Happy Holidays - I hope Santa visited and left lots of bike-related schwag under the tree.
I had the pleasure of spending the holiday with Mitch and her family - they have been kind enough to offer to adopt me for most major holidays and this was the first Christmas I spent with them. I was assured that I could sit back and enjoy the show. So I did.
Christmas eve was a family party for dad's side of the family - the early party-goers were warned of my impending arrival and directed to "welcome her and give her a glass of red wine". The Hart family knows me well.
Christmas morning started by making sure Santa had come before gift-opening, followed by some rock-star praline french toast that was more like dessert than breakfast. We all know calories don't count on holidays, so it was all good.
After a little down time (Mitch and I even got on our bikes for a trainer session while watching Hangover - worth the price of admission if you haven't seen it), we got gussied up again for a Christmas dinner with mom's side of the family.
The younger kids had been working on a play to perform for the family on Christmas day. This was all news to me; I was just sipping wine and taking it all in. Then Mitch informed me that I had been drafted for the play. The kids requested Mitch to rehearse her lines but the play started without me having a clue what it was about. (you only have two lines, they said to me, so you don't need to rehearse)
I was to play Dolores. Thats all I knew. As the play went on, Mitch did a scary-good job at playing the scolding mom to the kids. The kids declare "Ricky and Dolores, sitting in a tree", which is where I learned of my role - I was Ricky's crush. Ricky was 4. I realize I am only 32, but for about 15mins, I became Mrs. Robinson.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
De-bleated Goats and Woodland Creatures
Title this post: Random yet funny.
Last weekend I went to see the new George Clooney movie (with a cute boy, of course), which was hysterical. In one scene, he's explaining how they surreptitiously got the goats on base, concluding with the statement "we didn't have to worry about soldiers hearing the goats because they'd been de-bleated". I was no good after that line and I'll be honest, I still giggled a little just now typing it. Is it wrong that I googled "de-bleated" to make sure I was spelling it right ?
So, the random humor for today comes in the form of a card from one of my good friends at work:
I dont know why I find this stuff funny but I do.
Last weekend I went to see the new George Clooney movie (with a cute boy, of course), which was hysterical. In one scene, he's explaining how they surreptitiously got the goats on base, concluding with the statement "we didn't have to worry about soldiers hearing the goats because they'd been de-bleated". I was no good after that line and I'll be honest, I still giggled a little just now typing it. Is it wrong that I googled "de-bleated" to make sure I was spelling it right ?
So, the random humor for today comes in the form of a card from one of my good friends at work:
"For every one sweet bunny, there's another one itching to steal your wallet. Be mindful of woodland creatures today"
I dont know why I find this stuff funny but I do.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Perspective
It's been a while since I've either had time to post or had the motivation to post ... it's off-season, I'm super busy at work with quarter-end and, somehow, year-end. Where does the time go ? On one hand it seems like just yesterday we were gearing up for what would become an abbreviated 2009 season for me, but on the other, it seems like years ago with all that has transpired in between. The difference all lies in your perspective.
Perspective is something so simple yet so elusive to most of us. On a ride today, Mitch and I were talking about how much our perspective can change with something so simple as rearranging furniture or changing your route to work. That's our perspective, which is easy to change. Our external perspective - ie taking into account someone else's perspective, is much more difficult to change.
One subject that came up was how we all b*tch and moan about how bad things are in this country, but take one look across our very own border with Mexico and you'll suddenly appreciate what we have here. Listen to a few news stories about Afganistan or Iran or other countries in chaos or with severe dictatorships and all of a sudden we don't have it quite so bad. And while I'm definitely not a bleeding heart when it comes to illegal immigration, I can understand why they want their chance at the "American Dream". If roles were reversed, there's no question I'd make a run for it ... That is my attempt at perspective - There, but for the grace of god, go I.
Perspective isn't limited to huge social issues or hard-to-change policies - I firmly believe that most day-to-day conflicts could be avoided or resolved if everyone took a deep breath and considered all perspectives before flaking out.
Part of the reason this doesn't happen as often as it should lies in our type-A personalities ... that's something we can't change and it seems to be a prerequisite for any longevity in this sport. Get a few dominant personalities together and there's bound to be fireworks eventually.
Another part of the issue is that we feel so passionate about whatever we do - from our training to our work to our families to what color our bar tape should be. You might laugh at that last one but just try convincing someone to change their preferred brand/color of bar tape ... (I prefer lime green these days).
Combine both of the prior issues with pride - inability to back down, even if there's a slight-however slight-chance that we may be going at things the wrong way. Again, this is inherent in most cyclists (and most competitive athletes in general).
These issues are not unique to cyclists or athletes or to our times - I found a great quote that pretty much sums it up:
Anyway, it seems that 2009 has been a year of perspective for me. I think perspective is a good thing, in general, but I think I've had my share of enforced perspective for a while.
Enough of the philosophical musings of an over worked accountant ... here's a shot of a multitude of bikes parked in my house a few weeks ago.
We planned a team ride but it rained so it was a trainer session. Of course, as soon as we finished, the rain stopped and the sun came out. It was all good - we had a great time together, no-one had to drive home in the rain and we didn't have to clean our bikes.
Talk about perspective.
Perspective is something so simple yet so elusive to most of us. On a ride today, Mitch and I were talking about how much our perspective can change with something so simple as rearranging furniture or changing your route to work. That's our perspective, which is easy to change. Our external perspective - ie taking into account someone else's perspective, is much more difficult to change.
One subject that came up was how we all b*tch and moan about how bad things are in this country, but take one look across our very own border with Mexico and you'll suddenly appreciate what we have here. Listen to a few news stories about Afganistan or Iran or other countries in chaos or with severe dictatorships and all of a sudden we don't have it quite so bad. And while I'm definitely not a bleeding heart when it comes to illegal immigration, I can understand why they want their chance at the "American Dream". If roles were reversed, there's no question I'd make a run for it ... That is my attempt at perspective - There, but for the grace of god, go I.
Perspective isn't limited to huge social issues or hard-to-change policies - I firmly believe that most day-to-day conflicts could be avoided or resolved if everyone took a deep breath and considered all perspectives before flaking out.
Part of the reason this doesn't happen as often as it should lies in our type-A personalities ... that's something we can't change and it seems to be a prerequisite for any longevity in this sport. Get a few dominant personalities together and there's bound to be fireworks eventually.
Another part of the issue is that we feel so passionate about whatever we do - from our training to our work to our families to what color our bar tape should be. You might laugh at that last one but just try convincing someone to change their preferred brand/color of bar tape ... (I prefer lime green these days).
Combine both of the prior issues with pride - inability to back down, even if there's a slight-however slight-chance that we may be going at things the wrong way. Again, this is inherent in most cyclists (and most competitive athletes in general).
These issues are not unique to cyclists or athletes or to our times - I found a great quote that pretty much sums it up:
Every man takes the limits of his own field of vision for the limits of the world.
- Arthur Schopenhauer.
Anyway, it seems that 2009 has been a year of perspective for me. I think perspective is a good thing, in general, but I think I've had my share of enforced perspective for a while.
Enough of the philosophical musings of an over worked accountant ... here's a shot of a multitude of bikes parked in my house a few weeks ago.
We planned a team ride but it rained so it was a trainer session. Of course, as soon as we finished, the rain stopped and the sun came out. It was all good - we had a great time together, no-one had to drive home in the rain and we didn't have to clean our bikes. Talk about perspective.
Friday, October 23, 2009
TGIF - 10/23/09
This time last week, I was braving cold and windy conditions out in St. Michaels instead of posting a TGIF blog. Why would I do such a thing, you ask ? Because that was the site of Robin and Jason's wedding - yep, we lost another one. You can either read that as we single ladies lost another eligible bachelor or you can read it as bachelors and bachelorettes lost another friend to a member of the opposite sex. Either way, we lost something and Robin and Jason gained something ... just the way it should be when two of your friends get married and live happily ever after.
The wedding was amazing - beautiful ceremony with the prerequisite tears and "moments" followed by a kick-ass party complete with 1) a band, 2) lots of alcohol and, as a direct result of 1 & 2, a full dance floor. A good time was had by all, hands down the most fun I've *ever* had at a wedding. Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention cake. Mmm.... cake.
You can't see it in this photo, but that's a bike with a bride and a groom on the top. Fitting, no? I won't bore you with too much wedding talk, but I will mention two things:
First, the entertainment was incredible. The Phil Flowers Band flew in from Vegas just for this occasion. They had everyone out on the dance floor from the first note until the last. I had the pleasure of chauffeuring Phil back to BWI on Sunday after the wedding. The joke was that they didn't tell me who "Phil" was when they asked me to drive him back. Driving an old pal of Jason's back to the airport seemed pretty innocuous - then I found out that my passenger was going to be the 6'4" man wearing the red man-fur with his leather pants. Who gets to tell these kinds of stories? Phil was super-awesome-cool - both on stage and off. If you ever get out to Vegas and have the chance, it's well worth the price of admission.
So -(last wedding bit, promise!) - the time came for the ceremonial throw of the bridal bouquet. Robin was throwing it from the 2nd floor, which overlooked the dance floor where most guests had pushed and pulled single ladies from the audience for this event. She tosses the flowers and ... everyone kind of steps away and lets them land with a thud on the floor. There was an awkward pause as the audience expected a frenzy like *most* weddings have. Nope, not this group. A few seconds pass and some kind soul picks up the flowers. The rest of us laughed. Phil thought it was hysterical ... he told me on the way home that he had never seen anything like it. I don't know what exactly that says about this group of single ladies but it was entertaining, if nothing else.
Happy Friday!
The wedding was amazing - beautiful ceremony with the prerequisite tears and "moments" followed by a kick-ass party complete with 1) a band, 2) lots of alcohol and, as a direct result of 1 & 2, a full dance floor. A good time was had by all, hands down the most fun I've *ever* had at a wedding. Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention cake. Mmm.... cake.
You can't see it in this photo, but that's a bike with a bride and a groom on the top. Fitting, no? I won't bore you with too much wedding talk, but I will mention two things:First, the entertainment was incredible. The Phil Flowers Band flew in from Vegas just for this occasion. They had everyone out on the dance floor from the first note until the last. I had the pleasure of chauffeuring Phil back to BWI on Sunday after the wedding. The joke was that they didn't tell me who "Phil" was when they asked me to drive him back. Driving an old pal of Jason's back to the airport seemed pretty innocuous - then I found out that my passenger was going to be the 6'4" man wearing the red man-fur with his leather pants. Who gets to tell these kinds of stories? Phil was super-awesome-cool - both on stage and off. If you ever get out to Vegas and have the chance, it's well worth the price of admission.
So -(last wedding bit, promise!) - the time came for the ceremonial throw of the bridal bouquet. Robin was throwing it from the 2nd floor, which overlooked the dance floor where most guests had pushed and pulled single ladies from the audience for this event. She tosses the flowers and ... everyone kind of steps away and lets them land with a thud on the floor. There was an awkward pause as the audience expected a frenzy like *most* weddings have. Nope, not this group. A few seconds pass and some kind soul picks up the flowers. The rest of us laughed. Phil thought it was hysterical ... he told me on the way home that he had never seen anything like it. I don't know what exactly that says about this group of single ladies but it was entertaining, if nothing else.
Happy Friday!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
A Flock of Seagulls
The Seagull Century - okay, okay, the title is pretty lame but it was too tempting to pass up.
Much like my trip to NC in August, I left my fate up to priceline on Friday night. I set a certain price I thought would never be accepted for a hotel. Obviously, it was accepted (otherwise I could have never used that title). I guess I'm going to Salisbury !
I ran into a couple of guys (from Arlington) unloading bikes as I arrived at the hotel. Chatting for a few minutes, I informed them that this would be my first ever century (at this time I was planning on doing the Metric, but who's counting?). One of them replied "ooh, a virgin." Before I could stop myself, I replied "it's been a while since anyone called me that." I thought they were going to fall down laughing. I am nothing if not entertaining.
That 30% chance of showers I saw on NOAA night turned into 100% chance of rain by the time I got to the starting area. Sommers called to let me know the DC Velo camp started early - he was chasing to catch on and I was at least 20mins behind if I started that second. Other friends I tried to connect with were caught up in traffic or not answering phones, so off I went. At first I thought that this was a mistake, I should have stayed home. But, I was here to ride my bike and I decided I was going to make a run at it.
