Bicycle Violence.

No really, the story is the two dudes on the motorcycle had stolen a lady's purse. The guy on the bike decided to intervene... I need to learn this technique though. Awesome!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Trying to ride...

I eventually made that turn in both directions. I had a blast. I figure this will be here for a while and I might as well get in some practice with turns etc.

So far, so good....

SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT THE SNOW THAT I'M NOT EVEN MAD ABOUT NOT GETTING TO RIDE SUNDAY!  THIS IS WHY...

SNOW BEGAN AROUND 3PM AND AT 7:45PM TONIGHT, I HAVE 5.5 INCHES IN MY YARD SO FAR.

Writer's Block...

So I applied to graduate school a week ago today.  As part of my application packet, I have to write a personal statement about my goals and aspirations.  I am suffering from a terrible case of writer's block.  I guess that may explain the lack of blog posts lately as well.  I know what I want to say, and what I want to do; but I just can't seem to get it down on paper.  I'm getting stressed out about it because I really want to get into this program, so I have to make it sound good.  I've written down several things, some of which I like.  Now I guess I should just figure out how to mesh it into one document and hope that it isn't too long.  I need to hook the reader then not let them lose interest. 

Meanwhile, my undiagnosed attention deficit is kicking in.  I've been "shopping" and "researching" for stuff for a secret.  I've wanted to update my calendar book for days.  I did finish all the major Christmas shopping, but nothing is wrapped.  I want to take my dog for a walk or playtime.  Work has driven me to want to take up alcholism and forget the gym - I actually cancelled a training session this week out of fear that I would be rude and/or hurt someone or something.

There is my delimma in a nutshell.  I think the other part of my problem is my lack of bike riding time.  I rode a week ago Monday for my birthday.  I had the day off and that's what I wanted to do.  It was only the 2nd time since Thanksgiving that I've gotten to ride.  I have decided that barring snow or extremely wet weather Saturday, that I am going to go ride Sunday if I have to wear every pair of bike tights I have, six jerseys and five pairs of socks.  I need my solitude on two wheels. 

Ok now back to trying to express myself...

The Muppets: Carol of the Bells

Drumstick Dash Report

So running the Drumstick Dash on Thanksgiving Day turned out to be a good idea.  A thoroughly entertaining time and a great way to help a good cause.  When I woke up Thursday morning, the first task was the figure out what to wear.  The sunny morning was a crisp 42 degrees.  I elected for tights, shorts, a baselayer, longsleeve gym shirt and my RoanokeOutside.com team jacket.  I wandered outside to see if I was right on my decision.  Yup, with the addition of a pair of gloves I would be fine. 

Driving to the DD was even funnier. I get off at the same exit some days to go to work, so I am familiar with the traffic jam that it creates.  Thursday was no exception.  I giggled as I looked down at the road full of cars and people.  I bet the ordinary person was like WTH is going on there?  There was literally a traffic jam from the parking garage, up Williamson Rd onto Elm and I581.  I patiently picked my way to a spot then headed out towards the start line.  It was fun to mingle with the crowd.  I saw several people I know while I wandered. 

Soon everyone began to line up at the start lines (there were separate ones for walkers and runners).  The crowd was HUGE!  People everywhere.  7582 people were registered for the run and walk.  I decided since I really didn't know how I was going to do since I hadn't run a 5k in like 6 years that I would start near the back of the runners.  This ended up costing me nearly two minutes in the finaly standings since they went by gun time despite the fact we had timing chips!?!?!?  Anyway, the start was funny because once the gun fired we couldn't go anywhere then began slowly walking up the street.  I think I was at a slight jog by the time we got to the start line.  I joked as we walked along in the herd that we were slower than Black Friday shoppers which cause a bit of laughter around me.  

Starting where I did also caused a bit of annoyance in that there were way too many slower people, kids, strollers and dogs around me.  They cluttered the road from curb to curb, so I ended up running on the sidewalk on more than one occassion.  I loved the musicians that were staged on the course.  We had all sorts of music to entertain us.  It seemed like it took the first mile forever to go by, the second mile was quick and the third wasn't so bad either.  I felt great as I was running and I was determined not to walk.  The only time I really had to slow down was the alley on Luck Ave.  There simply wasn't enough room for the cluster of people. I found myself zipping in and out of people and by people.  I almost felt rude at times, but got over it quickly. 

The course was nice, not too flat, not too hilly.  I really did enjoy it.  The race finished on Campbell Avenue near the Market which I think is cool because you are surrounded by the old store fronts and there is room to contain a crowd, so there's actually people to cheer you on.  It is also a slight downhill so you can pick up momentum and really go for it at the finish.  I put in a good effort hear and passed people in the last few blocks.  HA HA!  I found some more friends and mingled for a while after the race.  My trainer, Lisa came to support me so it was cool to get to hang out with her and the other Gold's Gym people for a bit.  After seeing some other friends finish up the walk, I decided to head home to enjoy the rest of my T-giving before having to go to work.  I had a great day all in all.  I look forward to running another 5k and definitely running this race again next year!

Oh yea, who would have thought I'd run this race one minute slower than my fastest 5k???  Look I got in under 30 minutes!!! 

FINAL RESULT
Chip Time  29:47  (Gun Time 31:45)
1434/2375 (overall)
53/108 (F, 35-39)
533/1154 (Female)

HA HA HA HA

Burning Daylight

I was sitting at work today thinking of how much I wanted to get in some cardio work today since I'll be out of town most of the weekend.  When I will be at home, I'll be sleeping or busy.  Since the patient load was way down today; there was nothing going on at 315p, so I ran for the door.  Made a couple of phone calls as I drove, arrived home, changed like a whirlwind, grabbed my road bike and headed out for a quick ride.  I did a fun, little loop that I've done many times before.  Only this time when the sun ducked behind the hills or trees, I got cold.  I noticed traffic began picking up as expected as I got closer to home.  Since I was getting a tad chilled, I decided to quit.  15 miles in one hour is pretty decent for an unplanned ride especially when you consider I had to wait at more than one stoplight.  Now the sun has dropped on down, and night is settling in, my toes are warming up; and I'm happy with this ending to a mentally draining work week.  Let the weekend begin.

NC State Wolfpack vs Virginia Tech Hokies
Sat - 3:30pm  Blacksburg, VA

UT Lady Vols vs UVa Lady Hoos
Sun - 4:00pm  Charlottesville, VA

Excellent.

I enjoyed my road ride today. WOW, can you believe I just said that? Amazing I know. I was dreading today. I didn't want to ride alone, much less road bike alone. I was having a hard time getting motivated to plan a route since I always seem to ride the same places and have to endure the idiots behind the steering wheels. I figured the trails would be a sloppy, soupy mess since we were soaked with rain this week, so if I wanted to ride it was going to have to be skinny tires.

My dear friend, Tim offered to meet up with me for a ride. I am so glad he did. He's an extraordinary rider and could leave me behind if he wanted; but time and again he's taken his time to ride with me. I love riding with him because he knows all of these cool places to ride. Today would be no exception. I met up with him at Hotel Roanoke, well the Link Museum and we headed up Mill Mountain. Amazingly, I climbed it without feeling like I was going to die or roll backwards back down the road. Once we arrived at the Parkway, we debated going towards Rt 24 which would be a route I've ridden many times before. I wanted to do something different so I asked where we would end up if we went the other way. Off we went. This was a great decision because not only did I get to ride a section of the Parkway that I've not ridden before, but I learned where most of the bailout points are along the way. This section of the Parkway was recently paved so the added bonus of smooth asphalt was awesome!

