Just Soaring in Life

     It's been some time since I've written, it's been hard to find time these days.   My riding has been divided between 2 wheels and 4 legs.    The race season ( on 2 wheels ...hehehe)  is just about coming to a close.  To be completely honest the season was a bit disappointing to me to say the least, although I think I might be harder on myself than I should be.  I've accomplished far more feats this year than I've ever thought imaginable.  I should be pleased with what I've accomplished.  Although towards the end of the season I've missed some races that I had planned on attending.  For that I am disappointed, but life happens and we have to be glad for what we were able to do.  

     The end of the season has brought some new life tho... I've met a handful of new cyclists.  In the past my rides have been all about the miles, the speed, the technique.  This time is has changed a bit.  I started to venture out with new ideas.   I've reached out to a number of new cyclist and also joined some cyclist that I had never joined before.  They've ranged from 16 and 18 years old boys ( what was I thinking... no only kidding Greyson!!!!, so glad we spin together, you have great energy) then there is the newby that didn't bring a spare tube,  to a recent group of, well as we laughed about it... "A diverse gathering of cyclist"... The retired IRS agent, the lawyer, the retired " IT wizard " and me, miss fashionista.  Again tons of fun as we talked about our lives, careers, bucket list, etc..... as we pedal round and round, enjoying life right in front of us, breathing in the air...

    Not sure what this winter will bring.  I suppose I need to get my layers out again. Still deciding whether I start training for the goal of Saratoga 12/24 or not. Yes, Ralph I know.. hehe... I know.. the book ( BTW, that meant so much to me about my words and what I have to say and share)   But until then, my time in the wind, reaching a goal or just soaring in life... and why do I continue to push the limits, because I can... and it feels great!

  

Street Graffiti: A cyclist interpretation

Today Ralph, I and 2 other people marked the route for a local tour here.  The tour is 25 or 50 miles long and set up for all levels of biker, we did the 50 miles route.   It is a fund raiser for the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater New York State, on September 23rd, 2012.  Our ride today was fun for sure and a chance to get out.  And I'm thrilled to say I beat my time speed record!!!!!  46.6 mph!!!  NICE!!!! and it was fun!!!! Ralph talked me thru the start of the descent, strategizing where I would hit the turns, where I would push it... and what to watch for... etc.  And it worked as he took off and I followed in pursuit!!!  Yeash that one is going to be hard to beat :/.  The ride took a bit longer as we alternated stopping along the way to re-mark the route at all the turns.   Just about 4 hours 50miles with stops along the way.   Last year Ralph added a few phrases along the way. Gotta love him!!!!  A little inspiration along the way I call it; 

Life is a journey
Enjoy the ride

I smile every time I ride by....

A cyclist interpretation of street graffiti.

Vacation and All

The temperatures here have been in the mid 90 with what seems like 90% humidity.  No seriously though the humidity is lingering in and about 70% the last few weeks.  The air so thick I could cut it with a knife ( I couldn't resist the cliche..hehehe)  I've been running though through this trying to prepare for my duatholon in September again. Can't say that I'm getting any faster at all as the heat and humidity serves as a muscle relaxer and I find myself slowing at every half mile, as I try to wipe the  "perspiration" off my forehead so my eyes will stop burning from the salt.  Must have been the brie cheese I had last night.. hehe  I finish the sad 3.5 miles and like a magnet I slow my run to a walk the direction of the pool.  I've been dipping frequently after my runs as a way to lower my body temperature.  I take my sneakers off and walk willingly into what I would call an ice cold bath.
In I go,  not so bad.  It take a few minute to get use to it and them continue on to swimming a few laps.  Grabbed my new "nike" goggles ( hahaha) secured them tightly... and off I went... I like my new goggles of course I look dorky, next thing I'll be wearing one of those head caps...  Gosh....don't worry, you'll never see me in one of those...  Yes, the goggles are a new addition as I kind of got a bit of the Olymipic bug.  Can't help but suggest that perhaps, when I put those goggles on, I feel official and perhaps "feel" a bit faster... hahaha.. Although as I stop to pant every 2 laps I get reminded I'm no Olympic athlete.. hahaha... 

A side note, I'm hoping maybe the next sport I pick to participate in will have a cooler outfit  and or accessories... :/  I'm thinking beach volleyball... haha....  bathingsuits Check cool, Glasses check cool, hat check cool. haha...   Don't get me wrong my passion for cycling is untouched but I would love to wear an outfit with more "cool" fashion sense... Although most pieces of the "outfit" are necessary and needed.   Even those bib shorts :/!!!  Have you ever tried to ride with a pair of shorts that were just a tad bit short wasted.   Well it is not a pleasant feeling as you've realized you picked the wrong shorts to wear on your 50 miles ride with the pack.  Too late to turn around as they'll have way to far of a head start, and you'll never catch up.   I'm sure it is much worse than I'm letting on but for anyone that has done that... It is a hard lesson to learn as for the next 3 hours your preoccupied with the thought that the cars passing by are getting a free show as you put your hand on your lower back to make sure your not exposed in anyway...  HAHAH.... ahhhhhh  Bib shorts... what a beautiful thing... and let's not even get into the pads...  I did a long ride without them once.. hummm Well let me tell you there was not a reward for me at the end of that one...

How did I get off track here??... Anyway finished my laps, not really sure how many as I don't keep track.   I enjoy the swimming as it helps me to work out my arms and back which are virtually ignored in my running and biking.  I also find that it helps with my left shoulder pain that I've been dealing with the last 6 months or so.

I stop and roll to a float, arm over my head, with my hand grasping the opposite elbow.  A very comfortable position as I wrap my legs and bend my knees.  My head is submerged in the water except for my mouth, nose and eyes.  I notice what an amazing feeling of quiet. Just the sound of the water filter pushing out water with an occasional  bubble of air, and of course I can hear my breathing.   I breathe in and them out as my body floats to the top and then lowers as I slowly let the air out until I'm just about to take in water I breathe again and up I go.  I repeated this 2 dozen times until my body and mind have come to a final calm and cool place.

No stats for this training ( not sure if I could even call it training, let's call it maintenance.) What I learned and have been learning the last 4 weeks?  That it's okay to not always have a goal in mind, a time to beat, a distance to reach...  ALL of the time.  Let's call this summer vacation for the mind and body....

Ralph and I are doing the August Century this Tuesday, will warm up with a ride on Monday and then off we go to Rhinebeck, NY.. Humm do you think Ralph's incorporated stops for the antique barns???  Not sure if I can pass those and not stop!!!! Ralph????

Ride is mapped below for anyone interested in the route. hummm.. I need to look this one over.. I asked for mercy on the climbs...  I feel a bit out of practice... being on "vacation" and all.. heheheh

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1563455

Packing malfunction

It's been almost 2 weeks since I've hit the road.  A new record, perhaps not the best, but real none the less.  Today spent most of my day carting the twins from one place to another.  My ride this morning was cancelled with a new B- rider, female.  I think this could be the start of something good, met 2 riders, who would have figured,  on the check out line at our local grocery store.  They're both riders and I joined in and happened to make 2 new friends.  Anyway... We plan to start riding after she returns from vacation.  So back to the packing malfunction.  Got a call about 6:00 pm in a panic that apparently she forgot an extra set of under garments after a day at the pool.  Mommy to the rescue... although not willing to turn the key and yet burn more gas... whats 12 miles... a trip to the end of the driveway.  I gather the "goods", my geeky helmet and snap on... What I thought would be an easy way to get my ass back on the road with a leisurely ride, turned out to be a challenge of the wits and perhaps a meeting of he minds. I've had a lot on my mind lately... and it came out on my ride. Slow to start yet, as the passion run thru my veins, became a reawakening... I pushed hard, talked to myself... as I often do, no singing this time, no tears just challenges to be discussed. haha.... Weird I know, but it was so needed.  Average of 16 mph... good by all counts... Ralph would be proud.  Although don't tell him... heheh... not many climbs... shhhh....still good ????  Bottom line had a good talk with myself... this place of refuge never lets me down... perhaps the extra endorphins, who knows... but they feel good,  The wind felt good, even the car passing by,  the sun was starting to set, the shadows were good, the glaze of the sun, just perfect... My passion, my refuge..

