2009 - A Race Season in Review

With the 2009 season well behind me and 2010 lingering just around the corner I thought I would pause for a moment and reflect on how my past season played out.  There is no need for me to do a play by play for each race because it is all in the archives!!  Just the end results are posted below.  So here's my 2009 race season results in review................    

2009 Race Results: 

Michigan USAC Mountain Bike Series (Tailwind and MMBA) - United States (Elite Women)  

•  3rd - Yankee Springs TT - Michigan - 04/19/09
•  2^nd place - Fort Custer XC, Michigan–05/3/09
  
•  1^st place - Bloomer XC, Michigan – 05/24/09 
•  1^st place - Ruby XC, Michigan - 06/14/09 
•  DNF (crashed) – Stony Creek Marathon, Michigan – 06/28/09
•  2^nd place – Wisconsin (WORS)– 07/05/09
  
•  1^st Place – Pontiac Lake, Michigan – 08/16/09
  
•  1^st place – Fort Custer TT, Michigan – 08/23/09
•  1^st place – Addison Oaks, Michigan – 09/13/09

Ontario Cup Mountain Bike Race Series (Chico Racing) - Canada (Pro-Elite Women) 

•  4^th place –Ontario Cup #1 Mansfield - 04/26/09
•  6^th place – Ontario Cup #2 Albion - 05/10/09
• 16^th place – Canada/O-Cup #3 Hardwood Hills - 05/31/09 
•  4^th place – Ontario-Cup #4 Boler - 06/07/09
•  5^th place – Ontario-Cup #5 Buckwallow - 07/19/09
•  2^nd place – Ontario-Cup #6 Midland - 08/09/09
•  2^nd place – Ontario Provincial Championships - 08/30/09
•  3^rd place in overall Ontario Cup Series

Other races: 

•  2^nd place-Open Women Liberty Squeezer - 09/27/09
•  6^th place-Pro Women Iceman Cometh - 11/07/09
  

I have a tentative 2010 race schedule made and all I can say it's going to be a little busy!!!  I just need to hammer out some final details! ;)

Cheers,

Sue

The difference one day makes.....

So with the strong/cold winds of late that seemed to just pierce every layer of clothing I have, I thought to myself, how the hell did I get through this last year? So instead of taking my workout outside last Wed - Fri, I kept things indoors on the trainer.  It felt wrong.  Isn't it too early in the off season to be strapped to the trainer?  But then came Sat. and voila, there it was!! A blue sky, cold fresh air, barely a wind and firm ground. Yeah it was cold but a different type of cold than the days before.  I'd call it crisp.  I couldn't wait to throw on the winter riding shoes, hop on the Greenway and just ride.  With my camera in my back pocket and the buds in my ears, I was off.  I had the entire trail to myself and drifted off into my own little world.  I even caught myself singing out loud to the I-pod a few times (loser).  Spinning away, I was reminded that this is the winter riding I've come to.......tolerate.

Fast forward to today. Wet, messy, cloudy and cold. Indoors it is! The difference one day can make.................

Cheers,

Sue

2010 sponsor is...............

No need for days of suspense. It has now been released on the team website. The 2010 roster for the Bell's/Quiring Cycles Professional MTB Team, powered by SRAM is up and I am pleased to say that I am on it!! This is such a perfect fit. Great team, great product, great fun!! I am really excited and looking forward to a great year. My blog will be getting a fresh look real soon and I will put links to the team sponsors, blogs and up coming events. Please check back often, updates will be happenin'.

Cheers,

Sue

Weights it is.......................

I started my weight room training and things are going good. Jay has shown me many exercises and my body has responded and the verdict is………..pain!! No, I guess it’s not that bad but I am sore! We’re mixing things up making sure the muscles recover before working them again. In between sets I get on the bike (on the trainer) to spin my legs and keep my heart rate up a bit. Lots of strength training and that’s exactly what I need. My hamstrings are tight (story of my life), but on the first night Jay had me do stiff legged dead lifts, well that was last Thurs. and today being Wed. I can actually start to touch my hamstrings without much discomfort! Yikes!! Needless to say we haven’t done any more hamstring stuff since. Soon though!! I went for a ride outside yesterday. The temps sat around freezing and the air was nice and crisp. Today is a different story, actually pretty nippy out! Not to mention it is sooo WINDY that my hydro keeps flickering. Brrr, think I'll keep the training indoors today!