I feel comfortable enough with where we rode today to go back, and that's a good thing! I really want to build up more endurance and long road rides are going to be important for this when it's warm enough to ride. As we neared a bailout point (Dawnwood Rd), Tim asked if I wanted to go up to the first overlook. Sure, why not. How far/hard could it be? OOPS. The work was worth the reward today as there is a cool waterfall on the left side of the Parkway near the overlook. The sounds of the water cascading down the rocks was awesome, as was the view. I guess all that rain paid off because I can't honestly remember seeing this here before. Maybe I just drove by in the past without paying attention, but this was definitely a highlight of the ride. Once I was through taking pictures of the waterfall, we headed back down to Dawnwood Rd. I was able to reach 38mph on the descent. WOOO! I also got chilly on the way! After a quick stop to take a few more pictures, we walked the short path to Dawnwood.

Dawnwood would take us on a fairly, rural jaunt back to Poages Valley Road.  Again, we were treated to the sight and sound of running water in the roadside stream.  At one point, we stopped and Tim shared a story of playing in this stream as a kid.  This road was great to ride on since there was little to no traffic.  We arrived at Rt 221 where we made a right followed by a quick left and continued on Poages Valley Road.  I had no idea this road went this way.  Found a house that I would love to buy had I not just refinanced my own.  Further on, we came to the intersection of Poages Valley Road and South Roselawn.  Here there is a little, old house that has been refurbished.  It reminds you of something you'd see in a post card.  Amazing to think that someone could have lived so simply and undisturbed here. 

Eventually we wound our way back to the hustle and bustle of the real world on Brambleton Ave.  Of course we had to deal with traffic and stoplights, but I thought we made pretty good time.  A left past Mojo Coffehouse and we were weaving our way towards Patrick Henry HS.  Laughed at a weird structure that apparently is doubling as a shelter at the busstop.  Headed towards Grandin Court, Memorial Avenue Bridge through some less scenic areas onto 10th St.  10th Street as you may remember from previous blogs crosses the Lick Run Greenway which I ride quite a bit.  We would take this greenway back to Valley View Mall. Soon we would be near my house and Tim bid me farewell.  What an awesome ride!  Loved the beautiful day, loved the ride and the company!  I am happy.

---

(Photo from pre-ride visit to Gainsboro Library...  you never know who's looking over your shoulder.)

Cove photos...

Funny, how you can edit pictures to look brighter. These are from Friday. It was gloomy and overcast, but the computer helped them look a tad better.

Return to running...

Once upon a time and years ago, I ran 5ks. They were fun, they were hard. I ran in the rain, I ran in the snow, I ran when it was 90+, I ran when it was under 30. I also ran a couple of 8ks in the dark in Maggie Valley, NC. It was fun and there were many opportunities to race and places to run. I rarely won, but who cared. It was a battle against the clock for me. I started off running the Salem 5k race in 2002 in 31:09, and best I can remember one of my best times was 29:11. I seem to remember my last race being 28:54. I know I broke 29 minutes. So what changed? Plantar Fascitis and night shift. Yup, got two bad feet and a shift where I was up and going all night long. The feets were unhappy and running became unfun. This is when I turned to cycling.

For some reason, the racing season seemed all messed up this year. There were fewer races and some that I couldn't get to. Several races landed on the same weekend. It also seemed like we had perpetual rain. I guess I have some competitive genes or something. I feel like I need to do something else this year. I had hoped to ride my road bike on a metric century (62 miles) before the end of the year, but I haven't ridden my road bike in what seems like forever, so I have postponed that goal until 2010. Maybe I'll get to 75 miles next year. This brings me to the Drumstick (I almost typed Drunkstick) Dash.

Thanksgiving Day, I will return to running after a many-year hiatus. I have been trying to walk the dog most evenings just to see how my feet are with being on pavement. Last week, I started back running. Let's see that gives me roughly 30 days to get ready. My first run was 1.18 miles and it took me 11:53. Tossed in a bike ride on Tuesday. Then Wednesday night I goofed off in the backyard doing a "Nike iPod" workout. Thursday, I went to the gym, warmed up by walking on the stairmill for about 10 minutes before heading over to the treadmill. I had happily completed a mile+ before Lisa wandered over and decided I needed to run another mile. The goal was to run a mile in 8 minutes. Well, I managed to do it in 8:30. Not so bad. I run slowly on the treadmill, so that was really moving for me.

This morning I decided to see how long it would take me to run a 5k. Off I went making up the route as I went along. I kept a fairly steady pace throughout my run. There were a few hills etc along the way. I did have to walk for about a half a minute around mile 2.5. I needed a break. As I neared my street, I checked my GPS, and it said I had 2/10 mile left, so I picked up the pace a bit. I was able to finish the 5k in 31:10. Not bad really. 10 min/mile pace for me is about where I started off 7 years ago when I started running. The majority of the race results that I can find have me finishing around 30 minutes, so really I'm not that far off. =) I doubt I'll get in a sub-30 minute run, but I'll try.

Upcoming Event...

Thanksgiving Day, I will make my return to running. I haven't run a foot race in many, many years. This is purely for fun and to see if I can finish in a reasonable amount of time. We'll see. If you or someone you know is interested. Here's the link.

Flat.

What a long week. So happy tomorrow is Friday. I am about as flat as the tires on my bikes. Yes, pleural BIKES. Tuesday I was loading up Ritchey to go to the Chicky ride. I found the back tire to be almost flat. I loaded it up anyway and thought if I have time I'll change it. In case there wasn't time, I went back and grabbed Copper, the Single Speed. Off I went to Mill Mountain. When I got there, Paula was already there; so it would be a Single Speed Chicky ride. I quickly popped the flat platforms out of the SPDs and added some air to the tires. Copper has been sitting idle for a while. I use it primarily to run errands and to/from the gym; but haven't ridden it in a few weeks.

We decided on a short loop so that Paula could get to a dinner engagement. If I felt like it, I was going to ride more after she left. So we take of down ZooPoo and Ridgeline Trail. Headed quickly towards Monument, where the climb was a bit of a challenge for me and my 33/18 geared SS. I made it though without getting off, falling over or stopping. Aimed the bike down the trail on the descent. A bit of a bumpy ride, but plenty of fun. I felt like I was zooming pretty good, passed the Star Trail intersection, down the next little steep and suddenly, squish-a, squish-a, squish. "YOU'VE GOT TO BE F'ING KIDDING ME???" Sure enough the back tire on the single speed was now flat. PITA!!! I don't have a quick release on the back of this bike, so I carry a 14mm ratchet wrench with me. I didn't want to hold Paula up and urged her to continue without me, but she wouldn't leave me. I set off to change the tube. The rims on this bike have a small channel on the inside edge which makes tire removal a bitch. After using Paula's tire levers, the tube change was easy. I have the same set in my other camel back, but for some odd reason I took them out of the one I was using and haven't replaced them. Add that to the to do list.

After replacing the tire, we finished out Monument Trail then headed up the old road. I thought I was going to croak, but amazingly enough I was able to pedal all the way to the Car Trail. Here I had to walk the steep up section, which was fine with me. We ran into one of my coworkers, chatted a few minutes then continued on. I finally got tired of pedalling just shy of the switchback on Riser. I wasn't able to ride the switchback today. Oh well. same story on Ridgeline - got most of the way around the switchback before having to put a foot down.

