Fairy Tale: The Walker, The Mailman and the Squirrel

Once upon a time there was a princess that wanted (ok, make that "needed" - Bruce will be a slave driver on 11/14) to go ride her bike at lunch. Her prince preferred her to ride a different route than the one she chose, but she liked it for the terrain.

She suited up in her kit, clipped her shoes into her pedals and off she flew, feeling fast and free as she glided into the breezy pre-noon air. Traffic was light in some spots, and heavy in others; seemingly the opposite of most days. Without incident, she made it to the hill and out to where she wouldn't hit a stop light for another 45 minutes.

The headwind was demoralizing, her legs burning and sore from a hard gym workout the day before. She saw another princess descending the hill and waved as they continued in opposite directions. As she crested the hill, there was another princess. What? Not even 30 minutes in to her ride and already she'd seen 2 other princesses out riding and no princes. What a day!

The next few miles ticked by without incident, the headwind like a battering ram, but the sky was as blue as the ocean and the clouds floating quietly like marshmallows up above.

She noticed a few hundred yards ahead a man walking with traffic in the bike lane where it narrowed to 2 or so feet. She looked back to see if she could safely take the lane to pass, but naturally there was a truck barreling down the road. The driver clearly saw the princess, as well as the walker, so he safely passed over the yellow line, allowing her to safely pass in the lane of traffic.

Disaster averted.

As the princess came back around to finish up her loop she passed a mailman stopped delivering the mail. Soon he passed her back, and again as he was stopped to drop mail she passed him once more. He pulled to stop a third time, and was unfortunately forced to stick out halfway into the narrow lane of traffic as there was no shoulder there. She looked back to see if it was safe to pass, but unfortunately there was a box truck heading right for them. If there was no traffic coming the other way this would have been fine, but sadly there was a car heading the opposite direction taking the other lane.

With only a split second to decide her course of action the princess hit the brakes and slowed to a stop, waiting for the box truck to pass the mailman, so she could pass the mailman and continue on her merry way.

Disaster averted once again.

Now it was time to descend! While there had been a nasty headwind climbing up the hill, the wind seemed to continue to buffet her attempts to gain speed, and a car kept close behind her, not passing for some reason. She decided not to relinquish the bottom of the hill sprint just because of the car, so once down at the "line" she took off out of the saddle gaining momentum and speed.

Just as she sat up to recover, still near max speed, out into the road bounded a bushy-tailed squirrel. OH NO! The eyes on both the squirrel and the princess bugged out in cartoon fashion as they only had a split second to determine a course of action. The squirrel had run right at the princess on her bike.

She grabbed a handful of brake and fishtailed as the squirrel passed safely inches from her front tire. Both continued, their hearts pounding with adrenaline.

Luckily the rest of the ride was simple enough and the princess arrived back at work and lived happily ever after.

Weekend Update and Food Stuff(s)

Friday night Justin and I drove south after work, and after he had his first PT appointment for his irritated knee. With traffic we got down there just before 7, but Steph had already headed back to school to help out with the evening's football festivities.

That left Justin, Dan and I to fend for ourselves (after Steph made quite an amazing dinner for us to enjoy, if I may say so).





See the Carolan's in the background? That was the beginning of the end! Dan poured just a tad in his almond milk with dinner. Then Justin poured himself a small serving. It was amazing. So smooth and tasty. There wasn't much left in the bottle, so we ran out quite quickly. Naturally, one thing led to another and we wound up at Vons buying Bailey's, Kahlua, and two cartons of Haagen-Dazs Five ice cream.



Stephanie got home just in time to partake of some vino and for the four of us to sit down to a nice game of Monopoly Surfing!





Somehow I managed to be able to get out of bed on Saturday, and we prepped for a long day out at Noble Canyon. Unfortunately due to Justin's non-compliant knee he had to sit this one out. Made me really sad, but he went to hang with his mom before an easy road spin.

