With the 12 hours of Northern Kettles finally behind us, I hope to begin to return to a "Normal" life somewhat soon. The weekend, while fun, was LONG. Bill and I began our "long ours" Thursday as we made the trek up to Greenbush to drop the first load off at the camp ground. Most people don't see all the behind the scenes work. . .although many realize what it takes to put an event like this on and I've been personally thanked by a number of people. The truth is it wouldn't be a successful event without all the volunteer help from our wonderful team members (and friends and family of our team members), nor would it be a success without all the awesome participants that came to race!
Despite the fact we DID indeed see a short burst of showers (maybe an hour, two tops), the trail held up well. In fact, despite one or two quite slippery laps, the course actually improved over it's original state by the end of the race. Loop 3 is already quite a bit smoother than it was Friday. The loose corners tightened up and the trail is ready to rock and roll once again.
Thanks to everyone for joining us for the 12 hours of Northern Kettles. I made an attempt (with my new camera) to catch some action shots of our racers throughout the day. While I'm still learning, so some are blurry (sorry), I hope to be able to continue to post BETTER pictures as I learn more. Of course I'm trying to post theses pictures to Flickr when I'm about to fall asleep, and of course I've exceeded the file limit. . . .so I guess I'll upgrade my account tomorrow. Stay tuned for some good, and not so good pictures.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
How does that happen
I don't know how it happens. I left Iola listed as 10th overall, today I am 11th. Strange. Only 30 sport women. Seemed like more.
Oh well. The first race is under my belt. . . . .and my life has hopefully eased a bit in stress & busyness (at least after this weekend it will have), which means hopefully we can get back to some serious training in the very near future. :-) We'll see.
Oh well. The first race is under my belt. . . . .and my life has hopefully eased a bit in stress & busyness (at least after this weekend it will have), which means hopefully we can get back to some serious training in the very near future. :-) We'll see.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
THAT was hard
That was hard. I knew it was going to be hard. . . . .but WORS race #1 was very hard. My goals going into this race were 1) to finish. 2) to NOT finish last. 3) to not have to get off my bike. 4) to hopefully not get lapped by TOO many sport boys.
I achieved all those goals. I finished 10th overall (3rd in age), as for stats, I'm not sure. . . .I only took the time to look briefly at my finish. I did touch a foot down twice (once so as to avoid face planting, once because too many sport girls tried to ride through the sand at the same time). I got lapped by 2 sport boys - the first probably a good 20 minutes before the second. And I dragged my butt across the finish line in one piece.
From what I can tell by peeking at my watch each lap, I was relatively consistent with my lap times. And every SECOND out there hurt like hell. It's funny. I often surprise myself with the amount of pain I can actually tolerate. It's not that I'm really much faster than any of the girls who finished around me. . . . I can just put myself into the hurt locker better, that's all. Anyone riding (or standing for that matter) anywhere NEAR me could CLEARLY hear me gasping for breath. A few times I literally saw spots I was working so hard. But the whole time I kept telling myself, I have to give it everything I've got. No matter how much it hurts I have to push on and keep trying becuase I CAN. I'm alive, I'm able and I owe myself at least that much. If I'm going to do it, I'm going to give it 110%. That's my new motto. And at THIS race, it worked for me. It hurt. . . . .A LOT. . . . . but I'm still here to tell about it.
Now it's time to focus on our OWN 12 hour race at Greenbush. Time to give back to the cycling community and bring them (you guys) a race you'll thoroughly enjoy.
I achieved all those goals. I finished 10th overall (3rd in age), as for stats, I'm not sure. . . .I only took the time to look briefly at my finish. I did touch a foot down twice (once so as to avoid face planting, once because too many sport girls tried to ride through the sand at the same time). I got lapped by 2 sport boys - the first probably a good 20 minutes before the second. And I dragged my butt across the finish line in one piece.
From what I can tell by peeking at my watch each lap, I was relatively consistent with my lap times. And every SECOND out there hurt like hell. It's funny. I often surprise myself with the amount of pain I can actually tolerate. It's not that I'm really much faster than any of the girls who finished around me. . . . I can just put myself into the hurt locker better, that's all. Anyone riding (or standing for that matter) anywhere NEAR me could CLEARLY hear me gasping for breath. A few times I literally saw spots I was working so hard. But the whole time I kept telling myself, I have to give it everything I've got. No matter how much it hurts I have to push on and keep trying becuase I CAN. I'm alive, I'm able and I owe myself at least that much. If I'm going to do it, I'm going to give it 110%. That's my new motto. And at THIS race, it worked for me. It hurt. . . . .A LOT. . . . . but I'm still here to tell about it.
