Yeah, it's been a busy few days...
The offender...
The throw-away
Good as new
The latest training fad... a mirror.
Secret training...
Full(ish) moon
Sunsettin'
"Auto Enhance" made this one come out pretty funky.
For the worms?
4 days ago
Friday, December 12, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Isn't this why I'm on a trainer to begin with?
Got up at 5:30 this morning to hop on the trainer for half of my regen time today. Didn't want to get up at 5 again, and I don't have time to do an hour ~ tonight. So, I get on my gear, hop on the trainer and start up the Garmin.
Hmm, that's a weird sound. I look at the rear tire. It looks okay. But, man, that sounds really weird. I unclip and hop off. Squeeze the rear tire.
Pfft.
It's completely flat.
Oddly enough there was a massive goathead thorn sticking right out at me. I pull it out. How do you get a goathead in your tire while it's on the trainer? The last time I rode outside was Sunday. The bike sat on Monday. I did drills Tuesday morning. So it lasted 2 full days with no problem, but then went flat this morning.
I went out to get the pump, thinking maybe it was just a small leak. :\ Shockingly, no dice. The air is just wooshing out the hole. I tried tape. I was desperate. I didn't have 10-15 minutes to change the tube out.
Nothing else was working, and since I didn't want to wind up 30 minutes short I took the bike off the trainer, flipped it over in the guest bedroom and got to work changing out the tube. Naturally, I couldn't find tire levers. I couldn't get the tire off without them. Out to the garage. No tire levers in either seat bag. Damn.
I headed over to Justin's Park Tool bag of tools and at first glance I thought there was no way in hell I'd find a tire lever even if there were 5 in there. Imagine about 45 tools tossed in an open faced backpack.
Luckily we had just bought two bright orange tire levers not too long ago, and one popped out at me. Phew. Tire removed, back inside to change out the tube.
Only had a momentary snag putting the wheel back on, and off I went. Wound up still getting in 25 minutes.
I don't have an easily functioning camera, so shots tonight. It's too ironic to not get a photo or two.
I'm also excited because I found a decent(er) trainer on sale at REI earlier this week and Justin gave the ok to order it up. It's pink, but it was $60 cheaper than the lime green version, so no complaints from me. It's a sale item, so no rebate $$, but it was also $20 off since I spent over $100. AND, the best part is that if it doesn't work as good as some of the reviews that I read (e.g. it isn't quieter than my current mag trainer and the resistance doesn't work as well as it's supposed to) then I'm just going to return it for store credit or try out the CycleOps Fluid 2 (which some say is similar). Review to come once it is in. I even ordered it to be shipped to the store, so no shipping charges to me. Yay. Now if only it wasn't an hour drive to get there!
Yeah, today is gonna be one of those days. It's our department holiday lunch, and we're heading to Mexican food. What can you get that is healthy at a Mexican restaurant? Side salad with dressing on the side? Cause, I can't find anything else.
Hmm, that's a weird sound. I look at the rear tire. It looks okay. But, man, that sounds really weird. I unclip and hop off. Squeeze the rear tire.
Pfft.
It's completely flat.
Oddly enough there was a massive goathead thorn sticking right out at me. I pull it out. How do you get a goathead in your tire while it's on the trainer? The last time I rode outside was Sunday. The bike sat on Monday. I did drills Tuesday morning. So it lasted 2 full days with no problem, but then went flat this morning.
I went out to get the pump, thinking maybe it was just a small leak. :\ Shockingly, no dice. The air is just wooshing out the hole. I tried tape. I was desperate. I didn't have 10-15 minutes to change the tube out.
Nothing else was working, and since I didn't want to wind up 30 minutes short I took the bike off the trainer, flipped it over in the guest bedroom and got to work changing out the tube. Naturally, I couldn't find tire levers. I couldn't get the tire off without them. Out to the garage. No tire levers in either seat bag. Damn.
I headed over to Justin's Park Tool bag of tools and at first glance I thought there was no way in hell I'd find a tire lever even if there were 5 in there. Imagine about 45 tools tossed in an open faced backpack.
Luckily we had just bought two bright orange tire levers not too long ago, and one popped out at me. Phew. Tire removed, back inside to change out the tube.
Only had a momentary snag putting the wheel back on, and off I went. Wound up still getting in 25 minutes.
I don't have an easily functioning camera, so shots tonight. It's too ironic to not get a photo or two.
