tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309807613948561522024-02-19T00:58:43.948-08:00two wheel loveBIK2LIV, LIV2BIKStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-21561442728310028932010-04-05T20:08:00.000-07:002010-04-05T20:59:37.500-07:00Weekend Update<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1-jj_qS153-3ZdbB-t8kkkK2AvXuohkhwzRLYVMAJJRWvdCT0-vcnA4f_NAkG2YBgs3397r5A_AIB1Yd_y-YTEPlZeKzu3tFHwrVR2W3evSXvBEWKr7oOOmcXLYjjnQvcP0n6-J6F0A/s1600/mtrp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1-jj_qS153-3ZdbB-t8kkkK2AvXuohkhwzRLYVMAJJRWvdCT0-vcnA4f_NAkG2YBgs3397r5A_AIB1Yd_y-YTEPlZeKzu3tFHwrVR2W3evSXvBEWKr7oOOmcXLYjjnQvcP0n6-J6F0A/s320/mtrp.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456863297996418354" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Last weekend @ Mission Trails, riding with Tim & Sarah from AZ</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What an interesting weekend....kicked Friday off with the disheartening news that our good friend </span><a href="http://themannadventure.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Justin</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> had a pretty bad road bike accident. He survived, though with some broken bits, and will be back on the bike after he heals. San Diego sends its love, J!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYnYKw1RN8aWP3DOzF5xcMCYMJn9BvmA7UE7tpunDMcekXp86EFlLjxIsK7Vy4tFjYj7x7zUa_u7YxZH-QTYWeQPu3SRAOFJOHZC01Ctz3n_RNFWzvMCexXdM2qa2IAAs6QPF2cKlHAc/s1600/26621_1397068687590_1258413280_1118145_6849098_s.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYnYKw1RN8aWP3DOzF5xcMCYMJn9BvmA7UE7tpunDMcekXp86EFlLjxIsK7Vy4tFjYj7x7zUa_u7YxZH-QTYWeQPu3SRAOFJOHZC01Ctz3n_RNFWzvMCexXdM2qa2IAAs6QPF2cKlHAc/s320/26621_1397068687590_1258413280_1118145_6849098_s.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456864885833037138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 97px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dan & Justin, the Mann</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Also headed up to </span><a href="http://www.rehabunited.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rehab United</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> in Carmel Valley to meet some new folks and hear about Team EXCEL. Awesome to finally meet </span><a href="http://californiatraining.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Beth</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, catch up with </span><a href="http://www.jameswalshracing.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">James</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, hear Lesley Paterson give a few words (my new Xterra inspiration) and meet some other awesome folks.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Saturday, Dan and I thought it wise to practice transitions since we hadn't done them, well, ever. Spent the afternoon down at Glorietta Bay with our mountain bikes, timing and video-taping and self-evaluating. It's somewhat easy to remember the first two or three things you want to do but beyond that...got a little fuzzy. I know it'll come in time. We had a nice swim out to the buoy and back (3x) and got to watch Catherine, Victor, Lulu, and Marilee from the </span><a href="http://www.pulseendurance.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pulse</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> crew hit the one mile swim.</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGI5rdlkPoBSE_AhkPT2f36wAiC-au7GJK5l46GyHSWzRscG8yI8ejuPITWWXft-9nO8jTMoR0n9ZPn1-4EVwqIzAcE1ZCseiv-j-SdDgtijoJNll8Hq-Y42t3Wf9KNtpSyruNAZDUx0/s320/IMG_8756.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456860534838238130" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINqStTBxuPSYt-6uMzVVk-eOnhy0eqJvRn8NJg_r7q5EbmNjlLUO9NhyYPoQ4LSyPFovmFa68sOT5KSnv6yYSa91r6Z3ACSLop7WtBSkjLFMw34NVuNI6dlCL6n6n5FmeTkmFzqp6BWo/s320/IMG_8713.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456860507263503634" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gear, gear, and more gear</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sunday we had planned on a Tour de Noble with Darryl and some of the </span><a href="http://www.socaltrailriders.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">STR</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> crew. Since it was Easter, we knew the trail would be fairly empty and the ride group small. We started off with a 30 min trail run (which was great except today I can feel the 15 min rocky descent).</span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuZqLgGTOL8Hk-1xry70Wd4WbQ3k0D8NFvOfReMwnhxnoIiH6tY3aUlbKBhTnLjsyv6UCiHVJoRZ_oHg8jyqkXwnO8wtdp8v6BFmzZfP5IXEaNIzVW8jk-mAlDXaQoRyhmX3SAVbMMZc/s320/IMG_8793.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456863262923962562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dan & Darryl descend Extra Credit</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It was quite cold at the start but warmed up nicely. Met the ride crew back at the car and got geared up for a long day in the saddle. Liz, Jeneine, Kay, Greg and Scott all came out to sample SD's finest. I will say...Noble kicked my ass today. Every climb felt awkward and the descents were, well...okay. I survived Barney Rubble on the Era and actually had not too many dabs (other than my normal tough spots)...oh, except my walk down Stairway to Hell. Another day...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWaua5fHM6Kk0-CcOCHVXM_gbIfU-6e-w1NiII_jkyWq8NFPp9bi1GP0qOBF2abqoiSENWGjFXMi1OjPalEc-FioB-wDPjMGsVEWnbTFOoEe6Ruc1lSwpAuMJ__Anz4OkZ6YfyV5GtPU/s320/blt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456867560509083250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie82HESAB-2nXQ90aQx3fm21jHuazFjqSHkhd0Qv8RfsOyi0a6LzyvZ1Sm0R3Cbyik3zZxunaW_A8_3PqlRVb33HWJNmpDC-bBZtW9DS_JHh31rupQyskyKS2ZYvY22oxreCP_n2RfGjY/s320/IMG_8832.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456863277629219442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fmXOGax0f3O44M2erezO2k-OsioMJSv99oyxnbgTqjs0HK1iFrkStN5EuS5GPmJDHXIha09UNpuJiuoWXrsvCun4qejVDSJouCKcLmZ5wGWo-Gr680NCwl9PFoXga1Ad-RKwZEvoiyw/s320/IMG_8927.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456863291274251954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px; " /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOcOx29stAWiRGNArh_cZAmvw6qbOq74CZdcJ-IwavebqBDHu4QOM4P3Hcjl7mP5JNpRz701JLps8n2jPMH5VRabA-4C-2CMb-2J0JNYHUolv-hmGRCI1fVS913Lzz6m0wPrVgemgIf8/s1600/IMG_8849.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOcOx29stAWiRGNArh_cZAmvw6qbOq74CZdcJ-IwavebqBDHu4QOM4P3Hcjl7mP5JNpRz701JLps8n2jPMH5VRabA-4C-2CMb-2J0JNYHUolv-hmGRCI1fVS913Lzz6m0wPrVgemgIf8/s320/IMG_8849.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456863288592016274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On regen this week...hope to rest up and recharge. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On the new-product front...scored some half-price</span><a href="http://www.zoot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Zoot</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> compression socks from Pulse's sale bin :) I've worn them a few times, and I have no complaints so far. We'll see long term what happens. Also, changed over my laces to </span><a href="http://www.yankz.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yankz</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">...LOVE them!!</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3JxM6CG-PI3KiqYVp9r558lWMJ2x92nzPStq1oU9bajY_sEL7jnqggLvqLvDedVaJDfI7wgJqYWQWuD5r04wpU3nl1o4Tze6bn8-oRUzy9ekWsbQx-0zkRNRzuK9OD6PUquyCt7VpaY/s320/IMG_8641.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456860498725819042" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRt-EhLPQxvcxqsZwyyRF_ng9faCIDvne1panqs9WWD9rKhktoJCqFUDhsF3D-XcSeIo8T6d29S3n0qsxGQK0z1LqJVCK64doqJqY8ilRayYpNguKByt9FgvjBM6YxGMdpye1kDpUAqoU/s320/IMG_8636.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456860479540473042" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Key for easy in/out in transitions. Finally, we picked up Zoot race belts @ REI today....just in time to come home and get our USAT licenses in the mail. Only a few more days until </span><a href="http://www.renegaderaceseries.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Renegade</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">!</span></div></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-25868091127185972252010-04-01T09:46:00.001-07:002010-04-01T10:14:03.731-07:00Banana-Coconut Pancakes (Paleo Eats)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-TcJQRgyrLjILhCe-zn5ebNUFfIoPhyphenhyphenNh1uroXtFXZY2dGF5gipEuzyypvmJMaqZjT4oejJpNhocgf_d8W-67Rm7Lh-cvHICx6yVkOIT2W_KcKQfU2nBjDzM3fA2ZE9PzErTAuRFPi0/s1600/IMG_8652.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-TcJQRgyrLjILhCe-zn5ebNUFfIoPhyphenhyphenNh1uroXtFXZY2dGF5gipEuzyypvmJMaqZjT4oejJpNhocgf_d8W-67Rm7Lh-cvHICx6yVkOIT2W_KcKQfU2nBjDzM3fA2ZE9PzErTAuRFPi0/s320/IMG_8652.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455215363250382354" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://allisonmann.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Allison</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> shared a Paleo banana pancake recipe with me a few months back, and it's become a staple in our weekly breakfasts (especially on the morning of a big ride). It's super healthy and easy to make. I promise you won't miss the flour. I modified* it a bit from Allison's and added unsweetened coconut to change things up a bit. If you HATE coconut, just omit and double the amount of ground flaxseed.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">(*I really don't measure when I'm cooking these, so I'll give you rough equivalents. Honestly, I usually toss in ingredients based on experience and adjust if the batter looks too runny or too thick.)</span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT38yUr9XOobwLhSGAEnoCBeDli5sPbZFSUs9FmbE5h7BI7luaMcfyaihGUgQ0E1MiWkuJCcRX4YFkLKfId6PvPc3viqyUhL29IjtFlrlRLzSDmTK6UmnOCGb5Lid92ghhsTV-DDAVGPE/s320/IMG_8648.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455215345626710514" /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ingredients:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4 large ripe bananas</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 eggs + 1 egg white</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 scoop vanilla protein powder</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2-3 tbsp ground flaxseed </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2-3 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 tbsp cinnamon</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Directions:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In a large mixing bowl...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1. Peel the bananas and break into large chunks. Mash banana into a pulp. I use my hands...you can use a masher if you like.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2. Add eggs, protein powder, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3. Add in flax and coconut. Usually, I'll start with less and add more if the batter is still too runny. You want a fairly thick batter but not so much that it won't spread on the pan (just like regular pancakes).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4. Meanwhile, heat skillet on medium heat. When warm enough, grease with cooking spray, butter, coconut oil, etc (your choice).</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIvJ6Bez_Jm7MdUlachq94GOm49zYfcRu0cPPNLL8xteY9sjgvqaBVAOfjowZLvKTVdTdzZmd50ih0uofA70ctutAmbxjwxSJcqiXpjKMghcCO76sxQ4zhgjd-TgTPTtYOnvGDR-8cig/s320/IMG_8651.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455215360524815250" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">6. I use a 1/4 c. measuring cup to portion out the batter. Cook for a few minutes on one side until you see bubbles forming. Flip and cook a few minutes more.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">7. Top with your favorite goodies (we like cashew butter and pumpkin butter). Nom nom nom.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Yields ~20 pancakes.</span></div><div><br /></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-2232396158012074382010-03-31T08:54:00.000-07:002010-03-31T09:44:28.190-07:00New Hammer Product Flavor Fails...<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I have been using </span><a href="http://hammernutrition.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hammer Nutrition</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> products now for a couple of years with very good success and predictable results. My body tolerates the product quite well, and there are a wide variety of flavors to be had...something for everyone's taste. (disclaimer: the rest of this blog entry has to do with my personal preference and opinion...I suggest you taste the new product for yourself before making a determination...but maybe don't throw down the coinage for the biggest bottle before you try it).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I was beyond excited when Hammer announced it would be releasing a new flavor of </span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/recoverite.rr.html?navcat=recovery"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Recoverite...chocolate</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">! I could practically hear the angels trumpeting from above. We'd been rocking the Subtle Strawberry flavor for quite a long time (great when mixed with OJ), so I was eager for a change. How would my old faithful Strawberry stack up to the new sexy Chocolate?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqCyNmbO7WhMX18ORiZ9P_N1TJ3UIoh-hrLVtTD1ZjbNCTY8K31f30JXTjvkBwD1VmqAlQq6dwzIvfb3LBoQfCtmbXZetW2HS_gtmWWr83NqrW0Cp7xMe-i-FKmGp2zQF0Hwb5H4Vb0U/s320/IMG_8631.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454835999476338178" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What commenced is probably the biggest new product let-down I've experienced in a long time. Sorry Hammer...your Chocolate Recoverite tastes pretty terrible.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here are some completely scientific ratings (pffft): (scale of 1-5 best)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Flavor: 1</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Color: 1</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Smell: 1</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dissolvability: 3</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Overall drinkability: 2</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I noticed that the Chocolate powder smelled weird...not bad or spoiled...just weird. Almost a fruity overtone or something that I can't put my finger on. I mixed the Recoverite as called for on the package...2 scoops in 8-12 oz of water. Usually, if at home, I'll doctor up my Strawberry Recoverite with OJ...but in order to be fair, I went for the straight water approach. (I don't think Strawberry tastes friggin' fantastic either when mixed with water, but it's not bad).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The color was a weak, watery brown. I really had to struggle to smell anything resembling chocolate. And the taste was pretty underwhelming. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">That same fruity overtone again! But overall, calling this product "Chocolate" flavor was being a tad on the generous side. Did I expect the flavor density of a dark chocolate bar or even chocolate milk? No, I'm realistic enough to know that this is energy food after all. But with Hammer, who puts out some great flavors such as </span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem.pp.html?navcat=fuels-energy-drinks"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Caffe Latte Perpetuem</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, it was a let-down. I know the company tends to flavor some of its products on the more "subtle" side of the spectrum (thank goodness), but I think they got this one wrong.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAn6r7f8yBXTC29SPaIi4fvGHg7ptHROuNl46mT8QhM0VpjfKIUrqXB6nIBTSDGoL6PvXyMYWZSlqMPWPd8sgLW5_SkQcAd9sQ-FiC-dTcxbiyS3nuSGTJ58v93M9MTnzH5fLEzlpXas/s320/IMG_8638.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454836004954141666" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There is one silver lining in all of this: when mixed with Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk, it was more tolerable due to a less watery consistency and appearance.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The other highly-anticipated new product flavor was </span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/hammer-gel.hg.html?navcat=fuels-energy-drinks"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Montana Huckleberry Hammer Gel</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. The small and unassuming yet flavor-packed huckleberry has been a favorite of ours while dining on huckleberry pancakes at the </span><a href="http://www.lochsalodge.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Lochsa Lodge</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> on the annual rafting trip. And they turned that goodness into a gel flavor? Yeah!! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Well, sort of "yeah!"...Dan brought home a gel packet from REI a couple weeks back. I couldn't wait to taste the Huckleberry flavor. With flavor-dense options such as Tropical, Raspberry, and Apple, I expected big things. Again, though, it was a let-down. The flavor was pretty weak (which I guess is good if you like subtly-flavored gel), and the only thing I kept picturing was jellybeans. Jellybeans?!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8edZOER-BgkeCs9wM-smWlOzsMKiIIIompRiZz2Twx2jJ2Y3JpbjBJiy_FimHvZ5LrjCh_FDLvrgRwv-gp4wsdeoVU8s1F4mG1dAz01b-R5ljQZ4qnoTh_gNVlZpKcRgZ04PRpNAQYE/s320/26541_1380589475620_1258413280_1081824_894650_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454835985342507346" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I'm not a gel-user and stick to </span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/heed.he.html?navcat=fuels-energy-drinks"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">HEED</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> for shorter events, but I've been known to take a gel here and there. I don't think that Huckleberry will be my go-to flavor.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">All in all, I am still a Hammer girl...for me, the most important factor is product performance. However, if it doesn't taste good, I'm not going to be spurred to drink all my recovery drink or keep up my nutrition during a race. While I think Hammer has some amazing flavors of products in their line already, I'm of the opinion that they could have done better with these two new offerings. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If you are curious, just try the single-servings before you go all-in and get the monster 80 0z Recoverite bottle or the 16-serve bottle of Hammer Gel :)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-8814078381903679102010-03-30T12:17:00.000-07:002010-03-30T12:48:03.788-07:00Recently...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcKHCaXsn1TbLWowI7UtlOtoW4zG1ip6A2wx1X9SuLv1TgxYEiy3QEIcBJmwrgEli14Ykan8bxnrYIJAAHK7TdgxcpA5vkXnQUPTfZQar5swu04KNAo-NC9GuiW8NS9_L60O2J8tPMJ8/s1600/IMG_8212.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcKHCaXsn1TbLWowI7UtlOtoW4zG1ip6A2wx1X9SuLv1TgxYEiy3QEIcBJmwrgEli14Ykan8bxnrYIJAAHK7TdgxcpA5vkXnQUPTfZQar5swu04KNAo-NC9GuiW8NS9_L60O2J8tPMJ8/s320/IMG_8212.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454512991826754818" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2010 is all about trying something new...triathlon (or Xterra, to be more specific). Everything has been a learning experience so far...so much to take in! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">New bike...2009 </span><a href="http://www.specialized.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Specialized</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> S-works Era: full suspension XC race bike...light, light, light! 22 lbs of carbon goodness...this bike is tricked out. Thanks to </span><a href="http://www.thepathbikeshop.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Path</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> in Tustin for hooking a girl up! Words can't even truly explain how much of a difference this bike has made for me!! I went from a 30 lb all-mountain beast to a full-carbon dream bike that climbs like crazy and descends everything I need it to. Amazing bike.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCK083aASfEXF2pfEr-1abSrGr3YPmnqQhYdp4eOIRoVhNHRAh-EIo2WsJq1osVKlEB4yvVj8eO_zygt2LamN6blyUvdF3YCY80C-f4H1l3pL0JfOEpynHfAb4txb294Mf_8YqBY9riQ/s320/IMG_8492.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="clear:both;float:left; margin:0px 10px 10px 0;" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">New run gear....</span><a href="http://pulseendurance.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pulse Endurance Sports</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> tri top (our local shop), Zoot shorts (honestly, not a very flattering fit on me), new Brooks Cascadia trail runners (these buggers have grip!).</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /><br /></span><div style="clear:both; text-align:LEFT"><div style="clear: both; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ah, the wetsuit. Up until all this tri business, the last time I swam in ernest was probably two decades ago. Yup...it's been tough, but I love it! We've put in 3 open water (Glorietta Bay at Coronado...yes ocean) swims so far. The first was good, second was terrible, and last night was great. My </span><a href="http://www.xterrawetsuits.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Xterra</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Vortex3 wetsuit is amazing...warm and flexible in the water. Best part was that when I needed to switch to a smaller size, I just drove up to Mira Mesa and exchanged it. Love it when companies are local!</span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMX-dTszj8DXBqBtOKRc0LARjBXo0muSC3K8TBcU-wKxH-E2D_UBD4U0sIGgSg7juFAinP6Qq6GGK1o4epvxSj4di2wOiomCw8_n3eXQ5hVV9fU9XMUiXx19u_c36w5CUJn1aZiS4DUo/s320/IMG_8632.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="clear:both;float:left; margin:0px 10px 10px 0;" /><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Cd65QTAiJMbrwwPXT7Ynti2x9YHbouOq2NfyL0NhrinyTwE-peNDpwIrrJuA4HxW7pF-qvcGLhNvB7ypr7GKegeDC7-ImYifV9gLfC6e_7L-z2jV66BCwiBBZ_L2v8jSUedxJNVylCM/s320/IMG_8633.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="clear:both;float:left; margin:0px 10px 10px 0;" /></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-6667817423125323062009-12-14T18:57:00.000-08:002009-12-14T18:57:23.210-08:00Tonya's 12-Hour of SoCal Adventure: And an interview with the Solo Series Winner | News | mountain bike, mtb, mountain bike racing, freeride, Downhill MTB, bike tests, MBA, Mountain Bike Action, Ask RC, XC mountain bike, trek, specialized, giant bikes, mantis, ellsworth, foes, pump tracks,<a href="http://www.mbaction.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=A447AF0479CF496DB1E742A3317608D9">Tonya's 12-Hour of SoCal Adventure: And an interview with the Solo Series Winner | News | mountain bike, mtb, mountain bike racing, freeride, Downhill MTB, bike tests, MBA, Mountain Bike Action, Ask RC, XC mountain bike, trek, specialized, giant bikes, mantis, ellsworth, foes, pump tracks,</a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-89836287015578018252009-10-25T14:00:00.000-07:002009-10-25T16:27:14.527-07:00Enduro Accomplished<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs252.snc1/9916_1268265347587_1258413280_786838_5671127_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 604px; height: 453px;" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs252.snc1/9916_1268265347587_1258413280_786838_5671127_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Two weeks back, Allison sent an email that said something like, "There's this ride in Idyllwild on the 24th...do you want to do it?" Apparently, we all shocked her by saying yes. And so, riding the San Jacinto Enduro became a quick addition to the calendar. The official stats from the non-management proved intimidating enough that a weekend warrior would not even think about it. I'll admit, it left me (experienced in painful multi-hour events) thinking about how smart I was.<br /><br />My last really long ride was back in early August when we did our century. After that, I stopped being in training mode, riding and running as I felt necessary, which ended up being quite a bit. Would I be able to finish the ride...touted as 70+ miles and 11,000' of ascent? Only time and my legs would tell.<br /><br />We met up with Allison and Justin the night before, in a routine that has become familiar and comforting all at the same time: we drive up on Friday night, make final preps while the guys tinker in the garage, then debate what time to wake up and finally lay our heads down. A & J have been there on most of the hardest rides I have ever done, and I have come to think of them as our enduro partners in crime.<br /><br />Alarm went off at 4 am on Saturday for breakfast, packing the truck, and the drive up from Murrieta to Hurkey Creek. It was warm until we descended from Mountain Center into Hurkey...a chilly 37 degrees. WTF weather.com?? You suck! It called for low of 45!<br /><br />A lone red blinky light helped us find the campsite where a couple dozen people were milling around and signing in, making final preps for the ride. At one point, Allison or Justin said, "Seems like every time we start a ride in the dark, you guys are here." Haha!<br /><br />I had a pretty heavy pack (18-20 lb, I'd guess) and some warm gear on (including arm/leg warmers and a vest), but right as we did our neutral roll-out my fingers were numbing up. My booze cruise light also died before we hit pavement. Drat! Once we hit Hwy. 74, they were downright painful. Luckily that faded once we were 2 minutes up the climb. A & J quickly pulled away while Dan and I were about 10 people from the back. Dan soon stopped to fix his squeaky brake, and I continued on convinced he'd catch me pretty quickly. The ascent up Little Thomas was nothing of note and pretty soon I was at Rouse Ridge, where A & J were waiting up. We debated hanging around for Dan but took off after a min or two.