Now it's time to focus on our OWN 12 hour race at Greenbush. Time to give back to the cycling community and bring them (you guys) a race you'll thoroughly enjoy.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Biggest Loser
Honestly? I do not think Helen looks healthy. It's awesome to see such dedication (even though the woman sent her own child home so SHE could stay for her OWN benefit), but I have doubts she'll remain nearly as thin as she is. I've been there. Unless you're chronically thing. . . . . never having had to deal with weight issues, you just don't stay looking like Helen unless you starve yourself and work out like crazy.
Now my OWN dedication on the other hand. . . . .it's focused in an area definitely different than cycling. With our team 12 hour just around the corner, my dad's house still not completely cleaned out, and more real estate business than I've had for a while. . . . .there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to get in the amount of training it will take me to "shine" this season.
And I guess having undergone the life's events I've gone through recently, I can honestly say it doesn't matter. I'll ride my bike when I can and hope for the best. Mountain biking is awesome, but some things in life are just more important.
See you at Iola. I'll be the one gasping for breath out there. But I'll be there giving it my all, because I know that's what my dad would have expected from me, what he would have wanted me to be doing.
Now my OWN dedication on the other hand. . . . .it's focused in an area definitely different than cycling. With our team 12 hour just around the corner, my dad's house still not completely cleaned out, and more real estate business than I've had for a while. . . . .there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to get in the amount of training it will take me to "shine" this season.
And I guess having undergone the life's events I've gone through recently, I can honestly say it doesn't matter. I'll ride my bike when I can and hope for the best. Mountain biking is awesome, but some things in life are just more important.
See you at Iola. I'll be the one gasping for breath out there. But I'll be there giving it my all, because I know that's what my dad would have expected from me, what he would have wanted me to be doing.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Motivation
Well, I had planned to MAKE time today for a ride, even if it's a short one. But looking outside, and listening to the weather for the day, I'm finding it difficult to want to get my butt out to exercise.
Where is the sunshine? Sunshine and warm temps make it SOOOO much easier to WANT to be outside exercising.
I guess we'll see how the day goes. At least I know I'm golden on Sunday. . . .I have a date to ride. Sweet.
Where is the sunshine? Sunshine and warm temps make it SOOOO much easier to WANT to be outside exercising.
I guess we'll see how the day goes. At least I know I'm golden on Sunday. . . .I have a date to ride. Sweet.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Time flies
I can't believe it's already almost MAY. The past couple weeks have been focused on trying to get things in order with my dad's house, my dad's belongings, making sense of his financials, etc. It's also got Bill and I thinking about OUR lives, wanting to make sure WE have a will, something in place so that no one has to try and figure out what we wanted if we were to pass together.
My dad didn't have a will. He didn't have anything that indicated what his last wishes were, he didn't have any paperwork organized so we would even know what he was leaving behind. . . . .I spent an entire week just chasing after expired life insurance policies that were found, calling various businesses to see if he had open accounts there, calling banks to see where he had checking/savings accounts set up etc, etc, etc. It's been a complete mess trying to figure out his "estate". But I've realized that I'm apparently a good "crisis" person. I've been able to focus and somehow find time to continue my full time real estate "job" and spend nearly every waking moment left sorting through his matters. Of course time for riding has gone by the wayside (you're in luck Sport girls, it should be pretty easy to kick my bootie this year), but I'm hoping to find time to ride again soon (hopefully this week).
It's never fun (or comfortable) for the tables to flip, for the "child" to become "the parent", "the planner, the one who takes care of everything", but someone has to do it so it might as well be me. God apparently has given me certain gifts. . . . perhaps this is why.
Life will be different going forward. A little empty without Dad in it, but more focused on happiness and peacefulness. I have again found patience. I think that was dad's wish for me. Heaven knows I certainly needed to find that again. Thanks Dad. Although you could have helped me find it under BETTER circumstances. :-)
My dad didn't have a will. He didn't have anything that indicated what his last wishes were, he didn't have any paperwork organized so we would even know what he was leaving behind. . . . .I spent an entire week just chasing after expired life insurance policies that were found, calling various businesses to see if he had open accounts there, calling banks to see where he had checking/savings accounts set up etc, etc, etc. It's been a complete mess trying to figure out his "estate". But I've realized that I'm apparently a good "crisis" person. I've been able to focus and somehow find time to continue my full time real estate "job" and spend nearly every waking moment left sorting through his matters. Of course time for riding has gone by the wayside (you're in luck Sport girls, it should be pretty easy to kick my bootie this year), but I'm hoping to find time to ride again soon (hopefully this week).