Other exciting news..............I will be sporting a different kit next year!! Stay tuned to find out who my 2010 sponsor(s) are!! Hopefully I can post it soon!! I am very excited!!

Cheers,

Sue

All I've got is 9 minutes.....................

The noodles are boiling and I ran for the computer to put up this post. I'll take whatever time I can.
So this week has been pretty exciting in terms of training. My motivation has stayed high and my craving to be on the bike is very strong. In due time, in due time....... My casual rides seem to fuel my addiction and I know what is best for me at the moment. So I've taken on some cross training and I have picked many peoples brains. They have given me so many ideas for training and I will try to mix things up so I can be well rounded come race season. On Monday I headed to a local high school and taught a Pilates class with Lu (the owner of the studio where I work). It was a grade 10 girls phys. ed. class and they were alot of fun. Afterward, we (Lu and I) went back to the studio and worked out together. This workout included some plyometrics, upper and lower body, all while working the core. Great workout!! She always has new stuff to show me and I am a good guinea pig!! Sometimes I think I'm too eager but I just can't back down!! So Tues. came and I taught a spin class pretty much in the dark (best way to ride indoors!). On to Wednesday, I went to an indoor cycling class with a few of the bikeSABBATH riders, and Kim too!! Good job to Pak for taking on the title as last minute leader of the ride. Jay has a workout planned for me tonight. (Not sure if I should be afraid or not), but I'm up for any challenge thrown my way!! I'll keep you posted on how things go!! This could be interesting. :)

There goes the timer, 9 minutes to 'Al Dente'...................

Cheers,

Sue

"Log" On.....................

Part 1

What a beautiful November day. Clear blue sky, bright sun, and crisp air. I put my layers on, jumped on the bike and headed down the Greenway (local gravel trail that used to be a railway). My mind and body still in chillin' mode. So with my camera in my pocket, my journey took on many blog ideas and thoughts. If only I could put them all together. I was very surprised NOT to see many other trail users taking advantage of this weather. Perhaps people ambushed the malls to scoop up the deals. I on the other hand chose to forgo the chaos of holiday shopping and take in the fresh air. I only saw a handful of trail users throughout my 37 km ride. This including my son and his friend who had taken to the trail a bit earlier then I. Once I caught up with them I took a quick picture of the camo clad boys and then carried on with my ride.
I reflected on what my off season training will look like. Each year I try to add something new. I have been out for short jogs (I don't particularly love!), doing weights and core exercises. During the ride I had so many thoughts and ideas I wanted to post about however, I now feel like some things are irrelevant (checking out the different types of berries along the way, you don't want to hear about that, but you just did!!) and many other thoughts I have forgotten by the time I got to this keyboard. Regardless, I remember the feeling of peace, being in the moment, the ride (how lucky I am to be on the bike), the crisp air, the freedom............

Part 2

I bring the bike in, make a late lunch, quick tidy up, and to the computer I go. I download my pictures, then browse the local forum to find this post. (If you read the linked post then the following will make some sense!)

I have my own thoughts and I think life does not have to be so complicated!! These trails are beautifully maintained and boasts the most single track in the area. They are lots of fun to ride. To my disappointment I see that the "log rolls" have been removed. Let me explain, there is one "log roll" which the approach is on an angle, however the rest of them are fun and relatively easy to get over. Regardless of your ability, they can be hopped, rolled up and over, or walked over without question. They take up such a small portion of the trail and even pedestrians should be able to easily walk over. If it is a mountain biking issue then ride within your ability with one day perhaps making it a goal to get over the log(s) without dismounting. How does a novice rider get better if they don't have something to eventually test them?
My husband took our 7 year old son to Morton a couple of weeks ago. He cleared each "log roll" with a huge smile on his face. He was so pumped of his accomplishment that when they got home I got to hear all about it!! :)
Let's keep mountain biking fun, safe and a bit challenging. We cannot hold everyone's hand as they go over their first log. These are not super technical trails. Makes me wonder how riders and hikers survive through hilly, rocky, rooty trails without cutting the obstacles out of the way? Why is it in Essex County (Windsor in particular) they are banning trails from mountain bike riding and now want to take out the fun challenges on some of the remaining trail systems? ARGH.............. I guess it's just another bump in the 'trail'!