<br /><br />Rouse had a few climbs but was mostly descending to Cranston Ranger Station, and before I knew it, 22 miles had passed. We refilled bottles, stripped off our extra clothes and snacked at the bottom. Sure enough, Dan rolled in not 5 min later, chasing after us like hell but never fully catching up.<br /><br />The most daunting, in my opinion, part of the ride was right in front of us: a nearly 4000' ascent from Hemet to Idyllwild via fireroad with a nearly 10% average grade. We took off on the 74 and made our turn onto the dirt. A & J were gone in about 30 seconds, leaving Dan & I slowly plodding our way along. Right away, I knew I let my nutrition get away from me...stomach was cramping and I was feeling hungry all at the same time. Tried to keep the cranks going and going but I had to stop a couple times to rest. Reality is that I just am not a climber, especially on my 30 lb bike. I try and have gotten better but still struggle.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs272.snc1/9916_1268262267510_1258413280_786822_3198503_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 453px; height: 604px;" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs272.snc1/9916_1268262267510_1258413280_786822_3198503_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Dan, about to drop Ramona Trail with view toward Hurkey Creek<br /></div><br />We finally made it to the asphalt in Idyllwild...a magical sight...and met up with two guys (one in an Adams Ave jersey and one on a SS). We navigated through Idy and up toward Astrocamp, then back onto dirt to the top of May Valley...even stopped to refuel and have a brownie...best brownie EVER!<br /><br />We navigated down toward Log Pile and then finally Coffee Pot...at the end, Dan took a wrong turn because the rest of us had hauled ass to try to follow Donna. Needless to say, I figured it out and went back up from the creek to Coffee Pot to wait for him. 20-25 min later, another rider approached, and I inquired about Dan. At this point, I was thinking that if we really got separated, we'd have a hard time finishing in the daylight. Luckily he had seen Dan, and I about faced out to May Valley Road. I debated...go up, go down or wait? I figured up was the best choice and no later than 30 seconds later, he came riding down the hill.<br /><br />Back on route, we picked up another rider who was having trouble with the directions and hit up Missing Link, Rage, Tunnel of Love, and back into camp.<br /><br />We rolled in at 1:05, my failure to wait for Dan having cost us 30 min of race time. I was determined to soldier on...but admit it was tough for two reasons: lots of people did the first loop only and were kicked back, enjoying beers and relaxing AND two guys FINISHED the entire race as we were going out on lap 2. I figured it would take us ~4 hours which would put us arriving back at sunset.<br /><br />Dan, poor guy, really was not keen on continuing but did not want me going out alone, so he sucked it up and went along. Not too many husbands would do that for their wives...I know I am beyond lucky.<br /><br />Loop 2 was billed as harder, mile for mile, than Loop 1, even though it was nearly twice as short. We got onto Powerline, crossed the road, and did a ~7 mile loop out there, then continued south toward Thomas Mt. Road.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs252.snc1/9916_1268264307561_1258413280_786832_2836371_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 604px; height: 453px;" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs252.snc1/9916_1268264307561_1258413280_786832_2836371_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Me, about to descend Ramona Trail. Anatomy of this endurance rider: really heavy bike (check), light system in case we don't make it by sunset (check), super heavy pack (check), cue sheet tucked in shorts (check)...<br /><br />At Pyramid Peak Rd. we sat down in front of some mailboxes to have a snack and plan the rest of the mileage. It was a relief when, as we ascended Thomas Mt., the road was not as steep as our climb out of Cranston. I was worn out but knew that we didn't have much longer to go. Pedal. Pedal. Pedal.<br /><br />For some reason, I had the cattleguard at mile 16.4 as my goal...make it there and we're practically home free. That side of TM had some quick descents as well as lower % grades, so it felt like we were moving pretty fast. On the other hand, I never realized how slow 0.1 of a mile could go by. Ugh.<br /><br />Finally, we reached the top and Ramona Trail was our handsome reward. Man, that trail is so fun. I wasn't going super fast but was flowing it pretty well. A few of the switchbacks gave me a hard time, but I was, for the only time all day, not thinking about the ride and just having fun.<br /><br />We tried to haul ass as much as possible back to camp, knowing that we never caught the rider in front of us and also knowing with some certainty that we were the last riders on course. If not for getting separated on Loop 1, we'd have finished 2nd or 3rd to last. Honestly, I was surprised how few people went for the full ride...the tire tracks diminished to a handful as we kept going.<br /><br />Official Garmin stats: 79.3 miles, 10,802' of ascent.<br /><br />As we rode up the dirt path to camp, you could tell everyone was like, "Is that them?!" Justin sprang up and made a finish line in the dirt for us, and we got a hearty round of applause. There was even pizza and brownies left! Yes, we were DFL, but we rode hard and above all, didn't give up.<br /><br />I saw the sunrise and the sunset on that ride and got to share the experience with some of my best friends. And yes, I'm ready for the 12 Hrs of Temecula now...THAT I do know :)Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-25428232954928999062009-10-13T21:11:00.000-07:002009-10-13T21:15:53.539-07:00On the horizonUgh, so busy from work. We just had a 2 week mid-semester break. Visited family for a week, worked for a week. Not too bad of a gig, I guess.<br /><br />In any case, updating my ride/race schedule:<br /><br />Oct 17/18 SoCal High School League girls' camp...I'll be helping out along with Tonya Bray and Pua Sawicki. It'll be nice to get up to Warner Springs for the weekend and chill.<br /><br />Oct 24...San Jacinto Endurance Ride. Oh boy. 70 miles, 11,000' of ascent. Should be a fun day. :/<br /><br />Nov 14...12 Hours of SoCal @ Vail Lake, my second solo race.<br /><br />After several weeks of not training and sticking to a looser plan which also involved running (and I'll say it, I got fast-er), this little burst has found me feeling good at some times, fumbling at others.<br /><br />All I know is that if I could go out for a mid-morning ride everyday, that would be completely ideal...it's when I feel my best.<br /><br />So, signing off for now so I can get some much needed shut-eye. Goal is to hit the hay by 10 pm each night.<br /><br />Till next time...Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-77625564889034300782009-08-07T19:53:00.000-07:002009-08-08T21:41:04.504-07:00Ciento, εκατό, cento, hundertHope you know your world languages...<br /><br />100.<br /><br />One hundred as in my first century. Indeed, after 5 years on a bike, I finally did a century ride. (This post is a couple weeks late, however).<br /><br />The story is quite simple. For quite some time, riding a century has been a goal of mine. Just this June, I rode 80 miles on my mountain bike. I'm in the best shape ever. My rocketship of a bike is so comfortable. All the cards were in place. (dun, dun, dun...foreshadowing)<br /><br />Not quite even a week after returning from Downieville, Allison threw out the idea of doing a century, with Justin mapping out the route. I assumed a two-peat of the Cool and Easy 50, their signature, relatively flat coastal jaunt. Well, you know what happens when you assume ;) Justin forwarded the route to us.<br /><br />It didn't take me long to figure out that it was going to take us inland. On a very hot day. Over lots of hills. Gulp.<br /><br />You see, I gulped because the crew that I'd be riding with was stacked: Justin & Allison...king & queen of training/racing; Luke...getting ready for an Ironman; Jeff...he uses those 8 foot long legs to his advantage, and Dan...the training sandbagger. That left me feeling like, uh, the Robo-Anchor.<br /><br />As it turns out, Century Fail #1 was soon upon us. We met up at the end of the San Luis Rey bike path early on Saturday morning and quickly discovered that Dan (borrowing my old road bike) never even thought to check the pedals. After calling several area shops, he & Jefe jumped in the car and raced over (literally) to Performance, the only shop open within miles at 9 am on a Saturday. New pair of Crank Bros. pedals in hand, they were back quick as lightning.<br /><br />All was finally moving along until: Century Fail #2. The allen key needed to remove the old SPD's was a size that NOBODY had a wrench for. Fantastic.<br /><br />Dan, however, showed just how tough he is...he rode almost 50 miles NOT CLIPPED IN. To those who don't know cycling, this doesn't sound awful until you consider this: his CB cleats were precariously perched on top of the Shimano pedals (which are like greased lightning). Any pressure applied the wrong way or surprise bump would be enough for one's feet to go slip-sliding violently off. Nevertheless, he did not complain. Not even once. The plan was to find a shop in Esco where he could borrow an allen key and switch the pedals.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxuV3iKfPjPgU-JZANBn-LGEpFdl1Tf_Xy0INeXkMPYI6vDoc6yVOD7RR4Hw6r5kV3sOb_mF50DNVABxch9tPcBeeT_Ik6d1GVj1KDQrbtPPOCOVqazw7M3BQ6Pl6GLzEjXCEjtbRBx8/s1600-h/aIMG_3772.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxuV3iKfPjPgU-JZANBn-LGEpFdl1Tf_Xy0INeXkMPYI6vDoc6yVOD7RR4Hw6r5kV3sOb_mF50DNVABxch9tPcBeeT_Ik6d1GVj1KDQrbtPPOCOVqazw7M3BQ6Pl6GLzEjXCEjtbRBx8/s320/aIMG_3772.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367811805644988562" border="0" /></a><br />I digress.<br /><br />We finally got rolling, and it was already hot. The pace was already solid. We basically rode in a huge figure 8 from Oceanside inland toward Valley Center, then back out to the coast, down to Leucadia, back inland to Rancho Bernardo, back out to the coast at Carlsbad and then back to Oceanside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQkMHKGgAR94QC6moW9Vq-MNO0nzftsvKbmunFYu9kyn2jyjicSA57zyOL2bJM_0Dcilop89nbdSGWcNXAnmGRHnszQdAeYQXUa2vH2k8lcxbvdDhj8bHDVzgSh5c1JxHylgIHaBqV9g/s1600-h/aIMG_3776.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQkMHKGgAR94QC6moW9Vq-MNO0nzftsvKbmunFYu9kyn2jyjicSA57zyOL2bJM_0Dcilop89nbdSGWcNXAnmGRHnszQdAeYQXUa2vH2k8lcxbvdDhj8bHDVzgSh5c1JxHylgIHaBqV9g/s320/aIMG_3776.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367811876445066498" border="0" /></a><br />True to form, Justin picked a route with lots of hills. My Garmin put the ascent at nearly 7000' on the day. Not bad for 110 miles, but still no Cool & Easy 50.<br /><br />Almost immediately, I couldn't hang on the climbs and was off the back.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkSlVgkuvu7yTL6Dy8OqbiBAcSOE4hQMeaEPX06d4Y8F84Xns6JYcN9e1W8bhoW2884wmkLKUuZOodQlmCZkkyPnhF6NIoB-N7ezhUdE5NLDvtKzuG_rubOi8iyXRFTUWm9AT6Cmtk3E/s1600-h/aIMG_3780.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkSlVgkuvu7yTL6Dy8OqbiBAcSOE4hQMeaEPX06d4Y8F84Xns6JYcN9e1W8bhoW2884wmkLKUuZOodQlmCZkkyPnhF6NIoB-N7ezhUdE5NLDvtKzuG_rubOi8iyXRFTUWm9AT6Cmtk3E/s320/aIMG_3780.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367812029078702370" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX76h3g0vOzZNCPeZqqvz2QSnI6Qh4n7Boy36p-1LTnA5171nm2seNXBWZ4vh9WhL7g6243PGfR1p9ubROlsrdSLfPNnsYiI0TQpzEZ8aJj0EtK5uhEKYI-qnryLBmT-E3tHkJ2ScaQ58/s1600-h/aIMG_3778.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX76h3g0vOzZNCPeZqqvz2QSnI6Qh4n7Boy36p-1LTnA5171nm2seNXBWZ4vh9WhL7g6243PGfR1p9ubROlsrdSLfPNnsYiI0TQpzEZ8aJj0EtK5uhEKYI-qnryLBmT-E3tHkJ2ScaQ58/s320/aIMG_3778.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367811949889843682" border="0" /></a><br />My legs were so heavy and wouldn't open up. I kept plugging away, but it was hard to look down and see nary 20 miles gone by, sweating through my jersey, the sun leathering my arms and neck.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCwgx4fOlvjSeScjozNIbsUBISGkckpELhobwof-le9iqFw4CWjLEHGbpetUKlPbOr7KD_UIbQsOJN54QDBHGY5ywIi1mG61kropinsQkSo1iuOVu1d-tFLAIVtVOVHPtJmlpIHMcuEU/s1600-h/aIMG_3781.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCwgx4fOlvjSeScjozNIbsUBISGkckpELhobwof-le9iqFw4CWjLEHGbpetUKlPbOr7KD_UIbQsOJN54QDBHGY5ywIi1mG61kropinsQkSo1iuOVu1d-tFLAIVtVOVHPtJmlpIHMcuEU/s320/aIMG_3781.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367812090302972594" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW8R5ECtWOcsW7PQTPVO2yLXCZznomE43mSZ4gkrHVPcN5Mj8UuwOzZOxptdZHl1OSpLcyY2qUxHc62GeHaw0svsTM_KiMvVjoRsQ4te5lvXNyYsip9dppal1R4kvwrtaB0r6MGMIZGA/s1600-h/aIMG_3783.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW8R5ECtWOcsW7PQTPVO2yLXCZznomE43mSZ4gkrHVPcN5Mj8UuwOzZOxptdZHl1OSpLcyY2qUxHc62GeHaw0svsTM_KiMvVjoRsQ4te5lvXNyYsip9dppal1R4kvwrtaB0r6MGMIZGA/s320/aIMG_3783.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367812211691250114" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSA0YgTtna5lyeYTDOa67kSKdmAkV11VDea199fRKI12II5ODL_uyYcoIm4hqBbzttXG8VFQwP2Ygr-e28tpaT6PL1hgy5heTQryGc9lyI9BURyCmNP8cE7M4XpGFy5Ie3nIUANECIoI/s1600-h/aIMG_3782.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSA0YgTtna5lyeYTDOa67kSKdmAkV11VDea199fRKI12II5ODL_uyYcoIm4hqBbzttXG8VFQwP2Ygr-e28tpaT6PL1hgy5heTQryGc9lyI9BURyCmNP8cE7M4XpGFy5Ie3nIUANECIoI/s320/aIMG_3782.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367812139393817010" border="0" /></a><br />Once we hit Valley Center, we passed through a construction zone that had been so nicely paved ahead of our arrival. The fumes were noxious and nauseating. Zipping down that hill was worth it, though. We turned south and down the I-15 frontage road. Allison flatted, and the group sought shade under a stand of trees. Looking up the road, I had a good view of what awaited. A couple miles of uphill, no shade. Knowing that I would be mentally beaten down if I waited for the train to leave and dropped off the back, I forsook my shade/rest and kept on going. I think I was going 12-13 miles per hour. It felt like eternity to get up that hill. Each minute, especially as I neared the top, I kept expecting the group to catch up. Just as I crested the top, I noticed that my front end was behaving oddly. A flat. Damn!<br /><br />The group caught up right about then, and Justin kindly helped me change my tire. It had to be nearly 100 degrees out there, and everyone else rolled through to hit up the AM/PM on the other side of the freeway. I have to admit, Gatorade and M&Ms never tasted so good!<br /><br />Back out to the coast...almost. Century Fail #3 was upon us. After navigating through Esco, we found a Sports Chalet to attempt removal of Dan's SPDs in favor of the CB he was carrying in his pocket. After much confusion on the employee's part and what seemed like forever, they got it done. We all, I think, felt like the century was not going to happen. It felt late, and we weren't even halfway done.<br /><br />Before I knew it, though, we were back at the coast.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uE6R45bcNJ4oGDpu2giZhD-MH4VjNPwK5ibv6AueQPIXt5XTnXiG70puUxlq-Dd4gnUaNAXaTCEJZRQwtDm5GqwnqvQzeHT4pihXgD4syZX_SdPpAB0gJedew36RfGHw8FFukf45dXM/s1600-h/aIMG_3791.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uE6R45bcNJ4oGDpu2giZhD-MH4VjNPwK5ibv6AueQPIXt5XTnXiG70puUxlq-Dd4gnUaNAXaTCEJZRQwtDm5GqwnqvQzeHT4pihXgD4syZX_SdPpAB0gJedew36RfGHw8FFukf45dXM/s320/aIMG_3791.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367812298688791250" border="0" /></a>The group was pushing a good pace. We passed the state beaches and were on our way to Pannikin when an idiot in an SUV decided that he was going to be a jackass. Seriously people, you are waiting for a parking spot, not $1 million. In any case, Dan & I literally bailed off the road (into sand, thank god) as this jerk took out his frustration on us. Seriously, though I love the coast, I can't stand the bike-ignorant people who drive there.<br /><br />Pannikin soothed my nerves, though.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL8iGoQPFfqpYWHjnGzW0IP388xxx16wVeq7avu331-3HJIPJV2svjqFD1ZsTFTqEv6boFylJ4Wd8yORT4kwUy_AGxiQ4A6JRvNY8e4kc5cL9kXmGJusas8pQiBeO3T1fqFw1Yh_KfPU/s1600-h/aIMG_3794.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL8iGoQPFfqpYWHjnGzW0IP388xxx16wVeq7avu331-3HJIPJV2svjqFD1ZsTFTqEv6boFylJ4Wd8yORT4kwUy_AGxiQ4A6JRvNY8e4kc5cL9kXmGJusas8pQiBeO3T1fqFw1Yh_KfPU/s320/aIMG_3794.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367812428426133730" border="0" /></a>The muffin and iced coffee that I ate literally saved my ride.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UfP1t8ceU_Ex6GB9h7Ovs_gEZRX_CbPuV7JrtP70T3sdKSFgnc9Bz23mBrIZLuJqFWMlCINCME2-3yU_ZRDBSrU6h3sNtPFRBbgW58vJVceim2-qc6XfpHjP5-sVJNpZ710mQD1pG0s/s1600-h/aIMG_3793.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UfP1t8ceU_Ex6GB9h7Ovs_gEZRX_CbPuV7JrtP70T3sdKSFgnc9Bz23mBrIZLuJqFWMlCINCME2-3yU_ZRDBSrU6h3sNtPFRBbgW58vJVceim2-qc6XfpHjP5-sVJNpZ710mQD1pG0s/s320/aIMG_3793.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367816554729672034" border="0" /></a><br />We all quickly debated going back to the car or heading out for the rest of the century. After all these fails, could we overcome? Justin was like, "I'm going. Whoever wants to can follow me." I thank him for that!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRW_sHEO3wnrEDL7D9ZssM4C8a3uNmloOJ2T4t5yNxEDXbgn4oNSbMQCofM5-MhJtLrMcvN1UTedAf9pDASmddgAWzR599fXpIvacUFCNMDrhyphenhyphenMfKkXHpDnPVNgmBy5A5nSWS_Ug7iRc/s1600-h/aIMG_3797.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRW_sHEO3wnrEDL7D9ZssM4C8a3uNmloOJ2T4t5yNxEDXbgn4oNSbMQCofM5-MhJtLrMcvN1UTedAf9pDASmddgAWzR599fXpIvacUFCNMDrhyphenhyphenMfKkXHpDnPVNgmBy5A5nSWS_Ug7iRc/s320/aIMG_3797.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367812509277606146" border="0" /></a>I came alive in the second 50 miles. Finally, as we turned back east in Leucadia, I was feeling strong. We rode out through the north side of RSF and up Del Dios Highway.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxt2zKNI2X28sKn8nSj_yM8iFOXFT2mFA1b78Ro9TxATQP4qAGl5GD54adhprgNBoO_CZdbLpaKh1S5WKya-iWEo9NPbLj6vYPhd-_mV6Du-CL8h-Mih4Ntlo9biQZmmT9_0SvL-Vx84/s1600-h/aIMG_3799.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxt2zKNI2X28sKn8nSj_yM8iFOXFT2mFA1b78Ro9TxATQP4qAGl5GD54adhprgNBoO_CZdbLpaKh1S5WKya-iWEo9NPbLj6vYPhd-_mV6Du-CL8h-Mih4Ntlo9biQZmmT9_0SvL-Vx84/s320/aIMG_3799.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367812680624367298" border="0" /></a><br />We stopped at a CVS to fuel up again. The group was quiet and looking kind of beat down.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYNMtGahbUUw_8ZY8_OL3Peb3FXKxEo9dRZeK4TSJRm2Jj_IXFGrikds3gHtQzTK0wEFuON_JQUG_Wz7ERGizGNFJp9f50pkB9npCKz9fWP_l_LPBc_toDzFNSxIb6ZXX3Z7kBky1y28/s1600-h/aIMG_3802.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYNMtGahbUUw_8ZY8_OL3Peb3FXKxEo9dRZeK4TSJRm2Jj_IXFGrikds3gHtQzTK0wEFuON_JQUG_Wz7ERGizGNFJp9f50pkB9npCKz9fWP_l_LPBc_toDzFNSxIb6ZXX3Z7kBky1y28/s320/aIMG_3802.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367812857957471410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdEvIVEEug95NLHi6ATS8ivbBB19MIGXp7Jz5oHcJg-sChqOamhFHdqaG5Kho5HjHlCJn4YMiqz15-oRXddjg7JNDyhwqZwOPlxxb-07vJSngtLqS7P1jSURBRV7anvWqGHPC0UWNkKg/s1600-h/aIMG_3801.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdEvIVEEug95NLHi6ATS8ivbBB19MIGXp7Jz5oHcJg-sChqOamhFHdqaG5Kho5HjHlCJn4YMiqz15-oRXddjg7JNDyhwqZwOPlxxb-07vJSngtLqS7P1jSURBRV7anvWqGHPC0UWNkKg/s320/aIMG_3801.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367812775412965762" border="0" /></a><br />I loved the next part of the ride through Harmony Grove.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMraN4HdRJw6B5sw8-Xt0AkTX-9tlR9E5vuvqacQhkzjxAzugWo3z6FnYBTu33YPu5pmGyIOcX30Hg_v7ymFBSP9R_oOEkG2cS0YfW3IExk1oE8IhsV4OP7a73bAg9Mycum8gBkDFAEKY/s1600-h/aIMG_3804.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMraN4HdRJw6B5sw8-Xt0AkTX-9tlR9E5vuvqacQhkzjxAzugWo3z6FnYBTu33YPu5pmGyIOcX30Hg_v7ymFBSP9R_oOEkG2cS0YfW3IExk1oE8IhsV4OP7a73bAg9Mycum8gBkDFAEKY/s320/aIMG_3804.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367812993071820594" border="0" /></a>Huge oak trees, shade, a downhill-ish grade. It was fun and fast. Unfortunately, all things that go down must eventually go back up in the world of bikes. All I can say is that the hill up to San Elijo sucks hugely. I was feeling strong, but it was never-ending.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtpl0-ZpQEbJzmcfdRBladKD9XkhUgqq_-hU_kunuoeMKHYVuTCnaL05FC-lxApQFw8msUlFmil3q1g4iLBDwUhkUuFbOxuhey3lfajnUsS3qnLxp7nwSW2vnUeKpdrWEmEL5EwHXhU4/s1600-h/aIMG_3807.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtpl0-ZpQEbJzmcfdRBladKD9XkhUgqq_-hU_kunuoeMKHYVuTCnaL05FC-lxApQFw8msUlFmil3q1g4iLBDwUhkUuFbOxuhey3lfajnUsS3qnLxp7nwSW2vnUeKpdrWEmEL5EwHXhU4/s320/aIMG_3807.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367813062999378962" border="0" /></a><br />On our way back to Carlsbad, my motor kicked in. I was rockin' and rollin'. Who knew it would take me <span style="font-weight: bold;">80 miles</span> to warm up?!?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzppLNXdaaWrFtJTTBVeDrRmb09tPYk9z5J-nm-Bh-42nurchSAljOJEIXhvZZhHtpWgDxRYdUYCrXBSqrtXJ6aggrDFgJNdHNtr57d-dOAJHY8UUffYMJM8y6NuWoJmMKYirltj84jCQ/s1600-h/aIMG_3808.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzppLNXdaaWrFtJTTBVeDrRmb09tPYk9z5J-nm-Bh-42nurchSAljOJEIXhvZZhHtpWgDxRYdUYCrXBSqrtXJ6aggrDFgJNdHNtr57d-dOAJHY8UUffYMJM8y6NuWoJmMKYirltj84jCQ/s320/aIMG_3808.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367813158492653170" border="0" /></a>I rode with Jefe some...he was back on the long ride after taking major time off for his knee to heal up. Props to him for sticking it out. Once we crested the hill, and I saw the Carlsbad power plant, I knew we were home free. We stopped at a 7-Eleven for more water. Jefe and I got slurpees...coke slurpees. Normally, I would avoid this at all costs...HFCS is evil. But, after 90 miles in the saddle, it tasted like no other.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHFYAPY3MAeUEzc2NGiCUP5jYLrx4AHuFdFyqcbtelIUXAU5mzChTHdJ-l-WeJKmfYedhViS_4dLM2OZ5tKlI4MalU4SF1EqeYxK5Ucb0UdTkO0i-ioZ7OzlfQya_eu7IndRJqguJwXU/s1600-h/aIMG_3811.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHFYAPY3MAeUEzc2NGiCUP5jYLrx4AHuFdFyqcbtelIUXAU5mzChTHdJ-l-WeJKmfYedhViS_4dLM2OZ5tKlI4MalU4SF1EqeYxK5Ucb0UdTkO0i-ioZ7OzlfQya_eu7IndRJqguJwXU/s320/aIMG_3811.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367813225830884770" border="0" /></a><br />As we crusied back up through Oceanside, I hit 100 miles. We all let out a "woo" and everybody congratulated me (being the only one who was a century virgin when we started). The San Luis Rey bike path went by in a flash, and we were done. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91nL4Jjr23UJUUZ0uLPDNfdlPY_7ODyARNGtmhEKRN_MEYF1ejEZ-6mG6dsVp4pJOp5f-EcYV6MBreO9bLXeB8Wcc70_8pqKkaeQcPwDnUP_BD4AHnVdXzYPUq8zYaLl21A7_F3qMjcQ/s1600-h/aIMG_3813.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91nL4Jjr23UJUUZ0uLPDNfdlPY_7ODyARNGtmhEKRN_MEYF1ejEZ-6mG6dsVp4pJOp5f-EcYV6MBreO9bLXeB8Wcc70_8pqKkaeQcPwDnUP_BD4AHnVdXzYPUq8zYaLl21A7_F3qMjcQ/s320/aIMG_3813.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367813306470188898" border="0" /></a><br />110 miles. Nearly 7000' of ascent. About 7 hours of ride time. Not too shabby indeed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWi4OIZy3QzmYbQbmJtsKEprY6TYwhTPwSDwEWdGZ9h18g8cnZk8Az2c8Ec6bRbhmTp8ik_LMxnaMhXJgiKMDYAtcV14dpc_gUW_6Nwy6cdTeuOMsr1TJlYFRMJ59frq2Sqhwsh-hBHvY/s1600-h/aIMG_3818.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWi4OIZy3QzmYbQbmJtsKEprY6TYwhTPwSDwEWdGZ9h18g8cnZk8Az2c8Ec6bRbhmTp8ik_LMxnaMhXJgiKMDYAtcV14dpc_gUW_6Nwy6cdTeuOMsr1TJlYFRMJ59frq2Sqhwsh-hBHvY/s320/aIMG_3818.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367813420545380098" border="0" /></a><br />Since we had so many ride fails, Luke, Allison and Justin had to jet. Jefe was going home to celebrate with a brew. Food was about the only thought on my mind! Olive Garden was the solution to my hunger problem, so we loaded up on salad, breadsticks and pasta.<br /><br />I can now cross century off my to-do list. But what new goal will take its place? We'll have to see about that one :)Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-5627845823045805752009-08-02T17:08:00.001-07:002009-08-02T17:11:53.380-07:00New Look, New StuffSo many things to talk about, so little time....<br /><br />Back at school (work)...year #9. Wow! Time does fly.<br /><br />Kind of in a mini off-season from training. Not liking it in some ways, liking it in others.<br /><br />Been working on the house. Again. Front & side yards are done. Backyard had huge overhaul. Not done yet.<br /><br />Trying to find out why there is a mini-moat in our backyard. Grrr...<br /><br />Broke out with some weird eczema/dermatitis. Itchy, painful blistery bumps on my hands. Steroid shot, now a homeopathic treatment seems to be knocking it down.<br /><br />Got our proofs back from the wedding and engagement photo shoots...more to post up soon.<br /><br />Right now I'm super into all this granola stuff (for lack of a better term)...trying to minimize our impact on the planet.<br /><br />Got to go for a ride...look for some more updates soon :)Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-1739521272543618462009-07-19T21:31:00.000-07:002009-07-19T23:08:31.688-07:00"I don't think I can hang on anymore!"<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: left;">That was my thought as I tried to navigate down Third Divide during the XC race. But not to get too far ahead of myself...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 0, The Great Trek Northward</span><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">A few months back, <a href="http://pedalcircles.blogspot.com">Allison</a>, <a href="http://themannadventure.blogspot.com">Justin</a>, Dan & I were sitting around after some ride (I honestly can't remember which one) when the idea of Downieville came up. A & J were already signed up to race the All-Mountain event (XC and DH). I listened attentively since D'ville is a destination I've been wanting to hit since I moved to the west coast. Never have I heard anybody say anything bad about it!<br /><br />And then, the Manns mentioned they were bringing a huge RV and there would be room for us if we were interested. Really?! Awesome of them to offer! So, we took them up on it, originally planning to ride the trails and have fun, which morphed into us signing up for XC.