There were people everywhere. Bikes ranged from TT rigs and hot-rod race bikes to lead-sleds with baskets and mountain bikes. I even passed a guy on a fixie. It was awesome. As I got up to speed, I tried my hardest to be nice when passing or dodging people. I knew I looked like an arse, fully kitted up, matching bar tape etc. These folks were riders and didn't appreciate racers for the most part. Much less one in pig-tails. But they were ALL OVER the road. Apparently the masses ride like they drive. That whole ride-right, pass-left concept is passe. I was going pretty well and making great time, but witnessing several near misses scared the crap out of me. Me - adverse to falling, remember ?? Good thing I employed acronyms to vent my (impatient and shallow) frustrations.
I settled into my rabbit-greyhound thing, chasing and passing groups like it was my job. One guy came back and passed me and I, knowing that I couldn't do this by myself for 60miles, latched on after riding up, introducing myself and letting him know I was back there. I took my turns and we'd chat for a second as we passed each other. I made an admittedly sarcastic but kidding comment about him leading me through traffic and he snapped back that he didnt ask me to follow him. Oookay. I went off by myself and a few minutes later (right before the first rest stop) he caught and passed me. I didn't really get it but, whatever.
I hooked up with a college-team-type paceline after getting going again- some of the guys were clearly racer-types, but others were in toe-clips and were having trouble covering gaps. After asking if it was okay, I jumped on to close a gap, winding up third wheel. Glad I made the move when I did - a couple minutes later there was the familiar sound of someone hitting the deck. It was one of the college-team's riders, so after making sure everyone was okay, I went on by myself.
It wasn't long before I hooked up with another strong rider -I was passing and before I knew it, he was taking his pull and we were clear of the group. Another rider joined us and we started charging pretty hard with a very smooth paceline ... We passed a ton of riders - some seemed surprised to have us pass so hard, especially if some chick in pig-tails and neon-green was on the front. There were several comments coming from the guys when they realized a girl just passed them. Not for nothing, that always makes me smile a little. I noticed the markings on the road where the metric split off. We were flying and I mentally registered that I had just made the commitment to the full ride. But this was too much fun for me to pull out now. We passed right by the 2nd feed where I briefly said hi to Robyn (Artemis)- very cool to see familiar friendly faces !
Another rider joined as we were chasing a strong group ahead of us. (when I went to introduce myself to him at the rest stop, he said he knew who I was, he follows our Team blog. I sometimes forget that people DO actually read the stuff we post!) Before I knew it, we were at the Assateague rest stop - I was tired but not beat. Honestly, I was thrilled with how the ride was going - both with the pace and the friendly people and conversations I was lucky enough to experience. What a great atmosphere.
Sommers came back to retrieve me at Assateague after "taking a phone call" (translation: getting dropped?) and losing the DC Velo paceline. Anyway, Mark was kind enough to pace me all the way to the Cherry Pie stop. We need a feedzone in road races like the Cherry Pie stop at the century. By now I was getting toasty and was thankful for Mark's steady pace. I did wish he had eaten some more pie or a burger or something, he's race-fit and doesn't afford much of a draft. I didn't know it then, but we had a pretty big crowd with us. Everyone was pretty quiet, just marking miles. Speaking of miles, everytime I asked where something was or how much we had to go, Mark's pat-answer was "7 miles". Never believe him if he says 7 miles. When I said as much, he switched to "count to 1000 pedal strokes and we'll be there". No fair.
The last little incline (not a hill, a big-ring incline) felt like a mountain. As we saw the finish, I heard the familiar sound of someone sprinting past me (usually it's my teammate as I finish my leadout- this time it was a complete idiot that sat on at the back and nearly took out the rest of the group to get the "win"). Everyone kind of shook their heads and laughed.
My shoulders hurt and my left knee was throbbing. I was tired, wet and my bike was a mess. But, I was happy. I had just finished a century. It seemed like an accomplishment of sorts. I know that, to lots of people, it's epic. There were Team In Training folks there from Texas and Nebraska. The two riders I hooked up with earlier have been doing this event for 17 years. There were signs cheering on Grandpa and Grandmom. At the end, people were cheering and clapping, celebrating a wonderful event and a personal achievement. I'm not going to pretend that there wasn't a moment where I got a little teary-eyed myself. But don't let that get around, okay ?
PS: riders above remain nameless in this post not because they don't have names, but because I didn't get permission to call them out before writing this.
PPS: I'll have more observations and commentary on this, I'm sure, but this post was getting long-winded, even for me.
Much like my trip to NC in August, I left my fate up to priceline on Friday night. I set a certain price I thought would never be accepted for a hotel. Obviously, it was accepted (otherwise I could have never used that title). I guess I'm going to Salisbury !
I ran into a couple of guys (from Arlington) unloading bikes as I arrived at the hotel. Chatting for a few minutes, I informed them that this would be my first ever century (at this time I was planning on doing the Metric, but who's counting?). One of them replied "ooh, a virgin." Before I could stop myself, I replied "it's been a while since anyone called me that." I thought they were going to fall down laughing. I am nothing if not entertaining.
That 30% chance of showers I saw on NOAA night turned into 100% chance of rain by the time I got to the starting area. Sommers called to let me know the DC Velo camp started early - he was chasing to catch on and I was at least 20mins behind if I started that second. Other friends I tried to connect with were caught up in traffic or not answering phones, so off I went. At first I thought that this was a mistake, I should have stayed home. But, I was here to ride my bike and I decided I was going to make a run at it.
There were people everywhere. Bikes ranged from TT rigs and hot-rod race bikes to lead-sleds with baskets and mountain bikes. I even passed a guy on a fixie. It was awesome. As I got up to speed, I tried my hardest to be nice when passing or dodging people. I knew I looked like an arse, fully kitted up, matching bar tape etc. These folks were riders and didn't appreciate racers for the most part. Much less one in pig-tails. But they were ALL OVER the road. Apparently the masses ride like they drive. That whole ride-right, pass-left concept is passe. I was going pretty well and making great time, but witnessing several near misses scared the crap out of me. Me - adverse to falling, remember ?? Good thing I employed acronyms to vent my (impatient and shallow) frustrations.
I settled into my rabbit-greyhound thing, chasing and passing groups like it was my job. One guy came back and passed me and I, knowing that I couldn't do this by myself for 60miles, latched on after riding up, introducing myself and letting him know I was back there. I took my turns and we'd chat for a second as we passed each other. I made an admittedly sarcastic but kidding comment about him leading me through traffic and he snapped back that he didnt ask me to follow him. Oookay. I went off by myself and a few minutes later (right before the first rest stop) he caught and passed me. I didn't really get it but, whatever.
I hooked up with a college-team-type paceline after getting going again- some of the guys were clearly racer-types, but others were in toe-clips and were having trouble covering gaps. After asking if it was okay, I jumped on to close a gap, winding up third wheel. Glad I made the move when I did - a couple minutes later there was the familiar sound of someone hitting the deck. It was one of the college-team's riders, so after making sure everyone was okay, I went on by myself.
It wasn't long before I hooked up with another strong rider -I was passing and before I knew it, he was taking his pull and we were clear of the group. Another rider joined us and we started charging pretty hard with a very smooth paceline ... We passed a ton of riders - some seemed surprised to have us pass so hard, especially if some chick in pig-tails and neon-green was on the front. There were several comments coming from the guys when they realized a girl just passed them. Not for nothing, that always makes me smile a little. I noticed the markings on the road where the metric split off. We were flying and I mentally registered that I had just made the commitment to the full ride. But this was too much fun for me to pull out now. We passed right by the 2nd feed where I briefly said hi to Robyn (Artemis)- very cool to see familiar friendly faces !
Another rider joined as we were chasing a strong group ahead of us. (when I went to introduce myself to him at the rest stop, he said he knew who I was, he follows our Team blog. I sometimes forget that people DO actually read the stuff we post!) Before I knew it, we were at the Assateague rest stop - I was tired but not beat. Honestly, I was thrilled with how the ride was going - both with the pace and the friendly people and conversations I was lucky enough to experience. What a great atmosphere.
Sommers came back to retrieve me at Assateague after "taking a phone call" (translation: getting dropped?) and losing the DC Velo paceline. Anyway, Mark was kind enough to pace me all the way to the Cherry Pie stop. We need a feedzone in road races like the Cherry Pie stop at the century. By now I was getting toasty and was thankful for Mark's steady pace. I did wish he had eaten some more pie or a burger or something, he's race-fit and doesn't afford much of a draft. I didn't know it then, but we had a pretty big crowd with us. Everyone was pretty quiet, just marking miles. Speaking of miles, everytime I asked where something was or how much we had to go, Mark's pat-answer was "7 miles". Never believe him if he says 7 miles. When I said as much, he switched to "count to 1000 pedal strokes and we'll be there". No fair.
The last little incline (not a hill, a big-ring incline) felt like a mountain. As we saw the finish, I heard the familiar sound of someone sprinting past me (usually it's my teammate as I finish my leadout- this time it was a complete idiot that sat on at the back and nearly took out the rest of the group to get the "win"). Everyone kind of shook their heads and laughed.
My shoulders hurt and my left knee was throbbing. I was tired, wet and my bike was a mess. But, I was happy. I had just finished a century. It seemed like an accomplishment of sorts. I know that, to lots of people, it's epic. There were Team In Training folks there from Texas and Nebraska. The two riders I hooked up with earlier have been doing this event for 17 years. There were signs cheering on Grandpa and Grandmom. At the end, people were cheering and clapping, celebrating a wonderful event and a personal achievement. I'm not going to pretend that there wasn't a moment where I got a little teary-eyed myself. But don't let that get around, okay ?
PS: riders above remain nameless in this post not because they don't have names, but because I didn't get permission to call them out before writing this.
PPS: I'll have more observations and commentary on this, I'm sure, but this post was getting long-winded, even for me.
Friday, October 9, 2009
TGIF - 10/9/09
My inconsistent blog posts have probably given away my motivation issues. After missing essentially the entire race season (especially after working so hard to come back after various traumas over the off-season), I've had a hard time talking myself into getting back into the saddle for anything more than a leisurely ride. Why bother suffering if it really doesn't matter ? Why sacrifice the time, effort, expense etc if it really amounts to NOTHING right now ? Even coach Slavedriver has pretty much left me to my own devices right now. What's the point ?
Team CycleLife pre-race. Thanks to Sonja, always taking the pics, never IN the pics!The past two weekends have reminded me "what's the point". On Sept 29, Team CycleLife participated in Junior's Day Out, which included the Special Olympics Fall Games. Tracy Lea and her trusty crew do a fantastic job on this event and I can't say enough about the time and effort they put in each year. This was my first opportunity to be a part of the Special Olympics action and it was an amazing experience. The riders were so happy to be on their bikes - no typical testosterone-filled bike racer BS, just smiles from everyone when they heard their name as the crowd cheered every participant. These racers tried so hard to put forth their best effort, and that was enough for them. When it came time for their awards (clothing and other paraphernalia donated through Tracy's tireless efforts), they were so thrilled that they got to choose a jersey or a hat or a saddle bag. It was amazing - they loved us and remembered our names or that one of us rode the course with them or that a couple of us pushed them up the hill to finish the race. I can't say in words the overwhelming feeling I left with - I hope Tracy will have us back next year.
Wendy helping Melanie stay on track
Jen monitoring a clean pass on the courseI also found some motivation this past weekend, courtesy of Evelyn. Ev will, from time to time, include non-Artemsians in fun, off season activities. She included me on her email for a Beer Ride in Davidsonville. At the last minute, I decided I need to stop being a homebody and I need to start getting back to life. So, I showed up. Mona brought her husband, Bob (they were rockstars and kept a great pace with us, despite Bob's lead-sled) and ride leaders Ev and James kept us on track. The weather was beautiful, Davidsonville roads are mostly cycling friendly (I say roads, not traffic) and company was awesome. I went home after 3 hours or so of a good, steady pace thinking - oh, yeah ... I remember this feeling. I love my bike. I love riding. I love this sport.
I'm considering the Seagull tomorrow to continue my "get out and ride" theme, but am undecided thus far. Your mission ? Get out this weekend and remember why YOU love to ride.
Happy Friday !!
Friday, September 25, 2009
TGIF- 9/25/09
I'm going to spare you the normal friday rambling this week ... instead, I wanted to get the word out about an upcoming event being held by our title sponsor, CycleLife, featuring Dave Zabriskie's Yield to Life foundation.
Dave Zabriskie will be in town to promote the newly formed local chapter of his foundation, Yield to Life.
Yield to Life’s Mission:
FOR TICKET INFORMATION or to learn more about Dave's work off of the bike, please visit:
Dave Zabriskie will be in town to promote the newly formed local chapter of his foundation, Yield to Life.
"It is my mission to humanize and personalize cyclists to help motorists to always be aware that we are "life" and that we deserve a safe space on the road. I love to ride my bike as do my fellow cyclists, but we should not have to place our lives at risk everyday for that enjoyment."