I think our ride was like 50 minutes, I could have changed the tire on Ritchey and rode more; or continued on Copper, but I really didn't want to ride alone for some reason. I packed my stuff up and headed out. As I got off of the interstate to go home, I decided to go put some time in at the the gym. So about 45 minute of mountainbiking followed by 50 minutes of spinning at the gym - not bad I guess!

Since then it's been raining and cold. YUK!!!! I've been to the gym two nights in a row. The aches are beginning to set in. Oh well tomorrow's Friday, I can cope.

1st Montvale Mayhem

Kenny Palmer is my hero. He builds awesome trails and hosts fun events. I will go to any and every Kenny Palmer event from now until the time I can pedal no more! I guess I have a liking for Bedford County trails so much since my only two Sport level wins have come at those parks. The 2008 Fat Tire Frenzy found me beating my future friend, Gina Gilbert by 3 seconds. Yesterday was quite different.

This was Kenny's first race at the Montvale Trails. The trail system is fairly new and small, I think he says there is 6.5 miles of trail there. So how do you have a race on short trails? Loops and grassy fields. Kenny really likes grass. You won't go to a KP event and not get to ride in a grassy field at some point. =) It's like his trademark. This race would have us starting off in grass then going up the gravel driveway that serves as the entrance to the parking area. A left into a freshly, close cut mowed field. Across the hill around this giant animal hole, down through and around a grassy field. HA HA HA, sounds like cyclocross. I'd better shut up or he might throw that in at some point. Once you hit the single track, the trails are quite fun. Contrary to my last visit, I didn't crash on the singletrack, well at least I didn't crash at my own doing (more on that later). I also must have found some hidden of courage because I rode many of the log hops and even rode the skinny bridge on the way out. The trails are funny as it was hard to keep an idea of where you were, and at many times during the race you could look up or down and see the people you were racing. You could also hear people talking during the race, but not see them. I like it when people talk to me during the race (more on that later).

So anyway at the start of the race there were a bunch of Sport males, a couple of single speeds then there was me and a 13 year old chick. At the start, I just decided to take my time up the hill and onto the single track so I could get used to what I was doing again. Well everyone took off like bats out of hell including the 13 year old. So here I am next to last...*&%#, not where I want to be, nor do I like the idea of losing to a child. So I settle into a smooth rhythm and pace that I can handle on the trails. Up, down, right, left, pedal pedal pedal. You get the idea. Of course, Gina is there as a course marshall and she cheers me on, as does her husband Josh. YAY, thanks guys!!!

I see no one to chase until I get to Beale's Treasure - "the only real climb in the race." What a PITA this would become. So thankfully, I've been riding and climbing quite a bit of late, so the first trip up wasn't so bad. I was able to ride it pretty successfully and gained time on people here. I finally caught sight of the 13y/o and would keep her in sight for a while. We looped around to start lap 2 (the loop was just after the sketchy bridge). So on the way up Beale's the 2nd time, I again gained on the 13y/o and another sport male. I was right on the 13y/o rear wheel as we paralleled Quarterwood Rd. After passing through the parking lot, I asked her I could get around. I'm bigger and my best skill on my bike, is going downhill and she was going to hold me up and keep me from enjoying the downhill singletrack. She never said a word and kept riding right in the middle of the trail. I was a tad frustrated by this, but then again she was in 1st; I saw an opening on a straight stretch of trail, yelled out "ON YOUR RIGHT "and went on by her.

After a couple of turns, I could hear an Expert rider behind me (Gordon had already passed), so I told them to hang on and I'd get out of the way. I soon went to the right, and said, "GO LEFT." He yelled, "THANKS" and came by, well my guess is that the 13y/o decided to ride his wheel on the downhill because as soon as he went by I went back left into the trail where I got nailed by the kid. We both crashed rather hard. I thought my wrist was broken because I landed on it in a weird way. More than anything I was PISSED. I have crashed on my own before and that's ok, but getting wiped out by an inexperienced person was no fun. I got up, gathered my thoughts, grabbed the bike to get going again. I told her to go on, ride her race and not worry about it. She was upset, but I assured her to go. I let her go for a bit because she was squirrely at this point. She attempted to ride a couple of logs and each time wiped out. At one point, I stopped behind her picked up her bike and helped her get going again. I cautioned her to calm down and ride her pace.

At lap 3, I could tell I was getting tired. In fact, when I go to Beale's for the third time, I just got off and walked. My wrist and hand were aching. I figured I could walk up it just as quick. Again the 13y/o had gotten away from me. I just kept moving forward. I passed Josh at his checkpoint, he said, "you're only 30-40 seconds back from them." I thought he was talking about the girl. I was like, ok. So I did pick it up a bit and rode harder. I did catch up to the girl, who by now I think had gotten really tired. I passed her and kept on going. Then I caught up to Kristin C. who I never beat and who had started 2 minutes before me. She was stopped just past the huge log stack. I stopped for a sec to check then we went on together. I eventually got ahead of her too. Once I got back to the turnaround point it was time to go left and be done. I chickened out on the turn into the bridge and just walked it.

I kept thinking Kristin was going to catch me especially when the trail went up again. My legs were dying a slow, agonizing death by now. It hurt to pedal and all I could think was I still have to get back through that grassy field. I got back to the creek crossing and made it safely across. YAY! Back into the field. By now my left tricep started to cramp (ODD!?!?), so I ended up riding one handed for a few minutes so I could shake that. Up the hill, across. I was so glad to make the final right hand turn to go downhill. I stuck it in the big chainring and pedalled for all I was worth through the finish line. All I could think at this point was - this is just like our sprints to the parking lot at the Cove. HA HA HA. YAY!

What a fun race! I really enjoyed the day. I will definitely plan to go back and ride at Montvale some more. I want to try the trails in the other direction especially Beale's since Kenny says that is the better way to ride it. If nothing else, the day was so much fun because we got to just hang out and talk. The races this year have been too few and too far in between. I may race at Pandapas on the 25th. I may not. I will decide after the aches of that wreck subside. The tally for that incident: aching wrist, small cut and bruise to left shin, bruise on right ribs, sore shoulders(?) and neck. Lesson learned for me: when you pass them leave them behind quickly. Lesson for others: friggin communicate!!!!

Our team had a great showing. Paula was 1st in expert female, Laura was 2nd. Adam finished 2nd in sport male. I think Chris had a flat. =( Thanks also to Angelia and Warren for being there to support us!!!

Hmmm

Might have to try this:

To prevent this:

Yea, that's my leg... Tuesday night vs rocks on Songbird. I think the rocks won. Ya think the candle adhesive would keep my ass on the saddle?

A Tired Jen

Let's see, got out on the road bike this morning for a 25 mile ride. Discovered a few things as I went along. 1. It's been a while since I rode this bike and it was hard. 2. The wind hasn't been around in a while, that too made it harder. 3. Our new teamshorts do not match our jerseys, nor are they very comfortable. The comfort part made this ride harder. I guess the non-matching quality didn't help either in some sort of abstract way. I'm supposing when I race, I might be wearing something more comfortable. I hate to do that, but comfort is a necessity. If I have time before the 10th, I'll give them another chance.

Yea well anyway, the ride was good. I planned to just ride around the valley so I stuck with the plan. I think it took me 1 hr 45 min, so my pace wasn't so good. It seemed like I had the eternal headwind today. Saw a few interesting things during my ride - a huge tree that had fallen into someone's house, an injured teammate, a chicky pal, their awesome pup, new Greenway construction in Salem and crappy roads in Salem (wow, it's not just Roanoke). I saw a lot of bikers out today and everyone seemed friendly and waved. I guess we all had cabinfever from the day-long deluge yesterday. Even the drivers around me today seemed like they cared. What a switch that is.