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dan helps get the bikes ready to go<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKA5-BtrLfOo_wmoWSqOiTfTiANV_5thpoLMawEL3wPX8lMzocDMqycJxaJou4OXwRz8aQ9W569Dxr1AzhvOntzr1k1PMBTEYutrGZGFlTEdg0jx-QBSOQi1wboGeIaThv9v-dWmI3Q7A/s1600-h/aIMG_3116.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKA5-BtrLfOo_wmoWSqOiTfTiANV_5thpoLMawEL3wPX8lMzocDMqycJxaJou4OXwRz8aQ9W569Dxr1AzhvOntzr1k1PMBTEYutrGZGFlTEdg0jx-QBSOQi1wboGeIaThv9v-dWmI3Q7A/s160/aIMG_3116.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div> </div><br />Dan-o and I drove up to the Mann's house on Monday night, arriving just after dinner time. We helped get the RV packed up. A 38' RV with Jeep and 4 bikes on the back = looooooong! Navigating through LA was okay since it was past rush hour...up the Grapevine. By 11, we decided to spend the night at an RV/truck stop.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">How do we get there?<br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJf3HLvSZ8PjH7nobK_y-n_yYdV8oz6KHvvbBQeF9lUV8hva8m7CjKSljkpMqRd3q_KaXepf4Z8qZ4kq4mnWbm2AkmTCuk-M9Oh1NtYbqL52I5s0VcVnWVpxOovr260f-IweG4_4-16E/s1600-h/aIMG_3119.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJf3HLvSZ8PjH7nobK_y-n_yYdV8oz6KHvvbBQeF9lUV8hva8m7CjKSljkpMqRd3q_KaXepf4Z8qZ4kq4mnWbm2AkmTCuk-M9Oh1NtYbqL52I5s0VcVnWVpxOovr260f-IweG4_4-16E/s160/aIMG_3119.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">La-la at night<br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzK7pPA4aX18PwvY9AdEpHXO8iwNKPoLxEkmkb1ew4DKKalEEYbE4tVhrrGZba9oICs5okplm8N_L-ObUJgfX5Btyoa4f4K_QlzHwx4uM88ARlRHWGdVcxyqjqSRhqvWxlz42laXVjtU/s1600-h/aIMG_3123.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzK7pPA4aX18PwvY9AdEpHXO8iwNKPoLxEkmkb1ew4DKKalEEYbE4tVhrrGZba9oICs5okplm8N_L-ObUJgfX5Btyoa4f4K_QlzHwx4uM88ARlRHWGdVcxyqjqSRhqvWxlz42laXVjtU/s160/aIMG_3123.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div></div>The morning saw another several long hours on the road, mostly with Justin at the helm of the boat. Kudos to him for doing 95% of the driving! A stop in Auburn saw us top off with food/supplies (and a huge gas FAIL), and then it was on to the twisty roads of route 49, past Nevada City and Grass Valley. There isn't much out in that part of the Tahoe National Forest. Really.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Somewhere on the Grapevine<br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyCYpa0GWwgaSSr6qqLPE6eUZcoxQi7qiqUsxpJ_i0pPCSxjP17_baXIHXVtkAoJu1UZYpfdxihTD9IW0d4Uv28xpyznv6l1FJXGaVxX3x0eksuho6I9pnUkmIF86BPWDZwCDjSq72VE/s1600-h/aIMG_3128.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyCYpa0GWwgaSSr6qqLPE6eUZcoxQi7qiqUsxpJ_i0pPCSxjP17_baXIHXVtkAoJu1UZYpfdxihTD9IW0d4Uv28xpyznv6l1FJXGaVxX3x0eksuho6I9pnUkmIF86BPWDZwCDjSq72VE/s160/aIMG_3128.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div><br />Oak and grasses gave way to pines and cedars. The Yuba River came into frequent view. Finally, it felt like we were escaping from SoCal! On through Downieville and to our final destination of Sierra City to the RV camp.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Just follow the signs<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj206f9p6ORFN14MB_WAgw8uxrfk7aZYlI_hnGOo9HvZqsuZ6CMLgmLV8Q1OKmvWewYiNuqAeUFotxcO2c6L2DaHuf1PSFhqkPpEdaTmGO7mQKg5JH9wBsZT56qnwmleKDnF7FFcTuSbnk/s1600-h/aIMG_3151.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj206f9p6ORFN14MB_WAgw8uxrfk7aZYlI_hnGOo9HvZqsuZ6CMLgmLV8Q1OKmvWewYiNuqAeUFotxcO2c6L2DaHuf1PSFhqkPpEdaTmGO7mQKg5JH9wBsZT56qnwmleKDnF7FFcTuSbnk/s200/aIMG_3151.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360413242975256498" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Yuba River<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyn1Nfg2rv_FEdFDISvSRtifN9u29jtnZn-G2BemrpEqx67F8XMqHS1JmbVgzLrb-GXuE_n_3VX75BTzL-FOhhsi3F4oh5J5D76-RE3NmKHNIVvDxZVVMMdIvkwNor232z0HPKKb4Zd2Q/s1600-h/aIMG_3166.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyn1Nfg2rv_FEdFDISvSRtifN9u29jtnZn-G2BemrpEqx67F8XMqHS1JmbVgzLrb-GXuE_n_3VX75BTzL-FOhhsi3F4oh5J5D76-RE3NmKHNIVvDxZVVMMdIvkwNor232z0HPKKb4Zd2Q/s200/aIMG_3166.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360413337531392770" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After setting up the site, we hopped in the Jeep for a quick spin up the bottom of the XC course. My legs were like lead, and I couldn't catch my breath up the fire road...We turned around after 1.5-2 miles and jaunted out to the Sierra Buttes overlook to catch sunset.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The Buttes<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDW7W1X0NQZxmVit0Lla8cYNHYj6PMex2o9T8OuUioiBdmeJk7heRV5pfoCnWf205wwcvW64_x7rl6_SqUyuKtE4O8etEGSxVi4Lj7YkNzImGZAvz52Pw0PPhdnjBT1seenqmhmM0IhaY/s1600-h/aIMG_3246.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDW7W1X0NQZxmVit0Lla8cYNHYj6PMex2o9T8OuUioiBdmeJk7heRV5pfoCnWf205wwcvW64_x7rl6_SqUyuKtE4O8etEGSxVi4Lj7YkNzImGZAvz52Pw0PPhdnjBT1seenqmhmM0IhaY/s200/aIMG_3246.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360413399300253602" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 1, XC Recon<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span>After a somewhat restful night, we awoke to bright skies and nice temps. Dan & I trekked down the short path from the RV to the Yuba River...turns out there was an awesome swimming hole right there. After getting a relaxed start, we suited up and drove up to Packer Saddle for our first taste of really good D'ville trails.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Camp M-M had some serious computer action going on<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6RuBHR7K00LwwA2zhaqV62ZtXU4o5Ds2OZYLi7KkZgKphjt5OBVg1dm5p7bmgQwmkt__2Y_qLkwI4WdJvO__GWjlNEwAMqhqM0w4KYiJZtDEjKqZRzEVfpzD7hEgTEbU1HyC88j1g2A/s1600-h/aIMG_3269.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6RuBHR7K00LwwA2zhaqV62ZtXU4o5Ds2OZYLi7KkZgKphjt5OBVg1dm5p7bmgQwmkt__2Y_qLkwI4WdJvO__GWjlNEwAMqhqM0w4KYiJZtDEjKqZRzEVfpzD7hEgTEbU1HyC88j1g2A/s160/aIMG_3269.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />From the saddle, we dropped almost 2 miles down the fireroad (this would be the top of the monster 8 mile climb on the XC course). Hmmm...not too bad. (Of course, we missed the middle section which was steepest). From here we hit Pauley Creek...technical and fast. Third Divide was next...probably my favorite trail...you can hit it so fast, and there are some really fun corners and a couple tech sections to keep you honest. The course finishes on First Divide (my least favorite trail). It's flat-ish/rolling...at the end of all the descending, it made for a tough end to the ride.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">This view never gets old...the Sierra Buttes<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQNtbt1qydt14YeEkXJy8hj3aEKipqfabyi6D2a4TiAb7z6nOk_QN2sew8g_apR8Shfj17p2YSA_s4bqCU-1G0aX3zMx1Unq_VsiQLmDAQWLiLDtYA0qft8iqzzV1xEAShng1bBB05Do/s1600-h/aIMG_3301.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQNtbt1qydt14YeEkXJy8hj3aEKipqfabyi6D2a4TiAb7z6nOk_QN2sew8g_apR8Shfj17p2YSA_s4bqCU-1G0aX3zMx1Unq_VsiQLmDAQWLiLDtYA0qft8iqzzV1xEAShng1bBB05Do/s160/aIMG_3301.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">The Training Sandbagger<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcyc0otCdVLb7Dj8eGOo_coEPoqH315hYJjIfM2D1dbv5yr21rfRwzbcD3MNmQI8FIIwKVHP5jgRz9CTzuQWjEIpOhkX-g0cLOg3O2UWwusCykIN_0_R9_I7c0ExzT8k9zc_7yle8m5E/s1600-h/aIMG_3303.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcyc0otCdVLb7Dj8eGOo_coEPoqH315hYJjIfM2D1dbv5yr21rfRwzbcD3MNmQI8FIIwKVHP5jgRz9CTzuQWjEIpOhkX-g0cLOg3O2UWwusCykIN_0_R9_I7c0ExzT8k9zc_7yle8m5E/s160/aIMG_3303.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Mossy trunks<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCoFsp0-splboNKor37K0rdaPk9xtzeJu4Cu3_pF1aBqg9wwJTS5M3b7W5c70iayRunyYmYH4wawDmCxK2cyIKIBLdl20M-MpPjwdrys41RR6YTpr82jRQxUhvAwjDeufRERYNyuF2PWQ/s1600-h/aIMG_3306.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCoFsp0-splboNKor37K0rdaPk9xtzeJu4Cu3_pF1aBqg9wwJTS5M3b7W5c70iayRunyYmYH4wawDmCxK2cyIKIBLdl20M-MpPjwdrys41RR6YTpr82jRQxUhvAwjDeufRERYNyuF2PWQ/s160/aIMG_3306.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Allison gets some right before Baby Heads<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_th6CeSSUQQ-14NQFOELoLD18egMEvPolO1vN5RgFMcWHIkfb9-eaHO4z2e3AhjWMxQAaqSzGUx1NRdwNXh2AcGk8UYGUE-alJmN3pxL-Fhp5M9A3-t9E1BBnPeVPXCMdJcAY4iiOP20/s1600-h/aIMG_3313.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_th6CeSSUQQ-14NQFOELoLD18egMEvPolO1vN5RgFMcWHIkfb9-eaHO4z2e3AhjWMxQAaqSzGUx1NRdwNXh2AcGk8UYGUE-alJmN3pxL-Fhp5M9A3-t9E1BBnPeVPXCMdJcAY4iiOP20/s200/aIMG_3313.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360412827617126370" border="0" /></a><br />Getting some traction and love from the Captains<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5z-1sj9odU6qdfFyW8oUfPM7b569NFJg7eVHwFjbW5XIrXPCzBiWTmppKfnhJF9h9qM50mKyVTX9yQCRbR1aLmwFQpkVROwbPaSvA9t2Kq-TPpFVu5KJ4Xex0iz5dyRJ6siAZbFT-NqE/s1600-h/aIMG_3326.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5z-1sj9odU6qdfFyW8oUfPM7b569NFJg7eVHwFjbW5XIrXPCzBiWTmppKfnhJF9h9qM50mKyVTX9yQCRbR1aLmwFQpkVROwbPaSvA9t2Kq-TPpFVu5KJ4Xex0iz5dyRJ6siAZbFT-NqE/s200/aIMG_3326.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360412899528025458" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Headed back to town<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFUy7w1-v-gR8X7kb_043i1Emnu-JIP8HeH38k_l_m5VGyISeq1BrdVQVFL1Br6dUQJqoRbqcQyV1xFHSndyC065ndtXV1GoSKGVwam77TTmY8kyny59BzeQ-nSJLcUQTeUQ_CBfbQzc/s1600-h/aIMG_3367.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFUy7w1-v-gR8X7kb_043i1Emnu-JIP8HeH38k_l_m5VGyISeq1BrdVQVFL1Br6dUQJqoRbqcQyV1xFHSndyC065ndtXV1GoSKGVwam77TTmY8kyny59BzeQ-nSJLcUQTeUQ_CBfbQzc/s200/aIMG_3367.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360412963723761298" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My machine<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5x161FadJzk4TsYPgX0r_b4QNtV_tIkL7-_etwKdwwrgoS8y4Z1IxNYC5GkER2bUjQkaPdFlsJOqL_3BL0trgUP_8t-StiQdHb1vcJXYaQYj08lLb-jiHKtymnDjRMQcbAFBCnuC0AGw/s1600-h/aIMG_3371.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5x161FadJzk4TsYPgX0r_b4QNtV_tIkL7-_etwKdwwrgoS8y4Z1IxNYC5GkER2bUjQkaPdFlsJOqL_3BL0trgUP_8t-StiQdHb1vcJXYaQYj08lLb-jiHKtymnDjRMQcbAFBCnuC0AGw/s200/aIMG_3371.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360413031051781314" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Adam Craig was kind enough to take a photo with us...very nice, down-to-earth guy<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9crpQJfZbQFm9XUpfyv8PqFF7vYEczv9vEuNlhdVLc3PL-iYQgxOeM0Bxbh4rosn4ojr1ATprZCGkhAqtHDmo8K6zhdXzXsvxwz-mPV8aLPpFpKejHYiucsXNLyFGCq_7lTOeDNwcOo/s1600-h/aIMG_3388.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9crpQJfZbQFm9XUpfyv8PqFF7vYEczv9vEuNlhdVLc3PL-iYQgxOeM0Bxbh4rosn4ojr1ATprZCGkhAqtHDmo8K6zhdXzXsvxwz-mPV8aLPpFpKejHYiucsXNLyFGCq_7lTOeDNwcOo/s200/aIMG_3388.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360413106934310962" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Once back to town, we checked out <a href="http://www.yubaexpeditions.com">Yuba</a>, ate lunch, and purchased some souveniers (t-shirts, mug). A & J were so awesome...they treated Dan & I to a shuttle ride back up to Packer Saddle as our wedding gift. Thanks so much! Dinner was awesome chicken, corn, salad and beer. Swimming in the Yuba was so cold but so awesome!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />The swimming hole at our campground<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJS5_KfkHEtjUTuhHhcMgQQleGfLMtlP5FvLakNhkeU1VUAzao-BXYdCyAb_Fp9Lr-72m-yJyRhflcLFp8ge3g0-yyxTWqh75MvoQ-LR4Do7z4vRBgZWD88CGvDs-LhB_Q4ZEoSe2Tvo/s1600-h/aIMG_0032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJS5_KfkHEtjUTuhHhcMgQQleGfLMtlP5FvLakNhkeU1VUAzao-BXYdCyAb_Fp9Lr-72m-yJyRhflcLFp8ge3g0-yyxTWqh75MvoQ-LR4Do7z4vRBgZWD88CGvDs-LhB_Q4ZEoSe2Tvo/s200/aIMG_0032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360413593995900050" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 2, Shuttles</span><br /><br />So, A & J wanted to hit the downhill course on Thursday and make sure they had some sections of Butcher dialed. The morning was again warm and sunny as we drove up to the saddle. Once we dropped them off, Dan & I high-tailed it back to town to pick them up. They were lightning-fast and we only had a couple minutes to hang out before they rolled in. We did check out the free wi-fi at the Carriage House :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Allison rolls into town<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1Bx7Sm1zje8jbb_dIgeBrpQ0nftOjLkwLC12AwkHIVrr5NjwE3jcT7iZGasE-26BJT184AEvpWR21uE5DDJT8TnVgJgInoYi7FqvSkdYuhjojRr-vVqvmdF5SEBI4IZsfgJ-TLwO22s/s1600-h/aIMG_3420.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1Bx7Sm1zje8jbb_dIgeBrpQ0nftOjLkwLC12AwkHIVrr5NjwE3jcT7iZGasE-26BJT184AEvpWR21uE5DDJT8TnVgJgInoYi7FqvSkdYuhjojRr-vVqvmdF5SEBI4IZsfgJ-TLwO22s/s160/aIMG_3420.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Poaching the wi-fi<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7R2kxvQ-4UUI83Hb8DOZubHov02LsaEFGMtGfaCkgPNvg-nQGHMY63IxE7HHRBLRTqFj84qtDw8NC1Y39Hb_qcGHjVMA1UEYemIx1TQDTHKCIPf4wbxkmpttREXl6uU0SeGM15sCvG_k/s1600-h/aIMG_3414.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7R2kxvQ-4UUI83Hb8DOZubHov02LsaEFGMtGfaCkgPNvg-nQGHMY63IxE7HHRBLRTqFj84qtDw8NC1Y39Hb_qcGHjVMA1UEYemIx1TQDTHKCIPf4wbxkmpttREXl6uU0SeGM15sCvG_k/s160/aIMG_3414.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dan roams around town<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghE0d7zrkKEXLHkrW0Yl0pHLmUnF-LzosAqlgs9uCbcssRxs-jJ187wAcToujmZ-T5AONCL22kJsRa3H6KTaadDfCaGkid7sJP0tRzxv6lZx1eKgOH6yP-c5FFQuj7aZB_Gju3Irmxo90/s1600-h/aIMG_3413.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghE0d7zrkKEXLHkrW0Yl0pHLmUnF-LzosAqlgs9uCbcssRxs-jJ187wAcToujmZ-T5AONCL22kJsRa3H6KTaadDfCaGkid7sJP0tRzxv6lZx1eKgOH6yP-c5FFQuj7aZB_Gju3Irmxo90/s160/aIMG_3413.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div> </div>Then, we drove back up to Packer so that Dan & I could go on a ride. We hit up Sunset to Big Boulder to Second Divide. BB was rad...the trail was so fun and scenic. As far as Second Divide...techy challenges and climbs, exposure, steep descents...fun for sure, but not my fave. I think I dubbed it "SART and Noble have an illegitimate child".<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Blue, blue sky<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1YzCsybuSu3WmAS7GVAdW9qFgB1oJLYoLCD715aEcQCDxxO6SVXec8wAQtyPZUfoimyDpIBo5HDEyUBBxdnPdWfLfz4Ycdt-3NHtzOy1b10gOFGYb5krFJrXbST3fcZp5fts9Vjz2Ts/s1600-h/aIMG_3424.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1YzCsybuSu3WmAS7GVAdW9qFgB1oJLYoLCD715aEcQCDxxO6SVXec8wAQtyPZUfoimyDpIBo5HDEyUBBxdnPdWfLfz4Ycdt-3NHtzOy1b10gOFGYb5krFJrXbST3fcZp5fts9Vjz2Ts/s200/aIMG_3424.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360413750349750258" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Top of Big Boulder<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY8WELFEK4FUW2OnrJbtapAvXLENnSrkjCVL3qv2OL0gCQXdjlJgqF3fceK9hG7C_dug62MWunD9X6Q6mxWxmgxqnzxbnhJ0bso4MNHnGYBevM7avD6jpVfUA9wFpPy496BEN_CgV_xQ/s1600-h/aIMG_3437.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY8WELFEK4FUW2OnrJbtapAvXLENnSrkjCVL3qv2OL0gCQXdjlJgqF3fceK9hG7C_dug62MWunD9X6Q6mxWxmgxqnzxbnhJ0bso4MNHnGYBevM7avD6jpVfUA9wFpPy496BEN_CgV_xQ/s200/aIMG_3437.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360413808605344898" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">View from the top of Big Boulder<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXhKErtVhvGZOMiXxwBtd1DCt6pRzBPX-Qsrlflo-MzezREfRqoQgDCzyqlaOrIbDohmzpAAzanaCnoTY2MeF2yNqifXzDUgEcVznwaasKFdPyxyeMjIhddBRS8Bu3z_hoxYb6dd4WjI/s1600-h/aIMG_3445.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXhKErtVhvGZOMiXxwBtd1DCt6pRzBPX-Qsrlflo-MzezREfRqoQgDCzyqlaOrIbDohmzpAAzanaCnoTY2MeF2yNqifXzDUgEcVznwaasKFdPyxyeMjIhddBRS8Bu3z_hoxYb6dd4WjI/s200/aIMG_3445.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360413951888046258" border="0" /></a>Dan descends Big Boulder<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0ENyyKusxtcWc1iamKkul8qFYrEGAZm4w_e1kVytzxBFqWhU3agEv_ff3YQOdZv5UcQ2psQxkmP6TGUTEbm8KrSqK2ORmkrBs4P0rQaMXvDo68V9gjkBsrPZQ51c55H8XsKV1F_JliU/s1600-h/aIMG_3447.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0ENyyKusxtcWc1iamKkul8qFYrEGAZm4w_e1kVytzxBFqWhU3agEv_ff3YQOdZv5UcQ2psQxkmP6TGUTEbm8KrSqK2ORmkrBs4P0rQaMXvDo68V9gjkBsrPZQ51c55H8XsKV1F_JliU/s200/aIMG_3447.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360413883957811042" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dan on First Divide<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0D5Dvr0SDX0e5MiYrf8wlBGpsiPXh5bgfmuJFIEl_GRCALUNlZh61cmEZ3kL47vueceVjk99gY6pNAVGsh9UO3wr38xhODpXQFfiTW8C9J7e8dbjIH7Ffjv1m4sEybUFBwrR2zdCRkqY/s1600-h/aIMG_3463.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0D5Dvr0SDX0e5MiYrf8wlBGpsiPXh5bgfmuJFIEl_GRCALUNlZh61cmEZ3kL47vueceVjk99gY6pNAVGsh9UO3wr38xhODpXQFfiTW8C9J7e8dbjIH7Ffjv1m4sEybUFBwrR2zdCRkqY/s200/aIMG_3463.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360414019773731522" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It was another great day!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 3, Rest</span><br /><br />After a couple days of hard rides, we knew Friday would be a rest day. We registered in town, worked on bikes and tried to relax as much as possible. Even did a short spin up the road. The stories going around indicated to get to the line early in the morning to get a good spot, since there were only 3 waves of riders going off.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, this is the amount of clothes 4 mt bikers wear in 3 days<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDtMK6_XoeebC8L88Ijr836Ai7-qfoYtHL2Ji2MFyBd2fwauhC7nASfK5e1ferSyiqvFQu8oQwGlXmhiyJxOqrYkAbl0A4M53KxFsnGPL4YgEFQ1z8Q6BvSGDoo-U-jd3qRr81eDxCXE/s1600-h/aIMG_3469.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDtMK6_XoeebC8L88Ijr836Ai7-qfoYtHL2Ji2MFyBd2fwauhC7nASfK5e1ferSyiqvFQu8oQwGlXmhiyJxOqrYkAbl0A4M53KxFsnGPL4YgEFQ1z8Q6BvSGDoo-U-jd3qRr81eDxCXE/s160/aIMG_3469.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Checking up on email, Le Tour and everything else<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2d0hwdjOUCl8mXr8HPyfqcofdqe8OsVEoC-uL1fB_MnrU4TZjbOFSEjUwMrptSqe5SziBdNQPs_s5Z9dT3xgE9OqIvOtPaRfyEQl2LGn8jeyGCL6BNoUib0_uCyL5TCZGCZS5oU9k3CE/s1600-h/aIMG_0044.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2d0hwdjOUCl8mXr8HPyfqcofdqe8OsVEoC-uL1fB_MnrU4TZjbOFSEjUwMrptSqe5SziBdNQPs_s5Z9dT3xgE9OqIvOtPaRfyEQl2LGn8jeyGCL6BNoUib0_uCyL5TCZGCZS5oU9k3CE/s200/aIMG_0044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360413648554608626" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Race swag<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgd2vs_eZmpf9t0Gk9WGiKaIHDznvsyy-24HrVui2cRPwRnUYPZ8_ndEBgwOAyHxopw-APKMMViBfJR7ET66oLqd8J4rRckZ9q6wLC9j10EiERje7xbPVU8nz_EP9OHs7wezyzKy2zCU/s1600-h/aIMG_3471.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgd2vs_eZmpf9t0Gk9WGiKaIHDznvsyy-24HrVui2cRPwRnUYPZ8_ndEBgwOAyHxopw-APKMMViBfJR7ET66oLqd8J4rRckZ9q6wLC9j10EiERje7xbPVU8nz_EP9OHs7wezyzKy2zCU/s160/aIMG_3471.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div><br />I was pretty concerned about my race...hadn't felt strong all week, mediocre sleep, and coming off lots of steady state riding (i.e. 12 hour race pace) didn't seem to bode well for a massive XC effort. To top it all off, it was my first expert race, and I knew the field would be solid. I tried to get in a good frame of mind, but I was pretty tense going into Saturday.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Gotta shout out for the maple-soy cedar plank grilled salmon!<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOsePpRQVsj9BuRAkJzDPqu9XN2BaWLR1wEJJEcJRlMbPba6F5aFYiOp2wF4ABjDz1vbrMbYaOHEaIRWvTL_0-34Tgwta2o4-6MwCWKao8wRs3LsiOM_vKQ8ewTDjSBxK-fU5RzrM2JY/s1600-h/aIMG_3476.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOsePpRQVsj9BuRAkJzDPqu9XN2BaWLR1wEJJEcJRlMbPba6F5aFYiOp2wF4ABjDz1vbrMbYaOHEaIRWvTL_0-34Tgwta2o4-6MwCWKao8wRs3LsiOM_vKQ8ewTDjSBxK-fU5RzrM2JY/s160/aIMG_3476.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 4, XC!</span><br /><br />I'll try to sum this up: hardest race I've ever done. Refer to the title of this blog post. The climb was massive. I hung on but barely. Watched a lot of women pass me. Mentally low. Legs were solid and heavy. Once descending, it was a brake-a-thon...too many riders who refused to yield to someone clearly faster. By Third Divide, my arm pump was so bad I thought my hands would slip off the grips. First Divide was painful. In the end, I missed my goal time by 3 minutes. 3:03. Now I have a new axe to grind.<br /><br />All things considered, I finished exactly mid-pack: 8th out of 16. This included the all-mountain racers. Got the wrong message about podiums (originally they separated XC and AM results, which put me in 5th. By the time we got back, they changed their minds and combined them, so no podium for me...plus they only went 4 deep...WTH?)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Expert women's XC results<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULoPt6dHEdoMgbus_j09BCxwoqlUG5Xq4GNzutb5TbSG2Dhi1lJ0kqGOifIGeFdagxPrwCVz21A_lhvQ0KfFJvbaR5vaVvF_VlUQCwIRYX0_Oe8DV2REfZDytaoyOdsVedB7dCsnVoGg/s1600-h/IMG_3483.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULoPt6dHEdoMgbus_j09BCxwoqlUG5Xq4GNzutb5TbSG2Dhi1lJ0kqGOifIGeFdagxPrwCVz21A_lhvQ0KfFJvbaR5vaVvF_VlUQCwIRYX0_Oe8DV2REfZDytaoyOdsVedB7dCsnVoGg/s160/IMG_3483.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Dan once again cemented his Training Sandbagger status...6th out of 103 men in his Sport age group. Amazing!! Justin did pretty well despite cramping pretty badly, and Allison was 6th in pro...stellar!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Vendor area<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4msfXx8rYl80ZGPj8p-ztGEJAeJIRDmpzoLGPFdle_0h0AH6bcs_AqEAgusv-1xJ0C1RQYwlkDgXKIEKTUhUbkNzn2S2oV6oF_9V1RaNhUuPdvFNBsM9ue7FFgTTJmsSjS63g-FpF9do/s1600-h/aIMG_3490.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4msfXx8rYl80ZGPj8p-ztGEJAeJIRDmpzoLGPFdle_0h0AH6bcs_AqEAgusv-1xJ0C1RQYwlkDgXKIEKTUhUbkNzn2S2oV6oF_9V1RaNhUuPdvFNBsM9ue7FFgTTJmsSjS63g-FpF9do/s200/aIMG_3490.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360414185513403106" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Definitely earned this one<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjlMmmPXQlyGaq7a38Wo15pUCdDC3mqQSFKY5R14C2-Ln4sY1D25chFZNtMnS4gziBWNIcYSGV9TKDAEtSFrF2cV6N68dBvQkdAN6AKodnRrlOV-PE1EAb5Z6p52UADj77aeYMEhz884/s1600-h/aIMG_3510.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjlMmmPXQlyGaq7a38Wo15pUCdDC3mqQSFKY5R14C2-Ln4sY1D25chFZNtMnS4gziBWNIcYSGV9TKDAEtSFrF2cV6N68dBvQkdAN6AKodnRrlOV-PE1EAb5Z6p52UADj77aeYMEhz884/s200/aIMG_3510.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360414294388703714" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Mtb legend Thomas Frischnickt scoping out the Pixie-Cross practice<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiho54xQCt8R-CiJDZqGVd6xcejKAksi0t23ZBejeUzjsU-aEx48wsEdXZAKrOv7dtUFBlc1zhiQjXcXJk40wsYzEfS_8Oa5dUq668fFN4jPfcKUzC8TyIGF5aQa6sHW3VD6dC3pfFFxzo/s1600-h/aIMG_3493.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiho54xQCt8R-CiJDZqGVd6xcejKAksi0t23ZBejeUzjsU-aEx48wsEdXZAKrOv7dtUFBlc1zhiQjXcXJk40wsYzEfS_8Oa5dUq668fFN4jPfcKUzC8TyIGF5aQa6sHW3VD6dC3pfFFxzo/s200/aIMG_3493.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360414235474939938" border="0" /></a><br />Getting up close with the <a href="http://www.bikemag.com">Sh*tbike</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTf1kL_FrcEIznxop1iNFVTszIhTqAWODAJxR8C00oUpUvDvG7KbgWne4qHqiZbJQQ0U9IdD4XkqYqn1rPiQxcLAmuFfB7-9j-LbuNKOlqIH3XXJMC8vrcmep8SNE8xdR7xd99-eVSQkE/s1600-h/aIMG_3488.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTf1kL_FrcEIznxop1iNFVTszIhTqAWODAJxR8C00oUpUvDvG7KbgWne4qHqiZbJQQ0U9IdD4XkqYqn1rPiQxcLAmuFfB7-9j-LbuNKOlqIH3XXJMC8vrcmep8SNE8xdR7xd99-eVSQkE/s200/aIMG_3488.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360414144139020802" border="0" /></a>If every hot summer ride could end with a dip in the Yuba, I'd be in heaven!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvH84CcafJcuMhmG9IO9jClJqcXVSkcU0X9Lpyx7VrLiWMoWQYkZCkrDLW8gzQMaZT1VoyndW-zeKVZOQtYXNMhm1xOYxU3WBWvux4x96j6qFdFtPmJ0l13FcDV1i3bFua2vA0JhtMPSU/s1600-h/aIMG_0089.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvH84CcafJcuMhmG9IO9jClJqcXVSkcU0X9Lpyx7VrLiWMoWQYkZCkrDLW8gzQMaZT1VoyndW-zeKVZOQtYXNMhm1xOYxU3WBWvux4x96j6qFdFtPmJ0l13FcDV1i3bFua2vA0JhtMPSU/s200/aIMG_0089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360413507230150098" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Hitched a ride on the shuttle back to Sierra City, shower, back to D'ville. Figured out the whole awards shenanigans, drank beer, hung out. Not bad :)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 5, Spectatin'</span><br /><br />Thunder and lightning! Sufferin' succotash! It was storming out in the early morning hours. Rain cooled things down considerably before the DH. Got A & J up to Packer with plenty of time to warm up (unfortunately the wind kept things cool). Dan & I spectated and took pictures, cheered and heckled. It felt good!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Cloudy & chilly to start the day<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiji_R-HCzT0_tuVSntNsH4hKTA0NJzV0gTL49mdxfgySy1_-PXJFYhFKmBfH8ZZhxpdSY3ryUVmMq6lPiDzmIoQLM8DiQZL4mC2bovVmbFbq8PB3U9ILOEHkWKg42WroAb62qiP-qGzTM/s1600-h/aIMG_3527.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiji_R-HCzT0_tuVSntNsH4hKTA0NJzV0gTL49mdxfgySy1_-PXJFYhFKmBfH8ZZhxpdSY3ryUVmMq6lPiDzmIoQLM8DiQZL4mC2bovVmbFbq8PB3U9ILOEHkWKg42WroAb62qiP-qGzTM/s160/aIMG_3527.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Fantastic view<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaxZ814mdlhqYjIOzMnO0yi242JtMVpy73gFjR_pwnC0FzNmBavgp2ED0ewqzn6ittiWIa7mHLTU50eHvQ8vVuJ_fur7-DwWAYcuFVsr9SfpzA5N8vcTBTuN1u4vg8hlqd14dO1nmga8/s1600-h/aIMG_3544.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaxZ814mdlhqYjIOzMnO0yi242JtMVpy73gFjR_pwnC0FzNmBavgp2ED0ewqzn6ittiWIa7mHLTU50eHvQ8vVuJ_fur7-DwWAYcuFVsr9SfpzA5N8vcTBTuN1u4vg8hlqd14dO1nmga8/s200/aIMG_3544.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360414499993094786" border="0" /></a><br />Justin's DH run<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsiDdYGoonceid7l_kh5xC3BqcrAZsJCVU-sMux7UaIxs-jUSiJ1HmAqxB5ASqHjXhZvDv70W-W5V4MehZq-qFdf2KGwvZHorkEprjMHprheZxB9o3V2JP9J6EmbZxclGd7G5JZlQlTU/s1600-h/aIMG_3579.