"Log" off....................

Cheers,

Sue

29er at Pontiac..........

(Erin's 29er)

On Sunday, Kim, Pak, Andy and myself headed over to Pontiac to take in a couple of laps while the weather is nice and the trails are still welcoming!! I was hooked up once again with Andy's Jamis hardtail (sweet ride) for the first lap. I was relaxed and pumped to just to ride the trails with no pressure or race nerves!! After lap #1 I headed to the parking lot where Erin Vicary (Bell's/Quiring Cycle) met me. She brought her fully custom 29er (above pictures) for me to try. I was so excited to give it a whirl!!! With me tossing the idea of riding/racing a 29er next year, now was the time to see how it feels on a trail. In fact due to her injury this year, she was not able to race and her 29er had really only seen a couple of road rides. She felt confident enough in my ability to allow me the pleasure of the first trail ride. Thanks!! How privileged am I?? (Not to mention totally appreciative!) After making a couple of adjustments, seat height and tire pressure I headed to the trails. Now remember, this bike is custom to Erin. We are roughly the same height but my unusually lonnnnnng limbs make us probably a bike size difference. Her bike was a tad small but let me tell you, that considered, I still got in an awesome ride. The verdict................... well it is a sweet bike. I didn't even feel like I was working nor did I feel like I was on a 29er. My gearing was so similar to what I would have used on my 26er. The momentum and speed it carries is crazy. The fact that there is less travel in the fork was a non-issue. The bike just rolls over everything and the body thanks it for it. I came back smiling (as Erin quickly pointed out). I was very excited! The myths put behind, a 29er is not only for you tall guys!!
Quiring Cycles have been around a while and they have the 29er dialed.

Is a 29er the way I am heading?....................... Stay tuned!!!

Cheers,

Sue

Average Speed = Irrelevant (today)...............

With so much to do I thought I would prioritize my day!! So yep, I got on my bike. Windy, cloudy (with bursts of sun) and with rain in the forecast there was an importance to get on my bike before all else. You see it wasn't about a hard effort, nor steady state or tempo it was just because.... Fresh air and the road ahead of me. I laughed to myself as I passed the 60 km/hr sign, sure did not apply to me but the slow moving vehicle sign was definitely more descriptive of my pace. During the race season, when rides become about training, you don't stop to appreciate your surroundings, you are driven by the focus of the intended ride. So for no other reason other then freedom I am blogging about my ride of leisure, where my average speed is irrelevant, and for today I liked it!!!

Cheers,

Sue

1st Annual Country Cross

Today was the 1st Annual Country Cross, Cross Race, organized, designed and promoted by our good friend Pak!!! I sat the race out but still went to cheer and help out. Great job, great fun, and congrats to all who suffered through the crazily awesome, body hurtin', lung burning course!! Pictures courtesy of Jay. Please check out the following link for details on the race..... www.bikesabbath.blogspot.com

Cheers,

Sue

Season may be over but...........

........still finding ways to be on 2 wheels!! My week following Iceman was pretty busy. With the wrap up of the season Sat., I headed for Miami (South Beach) Tues - Fri.. I went to a Spin and pilates conference with the owner of the studio where I work. The weather was perfect and we had a great time. Obviously, we didn't pass up the opportunity to take in a 2 hour Spin class (aside from the other Spin workshops I had). So it really wasn't a week off the bike, I still managed to get my fix. I also hopped on my oldest sons dirt bike (who's your mommy now!! lol) OK he wasn't thrilled with the idea but once he realized that I sort of knew what I was doing he relaxed a little. Good times, good times!!

Cheers,
Sue

'n'Iceman......................

The 20th Iceman Cometh is now part of history and perhaps n'Iceman was a better title for this years 60°F weather. Late/end of the season fitness was tested in this all out hammer-fest point to point mountain bike race. Racers this year > 4000. Everyone has a story to tell about their Iceman experience and I am no exception. So here's my two wheel tale on the race that has all the 'Bells' and whistles...............

