Tour de Vermont

The road race portion of the Green Mountain Stage Race was epic. That's the only way to describe it. The race began in the rain, a steady downpour. I got to the race a little too late to sign in. I was sure this would mean a huge penalty to my GC placement (really, I wasn't too concerned about GC, but still, it's not fun thinking about how I might be penalized). The course had a little of everything a road race should have: climbs, descents, dirt, riding through town, cruising the countryside. The last 4 km of the course was brutal--a steady 18% grade with harsh wind and rain. I could hear the announcer probably half an hour prior to finishing. That helped to keep going, but still. The last 100 meters felt like a couple of miles of pain, it didn't seem worth continuing. (This is what it looked like, though this is of the pro's race.) The crowd, however, that lined those last meters, made it possible. The officials were right there to roll people off of the course. We were all going that slowly at the top that it made sense to have this assistance. The feeling of accomplishment afterwards was the best. Eric was smiling, he had a very successful race & enjoyed it, too. To see that we had both survived was pretty cool. (I was worried that morning.) The pic shown is of a pre-drive of the course, this is part of the 4 km steep section.

Green Mountain Stage Race

Surviving a stage race is the equivalent of winning in my distorted perspective. The Green Mountain Stage race was *awesome.* Each day was dramatically different in the way of course, pace, etc. The strongest racer on the first day wasn't necessarily the winner the next. There was some insane climbing, but even though I'm not a climber per se, it was all fun. The first day was a hill climb. The picture to the left is where everyone parked for the prolog. It was a beautiful day and evening. The drive into Vermont was picture-perfect.

Stage 1 (the second day of racing) was a circuit (each lap was 20 miles, my race was 1 3/4 laps). There was one big climb and a few power hills. Perfect course for sprinters because the climbers couldn't get away. (Whew.) This is me and my friend, Eric. (Forgive me being cheesy.) We traveled to the race together and it was enjoyable to meet his teammates. One girl on his team was in my field (she was very sweet and a good racer) so it was comforting knowing someone else out there. Most of the other women weren't as friendly as they are in Colorado. I think that could be because they don't know each other that well. They traveled to this race from all over the East Coast. In Colorado, we all see each other each week at every single race.

Stage 2 was INSANE but up there amongst the best races/rides I've ever done. Oops...5 minutes left at this internet terminal. If I get cut off, more later! Shoot--can't get the picture up! It'll be here soon, you gotta see this insane 18%-grade road.

Hawaii

This just in: Amy's going to Kona!!! In a single year, Amy went from recreational triathlete to a Kona-bound one. This really speaks to her dedication, motivation, ability to work hard and willingness to do what it takes to reach a goal. Congratulations, Amy! Need someone to drag your stuff around Hawaii or hand up water bottles to ya?

Longmont Crit

The Longmont Crit is promoted by Twin Peaks, it's in its 20th year. The race was successful, profitable & the racers as well as spectators loved it.

Check out the ladies in Blue, these girls rocked the cat 4 race taking 3/4 primes and 1st, 2nd & 3rd place. The field was much bigger than this picture shows.

My race went as well as I could have hoped for considering a slide-out on crash corner (#3) at 29 mph. The pavement was smooth which made the road rash minor. My bike will be as good as new for $50. The support from everyone was tremendous. It's particularly helpful to hear from the experienced racers that this happens frequently and it's just a part of bike racing. And, if there's no compelling reason not to keep going, jump back in and finish the race.

I'm more motivated than ever to perfect my bike handling and technical skills, and get stronger. Racing is just too much fun.

Month Update

It's been an outstanding month. Of course, I'd like to not jinx the rest of the month, but I'd like to say that for the record. Now with everything settling down from the wedding and racing is wrapping up, the off-season is nearing rapidly. More thoughts on that later. Tomorrow is the Longmont Crit. It'll be fun to be at the race all day. I've gotten in the mode of sleeping in or spending time around the house and missing most of the races except for those just before and after mine. The bride & groom got back from their honeymoon, they report drinking lots of wine and having a nice time in SanFran. This morning was another rainy Saturday, but rainy, dreary mornings are sometimes the best. Last Saturday and today rank up there with the best two in a very long time. Now that the bike is sparkling & ready for tomorrow, it appears it's pouring the rain again.

Justin & Arrick Tie the Knot

Here are some pics from today. Absolutely beautiful wedding, not because of the money spent but because of the sentiment shared by the bride and groom towards each other and each others' families. Lots more soon...







Pics of the bride and groom were removed upon request.

Bachelorette Party

After dinner, before the bars.










Arrick being serenaded at the piano bar... "You've lost that lovin feeling"











The only one who had a chance to steal Arrick's heart during the evening (the buffalo on Pearl St. Mall). Pics removed upon request.


Justin, one of the designated drivers, had his hands full with his giggling future wife...as well as the rest of us, all giggling. He described it as hearding cats. Thanks for taking us home to your place, Justin.

Follow your heart, Do what you Love, blah, blah

Every motivational book preaches a similar mantra: you must be passionate about what you do, follow your heart, write your mission statement down so you can pursue it. This is all good stuff. My goals are clearly written in big letters in a place I look every morning and every evening. I have a Lance poster on my bedroom wall.

I think we *think* we know what we want, but society and external pressures play a large role. Try this: Figure out what you want by noticing what sends cold chills down your spine when you think about whatever it is.

That is the authentic goal and what you should put your heart and soul into pursuing.

Every time I think about being part of a European peloton, and sipping coffee the day after in a small cabin in the countryside with someone special, my heart skips a beat and I get those cold chills. It never fails.

Bad News

...my massage therapist is moving to Connecticut. This is great for him, very, very bad for my body. Massages from Scott are a medical necessity.

Three Years Ago to the Day...

...I was riding with a great group of women (the Blue Sky Wednesday night ride), I had owned my first road bike for 2 weeks at that point & we were caught in a torrential downpour while riding around Saratoga, NY. I swore that day that there was no where on earth I'd rather be, than on that bike, even with the driving rain. Last year at this time, I got 3rd place in a cat 4 circuit race and I felt like a rock star. This year, I was happy to play with the pros (like Allison Powers) at the Bannock Street race, spend time with my Mom, Dad & brother, and later, go to church. Then finish up the day wandering home as the sun set on the city.