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsiDdYGoonceid7l_kh5xC3BqcrAZsJCVU-sMux7UaIxs-jUSiJ1HmAqxB5ASqHjXhZvDv70W-W5V4MehZq-qFdf2KGwvZHorkEprjMHprheZxB9o3V2JP9J6EmbZxclGd7G5JZlQlTU/s200/aIMG_3579.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360414761035846994" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Allison on her way to a 57 min run<br /></div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncoBumCvXkU3MbZRK5QX6kZhN3vbA9N2Hqm2b_SQho-lslCpabcRTHbIEAX2nzhNjZCkrANqzF-b2VDGa-GE3q-PQ8YW3UNUCR2NdH1FZ1T6kWBl_Exc5oCCgR2MzbICsadIWmmoBMM8/s1600-h/IMG_3591.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncoBumCvXkU3MbZRK5QX6kZhN3vbA9N2Hqm2b_SQho-lslCpabcRTHbIEAX2nzhNjZCkrANqzF-b2VDGa-GE3q-PQ8YW3UNUCR2NdH1FZ1T6kWBl_Exc5oCCgR2MzbICsadIWmmoBMM8/s160/IMG_3591.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Adam Craig (1st in XC and DH, new course records)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUX-ewB695d-ur4oHi1T-Q-5ljaA9AtneEQEmsIB7qoRAOpqkRTUniq4PdYv2b9AB4tcvtTOzspsjOoelljpCf0XOrkKlHkSjrjYjrfRBJBu3HOMlhsefV3V0dkuh7iQ3qFVdKtV_p-0/s1600-h/aIMG_3570.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUX-ewB695d-ur4oHi1T-Q-5ljaA9AtneEQEmsIB7qoRAOpqkRTUniq4PdYv2b9AB4tcvtTOzspsjOoelljpCf0XOrkKlHkSjrjYjrfRBJBu3HOMlhsefV3V0dkuh7iQ3qFVdKtV_p-0/s200/aIMG_3570.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360414706562237698" border="0" /></a><br />The Sh*tbike in action!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyWu2qE8-8O8V7Z5ag9-kP3c-1V8q5ZSbdf2aguplBGUOGd79bWAe4h4MyUDsC5geeTh7R9t6kQsTCNPfbNBZunHVyMw6_0x9hSkZ2HTjgwIQzUJNf5SzQmTO9YhAGwrRVjag9aHqyfg/s1600-h/aIMG_3561.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyWu2qE8-8O8V7Z5ag9-kP3c-1V8q5ZSbdf2aguplBGUOGd79bWAe4h4MyUDsC5geeTh7R9t6kQsTCNPfbNBZunHVyMw6_0x9hSkZ2HTjgwIQzUJNf5SzQmTO9YhAGwrRVjag9aHqyfg/s200/aIMG_3561.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360414642031168754" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.wtb.com">Dain</a>'s DH run<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxLWYLy0md8F4RiNNirQzPe2gUJAy4y0FjwAu6WDNWXVI216Ot0O8L_6UH3uV4bIyhn9D65XvEAiQfB2g1J5M8z1EY-NedhSVADc8bkwokN7jhbDWAMerb-N5EVR56qn9Y1T5ChH-DFE/s1600-h/aIMG_3549.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxLWYLy0md8F4RiNNirQzPe2gUJAy4y0FjwAu6WDNWXVI216Ot0O8L_6UH3uV4bIyhn9D65XvEAiQfB2g1J5M8z1EY-NedhSVADc8bkwokN7jhbDWAMerb-N5EVR56qn9Y1T5ChH-DFE/s200/aIMG_3549.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360414573938352706" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Back down to town to get the Mann show. Allison finished 6th in the DH and overall...Justin went 11th/12th. Very proud of them for all their hard work!<br /><br />On the way back to the RV, Justin suggested that Dan-o and I ride the DH course for fun. I'll admit, I was reluctant. I dunno why. But, I finally agreed and after a quick change we were back in the Jeep. Butcher was freaking crazy...we sessioned the Waterfall. After a few times not able to clip in, I did the hard line cleanly (though it wan't very smooth...but when am I ever?). We cruised and then picked up the pace a bit, getting to town in under 1:10 ride time. If I do this again, I have to hit the 1:00 flat or less mark.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Sunny skies in the afternoon<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHXdQ1YULHveoP8Hqg5bFsvhieIImgmZ46MMEKxUQPuidiqmn2BhVMsVY-eYV-Bstpma_AdD7nvwG1eCqHhQondC-D0T_oVo51n-mD9ZF3RmXdwnFBXEnYWdxNBhyphenhyphenBD6r6UR1IblUopA/s1600-h/aIMG_3630.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHXdQ1YULHveoP8Hqg5bFsvhieIImgmZ46MMEKxUQPuidiqmn2BhVMsVY-eYV-Bstpma_AdD7nvwG1eCqHhQondC-D0T_oVo51n-mD9ZF3RmXdwnFBXEnYWdxNBhyphenhyphenBD6r6UR1IblUopA/s200/aIMG_3630.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360414828412721362" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dan on Sunrise<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebTS6qkduCWEnLMtpaPU65dvbhyKJlCdNGXcOYxERoJZaYtQHRMlL3f32rQovIh89_FOGHBOy8iBH5bsxnTlYjXA5fjmdYephVwJB0BQw4a40C4AdeyY-PJiB0Pnx-sHAVHMDP3gENvg/s1600-h/aIMG_3633.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebTS6qkduCWEnLMtpaPU65dvbhyKJlCdNGXcOYxERoJZaYtQHRMlL3f32rQovIh89_FOGHBOy8iBH5bsxnTlYjXA5fjmdYephVwJB0BQw4a40C4AdeyY-PJiB0Pnx-sHAVHMDP3gENvg/s200/aIMG_3633.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360414889555906514" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Third Divide after the rock "wall"<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqassfcoSkgQoXDd-GTxXMtl8xvOyYTJXiebYB8zunQXlXcUnqH63Ykd1TP12Xu-W2PMlyScilLR4bwRf22jD7h26ym_dbw7uO2Jjy7ogpBhvA40eCSo8GCzl0Ga1Wzrigad0nxeegGEU/s1600-h/aIMG_3653.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqassfcoSkgQoXDd-GTxXMtl8xvOyYTJXiebYB8zunQXlXcUnqH63Ykd1TP12Xu-W2PMlyScilLR4bwRf22jD7h26ym_dbw7uO2Jjy7ogpBhvA40eCSo8GCzl0Ga1Wzrigad0nxeegGEU/s200/aIMG_3653.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360414953163051650" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We scored some free beer since the New Belgium folks were packing up and waited for our chariot. Dinner, beer, tequila shots and shenanigans rounded out the night as we all celebrated solid performances and no injuries on course.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is what 3 days at D'ville will do to your bike<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxpEzjBMBkaY8sTlsaZr7kx07sL-kcVl51teneHVD1w_rhSRrWauTvwInzmjuWjlGbbP1c-N6SLkdwADXVz4QYLVPGWKixYJGg1T4tKhEnH36tKQ9DZ0A4Gwus5HVOrMQZP25GANedd8/s1600-h/aIMG_3522.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxpEzjBMBkaY8sTlsaZr7kx07sL-kcVl51teneHVD1w_rhSRrWauTvwInzmjuWjlGbbP1c-N6SLkdwADXVz4QYLVPGWKixYJGg1T4tKhEnH36tKQ9DZ0A4Gwus5HVOrMQZP25GANedd8/s160/aIMG_3522.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br />Monday saw us driving home (13.5 hours for us), leaving the Mann show behind. It was a truly great week, and I wouldn't have traded anything! Thanks guys, sincerely.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span></div> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-46868780945381273242009-07-17T20:07:00.000-07:002009-07-17T20:11:03.256-07:00D-d-d-d-downieville!Gotta sit down and take the time to come up with a blog post worthy of this trip, but for now, here's a little teaser:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuOmrSXPZ6R9GxcvckebGHUAZfDuomqXB8cCXvOKtPCdhqrHZQphl-1sO38n3bl4c9Nnn74MqAz0eOn4nMshUFdi5H0gJ4agqAxI3Fu68TlvELFDUQOGpYDZtWfDGFa2DSOCU8QjIOsU/s1600-h/IMG_3258.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuOmrSXPZ6R9GxcvckebGHUAZfDuomqXB8cCXvOKtPCdhqrHZQphl-1sO38n3bl4c9Nnn74MqAz0eOn4nMshUFdi5H0gJ4agqAxI3Fu68TlvELFDUQOGpYDZtWfDGFa2DSOCU8QjIOsU/s400/IMG_3258.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359632116768328354" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-60334256284252941872009-07-14T21:42:00.001-07:002009-07-14T21:53:56.260-07:00We did it!!On July 3, 2009, Dan & I got married at a beautiful (but tiny...just us and our witnesses) ceremony at Windansea Beach in La Jolla. We wrote our own vows, and I started mine off with Namaste: "I honor the place in you where the entire Universe resides. I honor the place in you of love and light, of truth and peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, there is only one of us."<br /><br />We followed up the ceremony with a scrumptous dinner at <a href="http://www.piatti.com/">Piatti </a>in La Jolla Shores, a luxurious stay at the <a href="http://www.hotelparisi.com">Hotel Parisi</a>, and a post-wedding day of walking around LJ, lunch at <a href="http://www.georgesatthecove.com">George's</a> rooftop, and fireworks with the McBride clan. Perfect weather, perfect weekend. We were lucky enough to have our friend Joe do some video of the ceremony and the wonderful Melanie from <a href="http://goodnickelsphoto.com/">Mr. and Mrs. Goodnickels</a> to photograph our sorry mugs.<br /><br />We met over 4 years ago at the Nova NORBA National in Phoenix, AZ through our mutual friend Kim. We just hit it off right away and the rest is history. Love and bikes...what more can a girl ask for?<br /><br />I'll be posting more photos later, but here are a few to start you off...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Leaving Hotel Parisi for the beach<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_u4ij5EFXpok0Shfr_XLzrlCG5w4UcRXYhQlLPLSB2qzcbcooRt8Rhnzvu0dYhRG9nPBQozWxAMZNiH490D_76R2NIksRYEct5EWUroqcL8ZtS42XM4B1Jy9Yf_Cegpw8fcVJKm1MAg/s1600-h/aIMG_2776.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_u4ij5EFXpok0Shfr_XLzrlCG5w4UcRXYhQlLPLSB2qzcbcooRt8Rhnzvu0dYhRG9nPBQozWxAMZNiH490D_76R2NIksRYEct5EWUroqcL8ZtS42XM4B1Jy9Yf_Cegpw8fcVJKm1MAg/s400/aIMG_2776.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358544596906258354" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Poetry in motion...Dan reads his vows<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLvdmVXhMRJ4i6s9_kqHSOKqgmpgcrqQFgxiWui6WZhjSoZqoaus5_pKq633sFnLjNsDahReKjMclZ_nlAtkyL8d4OymfhHQ_e0P5GkuAOC6Jvmqe9R_RdWIXiH8wY-NZNIofxX8NR94/s1600-h/aIMG_2808.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLvdmVXhMRJ4i6s9_kqHSOKqgmpgcrqQFgxiWui6WZhjSoZqoaus5_pKq633sFnLjNsDahReKjMclZ_nlAtkyL8d4OymfhHQ_e0P5GkuAOC6Jvmqe9R_RdWIXiH8wY-NZNIofxX8NR94/s400/aIMG_2808.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358544664776436706" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Awww...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPV5nx4lKwImcCZPN0wVrMRzhFlmDC8WhQ8gbybalE52SeaArtnxO_vN0DUGhz05esIRL0bTstpQ0kO0s_At8Tfk8OK_PXvSQ8PpdKqV306zC9SwKaTIviJUQASqns2I9lkrvi-1qJYAE/s1600-h/aIMG_2912.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPV5nx4lKwImcCZPN0wVrMRzhFlmDC8WhQ8gbybalE52SeaArtnxO_vN0DUGhz05esIRL0bTstpQ0kO0s_At8Tfk8OK_PXvSQ8PpdKqV306zC9SwKaTIviJUQASqns2I9lkrvi-1qJYAE/s400/aIMG_2912.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358544734327019906" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-86383384329727709082009-06-30T22:16:00.001-07:002009-06-30T22:26:05.011-07:00Grab BagPut your hand in, stir the contents around, and pull one out...<br /><br />Kind of a random mix this past week.<br /><br />Palomar Double last Saturday with Allison, Justin, Luke & Dan. Felt like a$$, but did okay considering I was a week out of the 12 hr. Nice 55 miler from home to Coronado and back on Sunday with Dan & Darryl. Legs felt less lead-like...sweet. I left my camera at home both days. Imagine.<br /><br />Week 3 of summer vacation but I worked the first two weeks (CyberBridge training), so this is the first real week of vacation. I am B-O-R-E-D. Funny how I wish and wish and wish for vacation and then...got to learn to relax a bit.<br /><br />Been working on the courtyard a bit...pulling out the old plants, amending the soil, re-planting with drought-tolerants: aloe, aeonium, kangaroo paw, etc.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Courtyard bed before<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmfuz1nglTsvEbdaVFYpZfF0fPm1i2lBBmyoUiPLZST6pBbOvUzz_TkEblbGwzMVaIN7xvCMRCwSfTGUlzERW23R0Q50C8iobMTtfWgsNgTM2xNjpvIxnlAQ-HOdzZKpuTUHNiSzwPcE/s1600-h/aIMG_2699.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmfuz1nglTsvEbdaVFYpZfF0fPm1i2lBBmyoUiPLZST6pBbOvUzz_TkEblbGwzMVaIN7xvCMRCwSfTGUlzERW23R0Q50C8iobMTtfWgsNgTM2xNjpvIxnlAQ-HOdzZKpuTUHNiSzwPcE/s200/aIMG_2699.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353358022232142866" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">and After...<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1KLjby9Ms1N4G2ETdXkfmZc660vxFUCxHXt6XcSV4m6IArZvrNzbsg3vgw2JvFRQEBo-252GuCnGF3qz8ypCH7az6Kf5JAyjVtkkyX5L1ORxpcuHnEK8DgBhBmpE53_pZDK7-mOdn5Q/s1600-h/aIMG_2712.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1KLjby9Ms1N4G2ETdXkfmZc660vxFUCxHXt6XcSV4m6IArZvrNzbsg3vgw2JvFRQEBo-252GuCnGF3qz8ypCH7az6Kf5JAyjVtkkyX5L1ORxpcuHnEK8DgBhBmpE53_pZDK7-mOdn5Q/s200/aIMG_2712.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353358080493095442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Found a black widow yesterday...she's a juvenile who hasn't lost her stripes yet. Cool (ok, but a little icky). FWIW, ground cover sucks when you have to pull it up.<br /><br />Downieville depart in one week...I am beyond stoked for many reasons...first road trip in a while, camping with our awesome friends, epic trails, racing...!!<br /><br />Road ride today and tomorrow and then...getting ready for the big day!<br /><br />Stay tuned.........Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-26557996857567900982009-06-21T18:43:00.000-07:002009-06-22T07:31:55.104-07:00Soul-o: 12 Hrs of Rim NordicIt's funny...I'm usually a verbose person, not one to be short on words, and the experience of solo 12 hour racing has left me able to explain it only by rambling. Maybe things are still processing, percolating...<br /><br />So, in that spirit, this blog post is going to be long on words (and long on pictures).<br /><br />Every year for the past few, Dan & I have picked an athletic event to challenge ourselves...1/2 marathon, marathon, <a href="http://www.warriorssociety.org/Events_And_Results/vision_quest_general_info.html">Vision Quest</a>. What would '09 hold? The answer eluded me until last November. I bid on a silent auction item at a benefit for the SoCal League: solo entry + perks to all 3 races of the <a href="http://www.12hrsoftemecula.com/">SoCal 12 Hr Race Series</a>, put on by Jason Ranoa. I put the races on the calendar and started training, logging base miles on the trainer over the winter. January showed up and, lo and behold, the 12 Hrs at Vail was the same day of our home inspection. I didn't race and was kind of bummed.<br /><br />Training resumed in ernest by March and the 12 Hrs at Rim Nordic started to loom, though not ominously. I'd ridden 9 consecutive hours before, so what's 3 more (sarcasm)?<br /><br />We started riding a lot more, training during the week, and resuming our outings with the Manns. Their advice, support, and cameraderie have been invaluable. I put in the hours and the miles and would have to trust that my training would get me through. We even rode the course 3 weekends prior. On the last of 3 laps, I almost cracked. I knew this was going to be hard.<br /><br />The course: 8.6 miles of singletrack/doubletrack. Some really insane steep parts (over 20% grade...though not long, they sucked). Over 1250' of gain per lap. Fun, super fast descending (my inner downhiller was rejoicing)! Oh, and the venue stages at ~6600' and tops out over 7200'. Gulp.<br /><br />Since day 1 of this venture, Dan was determined to be the best pit manager EVER! His loyalty, support, and selflessness are a testament to his character. He would be helping me, all day, and doing what needed to be done to get me out and back on each lap with success. From filling bottles to fixing my bike, to wiping down my legs and giving me hugs, he was on it!<br /><br />So...fast forward to June 19 (T minus 1 day)...<br /><br />We arrived on Friday, mid-day, after spending a stress-free morning finalizing our packing and going to the store for ice, etc. The drive up the hill was busy with motorhomes/Jeeps. Turns out Snow Valley was hosting an off-road Jeep festival.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Lots o' Jeeps<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivS_9bBcLp1zOryB8ZrdOV1iQlUq-9RcarMe3ONmJ4Yz17HWe3b6Mx96idQm28BATl-HfTsUtZA3N2J41wSsHDCR2vLiHifIPGKcMXovr5oE3Q2-0-wuaOGbIpgYYd6CLUYy8kdKUVMQc/s1600-h/aIMG_2579.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivS_9bBcLp1zOryB8ZrdOV1iQlUq-9RcarMe3ONmJ4Yz17HWe3b6Mx96idQm28BATl-HfTsUtZA3N2J41wSsHDCR2vLiHifIPGKcMXovr5oE3Q2-0-wuaOGbIpgYYd6CLUYy8kdKUVMQc/s200/aIMG_2579.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350010580088112738" border="0" /></a><br /></div>The venue was relatively quiet, but there were some pits already set up. Traci, Maddie, and some of the STR crew were around. We found Jason in no time and got our VIP pit spot. Great location! We also got a great campsite on the Rim Nordic side (instead of having to tent it in the parking lot) and VIP (=close) parking. In no time, we unloaded our gear and met up with <a href="http://www.lostmanifesto.com/">Jordan</a> and Chris. We all decided to share a pit space (since we had no easy-up or table), and while cozy, it was fine.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dan figuring out his domain<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qT1OM335PTCessip1sdlfo7-G8zeolKI7rTw2sKHeipUctpvyyaXnIgklYfl6Tv1GpbaV2su8hsFIscjTWDRxT4zP9X2rPsjjIu7xEQAGNgBLzpe08HnyxqP9L8C-cQR2k47coBYKWo/s1600-h/aIMG_2587.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qT1OM335PTCessip1sdlfo7-G8zeolKI7rTw2sKHeipUctpvyyaXnIgklYfl6Tv1GpbaV2su8hsFIscjTWDRxT4zP9X2rPsjjIu7xEQAGNgBLzpe08HnyxqP9L8C-cQR2k47coBYKWo/s200/aIMG_2587.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350010656201466066" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Not long after, we set up camp, and I went out on an easy 2 mile spin. Returned to make dinner (organic mac n' cheese with grilled chicken) on our kick-ass new camp stove!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dan liking the new camp stove<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVN9QfJMc6v0ENFid_hV0Umr9MVjgnWF9tT3hSjJRRnAlLbwx43Lk-Lt7PayQaNzVqEK2Co79f1cxEGFrWlRVPnBIeKic43dNS0zl5r-s2XDiI0K997y3y_Lt-w8JF2ML2xuCsPMMuXs/s1600-h/aIMG_2590.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVN9QfJMc6v0ENFid_hV0Umr9MVjgnWF9tT3hSjJRRnAlLbwx43Lk-Lt7PayQaNzVqEK2Co79f1cxEGFrWlRVPnBIeKic43dNS0zl5r-s2XDiI0K997y3y_Lt-w8JF2ML2xuCsPMMuXs/s200/aIMG_2590.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350010729869907362" border="0" /></a>Looks sketchy but so tasty<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYB71AZr0XULLolHm_PK5x9zZipK7d0WQAzW_7n6Mb3DlzMfXWOpZYxS9cUNcOtJ5Wuok2LT2WwCpuW7cOPOrjEY_IHFCoRWV2IJXO5N9Buvq5oO9Tr4ViQHOSGgaeOlcPzywOumKTNOc/s1600-h/aIMG_2592.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYB71AZr0XULLolHm_PK5x9zZipK7d0WQAzW_7n6Mb3DlzMfXWOpZYxS9cUNcOtJ5Wuok2LT2WwCpuW7cOPOrjEY_IHFCoRWV2IJXO5N9Buvq5oO9Tr4ViQHOSGgaeOlcPzywOumKTNOc/s200/aIMG_2592.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350010801780364338" border="0" /></a><br /></div>We listened to live music with Weyland and Doris and just chilled for the rest of the night.<br /><br />Off to bed by 9! Dan brought earplugs and gave me the better of the two sleeping pads. I slept great! (and smooshed him against the side of the tent...oops). Woke up by 6 to make oatmeal and yerba mate...yum! Racers were already arriving and the whole place started to bustle. Jason said there were well over 450 individual racers signed up...100+ of those were soloists.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Solo pit row<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY00chzU1hZvPHdE6sJZEXfuG0bOgii6paNDgIfLG3kIZo2JDpkocHUkpEGvJ7nMIf_HOpI3gzDlE_PHKvX-hbYWksNLz1cxeh-aCqt1_J5JIcOmNIFtJ_fQT73RzPiTvHyXU_rvmPFyc/s1600-h/09rim0021.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY00chzU1hZvPHdE6sJZEXfuG0bOgii6paNDgIfLG3kIZo2JDpkocHUkpEGvJ7nMIf_HOpI3gzDlE_PHKvX-hbYWksNLz1cxeh-aCqt1_J5JIcOmNIFtJ_fQT73RzPiTvHyXU_rvmPFyc/s200/09rim0021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350012403566948434" border="0" /></a><br />Jordan & I strategizing<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnMwxGD6e-I-mS2J92sQnyPlpvzfe8-oQJ-lTlCeor99q4njmznFN7SdFxIgBqsFVUst0Cncjxuht7AvLsHc1hvgPw3KPamR4bgUJHUEVFTLbEXdAXiLxO-IM8W2zTb18_Nh7ATLuCB0/s1600-h/aIMG_2600.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnMwxGD6e-I-mS2J92sQnyPlpvzfe8-oQJ-lTlCeor99q4njmznFN7SdFxIgBqsFVUst0Cncjxuht7AvLsHc1hvgPw3KPamR4bgUJHUEVFTLbEXdAXiLxO-IM8W2zTb18_Nh7ATLuCB0/s200/aIMG_2600.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350011150584745570" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Jordan and Chris rolled in after spending the night not camping :) Met up with Heidi V. (love that girl!). We all started to get ready. I made bottles and finalized my nutrition plan with Dan. Last minute adjustments to the bike, and before we knew it, the rider's meeting was taking place. Jason emphasized the basics...safety and courtesy while informing us of the charities and special sponsors.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dan's reminder sheet<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVs9xtMciG5j7jAbeHr5SoYpmh4nvI4jOXr4-RHDsHVCn6E6TF1HDFBIP3mRy7N7W0dvje6Jf-3BW1FcZlSbsBela5oFCNTXXsYgKE-0ujoCR2DCEqbB2Fy0WcHHmTrDQaq9QC_5BuqJI/s1600-h/aIMG_2599.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVs9xtMciG5j7jAbeHr5SoYpmh4nvI4jOXr4-RHDsHVCn6E6TF1HDFBIP3mRy7N7W0dvje6Jf-3BW1FcZlSbsBela5oFCNTXXsYgKE-0ujoCR2DCEqbB2Fy0WcHHmTrDQaq9QC_5BuqJI/s200/aIMG_2599.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350011084035077218" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The spread<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk06Y3p1IK5Z0oYEE1-99VEkySy94gGfj75L0RHzS6FFnWvNFBSE8UwjfyoV-bJ8LL8hOxW6CU0lo9TlYR4BU1r1XdvC4sMsesbbEvVseQsQNs_RKBZ5wzjrek8AYzPTpQXLUQkEwnaA8/s1600-h/aIMG_2597.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk06Y3p1IK5Z0oYEE1-99VEkySy94gGfj75L0RHzS6FFnWvNFBSE8UwjfyoV-bJ8LL8hOxW6CU0lo9TlYR4BU1r1XdvC4sMsesbbEvVseQsQNs_RKBZ5wzjrek8AYzPTpQXLUQkEwnaA8/s200/aIMG_2597.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350011030602384882" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Michael's anti-cramping elixir<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjef7r09wpN-i5uethgg8Igv2RkUXpdse94y95qM7_xxllmlIOMlT1C7DwuK-N9cA4mkSD7l-zhR6e2HPdJ7bro-mUYgbd8YypNpWf2hy4U2EKGL3HJcHrRWJfCUL2uZ1A_FfdcHiBSKSI/s1600-h/aIMG_2606.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjef7r09wpN-i5uethgg8Igv2RkUXpdse94y95qM7_xxllmlIOMlT1C7DwuK-N9cA4mkSD7l-zhR6e2HPdJ7bro-mUYgbd8YypNpWf2hy4U2EKGL3HJcHrRWJfCUL2uZ1A_FfdcHiBSKSI/s200/aIMG_2606.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350011204896175746" border="0" /></a><br />With about 20 min. left I got into my riding clothes...it was already warming up, so no arm warmers or base layer. I saw Shalyn, local endurance pro, walking by and knew my chance to win was gone. I'll admit, I was a little bummed, but at the same time, my mantra was "8". My goal was to do 8 laps. Not only that, but I put myself in the expert class, which for the women, is combined with pro. So, I really tried to keep the focus on me, not anybody else.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The ridiculously-fast and ever-sweet Heidi waiting for her turn<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcekNqsEbn5dvjJWqP5LZGA5zUSbRyu9ryIQTYdCbErFGHe_HEpuAuCyvmGZdhNzWvMDM_g5j9tEIC_S2U1bMMo317aGI3iHTK-qV90kMnu8jDTacqlCVRxdMqz8Y7KdgeR0GFW15ZG0/s1600-h/aIMG_2640.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcekNqsEbn5dvjJWqP5LZGA5zUSbRyu9ryIQTYdCbErFGHe_HEpuAuCyvmGZdhNzWvMDM_g5j9tEIC_S2U1bMMo317aGI3iHTK-qV90kMnu8jDTacqlCVRxdMqz8Y7KdgeR0GFW15ZG0/s200/aIMG_2640.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350011572666780178" border="0" /></a><br />Here is Mario tagging off to Heidi<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZanCn7lL6EfJeeLbpmbOkDaSD02BptEsLjyQfOksJkYlb-B7Z0CkWEVNsdbC8zEu7mWP0VS1KtkgeuC_DcCTEL4rB4E6TA1mYLVaReGItASawsxm4yHFxPDLVF8oNvwCuO53B9mk8Mzo/s1600-h/aIMG_2654.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZanCn7lL6EfJeeLbpmbOkDaSD02BptEsLjyQfOksJkYlb-B7Z0CkWEVNsdbC8zEu7mWP0VS1KtkgeuC_DcCTEL4rB4E6TA1mYLVaReGItASawsxm4yHFxPDLVF8oNvwCuO53B9mk8Mzo/s200/aIMG_2654.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350011710309751330" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Jason teamed up with Shoebacca to have these awesome seat tags made for the solo riders. Awesome because people could: #1 Give you encouragement, and #2 Not give you a bunch of crap for going really slow. The guys/girls on relays generally go all out! The (mortal) solos are in the plod away mode.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Awesome seat tags<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8PSjrWNq6ZXmSWDfnp241sOw6BgVkkGoahByj3Sz5wyz4ema3dFM2T3QB5yc7rAC-SQ7Ke4_3bdh_igZKImqc6eluxUi6P7WL3mjtHLX18BNJZqWaADwE82AMstJQcHBWYV9qDv1Mcc/s1600-h/aIMG_2593.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8PSjrWNq6ZXmSWDfnp241sOw6BgVkkGoahByj3Sz5wyz4ema3dFM2T3QB5yc7rAC-SQ7Ke4_3bdh_igZKImqc6eluxUi6P7WL3mjtHLX18BNJZqWaADwE82AMstJQcHBWYV9qDv1Mcc/s200/aIMG_2593.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350010872386511218" border="0" /></a>Still smiling...oh wait, we haven't started yet<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNeG6iMSudwEiNLFeR1zb00yenE5md0vebTjnOMz0paYcuw2-W9pKYaB3nuvvkwdvgebHdCCt2qMwA1LTrcYFPUNbe-tzD0iMhgTggjUiKGdrNQ3aWW1UcuKHTualM7ZNY4PgCryide0/s1600-h/aIMG_2607.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNeG6iMSudwEiNLFeR1zb00yenE5md0vebTjnOMz0paYcuw2-W9pKYaB3nuvvkwdvgebHdCCt2qMwA1LTrcYFPUNbe-tzD0iMhgTggjUiKGdrNQ3aWW1UcuKHTualM7ZNY4PgCryide0/s200/aIMG_2607.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350011252717000290" border="0" /></a><br /></div>We lined up for the parade laps, and I put myself about 4-5 rows back. Not wanting to get stuck behind too many riders once we hit singletrack but not wanting to slow down anybody faster was my rationale.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The start line<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzBdDtb0nJfHZ8957rqm7RmL-xm8s6lsR3o1ikZXhDjdAdpxsGvV8SdvgalyAUq5xYEc2v_z2vwd5jAAz9gBMJxMpSwgID0woov2ENU7imW-jeZGxUr5q0WMHEuJqVsXIjNV3sRI9t48/s1600-h/aIMG_2615.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzBdDtb0nJfHZ8957rqm7RmL-xm8s6lsR3o1ikZXhDjdAdpxsGvV8SdvgalyAUq5xYEc2v_z2vwd5jAAz9gBMJxMpSwgID0woov2ENU7imW-jeZGxUr5q0WMHEuJqVsXIjNV3sRI9t48/s200/aIMG_2615.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350011313257654162" border="0" /></a>And, we're off!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOm4K6mfzr1KHM0FIxcFfDiiQjpSic9b3XKNlqMwc8xorrijq5fhQ5TuaDaiYlJptW-SiHNfqb6WshkZtf76nb6N2nQ8vJ19xNz1_eIh0Wu49SVcN2vsqxVba-gPjLiLeduI7CVBGOz60/s1600-h/aIMG_2623.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOm4K6mfzr1KHM0FIxcFfDiiQjpSic9b3XKNlqMwc8xorrijq5fhQ5TuaDaiYlJptW-SiHNfqb6WshkZtf76nb6N2nQ8vJ19xNz1_eIh0Wu49SVcN2vsqxVba-gPjLiLeduI7CVBGOz60/s200/aIMG_2623.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350011373676200306" border="0" /></a><br /></div>It worked out well...the group thinned out a little on the parade, and then we were off! I could feel my heart rate already climbing too quickly...it was 175+ in no time. By the time we hit the first bridge, there was already a traffic jam! (Sorry, but I have to say it...lots of not-technically proficient riders out there...if you can't ride it, step aside).