I'm also excited because I found a decent(er) trainer on sale at REI earlier this week and Justin gave the ok to order it up. It's pink, but it was $60 cheaper than the lime green version, so no complaints from me. It's a sale item, so no rebate $$, but it was also $20 off since I spent over $100. AND, the best part is that if it doesn't work as good as some of the reviews that I read (e.g. it isn't quieter than my current mag trainer and the resistance doesn't work as well as it's supposed to) then I'm just going to return it for store credit or try out the CycleOps Fluid 2 (which some say is similar). Review to come once it is in. I even ordered it to be shipped to the store, so no shipping charges to me. Yay. Now if only it wasn't an hour drive to get there!
Yeah, today is gonna be one of those days. It's our department holiday lunch, and we're heading to Mexican food. What can you get that is healthy at a Mexican restaurant? Side salad with dressing on the side? Cause, I can't find anything else.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
A whole new world...
"A dazzling place I never knew
But when I'm way up here
It's crystal clear"
Yes, I had the song from Aladdin stuck in my head most of yesterday. I started a few minutes back from Luke and Justin trying to get my GPS to find satellites, and never caught up. I was trying to keep the HR sub-threshold, but wound up really hitting some high numbers on the opening climb. Got up to Trabuco and we barely stopped. I asked the guys let me go ahead for a shot at the first switchback, and they obliged.
I took off after them and was really shocked to be on Luke's wheel. He hasn't bee off road much, and I know isn't as familiar with Trabuco as I was. But, I still felt really confident descending a somewhat technical trail, and that hasn't been the case for me on the Dos in MONTHS. I don't know if it was wearing glasses and really being able to see the trail, if it was my tire selection (I took off my "cross" tires for some beefier rubber that was better for training time) with the Racing Ralph up front and the Captain in the rear (seriously good tire combo IMO), or a combination of both.
Either way, I was stoked with my descending. My climbing left much to be desired, but at least I didn't feel like an idiot going downhill.
We also stopped at the Christmas tree for a (newly made) "annual" tradition
I even made one of the rockier creek crossing sections, right before Horsetheif. I don't think I've ever cleaned any of them before.
Luke heading through
At the midway point
Got down to Holy Jim pretty quickly and I made the boys take a quick break so I could put some food in my stomach. Off we went for the singletrack and the climb.
I felt pretty good, even with the HR spiking most of the time. Justin was playing photographer.
Tunnel
Was it always that low??
I saw the boys at the last creek crossing before the switchbacks, and then it was a really long time before I'd see them again. There were quite a few boyscouts and leaders hiking up the hill to put in mile marker sign posts. I passed a few of them. Seemed like I was moving at a decent pace, but never seemed to be able to see Justin or Luke up ahead. I came around one of the rockier sections to see Luke with his bike upside down on the trail. Minor chain in the spokes problem, and off he rolled.
I finally caught back up when he had stopped with Justin just before the switchover to the last mile of Holy Jim.
Felt like I was really making it up there quick. Not fast, speed-wise, but just moving along pretty good. I had to tripod around a few switchbacks and walk some hairier sections, but I never stopped for a break.
Before I knew it I was at the turn where Main Divide becomes visible, and shortly after I was at the nice HAB.
Justin decided to hit up the Divide and down Upper HJ, but my hammy was giving me some problems, and also I knew I had a road ride coming up the next day. Luke was content to hang with me, and we sent Justin off on a hard effort since we didn't want to wait too long!
We got moving again soon after (took less than 30 minutes for the loop!) and we were back to traversing the divide. We hit "the wall" and Luke found his climbing legs. I didn't see anything of him (except his jersey) until the end of the ride back at the truck!
Justin hung back with me for the most part.
It was such a crystal clear day! We could see all the way to Catalina.
I enjoyed my new kit also...
My legs were thoroughly trashed after the ride. Haven't felt that bad in awhile! Tried to elevate and rest them most of the afternoon, and we wound up in bed early. That was good, since it was up at 3:15. *grumble* I went back to bed from 5:30 to 7 or so.
Was due to ride with Luke around 10, and while I was worried my legs wound be trashed still, they felt great most of the ride. Took it easy for the first half, and second half was some harder efforts, especially into the headwind. Was definitely glad for the company; it would've been pretty lonely out there!