I didn't have such a great day on the bike. But, take the good with the bad. Here's a few pics:





DFL!



Darryl



Dan











Steph



Halloween dessert



As for the food stuffs... I haven't been posting much on my food blog, but that's going to change soon. Justin and I are going to try the paleo diet for athlete's here pretty soon. I'm trying to finish up the book, and have one event to do before training starts up in earnest. Soo, we'll be trying out the new "diet" (i.e. way of eating on a regular basis, not a way to lose weight) in a few weeks.

I'll be posting up about it on my more food-ish blog. Check it out there if you are interested in info, recipes (hopefully), and the journey.

"What'd you bring a comb for? You don't even have any hair!"

This quote from Stand by Me was going through my head Saturday morning as I waited for the black goodness to brew and wake me up. I haven't been able to fall asleep lately at all, so I think I was running on maybe 4.5 hours of sleep, with a LONG day ahead of me.

At 4:30 am on the dot Justin, Stephanie, Dan and I all piled into the packed up truck and took off into the darkness up the mountain to Idyllwild in search of 40~ other enduronuts for a really long day on the bike. It has occurred to me recently that many of the people we train with didn't get into mountain biking for recreation, fun, and general exercise. They started riding for competition, fun, training, etc. Long days in the saddle are what I truly enjoy. Sure, 2 hour hammerfest sessions serve their purpose, but I'll take 40 backcountry miles any day over anaerobic sprints!

That's why when the San Jacinto Enduro non-management first started posting up ride info I had the itch. No one even questioned my sanity, so the four of us all signed up for the ride.

It was about mid-60s driving up highway 74. Turning off to the yellow post site the rearview mirror screamed "ICE". 37*F. It was pretty downright cold getting dressed, and I knew the neutral roll-out, even behind spun out singlespeeders, was going to be bone-chillingly frigid. The road descent to Little Thomas Mountain did not disappoint.

Staging!





On the road during the neutral roll-out I looked east and saw the hints of light peeping over the distant peaks; I knew it was going to be a great day. There's nothing quite like riding your bike at dawn with like-minded souls knowing what you've got ahead of you and just feeling giddy at the sight of sunrise and the hint of what's to come.

Cruising up Little T in the dark



It begins





I remember paying more attention to the sky than the road in front of me as we cruised up the climb with Brendan, David, and a few others.



Pink sunrise kissed the rocky peaks as we traversed





I remember screaming, "I love riding my bike!" as I descended the Ridge.



It's a hilly descent, with a few good climbs interspersed with the fast fire road descending. Just over 2 hours in and we had over 20 miles covered, and a solid ascent in front of us.





Yup; we're climbing (back) up there.



Starting our ascent







The climb was surprisingly good, for me. It was fairly steep early on, but in good condition, very little traffic. Justin dropped back once as he was having chain suck issues, and he caught up as the grade eased up, and I felt like we were moving at a good clip. We got up to Idyllwild where we picked up a few "stragglers" and navigated our way back to May Valley where Mary had an aid station laid out. The brownies were heavenly.



We'd finally hit some singletrack, but sadly my technical skills had been left at home for the day, and I was getting close to bonking.

I did manage to clear the Roman Highway





Probably the highlight of my tech skills on the day

A quick break and some food later, and the four of us (Justin, Ed, and Kurt) were back in business heading toward some of the more familiar parts of the course.





Despite our breaks, a few mechanicals, and some slow riding on my part, we got back to the yellow post site to sign in around 11:23 am. Time to refill and refuel.





Then it was back at it for a few traverses of the powerline trail and the new to us Fobes riding.





We started our rocky doubletrack descent down to 74 and Justin commented as we gazed at the peaks of Thomas Mountain, "One last mountain to climb."

I had started to feel the fatigue monster creeping in pretty good as we climbed up Fobes. It was difficult to put one foot in front of the other on the short hike-a-bike, and I paused longer than normal to remount the bike anytime I got off.

We hit the highway and cruised to the turn off.



