I really DO look cool

Wow. . . . .I really DO look cool with those new Rudy's. And look at that SS Amy sucking my wheel. What a slacker.

In disguise

Up until yesterday, I had no idea how cool a pair of Rudy Project glasses could make you look. I mean I knew those Team Wisconsin people look cool with their Rudy hook-up, but I never knew how they could transform a "simple, plain, wall-flower girl" like me into an unrecognizable "cycling chick". It's almost like Superman when he steps into the phone booth. I knew I was unrecognizable when I showed up at the Team Wisconsin Criterium Saturday and my two Team Wisconsin girlfriends walked right past me and didn't even recognize me. Lori almost mowed me over trying to get past me. . . I think the Rudy's made me WAY too intimidating for her to even look at. And SS Amy rode right past me looking for me to warm up. I had to yell at both of them before they realized the "cool chick" was me. Hello?!?

You would think that total coolness would have helped me out on the course during the race . . . .well, not really. I understand the goal of having all the women race together. . . . .since there are so few of us in comparison to the men, but when you lump all ability levels together, it makes for an interesting race. Knowing I would be racing with faster women, my goal for this criterium was to just stay with the pack. This was also SS Amy's first road race EVER, and since we both feel a little "behind" in our training this year, staying with the pack seemed like a good goal. Well, that was easier said than done.

The "roadies" like to play the little game where they speed up to see who they can snap off the back and pop. While SS Amy and I fell off the back a few times. . . . .we continued to catch back up and hang on. Unfortunately for us, when we passed the start/finish line, "TWO LAPS" was clearly announced. . . . .but what they really meant was "ONE LAP, SPRINT YOUR HEART OUT", because that was it. All of a sudden the girls took off as we rounded the corner toward the finish, everyone was spread out and huffing and puffing and we "calmly" cross the finish thinking "one more lap". Nice.

Despite the mix-up (which by the way MOST of the other girls surrounding us had, as we kept asking each other if that was it, or if we had one more lap) we both finished in the middle of the Cat 4 women, 7th & 8th. Knowing we could have at least squeaked out another spot or two if we actually knew it was the last lap, I think we were both satisfied with that. After all. . . .it's only a road race. It's not like a MOUNTAIN BIKE race or anything.

One more week until I'm gathering my things to race at Iola. Sweet. The body is ALMOST recovered from the trip. Do I have enough time to train it into shape yet?!? I guess I'll have to use what I have and we'll see what happens. Now if I can just remember how to ride the technical stuff. . . . . .

Anything is possible

“Anything’s possible. You can be told you have a 90% chance or a 50% chance or a 1% chance, but you have to believe, and you have to fight.”

I liked this quote when I saw it. . . .but I liked it even more when I saw it was a Lance Armstrong quote. Anything is possible. The longer I live on this earth, the more I start to see the miracles of the mind-body connection. . . . the more I realize I truly don't understand.

Take racing for example. Sometimes my body says one thing. . . my mind says another. . .and neither of them ends up right. Right now I STILL don't feel fully recovered from my trip and as SS Amy and I discussed, we both feel like citizen riders learning how to ride again (no offense to any citizen riders who may visit my blog). But I still keep on fighting. I still keep showing up on the start line with the hopes that I won't be the last to cross the finish line. After all, life is just one big "ride" isn't it?

Looking forward to the weekend, SS Amy and I have a plan to tear it up at the Team Wisconsin Crit tomorrow. We'll see how that plan unfolds. . . . .and we'll give it our all. At least we're brave enough to venture out there and try even though we're putting ourselves at risk of being chewed up and spit out the back. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. How does one learn how to push themselves to the next level unless they try? Come on Lori, you won't finish last!! What do you have to lose? :-)

And if nothing else SS Amy and I going to look damn good. I mean come on, did you see us at Beechwood?!?


See you there!

Favre returns

Even if you aren't a Packer's fan, you've probably heard the news: Favre returns. Isn't this just exciting news?!? Whatever. All I know is the Packers suck and whether or not that's Brett Favre's fault, I don't now. Who am I to judge their ability level? I just know they can't win games. . . . .and it doesn't seem like Favre returning for yet another year is really going to change that. Sorry kids.