<br /><br />In any case...first mile went by fast! Fun descent back to the hairpin turn. Shalyn was already by me, so I watched her disappear! She is super strong and a gracious competitor. Pushed hard on the climb...some of those pitches would just not relent. Steep, loose, some with rocks...one after another after another. Couldn't catch a break. I was already getting close to granny gear.<br /><br />Not many riders went by as another rider and I pulled a gap on those behind us. I knew the pace was high (sub-1 hr not counting the parade lap), and that I couldn't sustain for the day, but I didn't want to get mired in the group behind.<br /><br />After what seemed like forever of climbing, we reached the top fireroad...relief! This was my designated take-a-swig-from-the-bottle spot. The road did climb but much less steeply (only up to ~8% and 5% or less in most spots). Some riders passed. Hit the rollers, and then before I knew it, the switchback descents. They were already a mess...loose and rutted. Seriously, though...just brake before the switchback and coast through...not that hard to figure out.<br /><br />Anyway, got hung up there, too and waited it out. The descent was incredibly fun/fast. At times I was going 24+ mph on the singletrack. Suh-weet!<br /><br />Then, the worst part...another 300+ feet of climbing (and mini-descent) back to the start. Here's where folks were ripping my legs off as I struggled with my easiest gears. But, I know my strengths and weaknesses...I'm not the best climber, but I can spin with the best of 'em.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Jordan comes in from his first lap<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqP485M-mbMPO3JkMvLqWkGHuBdEww4GzXY8HSN4Ljq0-U3m4_u9hM7wvrWyk-VhQ1haTLGLP0z3N8iRHKqOLZDxCMS1ZP2Kp-wScPfw-CvHyWlutBypGM34QlTmPhBDat4j-8K6PWi_M/s1600-h/aIMG_2637.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqP485M-mbMPO3JkMvLqWkGHuBdEww4GzXY8HSN4Ljq0-U3m4_u9hM7wvrWyk-VhQ1haTLGLP0z3N8iRHKqOLZDxCMS1ZP2Kp-wScPfw-CvHyWlutBypGM34QlTmPhBDat4j-8K6PWi_M/s200/aIMG_2637.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350011519530926498" border="0" /></a><br />Anyway, got back into the start/finish, handed off bottles, and got some fuel. I was using 1 bottle of water/Elete, 1 bottle of weakly mixed Strawberry HEED, 1 endurolyte, and some combo of solids (fruit leather, mini Builder Bars, animal crackers, dried mango, etc) on each lap. I tested out the protocol prior to the race, and it seemed to not upset my tummy. The other HUGE help was that I took Hammer's Race Day Supreme capsules. They buffer lactic acid and help with ATP production. I honestly had NO burning in my legs the entire day. It didn't hit me until after, but it was true. No lactic acid burn for 12 hrs. Amazing.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">End of Lap 1<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCBX9VmxF6jyeKnlQzkfqhyx3ONVdUVsOQOp-3IrT1hnsoLZwQcAvCO-drYu5CFRraU028eHrPofv9Wssu6fPFpeaE6dXqmWLT23hPB4iNfJO14whm1XaJzYTl6DnRDlVldSme0wxEX4/s1600-h/aIMG_2634.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCBX9VmxF6jyeKnlQzkfqhyx3ONVdUVsOQOp-3IrT1hnsoLZwQcAvCO-drYu5CFRraU028eHrPofv9Wssu6fPFpeaE6dXqmWLT23hPB4iNfJO14whm1XaJzYTl6DnRDlVldSme0wxEX4/s200/aIMG_2634.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350011449171222146" border="0" /></a><br />So, the rest of the day was a rinse/repeat with a few variations. Lap 2 was nearly identical in time to Lap 1.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Photo at the end of Lap 2, taken by Chris<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVnQyCbpFhyphenhyphenkMc3sljLTiLpth_Rxas4C5v1ugVghjxOYUjXFwoRzMNXWWsG-qHduwIT821jZOPviwX6XGoYLEiUI8FGpv3GxrwhvMVCUcS5yyxUXlnnfAqHhKJRcauSkAl6F0q8a80mY/s1600-h/09rim0161.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVnQyCbpFhyphenhyphenkMc3sljLTiLpth_Rxas4C5v1ugVghjxOYUjXFwoRzMNXWWsG-qHduwIT821jZOPviwX6XGoYLEiUI8FGpv3GxrwhvMVCUcS5yyxUXlnnfAqHhKJRcauSkAl6F0q8a80mY/s200/09rim0161.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350012241928560946" border="0" /></a>Dan keeping me fueled up<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWYKDew3WIKykh6rJU_NNg6vK5nKslaU3dAlz7HEvTtD0Bw_DK42jXGUJIzUhkmUybAAdLsbpy1boGvFxfRdwj4RKWSqxnKW9my6TMnPZlvI_WblbRjCxTCOQBVCWcmHxNw3zxWD-VME/s1600-h/a09rim0121.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWYKDew3WIKykh6rJU_NNg6vK5nKslaU3dAlz7HEvTtD0Bw_DK42jXGUJIzUhkmUybAAdLsbpy1boGvFxfRdwj4RKWSqxnKW9my6TMnPZlvI_WblbRjCxTCOQBVCWcmHxNw3zxWD-VME/s200/a09rim0121.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350009894512608626" border="0" /></a><br />By Lap 4, I had mentally broken. I felt awful. I was alone on course nearly the entire hour. I rolled into pit and spewed some obscenities. I was hating life. Then, I remembered I still had my iPod! I wanted to save it until lap 6, but something told me the situation was urgent. I was already starting to get things confused, too...endurance brain setting in. A new playlist awaited! I was renewed.<br /><br />The pits were alive with friends and spectators...lots of awesome folks who cheered me on with every lap. You are all simply amazing!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The many emotions of this endurance racer<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QDse7agzksgyg77c7htYH3a2rhmvhvEMRowpE7wL6Mw4MuGoeb2UqJYPpfdqQhEpZwb5Sqac9p2WvFks2SQHnxaKURSo86wpGh4lAOSDQvV2gCAhyFP1j59tflLl0OwqCJ7-yKUhAdk/s1600-h/a09rim0221.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QDse7agzksgyg77c7htYH3a2rhmvhvEMRowpE7wL6Mw4MuGoeb2UqJYPpfdqQhEpZwb5Sqac9p2WvFks2SQHnxaKURSo86wpGh4lAOSDQvV2gCAhyFP1j59tflLl0OwqCJ7-yKUhAdk/s200/a09rim0221.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350010013157687554" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjix9HRKlIAs928yE8EiGDkr5KdjBSX2MGSs_ea47Pgn4y2qcNbGqn9AfhwUw6aH_z-RzTvjbzMrFgeOTAUosaQTxa9NTrOR_XtBnaKVPPRcswXn4E5TuT-R9t8ToCvAt8wHMm8DKiRFpw/s1600-h/a09rim0331.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjix9HRKlIAs928yE8EiGDkr5KdjBSX2MGSs_ea47Pgn4y2qcNbGqn9AfhwUw6aH_z-RzTvjbzMrFgeOTAUosaQTxa9NTrOR_XtBnaKVPPRcswXn4E5TuT-R9t8ToCvAt8wHMm8DKiRFpw/s200/a09rim0331.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350010274728970594" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7LsZZmHrrpuB48Tr54eFnx1Jam-E7huUlCp4cKHo9UeoiIstOPk7SmT9Tcoq7PBrVOhp0BAcbNxznQwGYZkd2yyE-yoHzSdIiW5LmfBErWULuT7u4taTqPSwhls00hfU3jtS-qpAZe8/s1600-h/09rim0301.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7LsZZmHrrpuB48Tr54eFnx1Jam-E7huUlCp4cKHo9UeoiIstOPk7SmT9Tcoq7PBrVOhp0BAcbNxznQwGYZkd2yyE-yoHzSdIiW5LmfBErWULuT7u4taTqPSwhls00hfU3jtS-qpAZe8/s200/09rim0301.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350019270699184754" border="0" /></a><br />So, lap 5...I was rocking out to all sorts of songs, and then it hit me. Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours". On the bottom of Hate Climb. It clicked on, and I started to tear up. I couldn't explain it but just let the emotion come and go. I don't think I actually cried but it was the biggest upwelling of emotion I felt all day besides exasperation.<br /><br />Lap 5 was indeed faster as I let the music carry me. "Crimson and Clover" by Jimmy Eat World rocked MY world. Love that song. I also finally caved and walked the steep section up by the fireroad. Oh well...4 outta 9 ain't bad.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Jordan gets support from his friends...Chris, Jen and Julie<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAP7blJbfb_QB22NfB-i8PtSVKnl4EZJB6gwqIdNm8Roemwc5NRRKNe_5bLAfmFQgUCiezznuiE1vTdDMtCJsBbrLTjiUo-XUUOw99ZNmFg6lzPfFerdCkxuq8aS1jsTqgl4tNDOGXbU/s1600-h/aIMG_2645.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAP7blJbfb_QB22NfB-i8PtSVKnl4EZJB6gwqIdNm8Roemwc5NRRKNe_5bLAfmFQgUCiezznuiE1vTdDMtCJsBbrLTjiUo-XUUOw99ZNmFg6lzPfFerdCkxuq8aS1jsTqgl4tNDOGXbU/s200/aIMG_2645.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350011642501444674" border="0" /></a><br />Lap 6 is a blur. I remember finally feeling tired. I changed gloves at some point, and Dan wiped down my legs and arms. Honestly, I seriously had mush-brain. I almost double-dosed on acetominophen (only took 4 all day) at one point.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Likely the end of Lap 6<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_zuIp2G9bvIqzu_TbAQkVEfP_na7SL7mn1WqEeuNqR5FhU7NGLtjxzSs8yMnkW_ZUEtqbuLyqUfLkL8GKCJjIA6IbVb1rwhYpAIuFKMI9B7JWeAj4rHRvmnJl6A-3PeSQEo9NYZ34ug/s1600-h/aIMG_2663.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_zuIp2G9bvIqzu_TbAQkVEfP_na7SL7mn1WqEeuNqR5FhU7NGLtjxzSs8yMnkW_ZUEtqbuLyqUfLkL8GKCJjIA6IbVb1rwhYpAIuFKMI9B7JWeAj4rHRvmnJl6A-3PeSQEo9NYZ34ug/s200/aIMG_2663.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350011927962373474" border="0" /></a><br /></div>One thought clearly came to my mind, though, as I rolled in from Lap 6. I really, really hoped <a href="http://pedalcircles.blogspot.com/">Allison </a>& <a href="http://themannadventure.blogspot.com/">Justin</a> were there waiting for me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And there they were!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6O6JwXsiJNQ2jQ-KoXLNa07iRz6QnOX5lQObDCIyeP92PA315GAQvNm0P0PVJ5ySwHnl6TCf88yWgKApy2T_eHOJnQaxDBiaEY0p4WahEniWPayolajaK4xBzcQ_gJjqdsViTkSWsGtY/s1600-h/a09rim0291.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6O6JwXsiJNQ2jQ-KoXLNa07iRz6QnOX5lQObDCIyeP92PA315GAQvNm0P0PVJ5ySwHnl6TCf88yWgKApy2T_eHOJnQaxDBiaEY0p4WahEniWPayolajaK4xBzcQ_gJjqdsViTkSWsGtY/s200/a09rim0291.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350010139179094578" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Me, displaying which place I'd like to be in<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoode30pjpkujFVlW4beA_zZ6WXRmRa22KXSCWkr5ik-zoM1bcdrrYjyTzy6raJIE1spYm1uJ1vcD_LlR5g5BFRLnrbvOCrATVPtbRseYZ_r6xZPg5KXzr1xdmO_r5K7AFkN-hyZLeC0E/s1600-h/a09rim0251.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoode30pjpkujFVlW4beA_zZ6WXRmRa22KXSCWkr5ik-zoM1bcdrrYjyTzy6raJIE1spYm1uJ1vcD_LlR5g5BFRLnrbvOCrATVPtbRseYZ_r6xZPg5KXzr1xdmO_r5K7AFkN-hyZLeC0E/s200/a09rim0251.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350010074857105186" border="0" /></a><br />Knowing they would be out to do a lap with me was truly motivating. Our friends...riding with me if for no reason than to cheer me up, encourage me, and take my mind off the pain if for a brief time. They were there! I sat and got freshened up. Snacked on the "crack bites" from Costco that they brought and relaxed for a minute.<br /><br />We went out on a lap and all went my pace. It was so awesome and really special. Maybe nobody but me will get it, but that's ok. (Of course, in my mush-brained state I totally forgot to thank them before I went out for the big lap...#8).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Returning from my pep-rally lap<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Aevl0fqqaKHZQE6NFpJMiR9NxnZ1F7ix1u0y0pwoTDTBanS1q82hq0fsLWGi6S_UWmIuMjtCab4BgwgHkm7WFvHViFVPdbinEvWT2owg0Zsui9-5PVdwXvKcXWzuDfNExEI2YyG6_Ss/s1600-h/aIMG_2661.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Aevl0fqqaKHZQE6NFpJMiR9NxnZ1F7ix1u0y0pwoTDTBanS1q82hq0fsLWGi6S_UWmIuMjtCab4BgwgHkm7WFvHViFVPdbinEvWT2owg0Zsui9-5PVdwXvKcXWzuDfNExEI2YyG6_Ss/s200/aIMG_2661.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350011863866332914" border="0" /></a><br /></div>So, the time was at hand...the last lap. I was far ahead of schedule, meaning I had time to do a 9th. Chris had planted the seed early on, and it turns out, Dan was quietly scheming/hoping for me to pull numero nueve. Still, I put on my arm warmers and slipped out for the goal lap. I caught up to Weyland, but after we got separated again, I felt pretty much alone. The light had changed...shadows wandered from their morning angles. The air was cooler. The clouds rolling into the next valley over. It was pretty surreal. Up on the fireroad, when it was very quiet, a flash of movement to the left caught my eye. An animal! Upon second glance, it was a bobcat, probably figuring (s)he would trot along, not expecting a mountain biker to be coming along. Cool...I'd never seen one and was glad it wasn't a bigger cat!<br /><br />By the time I was up there, I had made up my mind to do a 9th lap. I had come pretty far, yes, but knew I could do it. Hate Climb was only a small (though painful) part of the lap. I rolled into the pit and said, "Put my light on!"<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The final rally<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrSQERTECxOfQeOCiQKcz-hVzz49tQ1N_8aYn0-pmzpkEbhlZwB6R8SbTaOIgZnu69y9kAPwk3-aeuGjmb9Xz7D6HYfxM0JBONXJIcBZRFPnyxAqRRMujUqTciiT8Hjkhp0e97Te3dOE/s1600-h/a09rim0341.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrSQERTECxOfQeOCiQKcz-hVzz49tQ1N_8aYn0-pmzpkEbhlZwB6R8SbTaOIgZnu69y9kAPwk3-aeuGjmb9Xz7D6HYfxM0JBONXJIcBZRFPnyxAqRRMujUqTciiT8Hjkhp0e97Te3dOE/s200/a09rim0341.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350010328200781730" border="0" /></a><br /></div>It was, predictably, my slowest lap. I walked the most, and went the slowest overall, but it was okay. I knew I had 2 hrs to complete it :) After a minor snafu (forgetting how to turn my light on...really, your brain gets mushy), I kept moving and crawled back up to the last descent. I let out a big "whoop" and savored the last downhill.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Crossing that line for the 9th (and last) time<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_IbLz_SZ8jLfagvHzvtY7-GiE5RlMl2HeRvHgO3Nj1yaYP1S-xNL9qtfl2QuMegdvcJh7tcRALf0CacxiodxEYDxjRvj2p-547YLtXav-7kRNddh79ZQdzqm8fwTEuEEBl09SMUufck/s1600-h/aIMG_2677.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_IbLz_SZ8jLfagvHzvtY7-GiE5RlMl2HeRvHgO3Nj1yaYP1S-xNL9qtfl2QuMegdvcJh7tcRALf0CacxiodxEYDxjRvj2p-547YLtXav-7kRNddh79ZQdzqm8fwTEuEEBl09SMUufck/s200/aIMG_2677.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350011993795557106" border="0" /></a>Finally!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAnrqzg5MaCRXvN-exqUe-ycvSrqdR96Yc98QiAy1A6XYcaejbPRnj7EJxeJDDemx2Eppq-lwTWFpewO3Wct2T5t-D_inMUybv0VTIIXxkwwEGtsBrHdv-DYBS51lXd5YQmMS5PAMThA/s1600-h/a09rim0381.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAnrqzg5MaCRXvN-exqUe-ycvSrqdR96Yc98QiAy1A6XYcaejbPRnj7EJxeJDDemx2Eppq-lwTWFpewO3Wct2T5t-D_inMUybv0VTIIXxkwwEGtsBrHdv-DYBS51lXd5YQmMS5PAMThA/s200/a09rim0381.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350010393909314146" border="0" /></a><br /></div>It was over...12 hrs of racing in the bag. Here are the stats (per GTC):<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCmnzQ7AN8bCfcIn24a8AUOJILcjkRtSe071kPmj0DvdyHXKGuSDrMgwk9u4eGuiiVTQE7d1kBSaDvIh41zVZD_zX25T6rDBieoHT5B71PnSCIRySZD_mVB_esx7cXnkMBOM5MUbOA10/s1600-h/09rim0401.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCmnzQ7AN8bCfcIn24a8AUOJILcjkRtSe071kPmj0DvdyHXKGuSDrMgwk9u4eGuiiVTQE7d1kBSaDvIh41zVZD_zX25T6rDBieoHT5B71PnSCIRySZD_mVB_esx7cXnkMBOM5MUbOA10/s200/09rim0401.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350009748706349650" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">78.5 miles<br />11,261' of ascent<br />5200 calories<br /></div><br />The boys had already started packing up. Turns out Jordan manned up and went out for one more lap with Neil. Seriously, I give him credit...for his first 12 hr solo race, he got podium (3rd) with 6 laps! His first-ever race podium! Rad, huh? Despite an aching back, despite his mind telling him to give up, he gave it another go. Proud of him.<br /><br />Jen & Julie offered for us to stay at their house in Big Bear (think: hot shower and a bed!) for the night insteading of tenting. It got seriously cold really fast...below 38 degrees, I think. I knew I got 3rd place, and with us standing around shivering, we decided to pack it up and head to BB.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">3rd place finish<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rzdKbT6FlwLWgee5uA_Jxh2Owgh8yCR0alaI1icb_LjqyNFgv9SX522Vop19RVeZL4lnHLH5Z2Gufr8l5uZpvj_HON9B5FOgvOUUiocoPOBpTlIDuQ1foOFd6LVO5oI1TyCimeioVs4/s1600-h/aIMG_2682.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rzdKbT6FlwLWgee5uA_Jxh2Owgh8yCR0alaI1icb_LjqyNFgv9SX522Vop19RVeZL4lnHLH5Z2Gufr8l5uZpvj_HON9B5FOgvOUUiocoPOBpTlIDuQ1foOFd6LVO5oI1TyCimeioVs4/s200/aIMG_2682.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350012059005111714" border="0" /></a><br /></div>I would've paid a million bucks for that shower...it felt so good! We ate a CPK cheese pizza and sat around shooting the breeze, already reminiscing about the day. I slept great...for 2 hours, and then I tossed and turned all night. Up every hour on the hour.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My favorite sign on the way home<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09F70pVsCPOzWz08XvrjKF56kJuEOJXTq73pOa_Jv-cujfbfY7OSSWs7FOZs-Bq7dAO680hB5B5JVLoGrBo_0aX3zChVnwiyPd2Fe4UHGpYmFwL06tlVSLF_JYtGP3YHAbsQhRt3ukeY/s1600-h/aIMG_2689.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09F70pVsCPOzWz08XvrjKF56kJuEOJXTq73pOa_Jv-cujfbfY7OSSWs7FOZs-Bq7dAO680hB5B5JVLoGrBo_0aX3zChVnwiyPd2Fe4UHGpYmFwL06tlVSLF_JYtGP3YHAbsQhRt3ukeY/s200/aIMG_2689.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350012123218868770" border="0" /></a><br /></div>So, all in all, I guess the "take home message" from the race is this: I came prepared and performed as (or a little better than) expected. There were no real surprises. Nothing that "threw" me. No enormous epiphanies. And, I kind of like that :) I'll admit, I'm still a bit in awe that I did do 9 laps. My longest ride ever on a mountain bike. I don't know how I dulled the monotony of the Hate Climb. I just rode. Turned the cranks. One revolution at a time. And I hope to do the same in November. I know I have a long way to go to hang with the big girls in pro (ok, to clarify, I do not want to race pro, but I have to at this series). But, can I continue to push myself and nudge the bar ever higher? You bet.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Celebratory beverages (just to clarify, we had about 1/4 of the Lost Abbey and still have the Chimay)<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLF3nhTdcsieRP3_xE7Z7SiHCBrn-3Eb6OFaRzx06r1w4fDrH250wVsXZ447gDJ3vgfoOiqT7vWmDZ267kezLcZfiGGyJCDd7VlUXNMNEMAHCjfmyorY-eds9jSW6jOWYF45LoJIUBNg/s1600-h/aIMG_2572.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLF3nhTdcsieRP3_xE7Z7SiHCBrn-3Eb6OFaRzx06r1w4fDrH250wVsXZ447gDJ3vgfoOiqT7vWmDZ267kezLcZfiGGyJCDd7VlUXNMNEMAHCjfmyorY-eds9jSW6jOWYF45LoJIUBNg/s200/aIMG_2572.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350010463194048834" border="0" /></a><br />I must thank some very important people, because it took a village to raise this racer:<br /><br />Dan-My support, my love, my partner and the other half of my brain-you were the best pit chief that money couldn't buy!<br /><br />Jason-You put on a great event, as usual. Thanks for doing SoCal racing proud!<br /><br />Justin-What can I say? You made a Mannimal out of me.<br /><br />Allison-Always there when I need you. Thanks so much :)<br /><br />Jordan-Great job out there. Thanks for pit set-up, the friends, and the support.<br /><br />Chris-You were an awesome pit bitch in training! Thanks for the photos (i.e. memories).<br /><br />Jen and Julie-Your house kicks ass! Thanks for taking in our poor, tired, sorry asses ;)<br /><br />Michael, Weyland, StevieB, Traci, Neil, Craig, the whole STR crew...you were the best out there. Thanks for all the kind words, cheers, and support. Your energy helped me go the distance.<br /><br />Eric-You got me through a winter/spring full of base training. It helped so much!<br /><br />Till next time...onward, uphill, and downhill!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvbIZ1eU0N7q2Rvd69Mmme7oyNrk5cEM7HgZeW0EFKCT1nfNwWIk8TXTzuBRQ30YvfHFRqgSco5YJ-xsHClBbgzUnxL30FQdvuHPH4XBG8jSdzHuTmAVLCYIrXhk3mB3Pfxljc36v-Go/s1600-h/aIMG_2595.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvbIZ1eU0N7q2Rvd69Mmme7oyNrk5cEM7HgZeW0EFKCT1nfNwWIk8TXTzuBRQ30YvfHFRqgSco5YJ-xsHClBbgzUnxL30FQdvuHPH4XBG8jSdzHuTmAVLCYIrXhk3mB3Pfxljc36v-Go/s200/aIMG_2595.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350010949743873074" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-64902534916230515492009-06-13T18:56:00.000-07:002009-06-13T19:49:36.796-07:00Photo EntryToday's ride at Noble was simple...Dan & me...Tour de Noble. 2 flats (me). Some new dirt (eh, was ok). 4.5 hours of pedal time. Good weather. Great landscapes. Eyes on next Saturday.<br /><br />Let's let the photos talk this time.<br /><br />My new hardware ;)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFlXmqbbf_4afLxHThk6ViUyVEm4RZ9ZQiQCvR4YwNqoQZ984t5-zJ8rQTLL7t_4Yjv_7iUW4Rd_AN9TIqTd3GGDgLgvCFHIpCqHv5bFJV3rB_WK6vn85oY-O9LNQ4-5zHu-oztN76Ko/s1600-h/IMG_2542.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFlXmqbbf_4afLxHThk6ViUyVEm4RZ9ZQiQCvR4YwNqoQZ984t5-zJ8rQTLL7t_4Yjv_7iUW4Rd_AN9TIqTd3GGDgLgvCFHIpCqHv5bFJV3rB_WK6vn85oY-O9LNQ4-5zHu-oztN76Ko/s320/IMG_2542.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347002707832569986" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Top of Alp<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppSGHIBlKXGuhSKPwOIXw8LthaNK9FHz4CngzS8rsq-097OMcL1oA0BYGjg_VhYAraxnkub8qCL5BNUT9LNjqdnx06k2NCM-suMVBQve-9oLybsfj4_mnP7atDzi4Wx9crADBCUHCvyE/s1600-h/IMG_2543.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppSGHIBlKXGuhSKPwOIXw8LthaNK9FHz4CngzS8rsq-097OMcL1oA0BYGjg_VhYAraxnkub8qCL5BNUT9LNjqdnx06k2NCM-suMVBQve-9oLybsfj4_mnP7atDzi4Wx9crADBCUHCvyE/s320/IMG_2543.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347003227441293426" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Pretty but the leaves hurt<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoSHR_lpdKM4nDpSHQfYqezgchFo_In9cVEaWl6FMWF7RZe447619tMfBLQwSl8H3uxKfT7CsahYMZqgdqYwYEvEZdpa071UlRcNLIjWeX7JJoCpc5jrtfYETq7TWt1yQyS5vw1lxH_E/s1600-h/IMG_2545.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoSHR_lpdKM4nDpSHQfYqezgchFo_In9cVEaWl6FMWF7RZe447619tMfBLQwSl8H3uxKfT7CsahYMZqgdqYwYEvEZdpa071UlRcNLIjWeX7JJoCpc5jrtfYETq7TWt1yQyS5vw1lxH_E/s320/IMG_2545.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347004184596964882" border="0" /></a><br /><br />New trail today (I'd give it a 7/10)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHMO6jwW3FDXnz0cAO3kJv-rVZNzgyIeSjhGnXkSJnGglgXzJPUM2OXqoDAVLxJH_9pK7ikyQMagFaK8RIlQ9GNvv72j8S7hMDoN1ZyNM-T-T_Tx7pQ15bRN7t8OL_Gh8neYMDvzjFp8/s1600-h/IMG_2549.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHMO6jwW3FDXnz0cAO3kJv-rVZNzgyIeSjhGnXkSJnGglgXzJPUM2OXqoDAVLxJH_9pK7ikyQMagFaK8RIlQ9GNvv72j8S7hMDoN1ZyNM-T-T_Tx7pQ15bRN7t8OL_Gh8neYMDvzjFp8/s320/IMG_2549.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347004948516978130" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Yum!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-I-ds2O4Y6Bebl7SPR5Tmi3rMNOH7G7VhUTqf6-6zdPg_NrAEl7E9M55Bq_RRtQRS6TxKBCIFtuY7UdyTlfNuwIvLLH5aT348TDREN3jSTlnlbEtsxuTpqRobRV0it0WAyAMUNkEYEG4/s1600-h/IMG_2548.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-I-ds2O4Y6Bebl7SPR5Tmi3rMNOH7G7VhUTqf6-6zdPg_NrAEl7E9M55Bq_RRtQRS6TxKBCIFtuY7UdyTlfNuwIvLLH5aT348TDREN3jSTlnlbEtsxuTpqRobRV0it0WAyAMUNkEYEG4/s320/IMG_2548.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347005329179360050" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Yes, we descended that section (Pinball) after our out-n-back.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1pDFmRdxDY1bFh3mKFawrL7zV-6uR8wdAyi0aJuNz-OL12zyWa-6nF4kDtt86Sbi54JPtZhcduWYe53pNyph_CMAiZBLu6MpBHkoquNFCUc-yc3POoaTZmOnjJEdJCbcZSBkL1h5QeQ/s1600-h/IMG_2555.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1pDFmRdxDY1bFh3mKFawrL7zV-6uR8wdAyi0aJuNz-OL12zyWa-6nF4kDtt86Sbi54JPtZhcduWYe53pNyph_CMAiZBLu6MpBHkoquNFCUc-yc3POoaTZmOnjJEdJCbcZSBkL1h5QeQ/s320/IMG_2555.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347005659237516418" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Gorgeous view<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAXcNVPU5puuxA0Dr9R5_BAXdCRvfb6yQfdwGDOCDXurkGl4s8N7JA45q4Qt73er8TQ76KxzDdwAX57GWV4SpKk2-dy98iFK1lcQYXW6tq0JOY7ZaSaJ98H8w5vX2kZ0-TmNn0xy2AoA/s1600-h/IMG_2553.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAXcNVPU5puuxA0Dr9R5_BAXdCRvfb6yQfdwGDOCDXurkGl4s8N7JA45q4Qt73er8TQ76KxzDdwAX57GWV4SpKk2-dy98iFK1lcQYXW6tq0JOY7ZaSaJ98H8w5vX2kZ0-TmNn0xy2AoA/s320/IMG_2553.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347005835589685170" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The meadow<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdYXdHNSmMEq1LqIum-mwEAIV2ZCNo9Hwt5qm5MzSLkE_mrmIBu3RPDvNiZPYeZLVV2gT3vw4L8i_1n_uP5T0uJUdVqj3q1I3N7VM-GMgCmEhgmgiMZT6dkdwTYw4ni0vr6j6tCMJoE4/s1600-h/IMG_2559.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdYXdHNSmMEq1LqIum-mwEAIV2ZCNo9Hwt5qm5MzSLkE_mrmIBu3RPDvNiZPYeZLVV2gT3vw4L8i_1n_uP5T0uJUdVqj3q1I3N7VM-GMgCmEhgmgiMZT6dkdwTYw4ni0vr6j6tCMJoE4/s320/IMG_2559.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347006163350269346" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Tread lightly, please :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvx09XKWWWz7-_N70C6oVd7bVNbZAOpN5suid9kHx6aC229Y9EJt2w_mv0yPRgQFXJBxraHvww3J0O1c-9K30zzO7pKJqkeJZ2leS88Yq2-_IUFjMuSAzsp1JZ3Qfdb-i0PXrI71Ao0dA/s1600-h/IMG_2560.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvx09XKWWWz7-_N70C6oVd7bVNbZAOpN5suid9kHx6aC229Y9EJt2w_mv0yPRgQFXJBxraHvww3J0O1c-9K30zzO7pKJqkeJZ2leS88Yq2-_IUFjMuSAzsp1JZ3Qfdb-i0PXrI71Ao0dA/s320/IMG_2560.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347006404345328482" border="0" /></a><br /><br />More meadow<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpiOhWaQ_oLYFXgrn0MAJ-Pzc6Mb6TfMWYz8mXbiChDxlPvz2bVu2m9H3QlCK2_yzzQbvOzCqJgszuO55mivx2nnEjif5NgrCDPoJOgdbfGloJDkSGSYIgG-odkqudcUAZVIKwM09RLQ/s1600-h/IMG_2561.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpiOhWaQ_oLYFXgrn0MAJ-Pzc6Mb6TfMWYz8mXbiChDxlPvz2bVu2m9H3QlCK2_yzzQbvOzCqJgszuO55mivx2nnEjif5NgrCDPoJOgdbfGloJDkSGSYIgG-odkqudcUAZVIKwM09RLQ/s320/IMG_2561.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347006933444293330" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My partner-in-crime (strictly figurative, of course)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnbs5ywaQnz0M15GMBunrcltxbCVAmFR7W0R15f2IH12iibsbjGp4mF1997cgzKeN9Elt6G_ZmHQQWEFjzfbZwn0TkYxmSUZCZWL2iqQxjewOP-PmPNc7_pZ75gRGaj5a9GUoVVaY7Ys/s1600-h/IMG_2562.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnbs5ywaQnz0M15GMBunrcltxbCVAmFR7W0R15f2IH12iibsbjGp4mF1997cgzKeN9Elt6G_ZmHQQWEFjzfbZwn0TkYxmSUZCZWL2iqQxjewOP-PmPNc7_pZ75gRGaj5a9GUoVVaY7Ys/s320/IMG_2562.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347007214035281410" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Interesting clouds today<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCpBRxY5UVXyRQ_YidRZCP_uBpXtesc6GqLAsXYLT7qsm7ngMv-JuKpt75Ylwf88k-f-RZlDDYJyIpRNkreKIT36iuaE_53MkJ_QSEdz0DtBfrj879nEXD9RRhGfHGYpFQwZYhwR-ehU/s1600-h/IMG_2564.