The early slopes are benign



I hadn't climbed Thomas Mountain proper in probably 3-4 years, so I had forgotten that it's not really as steep as Little T, for the most part. It felt like we were moving out pretty good, but eventually the climb in earnest set in. I asked when we were stopped for Justin's 3rd and final chain suck what the next way point was on the map. 18.6 miles - turn off to Ramona Trail.

I shouldn't have asked. We were at 15.3. My how those tenths of a mile ticked off slowly.



FINALLY we made it…



Though, at that point, I didn't even enjoy the descent. I could barely hold onto the handlebar anymore, and couldn't mentally concentrate on anything. Justin spent a lot of time waiting for me at that point. Since we entered the trail a good way down from our typical start, it went by pretty fast, and before I knew it we had made it down to the powerline trail again and were speeding back to the finish line.







9.5 hours later - all done!



Time for some refreshments, some chilling, and some pizza and brownies







Was stoked to watch the light change as the temperature slowly dropped, and we anxiously awaited Steph and Dan's return.



The evening light in the mountains…







We did a ton of grocery shopping yesterday as recovery from Saturday, and literally sat around and ate some good food!

Picked up some Spaten Oktoberfest to go with breakfast burritos




And then got another 4-pack of Maui Brewing Co. Coconut Porter to have with pork chops and veggies for dinner



Justin has been the mad-pomegrantate de-seeder lately. It's the only decent substitute for blueberries that I can find.





I also had to get a shot of this...last week we got all the colors of the rainbow!

Back to Basics

This weekend was somewhat different than normal. Started out Friday as Justin and I left work, and I was gussied up for Luke and Charressa's wedding rehearsal dinner!



Just a very small portion of the barrels in the tasting room



Tiny cakes



Serve yourself!



Dinner was killer (I ate way, way, way too much)



We were out kinda late, and Justin got a bit tipsy, so we slept in a little longer than planned on Saturday morning before heading out for a quick and easy road ride. I took my camera, but didn't even pull it out. Wasn't super into the ride at all, and had trouble focusing on "not" training. Weird.

We got home, sat around, then rushed to get ready for the main event!! Luke's wedding!

We got there around 2 for pre-show pictures. I wasn't sure where to go, but said hello to Charressa and the ladies, then went to chill with the boys.





All dressed up!



Vows



The happy new couple!!



Justin and Charressa's sister Tiffany



It was cool to hang with some of the race crew, especially out of the race element. For a bunch of "dirty" people we clean up all right, eh?



Beth, James, Eric, Holly, Justin, me, Monique, and Slater

Slater I think ate about 95% of the tiny breadsticks. They were delish



I took a self-portrait since I was flying "solo" with Justin up at the head table!







First dance



I got the beer placement spot-on



Justin and I made sure I "behaved" with the wine (the Tempranillo is amazing), and we tried to get to bed at a decent hour. I knew it'd be pretty warm on Sunday, and a looong day. We finally got pedaling just after 9:30.

Hello, old friend





My HR was sky high, while RPE didn't feel too bad. Not sure what is my physical issue with that lately. Trying some different things this week to see if I can get it back within reason.

Climb was good.

Set-up...







The sky was absolutely amazing



Fall colors





The climb up to Santiago Peak was somewhat rough. It was endless. We "bagged" it from the bottom of ITT in just over 2 hours, which isn't too bad considering my pedestrian pace. I think I saw a turtle and a sloth saunter up the hill next to me, laughing.







I was somewhat worried about how the climb back up Holy Jim would go at that point, especially since I had literally been hemorraging sweat for an hour already. I've never sweated like that before, and it didn't even feel hot, really.

We descended down from the peak (it's almost as bad going down that as it is climbing up it) and were at the Joplin trailhead in no time.