How to Lose Weight Like a Guy

I found this article to be rather interesting, especially because I happen to know a handful of guys who have "suddenly" taken off the extra weight they were storing over the winter months. It never seems fair that these men can just stop eating ice cream or sweets, or ride a little longer and take off 3-5 pounds like it was nothing. . . . . while I won't eat ice cream or sweets for 30+ solid days and rode longer than most of my counterparts. . . .and I barely MAINTAIN my weight. Now we know. Women are just more emotional and built for producing babies and that's just how it is. Too bad for us.

Friday?

Is it Friday yet?

I need a vacation. Or a job like mountaingoat's. . . . . . .

Marshmallow alert

Remember the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man?!? Yeah, that's me today. Of course I'm experiencing an allergic reaction to the new face cleanser I purchased. . . .and my eyes are almost swollen shut today. Sweet. I wonder if my week can get any better?!? I hope I can see well enough to bike. . . I might ride off the trail into a tree or something stupid like that. This is the kind of week it's been.

At least I know what my face would look like if I were to gain like 200 pounds. Not a pretty picture. I think I'll stay "lean".

Stress?

I'm hoping today is a "less stressful" day. I'm waiting for the body to recover and for the mind to follow.

It's amazing how connected the body and mind are. When your body is feeling like a pile of poop it seems harder to stay on top of things, and stay positive.

To start the Monday out right, I'll just sip my Alterra coffee and enjoy the finer things in life. . . . .like posting to my blog so all my fans have something to read.

Happy Monday morning to you all. May your day be "peaceful" and may you have a great hair day.

A little humor for your Sunday evening

12 Hours of GEARS

Only 33 more days until our team 12 hour race at New Fane. This being my first year as race director, I hope I get it all done. We walked the trail today (part of the trail) as a recovery "ride". I can't believe my legs hurt going up those dinky little hills! Hope the body is back for Iola.

The single track is looking good at New Fane, shouldn't be much to do. Just some raking and a chainsaw for a couple downed trees. Then mow down the trail coming into the timing chute, and we're good to go.

So mark you calendars. . . . .May 27th, 2006 at New Fane. Come and have fun. And watch for next year's 12 hour. We're told the NEW single track they're putting in out there could be done in time for next year's race. Of course we've been thinking that was going to be done every year for the past couple years now. . . .not sure what the hold up is but it should be pretty nice once it's done.

Off to work some now. Have to keep paying the man for our cabin.

It's a beautiful day for a ride!

Bill and I left the house this AM for our "double date" with SS Amy and her man at the Kettles (Jeff had a hair cut so he could not attend - make sure you tell him how nice his hair looks when you see him now.) Bill was completely skeptical about the weather. I wonder why?!? He thinks all weather people are "dope smoker" and even has this little song he sings. . . .you'll have to ask him about that. But for once they were right the weather was sweet. Showers held off. The ride was great, but the body SUCKED. I knew I dug a hole in NC, but the hole I dug was just a little deeper than I realized. My heart rate responded, but the legs filled up instantly and the ride hurt a LOT.

SS Amy had to pull MY butt around today. Thanks girlfriend. ;-) The first part of the trail was quite wet. . . .slippery for sure, but then it got better. I think this was my first time riding most of the new connector trail, kudos to those who worked on that. Very nice stuff.

Now I'm off to the hot tub for some recovery time. . . . .maybe an alcoholic beverage too? That's supposed to HELP recovery, right?!? At this point the hole is so deep who cares!

OUCH. . . .that's gotta hurt!

While we were in North Carolina we rode several mountain bike trails, one of them being a place called Bent Creek. I'm assuming there's a creek that is "bent" somewhere around there, but who the heck knows, they kind of have their own way of thinking "down south".

We've ridden Bent Creek before and it has some pretty nice trails. A lot of climbing, but then again when aren't you climbing when your terrain is all mountainous? We had heard they made new trails there so we had to go check it out.

We found what they called the new "roadie trail". I think they called it that because it was so smooth and hard packed. Well, it was also a downhiller's dream, as it was all downhill, and FULL of whoops (is that how you spell that?). I find the experience of breaking while in the air to be quite fun. When that back tire lands it makes a fun little sound when you're gripping the breaks for dear life riding down a mountain, trying to make sure your back end doesn't fly over your front end.

