and we went back to the top to take some quick pictures and head down to South Fork.

At South Fork we filled up our water bottles and took off to the top.  The plan this time was for Jen to go up and I would catch her on the way down.  Guess what I was not too far behind and ended up going all the way to the top.  I was surprised how easy South Fork was, I seemed to zip right up to the top and was surprised how quickly I got there.  I am sure I was not that fast, but it sure did feel fast.

After South Fork, I was opted out of doing Squaws Peak.  It was pretty hot, and the thought of going up in the heat of the day was not appealing.  So Jen and I rode down to the Provo River trailhead, and I rode home.  Surprising enough when I got home I was not too tired.  I quickly did yoga stretches to help prevent undue soreness, and then spent the rest of the day going out and playing with the family.  Today I feel pretty good which gives me hope I could probably do this ride sometime again.

Another Birthday

Someone had a birthday this week.  I think my the smiles we can say it was a good day.

Opening presents.

How much money can she grab???

$41 play dollars.

Spin on the prize wheel.

The prize.

Skating

Group photo.

Awww Solitude

That's what my husband said when he saw my race wounds.  They're almost identical to last years wounds, but not quite as bad.  I felt good before the start of todays race which has been rare this season.  I was looking forward to doing well, however my start was not an indicator of starting well.  We started out and the group was well ahead of me within less than a minute.  Just as I reached the single track I let 2 beginning men in front of me, knowing I would be slow on the hills......oops, my mistake.  They were a little slow going down the switchbacks and then we hit the little climb and neither of them could clear the rocks.  I ended up off my bike and having to go around them.  One of them was faster than me getting on his bike and took off, I ended up passing him on the next section.  Lesson learned.

The bobble at the first put me much further behind my group, lucky me when I hit the hill climb I did see Lauren, and that was the way it was the entire climb.  I kept in mind the whole time that this is only the first lap and anything could happen.  The climb on the full lap is long and in places steep.  My heart did not like the top of the climb and I had a few incidents, but luckily I was with Aaron (Racers) and Ryan (UMB) at the top, and they kept me going at a reasonable steady pace, and were there if I needed it.

The downhill for the upper loop was in awesome condition thanks to the rain we got the night before.  This made for an excellent downhill riding, and finally I was riding downhill well.  I was going fast and smooth and there was no hesitation as I rode.  I hit the down on the lower loop, and who should I see but Angelica with a flat.  She had her bike ready to go in case she got a tube, unfortunately for her she has 26 inch wheels and I have 29 so I couldn't help her out.  I then came around the bend and there was Lauren.  She had crashed hard.  I slowed down to see if she needed help, and she told me to keep riding.  I continued down stunned I had just passed 2 women in my field--anything can happen at a race.

I continued on the next lap tired , but kept a steady pace.  When there is no one to chase it is hard to go hard, and even if there was someone to race I can't push any harder than I was going.  I rode up to the top of the climb hit the road looked back for some reason and who should I see Angelica (that girl is fast).  I gave Ryan a grumbled remark about now I would really have to push it and took off.  I know Angelica is faster than me climbing, so my goal was to get into the downhill first and hopefully leave her behind.

I pulled into the down hill first, but Angelica was right no my tire.  You could hear our tires skidding the corners as we headed down the hill.  I kept the lead for a short time and then she cut in on the inside and pulled in front of me.  We stayed tire to tire until we came to a sharp right turn into the trees.  I did not see the sign showing the turn.  Angelica made the turn, I went straight--curse words!  I got back on track and pushed to go catch her.  I  was sure I could get her.  I was riding fast when I hit a rocky section with many large loose rocks.  My front wheel hit one of those rocks and skidded out.  There was nothing I could do and ended up crashing up the embakment and into trees and bushes.  This crash hurt.  I got up and rode, but was a little shaken.  I did not see Angelica until after the finish.

Although I didn't get to race Angelica all the way down the hill it sure was fun to be able to race someone.  Most races I don't see anyone in my group and racing becomes more of a thought than an action.  My crash left some good marks on my arm, but at least there is no blood like last year.

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.