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Bend and Beyond

August 28, 2010
12:20
Preview: Wedding Recap
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Officially! We are married. It was an awesome weekend with wonderful friends and more smiles and laughter than I could have ever imagined.
Brian Bulemore, photographer extraordinaire, has shared a couple of photos with us.... here is a sneak peak.
11:33
High Cascade 100 - A really long time to be riding a bike!
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Saturday morning came early - too early. After a week in Salt Lake City for the Outdoor Retailer Show and a few too many running miles on legs that can't quite remember what running feels like; I woke at 4am on Saturday morning. Coffee and breakfast down, off to pick up Don, and head up to Wanoga.
Headlights were required as we headed up Century Drive. Don was telling me about his up coming week long adventure called The Oregon Bike Ride. I kept asking him questions, not only because I was interested, but also because I didn't want to think about the challenge I was about to under take.
Who in their right-mind decides it is a good idea to ride their mountain bike for 100 miles? No one. We are all a little bit crazy - but that is why we are friends. Don completed HC100 in 2009; seeing him accomplish this was pretty awesome. I wanted in.... so 12 months later, there I was, standing in the twilight, shivering, waiting for the race to begin.

I had never before ridden my mountain bike for 100 miles. I knew it would take me a long time. Based on fairly educated estimates, I calculated it would take me about 11½ hours. That is a long time.
As the miles and hours ticked by, I found myself having fun, smiling, laughing, and feeling incredibly fortunate to be riding my bike for the entire day. The folks at the aid stations were awesome and even the photographers from Oregon Velo were encouraging as we passed, covering them in moondust. The course was challenging and as the day went on, I felt stronger and more confident – until I didn’t.
About 64 mile, I drank an entire Coke in about 15 seconds. Not the best idea. It wasn’t part of my fueling plan, but an ice cold coke sounded magnificent, so I downed the entire thing while my chain was being lubed and then took off. About 30 minutes later, as I climbed Farewell, in the heat of the day – I realized my mistake. My stomach was unhappy, my legs didn’t want to go and I was HOT.
At a technical, rocky section, I stopped for a minute; took a Gel, drank some water, and told myself KEEP MOVING FORWARD. For about 45 minutes I struggled. I was tired, dirty and felt like puking was in my near future – then it passed. All of a sudden, I began to flow again. KEEP MOVING FORWARD, but faster this time!
As I rode toward the Dutchman Aid Station, at mile 78, I knew I would finish the race. At Wanago, mile 87, ready to begin the third and final lap, I realized I could go under 11 hours. I knew this trail and I charged as hard as my tired legs (and arms) could handle. I passed a couple of guys in the last 4 miles, climbing steady up the Funner Trail.
I hadn’t seen Ben all day. The plan was that he would try to meet me at one of the aid stations, but no definite plans. I figured he had probably ridden with some friends and was now in town, enjoying a cool, refreshing beverage somewhere. But, when I rounded that last corner, to roll under the finishing banner, Ben, Aaron O and Rocco were all there; cheering and smiling. It was awesome – what a amazing gift to see Ben’s face waiting for me there.

Here is a really silly, sort of embarrassing video that pretty much sums up the day.

Visit beta.cyclingdirt.org for more Videos
August 08, 2010
21:22
Catching Up - Cascade Cycling Classic a Few Weeks Late!
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Sparks Grade - Heckled by the infamous Heidi Swift
The last three weeks have been a blur; a fabulous, wonderful roller coaster of ups and downs, smiles tears and at the end of it all, a hug from Ben.  And next weekend we get married… the summer of 2010 has been magnificent in a crazy, head-spinning, running to catch your breath sort of way.  High Cascade 100 Mountain Bike Race was yesterday – and I have a full race report coming on that one……. But, I don’t want to get ahead of myself.
Picking up from where I left off – Cascade Cycling Classic – 6 days of humbling bliss.  I will spare you most of the details, as there were many, and attempt share the condensed version.
Tuesday: Prolouge – 2 miles of heart-pounding, leg-burning, cotton-mouth. People had told me about cotton-mouth before, but until that evening, riding around the Old Mill District with a heart-rate one beat from max, I learned the true definition.  Fortunately, the suffering was over quickly and when the times were posted, I was smack dab in the middle.  Given the competition (and the super speedy rocket machines they were riding), I was satisfied with finishing smack dab in the middle.
Wednesday: McKenzie Road Race – 75 miles of COURAGE. The race started just west of the Santiam Junction, descended to the Old McKenzie Highway, climbed up and over to Sisters, and headed uphill once again for a soul-sapping finish at the top of Three Creeks Road.  It was a long day in the saddle.
At mile 13, just 30 minutes into the race, there was a huge pile up; girls hitting the deck at 41mph.  I was one of those girls.  I got off pretty easy; a couple of broken wheels, a full body’s worth of road rash and an almost-shattered spirit, but all my bones were intact.
After waiting for a second neutral support car and getting two new wheels, I remounted my trusting Trek, put my head down and kept the optimistic vision of catching back on. As I turned the pedals over and over, catching a few girls, encouraging them to get on my wheel, only to realize I was still riding alone, I almost gave up.  I started climbing up toward McKenzie Pass, chanting COURAGE over and over to myself, thinking of the strongest women I know and how much strength she has shown me, and how lucky I was to be riding.  I knew my chances of making the time cut were slim-to-none, but I had to give it a shot.  When I crossed the finished line, seeing the kind faces of my friends, I burst into tears. My emotions were uncontainable as the great Timmy Evans scrubbed out the road rash.  It wasn’t until later that I learned I had made the time cut by 2 minutes.
With the support of Ben and Don, I got my bike and my head back into the game – Thursday was the Time Trial.
Thursday: Time Trail – 14 miles Out and BackGetting to the starting line of the TT was the most difficult thing I had ever done on a bike.  I was scared, nervous and unsure.  I was almost last in the General Classification so I was one of the first women to roll down the ramp.  Five women started in front of me.  I caught all but one, finishing just 10 seconds behind her.  When the day was done, I finished in the top half – ecstatic.
Friday: Cascade Lakes Road Race – 72 miles of riding, 17 miles of racing.With a borrowed front wheel and very vivid memories of sliding over asphalt, I was anxious and nervous as we waited to for the race to start.  The first couple of miles were uphill and I was determined to stay close to the front.  If the group split on the hill, I wanted to be up front for the descent.  The plan worked and as we made the left hand turn from Cascade Lakes Highway toward Sunriver, the front group was half the size it was at the starting line and I was in it.   The descent was fast, but safe and I was regaining my confidence.  As the road flattened out, there was another crash, which I stayed out of, but a couple of big names went down.  This caused the top teams to slow the pace and regroup – meaning the entire women’s field regrouped.  We were now 100+ women.
The peleton was twitchy and I stayed near the back.  Not the best place, not the safest place, but the place I felt the most comfortable.  The group stayed together until Elk Lake Resort; when a group on the front took off.  I knew the course and I knew this would be a great place for an attack, but I was timid and was still sitting way at the back of the peleton.  By the time I saw them go, it was too late, but I tired with all my might to bridge the gap.  The road climbed from Elk Lake to Mt Bachelor and as it did, I got stronger and stronger.  By the time I reached the top of Sparks grade, I had passed the caravan.  I wasn’t winning the race, but I was passing girls as I climbed and felt like I was winning.  I couldn’t help but smile as Heidi heckled me from the back of the moto.  I crossed the finish line, downed a Coke and found my friends.  I was remembering why I ride a bike.
Saturday: Criterium – 50 minutesIn order to make the time cut in a crit, you have to get through the first 1/3 of the race without getting pulled, meaning you have to stay with the group for about 17 and 1/2 minutes.  That was my goal.  When I passed the clock, 30 minutes in, that goal changed.  I wanted to finish this race.  And I did.  I got the same time as the leaders, I rode a NRC crit and I didn’t get pulled.  I used up way too much energy by sitting toward the back, but I didn’t care.  My least favorite stage was over and I had finished.  In my book that was victory in and of itself.
Sunday: Awbrey Circuit Race – 67 miles (3 laps) of Grit.It was tough, super tough.  It was hard, fast, 102 degrees and fabulous.  These girls race bikes for a living, they get a pay check because they ride fast and hard and aggressively – and in front of the hometown crowd, I am getting just as many cheers as the girl in the yellow jersey.  Ben and crew were at the base of Archie Briggs, Austin has written my name in chalk on the road, people I didn’t know where yelling my name.  And then there was the local triathlete that made me smile amidst burning lungs and screaming legs.  Don was there when I crossed the finish line.  He did a cool down with me; on his Trek Remedy.  I had just finished my first NCR race – take out Wednesday's unexpected date with the asphalt and I had done pretty darn well.  After a cold shower and big buffalo burger, I decided to do it again next year.
July 20, 2010
11:33
And so it begins…. Day one, of 6….
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The Cascade Cycling Classis kicks off this evening with a 2 mile prologue….. 5 minutes, 6 minutes – of pain – my warm up will take ten times longer than the race itself.

This morning Don dialed in my bike to match the time trial specifications of USA Cycling, which for a short kid like me are pretty silly, especially since I am riding my road bike with clip on bars – but those are the rules and I would rather know about them and follow them, then get surprised at the last moment.

I will join the other lone-stars and pick up my packet at 1pm this afternoon. The race begins at 6pm.

People are already dressed for the evening’s events by the looks of the folks waiting in line at Thump Coffee and it is still half a day away….but preparation is everything and they want to be ready.

The CCC is a big race, my first big road race. My stomach has been turning over since yesterday; with anticipation and excitement for what the next 6 days will hold.
July 16, 2010
11:29
A Wild Ride in The Radio Flyer
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Life has gotten away from me.
I jumped in the Radio Flyer wagon and have been heading downhill, without breaks, for the last month. A high speed adrenaline rush, just hold on time and enjoy the ride.

The weekend of the Northwest Crossing Crit and Picketts Charge was when the mayhem really started.

I raced Friday night, took a flyer on the first prem lap, won a massage with Amber, who is pretty much fabulous, and ended up soloing out front for the rest of race. It was hard and not the best decision given Picketts was about 36 hours away, but the adrenaline I felt following through my veins made it worth it.

Saturday, Ben and I, and both of our Moms, ventured to Opal Creek to check out the site of the wedding. Planning a wedding is a lot more work that I had bargained for and while I strive to be carefree and stressless about the whole thing – I have found it all but impossible. Luckily, we were reunited with some good friends in Jawbone Flats and I was continually reminded that everything would fall into place; and somehow, for some reason, I believe it.

Sunday was Picketts Charge, Sunnyside’s Race and the last race in the XC Oregon Mountain Bike Series. Sunnyside took the win, a bunch of us got Champion Jerseys and I was reminded once again why I love riding for a team made up of friends, on the dirt, surrounded by smiles! Check out Don’s blog for some photos of the day and a great recap of why Sunnyside rocks! (Fox – we missed you!)

After a morning of racing, I headed back to town, cleaned up and was greeted by a backyard party. The Moms, Kacy (my fabulous little sister) and some of our bestest friends gathered for a little couple’s wedding shower. I’m not too into events with the word “shower” in the tag line, but as promised there were no silly games and we simply enjoyed a beautiful Bend afternoon surrounded by people we love.

Life since then has pretty much been a whirl wind. We spent a couple days on the McKenzie River, Ben spent a long weekend in Boulder for his second bachelor party, I raced High Desert Omnium, we have been harvesting beautiful food from the garden, we decided to grow up and act like a adults, meaning we bought some patio furniture and a BBQ – and I started eating buffalo and elk. WOW. Oh, and we are planning a wedding.

The beginning of this week, on our daily morning walk with Minute, Ben said, “I am so looking forward to Labor Day weekend”. Labor Day weekend, in September? So much will transpire between now and then. I can’t even think about September.

My schedule for the next couple of weeks are pretty mush insane: Cascade Cycling Classic, Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City, High Cascade 100, Wedding, Idaho MTB/Hot Spring Tour, breath.

This morning I sent Ben an email entitled T-30. Today is July 15th (Happy 5th Anniversary to Kacy & Andrew), our wedding is on August 14th! T-30; the Radio Flyer is picking up speed.
June 25, 2010
15:58
Getting Lost, On the Picketts Course
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Two days ago, on Wednesday, I had the choice. Pre-ride the Picketts course once again or do a solid workout in town. This week is pretty much all rest and recovery, after the Test of Endurance, and I had already ridden the course once this week… so I opted for the workout in town (which, by the way, kicked my butt).

Skyliners was full of cyclists, preparing for Thursday’s Road Nationals Time Trail. Normally I feel confident and strong as I work through the day’s efforts – but instead I felt like a real recreationalist; on a hybrid bike, wearing cut off jeans and Chuck Taylors; getting passed by junior boys in matching kits, riding matching bikes, wearing shoe covers and coordinating socks. I quickly got over it. I turned on my iPod; enjoyed the sunshine and intermittent rain showers and between leg-burning, lung-gasping efforts, thought about the weekend ahead.

Friday night – Northwest Crossing Crit; part of the Hullaballo
Sunday – Picketts Charge

Friday would be a good workout, Sunday would be a “A” race; the last race in the XC Oregon Mountain Bike Series and Sunnyside’s Race – my stomach started turning over…. Don’t get nervous yet, it is still days away.
Wednesday night I went to sleep, only to wake abruptly by a dream – or perhaps a nightmare. I got lost during Picketts Charge. Now, if you have ridden the course or even looked at a course map, you know that there are no turns in the race, it is a big circle. But, somehow I managed to get lost. I went back to sleep and had the same dream all over again.

Thursday morning I could think of nothing except getting lost. Should I have ridden the course the day before? Was this a sign of things to come? Maybe I should skip my rest day and pre-ride just one more time.

Crazy the messed up things your mind does to you when you are full of so much pre-race energy. You can take that energy and turn it into whatever you want. You can get nervous or you can get excited. My tendency is to get nervous, it is easier; but just like training, you can learn to turn that nervousness into excitement. This weekend, that is my goal.
June 24, 2010
23:31
Our Own Private Forest... A morning of mountain biking in Bend.
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The first week of summer is showing off in Bend, dressed in festive colors and bringing smiles to the faces of visitors and locals alike. After a long spring, the passing of the Solstice has brought warm weather, sunshine, and evening fires at O’Kanes Square to our little city along the Deschutes River.
Taking full advantage of this special season requires experiencing a summer powder day; getting up early to sneak in a ride before the workday begins, when the trails are still tacky with moisture from the overnight dew, yet the air is warm enough to ride without a jacket or long fingered gloves. This morning was a summer powder day. “Today is the best day of the year to ride your bike,” my friend announced as we headed out from the Wanoga parking lot. Similar to a morning skin to the summit of Tumalo Mountain on a Tuesday when the rest of the world in bed, at work, or getting the kids off to school, the forest was silent and we were the only ones on the trail.
We floated down the single track, our tires finding traction in corners that will soon turn to moon dust. The birds sang their sweet morning songs as the lupine and Indian paintbrush greeted us along the way.
Those few morning hours were ours, our own private trails in our own private forest. Just a couple of friends, a couple of bikes, and summer full of smiles.
21:58
Our Own Private Forest... A morning of mountain biking in Bend.
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The first week of summer is showing off in Bend, dressed in festive colors and bringing smiles to the faces of visitors and locals alike. After a long spring, the passing of the Solstice has brought warm weather, sunshine, and evening fires to our little city along the Deschutes River.Taking full advantage of this special season requires experiencing a summer powder day; getting up early to sneak in a ride before the workday begins, when the trails are still tacky with moisture from the overnight dew, yet the air is warm enough to ride without a jacket or long fingered gloves.This morning was a summer powder day. “Today is the best day of the year to ride your bike,” my friend announced as we headed out from the Wanoga parking lot. Similar to a morning skin to the summit of Tumalo Mountain on a Tuesday when the rest of the world in bed, at work, or getting the kids off to school, the forest was silent and we were the only ones on the trail. We floated down the single track, our tires finding traction in corners that will soon turn to moon dust. The birds sang their sweet morning songs as the lupine and Indian paintbrush greeted us along the way.Those few morning hours were ours, our own private trails in our own private forest. Just a couple of friends, a couple of bikes, and summer full of smiles.
June 22, 2010
18:03
Test of Endurance 50
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I used to be a runner. I ran long distances – pretty often, pretty fast. I actually won a 50 mile race once. But I don’t run much anymore, just enough to remember how and to get ready for cross season. Now I ride my bike and I love it; on Sunday I rode my bike for 5 ½ hours.
Let me rephrase; Sunday was the Test of Endurance and I raced my mountain bike for 5 ½ hours. The Test of Endurance was HARD. 8,300 feet of climbing over 50 miles; gravel road climbs, slippery as snot muddy descents, 2 laps, 4 gels, a bottle of Perpetum sludge, and a smile as I crossed the finish line. Wow – that was tough.
I have run more marathons than I can count on both hands, and more than a few ultras, but this race topped them all. The TOE is hard; but in some crazy sort of way, fabulous and awesome and fun.
After the mud was washed away and the battle wounds tended to, we gathered on the floor of the Blodgett School Gymnasium among some of the strongest, most talented cyclist in the nation. The Men’s Podium was stacked, Carl Decker, Adam Craig, and Chris Sheppard occupied the top three steps, but the next seven were familiar names as well: Erik Tonkin, Sean Babcock, Barry Wicks, Luke Pennington, Brig Brandt, Ryan Trebon and Ben Thompson. Alice Pennington took top honors in the Women’s field, broke the course record and schooled the rest of us……..but it didn’t matter.
It didn’t matter if you finished in 3 ½ hours or 6 ½ hours, we all accomplished something that forced us to push our limits. We all had to eat and drink and think happy thoughts. We had to stay focused and ready and poised. We were out there to see what we could do; and after the fact, reflect on what we could have done differently.
The Test of Endurance was the second to last race in the Oregon XC Mountain Bike Series. Seems like a long time since we drove to Eastern Oregon for Echo Red to Red. I have learned a lot about racing my mountain bike since then, but have so much more to learn. This morning, riding bikes with Don, I learned something; every time I get on my bike I learn something.
Sunday is Sunnyside’s own Pickett’s Charge, held on the new Wanoga trails; the last race of the series and my last mountain bike race until High Cascade 100. I’ll race on the road in July, HC 100 in August and then, you guessed it – CYCLOCROSS!
June 04, 2010
22:30
GET FURIOUS.
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“I am furious at this entire situation, it is an example where somebody didn't think through the consequences of their actions.” President Obama said this in response to the world’s largest oil spill, continuing to flow off the southern coast of the United States.

We all know about the oil spill, but we can’t feel it, we can’t see it, we can’t touch it. Gas prices, our closest connect to the Gulf Coast, are just about where they were 7 weeks ago, when this crisis began, or should I say, came to fruition. The crisis began long ago, but lets save that for another debate. For now, let’s talk about the last 7 weeks. Yeap, that’s right, the oil has been spilling from the depths of the earth’s most unexplored regions for more than 7 weeks. 7 weeks, that is about 50 days….. they have tried to cap, cut, suffocate and distract the leak – with no success.

Every public building has an evacuation plan, every gas station has an emergency shut-off, the United States Military has spent millions of dollars on the development and implementation of unmanned weapons, we have sent men to the moon; and the best and brightest minds in the world can’t figure out how to stop millions of gallons of oil from spilling into the ocean? Really? There was no back-up plan, no emergency shut off valve, no “what-if” scenario?

Last night I watched Red Gold, a documentary about the controversy of the Pebble Mine. The citizens of Bristol Bay, Alaska are threatened with the loss of their homes and their livelihood if the permitting of the world’s largest gold and copper mine, by British mining giant, Dynasty, is allowed. Executives from Dynasty repeat over and over that the potential rewards outweigh the risks; that the 10 billion tons of waste materials created by the mine, at the headwaters of the largest salmon run in the world, won’t impact the fragile habitat of the spawning fish.

Let us use the devastation of Gulf, the millions of gallons of oil spilling into our ocean, killing our wildlife and coming to shore in the form of tar balls as a reminder.
The rewards do not out weigh the risks.
Our earth is fragile.
A gallon of gas should cost us about eight bucks.

What we have should not be take for granted.
Big business should not make the rules.
It is about time more of us followed our President’s lead and got FURIOUS.
May 26, 2010
13:36
Enough to feed ourselves and your friends.
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Our garden of greens.
There are very few things than make me happier than to walk out my back door, into the garden, and return with bowl full of brilliant greens!

The lettuce, kale, and parsley are already filling our bowls, wintered over from last fall and flourishing amidst this crazy spring weather. Each night, I harvest a large bowl for our salad and by morning, the garden is full once again.

Not yet on our plates, but in place for later this summer: snap peas, carrots, beets, broccoli, yukon gold potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries and raspberries. This is going to be a very good year.

One of the best things about the garden, other than having a fabulous excuse to play in the dirt, is sharing the bounty with friends.
May 21, 2010
18:31
Swell, Our New Westfalia
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A long time coming.
Ben has dreamt of being the owner of a Volkswagon Westfalia since the day I met him. Last Wednesday we handed over the cash and got the keys to our own little home on wheels.

Not your average, everyday 1985 rig, Swell (my top name choice for our new set of wheels) comes equipped with the following super stellar features:

-Solar Panel for changing the auxiliary battery.
-Rocket Box
-Awning (on the opposite side)
-Full functioning kitchen set-up
-Pop-top with skylight
-Rear Tow Hitch for carting our bikes around
-Propane heater
   -15" wheel
   -Cruise control for rolling along at 60mph
   -A serious stereo with remote control

With cup holders, new carpet and a sweet sounding engine, Ben and I are excited to hit the road and do some adventuring.

The honeymoon has been sketched out.... a week long mountain bike / hot spring tour of Idaho.... SunValley, Stanley, Hailey, Challis...

If you have Idaho riding tips, send them our way.. neither of us has spent much time there and we want to make the most our trip.
Being an owner of a Westy, you have to learn the Westy Wave. We are lucky enough to have a couple of friends (Matt, Renee & Chad, and Timmy) willing to teach us the top secret handshake.

A couple of trips to the thrift and we are just about loaded and ready to go. Snow is forecasted for the weekend, but we aren't going to let that stop us. Saturday night we are out of here.... sleeping somewhere not too far from a trailhead that will provide us with Sunday's adventure!
May 17, 2010
21:51
Life Changes
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Life Changes.
Expectations adjusted.Dreams revised.Fantasies lived out, fairytales become reality, misguided dreams derailed.
As I live I am reworked, remodeled, refined.
Last Sunday I race the Chainbreaker. It was hard. More like a 2-hour cyclocross race than a cross-country mountain bike race, the Chainbreaker hurt. There are no big hills to charge up on the Chainbreak course; only short steep kickers, tight, twisty corners and traffic of the male gender that does all it can to avoid getting passed by a girl. The Chainbreaker hurt. It hurt my legs, my lungs and my ego.
Alice, Lizzy and Sue schooled me, in a big way. They are aggressive and strong and unrelenting. They are pros. They are the carrots that get me on my bike each day and ride until my nose bleeds (which, unbelievably happened this week at minute 51 of a 60 minute interval).
I am not a professional cyclist; but keep on reaching. Without the pros, why would we keep working to get stronger? If Cat 1 Glory was the end all-be all, I would be set. I would ride at the top of my class and call it good; but like most bike racers, that just isn’t good enough.
Reach higher, working harder, training smarter. Bend is full of amazing athletes; it isn’t easy to constantly compare my mortal self to those that seem, at times, immortal. But they are just people, with two legs that push pedals, a stomach that growls after hours in the saddle, and a back that aches after a long day on the trails. And for the most part, they are pretty fantastic people.
And here I have to call out one such individual; Ben Thompson. The most unassuming, kind-heart person at the registration table turns out to be a crazy good cyclist and a super nice guy. His advice, encouragement and criticisms are honest and forthcoming, and while he might be riding for the Trek Mountain Co-op, deep down, Ben is still really a part of Team Sunnyside.
May 07, 2010
13:31
A double-header weekend - Bike Racing & A Little Oregon Road Trip
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Barb – I am writing this one for you…because I think you might be the only one that reads this blog.
It’s Friday and I am just now sitting down to scribble about the double-header weekend that was the Eugene Roubaix and Mudslinger. Let’s just say I have been playing and writing for other people for the last couple of days.
The weekend was jam packed and fabulous. A little Oregon road trip, all by myself – a road race, a mountain bike race, a trip to the coast, time with my mom, my sister and my nephew, a drive home through Mt. Hood blizzard on Cinco De Mayo.
The Eugene Roubaix – A fabulous course with less than fabulous race direction. The race started about 30 minutes late, as a result, we were caught by the Cat 1 Men with less than half a lap to go. We (Cat 1/2/3 Women) were neutralized, our break of 3 minutes was completely for not and unfortunately, it came down to a sprint finish with the whole pack. I finish 6^th, two of the girls in front of me weren’t in the break…. But that’s road racing and that’s all I am going to say about that. Up until the whole neutralization thing, the race was fast and challenging; we were really racing. I felt strong, comfortable and confident I belonged among those other women. What a change from last year. I guess I am a cyclist now; I have earned it.
The Mudslinger – Man, that one hurt. I battled it out with Shawna, from Sisters, for almost the entire race. I mean really battled it out, 30-90 seconds apart for 25+ miles. She got me at the end, by something like 7 seconds. I had just pulled as hard I my legs would allow for 2 miles on a gravel road, she was on wheel. She stood up and went. I tried to respond. Nothing happened. I was done. I might not have won, but I raced. I was thrilled that we were able to push each other. When we finished, she said her time was 16 minutes faster than last year. 16 minutes, that’s substantial.
Rest, recovery, a visit to the beach house, wedding planning, a couple of workouts in Portland, and 5 days away from Ben left me ready to return to Bend. A late season snowstorm made for a long trip over Hood.
The Bend bike-racing scene has a big weekend on tap… Bend Don’t Brake Saturday, Chainbreaker Sunday. Monday brings a new chapter in my life… excited to see how everything unfolds. I’ll keep you posted. And Barb, thanks for reading!
Check out Matt’s recap of the double-header weekend here.
April 29, 2010
17:21
Quinoa Salad with Apricots & Pistachios - A Summertime Delight.
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Growing up, when it was just Mom and me for dinner; this is what we would make. Between the two of us, we would devour the entire thing. A favorite then, a favorite now.
Experiment with this recipe – you will discover all sorts of flavor combinations you never thought to put together. Don’t have apricots, use peaches. Don’t have golden raisins, throw in some grapes or dried cranberries. No lime, use a lemon. It is really hard to mess this one up, believe me, I have tried.
Make a little extra and save it for lunch the following day. This salad keeps amazingly well, even after you have put the dressing on it.

Salad:
3 cups water1 cup uncooked Quina½ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon pepper4 cups romaine lettuce10 dried apricots – chopped1/3 cup golden raisins½ cup shelled dry-roasted pistachios½ cup green onions – chopped¼ cup cilantro – chopped2 tablespoons mint – chopped
Vinaigrette:
½ tsp grated lime rind3 tablespoons lime juice1 tablespoon olive oil2 tablespoons sweet rice wine½ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon cumin¼ teaspoon coriander¼ teaspoon paprika
To Prepare the Salad:
Combine water, salt and quinoa in a large saucepan. Boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15mins.
Drain and reserve 3 tablespoons cooking liquid.
Combine all salad ingredients with quinoa.
To Prepare Vinaigrette:
Combine 3 Tablespoons reserved cooking liquid with all other ingredients. Stir, shake and generally mix up. A ball-jar works perfect for this. Just shake it up.
Pour over salad and toss well.
April 27, 2010
21:40
Bear Springs Trap - Oregon Mountain Biking is Rad!
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Bear Springs Trap or Cherry Blossom Classic?
I just couldn’t decide. When it came down to it, I wasn’t ready for a stage race. I would rather go play in the mud. So, Bear Springs it was.
When I picked up Matt at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, I didn’t feel mentally ready to race, my pre-race ride wasn’t exactly what I had planned, I wasn’t hungry and had a hard time getting myself to finish my breakfast. It was race day, I needed to start acting like it.
With Fox as DJ, we rocked our way through Central Oregon to the eastern base of Mt. Hood. My mood changed and I was ready to go! At 9:30 a.m. we stepped out of the car into the clear, not to mention freezing cold air of the National Forest.
I always feel like I have so much time before a race starts, but by the time I registered, suited up, and took about a dozen trips to the pot-a-john, it was almost go-time. A quick ride along the opening loop with Mike and Matt and the race was about to begin.
All the Pros, Cat 1s and Single Speed riders start together, meaning, there is a huge group of people starting at the same time and of course, I wasn’t very proactive and got stuck toward the back. I could see Alice and Lizzy and a couple of other Pro Women up toward the front. I would have to get out fast if I was going to weave my way through the crowd and hit the single track with them in sight.
Goal #1, keep Lizzy in within view for as long as possible.
By the time we hit the single track, I knew this was going to be a fabulous race. The air was fresh, my legs felt good and Lizzy was right there. I passed a couple of other women and a few guys and, unbelievably, was on Lizzy’s wheel. She is a fantastic technical rider and I was really working to stay with her through the twists and turns. When she passed someone, I had to do the same.
Sweet, that wasn’t too hard. Nice, Bishop. Just stay with it.
This dialoug repeated its self a number times; until, in a tight corner, Lizzy went down. Not hard, but she it the deck.
You okay? I asked as I rode by.
So now I was in front. I wasn’t sure what to do except to ride – fast. And fast I rode, as fast as I could, passing a couple more guys and trying to get a gap between me and the other women that, I was sure, were right behind. The trail turned into a log climb/crossing and the volunteer yelled something about me being the second women. About half way across the log, I heard the same voice say something about the third women. Lizzy was right there.
Stay focused Bishop. This race is so young.
I am not sure how many times Lizzy and I passed one another, maybe 3 or 4. I would catch her on the uphills, she would scream by me on the downhills. On the last technical decent, one full of tight switchbacks, Lizzy in her flowing proficiency of technical ability cruised by on a corner that I was carefully negotiating. She was hooting and hollering and have a blast; I was just trying to get down that hill in one piece.
Note to self. Call that girl to ride, I need to follow her around.
When I came out onto the gravel road below, I could see Lizzy’s blue Giant jersey way up ahead. I put my head down and road as hard as I could. I passed a couple of guys on that flat road, but couldn’t make up much time on Lizzy. I was probably 2 minutes back. Once the course re-entered the woods, I never saw the blue jersey again. The trail back to the finish was rocky, rooty and super steep. I kept charging forward, trying to ride the super technical riverside terrain. I hindsight, I should have just shouldered my ride and ran that darn thing; I think I would have saved time. I was feeling pretty bad about myself and my riding abilities at this point.
Pull yourself together, come on, get it together, you can do this.
I caught up with a couple of single speeders and they were just walking their bikes so I followed suit for about 10 steps. Enough of that…
This is bike race. Ride your bike.
The trail climbed from the technical riverside up – steeply up. I got on my saddle, got into my granny gear and started spinning. My confidence was starting to come back and after I was able to make it around the switchback, I was back in the game. I stood up, shifted and started moving. The rest of the course is kind of a blur. I remember a warning sign telling riders to walk their bikes over a super sloppy marshy bit. I remember some horse fences and a volunteer announcing 2 miles to the finish. I remember coming onto the gravel road where we started the race and knowing I was just about done. I remember seeing Ben and Don sitting on the back bumper of the car, laughing and smiling. I remember crossing the line – exhausted.
Bear Springs Trap was my hardest race to date; the first race I felt like I was racing. I was exhausted and elated. I finished 2 minutes, 27 seconds behind Lizzy. 6 minutes behind Alice. In a race that took me 2 hours and 52 minutes, I felt pretty good about that spread.
I found Don and Ben and Matt, Some much fun was all I could say.
The whole Sunnyside Team was out at Bear Springs – well, almost the whole team. It was awesome to see everyone in their team kits, smiling and laughing and eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (Thanks to Team S&M for the fabulous post-race refreshments).
I have said it before, but I will say it again (and most likely not for the last time); Sunnyside Rocks! We are teammates, friends and one another’s biggest fans. Matt blew his crank off (huge wattage does this to cranks). I was tempted to stop and give him my bike (good thing I didn’t, as it would have disqualified us both). Bruce lost his front brake and stood along the course yelled encouragement as we passed. Rich, track-junkie turned mountain biker ripped his rear derailleur off and was still at the finish line smiling. Michelle, super fast roadie, jumped on 26-inch wheels and did her first mountain bike race, gaining valuable points in the team competition. And the list goes on – but at some point you are going to get sick of reading, so I’ll wrap things up.
I love riding my bike and I love racing; but there is more to it than that. I love being part of a team, a team that makes me a better cyclist and a better person.
April 23, 2010
10:54
The Swiftly Tee - Knockin' My Socks Off
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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I love wearing wool. Wool sports bars, wool knickers, wool baselayers…. its soft, virtually stink-free and doesn’t stick to your skin when you start sweating like all the plastic, polypropylene, synthetic types. I love wearing wool. Period. And then…….
Karly, the super fabulous ambassador of Lululemon, gave me the Swiftly Tee to take out for a test-drive. Admittedly, I was a bit timid about sporting this new top. My worst memories of synthetic baselayers surfaced. It sat on a shelf in my closet for a couple of days, staring at me. Finally I got brave. I threw it on under my Sunnyside Jersey and headed out into the blustery weather. It was only going to be a short ride.
I was instantly impressed. Shockingly impressed. In fact, I ate my words about synthetic baselayers then and there.
I had been tasked with writing a product review of my newly acquired favorite baselayer. I did so promptly upon returning home.
"Lightweight and super breathable, I barely knew I had it on. Long enough to tuck in, fitted enough to flatter, without being constrictive, the Short Sleeve Swiftly Tech Tee is fabulous.
Worn alone, or under a cycling jersey, the Swiftly is comfortable, moisture wicking and doesn’t stink (at least not so far). The sleeves are a bit capped making it super easy to layer up (or show off your biceps) and with a seamless construction; I don’t foresee any chafing problems.
It is difficult to find an athletic top that can be worn as a base layer and by its self; LuluLemon nailed it on this one. If only it was made in a tank."