It's never fun (or comfortable) for the tables to flip, for the "child" to become "the parent", "the planner, the one who takes care of everything", but someone has to do it so it might as well be me. God apparently has given me certain gifts. . . . perhaps this is why.
Life will be different going forward. A little empty without Dad in it, but more focused on happiness and peacefulness. I have again found patience. I think that was dad's wish for me. Heaven knows I certainly needed to find that again. Thanks Dad. Although you could have helped me find it under BETTER circumstances. :-)
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Every cloud has a silver lining
It's been exactly one week since my dad peacefully collapsed on his bed and breathed his last breath. So much has happened in this week. Lots of pain and sorrow, lots of sadness. Not only did I lose someone I dearly loved, but my dog, Bear, who had been a part of my life for 16 years passed on as well. It's been a week of loss, a week of pain.
But as sad as I am for myself, I'm actually peaceful in knowing that these two things I loved are both in a better place. They are free of pain. They are free of burden. They are at peace and in a better place. I realize everyone has their own view on religion, in fact my father and I even differed in our own personal views. However I know in my heart that there is something else out there, something better than this earthly world where there is so much pain and suffering. It's a place of peace, acceptance, comfort, joy.
This past week has shown me that there are SOOOOOO many wonderful people in my life, so many wonderful people who knew and cared about my dad. . . . who thought he was an amazing person, who enjoyed his company, laughed at his jokes, were touched by his generosity. This is the silver lining. Going through the motions of a funeral, wondering HOW you are going to get through this difficult process. Finding this sense of peace as each of these awesome people connected to the person you love hugs you, reaches out and touches you, tells you how much YOUR loved one made a difference in THEIR life. How much your dad loved YOU, how much he talked about YOU, how proud he were of YOU, how sorry they are for your loss. Knowing there is a hole in their heart as well.
I'm learning through this process that each day truly is a gift, a "present". Never assume you'll be able to give that hug tomorrow, because you may not be entitled to a tomorrow. Tell the people you love how you feel TODAY. Seize the moment, life each day to it's fullest, be thankful for what you HAVE, don't fret over what you don't have or what you think you should have or even what you want to have.
"In acceptance there is peace". Accepting something doesn't necessarily mean we agree with it, we welcome it or we're HAPPY with it. . . .it just means it's a fact of life and we understand that. There's a bigger plan, who am I to question that plan? There are so many mysteries in this life, so many questions. I'm thankful my dad now has all the answers. I just hope to find peace for myself and put a smile in his heart while he watches over me for the rest of my life.
Peace be with you all.
But as sad as I am for myself, I'm actually peaceful in knowing that these two things I loved are both in a better place. They are free of pain. They are free of burden. They are at peace and in a better place. I realize everyone has their own view on religion, in fact my father and I even differed in our own personal views. However I know in my heart that there is something else out there, something better than this earthly world where there is so much pain and suffering. It's a place of peace, acceptance, comfort, joy.
This past week has shown me that there are SOOOOOO many wonderful people in my life, so many wonderful people who knew and cared about my dad. . . . who thought he was an amazing person, who enjoyed his company, laughed at his jokes, were touched by his generosity. This is the silver lining. Going through the motions of a funeral, wondering HOW you are going to get through this difficult process. Finding this sense of peace as each of these awesome people connected to the person you love hugs you, reaches out and touches you, tells you how much YOUR loved one made a difference in THEIR life. How much your dad loved YOU, how much he talked about YOU, how proud he were of YOU, how sorry they are for your loss. Knowing there is a hole in their heart as well.
I'm learning through this process that each day truly is a gift, a "present". Never assume you'll be able to give that hug tomorrow, because you may not be entitled to a tomorrow. Tell the people you love how you feel TODAY. Seize the moment, life each day to it's fullest, be thankful for what you HAVE, don't fret over what you don't have or what you think you should have or even what you want to have.
"In acceptance there is peace". Accepting something doesn't necessarily mean we agree with it, we welcome it or we're HAPPY with it. . . .it just means it's a fact of life and we understand that. There's a bigger plan, who am I to question that plan? There are so many mysteries in this life, so many questions. I'm thankful my dad now has all the answers. I just hope to find peace for myself and put a smile in his heart while he watches over me for the rest of my life.