-David Zabriskie.
Yield to Life is a non-profit organization devoted to creating a safer environment for cyclists and, by so doing, encouraging more people to ride for their own health, the good of the environment and the well being of society. By making cycling safer and promoting the activity as a responsible means of transportation and a healthy means of recreation, Yield to Life can contribute to tackling some of today's major concerns—from such issues as pollution and global warming to obesity and diabetes. In this way, Yield to Life can play a role in increasing the quality of life not only for cyclists, but for everyone—for our generation and those to come.
Yield to Life’s Mission:
Yield to Life will engage in a vigorous awareness campaign to promote positive attitudes toward cyclists and replace any hostility that exists between motorists and cyclists with understanding, respect, and appreciation for all life on the road. Safety for every cyclist is the top priority of Yield to Life. Cycling is a healthy, life-affirming, environmentally-sound activity that adds value to anyone’s life. Since cyclists' lives are often in motorists’ hands, motorists must understand the vital role they play in a cyclist's safety
Yield to Life will concentrate on road-rule education programs for motorists and cyclists alike through driver's education programs, public awareness movements and media campaigns in order to ensure a safer and more harmonious environment for all those on the road.
Yield to Life will engage in a hands-on educational program with target audiences that range from school assemblies to corporate conventions. Workshops will be created to arm cyclists with tips for navigating through traffic and tools for riding in a safe and responsible manner.
Yield to Life will work on a database for cyclists to find the best, the safest and the most accommodating roads for commuting and for recreation.
Yield to Life will engage in a hands-on educational program with target audiences that range from school assemblies to corporate conventions. Workshops will be created to arm cyclists with tips for navigating through traffic and tools for riding in a safe and responsible manner.
Yield to Life will work on a database for cyclists to find the best, the safest and the most accommodating roads for commuting and for recreation.
FOR TICKET INFORMATION or to learn more about Dave's work off of the bike, please visit:
Your support for this event and his foundation would be greatly appreciated.
Enjoy the weekend !!
Enjoy the weekend !!
Friday, September 11, 2009
TGIF - 9/11/09
This weekend's Turkey Day race marks the end of the road season, and also marks the anniversary of my first-ever road race. I entered that race barely being able to clip in - I was riding a borrowed steel serotta frame (too green at the time to appreciate what that was) that had down-tube shifters. I'm certain that the other women starting the 3/4 race took one look at me and decided to stay the heck away from the chick in the unmarked pearl izumi jersey. Thankfully, I did know enough not to have my visor on the helmet and I still didn't know what a camel-back was so I wasn't a total Fred. Probably close enough, though.
Speaking of getting a start- I rode out to the Cross practice held by Mid-Maryland Coaching (ie Coach SlaveDriver) last Sunday to meet up with Ev for a ride afterward ... it was some great entertainment. C-O and I were more or less heckling riders as they passed by. It did look like most were having fun, but I'm still not sold. Big props to Ev and her teammate, Bonnie, who were mastering the barriers where they got the brunt of our heckling. Say all you want, but anyone who gets out there to do something new and different without worrying about appearances gets huge props from me.
I didn't really do the math on my trek out to the practice - an hour and a half out to Folly Quarter Middle, an hour and a half ride with my Artemis friends and then ... an hour and a half back. Holy cannoli, I was on the bike for 4.5hrs ! That may not seem like a big deal to some, but remember I've been injured and relegated to trainer rides or staying close to home in case I have a flat. This was the longest ride I've done since ... March ?
The best thing that ever happened to my training route is the Rita's Italian ice that opened up about 1/2 hour from my house. I was closing on 4 hours and only convinced my legs to keep pedaling after promising a Rita's if I made it that far ...Hey, we take motivation in whatever form it comes in.
Happy Friday, ya'll.
Speaking of getting a start- I rode out to the Cross practice held by Mid-Maryland Coaching (ie Coach SlaveDriver) last Sunday to meet up with Ev for a ride afterward ... it was some great entertainment. C-O and I were more or less heckling riders as they passed by. It did look like most were having fun, but I'm still not sold. Big props to Ev and her teammate, Bonnie, who were mastering the barriers where they got the brunt of our heckling. Say all you want, but anyone who gets out there to do something new and different without worrying about appearances gets huge props from me.
I didn't really do the math on my trek out to the practice - an hour and a half out to Folly Quarter Middle, an hour and a half ride with my Artemis friends and then ... an hour and a half back. Holy cannoli, I was on the bike for 4.5hrs ! That may not seem like a big deal to some, but remember I've been injured and relegated to trainer rides or staying close to home in case I have a flat. This was the longest ride I've done since ... March ?
The best thing that ever happened to my training route is the Rita's Italian ice that opened up about 1/2 hour from my house. I was closing on 4 hours and only convinced my legs to keep pedaling after promising a Rita's if I made it that far ...Hey, we take motivation in whatever form it comes in.
Happy Friday, ya'll.
Friday, September 4, 2009
TGIF- 9/4/09
Labor day weekend- where has the summer gone? Hopefully a bunch of you are heading to the Bay Country Century tomorrow- ABRT has been putting that event on for years and they do an awesome job every time. I'd go myself but ... well, I'm kinda looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow.Vacation last week was much needed and exactly what the dr. ordered. On a whim, I went to Charlotte, NC, my favorite city in the US so far. (my caveat is that I haven't seen the west coast yet so it is "so far"). With a little research, I found Crowders Mtn State Park, where I spent 5 hours hiking one day and another couple hours cycling the next.
After refocusing and conquering a few mountains, I met up with Zim to head to Nashville, where we found ourselves at the Wildhorse Saloon, watching the Charlie Daniels Band. It was probably one of the best shows I've seen. I was raised on old country music and Charlie was old when I was young, so it was super cool to see him hit the stage with more energy than most performers I've seen.
We took a trip down to Memphis where we got to see Graceland - anyone who knows me knows I'm a huge fan of Elvis, so this was kinda a big deal to me. I was worried that it'd be super tacky but it was actually really well-done.
I'm glad I went.Zim and I spent the evening on Beale Street at the Rum Boogie Cafe. This is the place where national acts often randomly appear to jam on stage - they have a great display of guitars from artists who have performed there - Hootie, DMB, Aerosmith, AC/CD, Stevie Ray Vaughn ... very cool. There was a great blues band playing so we just enjoyed the atmosphere and people watching.
We started the next day by sharing mimosas at the Peabody Hotel, watching the marching of the ducks. I must be the only person that didn't know about this ... but in case you don't, here's a link to info.All in all, it was a great week and a much needed break from the world. I managed to avoid the phone, emails and most text messages for almost 7 days ... that in itself is a novel idea.
Click on the photos above to link to my picasa album with more pics from the week ... happy to be back but really, really glad that I had the experience.
Happy Friday, ya'll ... enjoy the holiday.
Friday, August 21, 2009
TGIF 8/21/2009
It's tough to follow up the last blog, especially since I don't have more embarrassing pictures (at least none that I'm willing to post). The responses to that write-up and, more importantly, the actual event, have been hilarious - thank you !
Random ramblings:
I received an email with various witty, sarcastic statements about life and how the general public sucks ... usually that's right up my alley - until I ran into the statement "When I'm a pedestrian, I hate cars, when I'm in a car, I hate pedestrians. No matter what, I hate cyclists." Grr...
I've had several "car" incidents lately. I try to be a conscientious rider, especially when I'm in my kit (my sponsors will never get a call about me running a red light). My teammates will attest that they've heard me tell them "Don't even THINK about doing that in MY jersey" enough times to be annoying. If I'm going straight, riding in my lane with a green light, why would the arse-hole decide to turn left in front of me, pausing long enough as I slam on my brakes to give me the finger ? For whatever reason, that really hurt my feelings. Oh, I know, I'm tougher than that, but honestly, why ??
Big shout out, lotsa luv and luck to superstar Leslie, who is on her way out to Masters World Championships this week ... she's been on fire this year and I can't wait to see her show her stuff over there.
Congratulations to Jason Merdhott (Meidhoff), the newest National Champion on the Track in the 3k. He has been saying he wanted to win that race for months and damn if he didn't get it done. here's a pic that his honey sent out - nothing but smiles !
(sorry, I dont know who to credit for this photo ... if it's yours, speak up!)
Good luck to the DC Velo guys tomorrow in their final event ... and Good luck to all of you doing Church Creek. That's all I've got for today- Happy Friday !
Random ramblings:
I received an email with various witty, sarcastic statements about life and how the general public sucks ... usually that's right up my alley - until I ran into the statement "When I'm a pedestrian, I hate cars, when I'm in a car, I hate pedestrians. No matter what, I hate cyclists." Grr...
I've had several "car" incidents lately. I try to be a conscientious rider, especially when I'm in my kit (my sponsors will never get a call about me running a red light). My teammates will attest that they've heard me tell them "Don't even THINK about doing that in MY jersey" enough times to be annoying. If I'm going straight, riding in my lane with a green light, why would the arse-hole decide to turn left in front of me, pausing long enough as I slam on my brakes to give me the finger ? For whatever reason, that really hurt my feelings. Oh, I know, I'm tougher than that, but honestly, why ??
Big shout out, lotsa luv and luck to superstar Leslie, who is on her way out to Masters World Championships this week ... she's been on fire this year and I can't wait to see her show her stuff over there.
Congratulations to Jason Merdhott (Meidhoff), the newest National Champion on the Track in the 3k. He has been saying he wanted to win that race for months and damn if he didn't get it done. here's a pic that his honey sent out - nothing but smiles !
(sorry, I dont know who to credit for this photo ... if it's yours, speak up!)Good luck to the DC Velo guys tomorrow in their final event ... and Good luck to all of you doing Church Creek. That's all I've got for today- Happy Friday !
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The Shellfish Girls
What started as a "how funny would it be" phone call somehow morphed into a full-blown costume party for me and Zim. There was really no rhyme or reason for the costumes, which made it even more amusing.
Zim and PJ hamming it up. (c'mon, that's funny!)
Zim and PJ hamming it up. (c'mon, that's funny!)You can barely see my good friend Billy in the BBC kit behind Robin - he deadpanned "Wendy, I'm glad to see you're finally coming out of your shell"
Bob, the Fiddler, was extremely entertained by the dancing shellfish
... and we were thankful for music for heckle-by.
You can find these photos, along with results, at the Chesapeake Wheelmen website.
Our costumes invited many interesting comments ... some of the more memorable ones:
- Crab telling a passerby "Man, I'm steamed".
- Me loudly asking Robin why she was always so crabby
- Walking by a confused group of people, asking where the Bay was. They responded by actually pointing in the general direction of the Bay.
- Being asked if we were getting paid for this, and whether we do this at ALL the races.
- Getting a suggestion that we should stick around because there was a bike race getting ready to start (uhm... did they think we dressed up as shellfish on a regular basis just for the fun?)
- A woman telling us not to listen if a man suggested that we had good pot-holders (?)
- Watching Chicken shake her head as she slowly realized that the two shellfish on the course were, indeed, her friends/teammates. She managed to comment "I don't even know what to say" as we chased her up the final pitch in the course.
- Various exclamations that we were cracking each other/everyone else up
- Crab running along side cyclists encouraging them to "Claw their way up the hill."
- Commentary that those riders who veered to the other side of the road when passing us must have shellfish allergies
- A comment to the Lobster that she had a great tail
Since the CW didn't know who we were, we are now known as either the "Shellfish girls" or the "Crab girls". I suppose I've been called worse !
Other big news: I am now cast-free !!! It came off yesterday morning and I officially removed the bar-tape from my car's steering wheel on my way back from the Dr ... fully recovered, just need to work out the stiffness from being in one position for 12-weeks.
Friday, August 14, 2009
TGIF - 8/14/09
Ah, it's a good day when it's bonus-time, my reporting deadlines have been met and I'm down to mere days before I get my cast off. Nice. 
Yesterday my brand-new, 47" TV arrived. At the moment it sits in the box, on a pallet, in the middle of my living room. I realized quickly that there was no way to avoid a disaster if I tried to move that thing myself. Hoping Zim and maybe Lance might help with it this weekend. Progress.
Highway to Heaven hill climb this weekend - frustrating that I can't do it 'cause it's about a mile or so from my house, but kind of cool that a bunch of my fellow racers will suffer the wrath of Ilchester the way I do when I'm training.
Happy Friday !