Bike, check, helmet, check, gloves, check, shoes, glasses, riding clothes (for all weather), plain clothes, gels, drinks......check, check, check, check!!!!! Packed and ready to venture off for my 3rd Iceman. Jay and I were on the road again this time heading for the season grand finale in Traverse City, MI. A few stops along the way, sign-in and package pick-up at The Grand Traverse Resort, do a few laps around the bike expo, chatty catch up with a couple fellow cyclists and check-in to the hotel by 7:00 p.m, dinner by 8:45 p.m. and chillaxed the rest of the evening. So this is what day #1 (Friday) night before the race looked like! Sat. morning was low key and slow moving. The weather seemed unseasonably warm but I liked it!! Before I even talk about the race I want to tell you a little somethin' about the bike I was riding..... Borrowed from Andy Jenner (fellow cyclist,friend, cool guy), full carbon, Jamis dxc hardtail. Jay dialed it for me 1 1/2 weeks prior to Iceman, getting the bike to about 19.8 lbs!!! Sweet ride!! Now to the race.... The pro start time was 2:30 p.m. which gave me lots of time for square breathing!!!! (Just a bit of nerves that's all, wink, wink) We had approx. a 30 min drive to the start, which was in Kalkaska so we headed out around 1:00 p.m.. The course was a bit longer this year and included a road roll out mile or so through a neighborhood before hitting the dirt. They did call ups and I was among the women brought to the front line. The pro women's field was approx. 39 deep and it was sooooo strong. Pro men were off first and before even getting out of sight there was a pile up. OUCH!! The scene was cleared and count down from 10 began........ Go and I went. I had a good starting position that allowed me to immediately grab the front but where was everyone else? I guess we all had the same game plan and that was not to be the one to lead the group down the pavement. So By the first road turn Kelli Emmett and Alison Dunlap had now jumped out in front. The turn put us into a strong headwind and the pace dropped once again, seemed like no one really wanted to pull. I sat in the middle of the group (but not comfortable in that spot) so when I had the chance I veered out to the side and took a bit of wind to avoid getting 'jammed in'. I heard the sound of bikes hitting the road in what sounded like a big crash and sure enough the pro women field had taken out a few of their own. Still not sure what happened behind me but hope everyone was ok. Once we hit sand/dirt I took a bad line through some deep sand but no biggie, I was still in contact with the front. The pace picked up and the field quickly split like I knew it would. I was sitting about 7th wheel holding on to the draft at the tail end of the lead group. It was not really where I wanted to be, but I worked with it. The leaders, changing positions, quick burst and quick recoveries left me to deal with my steady slower recovery. As the race went on I was slowly losing the draft and all I could do was watch as the lead group pulled away..... Unfortunately, I got dropped at the top of a gradual climb. So it was me on my own with only a hope to somehow catch up. This is not the race to ride solo. A short time later Marnie Smiley (Scott Bicycles) came up behind me. Brief conversation and the decision to work together followed. I set the pace the majority of the time but she did take a few quick pulls, enough to keep the speed and for my legs to recover. Through the course we traveled, and the sight of a women (6th place) gave me hope. We came up to a steep sandy climb with about 5 miles to go and caught the 6th place (Lisa Strong, Colorado). I made the pass half way up the climb. Lisa, Marnie and myself held together for the next couple of miles. Marnie soon dropped off, and with 2 miles left I pulled away from Lisa. Crossed the finish line in 6th place. Happy with that, but not so happy that I didn't have the legs to hang on a little longer with the main lead group. I had a few setbacks in my training in the last month and a half and it showed in my time. Nonetheless I am happy with 6th and it more than likely would have been the same result even with good training leading in, just a better time. Joe B. (Bell's/Quiring) never disappoints and a recovery 'drink' was on him!! Thanks!! So here's how the top spots went: 1st Alison Dunlap (Luna), 2nd Kelli Emmett (Giant), 3rd Heather Irmiger (Gary Fisher/Subaru), 4th Amanda Carey (Kenda/Tomac), 5th Jenna Rinehart (Specialized), 6th ME. Iceman rules and Steve Brown is a genius. This event has equal top payouts for pro men and women. Kudos to that!!