Seriously though one can catch some MAJOR air if they're looking to, and as we observed first hand, one can also do some major damage if they're not careful.

I took the lead down the whoops, as I'm told I descend fast "for a girl". Really I just don't have enough brake pad left so pulling back to the handles doesn't really stop me. . . . . .but as I was coming down the last section, where apparently some people catch BIG air, I see people scattered among the trail yelling "rider down, slow down". Luckily I had my speed in check so slowing down wasn't a "life threatening" situation for me.

As I crest the last hill I see what the commotion is all about. I see the puddle of blood in the middle of the trail, a bike strewn off into the weeds on the side of the trail and a guy sitting in the grass, making moaning noises, grabbing his face, surrounded by his friends. Being the kind of person I am, I of course get right in there to ask if he's ok, if they need help, looking to see how bad the damage is. You know, I worked in a hospital at one point in my life, so that of COURSE makes me an expert on anything medical.

I catch a glimpse of this guy who's face is covered in blood. Turns out he was riding "out of control" as his friend later said and just flipped and face planted. He had done it just minutes prior to us coming down the hill. . . .thankfully he wasn't behind us taking us with him! I wasn't sure what his nose looked like BEFORE he fell, but I was pretty sure it wasn't completely crooked and yellow. Yuck! He was truly lucky he didn't break his neck or his back in the manner he fell.

After finding someone who's phone got reception in the "boonies" and calling 9-1-1, we helped his friends get him and his bike back to a main trail (yes, they wanted to move him, and he seemed to be ok with that). At first inspection from the EMS people, we were told they figured he at least broke his wrist, put a pretty deep gash in his chin and his nose, and of course, broke his nose. I think he may have even jarred a few teeth. I'm thinking he was sipping his Easter meal through a straw with two back eyes and a totally messed up nose.

I totally wanted to be a tourist and take his picture, but we thought it might be in poor taste. Of course I don't think he really would have even noticed. . . . . .

So today's lesson boys and girls, is be careful when riding fast downhills. While it's fun to catch air and show your friends how cool you are, they'll end up thinking you're REALLY a dork when they have to peel your face off the trail.

As "Captain" says . . . . . .Safety First!

Now THIS is a house!

The Biltmore Estate. In one word, amazing. George W Vanderbilt (a 27 year old bachelor) began construction on this incredible home in 1889. The house itself covered FOUR acres. With 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, and indoor pool & bowling alley, this house was ahead of it's time. It even included things like an alarm system to notify the staff and pinpoint the location of any fires that may break out. Throughout the house rooms contained buttons to buzz the servants should the guests have any needs.

The gardens contained over 95,000 tulips along with a variety of other flowers & plants.

Tickets are costly, $38.00 with an additional $7.00 if you want the audio tour in as well. But I'm joining the ranks of those who have recommended the tour. I also recommend coughing up the additional $7 for the headset. You'll learn a lot of interesting things about this truly spectacular piece of real estate.

New Additions

Please note I've now figured out how to add my picture! I feel so smart. And of course for your reading pleasure (and for educational purposes) I've added a link to the ever so popular Mountaingoat News. Now if I could figure out how to get that blogger box stretched back across the top of my page again, I'd be REALLY smart!

The day back is always hard. . . . . .

The first day back from vacation is always difficult. Here I sit 10 hours into my work day, STILL sorting through piles on my desk. . . . .Customers & clients that need my attention. It's always good to be needed. . . .especially when you're a Realtor and the only way you get paid is when you sell a house. But today it's tough to keep the mind focused when I'd rather be "back at the cabin" slacking.

I'll break out the stories as the week progresses, so as to keep you all entertained. Starting with the Tsali Race we did the first weekend we were down there. All I can say is "WOW". That was hard. I think they grow the Sport women a lot faster down there. . . .or at least I felt a lot slower. Maybe it was because if I made any major errors I'd fly off the cliff and die. . . .or maybe it was because I haven't broken out much of the "high end" training yet. Either way, I didn't finish last. I didn't finish first, or even in the middle, but hey. It was a learning experience.

It sure made me appreciate the whole WORS experience. My start time was delayed about 35 minutes. There was no one to yell GOOOOOOOOO. They didn't even count down. All of a sudden all the women were OFF. While I jockeyed for a good start position, I ended up blowing my wad and feeling like I was going to puke. It was a 20 mile race. . . .2 hours 5 minutes. S-L-O-W. I felt like a turtle. But now that I've got that out of the way, I'm ready to ROCK OUT come Iola!