Peace be with you all.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Good bye again
What a week. Last night we lost Bear, our 16 year old Black Lab. She's been with us from the beginning. Healthy as a horse, went suddenly. Everyone thought she was going to live to be 100. Even when you know death is imminent. . . . .it STILL doesn't get any easier.
I sure hope that's it for now. My heavy heart cannot take any more.
I sure hope that's it for now. My heavy heart cannot take any more.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Good bye Dad
Good bye Dad. I will miss you more than you'll ever know.
John "Rafe" Dale
3/26/39 - 4/14/09
John "Rafe" Dale
3/26/39 - 4/14/09
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter
Started with Easter celebrations Saturday. The theme, Hawaiian Luau (Thunder dressed accordingly).
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Temps didn't cooperate for FEELING warm, but fun was had anyway. Andrew's first Easter egg hunt was ON, Grandma almost beat him by collecting eggs as well, but he pulled ahead and won in the end.
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Later in the day the crowd shifted into the belated birthday celebration for Lt Dan. Theme still Hawaiian Luau. Chicken shish-ka-bobs for dinner, Sing Star (uuugh - sorry everyone), lots of conversations here and there.
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Sunday was Family Easter for the Nighs/Sprungs. Another Easter egg hunt (it's harder to find 6 eggs in a rec room than one would think), lots of food, one minor catastrophe - nothing broken, one niece wearing nearly her whole glass of sparkling wine. One Easter pyramid made with 4 "pyramid virgins". Yes, I know some people are annoyed by my pyramids. If you're one of them, don't read my blog.
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Temps didn't cooperate for FEELING warm, but fun was had anyway. Andrew's first Easter egg hunt was ON, Grandma almost beat him by collecting eggs as well, but he pulled ahead and won in the end.
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Later in the day the crowd shifted into the belated birthday celebration for Lt Dan. Theme still Hawaiian Luau. Chicken shish-ka-bobs for dinner, Sing Star (uuugh - sorry everyone), lots of conversations here and there.
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Sunday was Family Easter for the Nighs/Sprungs. Another Easter egg hunt (it's harder to find 6 eggs in a rec room than one would think), lots of food, one minor catastrophe - nothing broken, one niece wearing nearly her whole glass of sparkling wine. One Easter pyramid made with 4 "pyramid virgins". Yes, I know some people are annoyed by my pyramids. If you're one of them, don't read my blog.
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Thursday, April 09, 2009
Glacial Blue
Is beautiful. Trails are awesome. Can't wait to go back tomorrow. Maybe if Thunder plays her cards right, I'll take her back again. She LOVES to follow my wheel.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
It's the little things
I'm watching my German Shepherd chase a bottle cap around the kitchen like it's the best toy EVER.
Who need so spend money on expensive toys? Plastic works wonders.
Guess I should snag it now before she swallows it.
Dang puppies are just like children.
Who need so spend money on expensive toys? Plastic works wonders.
Guess I should snag it now before she swallows it.
Dang puppies are just like children.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Last minute trail work
Couldn't decide what to do today, so we headed down to Blue and did some trail maintenance. I can't believe how great of shape the trails are in down there. Probably cuz we did all the raking in fall. :-)
There were several large trees down, so Bill hauled the chainsaw in and took them out of the way. Thunder chased sticks all over, helped put some back ON the trail, and guarded us against the very dangerous leaves. We also raked quite a bit, cleared off some more sections of trail so people can FIND it.
If the weather holds, I'll be testing the trail this week. Of course I have to go get my bike from the shop. . . . it seems to have a problem of some sort. With Pedal Fest going on, I know no one's had a chance to look at it. Oh well. . . I rode it like that in North Carolina, I'm sure i can't hurt anything more by riding it another day or two. :-)
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for NO SNOW and a bit of sunshine this week. That would make for a most excellent week. I guess we'll see!
There were several large trees down, so Bill hauled the chainsaw in and took them out of the way. Thunder chased sticks all over, helped put some back ON the trail, and guarded us against the very dangerous leaves. We also raked quite a bit, cleared off some more sections of trail so people can FIND it.
If the weather holds, I'll be testing the trail this week. Of course I have to go get my bike from the shop. . . . it seems to have a problem of some sort. With Pedal Fest going on, I know no one's had a chance to look at it. Oh well. . . I rode it like that in North Carolina, I'm sure i can't hurt anything more by riding it another day or two. :-)
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for NO SNOW and a bit of sunshine this week. That would make for a most excellent week. I guess we'll see!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Belated b-day shout out
I got SO freakin' busy yesterday I didn't have a chance to post a Happy Birthday shout out to Lt Dan.