Turns out they do make a tank, and a long sleeve…. Looks like my pocket book is in trouble!
Stop by the new Bend Show Room on Bond Street, open Thursday thru Sunday. Sweet people, sweet product and sweet inspiration. You, too, will be impressed.
April 19, 2010
20:30
I am getting smarter.
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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I understand the difference between a workout and a race.
I understand the importance of rest and recovery.
I understand I know so little about this whole cycling thing and others around me know a lot more. Now I listen to them.
Saturday was my first road race of the season and my smartest road race to date.
Before the race began, over breakfast at Ashland’s Morning Glory restaurant, as I ate eggs and oats, I said to Matt, "My goal for today is to just sit-in".
I don’t think I had ever even has that thought before, much less verbalize it.
Just sit-in?? Yes, just sit-in. DO NOT find yourself at the front. DO NOT do all the work. DO NOT pull those girls around only to have them sprint pass you at the line.
I have done all that before, I was not going to do it again. The goal for the race was to just sit-in; until the race dictated I do something else.
And sit-in I did. For the first 2 laps, I sat 4 or 5 or 7^th wheel. I kept an eye on the girls I knew were strong. I stayed close to Teri and Jade and Jen. I let the Veloforma girls do most of the work. When there was an attack off the front, I only reacted when I needed to.
When Jen took off with about 15 miles to go, I didn’t flinch; I watched Teri and Jade. They didn’t react, neither did I. I was watching Jen sit out there, trusting that the peleton would catch her, trusting that Teri and Jade wanted to win. This was tough, but I did it.
The third and final time up the mild long grade, with Jen still sitting out in front, about 300 meters off the front, Teri jumped. Jade and Heather followed. I was boxed in, sitting behind a couple of VF girls.
The face of George Hincapie in this year’s Tour of Flanders flashed before me. He saw Callcellara go, he watched Boonen follow. He watched, he didn’t react.
Don’t wait, just go.
So I went. I went hard. I was pushing my limit, but I was reeling them in. By the time I caught Jade, Heather was falling back. She grabbed my wheel and the three of us bridged up to Teri and Jen. I glanced back as we rounded a turn; the rest of the group was out of sight. I had made the break. There were five of us.
Okay, good. I made it. Now what?
I sat 4^th wheel up the next set of hills, pulled for a couple minutes on the flats and then settled by into the group as we started up the last hill. With 2k to go, Heather was redlining and didn’t want to be last wheel. She tried to grab Jen’s wheel. I didn’t want to give it up, but was using to much energy trying to keep her from it, so I let her have it. Later, this would prove to be a poor tactical decision.
With 1k to go, I thought the race would be on. (Did I mention the race finished on a SUPER steep grade?) The pace picked up, but not by much.
Should I go?
Teri was right there, so was Jade, and Jen.
Just sit Serena, just sit.
With 400meters to go, Teri went. Jade followed, Jen too. Heather slipped back, I was behind her.
Crap. Dumb. Bad move. Okay, get over it and back in it. I stood up; around Heather, up to Jen, around her; Teri and Jade were right there. I crossed the line in third; trying to smile but that had to be saved until later; when I could breathe again.
My CAT 3 status kept me out of the results and out of the Oregon Cycling Action write up. My very strategic placement kept me out of the finishing photo. Only if you look VERY hard can you see me hiding behind Teri in this photo.
Can you tell I am just a little bit disappointed about this? Alright, I'm over it.
I raced well, 3^rd place overall, 1^st place CAT 3. Table Rock was my final CAT 3 race (Kenji, can I have my upgrade please?).
I was nervous/anxious/excited about my first road race of the season. I wasn’t sure how I would stack up, if I would remember how to hold a wheel, if I would make the right split-second decision. My training is proving successful, I did remember how to hold a wheel and when faced with it, I made the right split-second decision.
April 14, 2010
10:08
Granola - Pure and Simple
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Ever in search for the perfect granola recipe, I might have found a winner.A slightly modified version of the recipe found in the Good Food, Great Medicine cookbook by Mea ad Miles Hassell, this granola recipe is striped down to the basics, full of whole grains and good fat and missing all the “extra” stuff found in store-bought cereals.
5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats1 cup raw sunflower or pumpkin seeds1 cup almonds (cut, chopped or flaked)½ cup maple syrup (the real stuff, except no substitutes)½ cup extra-virgin olive oil½ teaspoon salt
½ cup golden raisins½ cup dried cranberries1 cup dried blueberries
Preheat oven to 225 degrees.
1. In a large bowl, mix together all dry ingredients.
2. In a smaller bowl, whisk together syrup, oil and salt.
3. Pour liquid mixture over dry mixture and stir well.
4. Spread over large baking pan (I use two cookie sheets) and bake @ 225 degrees for 4 hours. Turn oven off and let sit for another 4 hours. I make this at night, set the oven timer, and go to bed. In the morning, it is ready to go.
5. Once cooked and cooled, mix dried fruit into granola
6. Store in airtight container and enjoy.
April 12, 2010
14:34
Hornings Hustle: XC Oregon Mountain Bikes Series, Race #2
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Don, I have to say it again… You were right! Every time I get on my Trek Fuel EX, I can’t believe how much fun I am having.
Last year I didn’t ride my mountain bike more than a handful of times; for a variety of reasons. 1) I was uber focused on road racing; convinced that was the only way to prepare for cyclocross season.2) My mountain bike was heavy as lead, didn’t fit me quite right and to be perfectly honest, it was incredibly frustrating. (When you don’t ride your mountain bike, it is hard to keep up with those that do, resulting in a frustrating experience you don’t want repeat. hence, not riding my mountain bike.)3) Lack of confidence….. mostly derived from reason number 2.
So this year, I began the cycling season with a new perspective; spinning from the lessons learned during cyclocross season. My technical handling skills need some attention and I can’t descend. Well, that isn’t exactly true. I can’t descend quickly.
Needless to say, I got a new mountain bike, I put the Oregon XC Mountain Bike Series on my race calendar and I started riding my mountain bike.
Mountain Bike Race #2: Hornings Hustle.
Notoriously muddy, I didn’t really know what to expect, but when I spotted Alice and Sue at the start line, I knew it would be fast.
The Sunnyside Crew was out in full force, sporting our flashy new colors and happy to be spending time together, as a team, supporting one another. The Pro/Cat 1 Women started 30 seconds after the men and by the time we hit the first hill, we were catching and passing a number of them. Alice, Sue and I all hung together over the first climb. I was surprised to be there, but the pace was manageable, so I just sat in and pedaled. I stayed close behind them until the first “more slippery than snot” downhill, grabbed a handful of brake and went straight over the handlebars into a mud bog.
“Nice Serena, very nice. What are you doing? Get up.”
I remounted my trusty stead, quickly realized my seat was royally jacked, pointing up to the sky. I wrenched on it for a moment, straightening it out just enough to make it ridable and with a few more words of self-defeat, got back on my bike. Alice and Sue were gone, but no other women were in sight.
The next downhill was a total mind game and as I tried to reclaim a bit of self-confidence, I surprised myself and was able to keep some speed and ride strong through the creek crossing and catch a couple guys on the next muddy climb.
Each lap I felt better; better lines, less brakes, more power on the climbs. I didn’t see any other women for the rest of the race. Sue and Alice were a couple minutes ahead of me and were able to sneak in another lap before Chris Sheppard lapped them. I got lapped close to the finish and was pulled after just 3 laps. But, my 3 laps were good enough for 3^rd overall and 1^st Cat 1. I’ll take it and as Mary McConneloug reminds me, “Keep Charging.”
Thanks to Matt compiling all these photos….. enjoy!
April 04, 2010
7:50
Bringing me a smile. Every. Friggin. Day.
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Few individuals spark with so much enthusiasm for life. Lighting up a room, giggling and smiling about what ever happens to be the highlight of the day. Making you feel like the most important person around, always happy to see you; excited for what grand adventures you might have undertaken and what you had for dinner.
My friend Barb is one of these rare individuals. A women whose contagious spirit and devotion for living can’t help but rub off.
I met Barb a year or so ago; in a bike shop. I had no idea that brief introduction would result in so many conversations and teach me so much.
Barb is stubborn, kind and hardworking. She has fabulous hair, grease under her fingernails and calves of steel. Car mechanic turned bike mechanic, Barb has been a member of the Sunnyside Sports family for over 20 years. She loves her job; one look at the way she builds a wheel and it is pretty obvious. Her infamous signature? Little heart stickers; hidden in unassuming places on your rims. When I first discovered my “heart” I didn’t really get it.
Why is there a heart sticker on my wheel?
Now I know Barb. Now I know who built that wheel. Now I get it.
If you know Barb, you get it. If you don’t know Barb, you should.
Take a trip down to Sunnyside. Barb will be the one in the Park apron, sporting purple highlights in her hair, talking about riding bikes, her new Vulture single-speed and the next great adventure she is planning with her, also quite fabulous husband, Lou.
March 29, 2010
22:21
Its Raining.
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Its raining. It's been raining all day. The sky is gray, the grass is of the brightest green and doves that call our front yard home are attempting to find shelter in the naked branches of our cherry trees.
Call me soft, but I just couldn’t will myself out onto the weather today to do my workout today. Instead I sat on the trainer, suffering in a pool of my own sweat, despite open windows and the trusty Hawaiian Breeze fan.
As I turned the pedals, I couldn’t help but think about Cyclocross Season. Watching through the window, the rain running off the roof, I caught myself dreaming of bright smiles emerging mud-splattered faces, dirt covered skin-suits, filthy bikes, and the smell of Northwest KneeWarmers Embrocation. Cross season is 6 months away; too many other races to think about between now and then. With the smell of sweet rain lingering, I can’t help myself.
I wonder how many other dedicated cyclists are locked in their respective garages today, watching watts and heart rates and minutes. How many of them are training for cross?
After following the Redlands Classic and Milan-San Remo, after spending my most fabulous vacation cycling in Spain, I am ready to race. I am ready to pull on the spandex and adorn the Sunnyside Kit and suffer. And suffer I will. I am upping the ante this season. I am racing less, expecting more, and training smarter (I might even learn to descend).
And why? What is the purpose of all of this? Why spin pedals and sweat like a pig and ride my bike when it is pouring rain? Because I love it. I love the freedom, the strength, the dedication, and most of all, the community. My community. My friends and teammates and comrades. So, to you (and you know who you are), thank you.
18:13
A Rainy Day Pick-Me-Up
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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I was sorting through pictures from Spain this morning, an excellent raining day, procrastination activity and couldn’t help but smile when I looked at these two faces. If you need a raining day pick-me-up, this ones for you!
March 25, 2010
21:29
Riding Bikes Makes Fast Friends
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Conversations start easily. A topic of similar interest is easy to arrive upon. The pedals turn, the hours pass away and when we part, at the end of the day, a friendship has formed.
Traveling with your bike in tow is sort of like wearing a florescent pink t-shirt that reads something like, “Dude, let’s ride”. Most people just look at the shirt and make a quiet comment about bad fashion. But to the fellow cyclist, waiting for their bike box to emerge from the belly of the plane on a shiny silver conveyor belt, the translation is literal – “Let’s Ride”. Perhaps tomorrow, after coffee, say 10am?
Venturing halfway across the globe to navigate, on two wheels, narrow Spanish roads and sip small cups of espresso takes a special kind of person. Someone who finds indefinable joy in reaching the top of one climb only to descend and climb another. Someone who celebrates the culture of a small island off the coast of mainland Spain. Someone who loves to ride their bike and has an incurable weakness for chocolate croissants.
No matter where you from, cycling is a common language. No one is a stranger when you are all away from home. Holding tightly to the wheel of my newly introduced friend is no easy feat, but I do it for the challenge, for the sense of accomplishment and because I what to see if I can. Oh, and I to earn a couple extra scoops of chocolate gelato (we had a little deal going).
Afternoon pastry stops, mountain top photos and evening Cervezas with friends only adds to the enjoyment of a cycling holiday. Current friendships are forged deeper and what was a new face just days before soon becomes a familiar smile.
As the dialog unfolds, I learn that my new companions are spectacularly magnificent people; a biophysicist who moonlights as a pro mountain biker (or is it the other way around?), a member of the Scottish mountain biking team, a retired semi-pro road racer who claims to no longer train, but there is no way in heck I can hold her wheel on the decent toward Sa Callobra, the marketing director for a multi-national pharmaceutical company, an Ironman triathlete who also happens to have a couple-few advanced degrees and dabbles in Randonne Racing in the hills of Switzerland. All gathering in Mallorca from Scotland, England, Switzerland, and Bend – what a fabulous place for a reunion. New friends to me, Don enjoys the company of old friends he sees only once or twice a year. He was nice enough to share them with the rest of us.
The love affair that brings Don back to Mallorca each spring isn’t just about the riding, although the roads are pretty darn fabulous, it is the people, the faces, the friendships.
Seven of us traveled from Bend to Spain; I now know what everyone fancies for breakfast, whether they prefer extra dark or milk chocolate, and what brand of embrocation makes their legs turn bright red. We stood together in the ice-cool pool after long rides and wished each other a good night’s sleep through the paper thin walls of the hotel.
It is said that friendships that don’t happen overnight, but I beg to differ. When you are on two wheels, they do.
March 16, 2010
14:05
Learning to Descend
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I don’t have many responsibilities while on holiday and this is fabulous, for the most part. But, if you know me, you understand that I am a person who likes to have something to do, something to accomplish. This being said, I have given myself an assignment for the remainder of my Mallorcan holiday: Learn how to descend.
My holiday-assignment was an easy one to settle upon given that I am riding my bicycling in an incredibly mountainous place, doing so with an excellent teacher, and am really sick of getting dropped (on the downhills).
The adventure to Sa Calobra made me realize, once again, that I have a huge deficiency; descending. Cornering, comfort at speed, the over-use of brakes, a bad over-steering habit, poor line judgment and continually blaming my poor descending performance on having a compact crank (an excuse I can not and will not use EVER again).
The only way to practice descending is to descend and over the past two days, I have done just that. I have ridden up a lot of hills and then, with much concentration, taken switch-back after switch-back, corner after corner, with ever-growing confidence.
Because it is late, I spent almost 6 hours in the saddle today and I am already a day behind on my blogging; I am going to post photos from Days 5 and 6 here.

Days 5: Formentor and Riding Solo

Day 6: To the hills, for more practice (and cafe con leche, of course)
March 15, 2010
13:17
"Is it Worth It?" - Mallorca Day 4
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Don at the top of Sa CalobraSitting at the top of Sa Calobra drinking coffee, before I had descended and climbed back up, before I had experienced this epic of a hill, a British guy walked over and asked, “Is it worth it?”. Don looked at him with a bit of a befuddled expression. “Worth it? This is the best climb in the world.”
The best climb in the world. I have to agree.
I will be the first to admit my naiveté when it comes to epic routes and world class climbs, but I am confidant Sa Calobra stacks up there among the best.
One minute I’m sitting at an orange juice stand enjoying café con leche, the next minute I’m plunging toward the sea. Switch back after switch back, granite boulders surrounding me in three directions, the impossible color of the ocean stretched out in front. Roads like this don’t exist in many places, certainly not in any of the places I have ever been. The surreal quickly became reality when I reached the bottom, took some photos and geared up for the climb back to the top. 9 kilometers of 5-11% grade, smooth pavement, very little traffic; I wanted to ride it in under 40 minutes. I reach the top in 38, a good almost-40 minute effort. Then the ride continued.
Which gets me to thinking…. The ride continued until we reached our next destination; a small little café serving Coca-cola, coffee, and sandwiches. There are cafes everywhere; on the top of mountains, at the summit of a climb, along quiet back streets, in town squares. These cafes may be catering to tourists, but locals frequent them as well. They don’t charge inflated prices, they don’t sell cheesy souvenir snow globes, and they don’t bring you the check until you ask. Complete with a full menu, a cigarette machine and a fully stock bar, cafes are different here. You can sit outside for half an hour or 3 hours, you don’t order a double decaf, non-fat, extra caramel, vanilla latte. You order an espresso or an americano or a café con leche. Sandwiches are simple (not to mention delicious); made of crusty bread, olive oil, cheese and tomato – and we are talking good bread, great cheese and excellent olive oil. Oh, and a side of olives – green and brown olives; the really good ones that still possess their pits.
The culture is different in Mallorca. I am not sure if it a Spanish thing or a Mallorcain, but either way, I love it. A steep staircase made of unstable rock in a national park doesn’t require a liability waver. There aren’t many guardrails to keep a cyclist or a motor vehiclist from simply rolling over the side of a very steep cliff. There is a sense of personal responsibility and respect that is empowering and freeing. The people of Mallorca are patient and good-natured. The sheep and goats can cross the road at their own free will (if you hit one its your own darn fault) and the ability of most drivers to navigate around cyclists on incredibly skinny roads in continually amazing.
It is only day 4 and I am already blown away by this place.
Some more photos of Sa Calobra, coffee, coca-cola and friends.
March 13, 2010
12:22
And I quote, "This is Sweeter Than Any Powder Day"
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Today we went to the mountains, and rode up them. The most fantastic climb of my young cycling life and Barb says, “And it only gets better”.
The flat farmland turned to stone lined switch-backs and spots of snow.
Sheep, identified only by the sound of their bells, could be heard as we climbed to the town of Lluc.
Cobblestone streets of ancient hillside towns offered coffee and olives and a chance to smile and laugh. Chocolate croissants and a stroll along the sea toped off the day.
There is new snow on the mountains at home. Friends are heading to the hill for an epic powder day. We would be joining them, but instead we are riding in our bikes on a fairytale island. When Ben heard the news of the snow back home he said, and I quote, “This is sweeter than any powder day”. He wanted to make sure the preceding statement included: Chocolate croissants, speaking Mallorcin with the locals, chocolate caliente, indescribable vantages, and screaming two-wheeled descents.
Tomorrow we up the ante. We head to Sa Carlobra, descent to the sea and climb right back up. The legendary climb was most quickly completed by Jan Ulrich in 29 minutes (this statistic remains unconfirmed). Don says I should be impressed with 40. For the first time this trip, I think I will activate the stopwatch.
And some photos:
March 12, 2010
13:55
My bike arrived & I stayed out after curfew- Mallorca Day 2
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My bike arrived this morning; in a black suitcase. The man who delivered it had no idea of its value; a ticket to freedom and discovery. (Unfortunately, the man delivered only two black suitcases, Ben’s and mine, not three. Don’s bike was still missing, only to be delivered after dinner.)

After breakfast, the putting together of bikes, the fixing of an exploded housing (which required 3 separate trips to the bike shop), and the dressing for the unpredictable Mallorcan weather; Barb, Lou, Ben and I stuffed our pockets with dates, apricots and chocolate and rolled out of Pollensa.
We decided on a flat ride for our first outing, nothing spectacular… or so they said. As soon as we turned out of the last round-about of town, the landscape and scenery completely changed. The modern world ceased to exist and we were transported back in time. Stone fences, fields of sheep (complete with bells), olive trees, iron gates, and pastures of green; brilliant, breathtaking green. With the highest hills on Mallorca cloaked with snow, the backdrop was fairytale-like. I was riding my bike in Mallorca - WOW!
We spent the better part of the afternoon taking our time, pedaling from town to town on two-lane roads no wider that the typical American parking space. We passed more cyclists than cars and the clouds parted often to give us some sun. Our “destination” for the day was Petra. (The quotes here are to bring attention to the new definition of the word destination: Read The best coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice on the day’s route, thus requiring a stop).
Sitting in a café, we enjoyed coffee and orange juice and baguette sandwiches and frites fried in olive oil. It was only then that we glanced at our watches.
At 5:45pm we paid our bill, asked for directions and snapped on our helmets. We were over 40 kilometers from home. It gets dark on the island of Mallorca at 7pm.
And so were put our heads down and rode; along the sea, with the wind carrying the spray and the scent of eucalyptus pushing us forward. We are arrived at the hotel in the dark, small blinking lights carrying out the job for which they were intended.
I made Ben pose for a photo in from of the hotel; not because it made for a great photo, but because it was dark and I had such a great time navigating through an unknown place after sunset.
Today was not a day of epic climbs or huge miles; it was a day of fun and laugher and good friends (Don, we missed you), and of course, staying out after curfew.

And, some photos from the day:
0:55
Europe is So Cool; Mallorca Day #1
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With a day and a half of traveling under our belts, we made it Spain. Mallorca to be exact. A beautiful island in the Mediterranean, heavy with history and culture and cyclists.

Our bikes are somewhere between Madrid and our hotel, bummer....
I am hopeful they will arrive tomorrow so we can join the smiling, happy faces of our fellow bike riders.

Mallorca is a bit sleepy this time of year. 1 out of every 3 store fronts is open for business, the tour buses haven't started running and the streets are relatively quiet as we venture out to explore the small port town of Pallensa; the place we will call home for the next two weeks. It is fabulous. Bright sails of Hobies dance across the water, the rugged landscape unfolds in three directions, and the hills, some still blanketed in snow, are calling our names (sort of like The Sound of Music, but with a Spanish lisp).

Ben is working hard to blend into his surroundings and with his handsome good looks and affection for chocolate croissants; is doing a fine job.

Check out a few more photos here:
March 08, 2010
13:30
Echo Red-to-Red
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Don told me the Trek EX 9.8 would change my life. Considering I have fallen in love with mountain bike riding, I have to tell him he was right.
Saturday I joined the herd of folks rolling out through Echo for the second running of the Red-to-Red. All the Pro, Cat 1 and Singlespeed men and women started together. Strange feeling to start a race and have no idea who you are racing against. The Women’s field was swallowed up by the Men’s field. There could have been 100 women starting that race or just 3. Turns out there were 16. I saw only one of them the entire 29-mile race.
Endless ribbons of single track wound itself up the rolling Eastern Oregon landscape, a couple of steep climbs, a few slat bridges and a load of sunshine. There was nothing I would have rather been doing on Saturday afternoon.
The race unfolded pretty close to my expectations. I got passed on the descents and preceded to pass the same guys on the climbs. My confidence grew stronger as the race progressed and by the end, I felt like I was actually attacking the corners instead of letting them attack me. I have a lot of technical improvement to do, but the season is young, I have teammates who specialize in Super D and I have a new bike that I absolutely love riding.
When the results were posted, Sunnyside claimed 6 podium spots! Not a bad way to start off the season. I placed 1^st in the Cat 1 category, shared the podium with my stellar teammate Julie, and took home a bottle of wine and a sweet medal (which will be swiftly added to my nephew’s growing collection).
Now, off to pack and purchase books for my upcoming Spain adventure. Did I mention I was going to Spain? Did I mention how excited I am?
March 05, 2010
16:07
And So It Begins
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Saturday marks the start of my 2010 racing season. Instead of driving to the valley to race skinny tires on snow-covered asphalt, I am heading east, to the little known town of Echo; Echo Red-to-Red.   28 miles of single track along the Umatilla River; it’s supposed to be beautiful.
Hopefully I can remember how to race a mountain bike.  Or better put; hopefully I can figure out how to race a mountain bike.  I have never before raced a mountain bike wearing the colors of Sunnyside. (This should give you an indication of my extensive MTB background.)
And with the start of racing season comes, you guessed it, RACE REPORTS! Fun to write, boring to read – but I am committed as ever to attempt to entertain with the ramblings and finer details of my 2010 racing season.
And in other news: I am heading to Spain!
Stay tuned for daily reports and photos from the island of Mallorca.
Although I can’t promise Spanish Boots made of Spain Leather; let me know of any special requests (leave a comment below) and I will do my best to smuggle a few extra kilos of coffee and olive oil into my suitcase.
March 02, 2010
10:31
Bend Backcountry Alliance Film Festival
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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The Bend Backcountry Alliance will host the 2nd annual Backcountry Film Festival Friday, March 5th at McMenamins Old St. Francis School.

Doors open at 7:00 pm.
Show starts at 7:30pm.
Admission is just $5.00 and tickets can be purchased at the door.
Come early to secure your seats as seating is limited and last year’s festival did sell out.

The Backcountry Film Festival is organized by our friends at the Winter Wildlands Alliance. This year, festival attendees will vicariously surf the snow with a Japanese calligrapher, test extreme snow conditions in Vermont and ski a brief but majestic winter in Australia.

Once again, there will be a raffle with really fantastic stuff donated by some big brands and local businesses.

Check them out!
Fleet Feet / Pandora’s Backpack
Nau
Osprey Packs
Off-Piste Magazine
Pine Mountain Sports
Thump Coffee

Hope to see you there. And as always, think snow!
February 25, 2010
20:57
Emotions Run High - A Day of Inspiration and Battles
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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“I always think about what I want to share, what I want to give.”
I finish reading, She’s the One, The Source Weekly’s introduction of Cassondra Schindler as Bend’s Women of the Year.
I close the unbleached pages and look up; across the table. Ben is thumbing through The Bulletin, having a hard time finding an article that will genuinely grip his interest. He feels my gaze, looks up and our eyes meet. Mine fill with tears.
Cassondra is one of the most sincere, authentic people I have ever met. Her smile is contagious and her sense of style is one few can compete with.
Cassondra is a good person, doing good for her community and sharing her passions for art and culture and playing nice with the rest of us.
And she is getting credit for it.
How incredible is this place we call home; a place that recognizes the good in others, their honest contribution to the larger community, and celebrates their accomplishments?
How fortunate am I to be sharing community with so many incredible individuals?
My mind turns over and over; excited, moved, inspired. I am once more encouraged to leap outside the box, to grasp for goals far out of reach, to set sights on destinations that lay far beyond the horizon. We only get one shot at this, right?
Still reeling from the overwhelming emotion Cassondra has provoked, I check my email.
My thoughts turn quickly to another fabulous, strong, talented woman.
F#*%king Cancer. Damn.
Talk about overwhelming.
The tears run down my face, completely out of my control. This time it is Ben who looks across the table. I can’t look at him.
“She’s so damn tough.” I mutter under my breath.
My emotions change from sorrow to fear to battle.
This is one fight Cancer will not win.
A battle with this girl is a f*%king waste of time; she is the toughest, most determine woman I know.
If this fight goes anything like a bike race, which I am confident it will, Cancer will get its f#@%king legs ripped off.
So FU Cancer.
Don’t mess with this girl. She is strong, beautiful and has an army of supporters. She will destroy you. You will suffer.
So FU Cancer, you don’t have a shot.
February 24, 2010
22:12
Recipes from America's Small Farms - Dinner Frittata
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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The perfect "breakfast for dinner" recipe, this frittata takes not more that 20 minutes to prepare, is an excellent source of protein and the perfect way to use up all the veggies hanging out in the the refrigerator drawer.

There aren't many rules to the Frittata - follow the basics and experiment.

Using a cast iron skillet, saute the following until tender:

2 Small Onions
Loads of Garlic
And Veggies (You Pick):
   Potatoes
   Red, Yellow and Green Peppers
   Mushrooms
   Broccoli
   Squash or Zucchini
   Spinach

Meanwhile, whisk together 6 eggs, 1/4 cup cheese (sharp cheddar is fantastic), salt and pepper.

When the veggies are tender turn the heat down to very low and quickly stir the egg mixture into the veggie mixture, right in the skillet.

Cover and cook until the top surface has set, about 8-10 minutes. Place the skillet in broiler for a couple of minutes, until the top of the frittata browns.

Cut and serve, straight from the pan.

Serve with whole wheat toast and avocado.
February 22, 2010
9:51
Some Monday Morning Sappy-Sap; Friends and Community.
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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It is only recently that I have learned the value of community.
Community.
community |kəˈmyoōnitē|
noun ( pl. -ties)
a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals : the sense of community that organized religion can provide.

A group of individuals continually making me a better person, challenging me, lifting me up and putting me in my place. Friends I can call upon anytime of day, for any reason.
Friends.
friend |frend|
noun
a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection.