UMCA article

     I saw the new article "Riding towards Something" that came out in UMCA today, the link is listed on this blog.  It was such an amazing feeling to actually be included and highlighted along side such extraordinary people and athletes.  I've only touch on a small part of cycling, the drive and determination that it actually takes to do ultra cycling.   It was a huge honor to say the very least.
 I never really set out to be in this place, cycling just kind of fell into place for me.  With the encouragement Ralph, he has been a huge part in my cycling journey.  He pushed me along in so many ways I can't even begin to explain, even in the funniest ways....  heheh... only he knows the inside joke of that!!!! I'll tell everyone the joke sometime...although it still happens on those big climbs!!!   This place though that I say I'm in, I'll explain.  When I started cycling it was all about me... my refuge,  my place, where I could ride like the wind... A place a cry, a place to dream, a place to challenge myself at things I never thought I could do.. It is still like that but, for some reason it has become more.. and now it has to do with others.  As I first told my story, I never realized how it would affect people, from the first group of people that chose me for the scholarship to the writers at The Poughkeepsie journal when they first interviewed me about Battenkill, to people that have actually come up to me and told me how my story really touched them.  How they're reaching for something better, maybe not cycling but something that they've lost in their lives.  I never in my wildest thoughts ever though that my journey would have ever been so important to others.  It's given truly a new meaning to "riding towards something".  I'm not the fastest, hell I just like to not be the last... but it's not really about that.   I ride weekly with a friend ( this time on a horse not 2 wheels ) and he asked me how I did on the recent race.  I told him of my disappointments but we had a great talk.  He's in his 70's and is an amazing man... He does most everything with extraordinary passion.  He spoke to me about his experiences in different sports and he told me that it has to stay about you and your personal goals. Not about winning and where you ranked that time.. When it gets to be like that, it's no longer worth it, it's no longer fun. And life needs to be fun!!! It's too short!  It needs to be about the adventure, not about the the end reward.  Because I've realized the reward is not always at the end.   It's the moments of getting there that are the most important..... not about the podium...   Although Ralph still has high hopes for me... hehe... Ralph's commented on my article "Being part of history is way cool ! Stay the course."  He is part of it... he's that invisible bungie cord I always say I need.... The funny thing is...  bungie cord... needing??...I already have it and I always did...   I guess he believes somehow,  someway I'm here to make a difference.  I hope so... and that does bring me to where I am... my story... I never thought so many people would read it... enjoy it... live it, it seems to keep going....    As another dear friend Bernie that has been there the whole way, not next to me on the bike... but at every corner cheering me on,  he said of the article  "Just one chapter of your incredible journey....carry on. Congrats. !"  He's waiting for the book next!! hahahaha!!!!  Hummmm??? that could be interesting.... :D

Someone to believe

Took a newbie out of the road today.  We road nice and slow and about 7 miles total.  I didn't want to frighten him away the first time as I know he wants to succeed in this for a number of reasons.  It was kinda funny as he had a wicked cool bike... a bit older but wicked cool!!!  A Cannondale of course...much, much fancier than mine :) hehehe.. Silly as it may seem, I just don't want to part with my Raleigh Racer. Simple, nothing fancy and it's good to me, so I'm going to ride the racer as long as it'll carry me.   So newbie did great,  Stopped about 5 miles in for a short walk as I pedal slowly to his left.  It's important that you listen to your body.  He did great tho, and next time we plan to hit 10 miles and after that 14.  As quickly or slowly as they need.  This particular cyclist has been putting it off for a very long time.  Took a year to get the bike tuned up and still sat and collected dust until today.  Although he cycled prior, actually cycled thru Alaska!!!!  450 miles total/7 days, with stops along the way, to horse back ride or ride in a helicopter... WOW!!!  how cool when I heard about his adventures.  Adventures I think he somewhat has forgotten about, or even lost.  Anyway... Some times we stop believing in ourselves, and then we find someone that believes in us, helps us along without even knowing it... Sometimes we just need someone to believe in us.

The next big idea

My first recreational ride after the race... I think without a doubt, even after I was a bit disappointed with the results of the last race... I'm back on track and focused.   Ralph and I did a 50.44 mile ride, it was Tour de Dutchess backwards!!!1   I loved it backwards, although I had to do the Dover mountain... Total elevations of +/- 3612.  Really a nice hilly ride.... with minimal climbs..    Total time 3:35, so not too bad.  On our ride we spoke briefly about the race.  Ralph spoke more of future rides and races.  He found the perfect race for me and I have to totally agree!!! and I have to say I'm really excited about the future challenge.  It is the Saratoga 12/24.  He also said there may even be a 6 hour race which I was thinking I could even possibly hit this year, but as I found out the race was actually last weekend, so no go on that...  Although that does bring to mind a potential problem.  If it is the same day as the PMRR next year as well, I will not be able to attend.  Hopefully the dates for both will come out soon.  The route is a 26 mile loop with mostly rolling hills, largely flat, and a few small climbs.  My strength is on the flats so this could actually be a great race for me..  The only thing I think will be hard is the time that I would need to allocate for the training... Because this is a long distance race, I would need to do more long rides devoting full days to training.  We will see???, I have a year to think about it/prepare for it... hahaha!!!!  

I start this blog with this particular photo...  it is just as I passed the finish line.  If you're familiar with racing you'll notice at every race... as a racer hits the finish line and does that last pass as their heart rate settles from their final sprint, their heads drops, every time.  Perhaps as a sigh of relief, a sigh of disappointment, or that of a sigh of accomplishment... Anyway, it is actually quite amazing of a moment at any level.... It's been about 3 days since the "big" race. I think I've found excuse after excuse why to not write.  This was of course my "big" race... 3 years running to date...  After a years time this one... I've tripled my mileage in one year... this was the year that I would be proud of what I did.  Every one else seems to be? But one race???? I've done these mountains time after time..... I don't know, perhaps it was the competition.  The  normal recreational biker or even beginner cyclist shy away from this race due to the length and the climbs.....There were 2 female bikers from my area, myself 43.. and Maggy 18??? She finally got to race without her junior gears? Yeash!!!!  I had support at multiple places throughout the duration of the race... it was great.. at every major corner the calls out, even as I climb the last mountain... The day of the race finished with a celebration of friends and family.  I actually snuck out for a 45 minute nap... actually felt much better after that... Although couldn't last to the end... and skipped the fireworks....Bottom line... is that I'm thrilled that I have such passion for this.. It is indeed a refuge for me,  as my art is, my photogrpahy... my writing, and my singing is... yet...with this.. it is measurable...   Measurable right?????  who is first, who is last????  But then I think to myself..... hummm... I stand in a group magnificent women... all of which I only personally know 1.... and I, I choose not to be a spectator... I choose to be a participant, regardless of whether I'm one of the "elite".  I reached for it and I made it... the second day after the races... I started planning... HOW!!! HOW!!!! will I get stronger... darn it.... I hope to still have Ralph there by side... as he always is...  that brings me back to moment that I will share...   As we climbed the mountain a few days before the race....  He says maybe we should try some weight training... As the sweat pores from my body... I say... god!!! ( I yell often with Ralph... but he smiles.... and let's it rolls over) Ralph, I say!!!!  have you seen my legs !!! they're strong... really strong... and he replies..... then make them push you up the climb!!!! Damn!!!!!  Yes.....  He's so right....   they're strong... they're really strong.. and therefore I Will Get Over The Hill.

And with that...   I reach, I reach for yet another goal....   and then I smile :)

I did make my personal goal  under 3 hours !!!! 2:49:35 ..... Oh yeay!!!!  

Tomorrows the big race... although small in comparison to many, ...but to me it was the first challenge in this journey and for that is means so much to me..  As I lay in bed trying to sleep I read a message ... Ralph of course, one that always believes in me...for some reason...

" Don't give into the demons . Fight to do the best you can . No shoulda coulda woulda after the race"

NO SHOULDA, COULDA, WOULDA!!!!

Thank you Ralph!!! I'll see you at the finish line my very dear friend! You sooooo rock!

Wine vs Team Ride....

Okay.... so a bad title... I'm only human... long day today... tried to sleep in a bit now that the kids are out of school... did not happen.  It had an adverse effect... Sat or should I say lay in bed thinking of way too much... Anyway back to the biking blog!.... maybe, feeling an urge to expand general stats and verbiage perhaps into something a bit more fun to read???....  Had a crazy busy day... worked, sample sale, 3 cavities filled ( side note - not my pearls... although sad as they haven't figured out the significance of brushing???)  Fedex drop to China and one to LA, USPS for a special delivery, dry cleaner, subway for the kids as it is 3:00 and apparently I forgot to feed them? I doubt I'll be getting the mother of the year award... DD for an iced coffee, considering I haven't eaten all day... Oh that did not go over well... 15 minutes into the indulgence... stomach pain!!! drill, drill, mommy falls asleep in the waiting room... no I did not snore, although I am known for snoring! Well not in public places ( that I know of :/) grocery store... the twins get a cart and I say... "get what you need I forgot the "list""..... Damn lists??? Not too bad... $66.79...  oh damn, never even looked in that pocket of my wallet that has those things called coupons!!!!  too late maybe next time... I'm sure they'll be expired by then as they always are!!!  But after all these years I still store them there... and feel this sense of pride when I actually use them, which mind you is not very often!!!! ... I never seem to figure those out... anyway maybe next time...  Hand the car keys off to the twins, so they can load the car and I can visit "josh" my keeper of the vice!!! haha.... Winology... any wine, any country.. Josh has it...Chat, chat, chat... saw you did a ride this weekend?  Yup... double metric... what is that???  2X60 miles.. plus a little more... chat, chat... He's so nice!!! great guy... perhaps that why I like the wine store so much... oh come on....hehehe... driving home...  look at the clock... realize hummmmm thursday... 5:30... team ride...okay.. I'm in and I need it... Get home... unpack.. Wine- ride... wine -ride... grab the phone.. if I do this quick..... I will be committed.... quick do it before the right side of the brain starts to work( or is that the left... of hell, who cares!!) .. Hi Rob... team ride tonight? A riders or B?.... "Well.... strong A's...and a newby, but Ralphs here let me let you talk to him"  Oh boy... he knows how to throw the hook in... "yes...  you going west dover..... You start and we will chase you up the hill."  You got it... 10 minutes to unpack groceries, suit up, helmet up and off 6:20 I go...