So with the Iceman Cometh comes the Sunset on the Season Party, put on by Bells Beer and the Bells/Quiring race team. What happens at the party stays at the party!! Let's just say The Orbitsuns rocked it another year, fun just happens, you just need to show up!! Cheers to all the hard work and planning the Bells Race team did cuz' this party is one not to be missed. You guys make me want to "Haul Ass" right back there next year!!!

So there you have it my season ender, lots to learn from, lots to work on and lots to look forward to next year. I would like to thank Lenny B. at The Bicycle Shop for the support throughout the year. My mom and dad (awe) for watching the kids on those weekends where it is too much to load everyone in the van. And most of all my husband for the support, mechanical, feeds and driving across the province on two hours sleep after working all day.

To 29 or not to 29, that is the off-season question???

Cheers,

Sue

Short and sweet..................

Time flies. I'm still alive!! After having a bit of a set back after Peak2Peak I got back in the saddle and have been able to get in a few effort rides. Been following the local Cross in the Country progress. Details later on this cross race/ride. It will be a great event! I have many pictures I want to post and will do so soon. I almost get exhausted when I think about my schedule over the next couple of weeks!! Not just on the bike but in every aspect of my life. It's all good, just a little too busy!! So on that note I will wrap up this brief post. Hopefully I can get back on track with my blog and give you some great updates. Soon enough I will have the time to ramble and fill you in on my life happenings, bike and all............................

Cheers,

Sue

Peak2Peak....bike, bonk or both................

