What fun!

Last weekend was a whirlwind of travel, racing, and FUN! Yes - above everything, I was reminded of how much fun I have when I'm racing track.

A true report isn't really necessary. I worked for my teammates. I chased things. I attacked. I got chased down by Shelley Olds. I managed not to crash. I wanted all our races to be twice as long (thanks, road endurance!).

Jen's shaggin' wagon (VW camper) safely transported us around the bay area. Rick's gluten-free kitchen kept us full (mostly). (; And the company of my teammates was fantastic - so much laughing! Between friendship bracelets, neon pink nail polish, random farmers markets, the friendliest kitten ever, and of course all the racing (in 95+degree heat!), I couldn't have asked for a better trip.

Here's to more on the horizon! Look out, Alpenrose...

For Ingrid

"Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory."

~Albert Schweitzer

Trying not to freak out.

But HOLY HOT TAMALES:

So cool! (That is where I'm headed tomorrow.)

Here's the program for the weekend.

I'll sum it up like this. In my field will be Shelley Olds, who, among other palmares, has this, this, this, and this on her resume. Also in attendance will be Cari Higgins, who at last year's Elite Track Nationals won the Keirin, match sprint, and 500mTT. Awesome.

Can't wait to get my legs ripped off.

Tuesday Ride

After Mary-Lynne motivated me to get up off my ass I rode my bike like I was supposed to. I threw on my bright, clean kit, and chose the mid-tinted sunglasses. The light sunglasses were instrumental in coaxing the sun out from behind his clouds.

After only a few blocks, I couldn't help but smile at everyone on the road.

I enjoyed the smells of green things growing in the sunlight, of freshly laid mulch by the boathouse, of water running over rocks near Madrona Park.

In between intervals I sang verses of Clocks. And I did it without the reminders it used to bring.

I gathered motivation as I rode. I thought of my goals. I thought of my progress. And I thought of all the happiness that riding and racing has brought me so far. It's been a crazy ride. And as we hit the halfway point on the year and the season, oh, what a ride it shall continue to be!

I present to you...

...MORE irrefutable logic:

Exhibit A: Lance racing his bike in a BSNYC-termed "mankini"


Image: BSNYC


Exhibit B: Sam racing his bike in a BSNYC-termed "mankini"


Image: Facebook


Thus, we can conclude...

...Well, I'm not sure what exactly can be concluded from this. Except that these men are obviously a little crazy.

Happy Wednesday.

Oh, Physicists

In honor of an old friend who just transplanted to the Puget Sound, I issue this quote (found in today's quotes of the day):

"The opposite of a correct statement is a false statement. But the opposite of a profound truth may well be another profound truth."
~Niels Bohr

Podium Shots

I've got a lot going on, and will have to write up a full report later, but the short of it is that I won the final stage of Hood in the Cat 3/4's. Here's the proof.

Chad Sperry congratulating us and giving us the first winnings (a 6-pack from Full Sail)!



YEAH!


Thanks to Tricia for taking these photos, and convincing me that the skinsuit would "look better when I won." And thanks to Sirikit for letting me borrow her skinsuit. And thanks to you both for cheering me on from the sidelines. It helped SO, so much.

Here's to my first race win of the season!

Oh, and I won.

My first stage race win ever: the Wenatchee Stage Race, the state championship omnium. I am currently the Cat 3 BARR leader.

Pretty pleased.

Walla Walla Weekend

Headed to Walla Walla tomorrow morning for Vanessa's graduation. And awesome riding. And maybe some wine tasting...?

I can't wait!

Things I Learned (or was reminded of) at Wenatchee

Last weekend was the State Championship Omnium in Wenatchee, Washington: time trial, crit, and heinous road race, and each stage contributed points towards deciding the overall winner.

(1) I need to work on my confidence around corners and descents.

(2) When you hurt, EVERYONE hurts. Just put your head down and keep going. And try not to puke/fall over/pass out.

(3) Always bring extra water. You never know when you might be 2 hours early for your TT, or have to stay an extra 2 hours after your race finishes...

(4) Always take the neutral feed. The water will be useful. You can always dump it (especially on your head, in hot weather).

(5) Always sprint. Especially when you have no idea who was ahead of you.