*deep breath*

The last time I rode Joplin was in probably Sept/Oct 2006? I had ridden it the first time in March 2006, and walked the entirety of it. Probably took me at least an hour to hike out. It was a much shorter "ride" this time! Made it down with one minor crash, a near cliffside slide off, and a few hike-a-bikes. Not too shabby! Parts of it were downright FUN.







Parts of it were downright gorgeous





We caught up to a few guys halfway down and cruised it out with them. Once at Old Camp we had to book, though. Chasing daylight!

Looking back from STT...





Luge, as always, was a blast





Here we go again...



Holy Jim I slowed down considerably... fatigue was catching up to me for sure. I think I made almost all of the switchbacks, though! Was stoked, especially considering I was on big wheels...









I also did my fair share of hiking...





Still hiking...



Until next time!





We've met and ride with a lot of people that got into mountain biking through or for competition. Justin and I got into mountain biking as a fun way of exercising. From that we got a little better (to where we didn't need a week off after an hour long ride!) and got really into doing long days in the mountains on our bikes. Fill up the 3L bladder, a bottle of mix, a PBJ (or PBHoney), banana, and an odd assortment of "bike food" and go ride... for hours. Then once you are tired, sore, hungry, and near bonking... finish it off with some more pedaling to end the day.

For us, it's all about the ride. I'm not about to give up XC racing, but I still love my long days in the saddle with Justin. Those I hope to never give up.

Rock N' Road's Diva Night, and a jog

Last night I had the honor of speaking at the Rock N' Road Diva Night event in Mission Viejo in front of a lot of amazing women! I really enjoyed seeing such a great group of ladies getting together for some food, drink, and conversation and totally excited about cycling!

Justin was nice enough to shuttle me over after work and help me by working the computer during the presentation.

Thanks to all the divas (and devo's) that came out!

I don't have any shots "during", but here's what he was able to get during the festivities!







Here's my current dream bike :drool:



Really hope I'm able to make it west for the next one since it was so much fun!

Also, haven't done much riding this week (weather, gym, life, etc.), but I talked myself into a JOG...



Stoked I wasn't too sore, either.

Looking forward to this weekend since we've got a big Sunday ride on tap and Luke's wedding to attend tomorrow!!

Happy Friday!

(Big) wheels keep on turning...

Finally got back on dirt this weekend! Even though I felt like I had a boat anchor attached on Saturday, it was great to get dirty again. I miss long days in the mountains, and always enjoy the extreme fatigue and mental un-acuity that come with many hours in the saddle.

A small group of us (Justin, Eric, and Joy, with honorable mention to Al who joined up after climbing up the highway from Redlands) took off from just above Mentone for the climb up to Angelus Oaks on Saturday. Sky was gorgeously blue and clear, and the temps were pretty perfect for a day in the mountains.







Fall leaves. Yes, in So Cal. Crappy pic.



Big wheels, part 1.



Lunch



Courtesy of Justin:







I've determined that Armadillo Captain 29er tires do not really roll. I mean, they do, just with extreme effort.

I hadn't ridden a 29er in awhile, really, nor had I done a long day on the bike, so I wasn't sure if it was the slowness of the big wheels (haha), the fact that I was somewhat fatigued from the gym, or just general lack of fitness that left me feeling winded on every slight incline.

I somewhat redeemed myself on Sunday pushing my new SS gear (29x18 - bitchin') with faster tires and had a blast.

See you beeshes later.







He sings the songs that remind him of the good times...he sings the songs that remind him of the better times



It's about time



Single and lovin' it.



Big wheels, part deux



Going...down?









Killer weekend on the bike(s). I realized on Sunday that I love the Santa Ana's, and that singlespeeding is a total blast. I was pretty worked, but it just is so... je ne sais que. I don't want to say "pure". But, it's just the rider, the bike, one gear, and brakes. You can sit, you can stand, and you can brake. It's just you, the trail, and sweet, sweet suffering. I hated and loved every second of it.

No SS for me any time soon, though. Gotta train my mind and body to get ready for my next big off-season project.

BTW, can you over-reach in the off-season? No, really?