On Saturday Jay and I visited Crystal Mountain for the annual Peak 2 Peak Challenge. This is the 1st time I've raced there but I've heard that the race is well organized and a good prep for the Iceman Cometh. I will also mention that top Elite/Pro finishers receive a decent payout so it makes it worth the 4.5 plus hour car ride to the venue.
The temperature was just above freezing but other than that the weather looked promising. I had backed off the bike quite a bit due to a cold that kept me from racing the cross country race at Boyne. It has only been in the last three or four days that I've felt comfortable enough to start putting some hard efforts in again. So this race was going to be a test to see how much, if any fitness I've lost over that time. I've been pretty lucky for the past few years and saved my illness' for the off-season! ;)
We arrived at the venue early enough to kick back and have a coffee and enjoy a little bit of the fall scenery before I began my warm up. The parking lots were full of vehicles with bike racks so it looked to be a good turn out. Jay prepped my bike and took a quick nap in the van while I 'warmed up'. Not having raced here, I didn't know what to expect. Jay had put on my 'do it all tires', which aren't the fastest nor the lightest but hook up well on anything and were a safe bet for a place that I know nothing about.
My warm-up went alright, my legs felt good but I noticed my heart rate was quite a bit higher than normal and I was working harder to get the bike up to speed. I simply contributed it to being off the bike for the past three weeks or maybe it was simply the excitement to finally race again. It seemed like it's been ages since I took to the starting line.
The pro-women started with the pro-men and behind us were the expert men. The race started at what I thought was a quick pace. I did not have my normal punch and settled in behind Danielle Musto (Kenda/Tomac) and Karey Collins (MPI/Main Street Racing). I was working really hard, to the point where something just didn't feel right. Nevertheless I plugged on and continued to push. Eventually the men gapped the three of us and I found myself third in line. I felt like I was working my tail off to keep up but the bike just wasn't goin'!! I was even pushing gears that were 2 to 3 lighter than my norm and felt sluggish. Regardless I kept the other girls close. We turned a corner and saw that Joe Brzuchanski (Bell's Brewery/Quiring Cycle) had a minor mishap but was alright. We passed by him and another pro and continued on. Soon after Joe was back passing us and I jumped behind him. The quick draft allowed me to get in front of Karey. Danielle had put a few bike lengths on us and as we got into some single track I was able to bridge the gap. In an open section I made a pass on Danielle putting me in 1st. Coming through a section of single track I avoided a slick root. Unfortunately, from the sound I heard behind me, Danielle didn't . I stopped and yelled to her, Karey told me that Danielle was alright and I could see that Danielle had gotten up. Knowing all was o.k., I had to keep riding.
I finished the first lap in around 45 minutes which was about three minutes slower than the pace I was hoping to set. Because of the slow pace a number of expert men riders caught us and were passing us in waves. Some of the passes were pretty aggressive but for the most part it was kept in check. When you have that many riders together on a trail at once communication and patience is key or else someone gets hurt. Which brings me to my next point. Some inconsiderate racer decided to pass between me and another expert rider while we came through the start/finish chute. We were riding side by side at a comfortable distance, about six inches apart when this guy yells out "up the middle, up the middle"! I thought to myself what is he talking about, "up the middle", then the next thing you know this rider comes up between us, clips both of our handle bars and takes us down. He falls first and then his bike. I fall on his bike and than my bike falls on me. About five or six riders pass by and I lose about 30 to 40 seconds. Thanks 'buddy', nice move. (b.t.w. post race check up revealed two broken spokes and a bent rear wheel!) Thankfully no one was hurt and our bikes were still rideable. So I collect myself and continued on. I don't know what is happening behind me with Danielle and Karey but from the timing results after the race I learned that I was around 40 seconds in front.
On to lap number two. I now know what the course is all about and what to expect. There was alot of flat single track and double track but not as much climbing as I was hoping for. The ground was sandy and mostly dry, not alot of rocks or roots and not technical. I probably had way too much tire than what I needed but it is better to be safe than sorry. Lap two was the same as lap one. I was working alot harder than I should have been and the race was dragging on. My bike continued to make some weird noises that I've never heard before. I felt like there was a steady drag. I stopped a couple of times to see if there was something wrong, spinning the wheels around, checking for brake rub......... but no visual problem. ARGH!!
Finally lap three. I could tell that my pace was slowing and by mid-lap I was hitting the wall. I stopped again to check my bike. The constant squealing/squeaking from the back end was getting to me and I was losing focus. Seemed like things were getting worse. I had to back off my gearing even more, which had me now doubting my physical fitness. At the last climb I was still in front. I didn't know by how much until Jay told me Danielle was only 20 seconds behind me. I found a little energy and forced my way up the climb. After reaching the top there was a fun section of downhill but for some reason my feet had uncontrollable shakes and I felt a bit light headed. A bike issue, a bonk, call it both I still managed to cross the finish line in first. I think Danielle ended up a minute behind and Karey was not far behind her.
In the end I was happy that I won. Did I deserve to win? Probably not. It was a good effort but I just didn't have it. Iceman is only three weeks away and that is the worst I've felt on a bike in two years. After the race I was a little concerned. It even crossed my mind just to skip Iceman this year and call it a season. Yes I was that bummed out. (OK it was a brief thought but somehow the Iceman after party put things in perspective ;) !! )
We hung around for the awards and chewed the fat with the Michigan MTB faithful. It is always a special treat to see Erin Vicary (Bell's Brewery/Quiring Cycle) at the races. She is always super encouraging and as I said as I passed by her on a climb, I miss her on the trails!! An injury kept her sidelined this year but she assured me that she will be racing next year and things are looking better. She promised that she will be racing some O-Cups next year. (I will make sure she sticks to her word!!) While talking to her I got to thinking how lucky I am just to be able to ride/race. Even a bad day on the bike is better than not riding at all.
So with Oberon in hand, my mood quickly changed. I'm going to put some hard efforts in and pick it up a bit before Iceman.
I highly recommend the Peak 2 Peak to anyone. Crystal Mountain is a quality venue and Endoman Promotions puts on a great race. The awards and payouts are great. I would like to thank the promoter for the equal pay out to the pro men and women.
On the way home, (5 hours) I told Jay about the bike and the noises it was making. He told me it was probably something in my bottom bracket and he'll check it out the next day.
Fast forward to today, Jay took a look at my bike and found that it wasn't the bottom bracket. One of the derailleur's jockey wheels was completely seized up. The other was on its way. So that was the noise I was hearing from the back of my bike during the race. So this made me feel a little better. I know I'm not going crazy and there was something on my bike definitely dragging me down. The derailleur is two and a half years old and has a lot of miles on it so it's served me well. Time for a new one, before Iceman.

I hope Danielle is feeling better. She thought she may have injured her collar bone. :(

Cheers,

Sue

too "antsy"....................