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCpBRxY5UVXyRQ_YidRZCP_uBpXtesc6GqLAsXYLT7qsm7ngMv-JuKpt75Ylwf88k-f-RZlDDYJyIpRNkreKIT36iuaE_53MkJ_QSEdz0DtBfrj879nEXD9RRhGfHGYpFQwZYhwR-ehU/s320/IMG_2564.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347007531294340738" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Widowmaker<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_Vi6Rqm2PYAC9hdb6Lqw6uBMBtIMbc-fp8AFo_zi_PjMdNxf6QuwovkVSgnMj3uiRYiBhS09QeJ9PEWFUapmuZue2sf4CbwEcirVcUiKl8ZFYHw2NdOyWb-g7hM-G2Us_h1Ayj-NS-c/s1600-h/IMG_2566.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_Vi6Rqm2PYAC9hdb6Lqw6uBMBtIMbc-fp8AFo_zi_PjMdNxf6QuwovkVSgnMj3uiRYiBhS09QeJ9PEWFUapmuZue2sf4CbwEcirVcUiKl8ZFYHw2NdOyWb-g7hM-G2Us_h1Ayj-NS-c/s320/IMG_2566.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347007911538090322" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Dan cleans Stairway<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5b_nReoExN22I0ddSadmMR4AmKSxL63obXIZMg3FMUm0EkUPiTeAveT7F98VpL_wrbqDVUa-cLkwpgUOWZ3T-4f4y6-JFwUwIs_LKMD_hoyp-P1LetLfSJTqHmKJCyRydLbY_3OlXGZE/s1600-h/IMG_2568.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5b_nReoExN22I0ddSadmMR4AmKSxL63obXIZMg3FMUm0EkUPiTeAveT7F98VpL_wrbqDVUa-cLkwpgUOWZ3T-4f4y6-JFwUwIs_LKMD_hoyp-P1LetLfSJTqHmKJCyRydLbY_3OlXGZE/s320/IMG_2568.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347008275482202386" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-58869635756617211562009-06-08T20:47:00.000-07:002009-06-08T22:05:50.381-07:00"I gotta see this..."was what guy #1 said to guy #2 as I grunted my way past them on one mean climb on the north side of Mission Trails. It was an interesting weekend, to say the least.<br /><br />After riding with our training partners in crime--<a href="http://pedalcircles.blogspot.com/">Allison</a>, <a href="http://themannadventure.blogspot.com/">Justin</a>, and sometimes <a href="http://www.mountainbikeluke.com/">Luke</a>--for the past several weekends, Dan-o & I decided to play it closer to home. With Rim Nordic now less than 2 weeks away, it was time to hole up and get some of the life-needs-to-happen things back in order. Laundry, setting up our bookshelves 5 months after we've moved in, shopping, errands...you know, the stuff of legends.<br /><br />Friday afternoon, last of the regen days, was spent visiting our friend Joe who just had surgery for a deviated septum (ouch!) and then kicking it in La Jolla with dinner at <a href="http://www.cottagelajolla.com/">The Cottage</a> and a spin by the Shores. Pipe dreams stirred up by the warm spring/summer day left me a touch melancholy (right...some day when I'm a millionaire I'll own a house there), but we had a great time walking and eating. Gelato on Prospect St. was a-ma-zing!<br /><br />Saturday saw us up at the ass-crack of dawn to make it out to Noble for a dual-purpose ride. Hitting the alarm at 5 a.m. on a Saturday was painful. Our buddy Patrick, who we've known for a few years now through the mtb scene, is moving back to his home state of Floria (which means "mountainous" in the native Seminole tongue...haha), and he wanted to ride Noble one last time. Knowing that I needed more than a shuttle run to keep up with training, I suggested climbing up from the bottom of Noble and doing a mini-Tour. Dan was game, so we set out as the sun was rising. Temps were chilly...49 degrees at the parking pull-out. We opted to skip Extra Credit due to time constraints :( so up the paved road with nary a warm-up it was!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">New rubber for Dan...Captains<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1Hax_LtINjz62g5zj0nEc_zNlBm0ilFLfyi13WfQp2z3t4JRX9uUNhVzJUk-P6ksVfgeOwsbe9YtFQ_vowoNQSxksaYVGng5g5TKboIL_5Uq3Wfs6ehGOQnBKDOZMNW01VSu2Rn7okw/s1600-h/IMG_2390.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1Hax_LtINjz62g5zj0nEc_zNlBm0ilFLfyi13WfQp2z3t4JRX9uUNhVzJUk-P6ksVfgeOwsbe9YtFQ_vowoNQSxksaYVGng5g5TKboIL_5Uq3Wfs6ehGOQnBKDOZMNW01VSu2Rn7okw/s200/IMG_2390.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345181168847188002" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Rocking the <a href="http://ww.ergon-bike.com/">Ergon</a> GP1 grips for the first time. Love them!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Goodness<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-0jlX61z6-fKSRf9Y7w2HAnfGfCt2Ld6sGbFvrI2t9_G29JmYoqw96u9lpSUTuMR8AZNHL9F7wbziodIGS7FTXS4yP37gvK5pcRRALKft4B1mP97fg24KbCSBXOvjiAzKRoVocceUKM/s1600-h/IMG_2395.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-0jlX61z6-fKSRf9Y7w2HAnfGfCt2Ld6sGbFvrI2t9_G29JmYoqw96u9lpSUTuMR8AZNHL9F7wbziodIGS7FTXS4yP37gvK5pcRRALKft4B1mP97fg24KbCSBXOvjiAzKRoVocceUKM/s200/IMG_2395.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345181409251245234" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />900' of climbing later, we arrived at the oak tree. Not surprisingly, my legs felt pretty good (coming off 5 days of regen), and my HR seemed lower than normal...though I'm sure the cool temps were partially responsible. We rolled right through and on to Indian Creek. It was nice being the only two out on the trail. On our last outing about 4 weeks prior, I had a really rough time of it...no traction, not on my technical game, etc. Today was the polar opposite...traction galore (thanks to new Fast Track LKs), I was hitting everything (ok, except the waterfall). Climbing with my suspension fully engaged was the key. That, and low tire pressure. According to the Garmin, I was 10+ minutes faster on the climb than last time.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dan makes a run for the Waterfall<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQn1HNzpNLiOHJzySx1F1W0BYywta8bpQ041MhllsktjZyghreNFXIhQ5Goirdiirpt-uhWzSsY-jnNFszKg_bfTYgnWv4m9AYgHzPLr5GYv5SO1iWKSgBg6R4UXXIH9D-ak2ODhoYCg/s1600-h/IMG_2406.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQn1HNzpNLiOHJzySx1F1W0BYywta8bpQ041MhllsktjZyghreNFXIhQ5Goirdiirpt-uhWzSsY-jnNFszKg_bfTYgnWv4m9AYgHzPLr5GYv5SO1iWKSgBg6R4UXXIH9D-ak2ODhoYCg/s200/IMG_2406.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345181835120920434" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>Random...new favorite Builder Bar flavor: Chocolate Mint. Tastes like a Thin Mint. Hell yes!<br /><br />Down Pinball...oh so fun! Lots of big rocks in the trail...seems somebody has been up to some "rearranging" of the trail. Cloud cover and wind had me digging in my pack for my shell. Turned left and up to Penny Pines. We kept a good pace and made it to the trailhead 15 min ahead of schedule. Here, we picked up Patrick and his friend Kelly. Here we were, a motley mix of lycra, pads, XC helmets, full-faces, big bikes and smaller bikes. But you know what, it was all good. We all had our strengths and weaknesses but had a blast riding together.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dan on the Yeti<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5r4vEvzqtgy34hqehzsvRUkrQx-TgXZnv3DiFrjAA0PpEDie0B3V9PQOADZkMaNJX78iz8UcnxXXWMORk7mC7FZObRXv1sXF1eaRUpqse7jQaDBxUaLlCY0zTS5EkbnkAWMld39L8tSA/s1600-h/IMG_2413.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5r4vEvzqtgy34hqehzsvRUkrQx-TgXZnv3DiFrjAA0PpEDie0B3V9PQOADZkMaNJX78iz8UcnxXXWMORk7mC7FZObRXv1sXF1eaRUpqse7jQaDBxUaLlCY0zTS5EkbnkAWMld39L8tSA/s200/IMG_2413.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345182066732255570" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Kelly on the Demo 8<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sR6k0tfPN_viW2l8_luw_3RCHnLrlI3VoK6DQzJO7lnnt8gvEgQS1Lm6rzZ-H93S1diLbdwmWOnkkL8SLzDdTU1fFpa1hhPPtAJ6O0BOI9mIKvd9fdqrZcC4sTFSJfKizGCyu0d9lhE/s1600-h/IMG_2415.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sR6k0tfPN_viW2l8_luw_3RCHnLrlI3VoK6DQzJO7lnnt8gvEgQS1Lm6rzZ-H93S1diLbdwmWOnkkL8SLzDdTU1fFpa1hhPPtAJ6O0BOI9mIKvd9fdqrZcC4sTFSJfKizGCyu0d9lhE/s200/IMG_2415.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345182266076536818" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Lots of hikers out on trail (National Trails Day). Patrick flatted 3x once we started down middle Noble.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Flat numero dos...how many riders does it take...uh, nevermind<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGcjXlRntYLHZ6HmasmW5Rw2xDbk4GIR-6n-YkUG8x36cSsSPv-X5AajkKVHSCWIXPRiOKFd055SEMVMNdtsnCKj0v3aj2KXcm0CpTkwYbYa_Y7Y3DSP6_t7ZoTbzNmJd60NFzyt3p3s/s1600-h/IMG_2425.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGcjXlRntYLHZ6HmasmW5Rw2xDbk4GIR-6n-YkUG8x36cSsSPv-X5AajkKVHSCWIXPRiOKFd055SEMVMNdtsnCKj0v3aj2KXcm0CpTkwYbYa_Y7Y3DSP6_t7ZoTbzNmJd60NFzyt3p3s/s200/IMG_2425.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345182628629971474" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />I spent a while checking out the scenery that's usually whipping by me at 15-20 mph. A bubbling stream, an enormous oak tree, the hum of insects. It was nice to stop and listen. Of course, we made fun of Patrick for his flats, but it was all in jest. We'll miss riding with him!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />One of the biggest oaks I have seen in the area<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhVTA2b-0birCgCchEhcogfMnhY8OJHPp_Dqtlwz4LzuxS_6ZsKFjxVdrm5-T86n4op6nY2X6p2G9tbH2xqCwjzXRkJaUpb5sKF7ZD47y3nStNonWMDjOszKxGYYUE_EFruUwjvh8BU8/s1600-h/IMG_2420.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhVTA2b-0birCgCchEhcogfMnhY8OJHPp_Dqtlwz4LzuxS_6ZsKFjxVdrm5-T86n4op6nY2X6p2G9tbH2xqCwjzXRkJaUpb5sKF7ZD47y3nStNonWMDjOszKxGYYUE_EFruUwjvh8BU8/s200/IMG_2420.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345182833157764226" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Railing the turn...this was between flats #2 and #3 for Patrick<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4ud0Z0sNmzXnoaSSlcuMQs-208FHAq3QthzrTAJQj200Zk3OnudSExJzwTJUCtuS7auGj4O5Deo2buKVFFP-lJ8haKJSDZw-DLjUY61yVgQgIlWNzByDMV9N2zI8JKKjd28CD-K27YU/s1600-h/IMG_2431.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4ud0Z0sNmzXnoaSSlcuMQs-208FHAq3QthzrTAJQj200Zk3OnudSExJzwTJUCtuS7auGj4O5Deo2buKVFFP-lJ8haKJSDZw-DLjUY61yVgQgIlWNzByDMV9N2zI8JKKjd28CD-K27YU/s200/IMG_2431.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345183068805840338" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />I did have a new personal accomplishment...cleaning Organ Donor. The rocky bench before it almost hung me up, but I did a trackstand recover and kept going.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xoqjbR5g8Ns3gm40LjGXz_lZPFkY5qS4yquumG30fPkdazvxtAON0WcUjzL6cLFoe-6V1qduaNJEqeEgMhtgq_0iZpZwkj_Hi3TVIWQheDr2j-khyphenhypheneub2gRUSsEKCX1JME1Q_GNGhoE/s1600-h/IMG_2434.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xoqjbR5g8Ns3gm40LjGXz_lZPFkY5qS4yquumG30fPkdazvxtAON0WcUjzL6cLFoe-6V1qduaNJEqeEgMhtgq_0iZpZwkj_Hi3TVIWQheDr2j-khyphenhypheneub2gRUSsEKCX1JME1Q_GNGhoE/s200/IMG_2434.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345183294285083250" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />On up to Organ Donor...I don't know what I had in mind, but I went for it and found a V in the rocks. I cranked down hard and before I knew it, was over the hard part. I had made the crux move and was so surprised that I had to think quickly about what to do next. Turn circles...up to the top. I think I was beaming!<br /><br />Stairway was pretty easy this time...lots of sanitizing and a new p-line way to the right.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Chunky goodness<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfseCf6PfxHAfdJVrD0KAFGxg42DzhbRlLKU_Nek9AiIb8RBx3eiHXoXI0qgea-KvC2DqtOqeMw-oTC0c69LKvOo0om0nL2-D1TiPIF4-pkGcqGViSXt_a7b6chBFpKYH-kCQY_dYBN0g/s1600-h/IMG_2441.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfseCf6PfxHAfdJVrD0KAFGxg42DzhbRlLKU_Nek9AiIb8RBx3eiHXoXI0qgea-KvC2DqtOqeMw-oTC0c69LKvOo0om0nL2-D1TiPIF4-pkGcqGViSXt_a7b6chBFpKYH-kCQY_dYBN0g/s200/IMG_2441.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345183497510632226" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />The boys split off to go back to the car (shuttle up to get Kelly's truck at PP) whilst I decided to do Whore/Extra Credit solo. I've never ridden any trail at Noble alone. I have to admit I was a tad nervous, but what the heck. It was over in about 17 minutes anyway...the climb up not as tiring because I hadn't ridden as far. I never get tired of wiping the grin off my face after that trail. 2o miles for the day.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Solo on Extra Credit<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hlpSipWttJ-V47gRTrRVL8R91ZauSXqZZBhqmH7KGH5-aorXte4LPVp8ma2oGQBaz8OaTVqZe7HVvJfz_d7ws0jdP77jA74oS41RBe2Q3xRwbEncJqh5hhJHyxjTA6x0YZv6g2mrS6M/s1600-h/IMG_2446.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hlpSipWttJ-V47gRTrRVL8R91ZauSXqZZBhqmH7KGH5-aorXte4LPVp8ma2oGQBaz8OaTVqZe7HVvJfz_d7ws0jdP77jA74oS41RBe2Q3xRwbEncJqh5hhJHyxjTA6x0YZv6g2mrS6M/s200/IMG_2446.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345183668657852274" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Saturday night was low key, spent at home with some good homemade dinner.<br /><br />Sunday...I finally slept in...until 6:30! But, I felt like it was all I needed, so I was okay with that. Did some research on Mission Trails, breakkie, then off to ride. The plan was to get our climb on, and anybody who has ever ridden there knows there are some doozies.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />The River<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AvRf6IwvtYawI1ePK29DobkCuNfOttvTzndVK0WsqEbH3sdG69g7A8DJmQhEkfgcc3c2iil76eBbOSL5-pM7v7VLjgiRbXAzmwmVB-eNmyPjSsM1JQ_qbmfmQCBEF5Zfx1HAF5gvO7w/s1600-h/IMG_2482.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AvRf6IwvtYawI1ePK29DobkCuNfOttvTzndVK0WsqEbH3sdG69g7A8DJmQhEkfgcc3c2iil76eBbOSL5-pM7v7VLjgiRbXAzmwmVB-eNmyPjSsM1JQ_qbmfmQCBEF5Zfx1HAF5gvO7w/s200/IMG_2482.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345184038123600258" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />2:40:00 ride time...15.75 miles and 3600' of vert. Several 20%+grades. A couple pitches above 30%. Ridiculous. Visitors Center Loop for a warm up, then climbed the big hill up to Quarry. Loop around Quarry, back down toward the pond, Suycott, North Fortuna. I was feeling alright until the approach climb to NF. I went into the first steep pitch and said something like, "I doubt I'll make this". Well, I did make it (first time ever) but then proceeded to inch my way along, stop, turn around, re-try, and curse my way up. I was so frustrated. THAT is my Hate Climb. Surprisingly, I had only a few dabs up to the top of NF and was the freak show to a few hikers who could not fathom somebody strong (i.e. dumb) enough to ride up.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Not a bad view for only ~800' of elevation<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcr05Nf3-apPsdYzR2KU_Ue7ufMG8GPI3UkeFy0E8x1x0cjBLMXHz9-dN-uuAi0Qe5GT5I5cgEuircPOT3u8A_xwNyTOYf5ore3-E7Jyb88Oq0v1vRfc2eyPds2EdaFu9KTZ7bcv2ZbLc/s1600-h/IMG_2485.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcr05Nf3-apPsdYzR2KU_Ue7ufMG8GPI3UkeFy0E8x1x0cjBLMXHz9-dN-uuAi0Qe5GT5I5cgEuircPOT3u8A_xwNyTOYf5ore3-E7Jyb88Oq0v1vRfc2eyPds2EdaFu9KTZ7bcv2ZbLc/s200/IMG_2485.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345184205374157266" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Down the back of NF...so techy! Then, there was the Hell Trail...a series of 3 or 4 bitches that were so steep we walked down a few parts, and on the uphills were barely ride-able (but we did).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dig!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsP3f-4-LzL0I9l9HItbqAnzMdVgppUzJDR-Q0KUWMcl4R2246_vC8781YADo3yzs7p9UceuTKM57nmP7qbsMg7xbMuE2_N3kWh4HjFobuA4wBiOqDbtaktsOzqbOk9Dx1csoWmwYmsw/s1600-h/IMG_2491.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsP3f-4-LzL0I9l9HItbqAnzMdVgppUzJDR-Q0KUWMcl4R2246_vC8781YADo3yzs7p9UceuTKM57nmP7qbsMg7xbMuE2_N3kWh4HjFobuA4wBiOqDbtaktsOzqbOk9Dx1csoWmwYmsw/s200/IMG_2491.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345184395146445954" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The bridge by Oak Canyon<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7cDu3Q2uyYHc6KbCunCaGo3WwIKksV86Ut-0vk8GZNHmLwx2mDr3uDNz47tBv-xBTbXuCcmpvlhYnvxpUoUkffFxozRVfldIHpa1XN_fnSc4YOoLsLUekomitQ88P2MrXymkPbWMR-M/s1600-h/IMG_2492.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7cDu3Q2uyYHc6KbCunCaGo3WwIKksV86Ut-0vk8GZNHmLwx2mDr3uDNz47tBv-xBTbXuCcmpvlhYnvxpUoUkffFxozRVfldIHpa1XN_fnSc4YOoLsLUekomitQ88P2MrXymkPbWMR-M/s200/IMG_2492.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345184633016349730" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>We were passing by the bridge and made the turn toward the last bitch. Two bikers were pushing up the loose, chunky fireroad climb. It was pretty steep...about 18-20%. I decided to go for it and put my head down. They paused as I approached. Here is what I heard:<br /><br />Guy #1: "I gotta see this..."<br /><br />pause...as I go by...<br /><br />Guy #2: "Goddammit!"<br /><br />And there I went.<br /><br />They told Dan as he went by that they had never seen anyone even attempt it, nevermind ride it. I admit that a wry smile was on my face :)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Steepness<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBbTpKytm_Xf9ThANBLbMt9zFOl7MnB2jwY7dns_mu3egJmitdD_CtKd2TYiJFA1Msr4hPvxtmPUMRQOrma1os-C7pHfDrYvlXzP9v-QxYh16eKmfcb8mlN9C27YnEgeSFVZAXXkw17g/s1600-h/IMG_2493.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBbTpKytm_Xf9ThANBLbMt9zFOl7MnB2jwY7dns_mu3egJmitdD_CtKd2TYiJFA1Msr4hPvxtmPUMRQOrma1os-C7pHfDrYvlXzP9v-QxYh16eKmfcb8mlN9C27YnEgeSFVZAXXkw17g/s200/IMG_2493.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345184926753643522" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />We both took a healthy run at Cardiac but got hung up on the last pitch. Damn.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dan descending from North Fortuna...chunky!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8S3dXoxcqHmgsghIF0CvOBNR1YIP3Xih4aG0hsvuQmnrs5RDfwLiPQ6Mv4NlsOEUiitWNp04EL6s311U5w2YxStIC__kk6nG7pTw1QMa4adL_sPptlXGgEsTSYx8B6gNpR2xd4D-CJtE/s1600-h/IMG_2494.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8S3dXoxcqHmgsghIF0CvOBNR1YIP3Xih4aG0hsvuQmnrs5RDfwLiPQ6Mv4NlsOEUiitWNp04EL6s311U5w2YxStIC__kk6nG7pTw1QMa4adL_sPptlXGgEsTSYx8B6gNpR2xd4D-CJtE/s200/IMG_2494.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345185129396953650" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Lunch and errands, and we were back home for another nice evening.<br /><br />The countdown continues...less than 2 weeks until <a href="http://www.12hrsoftemecula.com/rimnordicinfopage.html">12 solo</a>! Jason Ranoa, who runs the event, posted up the kick-ass plates that the solos will be rocking...awesome!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT3qWMVKf2N6Aa5Yh4RWAFdFw2cLDBpnFoaAsGpKFwoGsJelfHWVNnWnYslrk27hYIdPX63VBAcGgjr9OAAiy5lwWAcu-CoIH3Kn8upoXOg52S1rXLDO-6QJz8T266s19fi5GJcolIqA/s1600-h/ShoeBacca.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 121px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT3qWMVKf2N6Aa5Yh4RWAFdFw2cLDBpnFoaAsGpKFwoGsJelfHWVNnWnYslrk27hYIdPX63VBAcGgjr9OAAiy5lwWAcu-CoIH3Kn8upoXOg52S1rXLDO-6QJz8T266s19fi5GJcolIqA/s200/ShoeBacca.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345180850340930402" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-48783742255681345252009-06-06T17:27:00.000-07:002009-06-06T18:00:55.430-07:00Home-made Flower Hair PinAfter searching for a floral hair pin for a special event and coming up with highly overpriced options ($20+ and up), I decided to figure it out myself and make my own. Here is a little tutorial for all the ladies out there (and, um, any guy who wants to get crafty).<br /><br />I got all my supplies from Michael's. (I already had the glue gun). To complete this project you will need:<br /><ul><li>Silk/artificial flower(s) (they make some very realistic flowers now)</li><li>Alligator clips (found in the jewelry section)</li><li>Craft ribbon<br /></li><li>Scissors</li><li>Glue gun</li><li>Something to protect your work surface (such as scrap paper or newspaper)</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaELcM6X14SFxNPL-8LWBSEkrK43zIb_5rkNtatqLlqiatSFAdnYivfEnpWWYrL0P8MhRu5iBFEbR1CyaMx_T22i5I8UNH_ZH53iV4pe5Of3wEJdqO672lNAXEi-4iEgdE-hiWAHrDmI/s1600-h/IMG_2452.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaELcM6X14SFxNPL-8LWBSEkrK43zIb_5rkNtatqLlqiatSFAdnYivfEnpWWYrL0P8MhRu5iBFEbR1CyaMx_T22i5I8UNH_ZH53iV4pe5Of3wEJdqO672lNAXEi-4iEgdE-hiWAHrDmI/s320/IMG_2452.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344381749171693330" border="0" /></a><br /></div>1. Remove the head of the flower from the stem. Most of them pop off easily and leave a little plastic nub.<br /><br />2. Lay paper down on your work surface to protect it from any dripping hot glue. Turn on the glue gun to let it warm up while you complete the rest of the steps.<br /><br />3. Cut a piece of ribbon that is slightly wider than your alligator clip*. I used purple scrap ribbon, but you could get dark green or a color that would blend into the flower color. You need the ribbon as a binding surface between the flower and the clip. Hot glue applied directly onto the clip will not work well.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0jYcMNbQtqxwn2Pbo41hp8QneJ0z_pxf04dFc2BvmsC52K_NIQj-DVOqikeDfrgS6CiHkBhSYAzq9zgFcJNhybB7IlIc7puKSGZ1cBS3iD3iQdNIEUxmzhRHY1irjMib9j-D2Khqx8M/s1600-h/IMG_2455.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0jYcMNbQtqxwn2Pbo41hp8QneJ0z_pxf04dFc2BvmsC52K_NIQj-DVOqikeDfrgS6CiHkBhSYAzq9zgFcJNhybB7IlIc7puKSGZ1cBS3iD3iQdNIEUxmzhRHY1irjMib9j-D2Khqx8M/s320/IMG_2455.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344382015244034882" border="0" /></a><br /></div>*note: I used small clips (it was the only size Michael's had at the time...but it was big enough to hold a flower that was 3.5" in diameter. You may need to experiment with different sizes of clips.)<br /><br />4. Apply a thin strip of hot glue to the clip. Immediately affix the ribbon to the clip and let dry for a few minutes.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerr39swyA_aZtyB3RnuckBS4Nflc0uU_i27vII-D2Q8tsHFErT2zKsgfbgvy9pxBtrf4jfcRGtFkSgk-sMnLkmRS1m6xP2BnRbZtG62G5NHJo6h0Vb_s0al92udLjTL0vBDp_RJzu_AY/s1600-h/IMG_2457.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerr39swyA_aZtyB3RnuckBS4Nflc0uU_i27vII-D2Q8tsHFErT2zKsgfbgvy9pxBtrf4jfcRGtFkSgk-sMnLkmRS1m6xP2BnRbZtG62G5NHJo6h0Vb_s0al92udLjTL0vBDp_RJzu_AY/s320/IMG_2457.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344382233819631250" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />5. To prepare the flower, trim the plastic nub down slightly using scissors. Don't cut too close or the bottom petals may fall off. They can be repaired but it's a pain.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispeJBJReo_y4fpA6bSebK4s5HGfIlVpU-qsImgOtwSi3H2fKJ5pUa2i8RWyjCpvxM9GV-HuDrUZmGaRj3ZMNwOGWt7XV6oaV9lt9I6_iUAnPr94I9IcZajuzQE0nIQlKgRup612oqYm4/s1600-h/IMG_2459.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispeJBJReo_y4fpA6bSebK4s5HGfIlVpU-qsImgOtwSi3H2fKJ5pUa2i8RWyjCpvxM9GV-HuDrUZmGaRj3ZMNwOGWt7XV6oaV9lt9I6_iUAnPr94I9IcZajuzQE0nIQlKgRup612oqYm4/s320/IMG_2459.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344382382298164754" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />6. Apply a healthy-sized dollop of hot glue to the bottom of the flower. For a 3-4" flower, I used a nickel-quarter sized dollop. Smaller flowers required less. If it spreads out, it's okay because you are putting it on the ribbon.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXT505mWCeTe_LkXRVkSbD2w4b2R1vvHIBHaRMoybRk2GM4EEzsIFqQ80wkhuqZhqPLb977bsYhV8GQDfycyYLozA0QUR9duavqdFwQhed3X6wxkzr7LPDyDldUbZXxvd69D_a3vC_j0k/s1600-h/IMG_2460.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXT505mWCeTe_LkXRVkSbD2w4b2R1vvHIBHaRMoybRk2GM4EEzsIFqQ80wkhuqZhqPLb977bsYhV8GQDfycyYLozA0QUR9duavqdFwQhed3X6wxkzr7LPDyDldUbZXxvd69D_a3vC_j0k/s320/IMG_2460.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344382532724309986" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />7. Immediately affix the clip/ribbon to the flower. I put the flower upsidedown on the table and put the clip/ribbon on top. Gently press down and let dry for at least an hour before using.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMVS4ehaMurzXIOe3POV4hYbVtCc9ttr9ROih9lRuooQ4W7ZV8cKP1Ir-ZO8Vv2vFt7sNhCKJIDYA6m1IbVBaGTXuprRSvX3x5w4JyO7CyvsWpJAg9T5We_TJ3FzoqBLLBSNjSmJ5VPQ/s1600-h/IMG_2461.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMVS4ehaMurzXIOe3POV4hYbVtCc9ttr9ROih9lRuooQ4W7ZV8cKP1Ir-ZO8Vv2vFt7sNhCKJIDYA6m1IbVBaGTXuprRSvX3x5w4JyO7CyvsWpJAg9T5We_TJ3FzoqBLLBSNjSmJ5VPQ/s320/IMG_2461.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344382749484244562" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />I have used large and small flowers in my hair so far, and with gentle pressure have not yet managed to make the flower detach from the clip. The clip will tug a bit on your hair when you remove it, but it's not too bad.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-EGUzXOw5ozO4QKlwJ-ibDLGq4iNRzvHeWjlgXQA2cj8V5qWZrtMVSOc9sjnIbjtkGKQi8nv7gC_2YcIUFfcECcQTQP8SKFZuhkz90ZvRjEUAO30zoSAU2tFv3dacpdbvVJ3dI2GcD_M/s1600-h/IMG_2468.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-EGUzXOw5ozO4QKlwJ-ibDLGq4iNRzvHeWjlgXQA2cj8V5qWZrtMVSOc9sjnIbjtkGKQi8nv7gC_2YcIUFfcECcQTQP8SKFZuhkz90ZvRjEUAO30zoSAU2tFv3dacpdbvVJ3dI2GcD_M/s320/IMG_2468.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344382902306595138" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />All in all, each clip costs less than $5 to make!! The websites I checked had them listed for $20-40!<br /><br />Here is the cost breakdown:<br /><ul><li>Alligator clips, pack of 12...$3</li><li>Large silk rose...$4</li><li>Scrap ribbon...I already had a ton</li><li>Glue gun...I already had one but they are not too pricey</li></ul>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-53491956744981128022009-05-27T20:10:00.000-07:002009-05-27T21:11:28.888-07:00Memorial Day ManiaI apologize in advance for the lack of photos...I didn't take a single one all weekend!<br /><br />My training has continued to ramp up as I inch ever toward the 12 solo. <a href="http://pedalcircles.blogspot.com/">Allison</a> suggested a pretty killer weekend...ride Daley on Saturday (including a women's ride with the Dust Bunnies), laps at Hurkey on Sunday, and chillin' by the pool on Monday. Sounded great to me (and Dan) so we headed out early Saturday morning to meet up with Allison & <a href="http://themannadventure.blogspot.com/">Justin</a>.