20 minutes later... Ken passes me.. Hi there Nicky!  DAMN!!!! I didn't make it to the top of the climb!!! Ralph... Gracen... and Andrew I believe it was... He was way too fast for me to even figure out who it was??? haha... Fast up a hill??? have you ever heard of anything so crazy!!! Well finally hit the top... Gracen and I... oh and btw... Gracen ( not sure if the spelling is correct??)  Adorable!!!  I met him about 2 weeks ago... was his first ride.. not part of the team yet but proudly wears the jersey and I'm sure in time... he will be part of the team.. He is a dirt bike racer... Oh and you can tell!!!!  He is very strong but wow....all over the place... but this last ride he looked a lot better.  First time I met him... don't know how we got on the subject but I asked how old are you... He says 22, Ralph yells over.. he's 18!!! hahah!!!  That gave us a few laughs!! We actually got to know each other a bit the first ride a couple of weeks ago... He's soooo young... He asked about what I do,  I told him I've been in fashion for 25 years, blah, blah, blah... He says do you like it?  I giggled and said well sure... But I've learned how to like life more... He replies as we start to descend...  Yes, I know... I've heard of you... and we take off.... I of course... speed past him... With a newbies push them and they will push too.. although he kicked my butt on the climbs... haha...

Anyway... great ride tonight... 23 miles total 1:36 time.. 3 miles climb up pleasant ridge... then climb up rt 55 X2...   Side note to Rob, if we do the alternative route the length is longer.. although rt 55 is so much better than old rt 55. Sun was setting and it was beautiful, and i'll do it again... 10 days and counting to the event that started it all for me!!!! hehe...

Double Metric Madness - Pinnacle

I'm proud to share that yesterday I reached a pinnacle of my journey on 2 wheels :)
201.5 km/ 125.23 miles in one sitting.

This particular journey began Saturday morning 8:13am as Ralph and I set out on the "Double Metric Madness" ride.  I was pleased to start that morning with temperatures hovering at about 65 degrees.  Days prior to the ride, we had been experiencing a heat wave, so I was very thankful for the drop in temperature.  Fuel for the adventure; one energy bar, one pack of hammer blocks, one bottle Spiz, 2 bottles of frozen Gatorade ( against my best judgement of liquids choices although it is the best to maintain electrolytes on such a challenging ride) Off we go.  We traveled north up the New York, Connecticut border thru the  Taconic State Park and up into Massachusetts where I once again attempted to make the climb up and into Mt. Washington State Forest.  This time I'm pleased to say that I conquered it without demounting my 2 wheeled adventure machine. Although a struggle I did make it.  By the time I reached the top my head was pounding from my body heat. The climb was only a mile long and honestly although hard if challenged again with it I would not be as fearful of it. That was just about the mid point of the ride and all was well.  We moved forward and enjoyed the descent through the forest, hitting some dirt roads and so much natural beauty.  Although I wanted to stop frequently I didn't as I knew the length of this ride did not account for extra stops along the way.  We only officially stopped twice to refill our bottles ( although there was an extra stop at the end - about 7 miles to the end - but I'll talk about that later).

At about 90 miles I unfortunately started getting a stomach cramp.  I had not had them on a ride in a very long time.  I later realized it was probably the gatorade that was making me feel badly.  I normally will do one gatorade to one water, but because of the length here I thought I would be best to do 100% gatorade.. Wrong move... The cramp stayed with me for the balance of the ride and if your a rider you understand climbs alone are challenging enough without having the pain of the cramp.

Anyway,  around the 106 mile mark is about where I hit the wall. But I still had 20 miles to go and a number of hills. My knees started to ache, you could see my veins clearly as they push the blood thru my legs.. hahaha.....   I realized at that point also that I had been raising my shoulders the whole ride as they started to burn!!!   And although Ralph had warned me a number of times.... move hands around... don't keep them in one place... Well, I thought I was doing that, but apparently not as the palms of my hands started to have a sense of rawness to them... about 13 miles to end.. As I continue to repeat " I really don't want to do this anymore Ralph..."  He smiles and says,  "Let's stop and I'll buy you a ice cream cone"..  I replied.... "I want to get to the finish line"... thinking back I probably should have stopped.  Instant sugar fuel.. Ralph is very knowledgeable about everything having to do with long distance riding.  He knew a cone would give me the little jolt I needed and we were close enough to the end that when I crashed we would hopefully be back.   I would have, but at that point I started to feel nauseous, in a very bad way.  I needed to get water in me and fast... so about 4 miles down we found a deli and stopped, as I pored the gatorade out I caught a whiff of it and nearly lost my cookies... ugh!!! Okay, got some water in me and back on the bike I went.  Only that of the weight of my legs were turning the pedals.  Not really, but it felt like that!!!  As we approached each hill, I would repeat "I'm not going to make it up Ralph!!!",  "we'll see"he says  and you know what I actually did make it up every time, not without pain or exhaustion, but I made it.  One thing though with these hills, as I normally would say I set a point in front of me on a hill, not far but just enough to get me there without being overwhelming.  this time though, I only looked directly in front of me, almost at the top of my wheel.   Perhaps from the lack of being able to lift my head or the fear of not being able to even make that point.  Just looking right in front of me worked.  Sometimes life gets completely unbearable, just take it minute by minute that's all you need to do... minute by minute..  Doesn't have to be day by day... but instead minute by minute.. and you'll make it through.

7:00 pm, almost exactly 11 hours later ( including stops) .... I make it back in one piece, hard to walk, completely physically exhausted, crawled into a warm bath applied ben gay... hehe... an aspirin, some pasta, a small glass of red wine and off I went to slumber for 10 hours.  Next morning surveyed the damage:
2 blisters on my hand, one on the palm, one between my thumb and pointer finger.
Still a bit sore on my neck
Muscles in my legs still recovering slowly
A bit light headed

But overall a HUGE SUCCESS..
Although Ralph said I need to find my next goal... hummmmm not quite sure I'm ready to set that one, but probably in time!!!

It's been some time since I've written. Although I will say I've still remained committed to my journey.  As I prepare for my upcoming races, closest one planned the PMRR.  This year it is considered an official NYS road race, YEAY ROB!!!! Although with saying that the challenge becomes a bit more intense and the competition is the same.  The length of the race now becomes 40 miles verse the 20 miles.  It is a double mountain loop.  I rode the loop the other day and had a few malfunctions, slipped 3 times off my ring going up the climb.  Do you have any idea how hard it is to lose the momentum of the climb fix a chain and then get back on and push at a 16+% grade... Alright well maybe it is not impossible but... hehe... The route is hard but "easy" to me. I don't want to cry half way thru the climb and give up, like I did the first time I ever rode the climb... hahaha..  The first climb the longest and at time the hardest seem only difficult in one particular 1/2 mile stretch.  I logged at points in the climb about 9 mph... which is amazingly excellent for me on a climb.   Considering I despise climbs!!!  They keep getting easier every single time...  I only wish hurdles in  life got easier after repetition... They just don't seem to... Anyway...  The climb on 55 was a piece of cake!!!  Really amazing... Although I had a near tragic moment that drop me to a stop, first time ever.  I was at about the top of the hill, starting to slow down a bit, I would say I was going about 7 mph. At that point in the climb my lane moves to a double and the shoulder is still very generous! I hang on the shoulder where ever possible. Well an 18 wheeler comes flashing by and I thought it was over for me.  I could feel the heat coming from him tires on my arms... I could hear him behind me, so I was prepared, but what I was not prepared for was that he entered into my comfort lane over my white line. I caught myself starting to jiggle a bit on the handlebars. OH shit! Too close for comfort.  As I look to the right to see if the best way is to bail to the right. But I held in there and although he passed in little than a few seconds it seemed to me to pass in slow motion.  Although I should be afraid making a statement out loud " YOU DON'T SCARE ME BIG WHEELER MAN"  Stay on your side next time..... Okay... so just between you and I...those types of drivers do scare me... but none the less... they won't scare me off the road.. I just have to be smarted than them.

( oh was that a paragraph I just made???? hehehe)  That would be a side joke as I have a tendency in all walks of my life to go on and on...... no purposeful pauses!!!  So onto the last climb... this one I have to say is killer, it is shorter than the first climb but the grade is killer, I believe it hits 21%... oh and YES I have a grannie gear! Once I get the go pro back.. I will be taking you for a ride for sure... and no helmet cam... I finally got the bike attachment... hehe :D.

Okay well onto today's ride which is where I wanted to note on the blog in the first place.. haha..  Headed out for a short 20 mile ride... Wasn't going to do the mountain, just wanted to ride with momentum and strength.  Perhaps in a way to get my week going although it is already Tuesday. The weather was overcast, yet the feel of the air is not moist so I thought it would be fine.  Who's afraid of a little rain... hell not me... I hit the point at which I would finish the loop of 20 but today I chose to go right... I rode             and I rode.... today was a ride filled with emotion. Ups and downs, in a way it took me over... I started my ride though with harsh understanding of where my life is right now...   I chose to stay on the road because I needed to think.  I talked out loud, I shouted at time and for a few moments I cried, and I cried hard...