Yesterday my brand-new, 47" TV arrived. At the moment it sits in the box, on a pallet, in the middle of my living room. I realized quickly that there was no way to avoid a disaster if I tried to move that thing myself. Hoping Zim and maybe Lance might help with it this weekend. Progress.Highway to Heaven hill climb this weekend - frustrating that I can't do it 'cause it's about a mile or so from my house, but kind of cool that a bunch of my fellow racers will suffer the wrath of Ilchester the way I do when I'm training.
This is the sign on Ilchester Hill, advising
caution for the steep grade. Have fun
with that !!
caution for the steep grade. Have fun
with that !!
Happy Friday !
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Random but Funny
This morning I heard about a new entry into the energy-drink market (kind of). You know, the likes of Monster, Red Bull, Rockstar etc etc ? Well this one is an anti-energy drink - it supposedly calms and relaxes you using Melatonin, Valernian Root and Rose Hips (I can't find an ingredient list so I can't determine what else is in it).
This was less than blog worthy at this point, but then I heard the name, the slogan and the review.
The name is Drank. I'm imagining someone saying "I need a Drank" with a back-woods southern twang.
The slogan - "Slow your Roll". This made me a laugh outloud. Partly because it sounds like something Joe Jefferson would say (now that I think about it, I'm positive that he has said that to me at least once).
This was less than blog worthy at this point, but then I heard the name, the slogan and the review.
The name is Drank. I'm imagining someone saying "I need a Drank" with a back-woods southern twang. The slogan - "Slow your Roll". This made me a laugh outloud. Partly because it sounds like something Joe Jefferson would say (now that I think about it, I'm positive that he has said that to me at least once).
The review: from the LA times : Still, Drank is gaining traction in an otherwise super-caffeinated market, with Time magazine running a story about it earlier this year (taking note of the fact that the name Drank has its roots in Houston's hip-hop scene) and Fox news writing that some who use it are comparing it to "weed in a can."
Now that's funny.
Now that's funny.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Surviving the Weekend
I can't believe it's August already. 15 days to go on the cast. I can't wait to get it off, but I've found that its amazing how resourceful one can be with enough time. From the first whine-y post back in May, I've figured out how to tie my shoes, write my name, get in and out of a sports-bra (this is still a daily challenge but I usually win), eat with my right hand (not in front of people -it's just not cute) and even open my car door. While that may seem trivial to most, try getting along without YOUR dominant hand for a week or so and let me know how that works out.
So, on the same note of recovery, I'm happy to say that Jens Voigt is on his way back as well. I can't believe he's talking about racing in the Tour of Ireland - less than a month ! Makes me feel like a wuss for missing 3/4 of the season for a paltry broken wrist.
I've held out on turning on the AC all summer until now but finally gave in this weekend. Lesson #1 = AC is a wonderful invention. Aside from keeping things cool, calm and collected, it also creates a white noise of sorts that drowns out my neighbors. This may sound harsh, but I swear these people don't sleep. I wake up at all hours of the night to the sound of my neighbor striking up a conversation with random passers-by (at 1am??)
Another lesson learned this weekend- I'm out of hot-weather-riding shape. I went out with good intentions on Saturday to get in a good 3-hr jaunt. I made it about 2:45 but I was miserable. It's much more tolerable when you're on a group ride and getting your arse handed to you. Not so much when you're simply suffering at your own expense.
Lesson #3 -dreams are seldom reality. I damn near killed myself today after ignoring good advice. See, I had a dream last night where I was FINALLY moving my current TV set-up to the basement to make room for my new flat-screen. I woke up to pouring rain and decided today was the day. I walked the entertainment center (contents and drawers removed) to the first step and moved myself down the stairs to guide it down. It seemed so easy in the dream ... I thought - okay, as soon as it tips off the landing, it's coming down, so brace yourself. As it tipped, it came down in a hurry, knocking me off my feet and down about 6 steps as it charged me. I had enough time to look behind me to see where I was going to hit the wall while wondering if my never-sleeping neighbor would hear me yell since the house was now closed up with the AC on.
Long story longer, only the bottom half of the cabinet survived the fall and someone was clearly watching over me because other than a few scrapes and some sore muscles, I'm no worse for the wear. I used to think I was invincible. Now I know I am ... there's no earthly reason I made it out of that without significant injury.Every time I think about it I laugh because it's completely absurd that some dumb-ass would think she could move that alone, much less while on the IR.
And so, back to the office on Monday to try to stay out of trouble. Oh, and I'm ordering that damn TV this week to finally cross that off the list. Next task ? Get the shutters on my house re-secured ... winds have dislodged them and they're all caddywampus. Maybe I'll get some help on that one. Maybe.
So, on the same note of recovery, I'm happy to say that Jens Voigt is on his way back as well. I can't believe he's talking about racing in the Tour of Ireland - less than a month ! Makes me feel like a wuss for missing 3/4 of the season for a paltry broken wrist.
I've held out on turning on the AC all summer until now but finally gave in this weekend. Lesson #1 = AC is a wonderful invention. Aside from keeping things cool, calm and collected, it also creates a white noise of sorts that drowns out my neighbors. This may sound harsh, but I swear these people don't sleep. I wake up at all hours of the night to the sound of my neighbor striking up a conversation with random passers-by (at 1am??)
Another lesson learned this weekend- I'm out of hot-weather-riding shape. I went out with good intentions on Saturday to get in a good 3-hr jaunt. I made it about 2:45 but I was miserable. It's much more tolerable when you're on a group ride and getting your arse handed to you. Not so much when you're simply suffering at your own expense.
Lesson #3 -dreams are seldom reality. I damn near killed myself today after ignoring good advice. See, I had a dream last night where I was FINALLY moving my current TV set-up to the basement to make room for my new flat-screen. I woke up to pouring rain and decided today was the day. I walked the entertainment center (contents and drawers removed) to the first step and moved myself down the stairs to guide it down. It seemed so easy in the dream ... I thought - okay, as soon as it tips off the landing, it's coming down, so brace yourself. As it tipped, it came down in a hurry, knocking me off my feet and down about 6 steps as it charged me. I had enough time to look behind me to see where I was going to hit the wall while wondering if my never-sleeping neighbor would hear me yell since the house was now closed up with the AC on.
Long story longer, only the bottom half of the cabinet survived the fall and someone was clearly watching over me because other than a few scrapes and some sore muscles, I'm no worse for the wear. I used to think I was invincible. Now I know I am ... there's no earthly reason I made it out of that without significant injury.Every time I think about it I laugh because it's completely absurd that some dumb-ass would think she could move that alone, much less while on the IR.
And so, back to the office on Monday to try to stay out of trouble. Oh, and I'm ordering that damn TV this week to finally cross that off the list. Next task ? Get the shutters on my house re-secured ... winds have dislodged them and they're all caddywampus. Maybe I'll get some help on that one. Maybe.
Friday, July 24, 2009
TGIF- 7/24/09
Another week down, another weekend of races missed. Although, given the late-July "hazy, hot and humid" forecast, I am not devastated about missing the Lost River Classic in WVa. We (Team CycleLife) have spent a lot of time on those roads in the spring/fall; I can't imagine those climbs in this kind of heat. I suspect this will be more of an epic than a race and I can't wait to hear all the trash talk that comes out of it.
Tour Musings
Speaking of trash talk and its close cousin, drama, I'm strangely disturbed and yet comforted by the amount I've seen through the media coverage of the Tour. I think we all like to have these idealistic ideas about how much more mature and professional bike racing is at those levels. As long as we realize it is idealistic, not realistic, that's all fine and dandy.
Trash Talk: It's really funny to see how a little bit of success can turn the nicest, sweetest person into an arrogant arse. When the Tour first started, I thought Mark Cavendish was a cutie- confident but not arrogant. After the first few stages, where he completely dominated the sprint finishes, he crossed that line into arrogance and I can't stand to hear him talk right now. Okay, I have no idea if he was "nicest, sweetest", but we've all seen it happen in real life so work with me, here.
Drama: Hincapie and his almost-yellow-jersey. Interesting that Lance calls Garmin out after Hincapie called Astana out and, honestly, for 5seconds, couldn't Hincapie's own team's leadout have made that difference ? That whole day went badly for Columbia, as Cavendish was relegated after a dangerous sprint.
Bummed about Jens - that crash looked awful but it sounds like he's doing much better than I'd have expected. A broken cheekbone sounds terrible, but he's already talking about next year.
Another sad instance: a spectator was killed by a police motorcycle while crossing the road in the middle of the race. I'm surprised it doesn't happen more often with the crazy fans running around on the race course ... I'm truly amazed (and thankful) that this is "rare".
As you can see, I'm racing vicariously through the Tour - I have no idea what I'm going to do with all of my spare time when it ends on Sunday.
Happy Friday.
Tour Musings
Speaking of trash talk and its close cousin, drama, I'm strangely disturbed and yet comforted by the amount I've seen through the media coverage of the Tour. I think we all like to have these idealistic ideas about how much more mature and professional bike racing is at those levels. As long as we realize it is idealistic, not realistic, that's all fine and dandy.
Trash Talk: It's really funny to see how a little bit of success can turn the nicest, sweetest person into an arrogant arse. When the Tour first started, I thought Mark Cavendish was a cutie- confident but not arrogant. After the first few stages, where he completely dominated the sprint finishes, he crossed that line into arrogance and I can't stand to hear him talk right now. Okay, I have no idea if he was "nicest, sweetest", but we've all seen it happen in real life so work with me, here.
Drama: Hincapie and his almost-yellow-jersey. Interesting that Lance calls Garmin out after Hincapie called Astana out and, honestly, for 5seconds, couldn't Hincapie's own team's leadout have made that difference ? That whole day went badly for Columbia, as Cavendish was relegated after a dangerous sprint.
Bummed about Jens - that crash looked awful but it sounds like he's doing much better than I'd have expected. A broken cheekbone sounds terrible, but he's already talking about next year.
Another sad instance: a spectator was killed by a police motorcycle while crossing the road in the middle of the race. I'm surprised it doesn't happen more often with the crazy fans running around on the race course ... I'm truly amazed (and thankful) that this is "rare".
As you can see, I'm racing vicariously through the Tour - I have no idea what I'm going to do with all of my spare time when it ends on Sunday.
Happy Friday.
Friday, July 17, 2009
TGIF - 7/17/09 - One Month to Go
The countdown is on - I have a doc appt on Aug 18th to get this damn cast off and it can't come soon enough. I feel bad that I am wishing the summer away, but summer isn't much fun with a cast. Even when it's super-awesome-cool green. Teammate Sonja took some pics of me sporting my cast at Hains Pt earlier in the week - havent seen them but will post when I do just so you, too, can appreciate the shock value.
On a very-much-related subject - seems all the cool kids are doing it. No, not THAT - I mean breaking their respective wrists. First it was Gesink, then the Pope (he had surgery this am) and now Levi. I don't know the detail for the first two, but Levi said he broke the schaphoid which means he will be sporting a cast similar to mine for at least a couple months. Wonder if he'll get it Astana blue ? Or green, to be like me ?
Very sad to see Levi have to abandon - he was riding strong and, as someone said in some blog somewhere recently, Levi is one of the few men who can make bald kinda cute. Hey, I'm single, I'm allowed.
These last few stages of the Tour have been less than exciting as we await the Alps ... the long, flat stages simply aren't exciting until the finishing sprint unless there's a wreck (bad karma to hope for that). The best of those stages was Stage 3 where Columbia used the cross winds to create an unexpected split.
As an aside- I appreciate a good sprint as much as the next girl (especially since I can't sprint my way out of a paper bag. wait. that doesn't really make sense. you get my point.) but each stage that Cavendish wins seems to give him that much more arrogance - as a general rule, guys, confidence is hot. Arrogance, not so much.
Happy Friday - enjoy the weekend.
On a very-much-related subject - seems all the cool kids are doing it. No, not THAT - I mean breaking their respective wrists. First it was Gesink, then the Pope (he had surgery this am) and now Levi. I don't know the detail for the first two, but Levi said he broke the schaphoid which means he will be sporting a cast similar to mine for at least a couple months. Wonder if he'll get it Astana blue ? Or green, to be like me ?
Very sad to see Levi have to abandon - he was riding strong and, as someone said in some blog somewhere recently, Levi is one of the few men who can make bald kinda cute. Hey, I'm single, I'm allowed.
These last few stages of the Tour have been less than exciting as we await the Alps ... the long, flat stages simply aren't exciting until the finishing sprint unless there's a wreck (bad karma to hope for that). The best of those stages was Stage 3 where Columbia used the cross winds to create an unexpected split.
As an aside- I appreciate a good sprint as much as the next girl (especially since I can't sprint my way out of a paper bag. wait. that doesn't really make sense. you get my point.) but each stage that Cavendish wins seems to give him that much more arrogance - as a general rule, guys, confidence is hot. Arrogance, not so much.