<br /><br />My plan was to do one 14 mile loop around Daley at 'race pace' and then join in on the beginner women's ride. Right from the start, I tried to warm up slowly, but I found myself pushing the pace nevertheless. We hadn't even gotten to Sage yet, and Allison put in an effort on one of the short hills. Before I knew it, she was gone (only to be seen again as a tiny speck moving quickly up the climb). Justin was out front, and so Dan & I soldiered on. We made our way via a file I had uploaded into my Garmin. A few wrong turns and "Off Courses" later, we had things figured out and continued to plug away. I hit the climb up Cardiac and was feeling pretty good, but I still had to dab (twice) before I made it to the top. There were a lot of riders out on this part of the ranch...cool to see! I know I'm getting stronger/faster because I was nowhere near as winded/tired as the last time we rode Daley. Justin continues to push me in my training, Dan is always there to see to it that I follow through, and Allison has been so helpful in offering me all sorts of tips and advice. Team 12 Solo is what I'm calling them :)<br /><br />It's been tough because as I continue to improve, so does the usual cast of characters that I've been riding with. It all seems relative until I really think about how I felt the last time I did a particular ride or go back and look at the stats on my Garmin.<br /><br />After about 3/4 of the ride, right before the big climb up Boulder Loop, I discovered my gps had locked up, and I was not happy about it. For what we paid, the damn thing should work fine considering it's so new. Turns out I only had 30 min of time that got recorded. Oh well...after a reset, it was fine.<br /><br />Dan and I met up with Justin as he apparently came up for some bonus goater, and we all headed back to the parking lot. Shalyn Gates, a local endurance rider, was hosting a beginner women's ride, so we hooked up her crew. I was out at the front of the pack, and broke off with a group of 3 ladies. We took a spin down to the Ranch House and then back up Boulder Loop so that we could descend Crest. Justin noticed that I was resting (low cadence) going up Boulder, and it didn't take long for him to get on my case. He pushed me up the climb, and my HR maxed out at 190!<br /><br />After a recovery noshing session in the parking lot, we caravaned up to A & J's house. I fell asleep big time in the car...still recovering from our all nighter at Disneyland grad night.<br /><br />We loaded up and drove out to Palm Desert for part 2 of our weekend. Big thanks to Susan & Tom for hosting us all weekend! We had a killer dinner of salmon, veggies, quinoa, wine, and beer. So good! I didn't get to sleep until late and was sure that with the small indulgence of alcohol I had that Sunday's ride would be tough...<br /><br />We woke up pretty early Sunday, ate some light brekkie, and then drove up to Hurkey Creek...goal for today was endurance pace and nutrition troubleshooting.<br /><br />The four of us suited up and took off on a warm-up lap. My legs felt alright, but mostly, I was dreading the mental challenge of 4-5 consecutive laps, including Keen Camp...my favorite climb (rolling my eyes). I managed to finish in ~56 minutes and felt so sketchy on the descents. I was riding the Yeti, and compared to the ISC race (when I was on the hardtail), the bike was tall, awkward-feeling, and not doing well in the loose corners. Allison reminded me to try to descend at race pace, and the rest of the laps, I nailed the downhills.<br /><br />As we rolled in at the end of lap 1, Dan, Allison & Justin went back to the truck. I headed out again, with full-ish bottles and a snack in my pocket. I had mixed my HEED pretty light, and it worked out well...no sticky-sweet mouth. Only problem is that my bottle cage was back on the underneath of the downtube...I couldn't reach it very easily, so I ended up not drinking enough water.<br /><br />Lap 2 was very consistent with the first, and I was only off on time by less than a minute. Allison & Justin were race-pacing it (and hitting sub-44 min laps...whoa!!!). They caught me on Rage just past the rocky technical uphill. No sign on Dan, and I figured he was somewhere back there. I was missing him, since he's been good about riding with me lately, but in the back of my mind I knew it was good for me since I won't have him behind me in the race (he'll be pitting for me).<br /><br />By Lap 3, I was climbing Keen Camp in a good gear and hitting a rhythm. This time, Justin whizzed by me in the middle of KC, and Allison caught up to me as I fooled with my bottle at the top of the climb. No sign on Dan. Rinse and repeat.<br /><br />At the end of Lap 3, I stopped to lube my crunchy-sounding chain, eat some snacks, and refill bottles. I found out I can tolerate solid food pretty well, as long as it's half a bar here or a fruit leather there.<br /><br />So...Lap 4. I knew it was coming sooner or later. It was a pretty dark lap...mentally, I started to wander. Physically, I slowed down. I was alone the entire lap and didn't see a soul (not even any of the other riders or hikers out on the trails). It was a pretty low point and my slowest lap. I seriously considered making it my last, but once I hit Exfoliator, invigorated by the descent, I started to change my mind. The exchange in my head went like this:<br /><br />"4 laps...it's been a while."<br /><br />"4 laps...that's nothing. You've been riding for less than 4 hours. HE-L-L-O...12! 12?!"<br /><br />(Grunt). "M'kay. I can do this."<br /><br />I rolled back into the parking lot feeling like I still had some fight left in my legs. Allison was done, and Justin was taking off his heart rate monitor. Dan was still not back (turns out he had fork issues and spent some time trying to get it fixed up...we were 1/2 lap apart all day). Determined to go out anyway, I got a snack. Justin kindly decided to ride with me...he pushed me up the climbs just by being there. Amazingly, I turned in my fastest lap of the day, finishing with 5 laps in under 4:45:00. Turns out that my fastest and slowest laps were only off from one another by less than 3 minutes. I guess that's what I'd call consistency.<br /><br />Back to the casa in Palm Desert...another awesome dinner of turkey burgers and all the fixins plus ice cream for dessert. Slept in and spent the mid-morning by the pool. It doesn't get much better than that!<br /><br />We're now 3 weeks from 12 solo, and I registered today for expert/pro. I have no idea which local pro will be there to kick my ass (hopefully not), but I'm going to try my best and race my own race. I learned that I'm able to keep things pretty consistent and steady, as long as I pay attention to my nutrition and hydration. The elevation is going to add in another level of difficulty, but we'll all be feeling it. The countdown is on!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-39212773589156636592009-05-19T06:41:00.001-07:002009-05-19T06:46:00.904-07:00trail of tears...here I come!<br /><br />XC madness in Downieville...I can't wait!!<br /><br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/SGAUDR%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-4.jpg" alt="" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.downievilleclassic.com"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 104px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-J399Mf8IhDaTxkH00bWYjOtWeS2J3AuUUNLycgMTxqmxoC9VqbkvqKYw7NCmrd87hbTyNeynsSQxD3gHinv64UZw4Y66oDz5-xQBxfAmksGmLx102YCHXdbpvCWLWjdyx4N4pmBOfw/s200/dvclassic_logo2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337529982585251058" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-87651608245868052112009-05-17T18:41:00.000-07:002009-05-17T20:12:31.092-07:00sometimes you just need a little pushGetting back to build after a week of regen was something I was looking forward to, in a weird sort of way. I mean, the rest/regen is necessary, but sometimes, when you want to go fast on your bike, it can be tough.<br /><br />Not sure if I've mentioned it, but my goal for the near future is to successfully race the 12 Hrs of SoCal in the solo division. Yes, that's right....just me and my bike, together, for 12 hours. It will be the longest single continuous sporting event that I have taken part in. Granted, I have done two 24 hr races (most laps I completed was 5 or about 55 miles), a 12 hr group race, and even VQ (just shy of 9 hours), so I know what long days can be like. I even ran a marathon in 2007 (5 hours). But this time, the tables are turning. The only person that can hold me back and keep me from performing at my best level is myself.<br /><br />Luckily, I've had the support of many people thus far and plenty of advice and guidance have already helped me to improve my riding. I have more endurance, I'm climbing stronger, and able to put in some solid efforts.<br /><br />This weekend, the plan was to focus on steady state riding at SART on Saturday. I decided to stop less and focus on my nutrition. Intervals while riding Cuyamaca rounded out the weekend today.<br /><br />Dan & I headed up to <a href="http://pedalcircles.blogspot.com">Allison</a> & <a href="http://themannadventure.blogspot.com">Justin's</a> on Friday evening for our pre-SART rendevous. After watching some Giro and getting things ready, we all tried to get some rest. Last time we did SART together, I felt like absolute hell. We rode it in late June, a couple months after VQ. Admittedly, I was not in great shape at that point, having lapsed in my riding. I bonked less than halfway through the ride and barely finished the 50 miles. This year, I knew things would be different.<br /><br />We arrived at Loch Leven, and I had some business to take care of. I said goodbye to a good friend...my DH bike. Yes, I sold it. I'm sad in a way, but also excited for what the future has to offer...my long-term goal (next year) is a mtb stage race (<a href="http://www.bcbikerace.com">BC Bike Race</a>? <a href="www.breckepic.com">BreckEpic</a>? who knows!)<br /><br />Allison & I took off up the trail from Loch Leven, and it was already getting warm. We kept a good pace going up the hill...my focus was to keep my cadence high. I used to mash on my pedals. Not very efficient. I've been breaking the habit, slowly but surely. Not too long after, the boys caught us...they were motoring.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Allison & I start up from Loch Leven<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5nJ5BUI1RsiXCHGwqgq44Uehb2WEk-FVPpfqdhu_jAOqNLXg-Py7kh1VYI45yU1pP3FxY_h4UAIm4gSKjPNUXs_Tj-g0Nmfacaa-aZYn0OUhpGCxl14RjNz5mOuBt0pNQ0NfTgm4Giw/s1600-h/IMG_1965.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5nJ5BUI1RsiXCHGwqgq44Uehb2WEk-FVPpfqdhu_jAOqNLXg-Py7kh1VYI45yU1pP3FxY_h4UAIm4gSKjPNUXs_Tj-g0Nmfacaa-aZYn0OUhpGCxl14RjNz5mOuBt0pNQ0NfTgm4Giw/s200/IMG_1965.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336984811038223730" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />I really focused on drinking water and HEED on a regular basis. I had switched away from HEED a while ago in favor of <a href="www.hammernutrition.com">Hammer</a> Gel...I guess I liked the gel better. But, it's easier for me to drink from the bottle than to rip open and fuss with a gel packet. I might try the flask again on the next long ride, so we'll see...jury's out on that one.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The trusty <a href="www.yeticycles.com">Yeti</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFWUr7mEzV3W0mYZGyrbnR3rTns-m9so_hyFNNYE2NiNkrHOwiP33VvWq_ced56MRM-M2oqfFAshqVeYcAel22zP_S5CApzStlQaKauuCG3AZU6gt5KXReoX1eEoYTrieyEHKp86Z9pQ/s1600-h/IMG_1976.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFWUr7mEzV3W0mYZGyrbnR3rTns-m9so_hyFNNYE2NiNkrHOwiP33VvWq_ced56MRM-M2oqfFAshqVeYcAel22zP_S5CApzStlQaKauuCG3AZU6gt5KXReoX1eEoYTrieyEHKp86Z9pQ/s200/IMG_1976.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336985857495923634" border="0" /></a></div><br />We rode right past the store and up to SART. Weather was pretty clear and warm. Down, down, down we went...what a tease! The trail was in good shape. It was apparent that folks have been out there clearing the trail...thank you! I was descending terribly...my tires (over a year old) were pretty worn down and made the normally loose descent even sketchier in some spots.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Allison making the switchback<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVIXEgvWbFRez-RVqgBwXZzdUZ1di7AnqsF33o8ewv5uyjwNQxPHmgM-XQ60T3k5GxXubsDvIyVS-OeCKXbzIXYZINt3gwUyT6U4Qca2K9Hc3o4n8iCmpFDzbw9FkZTSzfezhXYwE05Y/s1600-h/IMG_1992.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVIXEgvWbFRez-RVqgBwXZzdUZ1di7AnqsF33o8ewv5uyjwNQxPHmgM-XQ60T3k5GxXubsDvIyVS-OeCKXbzIXYZINt3gwUyT6U4Qca2K9Hc3o4n8iCmpFDzbw9FkZTSzfezhXYwE05Y/s200/IMG_1992.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336986593862184306" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Justin (complete with bug net)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRZJSftmVg_eWK22vEz7CAsI21L_6xb-nGD3qljDsKh2G4PmZZc8Vofyc3CelXmkxDUhIOQXRi6a9CLEDLR8ZBZ16bVniu-r2_OozhjjW0YEYtgHEkBngGPO1FvbtccJ9avWp2oAUdhw/s1600-h/IMG_1995.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRZJSftmVg_eWK22vEz7CAsI21L_6xb-nGD3qljDsKh2G4PmZZc8Vofyc3CelXmkxDUhIOQXRi6a9CLEDLR8ZBZ16bVniu-r2_OozhjjW0YEYtgHEkBngGPO1FvbtccJ9avWp2oAUdhw/s200/IMG_1995.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336988877617540018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>Over to Glass Road we went. At this point, I was still feeling good. No sign of the headache that plagued me last year. I was struggling, though, between locking out my rear suspension and keeping it full-on. The minute the trail got chunky, I was struggling to keep my wheels straight. I wasted a lot of energy but tried to rally. Sometimes, it ain't easy training on a 30 lb bike.<br /><br />At Glass Road, I stopped, pulled a fruit leather out, hopped back on the bike, and kept riding. <a href="http://www.mountainbikeluke.com/">Luke</a> was up ahead, Dan, A & J behind. I thought for sure they'd be on me in no time. 6 miles later, I was still alone. The pull from Glass to South Fork is climb-y...I mentally came undone here last year. This year, I felt strong and focused on a consistent pace.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Still snow up on the ridge, ~10,000 feet<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwTVrjdm3aWsI-_5oK-jUMLnCWjKUTQCWdb1BeSn6fx0mFle6xhYpgMKTD-mHeOxKqE4lExbBm5eJL0U-IeTNMzRho0w8yWwo1Le3KChBMdcI99N3iH5RsUJvLlChICtsizE0lcsEkx4/s1600-h/IMG_2049.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwTVrjdm3aWsI-_5oK-jUMLnCWjKUTQCWdb1BeSn6fx0mFle6xhYpgMKTD-mHeOxKqE4lExbBm5eJL0U-IeTNMzRho0w8yWwo1Le3KChBMdcI99N3iH5RsUJvLlChICtsizE0lcsEkx4/s200/IMG_2049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336989527851494738" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>Regroup at South Fork, refill the bottles and packs, and I was off again...trying to keep stopping to a minimum. It didn't take very long for everyone to catch up, though :) The section of trail from Glass to South Fork has several downed trees and lots of overgrowth. Most of us got pretty scratched up. By the time we hit Glass again on the way back, the group was leaning toward by-passing lower SART. It was in rough shape in the middle of the season last year. Did we risk getting chewed up and swallowed by the overgrowth? Not this time.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dan-o<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY5_uUR3VH0Wjs6NOXQbMdr0jJ-qkZ6N110H1lSHGsti5MBlUr_a_O2Wx8U17EwLCgfYj2FiyPHlQcUsKylbyS2hA_ecmaih1odYLna9CTU2fAQcAgvnSqJtfe9ri3GWI2ffQMTrUPFg/s1600-h/IMG_2054.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY5_uUR3VH0Wjs6NOXQbMdr0jJ-qkZ6N110H1lSHGsti5MBlUr_a_O2Wx8U17EwLCgfYj2FiyPHlQcUsKylbyS2hA_ecmaih1odYLna9CTU2fAQcAgvnSqJtfe9ri3GWI2ffQMTrUPFg/s200/IMG_2054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336989846047199874" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Up Middle Control...my other mental undoing from last year. L, A & J were already far up ahead. Dan stuck with me, and I put my head down and tried to keep a steady pace up the 5% grade. I felt pretty strong at the top (even took a picture of the waterfall) and was so surprised when we already reached the top.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Tired bodies<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP34mS1Vka1Kdh3s1kUk87zRJObTflDnU4TNln6DJUSgZbM2i_nP4zGJnxnQ0JWNlFrnAkYiI9uYhL25uFu0oUN_A10j_Ta4HicztigpMPgl-OS28WFcNz-j95ndQ_cvivLPZfMbYuXHs/s1600-h/IMG_2062.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP34mS1Vka1Kdh3s1kUk87zRJObTflDnU4TNln6DJUSgZbM2i_nP4zGJnxnQ0JWNlFrnAkYiI9uYhL25uFu0oUN_A10j_Ta4HicztigpMPgl-OS28WFcNz-j95ndQ_cvivLPZfMbYuXHs/s200/IMG_2062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336990106561070098" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />[Aside: Dan has been so selfless this year in helping me train. He seems to instinctively know when I start to struggle, and will stay back with me. Though I am getting better, I used to fall apart when the group would pull away, leaving me to try to bridge the gap. He has pushed me, gently but with sway, in more ways than one.]<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Pals :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0OFYYcOT6sL1ZE3uSPzK58u50zXy1780u_s1ljnm3h10thtQ-Bv_6afDeJbv0bH2xLo8DEwOL3mGY8hfcdFO2X4GyaZRxinwbD8TXCq5fZGFMx9bZFcSgA7LOIRJ4PIczHUKzCm4RJQ/s1600-h/IMG_2065.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0OFYYcOT6sL1ZE3uSPzK58u50zXy1780u_s1ljnm3h10thtQ-Bv_6afDeJbv0bH2xLo8DEwOL3mGY8hfcdFO2X4GyaZRxinwbD8TXCq5fZGFMx9bZFcSgA7LOIRJ4PIczHUKzCm4RJQ/s200/IMG_2065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336990293186108722" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />We wrapped up with a fun descent to Loch Leven. 45 miles today...longest non-road ride in probably a year. Dinner at Cuca's and some Giro love rounded out the evening, along with a visit from Ann and Andy :)<br /><br />Today, Sunday, was our Tour de Cuyamaca. After a couple pit stops, we made it up to the park headquarters, greeted by sunshine and more warm temps. I burned my shoulders yesterday (the pack straps rubbed my sunscreen off) and my legs were definitely feeling it from SART. I did a couple intervals up Green Valley and was hitting LTHR pretty easily. I got another little push from Justin. He & Allison have taken me under their training wing...today, Justin rode an interval with me, yelling lots of encouragement. It helped tremendously, though at one point, I think I told him he was evil.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">New rubber...Fastrack LK's...woot!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ1mWLq7uTyD8xWT692qnuXvquH7ek1vbWd8ktq80GjfGo6yltYBe25bqhDqNim_taTlkXDi_PX9sRg9-0FlFQBnFyRJ2VN7OGAs-Sw1-CftKgINhRokV8DHB6EMbI1gwR9KNGWIybi0/s1600-h/IMG_2115.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ1mWLq7uTyD8xWT692qnuXvquH7ek1vbWd8ktq80GjfGo6yltYBe25bqhDqNim_taTlkXDi_PX9sRg9-0FlFQBnFyRJ2VN7OGAs-Sw1-CftKgINhRokV8DHB6EMbI1gwR9KNGWIybi0/s200/IMG_2115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336990597867478642" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />We did go up the fireroad to Middle Peak...another good climb. My nutrition was not as good today, and I felt dehydrated and 'off'. At one point, we hit 16%+ grade on the climb. I despearately wanted to drop a gear and make up some time trying to catch up with Dan, but I didn't have the push within myself. Consistent cadence was my fallback.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Super-fun turns<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPMRxjKVv2sY9h_63YVVyl0MsDpQl-ONONUCNeYP12AbDm90SHRd-ha90IAD1es9xn3QumcUpI1uobnXPNH0ttlHxx41ZzCqsOIhM6pq4GYcjDbtME7qFKTC6Y-mH1Dx_gLCo4gXQCXA/s1600-h/IMG_2130.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPMRxjKVv2sY9h_63YVVyl0MsDpQl-ONONUCNeYP12AbDm90SHRd-ha90IAD1es9xn3QumcUpI1uobnXPNH0ttlHxx41ZzCqsOIhM6pq4GYcjDbtME7qFKTC6Y-mH1Dx_gLCo4gXQCXA/s200/IMG_2130.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336990806511061922" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Dan-o rails it<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLuJFEyr_Bc72Enw9yq4z_46UobCuH0NTNHhK7Ox1dzZR3-4i-ntHGzGMEghcnegX1hVyVaSGd-b-auwl80yhGbLrG6N4iH63uO02_gTUl40nn35ErRpWxJZiX9q5Thyphenhyphenib6RGoyo0M3E/s1600-h/IMG_2133.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLuJFEyr_Bc72Enw9yq4z_46UobCuH0NTNHhK7Ox1dzZR3-4i-ntHGzGMEghcnegX1hVyVaSGd-b-auwl80yhGbLrG6N4iH63uO02_gTUl40nn35ErRpWxJZiX9q5Thyphenhyphenib6RGoyo0M3E/s200/IMG_2133.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336991090296841378" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gQoDO3cBJnHTylTmjpaZHzJn_zu5KQJhQ-bLwA_XeE3j5Ttl_02Kw-Nxt-VdYyvk1Z2bsctVJtMvcEAEK4Fu64fIruziVZcBJR2GOL7i1DpXF-R43sUJqKCw_n0PfM2YfClI-sXvqvU/s1600-h/IMG_2134.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gQoDO3cBJnHTylTmjpaZHzJn_zu5KQJhQ-bLwA_XeE3j5Ttl_02Kw-Nxt-VdYyvk1Z2bsctVJtMvcEAEK4Fu64fIruziVZcBJR2GOL7i1DpXF-R43sUJqKCw_n0PfM2YfClI-sXvqvU/s200/IMG_2134.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336992218049151186" border="0" /></a></div><br />The scenery was gorgeous, though. After the 2003 Cedar Fire, the land has begun to bounce back. I'm sure it is nothing compared to its former beauty, but I enjoyed the backdrop today. Lunch at Manana's ended our weekend with our good friends.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRtJgX8lx8ocWin5Dnhnr5ZeppFZZ64_jRgQ8lxnHHOPAejIVP6YSmct7QV5FY2SjxwxeiibfAmeFPmzKeZ5OixYO2GIP-alITd6xejFsSFjdpBbDm6ico7myAydsHe8PNi1smk13MOQ/s1600-h/IMG_2177.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRtJgX8lx8ocWin5Dnhnr5ZeppFZZ64_jRgQ8lxnHHOPAejIVP6YSmct7QV5FY2SjxwxeiibfAmeFPmzKeZ5OixYO2GIP-alITd6xejFsSFjdpBbDm6ico7myAydsHe8PNi1smk13MOQ/s200/IMG_2177.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336991396143741554" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4H_o0RAWp4EULutaY0zR9_-katEj4_XcQaufXkEVXqOKippkyK4LyXrKfGG0yF-lHii4VPTHEQhtRz8ig1v3Oga6slrvFN7entVcnH3-EzJITrkgHkM7nFHA5e33dvbdjL30q7U9mqjo/s1600-h/IMG_2180.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4H_o0RAWp4EULutaY0zR9_-katEj4_XcQaufXkEVXqOKippkyK4LyXrKfGG0yF-lHii4VPTHEQhtRz8ig1v3Oga6slrvFN7entVcnH3-EzJITrkgHkM7nFHA5e33dvbdjL30q7U9mqjo/s200/IMG_2180.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336991905455850130" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>I ended the weekend with almost exactly 8 hrs of ride time. 12 hrs of SoCal is going to be the toughest race I have ever done, but I've never felt more ready to tackle a goal than I do now. Can't wait! 4 weeks to go...Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-1960661492022668852009-05-12T20:47:00.000-07:002009-05-12T21:40:39.036-07:00Noble/Palomar Double Double WeekendI have now erased the opening line of this blog post 3 times, so I'll just be plain...last weekend was so much fun!<br /><br />We started out with a full Tour de Noble ride. Dan and I drove up to the Noble trailhead early on Saturday morning (leaving enough time to get a new Adventure Pass and a brownie at the market), and ran into Jefe in the store. Good times were already upon us. Over to the trailhead...it was already warming up and the temps, forecast to be 73 in Pine Valley, were already climbing steadily. The parking lot was full of riders going out to test their mettle on Noble. We even ran into Tom (mousejockey).<br /><br /><a href="http://pedalcircles.blogspot.com/">Allison</a> & <a href="http://themannadventure.blogspot.com/">Justin</a> arrived soon after and we all got ready for the long day ahead. Seems like whenever we do this ride, it takes forever, even though it's only 35 miles of riding. Lots of rest and food breaks, usually and a fairly casual pace.<br /><br />I was at the end of 2 big weeks of training, including Idyllwild and the tail end of some build. Would the legs hold up? Last time we did this ride, I pretty much sucked. Slow on the climbs and tired after every effort.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Allison climbing up Extra Credit<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbZiUZk1wzVDoU4vtEN_9_UOQ6_GeJHpGLh6Ms2rRcFPqM3GUG3uVgJrru_YKGt2c0XwxdTZ9G2yGbCg_sVe-tEA8UIzrHgxLQv0WLGv2Qtu452bffqo4VtaUYxhPOHGkRW4LAxADyOY/s1600-h/IMG_1722.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbZiUZk1wzVDoU4vtEN_9_UOQ6_GeJHpGLh6Ms2rRcFPqM3GUG3uVgJrru_YKGt2c0XwxdTZ9G2yGbCg_sVe-tEA8UIzrHgxLQv0WLGv2Qtu452bffqo4VtaUYxhPOHGkRW4LAxADyOY/s200/IMG_1722.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335156618228308962" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Started up Extra Credit and I was already sweating. Out to Alp de Wheez...the Garmin is a blessing and sometimes a curse: it brutally reminded me that, at times, the road reaches a 19% grade. Damn. I felt like I was climbing pretty well, keeping my cadence higher (though I watched A, J, and D pull away from me pretty quickly). Jefe was nursing a bum knee, so he wasn't pushing it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dan & Allison crossing the creek<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYikElhc-CvwGk5AsKQMGp_W22ByULU6E3eHd5FVieKXfVAdaEyOuI_Yf9rB_1BvBM8Gxzk3JOqSuDaWaKxtyFHGyv4sQwx1r4WBX3kSplZIguAueDMlgdRuLAxUs03dJfXoxbu22VwtI/s1600-h/IMG_1726.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYikElhc-CvwGk5AsKQMGp_W22ByULU6E3eHd5FVieKXfVAdaEyOuI_Yf9rB_1BvBM8Gxzk3JOqSuDaWaKxtyFHGyv4sQwx1r4WBX3kSplZIguAueDMlgdRuLAxUs03dJfXoxbu22VwtI/s200/IMG_1726.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335157237787138962" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Off to Indian Creek...usually I nail this climb and can settle into a good rhythm. Not today...my tires were slipping on what seemed to be every rock (hmmm...I'm sure my bald rear tire isn't helping). Had a hard time but before I knew it, I was flying down Pinball...so fun!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Allison & I tested out the Simbree at Champagne Pass<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AhJxV4z4u4lm2MwzZklKqSvxF6I0H9uI_GtAoeLCmekWadWAz8Soq3Ldl5E8fDikFviIaWsUIN0SvMZlPjdgAT6b7gk6C9fVD9lqHVRIDVl4ADoZULotJfCjDRrQ1GQA4ReZyQJUKrY/s1600-h/IMG_1735.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AhJxV4z4u4lm2MwzZklKqSvxF6I0H9uI_GtAoeLCmekWadWAz8Soq3Ldl5E8fDikFviIaWsUIN0SvMZlPjdgAT6b7gk6C9fVD9lqHVRIDVl4ADoZULotJfCjDRrQ1GQA4ReZyQJUKrY/s200/IMG_1735.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335157676357994050" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />I'd recently gotten a jar of Hammer Perpetuem in the new Caffe Latte flavor. Mixed some up for the ride. It tasted good, even when warm, but upon much advice from the crew, I probably need a more carb-dominated drink, too. I wanted to see how well I could tolerate the Perp in the heat and for a longer ride. Turns out that I think it's okay, but that I wasn't drinking enough of it to be a proper food replacement.