 I'll leave you with that... but please don't get discouraged.  That's the special thing about riding and crying....  In the end your tend to figure it out, or at the very least feel better about it.    As someone dear to my heart said once... You just need to ride it out...  And there you have it... I'm riding it out!

  Where is my journey going from here.. I do not know... I suppose it is up to my destiny... Although I have ultimate control over my life... destiny guides me ...

Side note:  any followers that would like to continue to join me on my journey... I'll be moving to tumblr, details to follow  -

Catching up Literally - Arrival 3/17

I'm well into the Century week here at the PAC tours in Arizona and I have a lot to catch up on, so here I go.

  My trip To Tuscan although uneventful was very long.  I had to fly into LA and then back to Tuscan totally almost 10 hours travel time.  Arrived there relatively on time and jumped right into the courtesy van.  The hotel was within a mile of the airport so it was short ride :) Thank goodness.  Arrived checked in and then out to the PAC tour Vans to check in there.   A little nervous as the groups of people seemed to of course be socializing as they have known each other for years.  I walked up to the silver Van where I met Barb, she quickly asked my name and with a smile said oh Nicole you're the scholarship winner.  She proceeded to tell me how she knew Anne Maire and would to sit with me a tell me all about her.  Of course, I would love to.  We're having coffee tomorrow morning before the ride.  Shortly after that I meet Susan Notorangelo and Lon Haldeman!!!!!!  Hello!!  Each one of them being a legend in this sport!!! Incredible legends and pioneers I should say.   What a privilege being here on this trip is... not only to represent Anne Marie McSweeney but also to be have the opportunity to talk and be with Susan and Lon both. That was only the beginning!!!!  Of course... the ahhh stopped immediately when Susan in her strong voice ushers me along and goes... okay you have your peddles and your seat? Come let's get started... haha... oh shit!!! peddles, seat.... Rob... where is Rob when you need him... hahah!!!! Only kidding... this is what I came here for... It's about time I fended for myself!  Susan proceed to explain and guide me though it all.   As I work through getting my seat on peddles etc. Although when I got changes the tire... I Patty told me that it might be on backwards!!!  haha... and it was..  So took it off and did it again.  Little did I know it was good practice for my trip ahead. Anyway continuing..  Susan moves on and I meet this amazing women, her name is Patty Joe.  Also known as Snow kitty... what an amazing character she is.  And also another amazing athlete.... Winner of the most extreme cycle race, RAAM attendee, Alaskan Iditarod!!!  That's where she got frost bite on her fingers and toes.  That story came out as we sat in the rescue van on the first day.... Although she was smarter than me and she sat in the back seat dry as I was drenched from head to toe.  That will be another story.  Well got the bike ready, and took a short ride around the hotel in preparation for the trip tomorrow.  Only 3 miles around and the roads were crazy rough, hurt my hands, the winds also was strong and felt like 6 miles.  Headed back to the hotel and met up with Lon and he asked if I would be joining them for dinner. Hecht yeay!   Well, Met Anna, who is part of the crew!  I really like her a lot and we hope to ride a bit together later this week. She is a ultra marathon cycle trainer and......  also has raised and trained horses most of her life... Although I don't believe she does anymore.  Lovely person.. Then I met George, again an ultra marathon cycler and trainer.  He was here with his son John, who was here with 2 men training this week for the RAAM.  He was training for crew with them.  I don't think I'll be riding with them. haha!  Then I met Dean from Australia, which I will talk about later, he ended up being a riding partner on Tuesday ride.   As we walked back to the hotel I was able to talk with George.  WOW!!  The information and suggestions he had were incredible.  Later I find out that his son John was on an Olympic training program... No wonder he knew so much.  Well I head back to the hotel where they had a riders meeting.  Then back to my room where I finally met my room mate for the week It ended up being Vaune who was the other scholarship winner. I didn't know that she was coming this week.  she has one incredible story!!  But I have to end this blog for now.  #1 it is a bit long and #2 I'm not sure how it happened but I became quite sick here and need to get to sleep.  I'm hoping I will feel better tomorrow morning so I can ride again.. what am I saying... I'm riding either way... tomorrow is Bisbee and Tombstone, again...

Sadly

Sadly, This blog is not about adventure or any of the wonderful things I'm experiencing this week.  This blog is about a friend, and fellow team member of Pawling Cycle and Sport, Markus Bohler.  I found out as I returned from my ride today that the injuries he suffered during a bike race crash at the crit yesterday afternoon took his life.  Markus passed away this morning from multiple head fractures.  I just saw him before I left for my journey to Arizona.  We talked about riding, his training and my upcoming trip for about an hour at the shop.  He was an amazingly energetic and positive person.  This was the season he was going to win the race.  He always greeted me with a great big smile.  We will miss you Markus.  RIP

photo: Markus - Bottom right ( Navy argyle PCS jersey ) 

Many thanks to many people

As I finish packing today for my flight out to Arizona tomorrow I think back at my journey over the last 2.5 months.   Finally the big week is here.  It's been a challenging few months for many reasons.  As a mother of 2, running my own business and starting a new venture along with making the time to train adequately has been more than overwhelming.  Physically I feel right there and ready.  Although I will tell you again... I'm nervous as anything to be doing these rides 6 times over and the way it is looking today, we will have some days in the rain, wind and colder weather. :(   I think as long as I fuel my body, get adequate rest and maintain any pains that I have I think I will okay.  Well, I thought I would give some shout outs now, as I'm sure my blogging this coming week will be all about my adventures.  I don't want this time to go by without saying thank you to everyone, and there are so many of you out there to say thank you to!   Thank you first off to  the UMCA board for choosing me and believing in me to represent Anne Marie McSweeney's memory.  Doug and Nancy and the Board, thank you for all the support you've given me along the way.  Pawling Cycle and Sport Shop aka ROB, for the loan of the trainer, CD of "CHRIS"!! haha...  The nice toasty gloves, the loan of the mountain bikes, the words of encouragement, technique, and of course all the tuneup and maintenance, you always kept me safe on my bike :)   The Pawling Cycle and Sport Team for everyone's encouragement.  All my Indiegogo friends and supporters!!!!  Thank you so much!!! Mark N., Tom R. and the PA Randonneurs for your support and encouragement through this journey.  Susan and Lon at Pac tours.  Lon thank you for the loan of the bike this week and I can't wait to spend time talking with you and hearing the many adventures you've had and all the amazing feedback you'll have for me!!!!  So excited!    My mentor and friend Ralph, we've spent many hours together, many climbs, I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful mentor and friend to have come into my life!  My cycle partner on the West, Ken... Even 3,000 miles away, the knowledge that you have given me when I asked, or even not.. hahah...  has been amazing, no rock left unturned.  And by the way... pictures will be taken.. because you know the saying.. No picture, it never happened... haha...  ( I'm sure I messed that up somewhere.. hehehe )   Solvang for sure next year and I will see you soon for a weekend ride on the West Coast, we will do SF.  Spiz energy drink for the sponsorship.  All the many friends and family that I have passed on the road and who cheer me on EVERY TIME!!!!!  THANK YOU!!!!  There's not a ride I've gone on, I haven't gotten a honk or a yell out the window... Even made some new friends with the Fed-ex guy...  "Wasn't that you I saw 3 hours ago over on ....?,  haha!! YUP!"  And lastly but not least the many people that have followed this blog.   I've been writing this blog since the end of December and I have had an amazing ( to me) amount of hits over that short time, about 650 in total.  It thrills me to know that people have wanted to come along with me on my journeys.  The road sometimes can get quiet but the will to push,  go faster, harder and better is that much stronger when I'm doing it with you guys!    Riding towards something... yes I am,  but I'm still figuring it out!!!  hahaha...  Be back when I hit the desert ground!  SO EXCITED!!!!!! 

To REACH! My last blog before the big event

So today was my last long ride.  "Wondering with Ralph Century" OMG!!  That is so Ralph! Love how he names his rides! We missed you Steve !!!!!   Ride link is listed below:

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/983480

Stats:
100 miles ( the ride link included Ralphs ride from another starting point)
Average speed 14.7 mph
6 hours 46 minutes not including stops
Grades up to 12.9%
elevation 5338/-5303ft
Overall was just an easier hilly ride..( Ralph will say though I complained every time I saw a "hill"). Ralph spared me as he knows how I hate climbs!!!
Beat my highest speed to date: 41.2 mph ( that was a fun ride down... :) )


This century was very different than my first one.  My legs started to scream at about 80 miles... much later than the first century.  Although I will say my knees started talking much earlier :/ ouch!!!  I didn't have the emotional experience as I did at the 85 mile mark last time...Or the wanting to give up at 94 miles.  It was quite a good ride overall.  Of course I was tired and by the end my legs were very exhausted..  The walk up the stairs when I returned home and the slow crawl into the bath was another story hahaha!!!  Epsom salt and long soak, some ben gay, a short cat nap and I'm good!!!  Now to this 6 times over ..... that was the sound of my chin hitting the desk... OMG!!    But really...all kidding aside.  What an amazing experience,  a once in a lifetime.. To be chosen was such a great honor.. To represent the memory of Anne Marie McSweeney and ultimately encouraging women's cyclist across the country... Although slow I may be (I'm working on that though - This season!!).... I hope to show other women courage, determination, endurance and the ability to reach for something that perhaps seemed impossible to achieve.  You go GIRLS!!!  Go get it! 