Looking forward to the rest day tomorrow, and watching Christmas Vacation tonight with my sis!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Two paths diverged in a rocky desert…
"and sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
and looked down one as far as I could
to where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
and having perhaps the better claim
because it was grassy and wanted wear;
though as for that, the passing there
had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
in leaves no feet had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less travelled by,
and that has made all the difference"
_______________________________
Not so long ago, just about 12 months and some weeks I went to Bootleg Canyon for a weekend full of DH debauchery. I enjoyed the entirety of it, and felt like my descending skills were in full progression. Only a few weeks later I went on to do pretty well at a local Expert DH race; far better than I expected.
This year I felt fear looking at the rocky descent, and walked far more than I should have. Confidence in descending is a tricky thing.
This year we'd be in opposite gear.
We even shared a few of these
Some friends change, but some remain the same
Not sure I'd hit that.
This post somewhat segway's into what will eventually become the 2008 Introspective; my veritable Year In Review.
2008 was not my typical year. I went from thinking I was eating healthy to eating a lot healthier, from dealing with hills and intervals to craving more speed on them and knowing there will always be people faster to chase up them, from being far over my comfort weight to falling far below it and still being able to ride fast and for long hours, and rather than worrying about a meaningless series jersey as an "underclassmen" I'm going to try to take the plunge to varsity ball.
I guessed I'd hit a bit over 3,000 miles, and at this point I'll likely reach 4,500 or more.
I thought I rode a lot in May, but the past month has showed me that consistency is key, but it does physically wear you down.
Things will always change, but somewhere along my 2008 journey, way back in the early weeks and months of the year I chose to travel down one path, and looking back I can say I might go back and try that one another day, but realistically, as Mr. Frost so well layed out many years ago, way leads on to way, and I probably won't be back.
Others will trod down that path enthusiastically, I have no doubt, but it isn't for me anymore. Don't be sad; when one door closes another one opens.
I told you some things never change...
Saturday I went on a 3 hour solo ride, watching the DHers on the shuttle perpetually riding up the mountain, and imagining them riding back down. I know some of those trails. They are challenging, and fun, and adrenaline enducing. Surprisingly enough, so are the trails made for lycra-clad riders on soft tails.
I spent 3 days outside of Vegas, and until the final hour this was as close as I got
I looked forward to that view for 2 days.
As always, for James
Mas Tequila!
I'd been waiting for a photographer for 3 days to get this shot...
Justin joined me on Sunday morning for a fun ride through the hills.
We took a detour to the airport and then spent far too many hours in holiday traffic. I guess we could've left at 7:30 and made it home in half the time, but I'm glad we rode Bootleg one last time. I should've used the helmet cam to capture the fun rollers, fast singletrack, and tricky sections for those endless hours on the trainer.
Until next year...
And be one traveller, long I stood
and looked down one as far as I could
to where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
and having perhaps the better claim
because it was grassy and wanted wear;
though as for that, the passing there
had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
in leaves no feet had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less travelled by,
and that has made all the difference"
_______________________________
Not so long ago, just about 12 months and some weeks I went to Bootleg Canyon for a weekend full of DH debauchery. I enjoyed the entirety of it, and felt like my descending skills were in full progression. Only a few weeks later I went on to do pretty well at a local Expert DH race; far better than I expected.
This year I felt fear looking at the rocky descent, and walked far more than I should have. Confidence in descending is a tricky thing.
This year we'd be in opposite gear.
We even shared a few of these
Some friends change, but some remain the same
Not sure I'd hit that.
This post somewhat segway's into what will eventually become the 2008 Introspective; my veritable Year In Review.
2008 was not my typical year. I went from thinking I was eating healthy to eating a lot healthier, from dealing with hills and intervals to craving more speed on them and knowing there will always be people faster to chase up them, from being far over my comfort weight to falling far below it and still being able to ride fast and for long hours, and rather than worrying about a meaningless series jersey as an "underclassmen" I'm going to try to take the plunge to varsity ball.
I guessed I'd hit a bit over 3,000 miles, and at this point I'll likely reach 4,500 or more.
I thought I rode a lot in May, but the past month has showed me that consistency is key, but it does physically wear you down.
Things will always change, but somewhere along my 2008 journey, way back in the early weeks and months of the year I chose to travel down one path, and looking back I can say I might go back and try that one another day, but realistically, as Mr. Frost so well layed out many years ago, way leads on to way, and I probably won't be back.
Others will trod down that path enthusiastically, I have no doubt, but it isn't for me anymore. Don't be sad; when one door closes another one opens.