Back to work now. Check back for more EXTREMELY EXCITING stories.

We're baaack. . . . .

I'm sure you were all worried about me, being out of touch from my ever-so-popular blog for such a long period of time. But have no fear, we returned this afternoon safely, with no major incidents. After unpacking, stocking up on groceries again and taking care of the odds and ends, I'm just about ready to call it quits for the day. Look forward to exciting stories as the week progresses. Until then, here's some scenery for your viewing pleasure.

Under Fire

Well, I'm under fire to learn how to actually use my blog now. . . . .I'll have to see if the "wise one" will give me classes or something. . . . . .perhaps as I sit in North Carolina and ponder my mere existence I'll have time to learn coding. . . . .or maybe not.

Today's the day we pack it up. And pack it up is literally what I'm doing this morning. I don't think I've ever been LESS prepared for a vacation. I just started packing my stuff this morning and I still have 5 things left of my "work list" to wrap up before I hand over the reigns to Jerry.

So why am I taking the time to update you all this morning? Well, I have to keep my fans happy. Especially the ones out in Colorado. I'm not sure what I'm going to do when we're gone. I'm not "high-tech" like my fellow bloggers. . . . .I'll have to look for a coffee shop with Internet access. How sad.

The rain is supposed to be heading in here today. . . .I guess there's a crappy weekend on deck. Sorry friends. . . . .it's time to flee to the South. Warmer weather awaits. And those NC chicks need to see how a REAL mountain biker does it. That is why they call me MTB Girl. I figure as long as they don't haul me off in an ambulance at the race in Tsali it's a success.

60's and 70's

I hear the temps in NC are in the 60's & 70's. I'll have to dig my shorts out! Poor Bill will have to rotate his closet and bring all his "summer attire" out before he can even start to pack. Not sure when he's gonna pack. . . . .we might just be hitting "China-mart" for new stuff for him on the way.

The system never fails. . . . .when one is ready to take a vacation is when everyone decides they need your assistance at work. Suddenly your buyers find houses, your sellers get offers and people come out of the woodwork that want to list their house. See, I keep telling Bill the secret to real estate is to just take a LOT of vacations!

I can't wait to park my behind next to a waterfall in NC. Do they even HAVE WATERFALLS in Colorado?!? NC rocks.

More Snow?

I woke up this morning to see large snow flakes falling from the sky. I thought to myself, isn't this APRIL?!? It was just in the 60's a few short days ago. Unbelievable.

Outside I can hear the wind blowing, I can see the trees bending with each gust of Mother Nature's blustery breath. With each howl of the wind I think spring is being blown further and further away.

Thankfully we'll be ditching this crazy weather state in a few days to head down south. In less than a week we'll be lining up on the start line against some of North Carolina's finest mountain bike racers. I can't wait to stomp them all. They'll see me fly by them and wonder "who's that girl?", and how can I be just like her?!? I can dream can't I?

Our home away-from-home awaits us.

Sweet.

Meteorology. . . .nice job.

This will be the second time I type this entry as I seem to have lost the first one, how good that makes me feel after the ride we did today.

The rain was supposed to come at 2:00. Not 12:30, not 1:00, but 2:00. Which should have been plenty of time to get our 3 hour ride in, without arriving back home soaked to the bone.

About 1:30 into the ride the drizzle began and continued until we arrived back at Jeff's house. Totally soaked, partially frozen, having lost feeling in our fingers and other parts, the ride today reminded us that we were indeed, alive.

Poor SS Amy got more than she bargained for today. But we made it through. 2 hours 50 minutes in 34 degree temps and pouring rain. You have got to love Wisconsin weather. You never know what to expect. And just when you THINK you know what to expect, it changes. Being a meteorologist in this state has got to be just about the only job where you can be wrong most of the time and still take home a paycheck. In fact, people expect you'll be wrong. Interesting. . . . .

I think I'll hit the hot tub and sit on the couch for the rest of the night stuffing my face. Soon I should be able to feel my extremities again. I can't imagine they're having THIS much fun out in Colorado. . . . . .