Anyway, so I got home - did a few things here - ate a snack. Assisted my mom outside for a walk. She hasn't been outside in almost a week. She had knee surgery last Monday. Today though, she was able to make it down the steps and outside with ease. Even walked up and down the street a short ways before seeking refuge back in the recliner. GO MOM!

Since I hardly get to go to trailwork days at the Cove, I wanted to do something useful. I decided to take my dog who has been an absolute angel in the past week out for a bit. And, figured I'd do some trail work on Mill Mountain while out. We managed to weedeat a good section of trail which has caused more than a few issues for riders lately. Many people thanked me for the work and that was cool. After the weedeating was done, Sergei and I walked Big Sunny to the Riser intersection and back. Then we moved the car to the Monument, cut some tree branches there then headed down the trail a bit before bushwhacking to the road then up to Ridgeline. The dog was having a blast. It was good to have him out and to also be productive! Now we're all tired.

Gotta fix some dinner then it's TV NIGHT!!! YAY - Amazing Race and Cold Case!

I give up.

With the wacky weather we are constantly bombarded with, I am ready to give up on trying to race this year. I was going to go race beginner class at Douthat on Sunday, but since Mother Nature seems to want to piss on everything I want to do anymore, they've postponed the race two weeks. Now it is Sunday 10/11, one friggin day after Kenny's race in Montvale. SIGH. Now what? Maybe it's an omen....

Anyway, here's Kyle's update:

Middle Mountain Momma postponed!!!

Plan B

Just enough rain to be annoying, and tomorrow is Monday. Boo!

Glad I'm a Hokie fan...

I think if I were a UVa fan, I'd have to turn in my gear after this...

FDNY 343

Where did Fall go??

Dern, I left for a few days to go be amongst the 74,934 who were at the Georgia Dome Saturday night for the Alabama/Virginia Tech game. Fall was here when I left, but summer came back. OOF! I wanted to ride in some cool, crisp air. Please come back!!! Anyway, after getting a hundred things done this morning, I snuck out to get in a ride on Mill Mountain. Had specific route in mind, so time would be what it was. I parked at the Star Trail lot, headed up to Woodthrush (climbing was a goal today). I climbed Woodthrush with fairly good effort. Had to climb over the tree that's down (missed the go around on the way up) and walked about 10 feet after I lost my balance on some rocks otherwise rode it without stopping – haven't done that in a long time. Took a left, went down Virginia Pine to the old road, rode up it to Woodthrush then onto JPFish, rode up it to Riser, down Riser, across Big Sunny, down Sylvan, UP Monument (again good effort – had to yield to some hikers). Took Ridgeline back to JPFish so there was that bit of a climb. Rode back down Woodthrush as quickly as I could just for fun. Stopped at the fallen tree to give directions, took the go around and headed back to the car. All in all about 8.8 miles in around 1.5 hours. Need to get in more riding, but time was not on my side today. A bit more to do tonight – back to work tomorrow. BOOO!!!

Trail names…

This post is dedicated to Brian G. from Michigan. =)

Yes, we name our trails. I was thinking of you, so I decided to make a list. Here goes (you could almost sing it to Billy Joel's "We didn't start the fire"): buck, hotel, hideeho, trough, the gauntlet, hemlock tunnel (clownhead), araminta, comet, tuckaway (girl scout), four gorges (connector), enchanted forest, songbird (mad cow), arrowhead (skillet), schoolhouse, littlebell, easy street, beale's treasure, cliff hanger, coyote ridge, ridgeline, yellow drum (HA HA I'm still laughing), moto x, beaver dam, bluebird path, creekside, deer trail, fat albert, ledge, lower deer trail, piney ridge, ridgeloop, ridgeloop extension, sleepy hollow, turkey hill, white rock, hot tamale, camelback, plummet, broken arrow, the bern, eagle scout, riverside drive, anglers ridge, little pisgah, gravity hill, crooked stick, the mesa, ridgeline, riser, monument, woodthrush, Virginia pine, fern park, big sunny, star, crystal spring, outback, upper piney, lower piney, ivy ridge, slalom, bottom out, cyclone, tombstone, squeeze, tomcat, roller coaster, rock pile, steves bowl-a-rama, slickrock, ridgecap, grapevine, a trail too far, candlers climb, lake trail, raptor run, the looney, alternate flight plan, cutem off pass, deer trail, raccoon alley, gonzo, trainwreck, spit decision, 1971, monorail, pyschopathe, peak 2 peak, z – trail, luge trail, upper dam, lower dam, horton's loop, the playground, great escape, bobsled, papaw's, doc's trail, a walk in the park, the lasso…

These trails are at Carvin's Cove, Montvale, Bedford, Danville, Mill Mountain, Peak's View Park and Liberty Mountain. All of which I've ridden. There are a bunch more trails out there…

Muggy in Montvale

Hey! So there's this little place along 460 that is very combustible. It's affectionately known as "Kaboom Town". Where is this "land of en fuego" you ask? Oh it's about 20 minutes east of Roanoke, and Montvale is home to several gasoline distribution tanks. My goal today was to go and ride the trails at Montvale Park. I guessed that the Cove would be a muddy mess given the downpours of the past few days, I just rode Mill Mountain Friday night; and I've wanted to check out these trails for a while. I figured they couldn't be any messier than the other options. I also didn't know how I would feel today. I've struggled for the past 6 days with two extremely sore legs. Yep, overdid it at the gym and paid the price for 5+ days. It was so bad at one point, I couldn't walk up or down steps and needed to grab a door knob to get up and out of my chair at work. Stupid Jen.

Prior to today, I rode this past Tuesday (~10.5miles) at the Cove with Paula – it was the 1^st day post gym goof, so the pain wasn't too bad; well at least until I went to climb. I found myself walking up stuff I've ridden all year long. I just couldn't push/pull the pedals. OW. Friday, the idiots formerly known as weathermen had forecasted rain all day, so I didn't take my bike to work nor did I charge my light for the previously planned Friday night lights ride. At around 7p, Paula called and asked if I still wanted to ride. Of course I did. We ended up meeting at 815p for a night ride on Mill Mountain. It was fun. My legs were sort of cooperative. The lights were great, that is until P's ran out of juice. We rode back up the old road by my light alone and called it a night (~6.2miles). We will probably ride like this again. It's a different vibe at night, plus we saw some weird stuff – reflector raccoons, pooping spider and camera lightning – you had to be there.

Montvale Park is fairly new I'm not sure when they began work on it, nor what the future holds. If it is anything like Falling Creek Park in Bedford, then I expect that there will be more amenities eventually with a sustainable trail system. So far, I can only find the trails. There are two ways to get to them. There is a parking lot on Quarterwood Road or you can park at the baseball fields below Montvale Elementary, which was the option I chose. I was going to attempt to ride the race course for the Montvale Mayhem race that's coming up in October. When I got there, I realized that the weathermen had once again erred in their prediction that it was going to be a cooler, less humid day. It was downright warm and very muggy. UGH.

Anyway, I unloaded my bike and headed out. From the parking lot, you ride towards the baseball diamond then hang a left on the freshly mowed path around a field. I think Kenny P. has a passion for grassy fields. =) I wondered where the trails actually were then I was given a hint of a little yellow diamond with an arrow. Cool. A left then a right takes you to Goose Creek which is probably rideable, but since I was solo I decided to walk across the quaint, cute footbridge. It's not quite wide enough for my handlebars, but I managed.