Happy Belated birthday Lt Dan!
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Happy Belated birthday Lt Dan!
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Friday, March 27, 2009
Wow
Yesterday we went to DuPont State Forest. We had been there a few years ago and never found the "GOOD" trails. We found them yesterday. I think that was the most fun I've had on my mountain bike in a LONG time. Wow.
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It was a little rainy, and when we got to the top of the slick rock it was very foggy. Probably cuz we were IN the clouds. It was pretty sweet.
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Today we went to Trace Ridge. The plan was to do a 3 hour ride, even though it was raining. Well, let's just say April and I did a 3 hour ride. . . . .the rest thought we were dead I guess. They were just about to call Smoky the Bear to come find us. I thought we were dead for sure. We found the trails I recognized, but then also found a bunch of others. I think we were lost for a good hour. It was a little scary. It was the MOST scary when I couldn't feel my feet because it was so flippin' cold. That one took it out of me. I guess it's a good thing it was the last one. Stick a fork in me, I'm DONE.
Time to pack and think about departing tomorrow. I'd rather just take a nap. Uuugh. I hate being out of shape.
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It was a little rainy, and when we got to the top of the slick rock it was very foggy. Probably cuz we were IN the clouds. It was pretty sweet.
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Today we went to Trace Ridge. The plan was to do a 3 hour ride, even though it was raining. Well, let's just say April and I did a 3 hour ride. . . . .the rest thought we were dead I guess. They were just about to call Smoky the Bear to come find us. I thought we were dead for sure. We found the trails I recognized, but then also found a bunch of others. I think we were lost for a good hour. It was a little scary. It was the MOST scary when I couldn't feel my feet because it was so flippin' cold. That one took it out of me. I guess it's a good thing it was the last one. Stick a fork in me, I'm DONE.
Time to pack and think about departing tomorrow. I'd rather just take a nap. Uuugh. I hate being out of shape.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
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Monday, March 23, 2009
Yes, it's true
Yes, it's true. My road bike flew off the bike carrier on the way to North Carolina. We were rounding the corner on an off ramp, I heard a noise and Bill said "oh shit, we just lost a bike". Sure enough, it was mine. I don't know how the semi behind us didn't run over it. I think we were lucky that it was on a corner because it flew to the outside of the turn, just where cars couldn't get it. Looks like it just needs some new bar tape (which Bill JUST replaced) and a couple other things got scuffed (seat got ripped, but I think it will be ok).
Beyond that I somehow managed to get the dog wrapped into the gas pump at the gas station - while the gas was pumping, which caused the pump to fly out of the tank and pump gas all over the ground, after catching me, the dog and the side of the truck. The rest of the ride in a gas smelling truck was a good time. Ooops.
But now that we're a couple days into the trip, the "bad" luck is gone. All is going well. No pictures for you. . . .I'm too lazy. It's past my bed time and I'm TIRED. Maybe tomorrow.
Beyond that I somehow managed to get the dog wrapped into the gas pump at the gas station - while the gas was pumping, which caused the pump to fly out of the tank and pump gas all over the ground, after catching me, the dog and the side of the truck. The rest of the ride in a gas smelling truck was a good time. Ooops.
But now that we're a couple days into the trip, the "bad" luck is gone. All is going well. No pictures for you. . . .I'm too lazy. It's past my bed time and I'm TIRED. Maybe tomorrow.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Spring? Happy St. Patrick's Day
The gorgeous sun is already poking through the trees. . . . .it's a large orange fireball today, it looks like it's going to provide us with lots of sunshine and warm temps. How nice that will be!
I have too cramped of a schedule to get a ride in today, but I'm sure I'll be able to get Thunder Puppy out for a walk. I think she's already excited. She's running up and down the hallway in her "crazy Gila Monster" mode. It's very hard not to laugh at.
I'm not Irish, but I'm going to attempt to make some corned beef today. Hopefully it will turn out decent. We'll see. If not, I'll just have to make sure there's enough "green beer" to cover the taste up.
Enjoy the weather, enjoy the day. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I have too cramped of a schedule to get a ride in today, but I'm sure I'll be able to get Thunder Puppy out for a walk. I think she's already excited. She's running up and down the hallway in her "crazy Gila Monster" mode. It's very hard not to laugh at.
I'm not Irish, but I'm going to attempt to make some corned beef today. Hopefully it will turn out decent. We'll see. If not, I'll just have to make sure there's enough "green beer" to cover the taste up.
Enjoy the weather, enjoy the day. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
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