Happy Friday - enjoy the weekend.
Monday, July 13, 2009
A little courtesy, please ??
The thought had occurred to me, now that I'm back on the road, that having a mechanical or a flat tire would bum me out more than usual since I lack full usage of my right hand. On Saturday, I found out just exactly how much ...
After procrastinating all morning, I finally turned off the Tour coverage and donned my lycra. Did one lap through Patapsco Park and started to head down the trail to pop out on Ilchester. If all went well, maybe I'd take a spin up the hill. All did not go well, so I never made it.
About 3/4 of the way down the trail, I realized my rear tire was going flat, quickly. No problem... Pulled off to the side and dumped out my seat-pack. Tire levers, cO2 cartidge, tube - all present and accounted for. I grabbed the levers and got to it - still holding onto my fairly sunny outlook on the ride. About 10mins later, I lost that sunny outlook. The levers were sh*t; wouldn't hook under the tire bead to save my life. My lack of a right hand didn't help. A few riders sped past, not slowing a half-second to see if the clearly disabled chick needed help.
Another 10mins and I finally get my hands under the tire to pull it free from the rim. Out comes the tube, where I discover that it was the valve that failed. Good, at least my tire is okay. Now to the new tube, all put together - time for air and I'm home free. Still annoyed that no one bothered to ask if I was okay.
Then I realized that I had the wrong cartridge. I had a threaded inflation-thingy but I grabbed a non-threaded cartridge. It wouldn't work no matter how hard I tried. After pondering the idea of walking 4miles home, I flagged down two kids on MTBs. They begrudgingly stopped, gave me what I needed (thank you) and rode away before even seeing if it worked.
It almost didn't work- I lost a bunch of air because I'm not that adept with my left hand. I managed to get enough air to get home, where I promptly emptied the tire (did you know that cO2 cartidges carry traces of oil that will weaken your tubes if don't drain out the air ? Thank you for the insight, Josh!) and refilled it with my floor pump. Having wasted a good 45mins on this little escapade, I hooked up to my trainer and finished my ride while watching the rest of the Tour.
If I see a rider on the side of the road, I always - ALWAYS- slow down, take out the earphones and ask if they need anything. Am I really the only one who does this ? I understand that I'm an odd sight right now in my bright green cast, but c'mon- I'm a cute (if I do say so myself), fit female in lycra. WTF ? People suck.
Take away lesson: Chivalry is dead.
After procrastinating all morning, I finally turned off the Tour coverage and donned my lycra. Did one lap through Patapsco Park and started to head down the trail to pop out on Ilchester. If all went well, maybe I'd take a spin up the hill. All did not go well, so I never made it.
About 3/4 of the way down the trail, I realized my rear tire was going flat, quickly. No problem... Pulled off to the side and dumped out my seat-pack. Tire levers, cO2 cartidge, tube - all present and accounted for. I grabbed the levers and got to it - still holding onto my fairly sunny outlook on the ride. About 10mins later, I lost that sunny outlook. The levers were sh*t; wouldn't hook under the tire bead to save my life. My lack of a right hand didn't help. A few riders sped past, not slowing a half-second to see if the clearly disabled chick needed help.
Another 10mins and I finally get my hands under the tire to pull it free from the rim. Out comes the tube, where I discover that it was the valve that failed. Good, at least my tire is okay. Now to the new tube, all put together - time for air and I'm home free. Still annoyed that no one bothered to ask if I was okay.
Then I realized that I had the wrong cartridge. I had a threaded inflation-thingy but I grabbed a non-threaded cartridge. It wouldn't work no matter how hard I tried. After pondering the idea of walking 4miles home, I flagged down two kids on MTBs. They begrudgingly stopped, gave me what I needed (thank you) and rode away before even seeing if it worked.
It almost didn't work- I lost a bunch of air because I'm not that adept with my left hand. I managed to get enough air to get home, where I promptly emptied the tire (did you know that cO2 cartidges carry traces of oil that will weaken your tubes if don't drain out the air ? Thank you for the insight, Josh!) and refilled it with my floor pump. Having wasted a good 45mins on this little escapade, I hooked up to my trainer and finished my ride while watching the rest of the Tour.
If I see a rider on the side of the road, I always - ALWAYS- slow down, take out the earphones and ask if they need anything. Am I really the only one who does this ? I understand that I'm an odd sight right now in my bright green cast, but c'mon- I'm a cute (if I do say so myself), fit female in lycra. WTF ? People suck.
Take away lesson: Chivalry is dead.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Tour Observations- No Spoilers !
I've been obsessively watching the Tour these past few days ... I don't normally follow it more than passing highlights, but this year is different for two reasons:
1) I can't race so I'm living vicariously and
2) I recently got DVR capabilities from Comcast (thats another story).
Anyway, just a couple of quick observations for now - I can't use up all my material or my TGIF post will be pretty boring.
1. Love him or hate him - Lance's participation in the Tour is bringing media coverage and overall interest that professional cycling hasn't seen since ....well, since he raced the Tour.
2. In stage 2 (or was it stage 3?), the leader of Lampre's squad had a mishap right when the peloton was starting to chase the break ... the announcers said the peloton slowed to allow his team to get him back in the group. Is this analogous to honor among thieves? Note that our local racers will hear a wreck and use it to drop contenders that might have been tied up in the incident.
3. SPOILERS - argh !! I've received at least 4 different emails that contained info about that day's outcome. Please don't make me boycott email until I get to see the stage !
4. I hope to heck that none of the big-names get tagged for doping this year. While that doesn't mean they're not doing it (another discussion), it'd be super if we could get through one Tour without further disparaging the sport.
That's all for now - I'm off to Hains Pt to see how much shock value my new green cast has when I'm on the bike. Hey, if I'm stuck with the damn thing for another 6 weeks, I might as well have a little fun with it.
1) I can't race so I'm living vicariously and
2) I recently got DVR capabilities from Comcast (thats another story).
Anyway, just a couple of quick observations for now - I can't use up all my material or my TGIF post will be pretty boring.
1. Love him or hate him - Lance's participation in the Tour is bringing media coverage and overall interest that professional cycling hasn't seen since ....well, since he raced the Tour.
2. In stage 2 (or was it stage 3?), the leader of Lampre's squad had a mishap right when the peloton was starting to chase the break ... the announcers said the peloton slowed to allow his team to get him back in the group. Is this analogous to honor among thieves? Note that our local racers will hear a wreck and use it to drop contenders that might have been tied up in the incident.
3. SPOILERS - argh !! I've received at least 4 different emails that contained info about that day's outcome. Please don't make me boycott email until I get to see the stage !
4. I hope to heck that none of the big-names get tagged for doping this year. While that doesn't mean they're not doing it (another discussion), it'd be super if we could get through one Tour without further disparaging the sport.
That's all for now - I'm off to Hains Pt to see how much shock value my new green cast has when I'm on the bike. Hey, if I'm stuck with the damn thing for another 6 weeks, I might as well have a little fun with it.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Anyone up for a BBQ ?
So I missed my TGIF posting but in my defense, it was a holiday. A 3-day weekend was much appreciated - I consistently lobby for 3-day weekends to be a rule rather than an anomaly, but alas I'm but one voice amongst the powers-that-be. Sigh.
Friday morning started without an alarm-clock, which is a wonderful way to start any day. I was enjoying my coffee out on my back patio when I decided my mission today was to buy a grill. Much like my quest for a new TV, which has yet to be fulfilled, I've been meaning to get a grill for my back patio for at least a year now. Today was the day.
I'll skip the minor details but suffice it to say that while the idea and intent to buy a grill was all well and good, the execution was not exactly thought out. Remember I lack an opposable thumb and the full use of my right hand/arm.
Arriving home with a huge box in the back of my car, I took out the smaller parts, carrying them through the house and out to the back patio. Then I got to the "body" of the grill. Large, awkward and heavy - no way I was getting that up 4 steps to my door, 4 more steps inside, across the house and down 3 steps to the patio. I slid the box to the ground and proceeded to push, pull, slide, curse and will the box up the stairs, across the house and to the sliding door.
Which is when I discovered the box wouldn't fit through. At this point I was more than frustrated, mostly at my own stupidity for thinking this was a good idea. After a couple of tries, I lifted the piece out of the box and nearly fell backward as I gripped it precariously with my left hand and my right cast. Awesome.
I pictured someone finding me days later, pinned under a half-assembled grill. The local media would interview my neighbors who would confirm that yes, she was a bit ... eccentric. We don't know what she was thinking, they'd say. She wore that neon-colored lycra all the time, even in the dead of winter, and we saw her recently riding her bike with a cast on her arm ! I digress...
I managed to get the grill together by about 930pm. The project started at 4. But dammit, I did it. By 10pm, I had grilled veggies, some chicken strips and an ear of corn.
Score: Wendy = 1, Grill= 0.
Friday morning started without an alarm-clock, which is a wonderful way to start any day. I was enjoying my coffee out on my back patio when I decided my mission today was to buy a grill. Much like my quest for a new TV, which has yet to be fulfilled, I've been meaning to get a grill for my back patio for at least a year now. Today was the day.
I'll skip the minor details but suffice it to say that while the idea and intent to buy a grill was all well and good, the execution was not exactly thought out. Remember I lack an opposable thumb and the full use of my right hand/arm.
Arriving home with a huge box in the back of my car, I took out the smaller parts, carrying them through the house and out to the back patio. Then I got to the "body" of the grill. Large, awkward and heavy - no way I was getting that up 4 steps to my door, 4 more steps inside, across the house and down 3 steps to the patio. I slid the box to the ground and proceeded to push, pull, slide, curse and will the box up the stairs, across the house and to the sliding door.
Which is when I discovered the box wouldn't fit through. At this point I was more than frustrated, mostly at my own stupidity for thinking this was a good idea. After a couple of tries, I lifted the piece out of the box and nearly fell backward as I gripped it precariously with my left hand and my right cast. Awesome.
I pictured someone finding me days later, pinned under a half-assembled grill. The local media would interview my neighbors who would confirm that yes, she was a bit ... eccentric. We don't know what she was thinking, they'd say. She wore that neon-colored lycra all the time, even in the dead of winter, and we saw her recently riding her bike with a cast on her arm ! I digress...
I managed to get the grill together by about 930pm. The project started at 4. But dammit, I did it. By 10pm, I had grilled veggies, some chicken strips and an ear of corn.
Score: Wendy = 1, Grill= 0.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Results Update & Shameless Plug for GamJams
Team CycleLife update:
Chickin won Poolesville 3/4 with some help from Jen Cheng.
Robin took 3rd overall in the Reston 1/2/3 race. Sara took 5th overall
LJ scored a silver medal at Master's Natz in the road race. Sonja followed up with a bronze in her Natz road race. Their TTs are on Weds, crits are on Thursday.
Mitch and PlainJane are still on the IR.
Awesome job, ladies, you make us proud !!
Another item of interest:
Big props to Mike May and GamJams. The man is a media machine, taking a fledgling website about a bunch of self-absorbed cyclists (lets be honest) and making it into THE place for cycling news, updates, product reviews, interviews with locals and pros, charity happenings and pics. As a blogger that has received mucho exposure through GamJams and as a racer on a GamJams supported team, I send out my personal thanks !!
Anyway, even though I'm not at the races right now, I've heard about the newly available line of GJ cycling clothing. If you can, show your support for those who support us - get on over to GamJams and check out the offerings. As always, GamJams is sensitive to those who are sensitive about the environment: socks and t-shirts are eco-friendly and still look "fresh, tight, cool, hip, stylin or (depending on your racing age) groovy".
As an aside - Mike, is this clothing cast-friendly ?
Chickin won Poolesville 3/4 with some help from Jen Cheng.Robin took 3rd overall in the Reston 1/2/3 race. Sara took 5th overall
LJ scored a silver medal at Master's Natz in the road race. Sonja followed up with a bronze in her Natz road race. Their TTs are on Weds, crits are on Thursday.
Mitch and PlainJane are still on the IR.
Awesome job, ladies, you make us proud !!
Another item of interest:
Big props to Mike May and GamJams. The man is a media machine, taking a fledgling website about a bunch of self-absorbed cyclists (lets be honest) and making it into THE place for cycling news, updates, product reviews, interviews with locals and pros, charity happenings and pics. As a blogger that has received mucho exposure through GamJams and as a racer on a GamJams supported team, I send out my personal thanks !!