The first trail I came to was called Yellow Drum. I had noticed this on the map and wondered about the name. Of course, I was reading into it thinking of some cool connection like an Indian had lived here and had a tom-tom which led him to be named Yellow Drum. Well that fantasy was blown to smithereens when I rounded a curve and saw a large, yellow drum. Industrial ya'll. Like you'd see recycled oil in. I laughed, but soon found myself wrecking on a slippery tree root. I'm quite proud that I remembered how to roll. HA HA. My concentration was completely screwed up by the yellow drum. I guess I will remember Yellow Drum for a while. It ranks right up there with Fat Albert (if you've ridden at Falling Creek you know this reference). =D

Let's see, I can't remember specific details about any one trail at this point (I will list what I remember at the end). I can say there are a lot of log hops, which I don't care for because I'm just not that good at it. I felt like some are poorly placed and take away from the flow of the trails. Then again, maybe they are fine going the other direction. There are a lot of tree roots, a few rocky places, plenty of turns and a few bridges. I didn't even bother to try to ride the 2x8 board. I figured with my mud-caked tires, I'd surely wreck. There are a few dips which are very rideable. The trail bed itself is in good shape considering all of the rain this year, however there is a lot of trail litter and debris from the storms and there are a few low hanging trees, branches and vines. I don't know if it was just the hour I was riding or what, but there were hundreds of spider webs. I found myself getting creeped out by them and having to stop on occasion to pull them off. The signage at the park is good, intersections are well marked and the signs are durable and legible. I did get confused at one point where it looks like there are two parallel trails - one is Easy Street the other is Beale's Treasure/Ridgeline (I think). The BT/Ridgeline is marked but the other isn't. I also got totally confused by the yellow and green diamonds with arrows. I'm not sure of their significance, but it didn't seem to me like they were going anywhere. I followed the green ones for a bit after finding the Quarterwood parking lot, but after a bit they switched to yellow?!? I thought the sign for the parking lot was a bit odd too. It points the right way, but there isn't another sign (or at least I didn't see one) after that for the parking lot. I wound up finding the road then turning the wrong way on the road. Hmmm.

I did have the map with me today, and it is helpful. I'm betting after a few more rides there the trails will be easier and easier to navigate. It was my first trip out there and it was warm, so it took me forever to ride 7.25 miles. I would have liked to have ridden more, but I had already been there an hour and a half. Maybe next time, there will be less humidity and less spider webs. I do look forward to riding there again.

Trails	Thoughts as best I can recall…
Easy Street	Fun, fast trail… easy… =)
Beale's Treasure	The climb was a bit of a challenge (keep in mind, I'm not in great shape right now.) It's kind of like a short, curvy Arrowhead(?) The part below the access road was kind of interesting. Off camber in places.
Cliffhanger	Nice connector trail. I think this is where the 2x8 wood bridge is.
Coyote Ridge	Kind of a scary name given the literal meaning of Yellow Drum. Great trail, probably one of the best here. Has a good flow.
Ridgeline	Fast trail, downhill, two bermed turns, of course one right-handswitchback that I couldn't do. BOOO!!! Great trail – really like it.
Yellow Drum	HA HA HA, can't get past my stupidity with the name. Rooty, short trail
Moto X	Not ridden – if it's what I think then I've got to try it.

This post written and published using Microsoft Word.

Up early, out and back

Having had tons of stuff to do recently on Saturdays, I've been trying to plan rides on Sundays. Of course, any plan is subject to change here anymore because of the iffy weather. So heading into the weekend, I knew that again Sunday was going to be my day to ride. Of course, there's no rain in the forecast, but the high today was predicted to be 97°F. Don't know about you, but this is one reason I HATE summer. Everyone around me bitches and moans about snow and colder weather, so this is my opportunity to complain. I hate the heat, and I hate humidity. Fortunately, there hasn't been much of either until now. I decided that I would get up early (which by the way, I also loathe), get my ride in then head into the A/C for the duration of the day.

So, I set my clock for 0630 with the plan to get up and go ride without taking time to fix breakfast. I'm not usually that hungry when I wake up, but during the week, I have to eat because there's no time once you clock in. I got up did the requisite things in order to get ready to ride. I was on the bike and rolling at 0658. My plan was ride an out-and-back. I would head down Plantation Road to Hollins Road to Sanderson to Read Mountain Road to Route 11. Route 11 would take me through Troutville, to Nace Road. I planned to ride out Nace and Lithia Roads then turn around and retrace my path. It took me 46 minutes (12.2 miles) to get from Home to Nace Road. I enjoy riding Nace and Lithia because they are rural, low traffic and offer a steady downhill on the way out and a steady uphill on the way home. There is no shortage of neat things to look at or wonder about.

Of course, when I set off from home, it never occurred to me that it might be a tad on the cool side. I was actually wishing that I had worn a baselayer or brought along one of my sleeveless jerseys and arm warmers. I literally had goosebumps on my arms and legs from Hollins Road until about halfway along Lithia. Once I reached Rt. 11, I ate half of my granola bar then turned for home. Around 0845, the heat got cranking. I swear it was like someone flipped the switch. Weird. Of course, this is about the same time I was trying to climb the steady climb. I felt like my legs had zero power or that something was wrong. I just couldn't pedal as efficiently as I had been. I looked down to see the "marker" tape around my seat post was all squished. My seatpost had dropped at least an inch! No wonder I was having such a hard time. I don't have the bike's original collar on it right now as the bolt head looked like it was getting stripped out. I am planning to head out to the hardware or somewhere to buy a substitute bolt until I can get the correct replacement. The collar that is on the bike is evidently too big and doesn't hold the seat post properly. As I rode, I debated whether I would be able to loosen the stupid collar and raise the seat up. Otherwise, it was going to be a long trip home. I stopped after I got back on Rt. 11 and was able to successfully raise the seat back up. At least, now I could get more out of a pedal stroke. Sheesh, maybe I am high maintenance.

Miles	45.0
Time	2:51:42
Avg Speed	15.7mph
Max Speed	33.5mph
Avg HR	135bpm
Max HR	167bpm
Wildlife spotted	Cows, horses, sheep, crows, birds, squirrel, field mice, turtles x 2, green snake (that I accidently ran over)

Anyway, I made it back home in decent time. I was getting really tired – my legs were aching. I think the seatpost thing threw me off. I didn't think I was going to make it up back up the last hill towards home. That would be embarrassing – having to walk that close to home is forbidden. I was very glad to roll into the backyard and get off the bike. I enjoyed my ride. I do think I can do better than I did today. In fact, I know I can. Not too bad though for not having ridden the road bike in a while much less a longer ride like today.

As I sit and type this blog (1343) it is 87°F, 45% humidity and a 10mph wind… Odd…

This blog written and published using Microsoft Word.

Full Moon Chicky Ride

Before you go getting any crazy ideas about Chickys riding with full moons, look outside. There's a full moon or nearly a full moon (officially that is Thursday night). Let me also say, that I absolutely love Carvins Cove. I am so grateful that the City has allowed the development of the trail system there. I need to remind myself of this and carry my tail out there for trail work in fall and winter. Tonight, Paula and I decided that we've had enough of the lower trails. They are just too muddy lately and with the downpour that hit out there prior to my arrival; we figured it would be another slopfest. I was itching to go to the upper trails anyway, so it was cool when P said she was thinking along those same lines!