Bend has been my home for the last three and a half years, but the feeling of community, a group of friends, people with whom to share stories and meals and trails, has come more recently.
As a kindergartner, it is easy to make friends. No one knows better. You laugh and play and hug each other because that is what you do with new friends, people you first laid eyes on moment before.
As we grow older, the whole “making new friends” grows difficult.
We become more self-conscious and less care-free. The need for acceptance is often overshadowed with hesitation and timidness.
But perhaps “we” isn’t the correct pro-noun. Perhaps “I” would be more appropriate.
As an adult, I have struggled with making friends. I have been timid and shy and reluctant to reach out to others, in fear of rejection. I shoved off the idea and the importance of community; until I fell in love with Mr. Community himself.
Lighting him and and drawing out the best in him, Ben loves to surround himself with good friends; comrades in the journey of life, souls that force him to challenge himself.
I am a slow learner; a reluctant student in the course of community. Ben has been patient. After five years of observation and study, I finally figured it out. A simple realization that is still coming to fruition, but strengthening with each passing day.
Just be yourself and love the people around you. (Sounds pretty cliché, doesn't it?)
Allowing the insecurities and expectations melt around me, the walls of defense crumble. The sun shines upon my face, warming my heart and bringing forth a smile. I see the people who surround me; my friends, my community. Faces of love and support, excitement and motivation, encouragement and inspiration.
Not only do I live the most fabulous place, I also have the most fabulous friends. You know who you are and I hope you realize how much I cherish you.
Sorry for all the sappy-sap, but sometimes if is important to reflect on what makes you tick, what makes you whole and what makes you smile.
February 12, 2010
10:01
And the Road Racing Season Begins. But not for me!
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Saturday is the first day of the Oregon road racing reason. The Cherry Pie Road Race.

One year ago Saturday I stepped up to the starting line of my first ever road race. I had no idea what I was doing. I pulled the group around, I wasted way too much energy, I was just learning to draft, I all but stopped when I heard the sound of carbon hitting pavement in the group behind me. 365 days doesn’t seem like very long, but in the young life of my cycling career, it feels like forever.
This Saturday I will not be racing. It is still the winter. Cyclocross Nationals was only 8 weeks ago. My mind and body aren’t quite ready to focus and suffer the way I would expect them to if I jumped off the line at Cherry Pie.
Last year I did every race I could. I traveled to the west side 7 out of 8 weekends. I road in the rain, in the snow, and when the race was cancelled due to weather, I road the course anyway.
Last year, I didn’t consider myself a cyclist. I had to become a cyclist. I had to prove (if only to myself) I could ride. I had to give up a 15-year relationship with my running shoes and instead, break-in a thin leather saddle. I learned the definition (and purpose) of Chamois Cream and embrocation. I learned that the strongest member of the peleton doesn’t necessary (if ever) win the race. I learned that aero-helmets actually serve a purpose (even if they do look a little funny). I learned about watts and power and RECOVERY.
I road my bike a lot in 2009. I am not sure how many hours I spend in the saddle, on the asphalt, on the trails; but it was a lot. I kept a trailing log, religiously, for the first time in my life and downloaded workouts onto my computer. I did 20-minute tests (aka suffer-fests) for the soul purposed of evaluating my own progress. I fell in love with my bike (or should I say bikes). I also got engaged, to Ben (which is another fabulous story I will write in another blog entry – It deserves special attention).
2010 will be different. A friend sent me an email the other day, a wise friend who always has the right thing to say, at just the right time.

“Racing is special. You are good, you should race to win, not just because you are addicted to it. Those are strong words maybe too strong. You do not need to race or even think about racing so much. It is winter and it is ski season. What I am trying to say you are no beginner anymore, you are an accomplished racer who should choose the races with purpose and stick to that purpose.”

At 1pm on Saturday when the Women’s 1/2/3 field rolls off the line, I will not be among them. I will be skiing, gliding along the pure white snow on my super skinny skis. I will be smiling.
Racing is Special. And in 2010 I will race to win. I will race because I am ready, mentally and physically. And I will race because it makes me happy. I will race because I am strong and I am made strong by the support of my family, my friends, my team, and above all else, Benjamin.
February 02, 2010
21:46
And he says he's not a bike racer!
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Ben says he's not a bike racer, but the above photo documentation might just prove otherwise.

Take a look at The Source's Article about all the bike shops we have in Bend. 11 to be exact. I don't think that is such a bad thing!

And, check out the newest thing in bike racing, Velo Sprints! The ever popular Gold Sprints have come to Bend! We might not have a Velodrome, but who says we don't have track racing? Try your hand at Velo Sprints if you get a chance, and after an oh, so long 15 seconds of racing... well, you might just be hooked.
January 14, 2010
19:12
Ben's New Ride... Just in Time for Spain!
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Special Delivery.... A Ritchey BreakAway for our trip to Mallorca, Spain.

Fitting easily into its own suitcase, the BreakAway can be checked onto an airplane with no additional costs... revolutionary idea!

Check them out here and then go pick one up for yourself at Sunnyside Sports.

Did you notice them make a Cyclocross version as well?
January 07, 2010
20:18
Not Such Breaking News - Cyclocross Coverage from the Oregonian
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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News from the Westside.... making its way to the hight desert.

Unknown to most of us in Bend, the Sunnyside Kit made it into the Oregonian the Week of Cyclocross Nationals! I just got my hands on a picture, so I thought I would share.
January 04, 2010
22:52
New Year Eve - 2nd Annual Hash Run, a photo journal.
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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The 2nd Annual New Year's Eve Hash Run turned out to be a fabulous success. Snow, rain, and slush didn't stop the 20 or so of us from tromping up Awbrey Butte, across the West Side and through downtown.

A huge thanks to all who helped to kick of 2010 in true style!
Check out the entire photo collection here (and check out Matt's blog here)
December 18, 2009
21:52
Cyclocross Nationals - Bend Oregon!
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Sleep comes with difficulty. The road rash decorating my hips and elbows alerts me to even the slightest movement against the bamboo sheets.

Between these harsh awakenings, I dream of an asphalt corner, covered in ice. The same backdrop repeats itself in my mind, but the movement in the foreground changes.

I am riding the Cyclocross Nationals Course, lap after lap.

Lap one I am railing the corners and the off-camber sidehills; I make not a mistake, lose not a second, I ride the course clean and smooth.

Lap two I make mistake after mistake. I brake where I shouldn’t, I take bad lines in the corners, I slide down the stairs. I am a disaster.

If the road rash hasn’t woken me by now, my nightmare does.

I am restless and uneasy; I think back to events that have transpired just a few short days ago. While some memories are clear and vivid, USA Cyclocross Nationals as a whole seems like a milky daydream.

Lap One: Friday – Master Women: 30-34

It is Friday afternoon.

I stand on the starting line, waiting for the gun.

I have dreamt about this moment.
I have trained for this race.
The next 40 minutes will be a test of physical ability and mental toughness. An all out, nothing to lose, put-it-all-on-the-line kind of race.

The sun is out and the earth is starting to thaw from a deep artic frost. The course is lined with spectators.

I stand in the 2^nd row; called up behind some of the strongest women in the sport. We wait, listening to instructions and preparing for the start of the Women’s Masters 30-34 race.

The gun fires, shoes the clip into pedals, quadriceps engage, pavement moves swiftly beneath the pack of riders.

I make the first turn, narrowly avoiding a pile-up and standing up to chase the lead group. 2 minutes into the race I hit the hard, froze ground on an icy corner, swear out loud, but recover quickly. After that, I don’t remember much. The am racing against some amazing women. Perhaps, one day, I will be one of the amazing among them.

Lap after lap, I am passing girls. The crowd on the other side of the tape is like nothing I have ever before experienced. Voices, familiar and unknown, are yelling my name. I know I am in 13^th place, only because someone is counting and lets me know as I ride past. I do not know how many laps we have ridden, nor how many more we have to ride. It doesn’t matter. My legs are strong, my breath under control, my eyes focused on the course ahead of me. I am continually gaining ground on the girls in front of me. I pass Emily Van Meter and get a gap.

With two laps to go, I finally look at the lap counter as I ride beneath it; just behind Kristi Berg.

A smile begins to creep up into my throat when I realize I am riding my way into the top ten. I am gaining ground on Kristi, who is currently in 6^th place. On the backside of the course, I attack on the hill. I pull in front of Kristi, holding on to the lead for all of about a minute. When she launches a counter attack I can’t hold on.

The final lap is as blurry as the pervious five, but as I round the final corner, head down, pushing toward the finish, I am glowing. I have just ridden my best race of the season.

7^th place is what the official results report, but I feel as though I have just won. Ben is at the finish line, along with my father. The smile on my face tells the story the best and thanks to PDX Cross, it was captured beautifully.

I find Veronica; an amazing women with so much to teach me and pummel her with a bear hug. Team Sunnyside was well represented on its home turf.

For the first time all season I don’t second-guess the race. I don’t think about what I could have done better or what mistakes I made. I am just happy and enjoying the moment. I am elated.

Lap Two: Sunday – Elite Women

Sunday I lined up with (or better said, behind) the best women cyclocross racers in the country. The first row was stacked: Katie Compton, Amy Dombroski, Mary McConneloug, Meredith Miller, Sue Butler and Alison Dunlap to name a few.

The number pinned to my skinsuit was 55. I started right in the middle of the 105 rider pack.

Two weeks I wrote, Stepping up to that line will be the true test of my commitment to cycling; my commitment to improvement; my commitment to myself.

I had stepped up to that line and before the gun was even fired, I felt like I had accomplished something. I
had earned the honor to be standing among these women.

Hands in position, butt on the saddle, right foot in the pedal, left foot pointed, stretching to the ground. The gun fired and the sprint for the hole shot was on.

The first few laps unfolded brilliantly. I felt like I had just picked up where I left off on Friday. All I could hear was muffled noise.; my name being shouted by unidentifiable voices. I saw only the course, the girls in front of me, the stairs, the barriers, changes in terrain.

I was focused and racing on the edge. I was following Ben’s advice, Race like you’re crazy.

Working to pick off the girls in front of me and to hold off the ones behind, I rounded an icy asphalt corner like I was invincible. Before I could comprehend what was happening, I was back on my bike. Right arm and hip on fire, right brake lever bent inward making braking difficult, shifting almost impossible. An attempt to correct the damage failed and remembering I had a bike and crew in the pit, I relaxed and hammered the pedals toward the pit.

The rest of the race was a cluster of errors and miscalculations; a pit bike I was unable to shift, another fall, failing confidence, a lap of my own personal hell, visions of quitting, seeing girls in front of me that I hadn’t finished behind all year.

After each calamity I chased to reclaim my position, but after having to replay this sequence one too many times, I couldn’t make up all the ground I had lost.

The final lap and finish line came as a torturous, yet welcome relief and the commencement of my cyclocross season. The finish shoot was crowded.
With eyes toward the ground and bleeding elbows, I made my way to the back fence.

Face buried in my hands, I burst into tears. I forgot about all the accomplishments of the season. I forgot about the honor of racing with the elite women. I forgot about the sacrifices and support of my family and friends.

I could only cry; thoughtlessly, selfishly, and self-pitying. Ben and Mom found me; wrapped up in my own self-wallow. I had failed. I had disappointed.

But only in my own mind. No one else was disappointed, no one else saw me as a failure. They loved me just the same.

I finished 52^nd in the Women’s Elite Nationals Cyclocross Race, with mishaps and mechanicals. Get over yourself.

The lessons from Sunday’s race are slow to sink in, but with each passing day I see them more clearly. The smile that covered my face on Friday afternoon is reappearing and I am reminded of the accomplishments of the year.

There is a fine line between racing on the edge and stepping onto the other side. Without flirting with that line, full potential will never be achieved. On Sunday I found that line, road right on it, and then, stepped over. I will be a better cyclist because of it.
December 10, 2009
21:54
Tomorrow is a big day.
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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It’s not time to get nervous. But nervous I am getting.

Tomorrow is a big day for me.

How big, you ask?

Tomorrow is the day I have been thinking about since March.
The idea occurred to me on a bone-chilling ride up Skyliner Drive.
Cyclocross Nationals – I want to be a part of that.

I road all spring and summer; attempting to race a road bike.
Learning I had a lot to learn.
Learning to push pedals and spin wheels is easy; racing a bike is a whole other ball game.

I started skills practice in early August.
My stutter step is all-but-gone.
I have driven to Portland just about every weekend this fall.

I am no different than any other lover of cross.
Sacrificing late Saturday nights and lazy Sunday mornings.
Spending the “date night” money on race entries or new pedals.

Tomorrow I will stand at the starting line of my first Cyclocross Nationals Race.
Looking around I will see only familiarity; but I will feel something new.

I am uncertain of all the thoughts that will run through my mind right before the gun sounds, but
I hope to clearly see the experience for what it is; an honor to be riding my bike and a chance to race like I am crazy.
8:04
Roll35.com: All You Wanted To Know About Cyclocross (But Were Afraid To Ask)
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Check out Bend's Newest Website, Roll35.com; Where Social Media Meets for Not for Profits.

All You Wanted To Know About Cyclocross (But Were Afraid To Ask)
The days are growing shorter, the air smells a bit more like autumn than it does summer and the first snow has fallen in Bend, Oregon. To many outdoor enthusiasts, these signs point to the not-so distant future when snow covers Mt. Bachelor, pre-dawn hours are spent lapping the cone and “sick days” are full of powder shots and Northwest runs. But to a niche group of cyclists who somehow get their kicks from 45 to 60 minutes of pure pain, the early setting sun and cool evening breeze means just one thing: Cyclocross season. Read More
December 06, 2009
9:00
The road is long - Cyclocross Nationals, Writing, and the PeterPan Syndrome
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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I will be 31 years old in January. And finally, at least for today, I have figured out what I want to do with my life. I want to write and I want to ride my bike.

I want to write, to inspire, to motivate. I want to submit the edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting stories that publications like Women’s Adventure and Wend and Outside can’t get enough of.

I want to ride my bike, to pedal, to sweat, to feel the pain and the pleasure that comes with stepping up to the line and riding all-out for no less than one hour.

When broken down to the lowest common denominator, cycling and writing aren’t so different.
To excel, to succeed; I just have to put myself out there.

I want to perfect an article or execute my finest race and then, get thrashed.
Beaten down, torn apart.
I want an editor to get out the red pen.
I want my coach to raise the bar.

I want to suffer and sacrifice and then, slowly, with care and gentle masseging; rebuild, restructure, and rebirth the stories I once thought magnificent, the legs I once thought were strong enough.

The road is long. Improvement and strength come from commitment, dedication, failure, sacrifice and a dash of lunacy.

My first big test is now.
USA Cyclocross Nationals…just one week away.
Am I ready for knowledge and development that will come from racing at this level?

I say I want to get thrashed, but am I ready to get lapped in front my friends, family, and all of Bend?

Stepping up to that line will be the true test of my commitment to cycling; my commitment to improvement; my commitment to myself.

A friend ask me yesterday if I was “stoked” for Natz.
Stoked….well, excited for sure. Nervous, under-trained, over-trained, tired, lazy, scared out of my mind!

It is hard to mentally prepare to get lapped, racing for top 35 instead of top 10, getting creamed.

I watched a video interview of Mary McConneloug last night, filmed before the US MTB Championships this summer... she was calm and confident and smiling. She didn't seem a bit nervous, not a bit worried about how she would perform. She was confident that she would give all her body would allow on the given day.
She was just a regular person, sitting in a coffee shop, talking to a friend (with a video guy in the background).

Does she know that there are kids like me, plagued with the Peter-Pan Syndrome, that want to grow up to be like her?

Do Katie and Amy and Georgia know that their pictures fill the training journals and bedside-table drawers of local top-5 racers?

What would it feel like to know you had a chance at the hole shot, a possibility of standing atop the podium, that zipping into the jersey with the stars and stripes wasn’t far from reality?

What will it feel like to stand next to those women one week from today?

For me, cross is a money-sucking addiction, a hobby that fills my weekends and free-time, a passion that brings a smile to my face.
For these women, it is who they are, their passion, their livelihood.

When I contemplate the feelings that will fill my mind as I stand on the line and prepare for 45 minutes of wonderful, torturous bliss, I realize how crazy it is that I have the honor to, for just one split second, as the gun goes off, be racing with my idols.
December 03, 2009
11:52
A fine Line - Cyclocross Nationals and the Portland USGP
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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There is a fine line between excitement and nervousness; pain and pleasure; dedication and obsession.

24 degrees. Windproof tights, 2 jackets, warm gloves.
45 second intervals – all out efforts.
Why are the last 3 seconds always the hardest?

Quads burning, lungs experiencing equal pain.
Each inhale is a reminder of the ambient air temperature.

It is December; it is cold, and I am doing the intervals that will make me stronger, tougher, faster.

I roll back to my invisible starting line; ready to repeat 45 seconds of pedal-turning bliss.

USGP, Cyclocross Nationals

What are you thinking?

These races are different. I will not be racing to win. I will be racing to survive.

I will be racing for the experience of lining up with the likes of Katie Compton, Amy Dombroski, Alison Dunlap, and Georgia Gould.

I will stand on the line, honored that I can pretend to chase these ladies around for three-quarters of an hour.

I will race as hard and as fast as my legs will allow; I will remember the time and effort and support Damian, Don, Ben and Team Sunnyside have given me.

I will race because I love it.
I will race because it makes me smile.
I will race because somewhere deep down, I can’t seem to draw the line between love and hate, dedication and obsession, pleasure and pain.

Last night I got some advice from Ben; the person who knows me better than any other being on earth:

Race like you are crazy.
November 30, 2009
13:26
Crossaflixion Cup and Cross Nationals in Bend
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Saturday morning I was up with the sun, heading out to the Inn at the Seventh Mountain to help Gina and the FreshAirSports crew get ready for the second Crossaflixion Cup race in Bend, Oregon.

It had been 3 weeks since I had stepped up to the starting line and the fabulous workouts that Damian has been assigning me are my only reminder that Cross Nationals are only 2 weeks away.

A week of easy road riding while on a Pre-Thankgiving Trip to Maryland made me forget the 60 minutes of pain I have come to know as Cyclocross and helped me to recall the deeply rooted reason I love to ride my bike. Empty roads, autumn leaves and the feeling of freedom that only two wheels turning under your own power can give you.

But back to Cross…Saturday’s course was super fun (thanks Brent). Covered partly in snow, the course was mostly flat, with a couple of good kickers, a couple of curbs, and some twisty turns on the backside. Turn out for the early races was strong and as the day went on, registration for the Men’s Elite field was looking pretty stacked; Ryan Trebon, Barry Wicks, and Ben Thompson all turning out to ride around in the Bend Sunshine.

Team Sunnyside was out with strong numbers and loads of smiles. Renee took the overall Women’s race, beating out Tina Brubaker for the win with a blazing fast last lap! Humble, solid, and determined, Renee rode hard, smart and skillfully and I was thrilled she got the win and a write up in the Bulletin and in CX Magazine. Nice Work!!

As for me, I raced with the Men…. Both Heather and I did; making it easier for Gina to race and act as race director. I rolled up to the startline with not 5 seconds to spare and didn’t even have time to be nervous. I was excited to be racing and wanted to try out my legs. The last time I raced was at PIR and I was tired. Saturday I was well rested and my legs felt great!

The boys from Kona went off the front within the first quarter mile and the rest of the field got pretty strung out during the first lap of the race. I was ridding hard and having fun.

There was no pressure, I as just racing for a good workout and to enjoy being on my bike. I was smooth over the barriers, loved the downhill kicker and stayed upright for the entire race. The off-camber snow hill took some wind out of my sail ever single lap, as I tried to find the best line. It wasn’t until the last lap that I felt smooth around that corner. My technical skills are in constant need of improvement and it was fun to test them out without being worried about Megan or Rhonda or Erin making a move if I missed something.

I have four races left…. The USGP races in Portland and CX Nationals.

The countdown has really begun.

In April, Damian took me out for my first 20 minute test.
It was snowing.
You are training for the next time it snows… 10 months from now.

That was 9 ½ months ago. Nationals are in 2 weeks. I certainly hope it snows.
7:44
OLCV WInter House Party
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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The Oregon League of Conservation Voters, Deschutes County chapter cordially invities you to help kick off the 2010 election season at our Winter House Party fundraiser. Hear from 3E Strategies' executive director Cylvia Hayes about the state of green jobs in Deschutes County, meet OLCV’s new executive director Jon Isaacs and get a behind the scenes look at the 2010 election lay of the land. Come support OLCV and enjoy, dinner, drinks, and great conversation with fellow conservation enthusiasts.

Date: Saturday, December 12^th, 6-10 pm
Location: Host Betsy Warriner’s home,
119 Drake Rd.
Bend, OR 97701

Space is limited so RSVP today! Contact Ben Gordon, ben@olcv.org with any questions. Please feel free to email or text this invitation to friends who may be interested.

P.S. If you are unable to attend, we hope you will consider making a contribution in your absence. Remember: donations to OLCV's Deschutes County Chapter qualify for Oregon's political tax credit! This means that you can subtract up to $50 (for individuals) or $100 (for couples filing jointly) of your gift from your state taxes. Read more
November 23, 2009
19:43
A Sneak Peak at the Cyclocross Nationals Course in Bend
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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The fabulous folks at BendCyclingEvents have just posted the video we have all been waiting for... a preview of the Cyclocross Nationals Course!

Enjoy and make sure to check out BendCyclingEvents and BendCyclocross for all the info on Cyclocross Nationals!
November 19, 2009
21:52
This Year is Different.....Cyclocross Nationals in Bend Oregon
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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My lungs burn with each inhalation of cold, crisp air. My legs turn over slowly in recovery from an effort that took some mental toughness to get through. It is November, there is snow in the mountains, Mt. Bachelor is opening for winter operations tomorrow, and I won’t let myself wax my skis, lace up my skate boots or pull out my climbing skins.

I am still on my bike; protected from the elements in my Ibex wool knickers and windproof gloves. This time last year my cyclocross season was over, ending with the finale of Cross Crusade. But this year is different.

This year I am racing A’s.
This year I learned about intervals and power zones, and training.
This year I became a cyclist.

This year is one of transition.
Transition from the B’s to the A’s.
Transition from runner to cyclist.
Transition from “I might do okay” to “I want to do my best”.

I have a long way to go to if I want race with the big girls. I have a lot of work to do if I want to challenge Wendy and Emily and Alice. Katie and Georgia and Amy and Sue still remain magazine cut-outs pasted inside of my training journal.

But this year I have learned that it is possible. I have learned that with patience and time and dedication and determination and focus, UCI points are within reach. With rest and recovery and repetition, my legs will become more powerful, my lungs stronger, my mind sharper. This year is different.

This year Cyclocross Nationals are in Bend.
This year my season ends on December 13^th, 2009.

This year is different……. because I am already making plans and setting goals for December 2010.
November 14, 2009
14:35
Cross Crusade #7 - PIR; and it was muddy!
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Sunday
PIR delivered just what the doctor ordered; rain, mud, puddles 10 inches deep, slippery run-ups, off-camber side hills, and a sloppy, sloppy day of racing.

Team Sunnyside was out in full force and in high spirits, but with heavy legs after fabulous day of racing in Salem the day before. Paired with the folks from Bend Bike N’ Sport, we built a pretty good tent city and were able to stay out of the rain, for the most part.

My day started out on a stressful note, as I watched my tubular tire being pryed off my rim by someone who thought it was a tubeless, rendering it unridable. For the next couple of hours I worked to borrow a rear wheel that could handle the mud; the Sunnyside Team came through and I took Wade’s clincher to the starting line.

The race was tough, slow, muddy, and fabulous. Splendid, torturous bliss.

Rhonda and I battled it out for the majority of the race. Neither of us wanting the other to get away. In the end, she won, but I felt good about staying with her. As we rolled through the finish line, covered in mud, I felt a huge sense of relief. I didn’t have my best race ever, my legs had felt heavy during warm up and by lap 3; I was tired. Racing doubles every weekend take a toll after awhile. (Enter Damian and Don: Time for some rest!)

After catching my breath, I rolled over to where Rhonda was standing.
We smiled at each other…
Nice Race I said.

You too. I passed you and thought you were gone and then you passed me back… you are a really strong racer.

Coming from you, that means a lot.

We made a bit more small talk and she offered up a couple of hints on how I could improve in the mud and over the off-camber down hill sections.

I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. Rhonda Mazza is not only a really nice person, she is a fantastic bike racer.

This is what I love about cyclocross.
Rhonda giving me tips on how to improve, helping to make me a better racer and bike handler.
The conversation I had with Wendy as I walked to the parking lot.

Covered in mud, we had all just experienced the same joy, pain, and oxygen deprivation and we stand their swapping highlights and tragedies.

These are the big girls, the girls I have pinned to my corkboard along side Katie Compton and Georgia Gould. They are my local heros. Now I am racing along side them.

The embrocation delivers a sensational burn as I stand under the hot shower. Hard to believe cyclocross season will be complete in a month. The USGPs in Portland and Cyclocross Nationals will finish off the season for me.

I will miss Barton Park, which will be good for my rest schedule, but bad for my ego. I am sitting in 4^th over all in the Women’s A race for the Cross Crusade Series. Barton Park is double points. Bummer.

To my dear Sunnyside Team; race strong, smart and skilled around the gravel pits at Barton. Leap effortlessly over the concrete masses they call barriers and don’t break on the sketchy downhill. Get muddy, keep smiling, and make sure not to pack up the shower before V, Matt, D and Mike get to take advantage of it!

Check out Matt's report here
Here are some more photos of the team
November 13, 2009
7:58
OBRA CX State Championships and Willamette Valley Series #3
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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It’s Tuesday night, darkness creeps through the open windows, I can hear the sound of rain between breaths. One day of rest and I am back on the trainer. With a month to go before Cyclocross Nationals, I have to stay focused and determined. Train, rest, recover….With a week of recovery ahead of me and a great weekend of cross behind me, I take a deep breath before I start my 3^rd set.

So, lets back up….. A great weekend of cross behind me…..great for so many reasons.
#1. The Mud
#2. The Rain
#3. The Hail
#4. The Wind
#5. Super sloppy run ups, off camber side hills, and bottom-bracket deep puddles
#6. My family braving the weather to see me and the Sunnyside Team race our bikes
#7. Winning the OBRA CX State Championship
#8. A conversation I had with Rhonda after Sunday’s race
#9. Spending time with my nephew, Max… who is just learning to ride his bike

By all standards, the weekend was prefect for cross. 39 degrees, pouring rain, sideways wind, deep mud puddles, hot showers, awesome teammates, and my introduction to Mad Alchemy Embrocation!!

Saturday….

Saturday was host to the OBRA state championships and the final race in the Willamette Valley Cyclocross Series. The rain poured down and the wind blew hard, making the team tent impossible to keep upright; the team warm-up session took place in the fairground barns instead.

The course was flat, exposed and altogether tough, thanks to the head wind that made it nearly impossible to get off the front and stay there, the hail that pelted down for the majority of the race and my frozen fingers that made braking pretty much out of the question.

After a slick, asphalt start and a sweeping left turn, I took the lead, but quickly hit the deck on a tight right-handed corner on slick, muddy grass.

It was bad move, I was excited to be out front, knowing I could win this race, and went into the corner much to fast. My foot was stuck in the pedal and as I struggled to get off the ground, Veronica came by…
Get up, lets go she shouted.
V’s voice snapped me back to reality.
Get up Bishop, What are you doing in the mud?

I had to shake the shock and disappointment from my mind and get back on my bike. I chased for the rest of that lap, making my way up to the front of the group and on to Sunny Gilbert’s wheel, who sat in second. Alalia Berry was in the lead.

Over the barriers and around the “S” curves, I got in front, taking the lead right as we hit the windy straight away. I pulled hard, Alalia right on my wheel. We dropped the rest of the group and got a gap, but I had just done a ton of work.

You are smarter than that Bishop… don’t get stuck in that position again.

Around the course once again, Alalia and held our lead, but neither of use were putting out 100% into the wind, and Sunny was closing in. I followed closely as we ran through the sand pit, through the barns and over the moto-cross track, across the start/finish line.

As we got back on the pavement on our on our 3^rd lap, Alalia shouted, Let’s work together, Sunny is closing in.
Okay, I shouted back. Work together, okay, but I am NOT doing all the work was the thought going through my mind.

I took my turn out front, into the wind and then backed off, thinking Alalia would come around me and do some work. She didn’t. I slowed down, I had to be smarter than to pull her around for the next 1 ½ laps and then get out-sprinted at the finish. Sunny caught up with 1 lap to go and I sat tight, 3^rd wheel, thought the barriers, the “S” curves, the windy straight away.

I knew I had to get into the barns first. If I could do that, I could win. Headed toward the gravel section right before the sand pit, I made my move.

Accelerating out of the corner and onto the gravel, I stoop up and punched it. Over the sand I lifted my knees and sprinted. Into the barns, I didn’t look back.
I heard Damian yell, This is what you are training for, the State Championship.

I stood up out of the last turn and flew toward the moto-cross track. My fingers were nearly frozen and braking was next to impossible. I rounded the last corner, leaning way over, knowing I was going in too fast and just holding on. My right hand couldn’t pull the brake lever. The finish was 30 meters ahead. I had a 15 second lead. I put my head down, in the drops and crossed the line smiling.

I had raced hard, smart, and with determination. I had won. No, the big girls weren’t there (Wendy, Alice, Megan, Emily, and Rhonda) but I had won none the less.

Later in the evening as I looked at my medal and put it around my little nephew’s neck, I couldn’t help but laugh. I had an identical medal at home that I had won last year, but with one exception. Last year I was racing Bs, this year, I was racing As.

At the end of the day, Team Sunnyside come home with 3 State Championships, a ton of top tens and a team unity that can only come from sharing Peppermint Essential Oil and Embrocation.

Read the VeloNews Summary Here
Check out Matt’s race report and what he has to say about Cyclocross Nationals Here

Photos of my most excellent Sunnyside Team

Sunday's Cross Crusade Race at PIR coming soon......
November 05, 2009
19:10
A Team Called Sunnyside and Cyclocross Nationals
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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With cyclocross season well underway, Cyclocross Nationals just 5 weeks away and the snow beginning to fall in the Cascades, the days are growing shorter, the air feels crisper as I fill my lungs and the cycling booties have come out of hiding and are now showcased on afternoon rides.

Autumn has arrived, winter is not far behind and I find myself smiling, zipped into my down sweater, sitting in the living room. Soup is on the stove, cobbler in the oven and Ben milling about, finishing up some projects before he heads East for a work conference.

I smile because I have found my place.

I have surrounded myself with people who make we stronger, wiser, and hold me to a higher standard.

I have friends that genuinely care about me; about my successes, failures, and my life.

I am engaged to a man that loves me; covered in mud, gasping for breath, he will still give me a kiss.

I have a family that believes in me, supports me in my hair-brained ideas and will encourage me in whatever it is I am passionate about. They come to cyclocross races, stand in the rain, learn to heckle, bring cowbell.

How many women find their mom waiting at the finish line at a Cross Crusade?

At least one.

I have a team that is made up of friends. Friends that meet at the House of Pain for an hour or two of intervals and perfuse sweating. Friends that train together, travel together, exchange emails, phone calls and share meals. Friends who all ride for Sunnyside Sports… a shop made up of friends. People that whole heartedly care about each other, their customers and their team.