For the past few years I have been racing at Boyne for the State Championships (Fun Promotions). Well I sat this year's out!! I came down with a crazy head cold! Ears, sinus' and headaches! I usually try to race through any sickness but seeing that the weather was calling for rain and cold temps (the weather is normally not a big deal), a 3.5 hour trip each way (not a big deal, I enjoy the drive) and then the issue with my head (deciding factor) I opted to stay home. I paced around the house this morning and at 10:00 am (race start time) I got bummed out!! :( I wished I was there!!! Addiction, passion, hobby, exercises, craziness, competitiveness.... call it what you want I really have a hard time sitting out!! I love to ride/race at Boyne. The trails are beautiful and at this time of the year the fall colors are awesome!

So I cast this head cold away cuz' I'm too 'antsy' and I don't want to miss another race day!!!

Cheers,

Sue

'Squeezed' out a second place finish on the weekend............

It was off to the Liberty Squeezer on Sunday, September 27, 2009. My partner in crime for the day/ right hand women/support/photographer was Kim. The Squeezer (as it is known), is a point to point 30 km mountain bike race in St. Catharine's, Ontario, approx. 3.5 hours away from home.
This was my first time ridin' in the Squeezer and I really had no idea what to expect. I was told that it is mainly a combination of gravel, paved roads with a little bit of non-technical single track mixed in to keep it a mountain bike race.
We arrived around 10:30, signed in, and then chilled for a while. The race was divided into waves. Waves B-F went off in different groups beginning at 11:00. My wave, a mass start of expert/elite men and women combined was sheduled to go at 2:00 pm.
The area received a good amount of rain the night before and judging from the bikes and the appearance racers from the earlier waves the course was muddy. Kim went and did some scouting around about the shape of the course and came back with some scoop. Based on her opinion I changed my tires to something with a little more bite but still fast enough for the road.
I started my warm up at about 1:20 pm which was ten minutes later than I wanted to. Last minute bike prep. kept me off the bike. Stu (Norco) gave me the heads up on being at the start line at least 10 min. before start to insure a decent start position. The warm-up went well and the legs felt good.
I arrived at the start line early enough to get a front row spot next to Stu. Looking around I knew the women's field would be strong. Emily Batty, last year's champ was there lined up to the left of me. Stu would have some good competition in the men's field as well.
When it was time to go I had a clean start and the group rolled out on the road opener at a decent pace. I held with the lead group for about 10 minutes but began to lose them at the first set of single track. I knew Emily was with the front group so that left me sitting in 2nd, with 3rd right on my wheel.
I dropped into the first set of single track and well it wasn't pretty! It was slippery, real slippery and my tire choice may not have been the best. I apologize now to the riders that were behind me because I was all over the place!! After taking 3 total wipe outs, I just did what I could to keep the bike upright. I resorted to riding slow but steady looking forward to some dry ground. Soon enough we were out of the single track and on the road climb. Phew!! I felt strong on the road sections and was able to pull away from 3rd. The feeling was short lived however because not long after I was back in another leg of slick single track. Eventually the course would open up again, through a vineyard, down a gravel road and wait... more single track. Where did all of this single track come from? Based on the info. I was expecting a lot more open double track and gravel roads. Luckily, and to my surprise, the final sections of trail were pretty dry and I could find my flow once again. We reached some pretty technical descents and then looped our way back into town where we were greeted by a final quick but deceivingly steep climb, cheering fans and the finish line.
In the end I took 2nd place, behind Emily Batty (Trek Toronto Bike Store) and 3rd place went to Jenny Brown (Bikefit Sunflower Bike Squad). I'm a little beat up after the wipe-outs and I think it is going to take me some time for me to heal. To lesson my discomfort, I received a nice payout, a large size novelty cheque, cool plaque(street sign) and a bottle of wine (with a long sleeve T). For those riders that did make the podium there was an hour worth of quality draw prizes one of which a was a complete Kona Cyclocross bike.
The event was allot of fun and extremely well organized. Kudos to the promoter and the volunteers that helped out.
The course was awesome and I now know what to look forward to when I come back next year.
Thanks to Kim for her support. The 3.5 hour drive there and the 3.5 hr drive home flew by, Kim and I are never at a loss for words!! ;) Great race, very well run, great day, great fun!!

Cheers,

Sue