Anyway, even though I'm not at the races right now, I've heard about the newly available line of GJ cycling clothing. If you can, show your support for those who support us - get on over to GamJams and check out the offerings. As always, GamJams is sensitive to those who are sensitive about the environment: socks and t-shirts are eco-friendly and still look "fresh, tight, cool, hip, stylin or (depending on your racing age) groovy".
As an aside - Mike, is this clothing cast-friendly ?
Friday, June 26, 2009
TGIF - 6/26/09
Inspiration for blogging right now is hard to come by since I can't train or race ... my girls and guys are all heading out to Natz this weekend and I'm bummed that I'm missing out. I understand that there is life outside of riding/racing, but dammit, I wanna go ride my bike, too !
Over the past two weeks I've noticed that my steering wheel in my car is looking a little beat-up. I was cursing the manufacturer, the repair job after my ...incident... in december, the design of the steering wheel - you name it. Then I realized that I was driving with my right hand, which is in a cast, which is made of hard fiberglass, which rubs the finish off of anything it touches. Sweet. This injury rocks. Solution ? Wrap my steering wheel in bar tape. Yes, I did.
I can't complete this blog without mentioning Michael Jackson. No doubt his personal life was a bit of a disaster (who am I to judge?), but I grew up with his music and his persona. I remember my sister playing the Thriller record - actual vinyl! I sat with my family waiting to watch the premier of the Black or White video after an episode of the Simpsons. A friend of mine in middle school went to see a concert and I was jealous. Whatever issues he had, he made an impact during his 40+ years in the public eye. Everyone knows the words to his songs; when played in public, people just have to move to it. He was just always ... there. And now he's not. It's sad to me.
In other news, it is a strange coincidence that a week after I called out the Wrath of the Badger, one of the Badger's followers decided to make an appearance in the news. Seems this little guy somehow got lost in someone's bathroom. (Insert bad potty-joke here) Thanks to (unnamed contributor) for passing that link along.
Over the past two weeks I've noticed that my steering wheel in my car is looking a little beat-up. I was cursing the manufacturer, the repair job after my ...incident... in december, the design of the steering wheel - you name it. Then I realized that I was driving with my right hand, which is in a cast, which is made of hard fiberglass, which rubs the finish off of anything it touches. Sweet. This injury rocks. Solution ? Wrap my steering wheel in bar tape. Yes, I did.
I can't complete this blog without mentioning Michael Jackson. No doubt his personal life was a bit of a disaster (who am I to judge?), but I grew up with his music and his persona. I remember my sister playing the Thriller record - actual vinyl! I sat with my family waiting to watch the premier of the Black or White video after an episode of the Simpsons. A friend of mine in middle school went to see a concert and I was jealous. Whatever issues he had, he made an impact during his 40+ years in the public eye. Everyone knows the words to his songs; when played in public, people just have to move to it. He was just always ... there. And now he's not. It's sad to me.In other news, it is a strange coincidence that a week after I called out the Wrath of the Badger, one of the Badger's followers decided to make an appearance in the news. Seems this little guy somehow got lost in someone's bathroom. (Insert bad potty-joke here) Thanks to (unnamed contributor) for passing that link along.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
TGIF - 6/19/09
I know I've been slacking in my TGIF posts, mostly because I get inspiration on a Thursday and totally waste it all in a random post thereby neglecting Fridays. So, this time, I used a little willpower and waited to post on a Thursday night to "qualify" for a TGIF post. Clearly I have put a little too much thought into this.
Random updates:
The goretex liner for my cast is super-awesome-cool. So far, so good with workouts and showering etc. I have another 2 weeks before I get new x-rays and a new cast, so the jury is still out - if people start making funny faces and avoid being in confined areas with me, I'll know the water-in-the-cast thing wasn't such a great idea.
Kindness of strangers - funny how people get all irritated if you're slow-moving or clearly having issue getting yourself together- but the minute they see a cast on a girl, they're carrying groceries, opening doors and gushing about "you poor thing". The only time that doesn't work is when it takes me 10min to parallel park - granted, it probably took me just about that long with two hands, but irritated drivers don't stop to see my casted (is that a verb?) arm as they blow by, irritated that I impacted their life and their quest to get to the Dunkin' Donuts around the corner.
Here's a link that is worth clicking on: thanks to Mitch who is very proud of her hood.
I can only imagine what this video would contain if they were talking about Baltimore.
I have figured out two of the most annoying tasks I couldn't do - I can now tie my shoes (my friends and loved ones are so proud) and I can finagle a pony-tail. Haven't tried pig-tails yet, but they are in my future.
Thanks to Shawn and Kim at Fleet Feet Adams Morgan for helping me pick out my new kicks: Asics Nimbus 10. After some expert foot/shoe advice, I was informed that your feet never stop growing as long as you're using them. To counteract my apparent displeasure in that statement, Shawn stated very eloquently: if you put your feet up (likely on the couch) to stop them from growing, be prepared for the rest of your body to "grow".
Chalk this up to someone clearly needing something new to whine about: PETA announced that Obama should have caught a fly and released it back into the wild instead of swatting it during an interview. Seriously ? THIS makes headlines while the economy, financial system (redundant, I know), auto industry, housing market, unemployment etc etc etc are a disaster... THIS is what they're complaining about ??
I discovered this week that my infamous sense of direction (or lack thereof) is not 100% cured by Jack, my garmin. The good news is I only missed the destination by two towns. The lesson learned is that if I fail to put the correct address into the machine, Jack does not read minds. Sigh. Even with a GPS, I STILL get lost.
That's all I've got. Happy Friday - good luck to the Tour of Washington County participants. I'm with you in spirit.
Random updates:
The goretex liner for my cast is super-awesome-cool. So far, so good with workouts and showering etc. I have another 2 weeks before I get new x-rays and a new cast, so the jury is still out - if people start making funny faces and avoid being in confined areas with me, I'll know the water-in-the-cast thing wasn't such a great idea.
Kindness of strangers - funny how people get all irritated if you're slow-moving or clearly having issue getting yourself together- but the minute they see a cast on a girl, they're carrying groceries, opening doors and gushing about "you poor thing". The only time that doesn't work is when it takes me 10min to parallel park - granted, it probably took me just about that long with two hands, but irritated drivers don't stop to see my casted (is that a verb?) arm as they blow by, irritated that I impacted their life and their quest to get to the Dunkin' Donuts around the corner.
Here's a link that is worth clicking on: thanks to Mitch who is very proud of her hood.
I can only imagine what this video would contain if they were talking about Baltimore.
I have figured out two of the most annoying tasks I couldn't do - I can now tie my shoes (my friends and loved ones are so proud) and I can finagle a pony-tail. Haven't tried pig-tails yet, but they are in my future.
Thanks to Shawn and Kim at Fleet Feet Adams Morgan for helping me pick out my new kicks: Asics Nimbus 10. After some expert foot/shoe advice, I was informed that your feet never stop growing as long as you're using them. To counteract my apparent displeasure in that statement, Shawn stated very eloquently: if you put your feet up (likely on the couch) to stop them from growing, be prepared for the rest of your body to "grow".Chalk this up to someone clearly needing something new to whine about: PETA announced that Obama should have caught a fly and released it back into the wild instead of swatting it during an interview. Seriously ? THIS makes headlines while the economy, financial system (redundant, I know), auto industry, housing market, unemployment etc etc etc are a disaster... THIS is what they're complaining about ??
I discovered this week that my infamous sense of direction (or lack thereof) is not 100% cured by Jack, my garmin. The good news is I only missed the destination by two towns. The lesson learned is that if I fail to put the correct address into the machine, Jack does not read minds. Sigh. Even with a GPS, I STILL get lost.
That's all I've got. Happy Friday - good luck to the Tour of Washington County participants. I'm with you in spirit.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Wrath of the Badger
As reported on our team blog, Badger decided she was through with the whole team-time-trialing thing on Saturday and ran amok, running over everyone in sight. Trying to reinact the chain of events from the various injuries Michelle received, I can only assume that Badger ran over her and backed up, only to run her down again. I haven't seen Sonja, but I know she got her share of the Badger wrath as well.
I don't know what provoked the temper tantrum, but while looking up general information about badgers, I ran across two gems:
I don't know what provoked the temper tantrum, but while looking up general information about badgers, I ran across two gems:
A badger is one of the toughest animals out there, it is closely related to the wolverine and has the same temper. They technically have no natural predators because most other animals avoid them at all costs.
Temper, Temper: Several African tribes report that the honey badger attacks the scrotum of larger mammals if provoked and has even castrated humans. While these reports remain uncorroborated by first-hand evidence, there is some circumstantial evidence such as remains of castrated waterbuck and gnu found in Kruger National Park (dead by blood loss).
I've always kind of wondered where Zimmerly got her nickname. Now I know. Consider this a public-service announcement.
While accompanying Mitch and mom to the local Urgent Care clinic, I called Coach Slavedriver to let him know what happened. The call started in confusion as he railed me for doing a time trial in my condition. He knows me well, but I was happy to say: I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT - I was just cleaning up the damage after the fact !
We decided, much to Mom's approval, Mitch was off the bike for a little while as her knee healed. Badger did a number on it, puncturing it right on the knee-cap. Lucky for Mitch, she has fat knees, so the damage was contained with two stitches. Fat knees: Doc is cleaning out the wound and Mitch says "What's that you're pulling out?" figuring it was tissue or bandages from the triage after the race. Doc says: "oh, its just fat". Classic Mitch (I like to think influenced by classic plainjane) - "Are you calling my knees fat!?!?"
Beware: the now dubbed Two-Stitch-Mitch (rhymes better than FatKnees) will be back in action in a few days to take out her aggression on the competition.
PS: Mitch, Goat and Badger: Rest up and heal quickly- I miss you guys but I don't want you to join me on the IR.
While accompanying Mitch and mom to the local Urgent Care clinic, I called Coach Slavedriver to let him know what happened. The call started in confusion as he railed me for doing a time trial in my condition. He knows me well, but I was happy to say: I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT - I was just cleaning up the damage after the fact !
We decided, much to Mom's approval, Mitch was off the bike for a little while as her knee healed. Badger did a number on it, puncturing it right on the knee-cap. Lucky for Mitch, she has fat knees, so the damage was contained with two stitches. Fat knees: Doc is cleaning out the wound and Mitch says "What's that you're pulling out?" figuring it was tissue or bandages from the triage after the race. Doc says: "oh, its just fat". Classic Mitch (I like to think influenced by classic plainjane) - "Are you calling my knees fat!?!?"
Beware: the now dubbed Two-Stitch-Mitch (rhymes better than FatKnees) will be back in action in a few days to take out her aggression on the competition.
PS: Mitch, Goat and Badger: Rest up and heal quickly- I miss you guys but I don't want you to join me on the IR.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
It's the Little Things ...
As my last post indicated, I have single-handedly (pun intended) undone thousands of years of evolution as I currently lack an opposable thumb on my right hand. Over the past week, I've come to realize that this world is not exactly -supportive- of our kind.
The task of opening a bottle of water has become daunting. Posting a blog requires planning my time and energy for the typing marathon. Buttons on clothing continuously taunt me. Opening a car door necessitates putting anything in my "good hand" on the ground so I can grasp the handle.
Honestly, it's the little things. While in Philly, a friend was accompanying me in search
of food. I grabbed my sneakers and after getting them on, looked up helplessly - I couldn't tie the shoe laces. As a side note, there's nothing quite like being 32 and having someone tie your shoes for you. Oh well, at least he was cute. Problem is that I live alone and don't always have cute boys to help out ... if I were a little less vain, i could see the benefits of velcro sneakers. If I were a little less vain.
Most of the guys can't relate, but the girls will know what i mean when i say that putting your hair in a pony-tail (or, worse, my trademark pig-tails) with one hand is not exactly easy or fun.
I can't operate a pepper-grinder. Getting out of a sports bra requires a more twisted version of what I call the skinsuit dance (you know, the contortions you make to get your arms into the skinsuit and get everything situated in the right place).
There are some minor miracles, though: I got this fancy-cast liner from Gore ... of course insurance doesnt cover it (sigh) but it's well worth the $40. It replaces the gauze/cloth liner and drains/drys out very quickly, so I don't have to shower like the Statue of Liberty and I can technically go into a pool etc. This is huge given the fact that I have to work out and while I like to believe that I sweat lilacs and rose petals (to quote a friend), after a month things would be ...questionable ... if I couldn't wash out the cast.
Coach Slavedriver asked me on Sunday ..."so what are you going to do for the next three months?" Honestly, I dont know. I'm a sap and I miss the racing/training already, I miss getting up at o'dark:thirty to get in a ride or travel to the races, and more than that, I miss seeing all of my lycra-clad friends.