In Sunnyside tonight, picking up my Yeti, I had an unexpected conversation. I should probably stop being surprised by what I learn while spending time in Sunnyside, but I don’t really want to. I never what to take these experiences for granted.

Questions of life and love and living are asked, answers are batted around, solutions may or may not be decided upon. Smiles are exchanged, knowledge transferred, and in the most unexpected corners, wisdom is imparted.

While I might be wrong, I am fairly certain that Sunnyside Sports is unique. Unique to Bend, unique among bike shops, unique among most business establishments in general.

Sunnyside Sports is my shop, my team, my friends.
To everyone that helps to make Sunnyside Sports much more than a bike shop; I can’t thank you enough.
November 03, 2009
12:47
A weekend of Cyclocross in Astoria
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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A double header of Cross Crusade is a full weekend in and of its self. Through some rain, wind and Halloween into the mix and you are sure to have a party!

The Sunnyside Team was out in full force this weekend, many of us spending the weekend at a house in Seaside, sharing stories, meals and Rad Racing (Thanks Matt).

Friday night the rain started to fall and although it subsided slightly on Saturday, the deluge from the night before made for slippery, sloping racing… just the way we like it!

Saturday
The course on Saturday contained a little bit of everything and was the first race of the season that really epitomized cyclocross. Fast downhills, technical off camber 180s, slippery slopes, sloppy run-ups, quad-burning climbs, barns, grass, and a lot of mud.

We all slipped and slide all over the course, the best lines changing with each lap. The start was fast. I got off the line well and took the lead. I stayed up front for at least a lap before getting passed by a couple girls and settling into 3^rd position.

Wendy had a mechanical in the 2^nd or 3^rd lap and had to run to the pit, giving me the chance to move into 2^nd place. Megan was right on my heels and it was a hard fought battle for the second position. With 3 laps to go, Megan got past me on a downhill section, but I was able stay with her and with 2 to go, I got a burst of energy and was about to put some room between the two of us. I held the gap through the finish… smiling.

Don and Ben had been yelling me throughout the race and found me at the finish.

Covering in mud, I gave Ben a kiss. He didn’t seem to care that my entire face was plastered with dirt.

Don came over and gave me a hug. I got his clean Sunnyside Jersey all dirty, but he didn’t seem to care.
Happy with that? He Asked.
All I could do was smile!

Check out the Velonews recap photos.

Sunday
I raced hard on Saturday. Much harder than I had on Saturdays before at the Willamette Valley Series Races and on Sunday my legs remembered what I had put them through the day before.

The field stacked and adorned with Halloween costumes; even Sue Butler was dressed up for the occasion. The course had changed, the conditions had changed, the weather had changed; but the goal remained the same. Get off the line fast, ride fast, then ride faster, be smart, stay upright and ride with the big girls.

I got off the line well, focused on the sweeping left hand turn in front of us. Right before the turn I heard a crazy sound. Had my tire just exploded? Had somebody crashed? Had I just taken someone out? I still don’t know what that sound was, never the less, it caused me to pause, loose my concentration and a couple of spots, right from the start.

I chased up the first hill, trying to hang with Wendy, Sue and Alice. There was a pack of about 8 of us going into the first barrier section. I was right behind Rhonda; I needed to stay right there.

Through the technical muddy corners I passed a couple of girls, only to passed right back.

I was trying to hang, but my legs weren’t responding to the instructions I was silently yelling at them. On the bumping up-hill traverse, I tried to hammer;I should have been able to make up some ground… but all I could do was hold on.

Through the barns, I focused on nailing the corners and tried to accelerate on the straight-aways. I was riding fast, but not fast enough.

Come on legs.

I saw Ben as the barns, Come on, get up there. He yelled.

I’m trying......

I was tired. With 3 laps to go, I knew I was tired. It was a realization that I had not yet experienced this year. I was riding well, but not as well as I know I could. I tried to punch it on the uphills, charge out of the corners, and take the technical sections smoothly, but it wasn’t enough to bridge the gap up to the girls in front of me.

Just hold on Bishop.

I crossed the line in 7^th position. I raced hard, as hard as I could. I pushed the pedals as fast as my legs would allow. Saturday I had given everything, on Sunday I tried to do it again. 7^th place was my everything on Sunday…. And I was proud of it.

I am proud of the way I have been racing this year.
I am proud of the time and effort I have dedicated to my cycling.
I am proud of the decisions I have made that allow me to smile every time I get on my bicycle.
I am proud of the determination it takes to stand at the starting line every week.

Cyclocross Nationals are only 6 weeks way.

This week I am going to follow the advice of a good friend.

Remember the word REST.... Promise?

I promise.
October 28, 2009
21:24
Cross Crusade #4 - Cyclocross at Hillsboro Fair Complex
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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The forecast called for rain…. To a cross racer, rain means mud… if you know anything about cross, mud is a good thing. The 4^th race in the Cross Crusade Series was held at the Hillsboro Fairgrounds Complex, flat, fast, and muddy!

This week I had a front row call up; the rain was falling softly was we stood at the line and I kept my rain jacket on until the last possible moment.

The whistle blew and it was go time.

The flat, fast gravel straight away was quickly filled with knobby tires, turning over in an all out sprint for the whole shot. This week, it wasn’t mine to take. Emily and Alice were off like they had been shot out of a cannon and it was all I, and the rest of the chase-group, could do to try to keep up.

I hit the single track in 5^th or 6^th place, holding tight to Megan’s wheel; Rhonda, Bridgette, Tina and myself all fighting for position. The first time through the slop pit (if you were at the race you know what I am talking about) Megan got bogged down, fell over and like dominos, a number of use followed. I was fortunate to be on the outside and was quickly able to recover, remount and get out in front of the group.

I knew the riders right behind me; strong, consistent and determined. If I was going to hold onto 3^rd place, I was going to have to work for it.

On the straight-aways I hammered; head down, mouth open, visualizing the last 30 seconds of a 4x4 interval.

Over the barriers I tried to be smooth; remounting with efficiently and speed. (I was successful with the efficient part about 50% of the time.)

Through the barns and the tight cornering and muddy sections I tried to stay upright and carry my speed, accelerating out of each turn.

With 2 laps to go, Bridgette was still right on my tail. Coming through the barn section she passed me. Not Good. My job was now to stay with her, not let her get a gap and be patient.

I stayed right with her though the finish line, over the barriers and through the super sketchy off camber slippery turn-hill-turn section.

Back on the gravel straight away I jumped and got a small gap. I rode hard through the sweeping corners of the backside of the course, fumbled a bit with my footing on my remount of the 2^nd set of barriers and got passed again through the barns.

Through the finish line, the lap counter said 1 to go.

Bridgette was faster than me on in the tight corners.
I needed to drop her in the first 2/3 of the next lap or she would come out of the barns in front.
I was not going to let that happen.
I wanted 3^rd place.
Be patient.

I stayed right with her though the finish line.

Over the barriers I was able to move in front.

Through the super sketchy off camber slippery turn-hill-turn section I held my position.

Once on the gravel I gave it everything.

Hands in the drops, I stood up, accelerated and pedaled like the finish line was 100m in front of me.

It wasn’t and my lungs and legs were cursing at me.

In the race for 3^rd, I wanted to win.

Onto the single track, I didn’t slow down. By this point in the race I had figured out the best lines through the bog, around the corners near the pit and over the asphalt lip that waited in silence in hopes of hearing pavement meet tire rim.

I knew I had a gap. How big; I wasn’t sure.

Through the first set of the tight corners Ryan Weaver and a couple of other Cat A Men came passed me.

You got it, no one’s even close Ryan said between labored breaths.

All the more reason to stay focused.

I stayed right on the wheel of guys as we twisted and turned through the barns.

Around the last corner, into the mud, one final right hand turn to the finish.

My gap had held. I came across in 3^rd, covered in mud, gasping for air and smiling.

After a couple of quick circles to relax my legs, a preventative measure that could otherwise result in me simply tipping over, I chatted with a couple of the girls, found Ben and Mom and made my way back to the Sunnyside Team Tent.

On the outside, it was just another great race, complete with mud, cowbell and friends. On the inside I was jumping up and down with excitement. 3^rd place…. 2 weeks in a row.

I will start calling myself a cyclist.

Read the VeloNews article and check out the New Sunnyside Kit.
Read the CX Magazine article
Read Matt’s Recap of his awesome race

Here are some more pictures of the Sunnyside Team! Thanks Mark
October 27, 2009
12:28
Willamette Valley Cyclocross Series - Battlecreek Cross
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Another good weekend of racing on the West Side. The Yeti has proven to be a trusty steed and my confidence is increasing with each call-up.

Saturday afternoon the 2^nd race of the Willamette Valley Cross Series was held at BattleCreek Golf Course. No longer a working golf course, it made for a fabulous cyclocross venue; fast, flat, with some tricky turns and a couple of sand traps.
The women all raced together, the gun going off at 2pm.

I had a front row call up, as I had won the first race in the series at Heiser Farms and took my place front and center.

Women As – 30 seconds to start

The whistle blew and my focus was squarely on the corner at the end of the long straightaway – I never saw the back of another racer. I got the whole shoot and kept the lead for the entire race. After the first or second corner, I had a 5 second lead and that gap continued to grow each lap.
The course was fast; no place to rest. The corners on the backside, through the trees, were tight and slippery roots seems to lurch upward out of the ground at the last second. I almost lost it a couple of times, but managed to keep it upright and didn’t over correct. Recently, some one told me that slipping out is good; it means you are testing yourself and pushing your limits – the key is to make sure you don’t completely loose it. If this is true, I learned a lot on that golf course.

When I went through the start/finish the first time heard my lap split.
7:15 for the first lap, Serena Bishop just rode the fastest lap yet today.
Wow, that was fast!

I heard Kacy and Andrew yelling Go, Go, Go
Their second ever cross race, they drove all the way down from Portland just to support me… it was awesome to have them there.

The lap counter said 3 to go and I heard Chad yell,
Serena, can you talk? You should be able talk.

I rounded the corner where he was standing.
Yes Chad, I can talk, I shouted between breaths.

With two laps to go, I have a pretty good lead over second place; 1 ½ or 2 minutes. Chad and Wade were yelling it at me; Tempo, tempo, tempo, tempo.

My mind settled down and processed the current situation.
You are racing again tomorrow.
Don’t over do it.
Don’t make a mistake, ride clean, ride smart.
Don’t blow out your legs.
You are going to win.

My last two laps were my slowest, I crossed the line, winded, but not completely out of breath. I had raced hard, but been smart about it; in just 24 hours I would be doing it all over again.

I watched Renee finish a strong 4^th in the Womens A race and there were smiles and high fives all around. Sunnyside had a very successful showing in Salem; riding cross is super fun; but doing well is the icing on the cake.

Prior to my race, I was able to watch Chad and Wade take 1^st and 2^nd in the Master B race. They worked together for most of the race, Chad pulling ahead toward the end. It must be the red tires!
We also had a great showing in the juniors race, Mitch and Colin finishing 2^nd and 4^th.
In the Mens A race, Damian finished a strong 4th and Matt followed closely in 12th.

Sunday's Cross Crusade Report is coming soon!
October 26, 2009
15:25
Cross Crusade #4 - VeloNews Cap
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Here is the VeloNews Recap....And a photo
Hopefully my race report won't be far behind!
Thanks for visiting www.runbikeski.com
Check back shortly!
October 20, 2009
13:45
Sherwood – Cross Crusade #3, only 8 weeks til Cyclocross Nationals
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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I cross the finish line, alone. I have absolutely no idea how many laps I have just completed. All I know is that the lap counter is blank and the race is over. I see many of the girls I lined up, 60 agonizing minutes ago, standing near the finish; still catching their breath.

Only 4 women rode 8 laps this week, I was fortunate to be one of them.

Mom, Mark and Ben were there. The Sunnyside Team was out in full force (Don, we missed you!). Renee had just won the Master 35+ race, Wade placed 4^th in his category, Gina rode strong and finished well, Ruth sported the jersey for the first time and made us all proud. It was a sunnyside kind of day.

And then I got stung by a bee.

A final check of my wheels and breaks, a hug from my Mom, ready to head to the starting line…..
I felt a fly was on my leg, I swatted at it. It stung me. It wasn’t a fly. It was a yellow jacket….. ouch.
Deep breathe, it doesn’t hurt, I’m fine. But, OUCH! I forgot about it. I had to. It was time to go.

I got a front row call-up, on the far left side. My eyes focused on the turn at the end of the first straight away, the whistle blew.

I reacted, and to my surprise, no one flew past me. I had a good start; no, I had a great start. Finally.
After the first couple of corners Wendy and Alice were right with me, and pulled ahead going down the first hill. I was not going to let them get away and I was not going to get dropped on the down hill. I stayed right there, right on Alice’s wheel.

Down the hill, through the corners, over the bone jarring bumps, up the deceptively long climb, through the start/finish.

At some point during the second lap, Alice dropped her chain and it was just me and Wendy. I hung right there, just a couple of inches from her rear tire.

I was right behind Wendy Williams and there was no one else around.

Up the long hill again… she was trying to shake me, but I was hanging tough. The crowd was loud, cowbells ringing in my ears, undecipherable, yet familiar voices and faces littered the crowd.

Mark, with his camera, seemed to be everywhere. How did he get around the course that fast? My brain was unable to even contemplate the answer to that question.

I saw Damian in the Pit; Hang on, pedal, pedal, go…..Wendy’s right there, there is no one behind you.
I went as hard as I could. Pushing the pedals with as much strength as I find in my fiery muscles.

I am not sure how long I hung with Wendy, maybe 4 laps, maybe 5… but when she decided to go, she went and I couldn’t respond.

Stay with her Bishop.

My legs were burning, my heart racing.
I was pushing, but my body didn’t want to listen.

24 second back, I heard Ben yell as I climbed the hill; the lap counter said 2 laps to go.

Alice was about as far behind me as I was behind Wendy when I saw her with less than 2 laps to go. She was gaining on me, but I was hanging at a steady distance behind Wendy.

Through the pit and Alice caught me, passed me and was gone. The next time I could get a look at Wendy, Alice had caught her. That girl has 3 extra gears.

During the last lap and a half, I went places I haven’t been before. It hurt more than the last mile of any marathon, it hurt more than the last 3 minutes of my 12 minute under/overs, it hurt like it should hurt at the end of a race.
It hurt and it was fabulous.

The final climb and I knew I would finish 3^rd. 4^th place far behind me, but I wouldn’t let up. I had to keep pushing the pedals as hard as I could. My glutes were screaming, my lungs on fires, my mouth hanging open like a gold fish, gasping for air.

I raced like had never raced before. I found another gear (I need yet another, but at least I found one). I crossed the line and had to will my legs to keep turning over, keeping a bit of momentum so I wouldn’t fall over. I left it all out there and it felt so good.

Huge thanks to the Sunnyside team, Mom and Mark, Ben, and of course Don and Damian – I could not ask for a better team… Here’s to cross and a season that just keeps getting sweeter!

Matt, Mike, and V, well done!

Read the offical race reports here:
Velo News
CX Magazine
October 15, 2009
11:42
Cross Crusade #2 - Cyclocross at Rainier High School
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Forehead on the handle bars, gasping for breath.
How did it go?
IT HURT

It hurt a lot. Not sure how many times I climbed up that hill, but every time it hurt just a little bit more.

I don't remember many details from Sunday's Cross Crusade Race at Rainier High School, but I can vividly recall the start. It was not flattering. It was kind of like getting a really nice new pair of jeans (i.e. a 2^nd row call up) and proceeding to pour hot coffee down the front of them on their debut (watching riders from the 4^th row pass you as you struggle to get up to speed). That being said, I was able to regain my position in the first half lap – but it would be nice to figure out how to get off the line. CX Practice, Hillside Park, Starts!!

And then the race gets a bit fuzzy:

Sprint up the gravel section.

Climb out of the saddle with burning legs as I crested the first asphalt rise with the sound of John Rollert voice echoing in my ears. As much as I wanted to shout something to the extent of, What does it look like am doing, having a tea party??? in return, the heckling crowd only makes the legs turn faster and pull up harder.

Head down, eyes closed as I force my self to shift and turn my legs over faster on the flat midsection of my new favorite CX course.

Then the right-handed turn, another little rise; stay in the big ring Bishop.

Left turn onto the grass and into the woods. Don't let up, this is not the time to rest.

The screaming fast down hill doesn't allow any time for rest enough. It is steep, but not steep enough to forego pedaling, but I do manage to get my breath under control. I don't touch the brakes until I have to; a sweeping left-hand turn that requires negotiation of gravel, chain link and a couple of pesky orange cones. Each lap I go in with a little more speed; this cornering thing is pretty fun.

The rest of the course seems like the journey back to the hill of pain. A set of barriers, a wooded little single track trail that proved to be great for passing and making up for my pitiful start, an off camber "S" curve, an energy-zapping run up, pass the pit and again, the climb.

I rode with Rhonda for the first half, maybe two-thirds of the race, then she took off and finished 3^rd. Erin and I continued to battle it out. I passed her on the climb, she passed me on the descent. In the end, she crossed the line in 7^th, I followed in 8^th.

THAT HURT

After the race I found Erin.
Nice race, I said.
I wasn't sure how she would respond. We have been racing back and forth for the last 3 races; she smiled back. We both understood the pain.

You too…..She replied. You have got to keep coming, you are making me faster. Really, keeping coming.

I assured her I would; she is making me faster too.

Check out Matt's Race Report here!

Some shots of the day and my most excellent Sunnyside teamies. Notice the new kits; right on time for Cross Crusade and Cyclocross Nationals:
October 12, 2009
10:37
Cross Clash - Ft. Steilacoom, Washington
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Another long weekend in the van with my fabulous teamies Chad and Renee, and of course their kids (dogs), Maggie and Red....

Friday:
Leave Bend 3pm, drive to Portland, eat at Cha Cha Cha, crash with friends, try to sign up for CycloCross Nationals, but the website can't take the traffic and we go to sleep without having given any more of our money to USA Cycling.

Saturday: 3AM
Wake up, successfully register for Nationals, go back to sleep

Saturday: 6:15AM
Get up for real this time. Head out the door and grab coffee at one of my old favorites on Fremont and head north to Lakewood, Washington, Home of Fort Steilacoom Park the first race of the weekend, Cross Clash!

Renee, Chad and I all raced at the same time so the pre-ride, warm up and number pinning was a group effort. At 11:30, we stood, shivering, at the start line. The fields weren't huge, but there were some tough competitors in the Elite Women's Field: Kari Studley (Velo Bella), Kristi Berg (Redline), Jenni Gaertner (XXX), and Ann Knapp. Here we go!

I had my signature start (aka: awful) and had to scrap my way back from about last to 5th, riding behind Ann Knapp from Kona for a couple minutes, moving past her on the first uphill and continuing to extent the gap as the race continued. Kristi Berg was in my sights with 3 laps to go and I did what I could to catch her, but I finished 20 seconds back. The race was posted as 45 minutes; I race for about 55…. All the better; the 40 minutes at Nationals is going to seem short. Check out CX Magazine's Race Report Here.

I finished the day in 4th place and was pleased with how I rode. My cornering is getting better, I am becoming less of a chicken on the down hills, and am trusting my tubulars more and more. I really love those wheels. I do need to find that other gear though - more intervals perhaps!?!

Renee and Chad both raced well and once we caught our breath, slammed some Recoverite and cooled down, it was off to Papa and Connie's for showers, rest, relaxing, good food and great company. Thanks for spoiling us rotten! (Matt & Scotty, we missed you!)

Sunday's report coming soon!
October 09, 2009
7:37
The Pumpkin Patch Was Good to Me; Heiser Farms and Alpenrose - Cross Crusade #1
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Racing on the other side of the Cascades is a whole other ball game and last weekend was a great opportunity to test out my fitness and figure out if I really should be racing A's. Two OBRA "A" line-ups under my belt; two races I was proud of.

Saturday – Heiser Farms

Small field, but a couple of tough competitors; the dry, dusty course suited me well. I was 4^th wheel off the line and stayed there for the first half lap. I felt like the pace was pretty slow and on the first long, uphill barrier set, I made my move. I pulled in front and never looked back. I continued to put time between and my two closest chasers as the 40 minute race unfolded. With 2 laps to go, I had a pretty good lead and eased off just a bit. Alpenrose, on Sunday, was the real goal. I crossed the line, smiling – I won a race on the West Side.

Sunday - Alpenrose, Cross Crusade #1

The big number of the girls racing at StarCrossed and Radracing also make frequent appearances at the Cross Crusade Races, and Alpenrose being the first and the largest of the Series, they were out in full force (with the exception of home town favorite Sue Butler who was racing in Gloucester).

Given I was a B last year and this is only my second season of racing Cross, or bikes for that matter, I feel like things went pretty well. But given that I am pretty hard on myself, I wanted to do better. I think I could have placed 6^th, beating the girls in pink, if I had played my cards right. I beat 7th place on Saturday by a fair bit; I should be able to do it again.

I road hard the first half of the race and was right there with Emily and Rhonda and the Gentle Lovers. Emily and Rhonda found a couple more gears that I just didn’t have and I got gapped – bad move. I did not feel good about this. The gap kept growing and I was fighting my way between 7 and 9^th place. With 2 laps to go I should have gone “all-out”. Instead I waited until the lap board read “1”.

We raced for 60 minutes, along side the Men’s As. 60 minutes is a long time to race; but with long laps, great crowds and lots of cowbell, the race was over before I knew it. Kacy, Andrew and Max came out to cheer and had their first taste of CX. Having them there was awesome; they found the run up, heckled with the best of them and looked to be having a great time.

Alpenrose is why people love to race cross… let the Crusade begin.

Check out this short video from the Cycling Diaries and get a better idea of what Cross is all about!

NOTE: Team Sunnyside Had a great showing and we are currently in the Top 10 for the team competition. Matt and Don both posted race reports.
October 03, 2009
21:18
Thrilla #4 - Trophies All Around
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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I road clean, smart and fast enough to come home with the Thrilla Series Trophy; along side teammates Damian and Colin.
Nice Showing Sunnyside.
October 01, 2009
10:52
A Quote for Thought
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Yesterday Ben sent me an email – Subject Line: A Quote for Thought

"Tell me, what it is you want to do with your one wild and precious life?" - Mary Oliver

An eloquent expression of the question I have been pondering quite often lately.

My response:

1) I want to love Ben with all my being. I want to return the kindness and love he shows to me each and everyday. I want to be his best friend and his wife.

2) I want to ride bikes; well, strong, and fast.

3) I want to be part of my community, working to share my love of the outdoors and passion for new adventures with those around me.

4) I want to live a life less ordinary!

Lofty goals, perhaps.
Unrealistic, I think not.

We have one shot, we get one chance.
It is time to embrace life, in all its wonder and create an existence that challenges the body, mind, and soul.
There will be struggles, stumbles, and trials, I am certain. What does not kill us makes us stronger.
September 30, 2009
9:00
Cyclocross... Chasing the Dream
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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We are often inspired most, not by the professionals, but by those around us, our friends; mere mortals who dedicate themselves to a goal and work to achieve it. Matt Fox is one of these people.

A teammate and friend, Matt is nicest guy you will ever meet and a sweet rider; strong, solid, and confident. He likes using the phases "Solid" and "Hillbilly Deluxe"; and for what ever reason I follow suit. He lets me follow him around the Phil's Network, slowing down so I can keep up and follow his lines. I admire his conviction and dedication to the sport of cycling and his love for not only the results, but the process.

Matt is a cyclist.

I am only becoming a cyclist; but his example has been instrumental in my burning desire to push the pedals ever harder, ever fast.

A recent post on Matt's Blog struck a cord with me…. Cyclocross….. Crashing the Dream. He puts in well:

"Head down I turn the pedals over and over. Tired aching legs and soreness find their way into my daily routine. I am getting ready. It's early I tell myself, one more interval, push it harder. It's all a big game to be sure, but it's one that drives me, keeps me motivated, keeps me dedicated and pushing myself to be better."

Read his entire entry and the rest of his Fox CX Blog here.
September 24, 2009
22:51
Think back to your first day of ...
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Think back to your first day of high school. You thought you were pretty hot stuff; lockers, varsity letter jackets, off campus lunch, homecoming football games.

Sporting your brand new Jansport pack and Converse kicks, you stepped off the bus and strolled right through the main doors; toward the Senior lounge.

Then it hit you. You just smacked your head on the bottom rung of the social ladder. The only thing anyone else thought you were good for was being stuffed into a garage can or locker.

This is quite similar to the experience I had this past weekend at Star Crossed as I awaited call-ups for the Elite Women’s Field. The first big UCI Cyclocross race of the season, a lot for the heavy hitters were on the Star Crossed confirmed rider list; UK’s national champion, a 4-time US National Champion, a Canadian Olympian.

Last year I raced Women’s B. This year I have raced the local Thrilla races. Standing there, among these amazing athletes, I second-guessed by decision to buy the UCI license and race with the big girls.

What was I thinking?

Just after 7pm, the UCI Official started calling out names; the names of women I have been reading about on cyclingnews.com, velonews.com, and cxmagazine.com all summer. Four rows back, my name was called, I took my place and looked around me.

Wow. I was in way over my head.

The pistol fired and the women at the front looked like they had just been shot out of a cannon; I struggled to comprehend the speed and at the first corner I was dead last.

I hadn’t set unrealistic goals for this weekend of racing; Star Crossed (Saturday) and Rad Racing Gran Prix (Sunday). I wanted to race with the elite women, I wanted to finish each race, I wanted to get some experience racing with the big girls. What I didn’t want was to get lapped and I didn’t want to finish last.

You are not going to get lapped and you are not going to get last. Ride your bike faster.

On the first straight away, I passed 2 girls. Okay, calm down. You are okay.

I could see a couple turns in front of me; Helen, Sue, Alison, and Alyson were off the front, a large chase group followed….. then there were the rest of us. I passed couple other girls going over the logs and finally settled in. The Star Crossed course was mostly grass, some asphalt and a short bit on the Group Health Velodrome. The corners were tight and fast and I lost time by slowing down too much on the 180s. There were 4 or 6 girls all pretty close to me. On each straight away I stood up, gaining ground on the girl in front of me, sometimes passing her, only to get passed back once we hit the more technical section. The leading group was quite a ways in front of us, but didn’t seem to be increasing their lead too quickly.

The first time I looked at the time clock, we were 23 minutes into a 40 minute race. I had pulled out of my right pedal twice and lost my chain once. I was racing smarter now; somehow calmer. I quit making so many little mistakes and started working with the few other girls around me. I would lead for a while, then get over taken on the technical infield section, sit on the wheel in front of me as we rode around the Velodrome, and then move into the lead after the barriers.

With two laps to go, the pace picked up and everyone was wrestling for position. I had my eye on a Black Mountain Cycles jersey in front of me; catching her on the back portion of the course, only to let her get away on a slick corner I didn’t trust myself to ride too fast.

I put some space between me and a couple of other girls on the last set of logs and sprinted through the finish 3 seconds behind Black Mountain. Yes, I said sprinted. No, there wasn’t anyone right on my wheel and no, I didn’t think I could catch Black Mountain, but I wanted to sprint. This was a race; aren’t you supposed to sprint at the end of a race?

I soft pedaled and rolled back to the starting area where I had left my jacket. I didn’t know what to think about my performance; I finished 21^st out of 28 (there were 3 DNFs). I was disappointed, but I didn’t give myself anytime to really think about it. The rain started to fall about then and I wanted to get changed and ready to watch Matt and Scotty race in the Men’s Elite Field, along side Page, Trebon, and Powers.

Sunday’s race, Rad Racing GP played out about the same; a humbling call-up, a super fast start, wicked fast pace; only this time I felt a little more “in it”. I hung with the large chase group for the first half of the first lap until we hit a sketchy downhill section, where I used too much brake and got dropped pretty fast. I scrambled to narrow the gap on the flats and the climbs, catching a number of the girls on the uphill section only to get dropped on the downhill. This is the way the entire 40 minutes played out. I ended up 18^th out of 23; disappointed because I think I could have pulled out 15^th place, but pleased that I felt like I had raced.

It is the beginning of long season. Only my second season of racing. I took a big step; moving from the Cross Crusade B field to the UCI Elite Field. I am not making any excuses, I have a lot of work to do; but what I take home from this weekend is a awakened motivation, a fierce desire to ride fast and to ride well, and to train to the best of my ability in order to maybe, one day, be at the front of that pack instead of the back.

Check out videos of both Star Crossed and Rad Racing Here
September 17, 2009
21:53
Thrilla #3 - A Crash Course
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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A trace of road rash and a couple of holes in my skinsuit, a bruised ego, a bit of humility, and a 6 pack of 20” Brown.

This week’s Thrilla was, for me, strangely, the best race thus far in the series. I learned a couple lessons that had not yet been on the syllabus.

I got off the line first, got too excited, tried to put space between myself and the rest of field too soon, got carried away and went down hard, on an uphill, climbing out of the pit – on the first lap. How does one hit the deck on the uphill, you ask? Loose Oregon moon dust, an aggressive out-of-the-saddle surge, and bam, I went down.

The short lead I had vanish as I tried to get my chain going, bending my right brake lever back, and tried in vain to regain my composure.

Five or six girls cruised by me as I spun my cranks and slowly began to make way up and out of the pit. Now it was my turn to chase. For a lap and a half I chased.

I made a lot of mistakes, gripping too tightly to my handle bars, riding stiff and unbalanced. My right butt cheek started to sting and I almost lost it going around the 180 right before the barriers.

Get it together Bishop.

I knew I wasn’t riding well and then I saw Don out of the corner of my eye.
“Relax, calm down, calm down, you’re okay.”
I am not sure if these were his exact words, but this is what I heard.

Around the corner and again I heard him,
“Be smart, take is slow, you got it.”
Don’s words hit home, I was able to relax a bit, accelerate out of the next corner and get my composure back – finally. I took a deep breath. I was riding in second place.

You can catch her, just be patient and ride smart.

By the next lap, I was back in the lead, but I didn’t know by how much. I was still a little shaky and making small mistakes. Don was there again,
“You have a good lead, just be smart, ride smooth.”
Again his words resonated with me and I finally began to feel comfortable on the saddle.

Three or four laps remained in the race and I rode then all a little better than the last. I hammered up and out of the pit each lap like it was the last and my legs burned something awful. Amazing thing though, if you just keep pedaling, the lactic acid somehow flushes out and you can do it all over again.

I crossed the finish line, relieved.

First crash of the season; out of the way. I crashed hard and I will undoubtedly do it again. The key is to know how to recover, how to get yourself back together and get back on the saddle. This I am just learning this and tonight I got the crash course.

With wounds scrubbed out, skinsuit awaiting repair, and belly full, my mind wanders to the weekend. Star Crossed and Rad Racing Grand Prix are on the agenda. Matt and I will make our way north to race with the big kids for two days of all-star rosters. I am in way over my head, but what the heck, you have got to start somewhere and why not learn from the best.
September 11, 2009
8:34
Thrilla #2 - With an All-Star Line-Up
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Only in Bend do you show up to the weekly Cross race and stand on the start line with Ryan Trebon, Jonathan Page and Chris Sheppard. Thrilla #2 featured a stacked Men’s field and the excitement of Nationals this December is only growing.

