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.

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.

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 !