Lastly... but probably the most important component of my training... RALPH!!!!!!  WOW... without him there pushing me along.. I don't know how I would have done it.  Without me even knowing, he would teach me something every time... or do something that would force me to push just a little bit harder.  I remember my first century when I wanted to give up.... he distracted me without even knowing what he was doing and by the time I knew it I was over the 100 mile mark.  Even today as we climbed... and I complained about the "hill" he did his magic again. When I was running slow...  He didn't wait for me because he knew I push just that much harder to catch up to him.   He was the one that waited for me on the team rides... when I was - as I say it "spit out" haha!!!  Ralph NEVER EVER GAVE UP ON ME!!!!     I hope to make him proud on this adventure too!   and BTW... don't you and your beauty other half run off too fast to NC... I need to place on the PMR... and need your help.. hahah!!!! Smiles to you :)

So there you have I will finish the week with short easy rides.  I will not be blogging until my journey starts on Saturday.   I will bring you along with me that week on my journey!!!!   Until then!!!

Missed the team ride :(

Sadly I have to report that I woke with a very sick kitty...A grey one to be specific, the one with the motor that never stops, until today... Had to miss the team ride this morning.  Spent most of the morning and day tending to my furry friend... Got about 1 hour on the trainer and then off to NOW and back to tend to Divi (the kitty)  I know this is about training but thought I would share more of what I call "life" ...  Got some food into him and water... and meds...  Sometimes our life puts us on a side road, and we have no other choice but to follow it... But in the end the roads all come together... right?.... It all works out and we are ultimately where we are suppose to be.   Well anyway.. Hope he will show signs of feeling better tomorrow morning.  I'm still planning to hit the crit  tomorrow 10:30..., but it will all depend on my little furry friend :(.. anyway, that is all I have to blog for today, sorry no average speed, no cadence records, no grades, no crazy miles tracked.... closing in on the end of my journey.. at least this part of it.. ( or this one I should say)  Off to tend to my little guy... I miss his purrrr....

An expensive ride... haha~ This is a new visual blog!!!

Well, It was great to be back with my very, very dear friend Ralph.. I did indeed miss him!  Picture, yes a picture!!!!!!  he soooo rocks!

Okay... so out of the box... did like rock star effort... totally!!!!  Thanks to the rockin mountain bike Rob lent me... heheh...then shocking... 15 minutes into the ride... the sounds started and the back wheel stopped... ugh... stopped and evaluated the damage.... OMG!!!! the derailleur!!!!  Darn.... a derailleur......  I walked off the trail at first and then Ralph pushed me most of the way back... to the shop... Pic below.. hehehe!!! This is Rob.... he has his shy side!!!!  but he still smiles for my camera!Look at those dimples...  Rob... of "Pawling Cycle and Sport"  Total Rock star!!!! Hooking me up!!!!  with some new wheels...  hehehe....

Okay... back on the road with an older bike ( above )... So thank you rob for finding it!!!  ..... So continued the ride.... thank goodness... Wicked fun... Felt more confident on the ride... fast... 2 rockways and 2 logs.. but failed poorly on a few larger logs...and face down on a muddy hill!!!!  haha only walked away with a few bruises... Talked to myself as I plowed through the obstacles....  keep pedaling... keep pedaling...  totally worked... Although I will admit.... and Ralph will confirm... I walked through my last big crash.... I had to... but I'm sure I will pedal through it soon..  my favorite stop of the ride... below... Just trees and roots... and me.... swerving... It totally rocked!!!  second favorite to the chevy route..

And there I leave you... for the night..
Meeting the team boys at 8:00 in the morning... they planned about 65 miles but I will see how their pace is... might sneak out at 40... or earlier, we will see... this will be my crit prep.

And pleased with her day and accomplishments... She smiles..

Prep for the "Almost" double metric - hehehe

Nothing exciting today, it was a date with the trainer. Twisted the resistance 3 times from norm.  Did a total of 2 hours.. and some soul cycle practice to keep my upper body strong. The water was flowing.. the fellow cyclist will get what that means.  I'm sure I'll be doing some pulling.. haha! Finished "the girl with the dragon tattoo"  Really liked it.. for being a thriller and all.  hahaha!!!  Did have me a bit off my seat a few times, glad it was day light...  Then hit a poorly directed, written and filmed documentary on the Buddhism... Horrible!!!!!  with a capital H... only lasted 30 minutes... then went quiet visually, and went with tunes and pushing to the end.. 

Have a mountain ride planned with my tour(ture) director... aka mentor on Friday.
Saturday - crit prep
Sunday Crit race
Monday: "Wandering with Ralph" century ride... although frankly Ralph, I would consider it a double metric... hehehe... That was my next step so let's call it the almost double metric... hahaha! Can we pleazzzz... haha

2 days into the 10 day push

Recapping the past 2 days:

Yesterday was trainer and held a good 90-100 cadence on medium resistance.  Really felt as though I pushed myself and ran at about 80-90%.  Did a total of 1:40 as I watch a foreign "thriller" haha!!!  Although I realized after I put it on pause that there was actually an english version... Even funnier.. That is sooo me... Well.. no biggy actually enjoy watching a foreign film every once in a while.  A diversion to my normal documentary genre... I enjoyed this movie.  It was "The girl with the dragon tattoo" made from the first book in the trilogy in the Millennium series, although still have about 40 minutes to go... OMG!  I know... how do I do that... well...life calls and the kids needs to start their nightly routine, so had to help it along.  Anyway.. good train good movie, so far...

Today was a trial ride of the Bethel crit.  Planning on doing it this Sunday, although I need to take it easy as I can't hurt myself before the camp week;)  That's my story and I'm sticking with it.    1 hour, average of 15.8... The wind was crazy and it was bitter cold, below freezing as I did it early in the morning.   OH and BTW!!!!  Call out to Pawling Cycle and Sport team, Thank you... my hands were mega warm thanks to Rob and the team for the new gloves!!!!!    I'm so tired of riding in the cold... ugh.... And yes I was complaining about the weather that is...  Can't wait til it warms up.  The wind was brutal around the last bend before the hill, was like riding in quick sand. The hill didn't bother me at all, was really strong the whole way...  Ran at the largest gear 3/4 of the way thru the loop... then as I head up the hill pulled the gears down 3 spaces and then at the start of the drive entrance pulled myself up and held it up until after the loop line and then recovered from there.  Feeling the hill never really affected me, leads me to believe that I could have pushed a bit more.  Ralph or Rob, hope to get your feedback on the technique I was using for the hill.  Hoping the race will be a bit slower from this past Sunday, and I'm thinking if I can stay with the pack and draft where possible I could do "okay".  I'm not great with speed, I'm more endurance but I think like I mentioned in a previous blog  I really want to push for speed...  I need to get myself from out of the back and at least in the middle... I think that is my goal for the season :)

Until tomorrow, day 3 of the push!

I return and head hard into the final stretch

Okay.... I'm back after being exiled from US social networking including that of my blog and google+ :(  But all is good and yes... I did stay true to my efforts and goal.   With the exception of the long journey time, I had regular training.  All hotels that I stayed at had full gyms.   So I did a combination of cycle/run and floor...   Did between 30-37 km on the stationary bike... watching the BBC... right at home pulling info to file in my brain.. Never knew about "The race to the Challenger Deep"  Cameron/Branson/Jones...  Crazy....  I suppose the bar goes up as you hit each plateau...and with money like they have the plateau goes very high!!!  Although that very concept is very important at what ever level.  I see it in my cycling.  Once I looked at the Wingdale mountain as terrifying...Crazy terrifying!!! But recently I've beat it 2 times over, yes it is hard, very hard.. but I'm ready to do it 3 times over...  I reference again how cycling has many parallels to life or should I say life's lesson.  You just have to try... you get to the next step ( or that rock or mailbox ahead of you)  and then the next and then the next... and finally you're at the top.  And there.. at the top.. I hope I never have to tell the same story over twice.   That is my ultimate goal... as I go through life and explore and live... when it's time to slow down I want to be able to tell my stories about each adventure and hope I never run out of stories to tell.  So with that... I leave you with some photos I took overseas...  They're self explanatory...  Hope you like them :)

Soul cycle training.... global

Today was still on the trainer.  Due to tight time restraints I needed to keep it easy and in-house.  Wanted to hit 3 hours 80-100 rpm.   Hit only 2.5 but pushed higher rpm's and did some upper body challenges, similar to some soul cycle classes I've taken in the past.  4 reps of 12 all upper body.  I call this training more global.. :)
Feed the mind with some great inspiration of true artistry.  One that does not feed by return, but one that does from pure pleasure and vision, inspiring... I enjoyed every minute of this film. 
Bill Cunningham, NY - One of the very greats of all time in the fashion industry, truly, truly inspiring on many levels.