I told you some things never change...
Saturday I went on a 3 hour solo ride, watching the DHers on the shuttle perpetually riding up the mountain, and imagining them riding back down. I know some of those trails. They are challenging, and fun, and adrenaline enducing. Surprisingly enough, so are the trails made for lycra-clad riders on soft tails.
I spent 3 days outside of Vegas, and until the final hour this was as close as I got
I looked forward to that view for 2 days.
As always, for James
Mas Tequila!
I'd been waiting for a photographer for 3 days to get this shot...
Justin joined me on Sunday morning for a fun ride through the hills.
We took a detour to the airport and then spent far too many hours in holiday traffic. I guess we could've left at 7:30 and made it home in half the time, but I'm glad we rode Bootleg one last time. I should've used the helmet cam to capture the fun rollers, fast singletrack, and tricky sections for those endless hours on the trainer.
Until next year...
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Mid-week update and thanks-giving
My hamstrings hurt. Today was basically the first day since Saturday that I even really tried to get in a good workout. Sunday was all endurance pace, and yesterday was just regeneration.
Today I wound up with a bit more riding than I had planned. I did 30 mins of easy spinning this morning thinking I'd do my 3x10's tonight on the trainer. However, when my boss offered up the opportunity for an "offsite meeting" at 3pm, I wasn't about to turn that down.
So, we got home and went for a ride before sunset (about 1:15). I didn't get in the intervals just the way wanted (too late for the 3rd, so it was cut short), but now my legs are hurting pretty good. I missed out on some food earlier today, and sleep has been slightly lacking, so maybe it's just a combination. Planning on hitting the sack earlier tonight and not getting up so early tomorrow!
Tomorrow, obviously, is going to be a huge feast. So, I should be pretty stacked on calories. I've been getting a ton of protein the last two days eating turkey like crazy.
Also tomorrow is a few more intervals (shorter, and probably with more recovery time in between). Should be a good time.
The delish turk-eh (the "oysters" are on the plate)
Trainer time last night (Lord of the Rings ain't keeping my mind occupied, btw)
Justin agreed to let me get a new HR strap for the Garmin (it was way cheaper than a 705)
Took it out of the box directly and wore it without one issue. Now we gotta figure out how to seal it better so the sweat doesn't wind up making its way inside the battery spot and corrosing it all up. The old strap was at least a year old, but they shouldn't need to be replaced every year. The battery sure ($9/3), but the whole strap? No. It should last a bit longer than that. The units barely last long.
I'm thankful for quite a bit this year.
First off, I'm thankful for my husband. He makes it all possible. Sure, I do a lot of the chores, but he brings home more "bacon" than I do, and also has agreed to dedicate next year to my racing adventures. That's pretty cool IMO. Killer bike, decent race schedule, and lots of training. He accepts it all and is more than willing to help out.
I'm also thankful to the few good friends that I have. Friends seem to come and go quite a bit, but I have a few that are sticking around. The DenMother always tries to include us and lets us tag along and stay. Her (and Roger's) enthusiasm for riding probably beats out most of ours. It can be 4:30 after a long day of shuttling and hiking to the trail start, and she's still moving faster than me. I only hope I can have that much energy and excitement for biking in a few years ;) Also to Luke who answers my thousands of questions, and even waits up for me on the trail. What more can a girl ask for than guys to chase up the hill?
Always thankful to my family for helping us out when they can. Sometimes they aren't always supportive of our riding and racing, but I know they hope the best for us anyway.
I'm also thankful to be looking forward to next season. I've got a lot of work to do and only a small amount of support. But, it'll be a great experience and I know we'll learn a lot.
Now if only I could make time to finish re-reading Friel so I could get to my nutrition book and follow that up with my soon to arrive mental skills book! I'm diggin' the cheap books you can get through amazon.com, btw. $4 for a book with a mark on the cover? No problem!
What's that? Get off the computer and turn off the TV? I'm out to shower and do some yoga.
Today I wound up with a bit more riding than I had planned. I did 30 mins of easy spinning this morning thinking I'd do my 3x10's tonight on the trainer. However, when my boss offered up the opportunity for an "offsite meeting" at 3pm, I wasn't about to turn that down.
