So I have been slacking on the blog the last couple of weeks. So much has been going on. Work has been extremely busy, I have been riding every hour that I am not sleeping or working, and then recently came down with a cold. But I am on the rebound. Today, I am trying to get myself organized for the up coming race in California, the Redlands Classic. I leave Wednesday and there is no doubt in my mind that it is going to come very quick. And there is so much to do!
Let me back track here for a second and give a review of what happened last weekend. The weather was amazing and there was lots of riding to be done. Saturday was the CU crit in Boulder. The morning started out with Steve riding to the race with me. It has been great having his support at the races. His friend and my new bike mechanic, Erik, also came out to be a part of my cheering squad.
The women's field was huge, with over 50 women registered. Nine of those women were my DFT teammates. There was no reason for us not to have a good showing. With no major turns in the course the race was fast. There were constant attacks coming from all of the teams. I was able to get in a couple of breaks, but nothing that stuck. With Allison Powers in the field that was the wheel to be on. Megan and I were able to get in a break with her, but the power Allison can put out was unsustainable for me. So unfortunately I had to leave Megan and go back to the pack. I recovered in the pack waiting for the field sprint. Three girls from my team managed to get in breaks up the road. Megan finished 2nd, Tiffany 4th, and Gwen 6th . I ended up 13th after a not so well-played sprint finish. I am still getting in the swing of things. Overall, I am very happy with how the race went. It was a great finish for me considering the large size of the field. And wow did the team really show these girls what we are made of. This season is looking so great for us!
My sprint finish.
See more pictures at http://fastducatirider.smugmug.com/Sports/737922
After the race I went for a two hour team ride with the girls. Chatting about the race, upcoming races, and life in general our natural team bonding occurred. I am very blessed to be riding with some of the most outstanding teammates I have ever had. Once we returned to Boulder I still had to ride back to Lyons, but my liquids were on "E". I stopped by Ben's house, my coach, to refill and found out that he had won the Pro Men's' race. How sweet is that! Congrats Ben! So I rode home very pleased with my five hour day on the bike.
Sunday morning I was up and at it again. Another big ride, and this day was in the mountains and with my good friend/teammate, Lina, by my side. We headed up the canyon with a strong headwind all the way to Allenstown. From there we turned around, jumped on the Peak to Peak to Jamestown, then descended back to 36 and headed home to Lyons. Another four hours in the saddle to log. A total of nine hours for the weekend. And I felt amazing the whole time, with a smile that started at one ear and ended at the other.I did an easy recovery ride Monday, took Tuesday off, and then.....the cough. This was not happening. I was getting sick the week before my big race. So, as coach recommended, I started inhaling the vitamins, getting lots of sleep and drinking lots of fluids. I was feeling better by Thursday, but I still have a lingering cough.
Thursday I had a new experience. I have been having a lot of shoulder and back problems on the bike. Ben recommended that I see Dr. Boynton, a chiropractor in North Boulder who is also a cyclist. It is great working with someone who understands my sport and wants to help me achieve my goals. Not much to really say about the first visit after my consultation. He did some work, and time will tell. But my hopes are high, and I feel that he is going to do wonders for me.
As for this weekend, I spent yesterday catching up at work. Things have been so crazy busy there we have all been putting in extra time to get us caught up. The weather is amazing today. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping. Ben planned a 3 hour ride, Carter Lake loop, for me. Steve and I headed out around noon. Twenty minutes into the ride Steve's tube blew a huge hole through his tire. I turned around, went home, grabbed him a new tire and tube and we continued on. We had to deal with the typical Colorado swirling wind, but we pushed hard and had a great ride. I am getting my tan lines back on my legs. So much for wearing a bathing suit this summer. LOL.
Ben has been so great helping me get ready for Redlands. My training program has been created to fit my personal needs. In just a months time I feel that I have come very far in my training. I can't wait to continue working with him and see my cycling progress to higher levels. He has been very supportive through stressful times, sick times, and even the good times. His constant encouragement helps me stay on track with my riding and lessens the feeling of being burnt out. The fact that he is so concerned about every detail of my training motivates me to give a 110% on the bike, and even off the bike. I am so grateful to to have the opportunity to have him as a coach. I feel like my cycling has a whole new spin on it. One that is working quite well for me. Thanks Ben!
Even better news, I just found out Ben took the yellow jersey at the San Dimas Stage race this weekend. He won the uphill TT on Friday, lost the yellow jersey yesterday in the road race, but gained it back today in the crit, along with the stage win from a teammate today. What a rock star!
Well it is Sunday evening, and time to relax. Chiro appointment in the morning, work all day, then start packin for Redlands. Be looking for my fun-filled postings after each stage at Redlands.
Cheers!
Mo