Then finished off with the balance of Burning Man.  Incredible how much goes into such an event, really incredible!!!   Putting this one on the long term list... the list I don't officially have... haha...
I will be back on the training cycle Tuesday morning ( my Tuesday evening ).  Cycle shoes are packed and ready for my next adventure..

Genre - Documentaries and spinning ( and a little chris) haha

Last 2 days I was forced inside to the trainer :(  Although it is a great way to catch up on my "documentaries" haha!!!  Friday greeted me with about 4-5 inches of snow on the ground..  Then today were high winds.  In addition, the concerns of the sand and ice patches.  Need to stay extra safe these days.   Well today is exactly 3 weeks prior to the event... There is no time for slacking...   A little Chris... training intervals... cadence monitoring... then a bit of feeding the mind...

Stats:

80-90 rpm - middle gear - medium resistance
4.0 hours total - over 2 days.... okay..okay.... I need to do more... Just need to find the time.. ugh!!!
Other than Chris...
Views to feed the mind:   Waste Land - Vik Muniz
                                          Discovery Atlas
                                          and 30 Minutes into Burning Man

Tomorrow I hope to do 3 hours... Have to pack for my next adventure.. and get the kids ready for next week... so, busy as can be... but I have to do it...   Wonder what temptation of the mind I will chose tomorrow..  I can't wait to decide... haha...

Time for my muscles and mind to rest.

Just a side note... I've been away from home for a while now and I do miss my cycle adventures with my tour(ture) director... If you're reading this... Hope to see you soon :)  I miss your inspiration!!! 

Yard Sales - Typo correction.. :/ hehe

As my last evening here winds down in the Sierra mountains,  the sky turns to shades of pink and blue.  One of the most beautiful I've been lucky enough to see here in Nevada.   So today was my last day of skiing.  The weather was amazing at a high of 57 degrees, as they would say, Spring skiing.   The kids bailed on me today,  but a secret….  I didn't mind as I LOVE my adult days on the verticals.   I feel free and adventurous and able to push by limits, in depths, speed, ability and focus on technique.  So my sister and I hit the mountains hard,  speed was of the target today, and speed we did…Was able to catch some air on the runs which was really fun…  Speed…. whether it be on the bike, slope or int he car… I get that feeling taken over by the desire to fly.  The overall conditions again were "okay-good" considering the limited snow fall for the season.  The glades/trees were affected the most as coverage was sketchy.  And my sister opted out of a few runs through the trees with her new K2's.  So I ventured alone, although she did give a few a try.  I don't blame her… Who wants to ruin new K2's with rock skiing…. :(    We actually met the general manager of our complex on the slopes and he turned out to be an AMAZING skier!!!!!  Even asked him for any pointers.  He said my technique was really good, but that the one things that stood out was my hand/arm and pole position. Stay put in front and don't move from side to side… you want your body front and forward always.    We also did some bumps as well and again he said the technique was good but to focus on the hand/pole position and when turn to lift the leg higher which will help on the turns around the bumps….   He gave us some great ideas for future ski trips, Canada, Montana and Utah on the top of the list for next year.  He also told us about the helicopter skiing which has now been added to my short term  list, that I don't officially have..haha.  I would hope maybe 3-4 years for that one.  The avalanche factor makes me a little nervous with the kids being so young still, they need their mom…  although my son has already told me he is going...  Anyway… This week was not much on the wheels but all about the sticks… Did the 5-6 hours daily work on the legs, so I felt the muscle and endurance part of training was satisfied. Heavy cardio was there but was minimal.  I'm at the home base for the next few days so I hope to hit the road or trainer hard.  

Stats for the week:

30 hours total - Typo correction.. hehehe
Intermediate downhill on 2 - 156 K2's
Minimal stopping for the occasional photo op and or a rest break and mountain mary
OR the gathering of a yard sale..hehe… 

An adventure with some stolen moments... and some training??

Last few days have been focused on my kids... an adventure.. some stolen moments we will all remember for times to come... But don't worry have kept up with plenty of physical challenges to prep for the big event... hehe!   4 days of hard runs.. and my favorite parts..... mogul mania... haha... I think I might be liking " Ellie's swing"  and "Ellies"  although towards the end it was pretty rough... the conditions are quite better than I had expected...  but thank god for rentals.. the bottoms part at least... tracked about 5 hours net time daily.. haha.. all fun.. Tomorrow is the last full day..   Next year I get myself a epic unlimited pass...Kids hit Kirkwood on Thursday without me :(.. sure they will have a great time.. Thanks Aunt Amy and uncle Marc..

Catching up

Well,  Sadly I have to say that I think the pace that I have been keeping up has finally caught up to me... or.... I just got the cold my daughter had the week prior... anyway... UGH!!!

I will stay put for the next 5 days and have some mega fun on the slopes of Heavenly... South Lake Tahoe...  met up with my kids... made the journey to the mountain... got the ski rentals tonight, although this year I brought my own boots... Lesson learned from last year... not letting new " foreign " boots get the best of me... We are right on the mountain and we keep hearing the graders coming by... Wish I had some pics to post but... my hands were too full of tissues... to carry the camera... hahah...  I know.. I know... this is about cycling and the training but it is also about the person behind it.  Anyway... I'm meeting up with a photo group on Sunday.. I've been following them for a bit and it just happens that they planned a photo walk to South Tahoe the same time I was here.. going to be wicked fun!!!!  Well bottom line... :(  no training today although I had great expectations.. thought I would run as the roads here are really clear...But not being able to breathe through my nose held me back from doing that. LOL... but don't worry I will make it up on the mountain tomorrow.  Oh and BTW..... my legs are killing me... Thanks David!!!! ( aka bootcamp instructor)  Yes.... my legs... can you believe it... they hurt??? Weird?  Til tomorrow.

On the Road - Boot camp

Today started for me before the sun rose.  The light of the city and crescent moon were beautiful so I partook in some image capturing.   Even talked my way up to the 8th floor to watch the sun rise.  Got some good shots after I moved past the actual glory of the moment. hehe :)   After the peacefulness and calm it was off to boot camp.  Decided to run there and took a slight detour ( intentional- I'll never tell) but made it to Lacy Park right on time.  Boot camp was great as it challenged me ways that I had not never challenged - at least in the last 6 months.  David, my "drill sergeant" made sure he hit me hard, all parts..  apparently there are some parts that I have been missing :/ on my training.  After this cycling event, I think it is time for me to go more global in my training. There are other parts of my body other than my legs.....LOL  Was great fun but I think I might be hurting tomorrow in places I've never felt... Thanks David!!! I think???? Until next time

Training on the "road"

Although time is drawing near to the big event...  I unfortunately have been forced off the asphalt and into the sky... hehe... Life happened and away from my home base and my "Ralph and Steve" training membership for weeks... although catching a little pleasure in between.   Doing my best to keep the training going with what I have.  Gym's have worked but where I'm unable I hit the road running.  Today I hit the gym.. 2hour 15 minutes cycle.. average rpm was 85... peaked at 105.  Watched "TV" on the screen as I monitored my cadence and distance.. caught NCSI and  Law & Order... hahaha  Haven't watched those in years! Was the last one standing or should I say sitting in the gym.  Off to Boot camp in the park tomorrow morning... First time ever... I'm looking forward to  it.   BTW... that is not my reflection haha... it is the TV image.... :)  Off to chill and watch a little Nova... Learning a bit about the Himilayans...   Until tomorrow...

Cat and Mouse

Sorry for the delay on the Cat and Mouse footage.... Life happens... hehehe...

Stats:
39 PMR miles  twice over...  3:07
43 miles total
Partner: 1/4 of the way... Ralph.. hahaha
Temp: 40 degrees - totally nailed the "what to wear" question... 3 layers...

What did I take from this ride:  WOW... I can remember the first time I rode this route... It was a huge accomplishment...one time around... The ability and drive to actually want to do it twice was amazing... And if I had the time...  I would have said... yes... let's do it again.. Perhaps before my trip to Arizona I will travel this route until I can't... hehe... We will see if we can squeeze it in! UGH!!

Enjoy the footage...

http://youtu.be/AvwV98J97Zg

Siddartha's journey

What better of a way to start the week but to allow the gently tones of Gere's voice ( haha) guide me through Grubins interpretation of Saddartha's journey.  Hope to add to this later as I have much to say but must start my own journey this week. 

The peddling part:  :)
Stats:  Chris was not played....Surrendered to Gere's words... heheh
Cadence: 60-70 - I know, I know!!!! - Top gear tho... but no resistance
Duration: 1 hour

Work in progress...

Video and stats not quite ready from the cat and mouse race.. working on it... but the statement of the race is from Ralph "  I thought I would have caught you on the mountain the first loop" HA!... LOL.... NOPE... second loop top of 55!!.....     Video to follow... needs a bit of work...  Cat and mouse and BTW... still getting the hang of the gopro... yes, yes... I turned the button on... but ran out of memory 1/2 of the way through... had to use my phone camera for additional footage... haha

Spacial Awareness - Catch me if you can

Needing to share a note sent to me from Ralph.....As I mentally prep for the cat and mouse race tomorrow... a double loop on the Pawling mountain race!!!  (me... being the mouse..hahaha) Amazing mentor!!!

