Old Pueblo and Estrella

Two weekends ago, I went down to experience everything that is Old Pueblo (24 hour mtn bike race). I originally thought that I would join a team. On Friday, as I rode I got hurt. So, no team for me. But I did learn alot and had a great time!!

The Estrella race was last weekend. I decided I would ride the course on Thursday to get ready for the race. Originally, TW was going to practice ride with me but something came up. So, I went by myself. I assumed there would be other people on the trail. You know what assuming does!! When I left the Estrella course, I hoped to never ride it again. On Sunday morning, I tried to have good perspective. I finished 7th. I rode lots more then I did on Thursday. AND, had less crashes and severe injuries. Success!!

One last piece of news... I hired a new coach! I have put an Xterra on the Schedule for June. It's gonna be a great match!! SO EXCITED!

12 Hours of Pain and Purpose

Yesterday, I did a first! I rode on a mountain bike team for twelve hours! It's set-up as a relay. Each rider takes turns riding the same course over and over again. The team to complete the most laps in the 12 Hours wins! It is divided into different divisions as well. You pretty much end up riding for 45 minutes every three hours. And when I write it like that, it seems so simple. BUT, I gotta tell you.. it kicked my butt! First, the course at Papago Park was much harder then any other course I had seen/ridden yet. Second, it has rained non-stop for three days in AZ. There was lots of mud, puddles, and washes to ride through. My very first mud experience! I did escape without any bruises or bumps. I also did get lost on my third loop and rode extra miles! The wind picked up all day, so the cones were all over the place on the last turn towards the tunnel. What can I say.. I wasn't nicknamed Magellan for nothing?! That was super frustrating! I came home and sat in the bathtub to warm up and then crawled into bed. Today I still felt the race and am glad I went for a massage this afternoon! I will post pictures soon.. they're coming.

Riding all by myself

It has been raining in Arizona! Lots and Lots of RAIN! So yesterday, when they was a brief afternoon of sunshine... I had to do it! I went for a ride by myself. I had tried riding my mountain bike by myself before, but I got scared! This time was different. I rode the "course" that ML taught me how to do at night and then added the section to the puke point. It was incredibly awesome to feel confident doing this! On my way back from the puke point, a coyote crossed my path. I said to myself quietly, "Holy Cow!". I have been told before to not be scared of coyotes. In fact, when ML rode with me the other night we heard them catch something! It was incredible to hear them howling and yelping!! I had made it almost back to the water tower when I encountered a javelina rooting for food. WOW! They're pretty big creatures! And then I was back where I started. My first confident ride by myself! The good ju ju was flowing and I had my little slice of happiness for the day! AHHHHH!

Night Riding

Ok.. So I have been out night riding twice now. I am learning that this is hard!! It is an exercise in trust. You have to believe you can handle your bike properly through all different terrains. I really feel like I will get better and it is making me stronger! I am really riding at night because Old Pueblo 24 Hour race is coming up. At this moment, I am not on a team... but I hope to be. I have been looking into teams. Women are sought after on teams!

Pictures for now

I have to write a real race report very soon. There is so much to say. For now, I have to tell you.. I got 4th place and 10th Overall. I'm so stooked about that! I picked up mountain biking one month ago! I have so many people to thank... John S (bought his bike), Cale (borrowed his bike a month ago, stem, and rode with me), ML and TW (rode me scared!), BSteen and crew (pushed me to do it) and Luna Chixs (for teaching me SO MUCH!). If you don't know, I am not a "winning" triathlete. I'm always average. That's really what makes this so exciting!

You never know....

I showed up to ride with TW and ML today only to stop on the trail and have NO rear brake. That's right, I pulled the lever and nothing happened. I was missing the bolt that locks into the lever to make it work. The guys stepped up to the plate for me! Thank goodness! It has been rigged with a bolt and nut. Not bad! We rode the East loop today and it seemed to work. I went to the bike shop after the ride to see if I could fix it before the race this weekend. BUT, they don't have the part for it. SO, they tightened our FIX and I'm gonna make it happen!

Look for a full race report... I'm racing the first of the MBAA series and camping with the crew on Saturday night. It should be a RIOT! BTW, you should know I haven't camped since 2005.

Four Days of Mountain Biking

WOW! I have spent the last four days mountain biking. It all started on Thursday with a ride around an untouched park in Mesa with Toru. It was beautiful and challenging. Friday, I tried to show my IMWI Sherpa a few mountain bike techniques. Saturday, I rode with the Luna Chixs. (pictured above) I learned lots of cool tricks from those ladies. I cannot say enough good things about them! They are incredible teachers and make you feel stronger! Sunday, out to ride with the boys! They scared me but I survived. And today... I'm sore.

Happy New Year

For New Year's Eve, I went on a night hike up South Mountain. It was absolutely beautiful but surprisingly cold!! So peaceful with fireworks in every direction. We didn't even need the flashlights we brought because the Blue Moon was so bright! Fantastic! We popped the champagne at midnight and enjoyed the views until hiking back around 1 am. It was a perfect way to ring in the New Year!