Three? No Two? No Three? Oh crap.

So if you're a regular reader here, you know I went back to school earlier this year.  I am now entering my 3rd Quarter of my online MHA program.  So far it's been ok with a few hiccups along the way.  The biggest frustration by far has been the lack of time to ride my bike.  Of course it has been hotter than Satan's butt crack here all summer, so riding hasn't been a huge priority either.  I am really glad that I made it a point to go back to the Chicky ride and to continue my regular Sunday rides.  Otherwise my race last Saturday might have been a huge nightmare.

The race took place at the Montvale "Park" trails.  These are little known mountain bike trails that are super fun.  Of course, it's in Bedford County, so that means one thing KENNY PALMER.  =)  Love him, love his trails and as I told him, "if you have a race, I'll be there."  So there I was!  Somewhere in the midst of doing homework one night, I registered for the SPORT Women category.  Same as last year, I figured 2 laps of the trails and I should be ok.  I rode them the other week and knew where my biggest challenges would come.  


Once I arrived at the "park," I rode over and grabbed my number.  319.  Hmmm.  3...  Didn't think much of that.  I've had weird numbers in my days and usually they don't mean squat.  I've had 13, 66 that we added another 6 to, and 511 (get your highway info here)!  So I gathered my garb, got ready and then went for a short pre-ride with Super Chicky Paula S. After returning to the parking lot it was time for pre-race.  I wasn't paying enough attention I guess as I missed the part where KP said if your # starts with a 3, you're going to do 3 laps because when we lined up I was like no, dude Sports do 2 laps right?  Kenny - No Jen, three.  Me - two?  Kenny - No Jen, three.  Me - oh crap.  This race was going to be 3 trips up Beale's and 3 up the new hill and 6 miles longer than I planned on.  Oh boy.


Well I did what any slow poke should do.  I lined up at the front, giggled my tail off about it as I knew just about everyone was going to pass me.  HA HA, might as we be first for a few seconds.  =)  Well for the most part they all did pass me going up the hill through the grass.  We had to go through the dirt, excavation area that is the future Montvale Park (wheee!)  Dusty, dirty and fun.  


Once out of the field you cross over a creek (refreshing) and enter the single track.  The first trail is Yellow Drum and it is a windy, fairly flat trail.  No big deal except for this one log that I just can't seem to convince myself to jump over.  Well I got passed there and got behind a bit further behind.  Oh well.  Basically the race went like this.

• Lap 1: I want to quit.  Why am I doing this?  I'm hot, I'm tired, I'm whiney, Whoa is me.  
• Lap 2: Wait I can do this, try this, try that.  Drink drink drink.
• Lap 3: Well, why stop now, you're almost done and this really isn't that bad.  Go!  Stop being a whimp and ride over the stuff.

Memorable points:

• Beales Treasure - beginning to like this trail now - can't wait to go back...
• The Drop Off followed by the turn - um sure, I'm supposed to be able to ride that?
  Bridges - damn it Jen, just ride them.  You can ride in a straight line can't you?
• The CLIMB - I can probably climb it, but on lap 1, lost momentum, lap 2, got caught by faster people and didn't want to hold them up.  Lap 3, forget it I was tired.  
• Bermed turns - YEE HAW!!!  LOVE EM!

The race overall was awesome.  I really enjoyed it and was glad I went.  3 laps wasn't that bad! I almost caught Kyrsten, but blew it on the big hill.  I'd do it all over again, in fact I might do that Sunday!  I really do like these trails - can't wait for the rest of the park to be finished, but the trails are fine like they are.  Between Falling Creek Park and Montvale Park, I'm ready to pack my stuff and move to Bedford.  At least they are putting some money, time and effort into their parks.  

Thanks Kenny!  Thanks Volunteers!  Thanks Bedford Co. P&R!


Photo Credits: Karen Amato, Chris Overstreet and Tim Dahl (can't remember who's pictures are who's.)

A thought or two

Sorry to take a political turn here, but I want to say something.

First an Islamic organization wants to build a center of worship near Ground Zero, but was met with emotional and boisterous opposition.  Now a church in Florida is threatening to burn the Quran on Saturday.  

While I grieved right along with everyone else in 2001, I think a lesson that has been lost is tolerance and acceptance of people that are different.  Why all of the sudden is it ok for people to discriminate against and harass people of the Muslim faith.  Americans are going against one of the foundations of this country - religious freedom.  They are using fear, hate and stereotyping to justify this vile, hateful and not to mention instigating behavior.  

Until everyone can accept others for what and who they are this country will never move forward.  I think this is very sad.  We must learn to respect one another even those who having different beliefs.

Now back to your regularly schedule bike blog.