He writes:
Suggestions for Friday. Be warmed up. Ride as hard as you can, but still be able to say single words. Only for short times should you max out your heart rate. 5 min. at a time. Then ride steady so you can speak a word. You should always have some difficulty speaking full sentences . Don't panic ! Ride your ride as best you can. Be determined on your mission to keep me off the back. Take advantage of your strengths . You are fast on the flats and descents . Ride smooth. Stay small. Sit as much as you can climbing. Use easy gears with moderately high cadence. Try to spin 60-80 rpm on the climb.
Once you run out of gears, ride steady. Don't blow yourself up.
Look at the big picture. Have spacial awareness . Don't focus on your front wheel. Keep your head up, looking at your next goal. As you approach it , move the goal further out. Always pedal over the hill . Many people slow down as they approach a hill top. This is where you drop them , the last hundred yards. Draft everything you can. Try to stay out of the wind. When racing , you divide the route into sections. It's easier to swallow. Don't dwell on the finish. Work on where you are. Your body can take more punishment than you'll ever know. Trust yourself. Smile ! You'll be surprised.
REMEMBER ! THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN !
RIDE SAFE. YOU CAN'T WIN IF YOU'RE ON THE GROUND.

Lesson learned:
Lots....  but there is an underlying meaning that I can take to life here....  I never look at the top of the mountain when I climb I find it overwhelming at times, but he knows my cycling tendencies very well and I tend to look only immediately in front of me..At time.... straight down...  But what I really needed to do is.... look slightly ahead at a "close" target.. and once I get there... I need to look at the next closest target.... WOW... I've been 1/2 wrong all this time... Look slightly ahead, which will push me slightly harder... then move onto the next... "Spacial Awareness" my new favorite phrase...   multi steps!!!!  Something to take along with me in life. Thanks Ralph!

See you tomorrow......
Catch me if you CAN!!!!

PAC Tours... thank you

Support from many areas continue to come in.  The cycling community is an amazing community.  I'm  about 6 weeks away from the camp in Arizona and I'm very excited, .  Although my training lately has been often side tracked due to that thing once again that we call "responsibilities of life".  Anyway I wanted to share some great news that the Pac tours has offered me a team bike for the week to use.  That is so cool on their part!!!  Amazing support out there.  Thank you PAC tours!  Tomorrow is "Ralph's cat and mouse ride"  haha!!!  2 loops of the Pawling mountain race, at race speed?? And as most of you know I would be the mouse...   He's giving me a 15 minute head start.. I'm thinking I might need to latch on to a few cars to get more of a head start. NO.. NO...only kidding... safety first... We will see how long it takes for him to catch me... Oh yeah... you bet the go pro will be attached.. Can't promise it will be "on" haha... Although I really need to find another "place" for the camera... I laugh at myself every time I wear it... the helmet is a great place for it, the movement gives you a feeling of actually riding... well kind of...  the outfit and the helmet and the protruding contraption from my head... does not read cool to me..  I guess I have to make up for it in other areas... haha..   Until tomorrow

Green light means GO!!!

Well,  I have good news the doc has given me a green light.  Finally after a week of ignoring a protrusion from my wrist bone.. I finally broke down and visited the doc.  X-ray shows all bones are in tact... haha! Feared that the trip over the handle bars may have been a bit much for me... BUT!! nope... I'm good to go.. something which is called a ganglion cyst... God what a terrible descriptive.   I'm sure I will work it out. Anyway.... I'm clear for more MTB fun....

Cat and Mouse

Okay, this ride was planned as a team ride.  Detailed " Easy, for everyone"  haha.... Now you have to understand that the team is hard core! These guys are high speed ...  reaching for the win... and many have won... Our Pawling Cycle and Sport team is amazing!!!! Seriously... Let's make a comparison... skiing to biking...  I'm the bunny slope, these guys are the black diamonds!!! haha... Well, as I meet up with the team.. speeding by.... Met up for a quick chat with Rob as I'm panting from the quick pace of the ride?????  He says oh man.. Nicole, this is the fast group... none of the slower ones showed up... of course I'm saying to myself... SHIT... I'm in for it... I reply.... I have the clue sheet.... I'm set.. He says stay as long as you can with the pack... I'm out here to ride I say, no worries...   the pack stayed a good 1/8 of a mile ahead of me for a ways then.... they were hard to see.  I continue as I'm here for a reason I will forge ahead, I've got the cue sheet and all... hehehe...  And then I see the yellow jacket lingering about... Yes... it is Ralph... wow...  I say, you didn't need to wait, you should have flown with the boys...  his response, I didn't want you to ride alone... Wicked amazing... So there you have it... An amazing friendship... my mentor, my friend.   Enjoy the video..... cat and mouse!!!

http://youtu.be/iSfK8D1iAXk

Stats:
Companions:  The team at first... then me and Ralph
Distance: 45 miles
Time 3:12
Average speed: 14.1
Temp: 30 degrees - No problem I have the dress under raps

What I learned:
Well, anytime I meet up with the team I know it's going to be a push.  But I will say it is exactly what I need to push myself.  I will admit, it is a bit intimidating but I do it anyway, every time. If I keep at it perhaps I will one day .. ride with the pack through the whole trip... :) and then I smile.

Speed ???

Well, did a short ride, pushing for speed.  Tried to get a partner to race against but I think I posted to late.  Anyway my opponent ended up being the clock, tick, tock, tick, tock... Hummm apparently I need to change the batteries in this particular "clock" as I ended a bit slower than I wanted.  Stats below

Companion: Solo
Distance: 13.8 miles
Time: 58 minutes
Average speed 14.3 MPH  compared to last speed run of 14.94

Well,  It was a beautiful day. Didn't think I would get out, busy with that thing called "life" but did for an hour, so was thrilled.    Although I didn't push myself the way I should have, losing speed on my last recorded "speed" ride.

What I learned:
Well, training can sometimes be a bit tough when doing it alone.   Meaning, I always "do" it but...  sometimes when I don't have the "boys" pushing me, or me keeping up with them!, it becomes a bit easier not to push my hardest. Well anyway... I did a lot of thinking on my ride, perhaps the need for "thinking" time was the reason this adventure was meant to be alone.  Had a good talk with myself ... HAHAHA... Oh come on... I know you all do it sometimes ;)... And realized something very important about myself, so overall.. it was a successful ride... :)   Gosh.... I can't help but laugh at my ride photos... because nothing makes me look remotely cool.... LOL!  And yes... the hair kept getting in the way... but no time to stop... as I was on the clock!!!  Until next ride...

Cross XC Training - With one of my biggest fans

So..  My trainer ( hehe ) Ralph has noted that what ever I can do when ever to support the progression of my training over the winter is huge.  It is quite cold out there and it makes it difficult to hit the road.  So I bring it inside on the trainer, spinning classes, Bikram, etc.  Anything that I think will support my efforts in strengthening me physically and mentally! So one Cross training event which I LOVED!!!!  as this was an adventure that I share with one of my favorite fans... my son.. XC skiing.. It was amazing and a sliver that I will remember, cherish and of course.. when we get the snow back???  Do it once again.  Although this adventure didn't come without a few "MORE" falls....  What is up with this last weekend... the bruises from the MTB crashes are healing... although there is a new "thing" sticking out from my wrist... hummm... Hoping it will go away soon.  so here are the stats:

Time:  2 hours through the woods!!
Length:  Have no idea
Temperature: 30 degrees, although it got warm very quickly
Speed: SLOW.... as we stopped and reflected whenever we could.. We were in no hurry!

Enjoy the slideshow:

 http://youtu.be/d0DpWxZU5wI

Mountain Ride

A bit sore... but worth every minute..  Tried something that my crazy mentor has been pushing me to try... And actually I loved it.. Although had a few spills and have a few bruises and scratches tonight, ouch!!!  But I gained a huge amount of knowledge from it.  As Ralph would say.... you know it from riding a horse... you become one with what you're riding. So true, I total got it by the end of the 1.5 hour ride. Was scary at moments, but I quickly learned how to ride the "bumps", don't be afraid of the hills, lay off the front breaks as you descend, ride thru the obstacle if it is not too large and don't stop pedalling, and to dress lighter... It was cold out at first but took no time to warm up. Anyway... I would do it again in a heart beat! Thank you Rob for lending the bike! It will get some good use in the future.. I'm sure of it!  So as for the Gopro... my daughter said to me this morning... mom... make sure you don't forget to hit the start button.  Well I did that, I made sure of it, but I think something went wrong along the way. It was actually kind of weird! It might have been the bumps???  Out of he 1.5 hours riding... only 9 minutes were captured, but the weird part about it was ... in those 9 minutes, the first crash was captured, which was half way through the ride.  Seriously... so not planned.. Next time I hope to capture some of the wicked stuff I experienced today.  Side note... my son will love this and I can't wait to ride it with him... We will start with the double wides..

Well... I hope you enjoy the video... Stats: are listed

http://youtu.be/8e8yADGv6M0

Snow ... hummmm

Well, 24 degrees and snow on the ground... This ride will for sure be interesting... UGH!   I will make sure the red light is blinking this time... hehehe...  until later.. If I survive.