So, we got home and went for a ride before sunset (about 1:15). I didn't get in the intervals just the way wanted (too late for the 3rd, so it was cut short), but now my legs are hurting pretty good. I missed out on some food earlier today, and sleep has been slightly lacking, so maybe it's just a combination. Planning on hitting the sack earlier tonight and not getting up so early tomorrow!
Tomorrow, obviously, is going to be a huge feast. So, I should be pretty stacked on calories. I've been getting a ton of protein the last two days eating turkey like crazy.
Also tomorrow is a few more intervals (shorter, and probably with more recovery time in between). Should be a good time.
The delish turk-eh (the "oysters" are on the plate)
Trainer time last night (Lord of the Rings ain't keeping my mind occupied, btw)
Justin agreed to let me get a new HR strap for the Garmin (it was way cheaper than a 705)
Took it out of the box directly and wore it without one issue. Now we gotta figure out how to seal it better so the sweat doesn't wind up making its way inside the battery spot and corrosing it all up. The old strap was at least a year old, but they shouldn't need to be replaced every year. The battery sure ($9/3), but the whole strap? No. It should last a bit longer than that. The units barely last long.
I'm thankful for quite a bit this year.
First off, I'm thankful for my husband. He makes it all possible. Sure, I do a lot of the chores, but he brings home more "bacon" than I do, and also has agreed to dedicate next year to my racing adventures. That's pretty cool IMO. Killer bike, decent race schedule, and lots of training. He accepts it all and is more than willing to help out.
I'm also thankful to the few good friends that I have. Friends seem to come and go quite a bit, but I have a few that are sticking around. The DenMother always tries to include us and lets us tag along and stay. Her (and Roger's) enthusiasm for riding probably beats out most of ours. It can be 4:30 after a long day of shuttling and hiking to the trail start, and she's still moving faster than me. I only hope I can have that much energy and excitement for biking in a few years ;) Also to Luke who answers my thousands of questions, and even waits up for me on the trail. What more can a girl ask for than guys to chase up the hill?
Always thankful to my family for helping us out when they can. Sometimes they aren't always supportive of our riding and racing, but I know they hope the best for us anyway.
I'm also thankful to be looking forward to next season. I've got a lot of work to do and only a small amount of support. But, it'll be a great experience and I know we'll learn a lot.
Now if only I could make time to finish re-reading Friel so I could get to my nutrition book and follow that up with my soon to arrive mental skills book! I'm diggin' the cheap books you can get through amazon.com, btw. $4 for a book with a mark on the cover? No problem!
What's that? Get off the computer and turn off the TV? I'm out to shower and do some yoga.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Weekend report
Saturday was my last race of the 2008 season. This year racing started on January 12, and it was pretty much racing or training every weekend through to April. Things calmed down a bunch over the summer where there were only 2 races, and then a smattering this fall.
Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the mental break from racing and just focusing on mostly structured rides, with some fun rides thrown in here and there.
Back to Saturday...
Justin was pretty nervous about his XC race, but I knew his fitness was high and that he would do well. He did. I wasn't as nervous since I (correctly) guessed I wouldn't have any competition. That didn't stop me from hoping I could beat my 3 lap time out there from June. Well, that wasn't to be. I dropped off quite a bit. I hit it hard on lap one and wound up with a pretty good lap time, but my legs wouldn't respond after that. Lap 3 was really long. I could've only done 2 (it was offered at the start), but I wanted to go out and do 3. Boy did I regret that decision on lap 3. Oh well. I need to get used to the distance and mental fatigue.
I just don't think my body was ready to hit it that hard a week after the 12 hour effort.
I wound up taking the Triple Crown series overall for Expert Women (and luckily wound up with one of the few small jerseys).
After the race I hung out for awards, chatted with Luke and Herber, and eventually went to sit with my legs up to read and recover. I didn't much feel like hiking up the hill to spectate practice, especially with the toenails still trying to recover from last weekend. I think I may have spared both from falling off, but they're pretty badly bruised and generally painful (unless I stay away from extended walking/standing).
I started to get pretty hungry, and eventually it was almost dark so the DH crew did their last practice run and we all loaded up to head to Jose's for dinner. The chicken fajita burrito was awesome.
We watched some TV and went to bed around 9:30 or so. Sunday we were up way before the sun, and out of the house before 7.
The crew got suited up and in line for the first shuttle, and I took my time getting prepped for my solo road ride.