I've wanted to climb Buck for a while now. It's been a really long time since I've climbed it. Been down it several times, but up it only once before. We took the road to the trail, so we could avoid the muddy mess that is Hotel. Buck definitely gets you going - some tough little sections, lots of roots and several rocks. I did alright for a while. I did have to walk a few times. There's this one turn that I probably could have ridden, but the price for screwing it up looked painful, so I elected to walk. This trail probably has some pretty views in the fall once the leaves fall. I will go back and photograph it for you. =)

After Buck, we took a short ride up the fire road, to Trough. Haven't been down this trail in a long time either, we usually climb it. This trail is home to the local downhillers. They were definitely out in force tonight. I actually lost count of how many riders were on Trough. There had to be a dozen or more. I'd like to just sit and watch them one day. They are crazy, but talented. We avoided their jump section, but did get to enjoy a speedy downhill ride. Horse Pen is what they call the bottom trail at the end of Timberview Road. We took it to Gauntlet.

Gauntlet sounds intimidating because it is. This would be my second trip ever up it, and my only trip up it since the reroute. OOF. I did great at first. I found a gear I could manage and a pace that I could handle. Rode a good ways (or at least it felt like it) before having to stop. I did ok after this. I had to walk quite a bit, but it appeared as though the others with me did as well. The rerouted top section is absolutely hike-a-bike. Every time, I'd think "you can ride a bit" there would be another frickin pitched up hill. Whose bright idea was this? The trail is absolutely a scream to ride down, but sheer torture to try to get back up. Oh well, I can walk, and walk I did. At one point, I think I was actually pedaling near the top I looked down and to the left. I saw a bear's foot print in the mud. It was probably as big as my fist. This was the first time it occurred to me that the bears could be out and about tonight. DUUUUUHHHHHHH!!! I just kept going as quickly as I could – all the while keeping an eye out of Yogi and Boo-Boo. Fortunately, there were no bear sightings. Would have snapped a picture of the footprint with my cell phone, but I didn't want to be anyone's dinner tonight.

After waiting a brief bit, Paula and new friend Ed (yea we had a dude on the Chicky Ride, we are nice people really, although I think he was ready to kill us both) we elected to return to the parking lot via Hi-Dee-Ho. I should mention that on the fireroad, there was a nice wind, almost fall-like and definitely chilly on my sweaty self. Hi-dee-Ho is fun. I have yet to ride the top three switchbacks. I guess I'm just too afraid of getting hurt. I did ride the lower left hand one (the telephone one.) It was actually fairly easy then I did ride the up-around-the tree turn that follows. Afterwards, the trail is easy and fast. ZOOOOOOM. Could have gone faster had the little voice in my head not been reminding me of how important it is not to kill or maim oneself while riding a bike.

Anyway, I totally enjoyed my ride tonight. It is absolutely one of the best routes we've done. I look forward to repeating it some more. Maybe we should plan to ride it on the Tuesdays nearest every full moon. We could start a new tradition – the Full Moon Chicky Ride. HA HA!! Going to sleepy happily tonight! WOOO!

This post was written and published using Microsoft Word.

Blogger is irritating me…

Why is it that every time I try to post with pictures that I end up having to delete blank spaces? Why is it I can never get my posts to look good anymore? And why the hell can I not have a picture behind my title? I hate Blogger lately. I thought it was supposed to be easy, but for some reason I'm losing patience with it. I had a long post typed up with pictures and it irritated me so much due to the whacked out spacing that I just deleted it. Any suggestions are welcome.

Crickets...

Chirping... Look for a blog post coming soon... Haven't really had anything to talk about... We now return you to your regularly scheduled program already in progress... Crickets resume chirping...

A few facts...

<--cool picture borrowed from Laura. Thanks Chicky!

Race distance: 14.17 miles

Time: 1:58:30

Avg speed: 7.2 mph <--wow for me.

Max speed: 21.6 mph (during the neutral (ahem) start)

Avg HR: 162 bpm <--no wonder it hurt. =)

Max HR: 176 bpm

Fun Factor: Off the chart!!!

Carvins Cove Race

Disclaimer: I have a lot to say, but some things will be omitted from this public blog as I don't wish to appear a sore loser or poor sport.

I am so very happy with my race today. I did something I never thought I could do or would do. Who would have ever predicted that years ago when I bought my bike that I could go out and compete in a Sport level race at Carvins Cove? Much less on a course that included Hemlock Tunnel!

I refer you back to my previous post for course description etc. Note what I say in the last paragraph. The race started out fun enough. There were 6 women in the sport classes today. 4 in my age group and two in the younger. Paula was in the Single Speed class, but raced the same course as us. So there were 7 racing this distance. I was fairly certain that I could ride the course safely since I had taken time to preride it. My biggest concern was the downhill on Hemlock Tunnel. The uphills don't worry me much anymore because if all else fails, walk.

So we started off in a HUGE pack of riders (all sports, clydesdales and SS start together). Neutral start to the gate then it's on. As we were riding down the road, it was hard not to notice that there were a lot of people racing today. The hum of the tires on the road always amuses me and having a few spectators along the road side is fun too! Gina and I were talking about how nice the houses are on the road and debating how the gob of riders was going to filter down to single file to go around the gate. None the less we all safely made it through then onto Songbird, I encouraged Gina to go ahead of me because I knew she was faster than me. I knew that Beth (Wake's girlfriend and super nice person) was behind me as well as Rachel and the other younger sport racer.

I stayed prettty close to Gina on Songbird, almost hit her back tire a few times on the fun, downhill section; but as soon as we got to the fireroad, Beth took off around me like I was sitting still. I stayed with them on Enchanted Forest through the water crossing and a short bit of Comet, but soon after they were gone. I would catch a glimpse of the three women in front of me as we went up the 1000' climb, but I was no match for them. I gained on them a slight bit, but then never saw them again once we got onto Hemlock Tunnel.

I literally prayed out loud when I got to Hemlock Tunnel that I would make it safely to the bottom. Thankfully I did, but I did talk to myself the whole way down about how to ride it, where to go, etc. I'm sure if anyone could hear me they thought I was nuts. Soon, I was caught by two guys who said they were racing, but in no big rush. They were nice enough, but I finally just had them go by me. I hate to have someone right on my butt. I meandered my way through Hemlock Tunnel. I had to foot out on a water crossing, but I rode the weird one. I think I walked one short section of HT (I can't remember now.) Finally arrived at the fireroad to Comet, which again I had to walk a short section. My lungs and heart couldn't keep up with my legs today.

On Comet, I rode the downhill fairly quickly. Nearly killed myself on a water crossing. Walked up the steep hill, rode the rest of it, including the logs where the mudbog is. As I neared the end of the trail, I neglected to see a fallen tree to my right and slammed my right foot and pedal right into it. It hurt terribly for a brief bit; I considered a broken foot for a few, but eventually I clipped it back in and continued on.

The 2nd trip up 1000' sucked pretty bad. I just dropped it into granny and spun my way up. At some point, I had realized that I would be 4th today and therefore not in a position to receive a medal or prizes, so I decided that I really needed to beat my preride time of 2:13. On 1000' it became apparent to me that I might actually be able to get in under 2 hours as my friend Laura predicted. Once I hit the Four Gorges Trail, I decided to go for that goal. It hurt trying too. I again had to stop and walk this one section (I've done this the last three times out...not sure what's up here). My heart and lungs failed me again I guess. Realizing I was coming awfully close to the two hour goal, I went all out on the last climb and flew down the descent to the bridge. I was disgusted to see horse poop right in the middle of the good line on the bridge, but avoided it and suffered my way up the last little climb.