Nothing

Nothing to log today... except dragging in and out of the city a 40lb bag from showroom to showroom, back to the showroom, back over to the showroom.. you get the idea... Accounts for something, no??.. But I do have exciting news!!!!  With Ralph's ever wonderful mentoring skills he has been trying to get me on a "mountain" bike.   My response has been a sarcastic laugh and then... maybe next season Ralph, as I roll my eyes.  Monday's trip he spoke of getting a nice thick log to practice jumping over.. And if anyone knows me well... I responded with a gasp, oh ya... not me!!!!  This man is completely mad, jumping over a log with a bike, can you imagine... I say to myself???  Well.... Plans for Friday.. yup you have it... mountain biking with Ralph.  Man this is going to be interesting to say the very least... And he writes in the e-mail "do not wear layers" followed by "you'll see why"  Some how I think I might be getting the old Ralph set up...  Like "Going for a short ride today, want to come?"... sure I say... we hit the end of W. Dover I go to turn right... he says nope left...I in horror respond!!! THE MOUNTAIN!!!!  WHAT!!!!  He laughs and turns left.    That's called the "Ralph" set up....  Thinking perhaps a gopro event, although it might be a bit dangerous for the new equipment. The body can always heal, the equipment doesn't heal :/, priorities?  But it could be really great footage... hahaha... we will see.  On that note.. see you then...

Quantum Physics....

I woke to the cover of snow today.... The rain came shortly after....  Life just happened and I was pulled towards those things that fuel the mechanics of life... Anyway by 6:30 pm I was ready to surrender to my obsession...But today... I leave Chris behind( cycling for power-master)... haha...  I will revisit you soon.. don't you worry...  Choice of this evening.. documentary genre... hummm  picks for you? Nextflix says...... Let's see... "what the bleep do we know" Perfect... 109 minutes of quantum physics...  Right up my alley... seriously... and I could even say this was great  for training.... Mind over body.....
And yes... of course I was able to monitor and track my cadence .... :)

Stats:
109 minutes
Cadence intervals 80-100
Knowledge registered.... Lots..( c'mon  quantum physics... ) wicked cool stuff haha!!! really!
companions... occasional super twin asking for something... or sharing something...

Photo by CAH

With resolve, intent and purpose, you just do it

Ralph's Bog Hollow ride today.

I woke and immediately checked the temperature outside for the ride... 9 degrees, and I thought to myself... wow I must be out of my mind...  But continued to get ready with more layers than I care to admit. Although as I will boast... I found the perfect formula for dress on a cold run... ( we'll see I say under my breath) The ride started out malfunction after malfunction, but that never stopped me before.  It started as my young racer eagerly helped to prepare for my adventure of the day.  The Presta valve broke as he explain to me what happened as he was filling the tire.  No problem... the closure was still in tact and should be fine for the ride. I fill my bottles with "almost" boiling water.  The little racer shocked and confused but after explaining it gives me a smile as he learned another trick he is sure to use in the future.  I'm bundled up and ready to roll.  I stop at a neighbors house to drop the kids off thanking her for supporting me as I indulge in this craziness.  As she says... "I'm not going to ask why, I've learned.... You do what you do" followed by a laugh... As I eagerly start to pedal away my chain slips.  I try to use the tricks of getting it back on without stopping but to no avail I had to stop, turn the bike over and re-chain... Okay... back on and ready to roll.  Met Ralph and Steve on West Dover turned to join in their direction.    Oh and btw....  had the gopro attached and ready to record the ride...

Stats:
http://ridewithgps.com/trips/486120       (Although I did not do the full ride, met them on w.dover)
Companions:  Ralph and Steve
Miles 37.5
Time 2:44
Average speed 13.8 mph
highest grade 12.1
Temperature start 17 degrees
Temperature end 24 degrees

Overall great ride..I was hoping to share it with you all but..... Malfunction #3 - Apparently I didn't hit the start button properly on the gopro... OMG!!!!  So I rode looking like a dork for almost 38 miles and for what... haha....I look like a dork with or without this machine protruding from my head, so why is this moment any different?  followed by a laugh!!!!    Had some great drafting shots...  and descending shots ( or as Ralph refers to it... screaming) .. although... as my brother in-law would say... no pictures then it didn't happen... haha!!! But really it did!  Drafting during the cold days is key.....  It's called the warm spot... and I take full advantage of it, the boys will tell you.  As for the perfect formula in "very" cold weather....  Well.... my toes were freezing!!!!!  So I haven't quite gotten the "perfect" formula... Other than that... I was generally really comfortable.

No pics this ride... :(

So what did I learn from this ride.... dedication to something that you really want after time becomes natural.  You just do it... without question, with resolve, intent and purpose, you just do it.

The West Cave

The East cave is for art, creativity, passion and emotion
The West cave is for perseverance, dedication, endurance and challenge
The west cave, the new cave as been created and will stay for the next 2 months
After those two months... hummm.... not sure... what will go in its place

Stats:
Have no idea how far I went ... but I would say about 20 miles
Today's focus and training was about cadence 80-100 intervals with recovery periods in between
The 60 minute training flew by, window open for a breeze.

Working on a trainer that was lent to me from Pawling Cycle and Sport, 12 Main St. Check them out, amazing shop.... http://www.pawlingcycle.com/  ... Thank you again Rob!!!!  Love the DVD too... although... Chris got a bit boring during the DVD so on one of my recoveries... I had to add background music ... gusgus was my music of choice today.   Nothing personal Chris but... haha....   I did get a chance to think about my opening words for Thursday... I've got them done..   Hitting the road though again tomorrow with my dear companion Ralph!   Thinking gopro... for our ride. :)

Additional support :)

I'm excited to share that I have received additional sponsorship from the LP energy drink company.  I've reached out over the last week to a number of potential sponsors as I continue to plan for the Arizona trip. One of which I heard back from right away.  Thank you Randy!

  I'm also thrilled to say the owner of Pawling Cycle and Sport has donated the use of a trainer, so that I can continue my training during these cold months "inside".  Although the cold has not seemed to affect my training... I have decided not to train during these cold days outside unless I have a partner so safety reasons.  Picking up later today :)

January 8, 2012

The best ride in a very long time....  Wasn't paying attention to the mileage, the average speed, the climb.. none of that.  We were more concerned about what snacks we were going to take in our backpack, new lense check, something to eat check, carrots for our friends check.    Bravo to my partner on this trip.. Made it about 6 miles.  First time out with mommy.  With many stops along the way.  Isn't that it is all about anyway?

Stats: 
Partner: A little "almost" 5 foot figure that I call the fuel that makes my heart beat
Distance: It could have gone on forever
Speed: Way toooo fast

What I got from this ride:  A sliver of exploration, adventure and perseverance with a magical little girl that is growing up way too fast...   Our quote "Call them and they will come"  ~ We're talking about koń.  And she did come.... she must have smelt the carrots in backpack... hehehe...

January 6, 2012 climb

First time on the Gopro....was great to take you along!!!  But will need to experiment and tweak.  Helmet mount try this trip. - outcome was just okay :/....  Too much looking around.. I think I might try the bike mount next.   Okay enough about the video and more about the ride...

Stats:
Solo
2.9  mile climb
32 minutes total 5.76 miles for the climb only and descent.
10 mile excursion
Not so great at 11.1 amph - But this can be my starting point for climbs
Weather was perfect mid 40's
Grades hit 13.6%
climbed 791 ft.

I hope to eventually hit this climb multi times within a single trip...  I'm getting less afraid of it... which is HUGE!!!!  fellow cyclist will get that comment!  It changes every time I climb.

Enjoy the Climb with me:
http://youtu.be/kDU3menyR1E          

Cold DAY!!!!! January 3, 2012 - climbing

Wow... the days are getting very cold here.  It snowed a bit last night.  I've gotten better at the dressing for the rides and I think I might actually have it down to a science.  Although I did realize 2 very important things.  #1......  I need a thermal water bottle... Even after filling my water bottle with warm water it froze about at the 14 miles mark and I was unable to get any water out of it unless I took the top off.  Hence we stopped once we got into town to add some hot water.  Thanks to some help.. hehehe... I was able to get the top off. Stopped to chat a bit with Rob the cycle shop owner... Was great to chat but... #2 lesson.... do not stop for more than just a moment on a cold ride.  I stopped for about 15 minutes got back on the bike and within a few minutes I thought I might have to stop because my finger were about to fall off!!!!   But trustly Ralph pulled me thru not to stop.. hunkered behind him at his wheel to get warm while pushing thru and soon after that fingers had a nice supply of warm blood flowing thru them.  The wind was strong today.  As Ralph would say, this wind is like riding thru mud.  I even had a few flurries grace us.... OMG!!!

Stats:
Partner for the ride: Ralph
Distance  29.04 miles
Time 2:14
Average speed 13.6 mph
Temperature: 24 - with wind 14 mph
Route: Up and over Quaker Hill  thru Patterson into Pawling and then back.
Ride type: climbing - Don't have grades or feet climbed but will update later.

What I took for this ride today:  Brrrrrrr... It's really cold out there....  Oh and even if your not really up for a ride... do it anyway because you will feel better after.  Although I'm still thawing out..