I went for my first run since November this morning. Nice to get in a decent workout in under an hour. Not so nice to remember that my ribs are still bruised and that I need a new pair of running shoes. Running will keep me in decent shape and allow me to partake in my favorite food-group (ice cream), but it's just not the same.
Completely changing the subject from my sob-story to an interesting article Mitch sent us this am: Essentially a bike tour in France for prisoners. I'm thinking that wouldn't go over so well here, but it's kind of an interesting concept.
The task of opening a bottle of water has become daunting. Posting a blog requires planning my time and energy for the typing marathon. Buttons on clothing continuously taunt me. Opening a car door necessitates putting anything in my "good hand" on the ground so I can grasp the handle.
Honestly, it's the little things. While in Philly, a friend was accompanying me in search
of food. I grabbed my sneakers and after getting them on, looked up helplessly - I couldn't tie the shoe laces. As a side note, there's nothing quite like being 32 and having someone tie your shoes for you. Oh well, at least he was cute. Problem is that I live alone and don't always have cute boys to help out ... if I were a little less vain, i could see the benefits of velcro sneakers. If I were a little less vain.Most of the guys can't relate, but the girls will know what i mean when i say that putting your hair in a pony-tail (or, worse, my trademark pig-tails) with one hand is not exactly easy or fun.
I can't operate a pepper-grinder. Getting out of a sports bra requires a more twisted version of what I call the skinsuit dance (you know, the contortions you make to get your arms into the skinsuit and get everything situated in the right place).
There are some minor miracles, though: I got this fancy-cast liner from Gore ... of course insurance doesnt cover it (sigh) but it's well worth the $40. It replaces the gauze/cloth liner and drains/drys out very quickly, so I don't have to shower like the Statue of Liberty and I can technically go into a pool etc. This is huge given the fact that I have to work out and while I like to believe that I sweat lilacs and rose petals (to quote a friend), after a month things would be ...questionable ... if I couldn't wash out the cast.Coach Slavedriver asked me on Sunday ..."so what are you going to do for the next three months?" Honestly, I dont know. I'm a sap and I miss the racing/training already, I miss getting up at o'dark:thirty to get in a ride or travel to the races, and more than that, I miss seeing all of my lycra-clad friends.
I went for my first run since November this morning. Nice to get in a decent workout in under an hour. Not so nice to remember that my ribs are still bruised and that I need a new pair of running shoes. Running will keep me in decent shape and allow me to partake in my favorite food-group (ice cream), but it's just not the same.
Completely changing the subject from my sob-story to an interesting article Mitch sent us this am: Essentially a bike tour in France for prisoners. I'm thinking that wouldn't go over so well here, but it's kind of an interesting concept.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Tough Chicks, Philly and Tiddly-winks
Guys dig tough chicks. At least that's what all my friends are telling me in an effort to make me feel better about my super-cool (or not) cast. Final prognosis: Broken radius, which we knew and fractured schaphoid, which we didn't. Good news is that it doesn't require surgery. Bad news is that it does require a cast immobilizing my thumb for 3 months.
This means I can't even do time trials and by the time I get through enough PT to get some strength back in my wrist, the season is over. I won't pretend that I didn't cry as the doctor was wrapping the cast. The assistant didn't know what to do with me - she offered up all kinds of colors for the cast (hot pink? neon green?) and I swear her next step was to give me a lollipop. Sigh.
Over the weekend, I went up to Philly to support my girls in the race. They are all rock-stars, by the way, and since I've never so much as watched the race, it was quite an experience.
Highlights include:
- seeing all of our local girls excited and ready to tackle the race. I've always loved how we tend to support our local competitors when we're racing out of district. Many thanks and much love to the ABRT gals who gave us words of wisdom and lots of good energy.
- being able to explain my cast with one word: Somerville. In "normal" company, I have to explain that I race a bike, no, not a motorcycle, a pedal-bike, then I have to explain the sport, where we race etc and by that time I'm ready to fill one of the myraid of perscriptions I've been given for narcotics.
- getting heckled in the womens caravan going up the Wall. Long story short, we wound up driving Mitch's car in the race. Which has now been officially nicknamed the hooptie. (worth clicking on the link for the definition). The drunk frat-boys on the Wall were taking bets on whether we'd make it up the hill, someone asked if we were lost, I had a guy encourage us to "light em up", which was funny since the gas pedal was to the floor already.
- Mitch on the radio telling us that she could hear her car all the way up in the peleton.
- hearing aforementioned frat-boys say "Those are the manliest women I've ever seen" (and knowing that none of my girls were in that group).
- watching the mens race - amazing show of strategy and strength. Two teams went to the front and chased back a break with a couple laps to go, pulling them in from a 6+ min lead. The peleton came through the Start/Finish area FLYING - it was both breathtaking to watch and insane to know this pace was after over 6hrs in the saddle. It was as close as I've been to "real" professional cycling.
It was a long weekend but well worth the trip. Here's hoping that I can suffer along with my teammates next year - yes, I realize it's a bit masochistic to want to suffer. I leave you with two quotes that I found today - the first one is motivating, the second one is just plain funny.
This means I can't even do time trials and by the time I get through enough PT to get some strength back in my wrist, the season is over. I won't pretend that I didn't cry as the doctor was wrapping the cast. The assistant didn't know what to do with me - she offered up all kinds of colors for the cast (hot pink? neon green?) and I swear her next step was to give me a lollipop. Sigh.
Over the weekend, I went up to Philly to support my girls in the race. They are all rock-stars, by the way, and since I've never so much as watched the race, it was quite an experience.
Highlights include:
- seeing all of our local girls excited and ready to tackle the race. I've always loved how we tend to support our local competitors when we're racing out of district. Many thanks and much love to the ABRT gals who gave us words of wisdom and lots of good energy.
- being able to explain my cast with one word: Somerville. In "normal" company, I have to explain that I race a bike, no, not a motorcycle, a pedal-bike, then I have to explain the sport, where we race etc and by that time I'm ready to fill one of the myraid of perscriptions I've been given for narcotics.
- getting heckled in the womens caravan going up the Wall. Long story short, we wound up driving Mitch's car in the race. Which has now been officially nicknamed the hooptie. (worth clicking on the link for the definition). The drunk frat-boys on the Wall were taking bets on whether we'd make it up the hill, someone asked if we were lost, I had a guy encourage us to "light em up", which was funny since the gas pedal was to the floor already.
- Mitch on the radio telling us that she could hear her car all the way up in the peleton.
- hearing aforementioned frat-boys say "Those are the manliest women I've ever seen" (and knowing that none of my girls were in that group).
- watching the mens race - amazing show of strategy and strength. Two teams went to the front and chased back a break with a couple laps to go, pulling them in from a 6+ min lead. The peleton came through the Start/Finish area FLYING - it was both breathtaking to watch and insane to know this pace was after over 6hrs in the saddle. It was as close as I've been to "real" professional cycling.
It was a long weekend but well worth the trip. Here's hoping that I can suffer along with my teammates next year - yes, I realize it's a bit masochistic to want to suffer. I leave you with two quotes that I found today - the first one is motivating, the second one is just plain funny.
"To be a cyclist is to be a student of pain....at cycling's core lies pain, hard and bitter as the pit inside a juicy peach. It doesn't matter if you're sprinting for an Olympic medal, a town sign, a trailhead, or the rest stop with the homemade brownies. If you never confront pain, you're missing the essence of the sport. Without pain, there's no adversity. Without adversity, no challenge. Without challenge, no improvement. No improvement, no sense of accomplishment and no deep-down joy. Might as well be playing Tiddly-Winks."
Scott Martin
"The bicycle is just as good company as most husbands and, when it gets old and shabby, a woman can dispose of it and get a new one without shocking the entire community."
Ann Strong, Minneapolis Tribune, 1895
Scott Martin
"The bicycle is just as good company as most husbands and, when it gets old and shabby, a woman can dispose of it and get a new one without shocking the entire community."
Ann Strong, Minneapolis Tribune, 1895
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Somerville ....And I'm Out...
Anyone who thinks bike racing is a glamorous sport, please check out the pic on our Team CycleLife blog that says it all... for future reference, anytime you find yourself captioned along with a "puke bucket", things haven't exactly worked out in your favor.
After a pretty good run at RFK, I decided to abandon TV shopping for Somerville. I was finally finding my legs and wanted to keep them moving toward Philly and Nationals. LJ's race report pretty well covers it. I was in good/great position most of the race, was moving comfortably around in the pack and was gearing up for the finish.
I saw something happening ahead of me, slightly to the left. I was behind LJ and hot-rod Lisa Jellett (Verducci), assuming they knew where to be. The domino-effect started, so we all slowed down. I was far right and thought we made it through ... but the girls behind didn't slow down. I remember being hit from behind and thinking, as I'm flying off my bike, oh sh*t, that curb is going to hurt. I hit the curb with my backside, and I have an amazing bruise/road rash to show for it ... you"ll have to take my word for it. I don't know how many girls ran over me. Nonnie (Human Zoom) was the first friendly voice I heard - the EMTs were great but its scary as crap having 4-6 guys looming over you, asking questions you can't answer b/c you're still in shock. Thank you, Nonnie - I can't tell you how much that meant.
Knew my wrist was bad -they wouldnt let me see it. An hour and a half laying on a stretcher in the hallway with no meds, no food, no fluids ... pain started setting in and it was a pain I have never known. Maybe childbirth is worse, but I don't know. LJ harassed the nurses, at one point snapping back "thanks for nothing!" as they refused to help. I like to think that was me channeling through LJ.
Finally get a room and start fluids. Its almost 6pm by now... race started around 230pm. Still no drugs but the PA starts to manipulate my wrist. She said it was broken AND dislocated - sweet. Hurt like hell when she touched it but drugs followed quickly so my sobbing quited. Morphine also ran out quickly - we were up to 18 units by the time the x-rays were taken. Then await the ortho, who arrived an hour later. Since Morphine was not working, they gave me something else that worked but also caused nausea. Hence the puke bucket.
Worst moment? When the ortho had the huge man-nurse hold my bicep while he pulled on my hand to re-locate the dislocation. It is not a joke that poor Mel heard my yell in the waiting room.
So, my season is over. Nationals, Philly, CSC ... all that work out the window. Not happy. I know some others have it worse and I'm just whining, but dammit, in the words of Bart Simpson, this whole year "both sucks and blows".
After a pretty good run at RFK, I decided to abandon TV shopping for Somerville. I was finally finding my legs and wanted to keep them moving toward Philly and Nationals. LJ's race report pretty well covers it. I was in good/great position most of the race, was moving comfortably around in the pack and was gearing up for the finish.
I saw something happening ahead of me, slightly to the left. I was behind LJ and hot-rod Lisa Jellett (Verducci), assuming they knew where to be. The domino-effect started, so we all slowed down. I was far right and thought we made it through ... but the girls behind didn't slow down. I remember being hit from behind and thinking, as I'm flying off my bike, oh sh*t, that curb is going to hurt. I hit the curb with my backside, and I have an amazing bruise/road rash to show for it ... you"ll have to take my word for it. I don't know how many girls ran over me. Nonnie (Human Zoom) was the first friendly voice I heard - the EMTs were great but its scary as crap having 4-6 guys looming over you, asking questions you can't answer b/c you're still in shock. Thank you, Nonnie - I can't tell you how much that meant.
Knew my wrist was bad -they wouldnt let me see it. An hour and a half laying on a stretcher in the hallway with no meds, no food, no fluids ... pain started setting in and it was a pain I have never known. Maybe childbirth is worse, but I don't know. LJ harassed the nurses, at one point snapping back "thanks for nothing!" as they refused to help. I like to think that was me channeling through LJ.
Finally get a room and start fluids. Its almost 6pm by now... race started around 230pm. Still no drugs but the PA starts to manipulate my wrist. She said it was broken AND dislocated - sweet. Hurt like hell when she touched it but drugs followed quickly so my sobbing quited. Morphine also ran out quickly - we were up to 18 units by the time the x-rays were taken. Then await the ortho, who arrived an hour later. Since Morphine was not working, they gave me something else that worked but also caused nausea. Hence the puke bucket.
Worst moment? When the ortho had the huge man-nurse hold my bicep while he pulled on my hand to re-locate the dislocation. It is not a joke that poor Mel heard my yell in the waiting room.
So, my season is over. Nationals, Philly, CSC ... all that work out the window. Not happy. I know some others have it worse and I'm just whining, but dammit, in the words of Bart Simpson, this whole year "both sucks and blows".
Friday, May 22, 2009
TGIF - 5/22/09
The beginning of Memorial-Day Weekend. Actually, i think it started yesterday based on the traffic on the way home and the resounding echo of emptiness at work today. I missed the memo, but no worries, I'll bail out of here shortly to enjoy the sunshine.