Riding in Central Oregon dust is treacherous, Page when down hard in a loose moon-dust corner. Trebon took advantage of the mishap and redeemed himself after last week’s flat by taking home the 6 pack.

After a bit of nervousness, turned to excitement, my race almost didn’t happen. On my last practice lap, I got a bit too aggressive, took a turn just a little too fast, when down in the dust, and hit my front wheel hard, knocking it completely out of true and making it almost nonfunctional with the current brake adjustment.

The final call for line-ups was made and I was still hanging out by the tents, trying to adjust my front brake cable so that my wheel would rotate without coming to a complete stop. At this point, I had a couple of choices.
1) Blame it on a mechanical, open a beer and be a cheerleader for the Sunnyside Team
2) Start the race as-is and get a great workout with the added resistance of my front wheel on brake
3) Loosen up the brake cable, making them wide enough to function with an extremely wobbly wheel, while making braking power almost nonexistent.

I picked option #3 and after some help from my friend J, I bolted down to the start line and hoped for the best. Who needs a front brake anyway? They just slow you down.

The race played out similar to last week. Loose 180 degree turns, Central Oregon dust, a long sketchy descent that took out the riders that didn’t respect the power of ball-bearing pea-gravel, the burning desire to finish the final 2 laps without getting passed by the leaders.

The semi-functional front brake gave me a couple of surprises early on, but soon I forgot about it in exchange for a intense focus on the burning pain in my left quad and the inability to breathe as a result of my dust encrusted throat and nostrils (you have got to love the Thrilla!).

The Sunnyside Team had a great turn out and raced strong. Fox was beasting it out, overtook me on the climb out, leaving me with only his dust. Damian, on the SS with a sloppy chain, took 6^th place; right up there with the big guns. It is awesome to see so many brightly clad teammates cheering each other on and only pushing one another to go harder.

I came home with another 6 pack, a load of high fives, and a bit more confidence than last week. A trip to Sunnyside is in order today; I have to get that front wheel straightened out so I can do it all again next week.
September 10, 2009
12:16
Nerves.
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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What is it about cross that makes me so nervous?
All I have to do is ride around in circles, jump off the bike, run over some barriers, hop back on the bike, shoulder the Yeti up & over the berm and keep on going until that darn white board says 1 lap to go. Then….hurt like hell for one final go-round; wringing out anything I have left trying to not get passed by the likes of Trebon or Sheppard.
Dust, dirt, gravel, and a bunch of 180s. I know how to run, jump, and pedal.
You don't have anything to be nervous about.
Just keep telling yourself that Bishop – just keep telling yourself that.
Thrilla #2 tonight - bring your cowbells.
September 04, 2009
9:32
Thrilla #1
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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That’s right folks, I finally got a skin suit.

So the skin suit is a long story, but to summarize, I have one, I wore it and I went fast.

Thursday marked the first day of Cyclocross Season. For the entirety of the road-racing season I have been thinking about cross; about riding the Yeti, about dismounts and remounts and run-ups, about mud and dust and cowbells. And now, it is upon us.

My nerves were on the edge; twitchy, uncertain, anxious. The turn-out for the first race of the WebCyclery Thrilla Cross Race was excellent, much bigger than last year and I recognized a number of out-of-town faces as we lined up. Among the locals, pros Ryan Trebon and Chris Sheppard were in the mix. The course had been expanded to spread out the field and challenge both the descending and climbing ability of the racers; bombing down into the gravel yard and climbing back up again. As I preroad the course with Renee, my only comment was, This is going to hurt.

As I stepped up to the line, I looked around at the other women. This was really going to hurt. I was fourth off the line, not sure where I would fall in and quickly moved into 3rd, then 2nd. I stayed 2nd wheel for the first couple of turns and on the first little climb, moved into the lead. And then I went for it. I had about 50 minutes of racing ahead of me. How long could I maintain the lead? How strong were the other girls, how strong was I? I never looked behind me, I just road.
The first set of barriers went well… okay, I calmed down a bit and kept hammering. Steep run-up, down into the gravel pit, I was passing some of the guys at this point and hoping that the gap between me and the rest of the girls was growing.

I didn’t look at the time board until it said 17min + 2 laps to go. I tried to calculate the number of laps I had already completed & how many more I had to go; but this sort of highly complex mathematical equation is impossible when you are choking on dust, grasping for oxygen, and trying to navigate through a bunch of guys.

It didn’t matter how long there was to ride, I just needed to keep riding hard until 2 laps to go and then ride harder. I stayed within my limits, feeling strong each time I climbed the hill out of the gravel pit, legs burning only slightly, recovering my breath any chance I got. With two laps to go, I had a pretty good lead, No Mistakes Bishop, Don’t Get Sloppy.

At this point my goal was to not get passed by the leaders, I wanted to ride both of the last laps and not get cut. 2 more laps, no problem. I made it over the berm and back into the front section of the course right as I heard the announcer say something about the leaders being not to far behind… deep breathe, go harder, don’t get caught. I made it up the hill and across the start/finish line without seeing the wheels of the leading men. One to go.

Chris Sheppard crossed the finish line, winning, soon after I had started my last lap, so there weren’t many people behind me. All the other women had been cut-off. I would win, but I didn’t want to slack off, I didn’t want to make any mistakes. I passed a couple more men on the final lap and crossed the line to an anti-climatic finish full of friendly faces, covered in dirt.
Inside I was smiling ear-to-ear, on the outside, I was gasping for breath and coughing like I had black lung.

Thrilla #1 down; a whole season ahead of me. Either Damian knows what he is talking about or my new skinsuit is really fast. Now, if only I did something about my helmet.

Check out race results and photos HERE
August 13, 2009
7:34
Cowbells are not far away
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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I round the corner, Pilot Butte comes into view. Streaks of sunlight dive through the high-hanging cloud cover. The days are getting shorter, it is August. Summer remains, but the morning air is cooler than it was a month ago. Armwarmers stuffed into my jersey pocket is a reminded of just how early I left the house. I am headed home after my AM set of intervals. It is Wednesday. Wednesdays are double days. Tonight’s Central Oregon Crit is the last one of the series and this will be followed by the first Sunnyside Cyclocross practice of the season. Fitting to move from fast asphalt and tight corners to grass, barriers and the elusive goal of eliminating my stutter step in the same evening.

Exactly four months until Cyclocross Nationals. Three weeks until the first Thrilla Cross Race. 1 month until Starcross. 7 weeks until Alpenrose, the first race in the Cross Crusade series. Equipped with a Cycleops Power Tap and some directed training, I am hopeful that my efforts will result in reward come December. Mud, snow, and sloppy run-ups are what my thoughts are filled with lately. Visualizing the smooth, effortless transition from bike to foot to bike again displayed by some of the country’s best; Katie Comptin, Ryan Trebon, Wendy Simms, Barry Wicks. If I can look half as graceful while remounting after a 6-pack of barriers, covered in mud, I will be more than pleased.
August 07, 2009
15:37
I am not letting you off that easy.
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Months ago, you asked for motivation. You were looking for a pep talk; words of encouragement that would get you out the door and in the saddle.

The responses were overwhelming, potentially slowing down the facebook server for a brief moment – HS, get after it.

You have an unbelievable support network, amazing friends, and a strong will. You want to ride, to train, to race. You love the mud, the cow bells, the pain, the reward. You love Forest Park in the rain and a strong shot of whiskey or a good cup of coffee when the pedals stop turning. I don't know you well, but I know you well enough to put my foot down.
Now it my turn to say something… to respond to this passive solicitation for a good slap across the face:

I’ve resigned myself to the fact that my random acts of fitness may be all I can get out of myself for a few years. It’s not that I’m giving up, it’s more like I’m calming down.

I am not letting you off that easy.

Everyday I struggle to fit it all in. Work, training, relationships, life. It isn't easy. I have the occasional break down. We all do. But some how we do it. Why? Because it is a part of who we are. A friend of mine calls it Bike Disease. My mother calls it addiction. I like to call it passion – the thing that fuels you and gets you out of bed in the morning. Whether you like it or not, it is in you.

So here is your wake up call.

Don't calm down, get after it.
Don't just settle, charge.
If you want it, make it happen.

Come October 4th, when we all line up, I want to see you there. Smiling and ready for another season of beautiful cross.
July 31, 2009
10:58
RAGBRAI - Cycling Across Iowa
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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No bike computer.
No heart rate monitor.
No defined workout or schedule.
Just riding bikes for the pure and simple love of pushing pedals.
A true critical mass, riding 10,000 strong, the 2009 RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) rolled out of Council Bluffs on Sunday morning.  Like nothing I had ever before witnessed, riders of all shapes and sizes on steeds of every kind dominated the landscape spreading out before me.  Framed only by blue sky and fields of corn and soy beans, the 500 mile ride, 7 day ride had begun.
Day 1: Council Bluffs to Red Oak - 52.6 miles, 3,684ft of climbing
Day 2: Red Oak to Greenfield - 72.6 miles, 5,096ft of climbing
Day 3: Greenfield to Indianola - 77.1 miles, 4,470ft of climbing
Day 4: Indianola to Chariton - 44.4 miles, 2,182ft of climbing
Day 5: Chariton to Ottumwa (Karras Loop at Rathburn Lake) - 106.9 miles, 3,388ft of climbing
Day 6: Ottumwa to Mount Pleasant - 75.5 miles, 2,841ft of climbing
Day 7: Mount Pleasant to Burlington - 43.2 miles, 1,145ft of climbing
The days seem to run together as I attempt to recall the specifics of each sunrise; by mid-ride I had actually lost track of the days of the week.  When I made this realization, I celebrated; I was embracing vacation.
I often laugh when I say, "When I grow up I just want to write and ride my bike".  For one week in July, this became my reality.
Waking up each morning, our trusty Hubba Hubba covered in a think layer of dew, knowing riding was the only thing on the agenda bought me back to our mornings on the PCT when walking was our only responsibility.  Only on RAGBRAI, there was food a plenty and showers available just about every night.
Our team, the Sigourney Weavers, was compromised of 15 riders, 4 tandems, 1 chariot trailer and the kind of positive energy that can do nothing but lift your spirits.
Traveling with people with a great affinity to good java, each morning started with freshly brewed coffee and foamed milk; the makings of the perfect latte and a great day.
After loading up the Big Pink School Bus that moved our tent city from town to town each day, we saddled up and rolled out, leaving one town and heading toward another.
Along the way, the Farm Boys Breakfast Burrito Stand might call to our growling stomachs or perhaps we would push on toward the next Church Basement Fundraiser to enjoy a homemade slice of strawberry rhubarb or berry pie.  Roadside Pork chops, Turkey Legs and Meat-on-a-Stick popped up every few miles along with the occasional ice cream or watermelon stand.
Bikes filled both sides of the two-lane back roads and the lone car just had to wait.  If sitting on a corner in a small town on the RAGBRAI itinerary, you could watch bikes for hours, a steady steam of squeaky chains.
The left side of the road was unofficially reserved for the faster riders and Ben and I most often found ourselves there.  If was only on rare occasion that we were not the passers as we flying by people riding cruisers, mountain bikes and recumbents.  Pace lines, including strong tandem pairs, formed along the far left reaches of the asphalt, making the miles tick by in quick succession and forcing me to push the limits on the downhills as I desperately tried to hold on to the wheel of a 47 pound tandem.  Unknown to most, Iowa is not flat and the short, steep uphills forced me to stand and sprint, watching as the flat-landers virtually moved backward. Unending fun was had cresting roller after roller and flying down the other side.
Afternoons were filled with long breaks under shade trees or meeting the High Country Kombucha van, with ice cold Kombucha on tap.  Leaving the route and rolling into town where we would set up camp for the night, smiles would not leave our faces.  Snacks, brews and slack lining occupied our evenings, along with a stroll into town to witness the nightly RAGBRAI party and find the local HyVee Grocery Store to load up on staples for the following day.
Day 7 marked the end of the West-to-East journey across the great state of Iowa and our arrival at the Mississippi River.  The finish to this year’s ride included the Rattle Snake Challenge, a steep cobblestone street with 6 or 7 switchbacks.  Cheers came from the crowd that lined the way as we completed the last stretch of our inaugural RAGBRAI ride.
Huge thanks go out to Team Sigourney Weave, Rosie (the bus driver), all our host families, the great citizens of Iowa and to Toby from Mammut for providing hours of evening entertainment complements of the Slack Line.
July 18, 2009
19:11
Ragbrai - Before the riding begins
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Ragbrai – Registers Annual Great Ride Across Iowa

Sitting in Sigourney Iowa, I get my first look at the 2009 Ragbrai Particpant Guide.

Pecan Pie Hunter reads the front graphic.

My plan of going on an All Pie Diet seems to be on right on track with the sentiments of the event.

7 days, riding bikes and eating pie….. I am ready to get underway.

We left Bend Thursday night, driving over the pass to Portland to sleep on Kacy’s back deck and making it to the airport for a 6am flight Friday morning.
It is now Saturday morning, we are still in route to Council Bluff, Iowa…. Making stops in St. Louis, Sigourney, and Des Moines in the Pepto-Bismol pink school bus to pick up the members of the 15 person Sigourney Weaver “RAGBRAI team”.

In a bus equipped with a two couches and an internal bike rack system built to hold 16 bikes, we pull into Council Bluff, the start of Ragbrai 2009.

I am ready to get off this bus.

I am ready to ride.
July 16, 2009
6:50
Ragbrai – Registers Annual Great Ride Across Iowa
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Sitting in Sigourney Iowa, I get my first look at the 2009 Ragbrai Particpant Guide.
Pecan Pie Hunter reads the front graphic.
My plan of going on an All Pie Diet seems to be on right on track with the sentiments of the event.
7 days, riding bikes and eating pie….. I am ready to get underway.

We left Bend Thursday night, driving over the pass to Portland to sleep on Kacy’s back deck and making it to the airport for a 6am flight Friday morning.
It is now Saturday morning; we are still in route to Council Bluff, Iowa…. Making stops in St. Louis, Sigourney, and Des Moines in the Pepto-Bismol pink school bus to pick up the members of the 15 person Sigourney Weaver “RAGBRAI team”.

In a bus equipped with a two couches and an internal bike rack system built to hold 16 bikes, we pull into Council Bluffs, the start of Ragbrai 2009.
I am ready to get off this bus.
I am ready to ride.
July 14, 2009
15:03
High Desert Omnium - Race Report
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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An unfamiliar feeling for me; going to sleep in my own bed the night before a stage race.

Unfamiliar, but welcomed.

My sister, Kacy, brother-in-law, Andrew, and nephew, Max, came over from Portland for the weekend, partly as a "get-away" and partly to see what this bike racing thing is all about. A bit of pressure; the home town crowd, my family and Ben standing on the sidelines; I had better put on a good show.

Having spent Friday night relaxing with my family, eating at Jackson's Corner, and playing with little Max, I woke up Saturday morning refreshed and ready to ride.

Stage 1: Criterium – 35 minutes

I set the alarm for 8am, woke up just after 7am and felt like I had slept half the day away. My race didn't start until 11:15am; plenty of time for a walk to Backporch for coffee, enjoy breakfast and warm-up. No rushing, just fun.

By 10am, I was on the trainer, on the back deck, trying to get my heart rate up and flush out my legs. Already sweating, I looked at my watch, 60 minutes till go time. Funny when the warm up for the race takes long than the race itself.

I rolled over to Summit High School, arriving just a couple minutes before the course was open for pre-riding. I looked around and didn't see many women; I had expected there to be a larger field. Coming around the last corner of my second warm-up lap, people were already lining up – I don't know where they had been hiding, but the field was definitely large; strong women, lined up and ready to race.

The bell rang and we rolled out. One girl attacked right off the line and while the rest of the group fumbled with pedals, she got just a little gap on us. That quickly closed, but I got stuck toward the back of the pack for the first couple of laps.

I didn't like being back there. I wanted to move up, but intimidation got the best of me for a bit.

I have no business being toward the front. Get over yourself, this is a race.

I worked to move up, staying wide on the corners and gaining ground with each turn. Soon I found myself 3^rd or 4^th wheel. Safe. Good. Then another attack, followed by a counter attack. I did what I could just to stay on and keep a good position. It was a constant battle. If I wasn't moving up, I was moving back.

The bell rang with three laps to go and the pace slowed……. On the back side of the course, an attack, then a corner and the group got back together. I got out on the front at one point, and quietly moved back into the pack. 2 laps to go, the lead pack was smaller now, but still good sized and everyone was fighting for position.

As we crossed the line with 1 lap to go, I expected an attack; a lightning fast final lap, but this was not the plan of the powerhouses controlling the race.

I knew position would be key going into the final turn and I tried to move to the outside, but I got boxed in on the back side corner and couldn't move over.

Work with what you have Bishop – be safe.

I took the final corner tight, sitting in about 12^th position. With 200 metes to go, the sprint started. I shifted and stood up. My selection gear was not hard enough. I shifted again.

A couple of girls blew past me and ran out of steam. I passed them and couple others, the line was right there, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw a girl on the far left pass me at the line. I finished 8^th or 9^th overall, 4^th for the Cat 3s.

Not bad. Safe, fun, and smiling.

Back to the house; food, water, and rest. A walk to the river for cool dunk of the legs. Hanging out with my sister, talking about the crit. She was inspired, she wants to ride bikes.

Stage 2: Time Trial

My starting time was 4:12:30; about 3pm I started thinking about racing again. Aero bars; check. TT helmet, check. Back on the trainer, this time in the heat of the day. I found the only semi shading spot on the deck and started spinning – OUCH. This whole warm-up thing hurts. It seriously hurts. But only for about the first 10 minutes, and then I am so glad to have done it. It hurts, but it helps. Seriously helps.

I road over to the start of the TT, on Skyliners, and had about 15 minutes until my start time. Did I mention how awesome it is to warm up on my deck and then ride to the start of a race. 2^nd time in one day – sweet! I did a couple of sprints up the Summit High School Hill and rolled to the starting line. The count down began, 15, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

Stand up, get some momentum and then into the bars; big gears. Heart rate jumped to 184 with in 30 seconds. Only 9 miles, 4.5 out, 4.5 back – just like the 20 minute test.

With my bike computer set to distance and my watch set to HR and time, I could keep a good eye on where I was in the race and how hard I was working. At mile 1 I realized I might have gone out too hard. Too bad, you dealt the hand, now play it.

I passed my 30 second girl within 2 or 3 miles; she was the first to go, so no more carrots for me. Too bad, suck it up, ride harder. I climbed the first steeper pitch feeling good; it was when the road flattened out that my legs started screaming. 12.7mph – on the flat, unacceptable, lets go. I was turning my legs over as fast as I could, they just wouldn't go. Work through it, come on.

After about 20 or 30 seconds, I got my legs back, shifted and stood up, settled back into my aero bars and picked up the pace. One more little rise and I could see the turn around point. I made turn (much too slowly), and headed down hill for home. I got as aero as I could and held on. With 2 miles to go, the road flattened out. This is where I wanted to make up time. I pushed the pedals, legs burning.

With 500m to go, I went to for it. Biggest gear I could manage, head down. I crossed the line; Ben and Kacy were there. I wasn't sure of the exact time, but I knew I was somewhere between 24 and 25 minutes. Now I had to play the waiting game.

Kacy, on my mountain bike, Ben and I took a cool down lap through Tetherow. Talking about bikes, teaching Kacy how to shift, and laughing; this was turning out to be an excellent weekend.

By the time we made it home, my legs were flushed out, the cold river was sounding delightful and Kacy had ridden about 10 miles…. She was loving it.

When the results were posted later that evening, 1 second made the difference between winning the tt and 2^nd place. I was 1 second too slow. 2^nd place gave me 13 points.

I now stood in 3 place overall.

Stage 3: Road Race

Fueled by an amazing dinner Kacy prepared (now to be my first choice in pre-race meals), I woke up Sunday morning with racing on my mind.

Crazy thing about an Omnium Race versus a Stage Race; people who haven't raced on Saturday can race on Sunday. They may have fresh legs, but I had on my racing cap…..

The field would be bigger today and as I drove up to Edison Snow Park with Kerry and Lisa, I got just a bit nervous. I was racing with the big girls now; girls that raced in the Pro1/2 field at Mt Hood, girls that just return from racing in Italy, girls that were preparing for Cascade Cycling Classic.

Today would be a challenge, but I knew the course. I rode it just last weekend. I would be smart, hold the wheels I knew were strong, and try to make the break.

At 10:40am, the Women's Pro1/2/3 field rolled out of Edison Snow Park and down hill toward Sunriver. The pace wasn't too fast, people were being conservative and no one wanted to make a move on the down hill.

We made the right hand turn onto Road 40, and the attacks began. They weren't attempts to break away; but instead steady increases in speed to tire out the legs of some and drop a few. I stayed toward the front, attempting to stay on the wheels of the few women I knew would be strong in this type of race. As we turned left to circle around Crane Prairie, I felt good, continually drinking and being a bit more aggressive about sticking on my wheel of choice than I have been in the past.

A few break away attempts occurred on this long, flat stretch; but with a little organization, they were reeled back in. I tried not to work too much, but took my turn when necessary. The head wind was fierce in spots, making the thought of being out there alone for too long very unappealing. Each time we climbed a rise, the pace picked up, then settled down again once everyone was back together.

I was hanging in, so far so good.

As we cruised along Cascade Lakes Highway, smooth pavement beneath our wheels, the pace increased as the hail began to fall. A couple of girls launched an attack that I was a little nervous about, but I looked around and all the top contenders were sitting tight. I did the same. The wind helped the pack bring the attack back in and as we passed the feed zone and turned right back onto Road 40, I could sense something was going to happen.

Girls were jockeying for position as we approached the start of the climb, mile 40 of the 60 miles race. I sat tight on a wheel I knew could climb and spun my way up the first steeper pitch. A couple of women were out front, working hard to pull the group up the first hill, but as the grade faded, so did they and they slipped back as my wheel and I went on through.

Teri and Becka shot off the front. Now the real work began.

Everyone knew that if those two got away, they would stay away and no one was willing to let that happen. A short descent began and I held on tight to the group in front of me. I was not going to get dropped on the downhill…. Again.

We started climbing again, reducing the gap between Teri & Becka and ourselves, soon catching them. It was then that I realized the chase group was only about 10 or 12 girls.

I had made the break, now I had to hold on.

Pace lining along the flatter sections and each man for themselves on the steeper pitches, we rolled back toward the Sunriver cutoff at about 25mph.

I looked around me. I couldn't believe I was riding next to these girls. Stupid strong women I had watched kick ass and take names all season.

As we made the final left turn up toward Edison and the finish line, I was nervous that the chase group might catch us, but no else seem too worried. Follow their lead.

The head wind slowed our pace considerably; working together we were only going 13-14mph. I took my turn in the rotation, everyone taking short pulls as we made our way up hill into the wind. I felt good, strong and comfortable. We continued to rotate through the pace line until about 2 miles from the finish when I pulled off left into the front and no one was behind me to take over.

I looked over my shoulder and motioned for someone to come around. No one did.

I slowed down a bit, hoping that would encourage someone to help out. Failed tactic.

I moved from the right side of the road to the left. Nope, nothing. No help at all.

I sat up, going pretty slowly. Still no luck.

The photo motorcycle was just to our left, I moved into its slipstream (probably highly illegal) but that didn't last long; a whole 10 seconds of relief before it sped away.

At this point, I was unsure what to do. With 1 mile to go, I was still up front, not where I wanted to be.

I knew Teri was behind me and the only thing that gave me comfort from my own stupidity was that I might be helping her.

Still out front, we approached the 200m sign; I shifted and stood up; trying to accelerate into the wind.

At about 50m, the inevitable happened. Of the 10-12 girls in the break, 7 of them past me. I stood up, turning over the pedals as fast as I could. I couldn't respond to their speed. I crossed the line in 8^th place.

I wasn't sure who in this group was a 1/2 and who was a 3, but it didn't really matter, I had made the break. Finally.

I didn't know until late Sunday night how I had finished; but for once it didn't really matter. I had hung on with the big girls; I had pushed myself; I had made the break. I didn't let myself get dropped on the downhills, I stuck to the wheels I planned to and had ridden strong.

No, High Desert Omnium isn't a huge race, but to me, it was a huge accomplishment to race well. And to race well at home.

When the results were posted, I learned I finished 2^nd for the Cat 3s in the rode race; behind a women in a Poplollies Kit I had never seen before. The little disappointment I felt for not having won fled when I learned I had won the overall.

I think it was sometime in April that I decided to set a goal for myself: To race Cascade Classic next July as a Cat 2. Until this weekend, I wasn't so sure it was possible. Now, I am pretty sure it is.

Thanks to everyone that has given me so much support this season. To Sunnyside Sports, Don, Damian, the girls of BBNS, and most of all to Ben, who puts up with me each and everyday.

As the road season comes to a close for me, I have cyclocross on the brain. Mud and cowbells – and Cyclocross Nationals, only 5 months away.
July 13, 2009
17:11
Frustrating, torturous bliss.
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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There is always a point when you could have gone harder.

You make a decision; How much do you want to hurt?

A split second in time that you won't let yourself forget.

It is this brief, but vivid memory that keeps you stepping up to the line, race after race, to ride hard once again.

And every time you reach that point in the race, you push yourself a little further, the comfort boundary expands, you are willing to hurt more.

With each step forward, with each acceptance of more pain, you realize you could have gone harder, endured more, pushed the boundary just a fraction further.

It is a learning process. You can read about it in books, you can talk to friends, you can watch it on Versus, but until you are in it, it can't be understood.

The more you experience the feeling of being on the verge, the more you crave the opportunity to step further over the edge.

It is addictive, some would say masochistic; but for those of us who race because we crave that feeling, it is bliss. Frustrating, torturous bliss.
High Desert Omnium Race Report Coming Soon........
July 06, 2009
12:39
Pedaling; the newest wonder drug.
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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It was a big weekend. A lot of time in the saddle. The first 90+ temps of the summer. A load of emotional turmoil.

Life; when rubber meets the road and the only way to get it out is to pedal harder.

Pedaling; the newest wonder drug.

Good from your heart and your soul.

Smooth circles, for hours on end. You find the rhythm that has you moving along effortlessly, your breath controlled, your heart rate steady.

The tempo changes. You are working hard, digging to hold the wheel that always seems to be pulling away, your legs ache from miles logged on the previous two days; the brilliant sign of a long weekend.

The wheel fades back and it is your turn to pull. The road is flat, the gear is big, and 23 mph seems comfortable.

Amazing the energy you feel in the front; pulling along in silence. You know they are back there, focused, steady. It is your job to do the same. Take a drink, settle back in. This is going to be a long day.

The road turns upward, you are now only two. Holding onto to that wheel is your only train of thought. A single focus, don't let it go.

The road flattens, the wheel accelerates, you don't respond. It is gone. It was faster than you, it deserved to get away.
A brief bout with self-pity quickly fades. Head down, in the drops, you ride. 15 miles alone.
You turn uphill and see that wheel, clad in pink and black. They are slowing. You reach them.

Have any water?, I'm out.

Nope, Out too.

The conversation withers, mouths dry and hot.

The only thing you crave is ice cold Coke as you climb up crackling asphalt.

You can see the blue cooler, full of ice and red aluminum cans, sitting in the back of the van. Parked at Edison, 2 miles back, locked.

You don't mention the Coke, neither do they. You offer food. The offer is declined.
Food won't quench this kind of thirst.

2 bottles, 5 hours, not enough. Dumb.

The van whizzes by. Arm gestures are made. Panic, the van doesn't stop. There goes the Coke. Didn't even know I liked Coke.

One last climb and then it is downhill, keep thinking about the down hill.

A turn in the road, climbing, thirsty. And then the van comes into sight.

They stopped. The best teammates in the world. Water, ice cubes, and Coke.

With the sound of the can opening, I laugh. It goes down easily.
Instant energy – sugar and caffeine – powerful stuff.
I would have paid $10 for that 12oz can; that was all I had in my jersey pocket.

Thanks are exchanged, bottles topped off, the sound of shoes clipping into pedals means we are on our way.

We ride on, happy. The remaining red can is opened and shared as we coast by Miessner. Completely refreshing.
I mean commercial worthy kind of refreshing.
A few miles of flats. I pull in front. Legs tired, but strong.

We roll through town and onto Ogden Ave. Like visions of sugar plums; berry smoothies, a cold shower, a soak in the Deschutes dance through my head.

It is hot. I am tired. But I smile, the wonder drug prevails again.
July 01, 2009
11:48
A tour around the Strawberry Mountains…………
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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The weekend's plan was to ride a 100 mile loop around the Strawberry Mountains, camping some where in the middle.

The weather could not have been better, warm and sunny – just hot enough to know it was summer.

I was riding the Yeti, Ben on his Lemond; each of us pulling a Bob trailer. Brad and Dana were cruising on their fully loaded Long Haul Truckers, built specifically for touring and their upcoming 7 week New Zealand bike tour. I have to admit there was a hint of jealously here; beautiful bikes built for the long haul……
How many bikes can one person have?
X = (Current # of Bikes) + 1
Day 1:
Early Saturday morning we loaded up and headed out, driving east toward John Day. Brad, Dana, Ben and I were ready to roll, literally.Bikes, trailers and smiles, we rode out of John Day, Oregon just after noon and headed east toward Prairie City.

The first 10 or 15 miles were along Highway 26 toward Prairie City; amazingly good riding. Wide shoulder, little traffic, and the energy you have when you first get on your bike after a long car ride.
Our first small-town-stop was in Prairie City for a cold drink. No, we didn't really need to stop, but that is the fun of touring; you get to stop when ever and where ever you want. No time limit, no bike computer, no heart rate monitor. Just a paper map and a group of friends; riding along for the sake of riding.
Leaving Prairie City we turned south, off the main road and onto paved forest service roads. Narrow roads with few cars meant we could ride 2 abreast and chit-chat as we made our way along the John Day River.

The chit chatting stopped when we started to climb… and climb… and climb.

Another beautiful thing about bike touring and only having a road map is that the topo lines are almost non-existent so determining the grade and terrain is near impossible.
Note: I describe this as a beautiful thing, others might disagree.
The grade flattened out a bit as we approached Trout Farm, a campground maintained by the Malheur Country Forest Service. Hoping to find water, we were pleasantly surprised by a piped spring providing fresh, cold libation. Filling our water bottles and checking the place out, we discovered why they call it Trout Farm. The lake at the far side of grounds was filled with huge trout; jumping, swimming, and thankful Ben had left his fishing pole at home.

The climb continued and got much steeper as we got closer to Prairie Summit. Well worth the climb, Prairie Summit was true to its name, open fields, wild flowers and fresh air. By the time we descended the 1000 feet into Logan Valley, we were ready to rest for the day.
After reaching the Big Creek Campground and finding it full of RVs and ATVs, we ventured a short way down a gravel side road, finding an ideal camping spot; sheltered from the sun and covered in pine needle duff. We unloaded the trailers and got back on our bikes – we had spotted a swimming hole down the way and weren't about to miss the chance to take a plunge into the icy water.