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dan's shot of the meadow...fantastic day<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTx9CfTDh13fMr4pbccfzhtJizIip2XgEmt0SiZTx8gzeuovIE0SRJYOqq0GrnAo3LMSXuhdisruLIPR897oV3I_02Y2df7-R4aD49pzxzN8B_ic61albVZp-NWhrae8DFA8nQ6mK9shA/s1600-h/IMG_1781.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTx9CfTDh13fMr4pbccfzhtJizIip2XgEmt0SiZTx8gzeuovIE0SRJYOqq0GrnAo3LMSXuhdisruLIPR897oV3I_02Y2df7-R4aD49pzxzN8B_ic61albVZp-NWhrae8DFA8nQ6mK9shA/s200/IMG_1781.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335158956066850162" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />I tried to pace with Allison up to Penny Pines and managed to hold onto her wheel for a good while (though I know she was cruising). We chatted about girl stuff...you know, heart rates, racing, etc (lol). She pulled away from me on one descent...girl is getting fast on the downhills on the Epic...can't wait to see her results at Downieville this summer.<br /><br />Rested and re-fueled at Penny Pines, through BLT, up Middle Earth and back down to the meadow. By this time, I was not fueling properly and by the time we reached the top of the Noble trailhead, I felt like utter crap. Thankfully Allison had some Tylenol, because I was rocking a major headache. I didn't even feel hungry...another warning sign. A rest and a half of a PB&J later and I rolled out ahead of the group to cruise down the hill. They caught me quickly and we all rallied down Noble.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Top of Middle Earth<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ1mGZvsXdCntuz6t48TYjTYkDcM_Ebkn-gvnF8krsyeDoUUU62OgABNBbOaJuqX9RC2hT8SS8CotSs3VVP_KlkNN_Cg84yBj9sbsHT-PStxYy_g2ZHYneIao7otsNHwFKTA4e-Dv1XU/s1600-h/IMG_1753.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ1mGZvsXdCntuz6t48TYjTYkDcM_Ebkn-gvnF8krsyeDoUUU62OgABNBbOaJuqX9RC2hT8SS8CotSs3VVP_KlkNN_Cg84yBj9sbsHT-PStxYy_g2ZHYneIao7otsNHwFKTA4e-Dv1XU/s200/IMG_1753.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335158382725328418" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />I was not at all loving the poison oak everywhere (some slight itchy spots on my arms today). BUT...the trail was in dialed condition. I made the rock ledge before Organ Donor and finally (finally) made Stairway on the Yeti. I was stoked! The big test was Whore. I put it in a decent gear and made good time up the hill. I remember doing that last year and absolutely bonking. I guess the big test is that, while some things (like Alp de Wheeze and Hate Climb) aren't getting any "easier", I feel stronger and less tired after I ride them. Woot!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Allison gets down to business on Barney Rubble<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU98w-QdItcqr-FHOHRAHgL14d1bAPlF1Dr7r9FLco6Ffe37ujgbovbzL95PQ5N1hh7fwqQgBX0J0Ysx8HMaMlSyNk-QkdhZVQ9vXRe0XaeRjc_lc8lZ3cd1cBV7gPK1iSSK9IIYBzZZQ/s1600-h/IMG_1794.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU98w-QdItcqr-FHOHRAHgL14d1bAPlF1Dr7r9FLco6Ffe37ujgbovbzL95PQ5N1hh7fwqQgBX0J0Ysx8HMaMlSyNk-QkdhZVQ9vXRe0XaeRjc_lc8lZ3cd1cBV7gPK1iSSK9IIYBzZZQ/s200/IMG_1794.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335159671860510146" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dan earns his Extra Credit (he's the teacher's pet)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26TjYR56lqzf2QqWkHonC84MsD-rVuGlqOFrjuaQqlY1_BJdwGOaZajToBZ5GmyfhytiKWi0rbvwZgrb9Mew7vyWbw7-wNQePwFsLdljqCYm6WnRMyF67opG3oQWZRbamVr4hlHcSLww/s1600-h/IMG_1845.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26TjYR56lqzf2QqWkHonC84MsD-rVuGlqOFrjuaQqlY1_BJdwGOaZajToBZ5GmyfhytiKWi0rbvwZgrb9Mew7vyWbw7-wNQePwFsLdljqCYm6WnRMyF67opG3oQWZRbamVr4hlHcSLww/s200/IMG_1845.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335160105059081634" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />We had an awesome dinner here at the casa and rolled into bed to get rested up for the Palomar double. Dan, Jill and I had done the Palomar south grade a few weeks prior but decided not to descend and re-climb east grade. I'll spare the details and just say this: hot temps and lots of climbing. 50 miles and 7K+. Awesome scenery and good company. Steady state climbing...we made it. Damn, my ass hurt (but oddly, only on the left side).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Shadows tell the tale...leaving Harrah's for a long day in the saddle<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwJtnSM4pIrRRddzSSE-e-zAVg6hxh2sRdnSjPPHlAz3w9ma9ZyQM8Z8j0MtHl6rR2BTix3GH3Z8CeXef1Ao4SYMUKKu4YxeF-XhDUO4q-MVsE77PrRJxcDOySQ053gTBYd_8omadt_E/s1600-h/IMG_1875.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwJtnSM4pIrRRddzSSE-e-zAVg6hxh2sRdnSjPPHlAz3w9ma9ZyQM8Z8j0MtHl6rR2BTix3GH3Z8CeXef1Ao4SYMUKKu4YxeF-XhDUO4q-MVsE77PrRJxcDOySQ053gTBYd_8omadt_E/s200/IMG_1875.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335160613339662834" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Down the East Grade we go<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjMgbHIIgjkWCvOkJkkVf3FWioFR1KJ2tOmfwcOez3GRg4sFz0c4lPqUInnva1eRuMKtWVwS3LM0ZYUOP0UzPOufMusRacHuDPFyQo2i4bUACJQHSXkIHaoY52Kt-kFMPt0JpgaI6Qm8/s1600-h/IMG_1892.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjMgbHIIgjkWCvOkJkkVf3FWioFR1KJ2tOmfwcOez3GRg4sFz0c4lPqUInnva1eRuMKtWVwS3LM0ZYUOP0UzPOufMusRacHuDPFyQo2i4bUACJQHSXkIHaoY52Kt-kFMPt0JpgaI6Qm8/s200/IMG_1892.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335161110462692082" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Re-group at the bottom of East Grade (under what seemed like the only shade around for miles)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-7SHdQEP0nxXnfbxX4m4MtAzLaKFZvvWu3q_H-W1mWrAZV4FlZYO9ZQAR3-2oLPQ2hngyYJcC2qESsBXXH7apEB-ppaBGp-vfnYATAWNjabyzOsmvv6DkZpLMbMG9yvlXWEu-m0oeJU/s1600-h/IMG_1897.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-7SHdQEP0nxXnfbxX4m4MtAzLaKFZvvWu3q_H-W1mWrAZV4FlZYO9ZQAR3-2oLPQ2hngyYJcC2qESsBXXH7apEB-ppaBGp-vfnYATAWNjabyzOsmvv6DkZpLMbMG9yvlXWEu-m0oeJU/s200/IMG_1897.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335161468842652466" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Pretty flowers<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sJzBeb0-3MBVdRc2ynVZ8G4SZIOZJ7Ey053s_jULTNpDrXPCiA31i_U6kRRVLdinxLnj7XGtRRzeKV7hw8pGSelni6wPtbMwbpGWvykxH_58swg1UWxSg6U7tewwbLKsVarG0PpQkzU/s1600-h/IMG_1908.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sJzBeb0-3MBVdRc2ynVZ8G4SZIOZJ7Ey053s_jULTNpDrXPCiA31i_U6kRRVLdinxLnj7XGtRRzeKV7hw8pGSelni6wPtbMwbpGWvykxH_58swg1UWxSg6U7tewwbLKsVarG0PpQkzU/s200/IMG_1908.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335161847944592754" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Longest ride to date on the Roubaix<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySQnWZ5QHS2neVZjiN4ijKEblcMXx2Sb8a449Jxlahse7k9ZtQDuzWmjnp_lpFfk9HNBMtczyu8zdZYaKDrgEnq5F1yRUXvLxbCK3DsREkaJN8t4Kb2xgE1xTgGE87Ui-QPQym2J2opE/s1600-h/IMG_1934.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySQnWZ5QHS2neVZjiN4ijKEblcMXx2Sb8a449Jxlahse7k9ZtQDuzWmjnp_lpFfk9HNBMtczyu8zdZYaKDrgEnq5F1yRUXvLxbCK3DsREkaJN8t4Kb2xgE1xTgGE87Ui-QPQym2J2opE/s200/IMG_1934.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335162401756557186" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>Most importantly, we got to spend the weekend with some great friends who have been integral in our training and help us keep the fun-meter pegged. Thanks to A & J for the food on the trail (I swear, I'll be prepared this weekend), to Jefe for introducing us all to Pistachio Crisps, and to Dan, who always lets me talk him into these crazy weekends and for taking stellar photos.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-37989143624323155912009-05-06T06:39:00.000-07:002009-05-06T06:45:25.695-07:00The Outer LinksI wore my spoke/chain link bracelet during the Idyllwild race this past weekend...no real reason, I just felt like it. After the race, I was chatting with Brendan from <a href="http://www.sirenbicycles.com/">Siren</a> bikes. He noticed the bracelet and then gave me a card for a gal in Arizona who also makes jewelry out of recycled bike stuff. The company is called <a href="http://www.theouterlinks.com/">The Outer Links</a>.<br /><br />I just ordered an Outer Link bracelet...it looks so awesome!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9vawi0LrJn_vBVTc8gT2HQnVAzvBkfcfTw_Rj7YeuKP1uSMDkp-Tdy0zOIA84Kke5_XDbDGDYG0BbQEsOHGm6Htcw58mn2qeVW7HlnDyeef4B-8a9ZzXlEN4F7Ij8IlqYIKbVlCE4YA/s1600-h/jewelry+inv.104.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9vawi0LrJn_vBVTc8gT2HQnVAzvBkfcfTw_Rj7YeuKP1uSMDkp-Tdy0zOIA84Kke5_XDbDGDYG0BbQEsOHGm6Htcw58mn2qeVW7HlnDyeef4B-8a9ZzXlEN4F7Ij8IlqYIKbVlCE4YA/s320/jewelry+inv.104.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332706371609399122" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Kim from The Outer Links was really cool and got back to me right away. In any case, I thought I'd let you know so you can show her some support.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-77520855519918469172009-05-05T21:20:00.000-07:002009-05-05T22:35:25.702-07:00Idyllwild Spring Challenge6 long months of training was put to the test last weekend at the <a href="http://www.idyllwildcycling.com/springchallenge.html">Idyllwild Spring Challenge</a>, and the time to beat was 2:15.17. My last race was the <a href="http://socalcross.org/">Turkey Trot cyclocross</a> in November and since then I've logged lots of hours on the trainer (and wore through a tire), run many miles (which I'm not doing anymore) and re-newed my training focus after buying, moving into, and working on our house. I was pretty nervous that after all the hard work, I might not be able to improve my time from last year. You see, by this point in last season, I had already done 5 XC races and one endurance race (VQ), so I was fully expecting that I was in 'better shape' back then.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoCy8Z7hD4yvTXe1gms6_qc_MhrSQ7dirG-mjYD__EZvmxxzc5AEFFDUjqs-aXEmr6DDfn0RvIcXYEhRvibC-vir8Rayx7DDUt2OliIsQ91tM5I0SPqjgcAHPvIQxF_YKCNDrlRhAPfM/s1600-h/IMG_1547.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoCy8Z7hD4yvTXe1gms6_qc_MhrSQ7dirG-mjYD__EZvmxxzc5AEFFDUjqs-aXEmr6DDfn0RvIcXYEhRvibC-vir8Rayx7DDUt2OliIsQ91tM5I0SPqjgcAHPvIQxF_YKCNDrlRhAPfM/s320/IMG_1547.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332575422399489522" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />With the <a href="http://www.12hrsoftemecula.com/12hrsoftemeculapage1.html">12 Hr solo</a> race fast approaching (June 20), I decided it was high time to test myself. We did the ISC last year, and I really enjoyed the course...a good mix of climbing, traversing, and descending; fireroads and singletrack; technical and rip-roaring fast. As far as races go, it is one of the BEST in SoCal.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gWLjdfWs2IFfRrJr1GCHFXVg6oH8QC2Wtlv0G7WZ5K6YtRbfTbRFH3iVkrP6_usFZ-Uu-YGdWRCQS4wXuoNz5ZnaEmhyphenhyphenuBPkrQhc1V-0jPH4fb7y-YcA7cCWu62zG048VkKwsTospOU/s1600-h/IMG_1648.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gWLjdfWs2IFfRrJr1GCHFXVg6oH8QC2Wtlv0G7WZ5K6YtRbfTbRFH3iVkrP6_usFZ-Uu-YGdWRCQS4wXuoNz5ZnaEmhyphenhyphenuBPkrQhc1V-0jPH4fb7y-YcA7cCWu62zG048VkKwsTospOU/s320/IMG_1648.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332578129683664498" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Dan and I drove up to<a href="http://pedalcircles.blogspot.com/"> Allison </a>& <a href="http://themannadventure.blogspot.com/">Justin's</a> on Friday evening, so that we'd have a shorter drive in the morning and get to hang with our friends for one extra night. The Mann's were our VQ training partners from last season, and with everyone's race/training schedules this year, we hadn't seen each other much. But as one might expect, with good friends, it was like old times. Allison is now a pro XC racer for <a href="http://www.team-shoair.com/">Sho-Air</a> and is burning up the podium. Justin's now Cat1 and taking his share of great finishes, too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3EiyLlHjgNXZj0xwwurDFGJ3mvGnvcWd_Zs8Kl8rfaHPFcSCr8rolZSbozQ_gj6Lgtn93_93wKy1-XXrkcyK7Qo-smVvP1_lA4BnUk_nnmLkTZw4ArucgjKalSJgFshrxVAmu155gqc/s1600-h/IMG_1563.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3EiyLlHjgNXZj0xwwurDFGJ3mvGnvcWd_Zs8Kl8rfaHPFcSCr8rolZSbozQ_gj6Lgtn93_93wKy1-XXrkcyK7Qo-smVvP1_lA4BnUk_nnmLkTZw4ArucgjKalSJgFshrxVAmu155gqc/s320/IMG_1563.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332575899485579250" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Dan & Justin wasted no time pimping out the hardtail I borrowed from Steve...Justin kindly lent me his Cobalt wheels, Allison let me try her <a href="http://www.ergon-bike.com/">Ergon</a> grips, and I even got a new seatpost/saddle. All in all, the bike probably lightened up by a couple pounds and felt fast in the parking lot.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-v0bP1o2fU4wx2s5g0rBjhNNeDRECWbNOIztFu_nOCW7U59QIPTsSlXfGuVYwcdaSauxY6i8FsVHR0YXxxoE7VnRMZbAGvMCH57E26IL6t2qkRQo01bkWtxQE764tItW8QQL-D_N-Xw/s1600-h/IMG_1511.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-v0bP1o2fU4wx2s5g0rBjhNNeDRECWbNOIztFu_nOCW7U59QIPTsSlXfGuVYwcdaSauxY6i8FsVHR0YXxxoE7VnRMZbAGvMCH57E26IL6t2qkRQo01bkWtxQE764tItW8QQL-D_N-Xw/s320/IMG_1511.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332575069350578738" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Saturday found us up early and on the road for the winding drive to Idyllwild/Hurkey. The parking lot seemed a little more empty than last year, but I was still anticipating my competition. Dan & Justin finalized their plan for feeding bottles to Allison & I during the race while I sat around and Allison started to warm up. We chatted with Luke & James for a bit, and before I knew it, those guys were all off to the start. Our friend Amy arrived...it was her first race ever (and she finished the 19 mile course), so we chatted a bit before I got warmed up.<br /><br />I've never really warmed up long enough before a race...maybe spun around in the parking lot for 5 min. Justin had me out for about 30 min with 5 short intervals to get my body producing lactic acid. One of my 'downfalls' is that I always feel like the first 5 miles of a race is utter torture....it's because I had never warmed up properly. After my intervals, I stripped off my arm warmers and headed to the start.<br /><br />So, I'm still a Cat2 racer. I did the '04 season and '08 season (yes, there was 4 years in between where I only raced gravity) as a sport rider but never was serious about training. The Cat1 40-49 and Cat2 women all went off together. Out of the start, I was behind Barbara, but by the top of the first short climb, I was glued to her wheel and feeling good. Justin reminded me not to let myself blow up on the Keen Camp Climb, so I tried to keep my heart rate from going too high. I did peak out at 188, which is the highest I've ever gotten it to on the Garmin. :/ Keep in mind that by the top of Keen Camp, we're at about 5400'. Compared to last year, though, I was uncomfortable but starting to settle into the effort instead of feeling like utter hell.<br /><br />I kept glancing back because at this point, I was leading the Cat2 ladies out. My competition was behind me by about maybe 8-10 seconds. At some points, she seemed to be gaining on me and closing the gap. At other points, I thought I was pulling away. By the time I got to the top of Keen Camp, I didn't see her and never looked back again.<br /><br />I rolled through the meadow and tried to remember to take in a gel. It didn't go down well, and I was awkward while trying to recover a bit but keep the wheels moving. Once on May Valley, I tried to keep it in a good gear and spin enough so that I didn't burn out my quads. Soon, I noticed I was passing people (mostly guys), as I kept the effort consistent.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-3khd5uOZCWRc-hr5ZnTKLvYvEnkPQYeWy2zrH2InFd21JpFzIUOlkbFhXB8eD5Xpo8Mk7VFFnuvsJE9e3HhPMs4CJh1Mhw98XAogY3EiTwHGCGYyK_PI_o5Pb-nU5kBGuBtpMDKd_U/s1600-h/IMG_1573.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-3khd5uOZCWRc-hr5ZnTKLvYvEnkPQYeWy2zrH2InFd21JpFzIUOlkbFhXB8eD5Xpo8Mk7VFFnuvsJE9e3HhPMs4CJh1Mhw98XAogY3EiTwHGCGYyK_PI_o5Pb-nU5kBGuBtpMDKd_U/s320/IMG_1573.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332576369412519458" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />The Buena Vista and Mirkwood trails were a blast...then over to Southridge. Hike-a-bike hell...I got up some of the steep parts I had trouble on last year, but the rock sections seemed to have multiplied. Every 30 seconds I felt like I was off the bike. I passed some more guys and knew that Dan would be waiting for me at the top with a fresh bottle. I saw him and Justin, they cheered me on and I kept on going.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwfghVgVhcImTYoPtqZE8erAq2vuIuA6WbKpeuM8Bs6dFlaTtvTF4oHSvFvNO0agbQRXLU0Dl-JohxtkxxuW4vLLiXTHj9ngHPF8jJuwokYv6ZeZX3CsqQc2yzpFhkTZylNm4URSi3eY/s1600-h/IMG_1576.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwfghVgVhcImTYoPtqZE8erAq2vuIuA6WbKpeuM8Bs6dFlaTtvTF4oHSvFvNO0agbQRXLU0Dl-JohxtkxxuW4vLLiXTHj9ngHPF8jJuwokYv6ZeZX3CsqQc2yzpFhkTZylNm4URSi3eY/s320/IMG_1576.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332576770947242226" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Snakeskin was awful...I didn't remember all the little climbs but I tried to hold Carolyn Popovic's wheel for a while (haha...it worked as long as there was a slower rider in front of her). Finally...Exfoliator! Awesome trail. I was descending so well that I surprised myself. I felt totally 'on'...contrast that to my climbing on Snakeskin where my mantra became "think smart, pedal hard".<br /><br />By this point, I was excited because I knew it was almost over. The Demoralizer was the only thing that stood in my way, but I had already decided that I was NOT going to walk up it this year. So, I dumped all my gears and grannied up the damn thing. I probably could have walked it faster, but pride was at stake!<br /><br />You know, despite the effort, I still felt like I had a little bit left in my legs. I couldn't tell exactly, but with the Garmin I knew I had beat my time from last year. Turns out, I finished in 2:06.04, beating my time from last year by almost 1o minutes!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40PO5kAB4oXOFPlP2n6rLJtoGr7_6sa3tAhSof2-5_aK95hFRCt0R8sz_sWGJr9Xcg-hQY_sNmhnIHyjxAW3_zorJRk4h_N6WMYeo0dA28Ip6aym33xhGEYhtGnuyCbDACEUjXZmf4ZM/s1600-h/IMG_1587.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40PO5kAB4oXOFPlP2n6rLJtoGr7_6sa3tAhSof2-5_aK95hFRCt0R8sz_sWGJr9Xcg-hQY_sNmhnIHyjxAW3_zorJRk4h_N6WMYeo0dA28Ip6aym33xhGEYhtGnuyCbDACEUjXZmf4ZM/s320/IMG_1587.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332577151237795682" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />My stomach hurt for the next 3 hours, and I was not feeling well...I didn't even really enjoy the post-race M&M's, though the $50 I won was pretty sweet (pun intended). I had a great time hanging with everyone and getting back to the race scene. We ended the evening with a great dinner and great camaraderie. Special thanks to Justin for being great race support, to Allison for her encouragement and the sweet grips, and to Dan for believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself.<br /><br />Can't wait until June 20th!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-69052312377022430502009-04-29T20:04:00.000-07:002009-04-29T20:23:23.149-07:00New-nessLots of new things to ponder this week.<br /><br />New racing season (yeah, I showed up a little late to the party). My first race of 2009 will be this coming weeked...Idyllwild Spring Challenge. (gulp)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipn5k6g3LjlS5czYG44A0wNt_9pzgud2gn7qHbZ-3ylQ4OWcWr01Ig8jxhchcXnSTLRhe0GDzsZCbGOfknL_Uf44-_19DUJAatU5wvitkMFPqcfIJp32VRAdmGH9u6axmd0u26VO1jZOk/s1600-h/IMG_1716.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipn5k6g3LjlS5czYG44A0wNt_9pzgud2gn7qHbZ-3ylQ4OWcWr01Ig8jxhchcXnSTLRhe0GDzsZCbGOfknL_Uf44-_19DUJAatU5wvitkMFPqcfIJp32VRAdmGH9u6axmd0u26VO1jZOk/s320/IMG_1716.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330317489592556146" border="0" /></a><br /></div>(photo from last year)<br /><br />A new set of wheels. Specialized Roubaix Pro. Carbon. Full DuraAce. I am not yet worthy of this bike.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkRaXl7lb2EbRmqnkS_f0-psN7v3BVuGPKket0jMGHeS3WHdlfbAJTtyKhR3Hb5dRYEFTAkL-B1FjQYr4kC4-n_GQxx8-jw4cGqiHlX1Qo1BVJsL1npDkoAsEvl_gzrkHiE8lbqwNXCU/s1600-h/IMG_1433.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkRaXl7lb2EbRmqnkS_f0-psN7v3BVuGPKket0jMGHeS3WHdlfbAJTtyKhR3Hb5dRYEFTAkL-B1FjQYr4kC4-n_GQxx8-jw4cGqiHlX1Qo1BVJsL1npDkoAsEvl_gzrkHiE8lbqwNXCU/s400/IMG_1433.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330315540939771362" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />New Podium bottle (I got a free one at Interbike and really wanted another).<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wcg3wL1TXPeXS3BByAXJ38y62evIzLYQhlsV7zbTZfip_dOEvbnn8QPJANJjRq37PFV9HknpqnUW0pLsY1pqciq4LYptWcSHpL1jsAgSyQ4D_QouMiHITN2y6icXOHctoqhZIxlx6rQ/s1600-h/IMG_1468.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wcg3wL1TXPeXS3BByAXJ38y62evIzLYQhlsV7zbTZfip_dOEvbnn8QPJANJjRq37PFV9HknpqnUW0pLsY1pqciq4LYptWcSHpL1jsAgSyQ4D_QouMiHITN2y6icXOHctoqhZIxlx6rQ/s320/IMG_1468.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330315969665480466" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />New recipe for whole wheat bread.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHg0sggAR1wXBQgpjQS4Rmwpr0f3txPWTW61adUPMeDCemefI9VALAbf6CoDvJ3mUj8qLAK1ZdYmAu7MZW6CE5ofZoqWeMbnas2dRq9zS1ZvwNgpNVh3ZP33MTjE5472iHoqS4VhdL-E/s1600-h/IMG_1489.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHg0sggAR1wXBQgpjQS4Rmwpr0f3txPWTW61adUPMeDCemefI9VALAbf6CoDvJ3mUj8qLAK1ZdYmAu7MZW6CE5ofZoqWeMbnas2dRq9zS1ZvwNgpNVh3ZP33MTjE5472iHoqS4VhdL-E/s320/IMG_1489.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330316644225633218" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />New growth. Plants are blooming and sprouting. Looking forward to the rest of spring.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Tom-ah-toes<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPEhMOfIAdlJcm27vZf9bVSgLz-Pq6Xt_OfP9k2OxgUUFkBE5mGGp8qoOjYwAyi-BRFO-q0g4fM1krawVAHnoqwNTsxIYdkfSwGxDqgWEzuPD_-wAj2kosYhzxoVOn3dsMYhtslqyauI/s1600-h/IMG_1477.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPEhMOfIAdlJcm27vZf9bVSgLz-Pq6Xt_OfP9k2OxgUUFkBE5mGGp8qoOjYwAyi-BRFO-q0g4fM1krawVAHnoqwNTsxIYdkfSwGxDqgWEzuPD_-wAj2kosYhzxoVOn3dsMYhtslqyauI/s320/IMG_1477.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330318619649459490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Orange blossoms (my favorite)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwU-zYY6vxIxmMn7bhFP1ejDLcJWHPOP_1PCGyLivufDo0utLPCuz4GvOFhkWtEgs7NtyOXHG1g_ftotN2YOidqC5e1Vm1VPoItsoPln0NuFCVADY8HcOdA9Pupc8kTfyJSBi2FcgkjzM/s1600-h/IMG_1484.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwU-zYY6vxIxmMn7bhFP1ejDLcJWHPOP_1PCGyLivufDo0utLPCuz4GvOFhkWtEgs7NtyOXHG1g_ftotN2YOidqC5e1Vm1VPoItsoPln0NuFCVADY8HcOdA9Pupc8kTfyJSBi2FcgkjzM/s320/IMG_1484.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330318634278099794" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cactus about to bloom<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjpGrlka4kfxhy8Iodj5MG2Z_e2iwK0PZnp74FCoFDh-7zHciiWzncxVs2hu7GdXivklK2XzI1B0NDuM5_YoYM2B_ai2Sisl3xZVOlqKUQxSJ5Ido3GVbFYgjs1YwpqaQOgRqsDDArWE/s1600-h/IMG_1481.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjpGrlka4kfxhy8Iodj5MG2Z_e2iwK0PZnp74FCoFDh-7zHciiWzncxVs2hu7GdXivklK2XzI1B0NDuM5_YoYM2B_ai2Sisl3xZVOlqKUQxSJ5Ido3GVbFYgjs1YwpqaQOgRqsDDArWE/s320/IMG_1481.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330318629620158050" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Cactus #2<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBJHASDZNTQKVdVa0CdTVMXg0OtdFRBDpFVJUFNv-WugNrkjO1x_SEQdXdnH13IT4CljlAV_bqlEtNqQqWA0KSFroOUp3rADPpayB6IY9iO6iSp_C8m-cjik7HSFv3i8a5XEKfXGlt0w/s1600-h/IMG_1480.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBJHASDZNTQKVdVa0CdTVMXg0OtdFRBDpFVJUFNv-WugNrkjO1x_SEQdXdnH13IT4CljlAV_bqlEtNqQqWA0KSFroOUp3rADPpayB6IY9iO6iSp_C8m-cjik7HSFv3i8a5XEKfXGlt0w/s320/IMG_1480.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330318625806726466" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30980761394856152.post-60057300447236771722009-04-21T19:57:00.001-07:002009-04-21T20:06:40.102-07:00when moths attack<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikr-DHHvaPnhFDUu72b8uG3YMi_HMM5eWkUwMzaBHpiL8r8ifi994X1GTXWR4g3lCZTGQQRD_T3RPHfenW2iX295zXeoAtrRKw5NwdtLUZuCIPCEvVruwCqTRfN0NEJs2mS_YopFtXCK4/s1600-h/mothra.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikr-DHHvaPnhFDUu72b8uG3YMi_HMM5eWkUwMzaBHpiL8r8ifi994X1GTXWR4g3lCZTGQQRD_T3RPHfenW2iX295zXeoAtrRKw5NwdtLUZuCIPCEvVruwCqTRfN0NEJs2mS_YopFtXCK4/s400/mothra.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327344799658388994" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Mothra vs. Godzilla. Lol. Not quite what happened in our backyard yesterday, but it was a little unnerving. Dan and I were eating dinner around dusk at the end of a hot, hot (102 degree) day, watching the hummingbirds at our bottlebrush tree. Suddenly, the birds were joined by what looked like baby hummingbirds. Awwww, how cute.<br /><br />Until we start to see a few, then a dozen, and then a few dozen! Upon closer inspection with binoculars and then up close, we decided they were really hummingbird-like moths! And Google, in all its wondorousness, led me to the species: the White-Lined Sphinx Moth (<span style="font-style: italic;">Hyles lineata</span>).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbQRrr2Z3FhhHqoVD5uk8DUePd6ZGgIL7Hle8_z3Gb5waReGF6RDH7UzRiw9Tat8GUfjH2yHq8ivtHsknz-kwy2oPOVOviS5MF25WDF7HYXuPI8ssSULsjYXnbnLV0JdTFvJaOMKODt4/s1600-h/sphinx_moth_lg.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbQRrr2Z3FhhHqoVD5uk8DUePd6ZGgIL7Hle8_z3Gb5waReGF6RDH7UzRiw9Tat8GUfjH2yHq8ivtHsknz-kwy2oPOVOviS5MF25WDF7HYXuPI8ssSULsjYXnbnLV0JdTFvJaOMKODt4/s400/sphinx_moth_lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327346522612932594" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo credit to Dr. Bill May (http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/moths.shtml</span>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034530817635748002noreply@blogger.com0