As I neared the intersection of 4G and HdH, I saw Laura and muttered something like, "you and that damn two hour goal..." I took off down the hill like my shoes were on fire. Messed up on the turn with the tree root, but went as hard as I could the rest of the way. My vision was all fuzzy by the time I got the last turn on the trail. I hit the gravel and grabbed another gead. I had to get in in two hours. Crossed the bridge, reminded myself of the terrible entrance/exit to the trails. Bounced my way up, tried to figure out exactly where the finish line was pedal, pedal, pedal... I heard my fellow Chickys cheering (YAY, you guys rock)... DONE

OW. 1 hour 58 minutes. May not have won a single prize today, but I'm more happy with accomplishing something I didn't think I could do. The satisfaction of the sub-2 hour finish time is better than any item they could have given me. I needed a confidence booster, and I think I got it. There are a couple of side stories to this event, but I'll leave those opinions and thoughts to face-to-face conversation.

YAY ME!!!

Commonwealth Games Pre-ride

Ok so last Tuesday night Paula and I tried to ride part of the Sport Course for the C.Games Mountain Bike Race. We had to do an abbreviated version due to timing. So today I decided to go back and try again. It's been a couple of years since I raced at the Cove and then I was just a beginner. The jump to Sport class last year wasn't easy, and everyone knows the saga of trying to ride so far this year. (If not, go back and read some previous posts). I wasn't quite sure if I was up to this challenge or not. The other complicating factor is that one of the trails (Hemlock Tunnel aka Clownhead aka Hemlock Tunnel of Death) the race goes on is very difficult in my opinion. Today would be only the 4th or 5th time I've ever ridden the crazy thing. It's just that bad. We noticed on Tuesday that it doesn't appear as though it's getting ridden as much as some of the others, so there is quite a bit of greenery encroaching on the trail as well as a lot of branches and junk on the trail.

So all of the races start off on Songbird. Great trail when it's dry, but of course we had a lot of rain on Saturday; so today it was mucky, muddy and slippery. I managed just fine, but picked up alot of mud and splatter as I journeyed across. After Songbird, all races will take a right on the fireroad for a quick jaunt to Enchanted Forest, which is not at all Enchanting. It's rooty, muddy and there are a ton of weeds and greenery along the trail. There is a mud bog or two right now. The stream is if nothing else refreshing.

After this it's Comet back to the fireroad. I honestly think poor Comet needs to be shut down and rerouted in a more than a few places. There are crazy roots. One of the big dips has at least 4 options to cross the small stream that sometimes holds water. This will be a big PITA during the race. Awhile back, several well-meaning, hard-working volunteers attempted to armour some of the stream crossings. This worked well for a while, but with the rains that we've gotten many of them are washed out and tricky. Most all of Comet (the lower part) is rideable - the only exception for me is the V-ravine. Completing Comet brings all racers back to the foot of the 1000' climb. Beginners go up and take the 4Gorges back, Sport and Experts continue on to Hemlock Tunnel.

Hemlock Tunnel. Ah yea. This trail gets my attention. Why? Because I suck at switchbacks, and it is a technical, steep descent. So the top of the trail starts out with a lot of lose rocks, not small ones either. They clunk and roll as you do. There are (I think) 4 switchbacks which you have to negotiate. Most of them have small drops off of tree roots entering them. Then, there is the downhill run which is rutted with similar lose rocks. I did fine on it Tuesday, but today I freaked out about halfway down and stopped. This hill absolutely kills my hands. By the time I reached the bottom, both are aching. From there this trail really isn't that bad. Like I said before, there is a lot of overgrowth on both sides of the trail. The trail meanders through the woods and crosses a stream bed a few times. There are a few log hops and an uphill or two. Eventually you arrive back at a fireroad (Kerncliff). Here you take a left and head up hill to the trailhead for Comet.

Once at Comet, I was wondering what I would face. It's been a long time since I rode Comet as well. I remembered it to be worse than it was honestly. The downhill wasn't too bad. There isn't one good line. You just have to pick your spots and ride it. The bottom left hand turn is very rideable for me now. The climbs out of Comet are not easy, nor were the water crossings for some reason. Anway, I found that if I stood up and climbed I did much better on these. I did have to walk one hill on Comet - have never ridden up. There are logs and plenty of mud on Comet ride now, but I did enjoy what the trail had to offer today. Eventually you come back to where you were the first time through on Comet and you follow it and the 1000' climb (quarter mile of it this time) up to Four Gorges. Riding 4G this direction is a lot easier, and today I felt like I did good on it. I did have to stop at one point because I was having trouble catching my breath - probably because heart rate nailed 172bpm. This had happened on the end of Hemlock Tunnel too. A quick stop this time and it went right back down. I arrived at the bridge much sooner than I expected.

I'm trying not to get overly confident about today, but I felt good for the most part during the ride. I walked when I had to, but even that wasn't all that much. I started the GPS's timer at the parking lot, but I did stop it at the top of 1000' at Hemlock Tunnel while I heeded nature's call. My ride time was 2:13:43. I did stop once or twice to see my ever ringing phone. Maybe I can get the ride under 2 hours, but I doubt it. I think I'll aim for sub 2.5 and see what happens. It should be fun. Not looking forward to heat and humidity. I was done by noon today, and the races start around 11am. Hmmm, hydration....

Good ride, lots of grime:

TWIJL

"This week in Jen-Land"

Sunday - was a long, rainy day marshalling at the ID3's final day of criterium races. Quick Summary - some of those riders are fast! The homeless of Roanoke are interesting creatures. Rain sucks.

Monday - I can't remember Monday - that's weird.

Tuesday - sucked getting to work, sucked at work, got off 40 minutes late, but got in a most excellent ride at Carvins Cove with my Chicky Pal, Paula. I'll blog more on that after I ride there on Sunday. Seems to make sense to blog about that in one day.

Wednesday- Uh was supposed to go to the gym, but there was Doggie Drama, not with Sergei, but another. More on that later if more transpires with the pup. Ended up going for a short, unhelmeted, flipflopped cladded ride - ran into a friend playing kickball.

Thursday - Gym night - 30 min on the RPM bike, ramped up heart rate, simulated hills, simulated a few sprints, another hill, cool down, then an hour with trainer - torture - all is well.

Friday - Intended on riding my MTB on MM, but my cell phone battery was dead - not going to ride solo without a lifeline. I'm not stupid.

Saturday - have some stuff I have to do. Will try to ride MMAD (Mill Mountain After Dark).

Sunday - going to go do a long ride at Carvin's Cove. Need to check out Comet and see what it's like for the race on the 19th.


Meanwhile in France, Alberto, what are you doing??? I still think Astana is the team to beat. Maybe it's really Levi or Kloden's year? If they implode forget it, it's anybodies ball game.

Fat Tires and Dry Trails

WOW, it is sad that I can't honestly remember the last time I rode on dry trails. I can't remember how long it's been since I rode my mountain bike. Sad, but with the rain we had for days (now in the 13th day in a row without); and vacation I just didn't get to ride. Tonight was the weekly Chicky Ride at Explore Park. Yet again it was just me and Paula. I really enjoyed the ride tonight. At times, it was difficult, but more often it wasn't. I did enjoy the route we took tonight and put in a decent effort. The Explore Park is ok, but as typical of places with few trails, it offers few options to link trails together. Oh well. Next Tuesday, we're heading to the Cove to pre-ride the MTB race course. The race is July 19th. I'm probably going to race Sport, but actually entertained the thought of racing Expert? HUH? Yea, that was a moment of insanity I guess.