Dinner: Pasta all around.

Dessert: Tea and Chocolate.

Sunset: Unbelievable.

Life: Grand.

Day 2:

Sunday morning I went to church. My church. The church I share with all outdoor lovers who get high off fresh air, open space, and riding bikes. And I rejoiced!

Continuing through the Logan Valley, the cows are already awake, the horses were grazing and the sun felt amazing as it warmed my back. The roads were empty, save 4 cyclists adorned with smiles and the miles ticked by too quickly. Another climb, although not as tough as the one previous, ended in a sweeping decent that had me laughing and grinning ear to ear. I tried to keep up with Ben, and succeeded, finally figuring out the trick of going 30+ with a trailer in tow.

The plan was to stop in Seneca for a second breakfast and a coffee…. Sure they must have a café. Seneca was in bold on the map after all.

Lesson Learned: Maps can be deceiving.

Seneca turned out to be a one-shop town, a rickety little convenience store that sold ice cream sandwiches, a lot of meat, and Powerade. After picking up a few essentials, we found a picnic table in what looked to be the city park and enjoyed the dregs of our cheese, crackers, and peanut butter. A true feast!
Tip for the road: When carrying cheese on a bike tour or backpacking trip, wrap it in a brown paper bag before putting it plastic. You will be glad you did.

We left Seneca and the road turned up as we climbed out of one valley, headed toward another. We crested the next summit, Brad and I pushing each other as we reached the top, before starting the best downhill I have ever ridden. I can't wait to go back. In fact, it would be worth climbing all the way back up to experience it again. The views were breath-taking; the Strawberry Mountains to our right, the John Day Valley up ahead, the vegetation lush and green, the air was fresh. When the road flattened out and we regrouped, we were all smiles.

The ride through Canyon City and into John Day was right along the river, between canyon walls, among friends.
It was Sunday afternoon, there was no other way I would have rather spent it.
June 25, 2009
11:22
Elkhorn Stage Race
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Exit Cat 4, Enter Cat 3. I was racing with the big girls now. I got my upgrade after the Mt Hood Cycling Classic. Elkhorn would be my first race as a Cat 3. I still wasn't sure how to feel about it. Did I just get lucky or did I deserve to be riding with the 1/2/3s?

Bright and early Friday morning, Sarah, Cary and I, with a loaded car and bikes in tow, headed north east to Baker City. Our race started at 2pm.

We arrived at race headquarters, Baker City High School around noon.

Dark clouds looming and intermittent rain showers greeting us with open arms.

Stage 1: Oregon Trail Road Race

The peleton rolled out of the high school parking lot and through the town of Baker City, over 90 riders strong. All the women raced together, Pro 1/2s, 3 and 4s and there was an overload of nervous energy brewing as people moved around to find the right wheel and their “spot” within the group. I stayed to the outside of the group, hugging the yellow line and trying to keep a position in the front 1/3 of the group. The roads were wet. Grit quickly found its way in between my teeth and behind my sunglasses.

The first 25 miles were almost flat and everyone just rode shoulder to shoulder. Deep concentration on the movement of the women around me was all I can remember. There were a couple of lame attacks off the front, but nothing that anyone worried about and nothing that stuck.

A few girls got shelled off the back when we hit the first little climb, but the group stayed largely together as we descended into the town of Union. Rain showers had visited us off and on for the first half of the race, a few glimpses of lightening in the distance and many foreboding clouds, but it was on this descent that the skies really opened up.

The rain was coming down in huge drops and everyone was a bit twitchy. I was second from the left as we headed downhill in the rain. A screech of brakes caused me to glance over my shoulder just as a Gentle Lovers kit skidded and hit the deck.

Bike on asphalt. Bad sound.

I saw it happen in slow motion, but just as quickly, I snapped back to reality as the peleton rode on. Should I stop? No, keep riding.

Next came a few small hills that started to tire out some legs. I could see people slipping back, not sure how many riders were still behind me. I only knew the lead group was all together.

Then came the climb over Frazier Pass. The group shattered to pieces. The acceleration caught me a little off guard and I had to work my way through some slower riders to regain connection with the first chase group. Terry Shesby and two other girls were off the front and out of sight. I rode with the chase group for a couple of miles, feeling strong, but lost a wheel on a steep descent and couldn’t bridge the gap.

In the distance, I could see the break and the chase group. I was in no-man’s land; time trialing with all I had.

I looked behind me, I couldn’t see the next group. The group I was trying to catch was getting further and further away. I looked at my computer, 31mph. It was almost flat road; How can they be going that fast?

I quickly reminded myself that I was one and they were 6 and I had better put my head down and push if I didn’t want to get caught. I road alone for 14 miles.

With 10 miles to the finish the group chasing me came into sight. They weren’t too far behind. The group ahead of me has slowed down, but they were still out of my reach.

I have been told that if you are going to get caught, it is better to just sit up and wait instead of wearing yourself out.

I wasn’t willing to give up that easily. I didn’t want to get caught.

I attacked the climb out of Medicine Creek; hoping I could hold on for just a few more miles.

Then, from behind, I saw MacKenzine Madison. She had broken from the group and bridged up to me. I was not going to let her go.

There’s a group right there, they are going to catch us, MacKenzie said.

No they’re not, I replied. Let’s work together.

She started pulling up the hill, I was right on her wheel, determined to stick. Between labored breaths I said, I can’t help right now, give me a minute.

I sat in, steadying my pace and my heart rate.

After a couple of minutes I took my turn.

If I am slowing down, you have to tell me. She agreed and soon gave me the encouragement I needed by saying we were pulling away from our chasers.

I looked at my computer as we crested the climb with the first chase group in sight. Four miles to go. Serena, hold on, just 4 more miles. Mackenzie moved in front just as we passed the 3k sign. Only 3k to go, not 4 miles. I could do this.

On the final descent, I stayed with the wheel in front of me. I was glued to it. I couldn’t let it go. I took a pull. We passed the 1km sign and Mackenzie moved in front. I was right behind her, 200 km to the finish. She found another gear. I stood up, my legs shaking. MacKenzie beat me to the line, but we were given the same time.

I rolled slowly down the road, catching my breath. When the results were posted that evening, I learned I had finished 8th, 4 minutes down.

Stage 2: Pleasant Valley Time Trial

Saturday morning brought cool weather and clear skies; ideal for the day ahead. The start list for the time trial had been posted. I would go off at 9:54; 30 seconds ahead of MacKenzine.

11.3 miles of all-out effort. 411 feet of climbing, out and back course, head winds on the way back in.

After a good warm up, I headed to the starting line. Equipped with my clip-on aero bars and brand new Giro Advantage 2 TT Helmet, I looked fast…. Well, sort of.

The first couple seconds of the TT is always a bit scary. Someone holding your seatpost until the official counts down 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Then – GO!! Stand up, a couple of hard pedal strokes to get up to speed and then into the aerobars, and just go – HARD.

The course was non-technical, but seemed to be uphill both ways. At the turn around, I had passed one rider and was relieved that Mackenzie had not yet caught me. I made the turn and was heading back toward Baker City, gaining on the rider ahead of me, as MacKenzie, on her very pretty Cervelo TT Bike cruised on past. My legs were going as hard as they could; I made them go faster.

I finished 1:12 behind Mackenzie. The GC remained unchanged for me; I was still sitting in 8th.

Stage 3: Gold Rush Criterium

While crits continue to be a game of survival for me, I am beginning to feel much more comfortable about lining up with 80+ women and am starting to have a little fun. My goal for the 40 minute rat race was to stay safe, out of trouble and with the lead pack. You don’t win a stage race by winning the crit, and while you don’t want to loose time, finishing in the lead pack gives you the same time as everybody else and you don’t have to tire out your legs too much. Down side of my strategy: No OBRA points and no prems.

I sat just off the front for the entire race, going with the group when the leaders decided it was time to accelerate, sitting in when it was time to rest.

My strategy worked beautifully and when the last lap came, I crossed the line with everybody else.

Much to my surprise, a few girls close to me in the GC didn’t remember to stay with the pack and lost some time. I moved up in the GC to 7th.

Stage 4: Mt Dooley Road Race

I woke up before my alarm Sunday morning to the sound of heavy rain. The race was scheduled for an 8am start; the forecast called for heavy rain and temperatures in the high 30s.

102 miles, 7075ft of climbing, a finish atop Mt Dooley.

The thought of what laid ahead didn’t sound amazingly appealing, but everyone had to deal with the same conditions. Suck it up!

I felt fortunate to have packed my booties, although an investment in a rain jacket was one I have yet to make. I put a trashbag down the front of my jersey and called it good. It would have to do.

We rode over to the high school through sheets of rain. It was already crowded when we arrived. Plastic clad cyclists, milling about.

Then the announcement was made. The Mt Dooley Road Race would be shortened from 102 miles to just 24; 10 miles of flat road leading out of town, then up the back side of Mt. Dooley.

Disappointment and relief came over me simultaneously. I had been looking forward to this race for a sometime as a chance to test myself. At the same time I was excited that I would not have to make 2 long descents with frozen fingers.

The neutral roll out took us out of town, but even when the pace car sped up, the peleton didn’t accelerate much. The rain was still heavy and the roads wet.

I was in the first 1/3 of the group, right in the middle of the pack. As we rolled toward Mt Dooley and the base of the climb, we all stayed together. I moved forward in the group and to the far left just before the start of the climb.

I had expected an obvious acceleration by the leaders as soon as we started upward, but instead it was gradual. The pace quickened, dropping a few girls off the back, but not enough to break the main group.

Then the grade steepened and things started to shatter. The front group was off the front before I knew it.

I was on the wheel of a strong climber, someone I had excepted to crush this stage. Poor choice; she did not have this in her plans for the day. Crap! A gap had formed and I needed to be on the other side of it.

A rider came by me on the left, moving quickly, I jumped on her wheel. Together we moved in between riders as we passed then, our goal set on the group of 3 ladies ahead. We soon caught and passed them. Our group has swelled to 5 or 6. I was second wheel and felt like we need to push the pace and moved to the front. According to my computer, we had about 9 miles to go. I sped up, but not enough to drop anyone, but we were gaining on a few riders that had been shelled from the lead group… we would catch them. Things were going my way.

With about 8 miles to go I saw the 3km sign. What?? 3km? This race was only going to be 18 miles long. I needed been get my butt in gear.

I looked behind me, shifted and stood up. I had to go for it. Now or never. Within a couple of pedal strokes, I was alone. The group behind did not follow me.

I could see the group of 3 I wanted to catch climbing up the next switch back; about 45 seconds ahead of me.

By the time I reached the 1km sign, I was only about 15 seconds behind the 3 riders and no one was behind me.

Stand up, pedal, count, sit down, count, stand up.

200km to go. I stood up. I crossed the line, 6 seconds behind the group I was chasing.

Deep breath.

My computer said 18.12miles. Not the 25miles I had planned for, not the 25 miles I had paced for. That is what happens when the course changes 5 minutes before the race starts.

Raincoat covered numbers delayed results until Tuesday and it wasn’t until then that saw my placement for the final stage or the GC.

A 4th place finish atop Mt Dooley moved me up to 6th in the General Classification. My first Cat 3 race. I was competitive.

My legs are getting stronger, but more importantly, I am learning a thing or two about road racing. In a road race, you have to make thousands of tiny moves; some of large consequence, some not so important.

In this crazy game of chess that we call bike racing, I am making some of the right moves and some of the little ones I don't have to think so much about.
June 17, 2009
12:35
Perspective
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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I had a conversation with a friend a few afternoons ago.

It was a discussion of perspective, not of advice.

It was a lecture delivered not from the front of classroom, but from the heart.

It was just what I needed.
We all set expectations.
I tend to set mine too high.

But then again, isn't it better to set lofty goals and not reach them than to underestimate your ability?

I need to walk before I can run… hard when I used to be pretty good at running.

I need to listen and observe and gradually build the knowledge that will lead to intuition.

It is this intuition, coupled by motivation and fitness that I seek.

I need to test myself.

If I blow up, what harm has it done?
I will have given it a shot; I will have learned something.

I will have lived.

I need to learn to set my expectations from a vantage point that allows for the right perspective.

My right perspective; dictated only by the goals I set for myself from the plain upon which I currently stand.

I need to be proud of my accomplishments, no matter how small.

I have worked hard for them, and while meaningless to others, they are meaningful to me.

A wise man recently told me something that I have been mulling over and close-to completely understand:

Some of my best races I did not win. Those races that I won were not necessarily my best.

A game of chess in which all players are skilled and strong; how will I make my next move?
June 08, 2009
22:43
Mt Hood Cycling Classic - Race Recap
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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I spent most of Sunday afternoon in the horizontal position. I was completely zapped of energy. Mt. Hood Cycling Classis really took it out of me. I was racing with the Cat 3 women; for the first time. This so called Cat 3/4 race was a Cat 3 field with a couple of Cat 4s tagging along. My heart rate monitor read upwards of 180 for the majority of the weekend and the only reprieve I ever felt was after I crossed the line; not even the downhills offered a chance to relax.

While the results may not reflect it, I raced hard. I raced harder than I have all year. I gave what I had at the time, but looking back, I wonder whether I could have done more, trained harder. I missed a break in the Wy-East Road stage. I kicked myself for not practicing more surges and then road with the chase group until 5k to go and took off, passing 2 of the girls in the group in the last 3k. Could I have made that break if I had just pushed a little harder? I lost a lot of time on that stage, but I raced hard. Once I got shut out of the break, I realized how important it was to hang onto the wheel. I am learning, next time I will do better.

Starting out with an 18.5 mile time trial, my weekend unfolded like this……….

Stage 1: Time Trial from The Dalles Discovery Center to Hood River – 2000 ft of climbing, crazy headwind.
Clip on aero bars and a super chic aero helmet; I was ready. They sent us off in 30 second intervals. I climbed well, passing 3 girls in the first 10 miles; then got passed by 2 others on the descent. The head wind was so strong it took loads of effort not to get blown across the center line and there were times when rounding a corner, my speed would drop from 24 to 12 in a split second as I hit the wall of wind. A TT bike would have been helpful.

I crossed the finish line and rolled down the hill to the parking lot. My glutes were on fire, I spun out my legs; ouch. I reclaimed my breath, swallowed some recovery drink and did a cool-down with Susanna. Beautiful and brutal were the only words to describe what we had just ridden.

When the results were posted later that evening, I was disappointed. I placed 11th in the field of 39, 4 minutes behind the leader. This was going to be a tough race.

Stage 2: Wy-East Road Stage – 71 miles, 8500ft of climbing.
Rolling out of the Billy Bob Sno-Park at the start of Stage 2 seemed like an accomplishment in and of itself. The shuttle bus that planned to take the Cat 3/4 Women to the start of the race was running very late, got stuck behind the Cat 5 men, missed a turn and almost ran over a very small SmartCar in the process of turning around. We arrived at the start about 11:38; the race was to start at 11:40. They postponed the start until we could unload the bikes and get to the line. No time to warm up; it was time to ride.

The start of the race was down chipseal that convinced me there was something seriously wrong with my bike. I couldn't tell if it was the headset or my new wheels, but something was not right. The peleton was packed in close and I tried in vain to control the loquaciousness of my bike. I looked ahead just as a rider from Mountain View Cycles almost took out the entire pack but slamming on her brakes. Note to self: get away from her. The road was narrow and the girls were jumpy. A long stage lay before us and nerves were wound tight. The road flattened out and the pavement became smoother. My wheel seemed to be okay; I put any fears of a loose skewer out of my mind and just road on, hoping for the best.

I stayed toward to the front of the pack, 7th or 8th wheel for the first 10-12 miles. There were a couple of surges, but nothing too bad. The group was starting to break up and the pace was quicker than I expected, but I held on.

Up the first real hill, near Tygh Valley the girls from Hammer Velo started to launch, they were really working and riders started falling off the back. I couldn't tell how many, but I could sense there were fewer of us; maybe just 15 riders at this point. I was working hard to stay up in the front and knew the pace had to slow down at some point. On a short descent, I let a gap form between me and the wheel in front of me. I wasn't too worried, I would get regain it up the hill, but there was a surge from the front and I wasn’t able to get back on. I was about 20 bike lengths back at this point and then came a screaming descent I had not expected. I tried to tuck in and hold on. My computer read upwards of 47 mph, but it wasn't enough. I was alone and there were 10 out in front. At the base of the hill, I caught two girls that had fallen back and a couple of other riders caught the 3 of us. Up the next climb, I could see the front pack was breaking up. The Hammer Velo Girls were dropping back; we would catch them.

When we reached the pinstriped trio, they were spent, having pulled at the start of the race and done a lot of work in the lead group. With a large group now, we started double pace-lining and two of girls couldn't hang. We were trying to work together. It wasn't our intention to leave anyone, but we had to keep the pace up. My goal was to catch the lead group, but I soon realized that goal was not shared. For the majority of riders in my group, the goal was to avoid getting caught but the group behind us.

A strange thing about road racing is that you have to work with folks. You can't just say, well, I think I will go out on my own and catch them. If I had done that I would have time trialed for a couple of miles, exhausting myself, and probably would have been swallowed and then dropped; so I just sat in, taking my turn at the front, conserving energy and waiting.
At mile 39 I needed water. I started off the race with two bottles of Perpetuem. One was empty; right on schedule. But I needed water. I asked around, no one had any and everyone needed some. The feed zone was just a few miles away, I could wait that long. At the feed zone, I stuffed my full bottle of Pertetuem in my jersey pocket and took on board two fresh bottles. I drank down half of one and promptly dropped it while trying to put it in the cage. No worries, I had enough to make it another 21 miles, to the next feed.

43 miles into a 71 mile race, my legs started to fatigue. I had to keep eating, I needed the fuel, but I didn't want to. I made myself; every 5 minutes take a drink or a little Hammer Gel. About mile 50 I realized I felt better. The pace was too slow, I wanted to go faster, but with the headwind and the climbs that lay before us, I sat tight, working within the group, wondering how far ahead the lead pack was. At mile 62 we rolled through another feed zone, a bunch of the riders had their team support giving them fresh bottles of Heed and electrolyte drinks. I took on two bottles of cold water. More Hammer Gel, more water, keep eating.

In the feed zone we caught up with a River City rider who had been dropped from the lead pack. She said they were way ahead and that she had been riding alone for ten miles. She sat at the back of our group for a while and then started pushing the pace. I sat on her wheel, she dropped back. I pulled for a while then took second wheel. The big climb was yet to come. When I realized I wasn't going to catch the lead pack my goal became to pull away from my group on the final climb up to Mt. Hood Meadows.

With about 6 miles to go, Sam, from Hammer Velo launched off the front. Though she gained a sizeable lead on us, no one appeared concerned. I didn't like that fact that she was out there, but I also wasn't about to pull our whole group up to catch her. I sat at the front of the group, setting an easy pace, feeling good.
Then the climb began. We were almost to highway 35 and Sam was still out ahead of us. I came to the front of our group and got into a comfortable rhythm. I could see I was reeling her in, passing a couple of struggling guys, solid.

I looked over my shoulder, expecting to see a whole string of girls. No one was there. I shifted down, stood up. I was going to catch Sam. At 3k to the finish I passed her and spotted a couple of other women up ahead. I started setting little goals for myself; and it worked. I was accelerating as I climbed and I passed the two other women.

I came into the parking lot and looked for the finish. I could only see yellow cones, no finish line. I followed the cones around and at that back of the lot was the finishing banner. No one was there to cheer me on, it was the Cat 3/4 race after all, and I wasn't even in the lead group. I sprinted across the line with everything I had. With no idea how I had placed. All I knew was that those hill repeats paid off.

It wasn't until later that night that I saw my results. I had placed 7th. Not great.
I was disappointed in myself for letting that lead group get away.
I called Ben. And, like always, he knew just what to say.
We ate pizza, got ice cream.
With the road stage over, it was time to think about the crit.

Stage 3: Hood River Criterium 30 minutes, 6 corners. Aka, the Big Hurt!
Sunday morning. I woke up at 6am, 4 hours until race time. The crit went down pretty well; I had a great warm-up, pre-rode the course, got line advice from Doug and actually felt like I was “in it”.

The course was technical, 6 corners, one of which was a 180 degree turn on an off-camber downhill. It was here that all the accidents happened – 6 to be specific. Girls kart-wheeling over each other, running into hay bails, the sound of carbon fiber on asphalt.

The race started out fast and furious. I was in the second or third row at the start and when the bell went off, the Hammer Velo Girl in front of me didn’t move. She was having trouble with her pedal and while I should have asked if I could help, I instead maneuvered around her and struggled to get contact with the front group.

The first couple laps are the hardest. Your heart rate is high, your legs are burning and when you pass the clock for the 4th or 5th time and realize you’ve only been riding for 7 minutes, you don’t know if you will be able to hold on. But you work through it, and pretty soon you have just 10 laps to go.

I stayed with the front group the whole time, sometimes 5th wheel, sometimes 12th, but never much further back than that. I led one lap, which proved to be the easiest of the whole race; setting the pace and not worrying about the wheels in front of me.

A couple of girls went down in the last lap, but there was still a large field at the front. I sprinted up the outside on the straightaway and took the next uphill corner on the outside. I tucked in, out of the wind and took the inside line on the last corner, then uphill to the finish. I was in my drops, standing. I passed three girls in the last couple of meters and got passed by one on the far right side. I finished in 7th place. Not good enough for the podium, but somehow, oddly, I was pleased.

The General Classification
I finished 7th overall. Not spectacular, but respectable. I finished 7th and now more than ever want to train harder, get fastest, ride stronger. I raced harder than ever before and now know I can push myself even farther. Bike racing in not something that you become good at over night. Years of experience, hours in the saddle and a lot of dedication are key ingredients.
Keep working, you will get there, I tell myself.
My legs are tired. I need to rest. I am taking the day off and looking forward to next year’s Mt Hood Cycling Classic with motivated ambition.
June 03, 2009
10:30
MT Hood Cycling Classic
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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It is race time again. I can feel it.
My stomach is restless.
My legs are aching.
My mind is wandering.

The Mt. Hood Cycling Classic starts for me on Friday with an 18.5 mile time trail, up and over the Rowena Loops from the Dallas to Hood River.

Will my wheels be ready, do I have the right gearing, have I trained properly? Am I resting enough, am I tapering too much?

Saturday holds a 71 mile road race around Mt. Hood, complete with 8,500 feet of climbing and a huge uphill finish at Mt Hood Meadows.

I look at the Racer List. Many names I recognize, more I do not. Women are coming from Idaho, British Columbia, California, Washington. Some race for the Kristin Armstrong Development Team, one girl is only 15. I will be the only Woman wearing the Sunnyside Kit.

Did I do enough intervals, hill repeats, squats? Has my descending improved? And what about my cornering? Will I get dropped on the downhill again?

I will have the answers to these questions come Sunday, when we line up for the Crit; a technical course with an uphill, 180 degree corner.

Why am I nervous? There is nothing more I can do. At this point in the game, the training is over.

Being nervous doesn't make you faster or stronger or more aero. It only keeps you from sleeping well at night.

So, my goal is to not be nervous, but instead be strong; race hard, be smart, stay safe, and above all, have fun.
May 28, 2009
12:42
Black Bean and Mango Salad
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Ever in search of the perfect summer salad, this one stands among the best…and my current favorite.

Very quick and easy, Black Bean and Mango Salad is sure to be a BBQ sensation.

Ingredients:
- 1 15.8 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups mango, diced
- 1 cup sweet red bell pepper, diced
- 6 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Mix all the ingredients together, share with friends and enjoy!

That's it.
May 18, 2009
22:32
Pole Pedal Paddle - Race Report
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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This race is a big deal in Central Oregon. Some people call it the Bend Olympics. Racers put unbelievable effort and countless dollars into training, equipment, and costumes; all to ski, skate, ride, run, and paddle from Mt. Bachelor to the Deschutes River.

The Elite racers forget about the costumes and instead adorn themselves with lycra and all things aerodynamic.

Last year I competed in the PPP for the first time and surprisingly won my age group, finishing in a time of 2 hours, 21 minutes. For some convoluted reason I decided that this year I would enter in the Elite division.

I was feeling pretty relaxed about the whole thing until last Wednesday when I strolled up to the Bend Bulletin to have my picture taken with the other 6 elite women competitors, and did I get a wake up call……

I looked around me. To my left stood a former Olympian, to my right a NCAA collegiate athlete. In the mix there was a former-professional snowboarder, 3 members of XC Oregon and 3 former winners of the PPP. I was in way over my head.

Ben taught me to alpine ski last Sunday; forgoing the telemark skis for rear-entry alpine boots I could fit my skate ski boots inside of.

I borrowed Valhalla, a circa 1980 surf-ski from my good friend John a few weeks ago, bolted three 2x4s to the pedals so I could reach them and have been trying to learn to turn that sucker in the river.

I was planning to take the visor off my helmet and to put aero bars on my bike; complete with a compact crank (not ideal for going downhill at top speed).

Remind again me why had I singed up to race Elite?

When the Bend Bulletin article, Magnicifant 7, ran in Thursday Morning's newspaper, my stomach was in knots and all I could hope for was to not come in last, to be in the mix, to feel competitive.
My name was mentioned once; "Serena Bishop, 30, with a passion for mountain biking".
What the hell was I doing?

Ben read the article and sent me this email:

Subject: "That’s what I'm talking about"

"All seven of the entries in Saturday’s race could be considered a contender to win it."

I spoke with Aimee today who said that when she asked the boys (who know the entire group personally) who they have as favorite, without hesitation, they said Serena. You've got a real chance to do this and I wouldn't be surprised if you pull it off. You are freakishly strong, driven and know how to suffer.

Like your horoscope says, figure out how to enjoy it.

I love you.

Well, I by no means won, but it is not often that I place 5th and feel great about it.

The race went down like this:

Alpine Leg: The Lemond Start, a 100m uphill run up to the skis, suited me well and I was clicked in and heading down the hill at the front of the women's field. By the 5th or 6th gate, all 6 girls went zooming past me. I was just trying to avoid the snow plow technique and to flex into my boot cuffs – survival was all I could hope for. I came into the transition zone a little fast, crossing my skis as Ben attempted to get me out of those huge plastic boots and into my skate skis. My right binding of my skate ski didn't close properly and 10 feet from where Ben stood, I stepped out of it. He came to the rescue, got my boot into the binding and I was off again; but the other girls were already out of sight.

Nordic Leg: Alone. I was all alone. I wanted to be competitive. It was the second leg of the race and I was already far behind. I couldn’t even see the other women. All I could do was skate and hope my strengths were their weaknesses. I passed a couple of guys, negotiated the downhill turns without incident and soon caught up to and passed one of the female competitors. That was a small motivational boost that quickly faded as I climbed Screamer and came into view of the next transition zone. The competition was no where to be seen. They were already on their bikes.

Bike Leg: A hit of water, a change of shoes, and a smile from Ben. I was on my bike and charging out of the transition zone. I was behind, but not defeated. I put my head down and rode. There was a head wind, which probably worked to my advantage as I couldn’t push as big a gear as the other girls. With a 50 front ring, there was a limit to how fast I could go. I spun out at about 41mph and at that point all I could do was get aero and hold on.
I was alone. Time trailing down the mountain and into town. A guy in an all white kit, fancy TT bike and rear disc wheel passed me. I was determined to not let him get away and with the flats in front of me, I was successful. Around the first round-about, then a right on to Colorado. There stood Meg. My running shoes and cap in hand.

Run Leg: Running shoes on, cap exchanged for helmet and a Gu in hand. My legs felt heavy, I glaced at my watch, HR 167 – good. There was Ben.
"You're only a couple minutes back and they can't run."

I threw him my cycling gloves and smiled. After just a couple minutes I had my stride back. I felt strong. I caught and passed Taylor. Keep it up. Just before the turn around I saw Sara, Zoe and Muffy. They were ahead of me, but not by a lot. I kept a steady pace, dumped water over my head at every chance I got and checked my heart rate, 177…..With about a mile to go, I tried to pick up the pace. I am not sure if I was running any faster, but it felt like it. I came close to the transition area and heard my name; my friends were there, cheering for me; what a boost, I can't thank them enough.

Paddle Leg: Rounding the corner into the Boat Launch area, I saw Ben, PFD in hand. I struggled to get in on, running next to him toward the boat. Eric handed me my paddle. Ben and Eric helped me get the boat in the water. I took a deep breath, sat down, and dug in. I couldn't tell how far back I was from the group of women at this point. Near the turn around I spotted Sarah, Muffy, Zoe, then Mary. I tried to use my core, paddling from the middle with loose hips. I made the first turn. One down, one to go. The down stream current wasn't as helpful as it should have been due to a nice little headwind; no break, keep paddling. I tried to stay in the middle of the river in strongest current line like Matt has instructed. Whether or not I actually did, I am unsure. I wasn't too far behind Mary, but "too far" in kayak terms doesn't mean much to me. From the bridge I saw Eric, Meg, Anni, and Ben. From the banks I hear my name being called, “I am paddling as hard as I can, I promise,” I wanted to yell back.

Sprint Finish: You can't see the boat take-out until you are almost upon it and once you do, a couple last paddle strokes and you are off and running. Drop the paddle and the life jacket and go. They call the finish a spirit, but it is long. At least it seams long. There was no one close to me, no one for me to spirit against; at this point it was against the clock. I crossed the line in 2:08.

There is no glory in 5th place, no podium, no mug, no money. But for me, 5th place was a personal victory. I had wanted to break 2:10, I did. I had wanted to be competitive, I think I was. I placed 5th behind four amazing women. I placed 5th in a race that I didn't really train for. I placed 5th, 13 minutes faster than last year.

I found Ben, got a hug, and heard him whisper, "I know how we can win this thing next year."
May 14, 2009
12:58
Magnificent 7
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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A field of seven women will vie for the Pole Pedal Paddle title in the elite race this year, with three former champsThey say seven is a lucky number, bad things happen in threes, and it takes two to tango.
In this year’s U.S. Bank Pole Pedal Paddle, seven Bend women make up the elite class, three of them are bad-to-the-bone former champions, and two of them share the bond of mother and child.
Read the Rest of Article...............
11:11
Chocolate Chip Goodness Doesn't Get Much Better Than This
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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I have received a considerable number of requests for this recipe. Up until now have been reluctant to share. But, when you figure out the secret, why keep it to yourself?
So, with no further excuses, I divulge....
Ingredients:
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 & 1/2 sticks butter, at room temperature
2 large eggs at room temperature
1 t vanilla
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 cup dark chocolate chips (or semi-sweet, if you prefer)

Method:
Pre-heat oven to 325
Cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, add and mix in vanilla and eggs until combined. Add combined flour, baking soda, and salt and mix until incorporated, but do not over-mix. Fold in Chocolate chips.
Scoop dough into rounded balls, fitting 12 to a cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. They will look like they aren't finished, but they will be done, and soft.