Happy Monday.

Transition

Well, so it's that time of year. For most racers it's "that time of year, again". For me, not ever having trained before, I've never had an off-season. Or a period of transition. Last year I went right from my 12 Hour race to prep and then base shortly after to get ready for 2009.

Transition has been...weird.

Justin and I took a full 6 days off the bike. Instead of catching up on sleep and doing a lot of relaxing, I drank too many beers, too much wine, and fell behind on sleep and rest!

Sunday we got back on the bikes, and also rode Tuesday, Wednesday, and today. The weather has been pretty good this week (low 70s), but windy as all get out!

Monday we picked up some brews from BevMo



I'm ready for my close-up



We chilled and opened the Stone/Ken Schmidt/Maui Kona Coffee/Coconut Porter/Macadamia trilogy Monday with dinner



Now, I'm not a beer connoisseur, so excuse my terminology, but, here goes:

First draw of the acronym from hell beer was...lackluster. For a $7 12oz I expected a lot more. It was smoothe, sort of like a pale beer, and wasn't bursting with flavor. Needless to say, I was somewhat disappointed. I sat mine down and went back to work finishing up dinner prep. Justin continued to sip at his, and offered that it got better after a few tastes.

He was right. As we got deeper into it, it did evolve and wound up quite flavorful and tasty. Became much more rich and deep as we drank and savored the small 12oz bottle. No, it wasn't becauase we were getting drunk, either, even if it is 8.5%, in 12oz that isn't enough to buzz Justin!

We did get a bit of a laugh about it, since I was asking Justin if "okole" meant "butt" (as noted on Pua's Okole Stuff chamois cream). He asked why, and I said the writing on the back of the bottle ended "Okole maluna" and I couldn't figure out what they were saying "butt" about. He was like, "What are you talking about? Mine ends with cheers." Well, it seems that every bottle has one of 3 text's on it (I'm guessing).



I google'd it, and it actually translates to "Bottoms Up!"

I did very much enjoy the beer when all was said and done, however, at the cost, I think I'd probably choose something else for the next go.

I was sad to find on Tuesday that Costco was out of blueberries. So, back to strawberries I went. Not my first choice for breakfast fruit mostly because they require a lot more prep work than blueberries (rinse and store vs. rinse, chop, clean up chopping materials, store).

I'm also sad that my mug is half-size. Thanks to Jeff for thinking of me, but it seems that Yuba is out of mugs for the year! My loss.



Tuesday we did our normal hour loop. How do you ride when you aren't training? What HR zone do you shoot for? Should you keep your power numbers in the active recovery range? Does it even matter? Yes, I have asked Justin these questions about 10 times this week.



Suffering up a hill anyway



We busted into the Maui Brewing Co. CoCoNut PorTer a few days ago.



It is delish. From first draw it tastes great. Not too heavy like some porters, but definitely a good finish. This one didn't develop as it went on, however, but still highly recommended, and much more affordable than the Stone trilogy Maui Kona nut, etc.

Dinnah



This week we got back into the gym. I'm using Transition as a big building period for the legs. Some people think that weights aren't really that important, but believe me...if you can't one-legged leg press the sled with no weight you probably should be in the gym. Yeah. Sad. But, true.

So, I'm mixing up some plyometrics with some strengthing exercises, and doing a tiny bit of upper body and mixing up the core work as well. Once training starts back up the gym will for sure take a back seat, but for the next 4-6 weeks it's all about growth, baby!

Tomorrow I am finally getting back on DIRT. I haven't ridden off-road since 9/27 and it's about time. Will be on a new (TO ME) bike - Canzo 29! Looking forward to rocking the big wheels again for awhile since my Epic is taking a break from riding until we have a plan for next year. Sunday I think I'm going to see if I can still pedal, and then put more hurt on myself riding the Uno (Dos) Niner somewhere hilly.

I could really use a long day in the mountains to take my mind off some stuff. Hopefully it'll work!