I'm currently in the market for a new TV. I've mentioned before that my current TV is circa 1980. I have to use some contraption to be able to hook it into my receiver and cable box. And I can't hook anything else to it (computer/ipod etc). So, I've been down this ro
ad a few times before but something (life) always gets in the way right before I'm ready to make the move.
The amount of information out there on TVs is mind-boggling. I dont watch that much TV except when doing indoor workouts, so I am a complete idiot when it comes to picking out a new one. Contrast ratio (dynamic or other?), pixels, refresh rate, HDMI inputs ... a girl could get lost in all this if she wasn't careful. The other issue is that the reviews I find online are mostly one-sided. Figure if people are happy, they're happy. If they're not, they find any way they can to disparage the company/manufacturer.
Plus, I dont trust the general public (reference my post about people sucking in general). Speaking of which, HvT had a hilarious post on a subject related to people sucking ...
Anyway, this weekend might be the weekend it finally happens. Will depend on if I can get some help to get it home (I'm tough but I'm injured, dammit) or if I have to deal with delivery. Retail therapy is best served warm, not by waiting for delivery. And lets all face it, I'm doing retail therapy.
Other thoughts for today: Got an update from Jen R, who was injured badly at BikeCrash - I mean CrashJam - I mean BikeJam. She seems to be in good spirits and had surgery yesterday. Here's hoping for a fast recovery. She's a rockstar on and off the bike and I'm sure she'll be out handing me my arse before I know it.
Its unfortunate when we don't race on Saturday but do race on Sunday. That means I can't kill myself on a training ride on Saturday, nor can I do something else fun (hiking etc) because I know I have to be ready to roll on Sunday. The saving grace is that I'm off on Monday ... hopefully the weather holds out and I can find a good ride to do for the holiday.
Enjoy the long weekend and no matter your religious/political affiliation, please remember what the holiday is for - to thank and remember those who gave (and continue to give) of themselves for our safety and freedom.
TGIF
I'm currently in the market for a new TV. I've mentioned before that my current TV is circa 1980. I have to use some contraption to be able to hook it into my receiver and cable box. And I can't hook anything else to it (computer/ipod etc). So, I've been down this ro
ad a few times before but something (life) always gets in the way right before I'm ready to make the move.The amount of information out there on TVs is mind-boggling. I dont watch that much TV except when doing indoor workouts, so I am a complete idiot when it comes to picking out a new one. Contrast ratio (dynamic or other?), pixels, refresh rate, HDMI inputs ... a girl could get lost in all this if she wasn't careful. The other issue is that the reviews I find online are mostly one-sided. Figure if people are happy, they're happy. If they're not, they find any way they can to disparage the company/manufacturer.
Plus, I dont trust the general public (reference my post about people sucking in general). Speaking of which, HvT had a hilarious post on a subject related to people sucking ...Anyway, this weekend might be the weekend it finally happens. Will depend on if I can get some help to get it home (I'm tough but I'm injured, dammit) or if I have to deal with delivery. Retail therapy is best served warm, not by waiting for delivery. And lets all face it, I'm doing retail therapy.
Other thoughts for today: Got an update from Jen R, who was injured badly at BikeCrash - I mean CrashJam - I mean BikeJam. She seems to be in good spirits and had surgery yesterday. Here's hoping for a fast recovery. She's a rockstar on and off the bike and I'm sure she'll be out handing me my arse before I know it.
Its unfortunate when we don't race on Saturday but do race on Sunday. That means I can't kill myself on a training ride on Saturday, nor can I do something else fun (hiking etc) because I know I have to be ready to roll on Sunday. The saving grace is that I'm off on Monday ... hopefully the weather holds out and I can find a good ride to do for the holiday.
Enjoy the long weekend and no matter your religious/political affiliation, please remember what the holiday is for - to thank and remember those who gave (and continue to give) of themselves for our safety and freedom.
TGIF
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Blood, Sweat and Tears (aka BikeJam/Wilmington)
I'm definitely not exaggerating the title - all three elements were very prominent during the weekend. Some more than others.
First up- Wilmington. A big girl race. With over 80 riders. Last year I managed to not only finish, but chase
back on to the lead group (with lots o' help from HPC and now-teammate Sonja Evers) for a spot in the money. Despite a horrible winter training season, I was hoping to be in shape enough to make this a goal event. So much for goal events. Started out like a rocket. I was never in a good spot, never comfortable. Gaps opened almost immediately and we were going fast enough that the umph needed to close those gaps was just not there. At least for me. And 50+ other women who didn't make it to the end. All I know is that when I pulled myself and limped off the course, I saw that I was not in that bad of a spot ... not in the money by any means, but still with my "normal" competition. It's okay, the group I was in got pulled "officially" about a lap later so I just pre-empted the officials.
Coach Slavedriver saw my powerfile for the whole 7 miles I lasted of the 25mile race. He laughed on Sunday asking if I had seen "sprint intervals" on my schedule that day. Apparently my normalized power was obnoxious (for me). Those 7 miles or so were probably the hardest I've done in a while. Rockstar teammate LJ got a top 10 ... awesome. I managed to hold back the tears and there was no blood - those came on Sunday.
ClusterF*ck at BikeJam. Which is pretty much how that race goes. Most everyone I know says
they hate that race, it's a crap shoot and people get hurt every year. Former teammate and friend, HvT got the raw end of a wreck a few years back. A pro rider last year broke her leg. This year the cluster resulted in an ambulance ride for friend and awesome-racer Jen R. Jen, get better soon - good vibes being sent your way.
Start at the beginning - I had a sh*t start since a few of us decided to take a lap around the course and everyone else apparently decided to line up. Thankfully, I felt pretty good and started picking my way through the pack. Within a couple of laps, I was sitting pretty around 20th or so ... It was one of those days when things flowed well ... I was *finally* finding my groove. I was well-within my comfort level and I remember thinking - good, I need this ... just pay attention and be smart.
Aside from having to hop the grass on that 120degree turn at the bottom, I didnt have to do too many evasive moves. I noted that the right side going up the hill tended to have a big slowdown ... no apparent reason but I stayed left. About 8 laps or so into the race, I was stuck kind of in the middle going into the hill. Not where I wanted to be but stuck. At the last moment I saw a cluster going down a few girls ahead and to the right. I had a half-second to grab the brakes and think: "This is going to be ungood". My bike was taken out from under me and I did the tuck-and-roll, knowing there were 40+ riders behind me.
The cartoon balloon of my thoughts would have said "son of a .... my effing bike ! please don't chain-ring me, please don't chain-ring me. how the eff are we wrecking going UPHILL??".
After the crunching of bikes and bodies subsided, I sat up and located my bike. Stood up - woozy - okay, good, have the bike to lean on. A couple friends and my coach were immediately at the sideline trying to help. I told them I wanted back in ... they must've thought I was crazy. Only a small spot of blood on my knee, another few scrapes on my elbow. Bike was relatively okay ... off I go. Get a good re-start after the ambulance cleared the course. What I didn't realize until about 2 laps into the re-start was that since I didn't have that much blood, it meant I didn't slide. Nothing dissipated the energy when I fell. That means I actually hit the deck pretty hard. Which meant that breathing hard immediately revealed that something was way wrong with my chest/ribs. I pulled myself out of the race, unable to get enough oxygen to keep going.
Side note: when pulling out of a race like this, with a few technical turns ... is it best to keep a straight line and drop back, or is it preferable to drop to the right ? I had several different ladies give "suggestions" as I was trying not to kill myself or others on the course.
Anyway. Long story to get to me limping back to my car, dejected and trying not to make eye contact with anyone for fear of them seeing tears. There's no crying in cycling !!! I dont know what upset me more - that I was really hurt, that I had yet another disappointing race or that I was sobbing in my car alone. Sigh.
X-rays revealed no fractures, but some badly bruised ribs and torn ligaments. Vitamin "I" is my friend. They also gave me percocet (sp) but I'm saving that for a rainy-er day.
I did lay low Sunday nite (watching the Lost finale with Z) and Monday, but was back doing repeats on Ilchester on Wednesday. Zim thinks I'm bad-ass because I am so "dedicated". What she doesn't realize is that Coach Slavedriver drives me to it ... I pay someone to make me miserable on the bike. How does that make sense ... Maybe I should have gotten an x-ray of my head while I was at it ?
First up- Wilmington. A big girl race. With over 80 riders. Last year I managed to not only finish, but chase
back on to the lead group (with lots o' help from HPC and now-teammate Sonja Evers) for a spot in the money. Despite a horrible winter training season, I was hoping to be in shape enough to make this a goal event. So much for goal events. Started out like a rocket. I was never in a good spot, never comfortable. Gaps opened almost immediately and we were going fast enough that the umph needed to close those gaps was just not there. At least for me. And 50+ other women who didn't make it to the end. All I know is that when I pulled myself and limped off the course, I saw that I was not in that bad of a spot ... not in the money by any means, but still with my "normal" competition. It's okay, the group I was in got pulled "officially" about a lap later so I just pre-empted the officials.Coach Slavedriver saw my powerfile for the whole 7 miles I lasted of the 25mile race. He laughed on Sunday asking if I had seen "sprint intervals" on my schedule that day. Apparently my normalized power was obnoxious (for me). Those 7 miles or so were probably the hardest I've done in a while. Rockstar teammate LJ got a top 10 ... awesome. I managed to hold back the tears and there was no blood - those came on Sunday.
ClusterF*ck at BikeJam. Which is pretty much how that race goes. Most everyone I know says
they hate that race, it's a crap shoot and people get hurt every year. Former teammate and friend, HvT got the raw end of a wreck a few years back. A pro rider last year broke her leg. This year the cluster resulted in an ambulance ride for friend and awesome-racer Jen R. Jen, get better soon - good vibes being sent your way.Start at the beginning - I had a sh*t start since a few of us decided to take a lap around the course and everyone else apparently decided to line up. Thankfully, I felt pretty good and started picking my way through the pack. Within a couple of laps, I was sitting pretty around 20th or so ... It was one of those days when things flowed well ... I was *finally* finding my groove. I was well-within my comfort level and I remember thinking - good, I need this ... just pay attention and be smart.
Aside from having to hop the grass on that 120degree turn at the bottom, I didnt have to do too many evasive moves. I noted that the right side going up the hill tended to have a big slowdown ... no apparent reason but I stayed left. About 8 laps or so into the race, I was stuck kind of in the middle going into the hill. Not where I wanted to be but stuck. At the last moment I saw a cluster going down a few girls ahead and to the right. I had a half-second to grab the brakes and think: "This is going to be ungood". My bike was taken out from under me and I did the tuck-and-roll, knowing there were 40+ riders behind me.
The cartoon balloon of my thoughts would have said "son of a .... my effing bike ! please don't chain-ring me, please don't chain-ring me. how the eff are we wrecking going UPHILL??".
After the crunching of bikes and bodies subsided, I sat up and located my bike. Stood up - woozy - okay, good, have the bike to lean on. A couple friends and my coach were immediately at the sideline trying to help. I told them I wanted back in ... they must've thought I was crazy. Only a small spot of blood on my knee, another few scrapes on my elbow. Bike was relatively okay ... off I go. Get a good re-start after the ambulance cleared the course. What I didn't realize until about 2 laps into the re-start was that since I didn't have that much blood, it meant I didn't slide. Nothing dissipated the energy when I fell. That means I actually hit the deck pretty hard. Which meant that breathing hard immediately revealed that something was way wrong with my chest/ribs. I pulled myself out of the race, unable to get enough oxygen to keep going.
Side note: when pulling out of a race like this, with a few technical turns ... is it best to keep a straight line and drop back, or is it preferable to drop to the right ? I had several different ladies give "suggestions" as I was trying not to kill myself or others on the course.
Anyway. Long story to get to me limping back to my car, dejected and trying not to make eye contact with anyone for fear of them seeing tears. There's no crying in cycling !!! I dont know what upset me more - that I was really hurt, that I had yet another disappointing race or that I was sobbing in my car alone. Sigh.
X-rays revealed no fractures, but some badly bruised ribs and torn ligaments. Vitamin "I" is my friend. They also gave me percocet (sp) but I'm saving that for a rainy-er day.
I did lay low Sunday nite (watching the Lost finale with Z) and Monday, but was back doing repeats on Ilchester on Wednesday. Zim thinks I'm bad-ass because I am so "dedicated". What she doesn't realize is that Coach Slavedriver drives me to it ... I pay someone to make me miserable on the bike. How does that make sense ... Maybe I should have gotten an x-ray of my head while I was at it ?
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