Remove to a cooling rack and enjoy!
May 13, 2009
12:04
Lessons Learned..... The Santa Barbara Wildfires
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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A bold reminder of just how much we have to be thankful for......... following is a letter from a dear friend who lives in a peaceful yurt just outside of Santa Barbara.

Friends,

Just wanted to check in with you all. Melissa and I are safe, our yurt is still standing, and the Jesusita Fire still smolders along less than a mile from our house, the third major fire in Santa Barbara since July. Now after five days it is nearly contained, about 80 homes destroyed and 9,000 acres of the front country I drive through every day scorched.

What kind of lessons are to be learned? We can choose to be victims or we can understand that events happen for us, not to us. For me, it was yet another reminder that things don’t matter, and as a community we are stronger for the experience. Three days into the fire, after long days of logistics with the Red Cross in setting up our emergency shelters and evacuating our headquarters, the winds changed and the fire ravaged up the mountain towards our little home under the oak trees. I hadn’t been there since the fire started several days before, but made it back before the flames closed off the road, pulling into the driveway and seeing the 7 beautiful people that Melissa and I share this land with, all of them sitting on the rocks and watching the oncoming flames. We held some beautiful moments that I thought would be the last moments together on that healing piece of land we call home.

I was there to pack. Down the trail to the yurt I felt calm and collected, a man with a job to do and the confidence to get it done with grace. I said goodbye to so many things, to the outdoor shower, to the new shelves I just put up and all the beautiful glass jars that line the insides of our tiny little kitchen cabin. Inside the yurt I packed a small load of my favorite books, clothes, and practical things for what I thought would be a future without a home. All that light-weight packing I’ve done for my travels came in handy as I took only small things, a few good shirts and pants, some photos, my grandfather’s cufflinks, and felt relieved to see all the rest go. The essentials just stood out and everything else seemed to be in black and white. Home Depot tools that never really worked well, old work pants that just took up space, free stuff that I probably shouldn’t have thrown in the back of my pickup. It was a relief knowing these things that surround me about to be set free to the sleeping giant that had just woken up in our backyard…

We loaded up Luna’s precious things too, and went in to give Gregory, Jason, Mari, Ishmiel, Patra and the boys goodbyes. They were having a last supper, with chicken on the grill and apocalypse about two miles away. It was beautiful. We all have different ways of dealing with things, and there should be space for everyone to do as they choose. It reminded me of the symphony playing as the Titanic went down, but I was on the team that needed to help take care of all the people fleeing on lifeboats.

When I came down the hill flames were jumping over the highway as we took the last back-road possible towards town. My job at the Red Cross is to help plan and prepare for disasters, so this really was the moment I had been waiting for. When we got back to the temporary HQ, the sherrif’s department had just told my boss that Santa Barbara was completely f’d, so I started gearing up to manage the biggest shelter we had in the county while Melissa got started registering people. Flames were breaking out everywhere and 30,000 people were under mandatory evacuation. Panic and ash—everywhere. Over the next few hours there was such a river of evacuees coming in for relief that we quickly ran out of cots and blankets. So many elderly came in the doors that we had to wake up healthy-looking people and ask them to lay on the floor for the seniors to have a cot to sleep on, probably the toughest job I’ve ever had. Imagine walking up and down the isles of cots with the twisted power of asking people to give up their bed when they might have just lost their house. After repeatedly demanding more cots at the shelter I was told that the entire city might be evacuated and that priorities were shifting from getting people cots and blankets to simply getting them a bottle of water and a roof over their heads. The news felt like I had fallen on my face. All of Santa Barbara was on its way over.

In the end, only six hundred showed up, and by the time I met Melissa to sleep in my truck at 6am it seemed we had avoided the worst predictions. It really all felt like a dream. At one point I visited the health department’s special-needs shelter across campus to plea for spare cots or blankets for my people. It was another world entirely. I had just come from a place where I was ripping off pads from volleyball poles to give desperate folks something to rest on and before me were a hundred unused cots and blankets, the room quite, calm, and serene…then I was told they were all reserved for law enforcement that were going to be arriving later. I felt like a dad begging for food for my kids at a soup kitchen after hours. The guy gave me half a box of blankets and I looked him in the eyes and said, “I’m asking you one more time for the rest of those blankets.” It was an intense moment, I felt like Clint Eastwood.

Just before sunrise the rest of the cots showed up, and by morning everyone was asleep in their own bed. I still didn’t know if our home was standing but in a way was too tired to care. A few more nights of waiting and we heard the good news. Now the roads are open and Melissa and I are home, tired, but safe.
May 12, 2009
10:14
Monday Night Ride
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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This week marked the fourth Monday Night Ride of the season. A group of friends just out to ride bikes on dirt.

It just so happens that my friends are also amazing mountain bikers. Riding with them challenges me; watching their lines and attempting to keep up with them on the downhill.

Mountain biking is like spending the afternoon at an amusement park; only better.

This week we ventured up Mrazek, tacky soil, green under-growth, blue sky.

The evening was perfect for a ride, a few Cumulous Clouds with bright rays of evening sun steaming through. The trail was in fantastic condition. Even with a group of 5 riders, the dust was minimal and the corners were perfect. The benefits of last week's rain remain.

There is no better way to see the seasons change than from the saddle of bicycle. On a bike, the texture of the earth makes a difference. You pay attention to the moisture in the air, the consistency of the dust, the smell of the sage. Under the canopy of Ponderosa Pines the wind seems less intense and you are sheltered from the rain, snow, or blistering heat.

Some folks meet their friends for happy hour drinks. We meet our friends for single track splendor.

Come join us any Monday evening. We take to the trails about 5:30pm, from our place.
April 23, 2009
20:55
Pole Pedal Paddle - A Bend Tradition
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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The daffodils are starting to show off their color and neglected bikes are making their way out of garages, sheds and basements. Swarms of brightly colored boats navigate to and fro along the Deschutes River; paddlers uncertain of their balance and ability. Skate ski sessions end with downhill bike rides while nervous captains work diligently to fill the empty slots on their team roosters. Bend is preparing for its signature event, The Pole, Pedal, Paddle (PPP).
Read the rest of the article at On The Go-Go
April 14, 2009
21:02
Cascades East
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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The Yeti made the Cover of Cascades East; I'm the one in the background.
April 13, 2009
21:45
Mondays are Tough
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Mondays are tough.

Refocusing in front of a glowing monitor is difficult after a great weekend of fresh air and complete freedom.

Relearning to sit still for 8 hours is not an easy assignment.

With the workweek in front of me, planning for the weekend seems distant and futile.

Pinned to the wall of my cubical are notes written on random scraps of paper from the people I love and photos of my nephew Max, my family and of bikes.

I dive into work, attempting to make a dent in the week's workload; attempting to shut off the part of my brain that wants to think only of smooth asphalt, flowing single track, and proficient cornering.

I work hard. I work efficiently. I work because it allows me to do the things I love.

I do not work to define myself. I work so I can find definition elsewhere.

I want to write. I want to ride. I want to feel the late season snow flakes as they hit my face and freeze my fingers. I want to dig in the dirt with Ben.

These are the things that I love. These are the things that fuel my passion for life. These are the things that I cannot shut off.
April 07, 2009
22:42
Cherry Blossom Cycling Classic - 4 races, 3 days, 2 legs, and I won
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Bishop, you worked too hard to let it go now. Come on!

My legs are on fire, 3 1/2 miles to the finish, I lost some time on the final descent and a gap has formed. I am riding alone, into a head wind and a group of three is ahead of me, it is now my job to catch them, this is my race to lose. All the mistakes and misjudges of the weekend flash through my mind.

Who won the freaking time trial? I ask myself, Ride!

My mouth hangs open like a gold fish, my legs pump, I can think of nothing except the goal ahead. I catch one of Hammer Velo riders that has dropped off the front group and as I pull beside her I offer her my wheel, but her legs are shot and she can't hang on.

Around the final bend and the finish line comes into view – 200m to go. I have made up a lot of time in the last 4 miles, but not enough to take the stage. I sprint to the finish, gasping for air, 19 seconds back. 3rd in the stage, but close enough to take keep the lead in the general classification.

3 days, 4 races and 1 set of legs.

Lessons Learned… the hard way – Friday (Race #1)

The Cherry Blossom Cycling Classic began on Friday afternoon with a 38 mile road stage, 2 laps of brutal wind and a minor climb.

The first lap was an afternoon training ride. No one wanted to be out front, no one wanted to make a move. The wind was howling and to pull was taxing at best. I stayed near the front, 3rd wheel, 5th wheel, got out front a couple of times, but didn't hang out there for long. The peleton was like a slow moving ameba that proceeded forward in a blob-like fashion. We came through the start/finish line to begin the second and final lap and it was here that I made my "bad decision".

I came here to race. I am going to race.

I pulled out to the left, accelerated to the front of the group and started hammering. The wind was much less on this side of the course, but it was not absent by any stretch of the imagination. I was in the drops, determined to split the group. I looked over my right shoulder. We had strung out a bit, but no break had formed. I kept going. Mary was right on my wheel.

What are you doing? She yells

I am racing, get up here and help me.

There's no break, you are just pulling everyone.

No one would help me. At this point I was committed, to what I wasn't quite sure. I put my head down and looked at my computer, 27mph.

Damn, I am going to get dropped on the hill.

I had visions of the entire peleton moving past me like I was standing still when we hit the incline. I pulled for almost 10 miles, we started to climb.

One girl moved past me, then another; I was right on her wheel. Two Hammer Velo riders, Lindsey and Mindy, launched and were out front by about 50ft. Girls were dropping off, moving back, I was hanging on. The Susanna and Mary came around. I followed and soon their where 7 girls in the break. We didn't have much of a gap, but we started to work together, double pace-lining as we crested the hill and started the decent. 13mph was all we could muster into the headwind, but it was enough. The gap widened over the next 5 miles and as the 1k sign came into view, the pace accelerated.

I held on. Just barely.

We were still working together, and as we rounded the last corner with 200km to go I was third wheel. I grabbed the drops and sprinted with everything left in my legs. It wasn't enough to win, but 5th wasn't bad. I was pleased that I had held on, glad I had made it a race; but frustrated by my impatience. When am I going to learn that a road race is not a cyclocross race?

1 down, 3 to go.

Against the clock……… the time trial – Saturday (Race #2)

The alarm went off at 5:30am.
Didn't I race yesterday?
Yeap, and you get to do it again today, twice.

Coffee, breakfast and out the door, headed to the staging area of the Eight Mile Time Trial; another first for me. My instructions were to break it down into pieces and be sure to feel like you are going to puck by the end. I set up my trainer near the start and began to warm up. My start time was 8:16 and with borrowed clip-on aero bars and helmet, I clipped in and was off. 4 miles up, 4 miles back, racers starting at 30 second intervals. You can see the person in front of you, if you can catch them, you know you are doing okay.

4 miles, that was it, a couple of 4 minute intervals and I would be at the turn around. I kept my breath under control, but was pushing hard, trying to keep my pedal stroke fluid and quiet. I passed 2 girls before reaching the turn around, slowed to make the sharp u-turn and sprinted out of the saddle, getting up to speed and settling back into the bars.
I passed another rider almost straight away and then another. Coming into a couple of S-curves, I slowed, coming out of the bars on the right side and cursing myself for loosing time. A bit more practice in this position would have been helpful. I look at my computer, 3.28, three-quarters of a mile to the finish.
I put my head down, one last curve and I could see the finish. I saw the white line whiz beneath me, but only after I heard the official yell did I slow.

I wasn't sure of my time, I had no concept of how fast I had ridden compared to others, but I took a deep breath, spun out my legs and was happy that I had given it everything.

It was only hours later that the results were posted. I had ridden 22:21, 11 seconds faster than 2nd place and 40 seconds faster than 3rd. I was leading the GC.*

2 down, 2 to go.
*Original results for the TT were corrected, no Cat 4 Women road 20:03, she actually rode 30:03)

Be Safe, Stay Upright, and Finish Upfront……My 1st Criterium – Saturday (Race #3)

Stage races are a constant roller coaster of emotions. The sense of relief felt when you finish one race is quickly over taken by the realization that you have another one in just a few hours. Rest, recover, and try not to be nervous.

Saturday at 3pm I lined up for my first Criterium. 45 girls, riding around a 1km circle – quickly. My goal: Be safe, stay upright and finish up front. I was leading the General Classification; all I had to do was finish the Crit in one piece and not lose any time to stay there.

The race was 30 minutes; a fast 'cross race on asphalt. My nerves were on edge for the first 6 minutes. The pace was fast, but not painful; I settled in, tried to stay sheltered from the wind on the back side and keep my position toward the front. I worked too hard coming out of the corners, taking them too wide and having to make up for lack of skill and confidence with strength.

I couldn't tell if the pack had broken up. There were still a lot of bikes riding very close to one another when I realized there were only 5 laps to go. The pace increased, but not enough to break up the main pack. I was about 6th wheel coming into the last corner, things started to get aggressive and I reminded myself of the goal. Safe, Upright, Front Pack.

The sound of carbon on asphalt and a flying bike in front of me – look right, move right. Only one rider went down; she was okay. I finished with the front back, stayed safe, upright, and in the lead of the general classification…. Goal achieved.

3 down, 1 to go.

Words of advice…….. Welcomed and respected – Sunday (Race #4)

This is your race to lose.
Let them do the work; do not pull them up the hill.
Don't be impatient. You are the race leader; they have to bring the race to you, not the other way around.
Figure out who needs to break and hold on their wheel.

In other words… don't do what you did on Friday.

The final stage on the Cherry Blossom Cycling Classic was a magnificent loop showcasing Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and the beautiful Columbia Gorge. The course was truly spectacular; 28 miles, 2 climbs, 2 decents and a 4 mile stretch to the finish.

The peleton rolled out and for the first few miles we all hung together. Cara Bussell was about 1 minute behind me in the GC and I expected her to be strong on the hills; it was her wheel I needed to be on.

The climb of 7-Mile Hill began and the pack quickly strung out. Susanna (BBNS) led the charge, Cara sat 2nd wheel, I was right behind her. I glanced at my watch, my heart rate was 170. We made our way up, switching back and seeing the road twist down below us. My breath was steady and strong. I could hear others around me gasping for air and then fall behind. I knew someone was behind me, but I didn't know who and I didn't know how many; I didn't look.

We dropped them, we can slow down now, came from a labored voice behind me.
Susanna didn't let up; she stood and climbed out of the saddle for a bit. I sat back, concerned only with the black tire churning in front of me.

A few spectators gathered 200m from the top, cheering us on and letting us know we were about to descend. I looked at my watch, HR 172; good.

We crested and Susanna fell back, Cara shifted into her big ring, stood up and pushed off. I was right behind her. The descent was fast, steep, and harder than the climb we had just finished. I fell behind, being passed by 2 Hammer Velo Riders and a Master's Rider; working hard to bridge the gap on the flats. We turned down into Moiser and onto the Old Historic Highway. I was just behind the other 4 riders in the break and I quickly rejoined the group.

We double pace-lined up the next climb, the 5 of us working together; no other riders in sight. We kept a good pace, a few times someone would drop back and we would encourage them to hang on. We were stronger together than apart.

The second descent, the Rowena Loops, was more technical; S-curves, switchbacks, metal guard rails. I couldn't keep up. Being right on Cara's wheel made me nervous and as soon as I let go, I was off the back of the whole group. Everyone spread out, Hammer Velo between Cara and myself. I cursed myself for breaking, but had no choice; I lacked the confidence to keep my speed. Just hold on.

As the road flattened out I knew we had 4 miles to the finish. I could see figures in front of me; 3 riders working together, Mindy from Hammer Velo, and then me. I stayed in the drops.

You didn't work this hard to lose on the descent. Pedal.

The gap between Mindy and I was getting larger, the follow car pulled in between us.

S**t, S**t, S**t. Come on Bishop, pedal.
Who won the time trial? You did, now go!

My legs began to burn, my glutes were on fire. I was closing in on the pace car and the 2 other cars that were in the gap. Mindy was right in front of them. I couldn't get around them.

Come on, come on, come on. Let's go. I cursed at the car, silently or aloud, I don't know.
The road straightened out, I narrowly stayed to the right of the yellow line as I moved past the cars. I was close enough to Mindy to read her jersey. I was right beside her.

Come on, get on my wheel, we can do this.

I pulled in front, I didn't look back, I was gaining ground on the group in front. My legs were still burning. We sped past the 1k sign. Mindy couldn't help, but I had to keep her from out sprinting me. The words from Damian's last email ran through my mind:

Go at the 1km mark. Think of it as a harder 4x4. Again, explode out to create the gap, put your head down and pedal as hard as you can for 3 minutes.

Head down, go….I went. The 200m sign flashed by. I saw the front group cross the line. I only had 56 seconds on Cara. I crossed the line, mouth hanging open. 19 seconds back. I smile, knowing I had taken the GC.

My first stage race complete, a place on the podium, and a long list of improvements to be made… and damn, I have got to learn to descend.
11:57
Cherry Blossom Cycling Classic
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Race Report coming soon.... but here are some Sunnyside Photos and a short video of the start of the Women's Cat 4 Crit- courtesy of Matt Fox. And more photos courtesy of Matt Lasala
March 30, 2009
21:42
3 days, 4 races, and 1 set of legs - The Prologue
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Resting is the hardest part of training.

Patience is the hardest part of racing.

This week’s schedule is full of both, with just a sprinkling of hard work to keep me from going crazy.

I am not good at resting and have little affinity for patience, so after this week, the race will seem easy.

My first stage race, my first Crit and my first Time Trail. I have only 2 road races under my belt, I don’t know what the heck I am doing, but my entry fee is paid.

On Friday afternoon I will pin on my number, put on my helmet and roll up to the line to start the first stage of the Cherry Blossom Classic Road Race.

I want to compete, I want to do well, I want to finish the race knowing I could not have given any more, could not have gone any faster, could not have pushed any harder.

As the peleton rolls out on Stage 1 there is one critical thing I must remember:

3 days, 4 races, one set of legs.

Are those legs ready? Am I?

This isn’t the time to ask these questions.

The work and training for this weekend’s race is over.

Now is the time to rest, to eat well, to sleep soundly and to trust that I am ready.

When the gun goes off and tires start to roll, whether I am ready or not is irrelevant.

The acceleration of the peleton will come quickly and I will have to settle in.
The first climb will rise in front of me and I will embrace the pain.
Someone will go off the front and I will have to jump, knowing I cannot let her get away.

I will try to be patient, holding a strong wheel, keeping out of the wind, conserving my energy. I will try to be patient, to be smart, to be efficient, but it will be difficult.

Deep down, I want to be the one in the break. I want to be the strong wheel. I want to prove, if only to myself, that I am a cyclist.
21:42
3 days, 4 races, & 1 set of legs - The Prologue
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Resting is the hardest part of training.

Patience is the hardest part of racing.

This week’s schedule is full of both, with just a sprinkling of hard work to keep me from going crazy.

I am not good at resting and have little affinity for patience, so after this week, the race will seem easy.

My first stage race, my first Crit and my first Time Trail. I have only 2 road races under my belt, I don’t know what the heck I am doing, but my entry fee is paid.

On Friday afternoon I will pin on my number, put on my helmet and roll up to the line to start the first stage of the Cherry Blossom Cycling Classic Road Race.

I want to compete, I want to do well, I want to finish the race knowing I could not have given any more, could not have gone any faster, could not have pushed any harder.

As the peleton rolls out on Stage 1 there is one critical thing I must remember:

3 days, 4 races, one set of legs.

Are those legs ready? Am I?

This isn’t the time to ask these questions.

The work and training for this weekend’s race is over.

Now is the time to rest, to eat well, to sleep soundly and to trust that I am ready.

When the gun goes off and tires start to roll, whether I am ready or not is irrelevant.

The acceleration of the peleton will come quickly and I will have to settle in.
The first climb will rise in front of me and I will embrace the pain.
Someone will go off the front and I will have to jump, knowing I cannot let her get away.

I will try to be patient, holding a strong wheel, keeping out of the wind, conserving my energy. I will try to be patient, to be smart, to be efficient, but it will be difficult.

Deep down, I want to be the one in the break. I want to be the strong wheel. I want to prove, if only to myself, that I am a cyclist.
March 24, 2009
12:03
Taking to the Trail
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Slow, steady, consistent. The dirt beneath my feet is moist, at times soft and almost muddy. The dark cloud overhead makes the afternoon seem later than my watch indicates. My stride is anything but graceful. My running shoes have been an vacation for the last week or so, but today, they were the only friend that could clear my mind and put my emotions to rest.

The current economic situation hit home today. Until this morning, I felt disconnected the with television and radio reports, repeatedly altering Americans and the World to the next crisis or reason for fear. I purposely don't read the front page of the newspaper; too depressing. I stopped following the stock market, too daunting. Today I didn't have to rely to any media sources to know what is happening to the free markets; today I felt the impact directly.

I got off easy. I still have a place to report tomorrow morning, at least for now. Others weren't so lucky. The impact of decreased consumer spending, tight credit lines, and the ever elusive bottom line profit became real for me today.
I wanted to cry, but I had to go back to work. I wanted to grieve, but that seemed inappropriate, I still had a job. I wanted to scream and yell and stomp my feet. It just isn't fair; people have families and children. Why not me? I felt sorry, but sorry enough to offer to switch places? Sorry enough to give up my monthly wage in order for someone else to receive one? I wasn't the one making decisions. I don't know what the outcome would be if I were.

I needed refuge, I needed clarity. I needed to get out, for the selfish purpose of self-preservation.

On a bike there is so much to think about; gears, brakes, pedal stroke, heart rate, glass in the bike lane. In the saddle I am training, focused and with a purpose.
I needed simplicity.

Running is simple. I don't have to think about the upcoming hill, my legs know what to do; they have done it so many times before. Running is cleansing, like a dunk in cold, yet familiar water.

And so I ran. Awkwardly at first, working out the kinks, and the cobwebs and the tears. My stride soon grew longer, more fluid, more natural. My breath ceased to occupy my mind, my muscles relaxed, and I ran.

If I had been the one to receive bad news today, I would have been okay. If I receive bad new tomorrow, or next week, or next month, I will be okay. For now I am with employment, with a company that genuinely cares about its employees, with a CEO that made a decision to save the company he has worked so hard to built, and part of a team that will look forward toward success.
March 17, 2009
19:50
To Opal Creek, With Love
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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This weekend I didn't race, I didn't train, I didn't even get on my bike. A much needed deviation from the routine, I enjoyed myself, among friends in a place, that four short years ago, set my life in a whole new direction.

We make a million tiny decisions each and everyday. Most pass by without any apparent implications. Once in a while we notice the consequences. But for the most part, our lives take form as a result of the accumulation of the tiny, seemingly inconsequential happenings. And then, something changes. You make a decision that has a pronounced effect; on you and the path your life will follow.

Four years ago I visited Opal Creek for the first time. Nestled three and a half miles behind a locked Forest Service Gate, beneath an old growth forest and along side the little north fork of the Santiam River lies JawBone Flats, an old mining town turned environmental education center.

This is where I met Ben.

Working as winter caretaker, along side the gentle giant, Adam Mims, Ben welcomed me to town and gave me the guided tour of the property… 17 buildings, an off-grid hydroelectric pelton wheel, the workshop, the swimming hole. With patches of snow lingering in shadowy corners, we all went swimming. The plunge into the icy water below was more than a dunk in unbelievably cold water, it was one of those decisions.

In the months that followed, we feel in love, while sitting on the rocks just above Staff Pool, we spoke the words and made plans for the future. Naive and optimistic, we swam and hiked, and picked huckleberries.

Meanwhile I was tying up business in Portland so I could spend the winter in Jawbone. I sold my house, quit my job and left the city for a drafty mining cabin in the woods.

I left the life I knew without hesitation; I knew it was the right choice, a consequential decision.

For the next 6 months, Ben, Adam, Pete and myself lived and worked in Jawbone. The snow fell, the hydro broke, games of cribbage and Scrabble were won and lost, we read books, baked bread, and played music. When spring came, Ben and I, through streams of tears and embracing hugs, left Jawbone to hike the Pacific Crest Trail.

We have visited Jawbone many times since our departure in the spring of 2006, but returning there this weekend was of great significance. Adam will be leaving Jawbone after 6 years of residence; a celebration was held in his honor. Jawbone was filled people I care about, with people who have helped to shape my world, with people who genuinely know me.

Saturday the snow fell, adding to the white wonder that already covered the ground. The trails had not been broken and snowshoes were necessary for exploration out of camp.

Through knee deep snow, I walked along my favorite running trail, the Kapeski Loop. Past Opal Pool and along the river; four years ago I walked this trail for the first time. My feet have passed this way countless times since. So much as changed, yet so much remains the same. Without regret I look back on the past 4 years, without expectation I look forward to the next.

Each day a gift, each choice a step, just one life. The real decision remains to made…… how will I choose to live it?
March 11, 2009
19:36
Why are you doing this?
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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I had to stop and think…. How do I put my cycling addiction into words that I could share with Ben. I sometimes joke that when I grow up I want to be a pro cyclist. Sounds dreamy, probably isn't, but that's not the point. If cycling was my job, I could go to work, riding my bike, and still be home for dinner. As a mere mortal that has to work and loves to ride her bike, I ride, go to work, ride my bike, eat dinner, go to sleep. Although this schedule isn’t complete accurate, it often feels as such. 2 interval sessions, 2 weight sessions, long rides, a few runs, and a couple yoga classes per week…. It is already Thursday – and I have only gotten in one set of intervals and I am racing Sunday…

But back to the pressing question… Why? The cursor blinks silently on the screen in front of me as I contemplate the answer…..

When George Mallory was asked why he climbed Mt. Everest, his answer was "Because it's there".

When Lance Armstrong was asked why he left retirement to rejoin the pro peloton his response was "Because I still have something to prove—and nothing else hurts so good."

Strong men, bold ambition, willing to push themselves without regret or fear of the consequences. Both pursued dreams because they were passionate, because they loved the sensation of pain, of hard work, and of reward.

While my endeavors are minuscule in comparison to the accomplishments either Mallory or Armstrong, I understand their rational, their reasons, their drive and determination. I am in search of the same feeling of accomplishment, of success, of completion.

And yet, even after conquering a tallest mountain, winning the biggest races, and overcoming insurmountable odds, these men went back for more, grasping for the ever elusive finish line. There is no finish line and there is no summit; there is always another race or another mountain or a more difficult route. For the same reasons Mallory summited Mt. Everest the first time, he returned. The same drive and will that pushed Lance to win the Tour de France 7 straight times, pushes him to attempt to do it again.

But the question still remains; Why do I do this, why do I ride my bike, why do I train, why do I race?

A new challenge with each sunrise; the feeling of utter wastefullness, followed by pure elation and release, the glory and anguish of competition………………

I ride my bike because I feel at home in the saddle, more so with each mile that passes beneath my tires. I ride because I am want to work hard, in the effort and time, and one day see the results of this dedication. I ride because I have so much to learn and strength to built.

But most importantly, I ride because it makes me happy. Because long after the sweat is dry and the mud is wiped away, I remember the feeling of being on my bike, the sense of power and freedom and strength, and I smile.

Also posted at On the Go-Go
March 09, 2009
12:09
Banana Belt is canceled for today.
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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The forecast called for snow, but we went anyway; over the pass, through the snow and to the west side of the cascades.

The drive was eventful to say the least. 4 women, 4 bikes, and a dog in Mary's Eurovan. The roads were dry until just pass Camp Sherman, and almost instantly, snow covered the road sides and trees that lined the highway. We crested Santiam Pass and just on the west side, we hit a deer. Mary couldn't have handled the situation better and after taking a couple deep breathes and assessing the damage, we decided to continue on. The van, though injured, was still drivable, the damage only cosmetic.

As we rolled into Forest Grove the temperature read 41F. The forecast must be wrong, it doesn't snow in Forest Grove and the snow level is very rarely 0 ft.

After dinner and a bike cleaning session, we snuggled into bed, turned the clocks an hour forward and quickly fell asleep. I hoped to sleep well; I was excited and nervous for Sunday's race.

Each race I learn something about bike racing and training. I was hoping to put all the pieces together and come out of Banana Belt #2 with some upgrade points. In preparation for the race, I put some thoughts on paper.

1. Patience
2. Tactics
3. Power
4. Will

I am not nervous, but instead determined; not to win, but to race well. If racing well equates to winning, I will be pleased, but racing well and not winning will serve me better than to win without the satisfaction of knowing I truly tested my strength and power and will.

And while bike racing is much different than running, I can't help but recall the quote by Steve Prefontaine:

"No one will ever win a 5,000 meter by running an easy two miles. Not against me. I am going to work so that it's a pure guts race. In the end, if it is, I'm the only one that can win it".

The alarm went off at 6:30, a glace out the window revealed snow…. "It will melt", I told myself. I pulled on my Sunnyside Kit, long tights, hat, jacket and then the news came in….

Banana Belt is canceled for today.

Disappointment swept over me, but only briefly. "We will ride" Carrie announced and everyone smiled in agreement.

And ride we did. Adorned in all the clothing we had, we rode; out to Hagg Lake, around the race course, through snow and slush and mud. We stopped to capture the event, which would have more aptly been with skies and not bikes in the foreground. Our toes lost feeling and we hammered up the hills. If we weren't going to race, we were still going to get our workout in.

Mary led up the first hill, Carrie the second, then it was my turn. We all worked together, pushing ourselves harder than we would have alone and encouraged one another as we crested and made our way down the other side of each roller. Amanda got quiet, her toes were freezing.

We braved the weather for an hour and a half and headed back toward the hotel via Old Highway 47. The hot tub was our next destination, quickly pulling off our soaking wet, dirt covered cycling tights.

We drove to Portland to ride bikes in the snow; couldn't we have done that at home?

We rode bikes when we should have been skiing; it's March, what were we thinking?

We froze our toes and ate continental hotel breakfast, and slept in beds that were not our own…. And we will do it again.

It is not only from the race that we reap the rewards of training and sweating and riding in the mist of winter. It is from the friendships made, the smiles captured and the memories held that, without hesitation, motivate us to pull on our booties, pin on our numbers and ride in the snow, because really, there isn't ever a finish line.
March 02, 2009
14:25
Banana Belt #1; 2/3 racing, 1/3 pain
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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A race like this is a true test of motivation…. You drive 5 hours to line up in the rain. The entire weekend is organized around a 33 mile race, an hour and 4 minutes of riding, 25 minutes of utter pain.

When we awoke in the Forest Grove Best Western on Sunday morning, the sky was clear and the weather looked promising. A few scattered clouds were overhead, but nothing like the black, ominous canopy that so often covers the west side of the Cascades. Breakfast of oatmeal and eggs sat heavy in my stomach, I was feeling anxious.

We; myself, Mary, Renee, and Amanda (all from the Bend Bike N Sport Team) arrived at Hagg Lake Boat Ramp C just after 8am, with plenty of time to warm-up beneath a bright blue tent, and quickly realized that rain doesn't necessarily mean cold; we soon were removing layers as our trainers spun in the background.