For one, I don't usually ride solo. I don't usually like riding in areas I'm not familiar with. And, the entire drive up to Southridge was smoke-filled. So, I wasn't really sure if the ride was going to happen at all. My other option was a 2 hour ride on the trainer during SNF. I chose to get suited up and at least attempt the ride.
I was sorta nervous taking off, but I followed my directions and headed toward SART/Jurupa bike path. The ride there was okay.
I hopped on it and headed out, passing a few other cyclists out on the path as well. Unfortunately the pavement ended about a mile later. So, I turned around and headed back the other way. I wasn't sure how far it went East, but I figured I'd follow it for awhile and then head back to Southridge.
The river.
Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the mental break from racing and just focusing on mostly structured rides, with some fun rides thrown in here and there.
Back to Saturday...
Justin was pretty nervous about his XC race, but I knew his fitness was high and that he would do well. He did. I wasn't as nervous since I (correctly) guessed I wouldn't have any competition. That didn't stop me from hoping I could beat my 3 lap time out there from June. Well, that wasn't to be. I dropped off quite a bit. I hit it hard on lap one and wound up with a pretty good lap time, but my legs wouldn't respond after that. Lap 3 was really long. I could've only done 2 (it was offered at the start), but I wanted to go out and do 3. Boy did I regret that decision on lap 3. Oh well. I need to get used to the distance and mental fatigue.
I just don't think my body was ready to hit it that hard a week after the 12 hour effort.
I wound up taking the Triple Crown series overall for Expert Women (and luckily wound up with one of the few small jerseys).
After the race I hung out for awards, chatted with Luke and Herber, and eventually went to sit with my legs up to read and recover. I didn't much feel like hiking up the hill to spectate practice, especially with the toenails still trying to recover from last weekend. I think I may have spared both from falling off, but they're pretty badly bruised and generally painful (unless I stay away from extended walking/standing).
I started to get pretty hungry, and eventually it was almost dark so the DH crew did their last practice run and we all loaded up to head to Jose's for dinner. The chicken fajita burrito was awesome.
We watched some TV and went to bed around 9:30 or so. Sunday we were up way before the sun, and out of the house before 7.
The crew got suited up and in line for the first shuttle, and I took my time getting prepped for my solo road ride.
For one, I don't usually ride solo. I don't usually like riding in areas I'm not familiar with. And, the entire drive up to Southridge was smoke-filled. So, I wasn't really sure if the ride was going to happen at all. My other option was a 2 hour ride on the trainer during SNF. I chose to get suited up and at least attempt the ride.
I was sorta nervous taking off, but I followed my directions and headed toward SART/Jurupa bike path. The ride there was okay.
Visibility on the horizon was crappy, but I kept my head down and just tried to stay in the zone. Traffic was really light since it was only about 8:30-9. I eventually got to the bike path, after struggling way too much with my HR strap (212 HR or not working at all). The path heading west was beautifully paved.
I hopped on it and headed out, passing a few other cyclists out on the path as well. Unfortunately the pavement ended about a mile later. So, I turned around and headed back the other way. I wasn't sure how far it went East, but I figured I'd follow it for awhile and then head back to Southridge.
The river.
Cool old bridge I passed under.
Using my new jersey
I was getting really hungry after that. I was going to stop near a park, but decided to just turn around and head back. Good thing I did (though I could've used the food also), but I didn't have much gas left in the tank for the return trip in the head wind down Van Buren. I was uncomfortable on the saddle, my legs hurt, and traffic was much, much worse.. it was a busy 55 MPH road, and the shoulder was crowded with debris.
I got back just as some of the Pro's were finishing up their race runs, and I managed to change into clean/dry clothes and head up to spectate Justin's (now earlier) race run.
The crew hanging out.
Justin's race run (after the crash)
This one is for James:
Justin hiked back up to cheer, but the feet were not feeling another trip up to the lower rock garden, so I hung out at the truck with Friel.
Nearly fell asleep, but chatted a little with Carla, Craig, and then had to cut some tape for Steve.
Mostly everyone was heading down after their race runs, and we headed over for the raffle. I wanted to be home in time for SNF and Justin was ready to head out as well, so we left before awards.
Today I'm still feeling pretty sore/tired overall. Our mattress is crap, so sleep is difficult. I keep tossing and turning to get comfortable. Wound up awake at 5 am with nothing to do. I did go to bed pretty early last night (like 9).
Happy that today is all R&R. Gonna run some errands and find out how to cook a turkey tonight. Good times.
This week upcoming? Race season in review.
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