Anyway, I have no idea how long we rode or how far we rode. My Garmin is broken, and I haven't bothered to get the new one out of the box yet. We did ride the Beginner trail to the Intermediate trail to the Endurance Loop. Endurance to the Inner Loop then Outer Loop. Did the lollipop loop across the road then back up the road to the parking lot. We probably could have ridden more, but we stopped to chat after hike-a-biked up the rooty part of the Lollipop Loop. Oh well. It was a great night to ride, glad I went. I really enjoyed it.

The weekend looks to be busy. I will be helping with the ID3 races on Friday and Sunday. I have plans for July 4th. I missed all of the fireworks last year due to family circumstances, so this year I want to see a nice display before going on call at 11p. HAPPY 4th!!!!

UNBLOCKED

Sorry for the recent inconvenience of having my blog blocked. It seems the Roanoke Times decided to take it upon themselves and list my blog on their website. They didn't seek my permission to do so, and quite frankly it irritated me. I think it's flattering that anyone finds what I have to say interesting, but I really didn't like the idea of being so easily found. I'm sure that Google plus the right words will find me. Anyway, after emailing a couple of folks at the Roanoke Times, both links have been removed from the website. I've waited a few days and now I give you my blog back. I guess if it happens again, I will find another host for my blog. Blogger has some good qualities, but somethings I definitely don't like. We'll see.

Meanwhile, I've been at the beach since about 10p Friday. It got up to 102 here yesterday. It was 100 at 6pm (a record for Myrtle Beach) if that gives you any idea. That's just a tad too hot for me. It was too hot on the beach and too hot by the pool. I elected to just stay inside or in the shade most of the day. Today is supposed to be equally as hot, however there is a nice wind today. I was awakened by my dog at 6:15 for his morning potty ritual, so after his business was done, I headed back out to the beach for a walk. I walked and jogged a bit down the beach and back. It was probably 2 miles total. My back started hurting on the way back. I've scoped out some places in the campground where I can do some other exercises and may do that later once the sun sets.

I've had fun so far. Have a few more indoor things planned for today since we're headed towards the upper 90's again. Vacations are nice!!! Also, best wishes go out to Davy and Kelly as their bike shop was destroyed by fire yesterday. THAT SUCKS!!! I'm sure Blackwater Bikes will be back and better than before. You can check the local news sites for pictures and more information or go here.

Races, they are a coming...

I will miss out on racing at one of my favorite places Saturday. That is Bedford's Falling Creek Park. This is the rain date of the Fat Tire Frenzy. I'm the defending Sport Women 18-35 Champ (I won by 3 seconds!). I will surrender the title this year in favor of going to the beach. Tough decision, but a much needed vacation awaits.

So what does that leave me??? Races, of course. Got a note from Kenny P. today tipping me off to an update on the Bedford Trails Event Page. I feel better now knowing that I have four races to work towards when I get back from Myrtle Beach. Here's my list:

Sunday July 19th - Commonwealth Games Race @ Carvin's Cove
Saturday September 26th - The Southside Scramble in Danville, VA
Saturday October 10th - Montvale Mayhem in Montvale, VA
Saturday October 24th - The 2nd Assault on Liberty Mountain in Lynchburg, VA

I can't wait. The goals are set now. Once I get back from vacation, it's time to get serious about the fall races. July 19th will be a test of patience if they keep the same Sport course, and if it's hot and humid bodes to be a sufferfest. It was +90°F for this race last year, and I skipped it.

Ok enough rambling, I need to take care of some stuff.

Nace/Lithia (again) =)

YAY ME!!! Despite my Garmin's efforts to not measure my ride distance today, I'm estimating the ride was 54.2 miles. That would make this my longest road ride ever. Too bad, I can't "document" it with the Garmin, but the idiot thing wouldn't stay on. Even now after a hard reset, tapping the back of it causes it to shut right down. Oh well. It's at least 3 years old and has probably taken a good beating considering I take it mountain biking in all sorts of weather and have used it on the road quite a bit. I think it's really goofed up too as today's ride data only contains the part of the ride from my house to Hotel Roanoke where I met Paula, yet the map and profile shows 32 miles of the ride. Weird.

Riding with other people sure helped the time pass by, but I surely couldn't keep up at times and felt bad about that. I tried to do my best and pull on occassion, but I'm truly clueless about how to ride in a group. I also haven't mastered the art of riding right behind someone. I thought I was going to take P out as we descended Nace Road, luckily I just swung around her without plastering my friend. Then on Rt 11 nearing the congested area, I just about ran off the side of the road. I kept it right on the edge as I leaned left to gradually bring the bike over. YIKES! Hope no one saw that. Of course, we had had blast before that in our paceline of three (we had met up with Warren on Lithia Rd)! ZOOOM. Would love to know our pace on that section, but of course Garmin is all jacked up.

I am tired tonight. My legs were trash when I got home. We didn't stop much today, so my quads were like WTF are you doing? Anyway, they feel better now. I see a metric century in my future. Yup, that's 100km or 62.137 miles. That would be great. After that I'm aiming for 75 miles then you got it a CENTURY!!! Hopefully I get to ride some at the beach next week, then I really want to get some MTB time in when I get home. I've already said, I'm ready to ride at night to get it done!

Today's Route: Home, Valley View, Lick Run Greenway, Wells Ave, Plantation Road, Hollins Road, Sanderson, Read Mountain Road, Rt 11, Nace, Lithia AND BACK.

Let's see this week I have the Tuesday Chicky Ride, Wednesday and Thursday at the gym then leaving for the beach after work on Friday. After that, it's vacation time, so we'll see how much fitness I get in next week. =)

Decisions, decisions...

I'm doubting that I'm going to have time to ride today (Saturday). There's just too many things to do here to get ready for vacation. I leave next Friday, but most everything needs to be done this weekend as the week ahead looks to be busy already. My delimma is do I ride road tomorrow for the third Sunday in a row or do I go do a long mountain bike ride on Mill Mountain? Here's the thoughts on each.

Road Ride

• this would be the third week in a row
• won't be home for the next Sunday (@ the beach, will ride road there)
• the following Sunday is traveling
• not sure where I want to ride tomorrow if I do go for a road ride (30-40 miles)

Mill Mountain MTB

• trails at the Cove by all acccounts are a disaster area (mud, ruts, etc.)
• trails at Mill Mountain handle the rain very well and are likely rideable
• trails at Mill Mountain are either all up or all down
• to get a long ride in there would be repitition of trails

I really want to get in a MTB ride, but I don't particularly want to muddy the bike up too much as there isn't time to clean it up before leaving for the beach. I guess I could just do another road ride. After all, it's probably doing more for my cardio than anything right now. The rain is killing me during the week. By the time I get home from work, it rains and I don't get to ride. I had hoped to ride after dinner recently (even in the dark) on Mill Mountain, but I swear it's rained every day that I've not had gym time scheduled.

Thinking ahead to racing, I guess my next race will either be July 12 in Charlottesville, VA or July 19 at Carvin's Cove. I could do the Mill Mountain Time Trial, but do I want to do that with racing Sport on the 19th? Sheesh. More decisions.

I think I'll go back to packing and cleaning now.

I want this...

Life is Crap video.... FUNNY STUFF =)