At 9:25am, with no neutral roll-out, the large Cat 4 Women's field was off. The first lap was full of nerves and a bit faster than at Cherry Pie. We all stayed in the lead group and I was feeling strong, confident, and bit more patient than previously. After the peloton crossed over the damn on the first lap, Lindsay Fox was off the front and stayed there for a little longer than I felt comfortable with – so I tried to organize a little chase. It worked and she was reeled back in, but the energy expended was in vain, as we were soon "neutralized" for no apparent reason (this happened 6 times during the first 2 laps of the race).

Lap 2 played out about the same for the front group…. The pace was steady, the hills were hurting some, helping others and those just trying to hold on were popped out the back. I felt strong on the uphills, but suffered on the descents; having trouble holding the wheel in front of me; for fear of slipping out on the wet corners (I will have to work on that).

At the start of the 3rd lap I had just taken my GU and guzzled some water. This was it, I was in the front group, I was strong, only one lap to go… be patient, don't rush it, protect yourself for the next 7 miles and then go.

We crested a slight hill about 1 mile into the 3rd lap when I realized I had a flat. My front rim pressed against the pavement, I had no choice but to stop and signal for the neutral support car. Because there were a number of riders who had slipped off the back, but were still in front of the support vehicle, it took what seemed like "forever" for the car to reach me. A new tire was passed over, the flat one taken away and with a slight push from the race official I was off.

F*#*$*, F(#$*%, F#$*^ was all that was going through my mind...and then it cleared. I thought of only one thing for the race; catch those girls. This is were the pain begins.

I could see the flashing light of the official's vehicle, but just barely. I got into the drops and rode. I rode as fast and as hard as I could. I charged the hills and took risks on the descents. Without one else around, I was not as nervous on the slippery corners. I quickly picked off the girls that had earlier fallen back. None of them were in any position to help me.

I rode alone, time trialing around the lake. When I turned onto the damn I could see the group just exiting it and pushing forward. I glanced at my watch. My HR was 187. I swore again and pushed on all the harder. I didn't feel much, except my legs burning as I rode up the Lee Hill. 3 miles to go and I knew the group would be pushing too. The Men's Cat 4 field was approaching, I wanted to have sign on my back reading, "I didn't get dropped, I flatted". I caught on to the back of that group, holding on for the last 200M of the race, rolling among them at the finish. We caught the tail end of the leading Women's group, but I couldn't make a move, I couldn't advance my position, all I could do was finish.

I rolled through the finish to Mary and Amanda who were just riding up the hill to the cars.

I was frustrated and upset, but this somewhat subsided when I learned Mary had placed 3rd. I rode around the parking lots a couple of times, partially to cool down, mainly to decompress.

It was just a race, a race I had trained through, yet another learning experience and chance to test my true fitness level. I couldn't deny I was disappointed, but as I took a deep breathe and saw Mary's beaming face as I approached the car, I couldn't help but smile.
February 24, 2009
11:57
only in central oregon.................
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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The rain smelled sweet, the air was warm. “It feels like spring” I said, just as Mary charges past me. We were doing breakaway drills and Mary had decided to go…my legs burned as I chased. She is fast out of the shoot, but the speed is short lived. I am slower at first, but can hold the pace for longer. In this drill, she was kicking my ass.

It was been a great weekend. A weekend only possible in Central Oregon. Let me recap the last few days.

Friday afternoon: Road ride; Hills on Awbrey and a ride with the Girls, followed by weights at Juniper
Saturday: Skating skiing session, taught lessons at the Nordic Center, Tele in the afternoon with Ben
Sunday: Long skate ski session, Tele on the alpine side, ride out east with Mary

It is Sunday afternoon; the sun is trying desperately to break through the rain laden clouds. We are riding out east; my legs are tired, in good way. I can tell I am getting stronger. I didn't race this weekend, I am not yet willing to give up on winter. Cycling season is knocking on the down and I let in once in a while, but it will remain a temporary guest for little while longer. The Banana Belt series starts next weekend and with just one other road race under my belt, I hope to race smarter and stronger.

We make the turn onto Alfalfa Market road, the flag at the intersection indicates we will have a tailwind, I can't complain. Mary and I take turns pulling, we are riding at a good, but comfortable pace and try to keep up the tempo on the rollers. Good practice for the circuit around Hagg Lake. As we approach town, I see Pilot Butte in the distance. The wheels beneath me roll along smoothly and I am thankful to not be doing another 2 hour ride on the trainer.

We part ways in the downtown, Mary heading south, I am heading west. I can't help but smile as I beat the stoplight at the Greenwood intersection.

I love riding bikes and this year, I might actually prove to be good at it.
February 18, 2009
12:56
Cherry Pie - Road Race #1
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Mile 14, the gloves had to come off, the sun had come out and I was roasting in my not-so-breathable Team Sunnyside Jacket. The roads were dry, the skies clear and the wheels around me anxious and unpredictable. It was the first road race of the season (and of my career) and everyone was a bit nervous.

Cat 4 riders aren’t the most experienced bunch and I had to work hard just to stay out of trouble. Some were not so lucky. I heard the sound of carbon on pavement and didn’t look back for fear of losing my line. I was riding with the Bend Bike n Sport Team and about 40 other women – the race was just 27 miles in length…. We needed to speed things up.

I tried to push the pace, taking a pull and working hard, but no one else would help and I continually slipped back into the peloton after getting stuck out on the left side for a while, fighting the wind.

In hind sight, I should have just gone for it, tried to make a brake off the front, kept the pace high and see if I could hold it. If nothing else it would have split the field; but I didn’t. I am a rookie. I wasn’t sure how my fitness matched up to the others around me and I didn’t have the confidence to find out.

With confusion in the last 400m when the pace car called for the Women to neutralize so we could get passed by the Cat 5 Men, I finished 9th. I can’t complain, I stayed upright, I finished the race, I got a couple upgrade points; but I know I could have ridden faster, stronger. I shouldn’t have listened to the OBRA officials when they called us to neutralize. I should have ridden smarter, out of the wind until the last 5 miles and then gone for it. We should have organized better, using each other to push the pace. I should have done a lot of things, but in the end, I did train, I did race and will get faster, stronger, and smarter. It is a long season and I am learning.
February 16, 2009
15:08
On the Go-Go
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Well, somebody finally let me write for them.
I now have a bi-weekly column, Outdoor Addiction, on the new online community On the Go-Go.

The first light slips through the dark sky, shades of red, pink and orange creep into view. Clouds look like a watercolor painting beginning to take shape. I round the bend and the first glimpses of the mountains are visible. Alpenglow reflecting off the snow covered slopes hit the sleepy town below. The crunch of snow beneath my feet and the consistent, controlled breath moving through my lungs are the only sounds that distract my mind from the calm that surrounds me. Just after 6am, I am the sole runner on the River Trail, making the first tracks on the snow-covered trail. I smile.
Click here to read the rest......
11:21
A Mid-Winter Vacation
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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I see a sign ahead. It reads Paulina Lake Lodge – 1 ¼ miles. I take a deep sight of relief; I can do this. It is Saturday afternoon; the morning was spent at Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center, teaching lessons followed by a 2+ hour skate ski around the middle and lower trails.

I am still in my skate boots, it is 4:00pm, on my back is a pack that must weight close to 30 pounds. It didn’t feel that heavy when I loaded it into the car this morning. I am skating up the snowmobile “groomed” road that leaves 10 miles sno-park toward Paulina Lake Resort. Ben and a group of friends have been there since Friday night. They offered to pick me up at the parking lot at 5pm and take me into the cabin on a snow-mobile. I choose to skate. I question my decision briefly and then the quiet tranquility is suddenly interrupted by the 4th or 5th group of engine revving snowmobiles I have encountered thus far. Skating was the right decision; I don’t like riding on those things.

I make it to the cabin and smile to myself… I have successfully worn myself out. I open the door to feel the warm, woodstove air touch my face. The sense of warmth envelopes my whole body as I step inside.

I have been looking forward to this weekend for some time now; a trip out of town, no phone, no computer, no work, just friends, and snow; a full moon and perhaps some whiskey.
As the moon rose we ventured out on the frozen lake laying just out side of cabin door. The Nordic boots went back on and we skied out onto the fresh, untracked snow. The moon was so bright there was no need for artificial light. We stopped on occasion to take a sip from the flask, warming ourselves from the inside out.
We slept well that night, waking to brilliant sun and blue sky. French toast and real maple syrup fuels us for a day of backcountry skiing. Skinning out to the far left bowls below the towering cathedral of Paulina Peak, we found only wind-effected snow. We skied anyway. Along the ridges we found ice and exposed rock, we skied down through the trees instead.

The sun slipped behind a cloud, the breeze picked up and I zipped my jacket. We made our way back to the cabin, only to pack up the last of our things and head back down the road to where our cars awaited. A few snowmobiles provided transport for the majority of our stuff (they come in handy once in awhile) and we again adorned the Nordic gear for the ski out.

At the cars we hugged each other, already marking our calendars for next year, same weekend. The snow had been rotten, the skiing less than excellent, but as we drove home and reveled in the laughter we had all shared, I realized it wasn’t about the snow, or the skiing, or what line you took down from the top. It was about friends and freedom and the celebration of just how lucky we are.
February 12, 2009
9:18
The Wise Blue Heron
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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Heading out for a morning run, the sky was just starting to light up and ice crystals glistened and danced as the soft breeze stirred them from their slumber. Town was quiet and smelled fresh and cold, new snow in the mountains brings a delightful aroma to the high desert. A few birds were singing and the squirrels were out gathering what ever there is to gather on a cold February morning. Along the river trail the breeze picked up and I inhaled deeply – I was coming alive…….
And then I saw him, the great blue heron, perched in the reeds, just a few feet from where I passed by. I stopped, quietly observing. He looked at me, blinked and turned away; perfectly still with the exception of the rotation of his neck. I smiled and continued on. Quiet lessons come when you least expect them.
February 11, 2009
12:07
When the weather calls for snow, act accordingly.
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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An early wake up call, a cup of tea and a few laps on the cone makes for a pretty good morning. Finally, winter came back to Central Oregon and over the past 24 hours Ullr has showered us with 9inches of the powdery white stuff. Under normal circumstances 9 inches would be just another day, but this winter, 9 inches is worthy of the adjectives fabulous, luscious, sweetness.

Ben and I were skinning up under Red Chair about 7 this morning, a few other snow-lovers where sharing in the splendor, including Aaron (the inconspicuous Birthday boy). It was snowing, but the visibility was good and the wind only started blowing when we arrived at the top of the cone – on top we saw Luke, Ryan, and Jenny & Jon – love the small town feel of our own private mountain.

Ben says “Ready?”, “I’ll follow you” I reply and he drops off into fluffy pillows of snow. I spot him below, I make my first turn, let gravity take me, the tele turn… it has only taken me 3 years to figure out how to point my skis down hill and go for it; but finally, I got it! A few more laps and off to work………
January 29, 2009
16:00
Sometimes it is wise to not follow directions
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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January 28, 2009
10:14
Backcountry Film Festival
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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The Bend Backcountry Alliance Film Festival was a huge success. Gathered in a packed house, standing room only, backcountry lovers and supporters of the Tumalo Backcountry Recreation Zone (BRZ) joined together for a night of great entertainment, raffles prizes, and discussion on the Forest Service’s proposed Kapka Butte Sno-Park.

It is time to act!! Let your voice be heard. We have only few days left to submit comments opposing the development of Kapka Butte Sno-Park and in favor of the BRZ to the Forest Service. Send your comments via email to comments-pacificnorthwest-deschutes-bend-ftrock@fs.fed.us and copy info@bendbc.com

A huge “thank you” goes out to the local sponsors of last night’s event.
MAKE LOCAL HABIT and visit your favorite local shops.

Backporch Coffee Roasters
FootZone
Pandora’s Backpack
Pine Mountain Sports
Sunnyside Sports
Pizza Mondo
Kebaba
Wanderlust Tours
Off-Piste Magazine
Music Makers
January 26, 2009
11:14
Bend Backcountry Alliance Action Alert
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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The Forest Service is proposing the construction of a massive sno-park at Kapka Butte. This will add more snowmobiles to the Century Drive corridor but will not address the safety, parking, and access needs of skiers and snowshoers. The Bend Backcountry Alliance needs our help!
You can comment on this proposal, voicing your opposition to this new sno-park and your support for equitable accommodations for non-motorized users.

Ways to support the Bend Backcountry Zone and voice opposition to the Kapka Butte Sno-Park:

1. Email the Forest Service with your comments @ comments-pacificnorthwest-deschutes-bend-ftrock@fs.fed.us
(Please put “Kapka Scoping Comments” in the subject line of your email and cc: info@bendbc.com)
2. Attend the Backcountry Film Festival on Tuesday, January 27, 9pm @ Mcmenamins, its FREE!!!

Get all the details and talking points for your comments at www.bendbc.com

Get involved, its your backyard!!!!
10:19
Winter Lessons
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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It is Sunday, mid-morning and I have just flown down Oli’s Alley, smiling all the way, but knowing full well that with this rapid decent comes a long, sustained climb back out. The first time I skied this loop, I gasped for air and longed for the top; but now it is different.
I have learned how to skate, how to glide, how to transfer my weight and how to control my breath. Skating is no longer a thing I have to do, but something I love to do. A long Sunday morning skate has taken the place of my long runs this winter season. The change is welcome, surprising, and wonderful. The trails are quiet, at least the lower sections; I pass just few people as I climb out of the Alley and see no one on Leslie’s. A light snow is falling; it is perfectly quiet, except of course, for the distant throttle of the snowmobiles. I have by means mastered the sport of skate skiing, but I have learned enough to enjoy and share this with others.
This winter has been a great learning experience for me. I have embraced the snow. I love to telemark, I love to skate, and I am thoroughly enjoying teaching.
Teaching skate ski lessons at the Nordic Center on Saturday mornings has been a great break from the norm. I am helping people develop the skills and muscle memory that will allow them to enjoy the snow covered forest in a way I, too, am only just discovering. I am connecting with people; helping them over come their hesitations and challenge themselves in new ways. Seeing the improvement in my students is incredibly rewarding and I reason I continue to work to improve in my teaching methods, drills, and movement analysis.
As an adult, learning new things is difficult, especially new things with a steep learning curve. I feel silly, foolish and compare myself to the twelve year old who mastered the skill 3 years ago and I can only hope to catch. But, when I am able to get over my insecurities and fear of failure and simply launch into the learning process, the rewards are overwhelming.
As adults we tend to do what we are good at, repeatedly, without introducing new challenges and the excitement that comes along. This monotony becomes exhausting after a while, slowing us down and letting us become complacent. Resist this normal and very natural life, branch out, work to further develop your current interests, embark on new pursuits and step out of the comfort zone, only then will we discover of what we are truly capable.
January 23, 2009
13:18
And Speaking of Katie Compton
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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She won the Roubaix cyclocross World Cup last Sunday and is preparing for World Championships in The Netherlands the last weekend of January.
January 19, 2009
15:25
Setting Goals
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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It is January. The start of a new year (in my case, a new decade), a time to reflect on 2008, to set goals for 2009 and look forward………..
I am currently trudging through Joe Friel’s Mountain Bike Training Bible and actually enjoying it. Friel talks a lot about power and watts and lactate threshold, about developing training plans and planning races and training smarter. He talks about identifying strengths and weaknesses, training those weaknesses and seeing marked improvement. He doesn’t talk much about having fun, but he does talk about setting goals.
What are your goals, how do you work to achieve them, how do you respond to success and failure? Are your goals attainable, realistic, and measurable?
Cross Crusade, US Grand Prix, Cross Nationals.
I want to be a cycloscross racer, and not just a cyclocross racer, a good cyclocross racer and I want to have fun. Everytime I get on the trainer or head out for a run, or clip into my skate skis I think about cyclocross. I think about Katie Compton and Sue Butler and Wendy Williams. I want to know what their training schedule looks like. I want to know what I should be doing when. The XC season doesn’t start for almost 9 months, maybe I should just chill out.
I am doing the biweekly intervals Don prescribed, in addition to everything else. My legs are getting bigger, which I have not yet deemed to be good or bad. Ben says it is good, I am trying to believe him.
I think am thinking about running Peterson Ridge and McDonald Forest 50K and possibility trying my hand a couple of road races, but really, my sights for 2009 are set on cyclocross: Top ten in the Women’s A Cross Crusade Series. I have no idea if this goal is attainable or realistic, but it is measurable and I all I can do is work hard, train smart, smiling and see what my legs can bring to the mud and cowbells of Cyclocross Season.
January 14, 2009
12:14
Sometimes I just need a good slap in the face.
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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I spent Monday and Tuesday of this week in Portland; working from coffee shops I used to call my own, now quite foreign to me. The pace of life in the city is different than I remember. I lived and worked in the heart of it for 5 years and only once in a blue moon noticed it to be busy, hectic, or otherwise chaotic. This time, it was different, or maybe, I was different. The sounds of chaos filled my ears, I felt unsettled behind the wheel of my trusty Subaru as I made my way from one side of town to the other – I wished for my bike.
Intersections were crowded, people moving so quickly, everyone looked to be in a hurry. I know that big cities behave like this, but not Portland… or had it morphed into such a beast in the few years I had been absent, or had my absence altered my view, my expectations?
Taking it all in, I had a renewed appreciation for my small little house on a quite little street in a beautiful town, I forgot about all the reasons I think more opportunity lies in Portland.
I struggle sometimes with my work and career, lack of challenge and direction, I think about what my life would look like if I had remained in the bustling, outdoor industry mecca that now calls Portland home.
With so many opportunities just across the Cascades, I can’t help but wonder, once in a while, about the choices I have made. Sometimes I need a real slap in the face to take note of just how good I have it. No, I don’t have my dream job, but I can ride and run on single track any day of the week. No, I don’t have a fancy car or a huge house, but I have bikes and skis, and a small little cottage that I wouldn’t trade for 10,000 square feet. No, I can’t hand out a business card which reflects stature and success, but I can spend my weekends on any type of ski I choose.
Everyday we make a thousand tiny decisions, most inconsequential, some monumental. Four years ago I made a choice that changed the direction of my life. I came to a junction and took the road less traveled. I may look over my shoulder now and again, but mostly I smile, laugh, cry and continue on.
January 07, 2009
11:51
A Well Fitting bike and an Hour with Don
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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I made the appointment with great anticipation. My new YETI ARC X Cross Bike had been sitting in the laundry room since Ben gifted it to me last Thursday night. It would have slept in the bedroom with us, but there isn’t enough room for both Ben and the bike.
The shiny gray-sliver cranks were still virgin, no pedals had yet pushed the drive train. The chain was clean, tires perfect, rear cassette mud free, but not for long.
Last night I walked down to Sunnyside for my bike-fit with Don. I actually carried my new beautiful bike over my shoulder, not wanting to get the tires dirty – I know, I know, it is a bike and a cross bike at that, but for now if is clean and perfect.
I came prepared with my cycling shoes, shorts, and a brand new set of Crank Brothers pedals, which Don quick put on and we off to the trainer. In all his expertise, Don was able to get the correct saddle height and position quickly and then we dialed in the cockpit. The handle bars were a bit wide, narrower ones will be put on today – we flipped over and lowered the stem, adjusted the cross brake levers and worked on my position.
The new YETI was just about ready for the road, trail, and grass, and I can’t wait to take it out for a spin, but the real enjoyable part of the evening was talking with Don.
Don is honest, real, and confident – opinionated does start to describe him and while he is compassionate and respectful, doesn’t care if people don’t agree with him. I value his opinions and his knowledge. I respect his outlook on life and his hard work. I am proud to be on his team and thankful for the training philosophy he is willing to share.
Maybe it is because I am getting older and with age comes the knowledge that you don’t know a lick about just about anything, but lately I have been so honored to have good friends that are willing to be a part of my life, listen to what I have to say, share their own experiences and not turn away when my eyes swell up with tears. To my friends, thank you.
11:50
29ing Out
» ‎ Bend and Beyond

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The clock clicked over to 12:00am, the start of a new year and for me, the start a new decade. I just turned 30. For whatever reason, I was handling my birthday much better this year than last, which was surprising for me, as I was turning the big 3-0; or as Ben likes to put it, 29ing Out.
So, I was thirty. So what? All my parts and pieces still seemed to work as I deliberately wiggled each of my toes. I don’t feel 30. Maybe 30 is the new 20, maybe staying healthy and active and smiling on a regular basis keeps you young. Maybe having your younger sister call you at 2 hour increments asking you “How do you feel about turning 30 in 7 hours” and responding “Pretty damn good, you had better hope you look this good when you turn 30” helps to lift the spirit. No matter the reason, turning thirty was a blast.
On New Year’s Day (aka my birthday) I woke up to Ben delivering coffee and a muffin to my bedside from my favorite bakery. He had gotten up extra early just to make sure I woke up smiling. He had to work up at Mt. Bachelor and I wanted to do some skate skiing, you we enjoying our hot drinks and make our way up to the hill, in the rain. As we gaining elevation, the rain didn’t seem to be turning to snow, freezing rain, perhaps, but definitely not snow. I dropped Ben at the Sunrise lodge and arrived at the Nordic lodge, only to learn that all my skate-skiing friends had bailed on me for various reasons, mostly due to the weather.
Yes, it was raining, but it was my day and I wanted to skate, so I ventured out alone, not seeing another soul once I got 3km from the lodge. It was wonderful, no one around, finally figuring out how to move along with 5 foot sticks attached to my feet, fresh air, only a little bit of rain. I skated for almost 2 hours and only headed in because of the need for food and water. I headed home and to my surprise, Ben wasn’t too far behind, as the mountain closed early due to high winds. Mom and Mark were expected to arrive in Bend by 3 or 4, so in the mean while, Ben and I took a long walk around town, talking about nothing but life and love and living.
About 4:30 we headed back to the house and Mom and Mark met us there. The visit started fairly normal, but then the surprises began. First, the bike……
January 06, 2009
11:02
The Yeti ARC X
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Beautiful, I started crying, couldn’t help myself. Ben spearheaded the whole thing, but my family all pitched in a bit to help. He worked with Don to get it just right, and a set of tubeless tire to boot. When I started racing cross and doing well in the B category, Ben said “If you move up to A’s, you will have to a new bike”. I am moving up to A’s, I guess he was right.
Check out my new bike
11:00
Then the Dinner…………….
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Ben had told me he made dinner reservations at Merenda for my birthday, which I was excited about, but he just seemed so nonchalant and the whole thing. Like, “No big deal, we are just going out with your family…….la, la, la.” My friends kept asking me what I was doing and no one was very anxious to help me celebrate. I understood, the holidays are a busy time, everyone is tired of parties and such. Oh, but how wrong I was. We arrived downtown just about 7pm and Mark wanted to go into Goodies to get some chocolate – I don’t ever argue with a offer for chocolate, so we all went in a picked out a piece or two for later.
We then walked across the street to the restaurant and gave them our names. Well, I guess we were a little early for the actual “surprise”, but I walked upstairs and standing around, chatting, were all my friends. I couldn’t believe it. Terra and Jay, Dave and Tracy, Andrea and Greg, Kim and Zach, Renee and Chad, Hailey and Aaron, and Rachel. My Aunt Rena was even there….. I had no idea! Ben and my Mom had really pulled it off, I couldn’t have asked for more. We had a wonderful time, I never saw one person without a smile on their face. The only folks missing were Kacy and Andrew, Papa and Connie, and Carol, Larry, Carly, and Eric, but they were all there is spirit.
January 05, 2009
14:18
Hash Run – the Newest New Year’s Eve Tradition
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What happens when you gather 25 of your closest friends, have them dress up in costumes, pass out Pabst Blue Ribbon, and have them follow a flour trail all around town??
The first annual New Year’s Hash Run.

The gathering started at our place at 8pm and Hailey and I, acting as the Rabbits, took off. Soon, the group of jovial participants followed, running through Newport Market, and along 12th street toward the first Beer Stop at Greg and Andrea’s. From there, the brightly colored mob made their way through Columbia Park and over the foot bridge. The next PBR stop was Jenni and Aaron’s, but first, the runners had to navigate their way through a couple of icy alleys and tricky turns.
Then on to downtown…. By this point Hailey and I had completed the marking of the course and were able to meet up with the group just as they crossed over onto Bond Street and into the Downtown. We heard them hollering from 4 blocks away and we knew they were having fun, when we got closer and saw the smiles on their faces, we knew the course we had set was just right. Through McMenamins, the Double D, Deschutes Brewery, the Decoy, a little dancing at the Bend Distillery, along the streets of downtown, through Drake Park, over the footbridge and on home.

We capped of the night with hot spiced cider and some dancing to Jodi Gold’s music mix. A house full of happy faces soon dispersed to the arranged after parties in great spirits as they went to ring in the New Year. More than one party-goer expressed
“This Was the Best New Year’s Eve Ever”

Currier would be proud.
13:33
Christmas in a Winter Wonderland
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I never thought making our way to Portland would secure our chance at a white Christmas, but this year things looked different in the Rose City. After canceled flights and terrible weather warnings, Ben and I weren’t about to miss the holidays with our family, so we jumped in the car on Tuesday Night and ventured across the pass to the snow and ice covered streets of P-town.

I had never seen Portland so smothered in snow and the city was all but shut down. Wednsday, Christmas Eve, was one of the most relaxing days we have had in a long time. Sleeping in, breakfast with Kacy, Andrew, and the waffle eating Max and then a lot of lounging and the introduction of Wii…. Around 2pm Ben and I decided to make a move and ventured out, equipped with 4-wheel drive and made the holiday rounds… We were able to visit with John, Hillary and family – Jackson showing off his ski jumping skills on “Dead Man Hill”. Next we made our way to Vancouver and over treacherous roads to visit Papa & Connie, as well as Kelly, Phil and their family. Although the time passed too quickly, it was nice to get some long awaited hugs. We finished off the evening with a hearty warm soup at Mom’s house, after being greeted by Mom, Mark, Barbara, Kim, Gram, and of course Kacy, Andrew and Max.

Christmas morning was one of the most relaxing and fun I can remember… maybe because it was Max’s first Christmas, maybe it was because Ben was there to share it with us, or maybe because instead of exchanging presents this year, our family made a contribution to the Raphael House in Portland. We had stocking filled with Pez dispensers, socks, and a few other fun things… along with a lot of good cheers, smiles and hugs.

Ben and I had to head home that afternoon, leaving Portland around 2:30 and not arriving home until almost 8pm – it was a long drive, but well worth the trip.
December 04, 2008
12:36
I met ...
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I met Don Leet just a few months ago. It is an amazing feeling when you meet someone who is willing to share their knowledge, wisdom, and life experience with you.
Every chance I have to spend time with him, I learn something; something about myself, about life, about taking chances, following your passions and working hard.

Don is an owner of Sunnyside Sports, a local bike and ski shop that prides itself on excellence and succeeds in this quest.
Don loves to ride bikes, especially cyclocross bikes. He hates to run, but does it because that is the only way to get over the barricades. He is determined to ride just about everything else.
Don loves his work, his shop, his employees, his bikes and his wife. Don is passionate about just about everything he does. He makes decisions based on his heart strings, his moral compass, and those people he cares about.
Don is real, honest, blunt, and doesn’t say things to make you feel good, unless they are true. He points out your faults and then helps you to correct them.
On the handle bars of his beautifully built Independent Fabrications cyclocross bike, he has written, under his clear handbar tape, “FUN, FAST, SAFE”.

Yesterday afternoon the Sunnyside Team had skills practice. A couple of barriers made of PVC pipe strategically placed around the perimeter of Hillside Park with four silly cyclists jumping over them must have been a sight for the neighborhood dog walkers. I need a lot of skills practice. My skills are weak and the only way to improve is to practice. Having Don there to critique our mounts, dismounts, carriers and over all riding is invaluable. In fact, I have to say Don is invaluable. Period.
December 03, 2008
22:57
Yoga. Good for the mind. Good for the body.
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I tend to steer away from those things in life that I am not good at. This started at a young age when my younger sister soon became a better fiddle player than I. I quit playing the fiddle and took up the saxophone. With little practice, she out did me again. So I stopped playing music all together, she was talented, I was not, so I quit. I don’t like to quit, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth and a pit my stomach. So, to avoid “quitting” I learned not to start; yet another dysfunctional behavioral pattern I developed in my teenage phase.

Over the past few years, it became clear that if I was to grow as a person, I had to change this mind set. I had to try new things, branch out, discover and explore, succeed and fail. Just suck it up, the first time you do anything, you are not going to be good at it – just accept it a move on. Since embarking on this new path, I can’t say I have had no hurdles, but I can attest to success amidst the tumbles.

I learned to mountain bike, telemark ski, skate ski, took Spanish class, met new friends, moved to a new town, still attempt to let Ben teach me guitar, and starting about 1 month ago, made the commitment to practice yoga.

I have been telling myself, since the yoga craze begun about 5 years ago, that I am no good at yoga….which is true, but when you never practice something, you can’t expect to me good at it. Change that, practice and see what happens, you might be surprised. I have taken my own advice and for the past 4 weeks, I have gone to my local yoga class, a low key unlikely group of athletes, of every size, shape, age, and ability level breathing heavily below dim lights and soothing music, and I love it.

For 1 hours, 60 minutes each week, I go to another place, a place without competition, judgment, winners or losers. Some poses I can pull off with grace, others, not so graceful, but it doesn’t matter, I am there, present and improving. My body is slowly becoming more flexible and I have a new motivation to stretch on a daily basis. My mind is also becoming more agile, fluid, open to new or alternative ideas, filled with positive energy and excitement for what is to come, what new pursuits I will undertake, what wandering and day dreams might be in store, what relationships I can work to develop.

I can not guarantee my new found enthusiasm for yoga will remain, but I ask myself to continue exploring the possibility and attending yoga each Wednesday evening. I am not good at yoga, but I enjoy it. I am good at yoga, but it is good for me. I am not good at yoga, I am getting better and perhaps after few months of practice I will proudly announce, I am good at yoga.
December 02, 2008
20:33
Off Season??
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For the last dozen years my sport of choice has been running. I never really have an off-season. By definition, as a runner, I run, rain or shine, winter, spring, summer and fall. Sometimes I run further, faster, or more determined, but I run, almost everyday. When I decide to do a race, I usually just do it, marathons are different and take a little more directed training, but I love to feel like I could run a half-marathon tomorrow if I decided to. Running gives me confidence in every other aspect of my life; there is no off-season in that.
All that being said, I am wrestling with the reality that cyclocross season is coming to an end. I am not accustomed to the idea of seasons. I find it strange to have a season, a specific period of time in which you partake in a specific activity. And yet, it is comforting to know that I have the whole “off season” to train and look forward to next fall, letting my addiction feaster over the long cold winter, only to emerge even stronger in the spring.

The season of racing will soon be over, but the season for riding, the season for falling deeper in love with cycling, the season to nurture the addition that has over taken me the last few months is just beginning. I fell in love with running for a number of reasons; confidence, strength, endorphins, community, the feeling of accomplishment. These feeling are all present in my love affair with my bike, but over shadowing them all is that riding bikes is just plain fun.