Moronacity

Update Your Bookmarks and Links!

2008-07-16T20:12:00.002-04:00

I've moved my blog to the web server where my web site is hosted. That really does make sense. I've been having lots of problems logging into Blogger and viewing and posting comments. I get a lot of blank pages and decided to switch to a blogging program that resides on my server.

So, for today's blog, and every blog hereafter, goto http://www.moronacity.com/blog.

As always, Moronacity.com will also lead you there. :-)

47.6 MPH

2008-07-15T13:45:00.001-04:00

That was my top speed, today.

Heading toward Eagle River from Ahmeek, Pat took off in a mad sprint down a hill and I chased after him. We reached almost 40 mph and I joked with Pat about his sprint. He told me that he had to try to reach 40 mph after watching those guys in the Tour de France doing 50 mph. It wasn't until later in our ride that we rode a great hill with new, smooth pavement heading toward Lake Linden that we hit 47 mph. It was incredible.

The three of us, Jerry being the third, shifted into our hardest gears to make the most of the hill, but we had no idea what was going to happen. Pat rode by me and I pedaled a bit to chase after him. Then, we all tucked low to lessen the wind resistance and let the bikes take over. We were not drafting. Midway through the hill, I looked at my computer, then I had to look at it again, and again. I couldn't believe it - 47 mph! I have never gone that fast before, not even descending into Copper Harbor.

As usual, it was a hard effort road ride. I was riding with two guys who are in better shape than I, and who can climb hills with much more ease, even into the hard headwind we had. With the exception of the hill climbs, we traveled anywhere from 20 to 30 mph.

The important thing is that I do feel good about this ride. I was out for three hours and I've found that road riding can be quite beneficial to my mountain bike racing.

Pat is picking me up this evening to head to Michigan Tech to help with the kids' ride, so I'll get a chance to spin down and loosen my legs up, along with putting more time and miles on for my weekly goal.

Tomorrow, I fully intend to ride Churning Rapids, again, but I think I'll switch it up without pushing it too much. That will take some planning because there really is no easy route in the Keweenaw, unless you ride certain trails at Tech.

Thursday, I won't ride, because I have a long shift at the hospital, and it will be wise to take a day off before my 12-hour race. Friday, I've decided to do a light ride, because I won't race well after two days off. I would feel heavy and lazy. I have a short day on Friday, so I might just commute to work. We'll see what the weather blows my way.

47.6 mph . . . wow!

Day One

2008-07-14T19:19:00.001-04:00

It's Monday, so this is the first day of the week for me. I rode for two hours and forty minutes. This is a great start to reaching that ten hour mark! I rode Churning Rapids, again, and managed to squeeze out a little more mileage. I hit twenty. Man, I feel good.

I'm pretty optimistic about the upcoming week. I plan to ride Michigan Tech tomorrow, so that may end up being a three hour ride. I'll ride Churning, again, on Wednesday. You may be thinking, "Jeez, Di, take a break," but realize that I am. I have a twelve hour shift on Thursday - so no riding, and I can't ride Friday because I have a twelve-hour race on Saturday. I'm estimating that I'll have eight hours of riding in before Saturday. Yes, this will be a great week, and I plan to see some weight loss as a result.

Horse Vs. Bike

2008-07-13T22:15:00.004-04:00

One would think that any given day in mid-July would be spectacular for mountain biking in the Keweenaw. One would think.

Today held firmly at 58 degrees F and the air was quite lively with a strong wind that was heard rushing through the leaves. The trees swayed with more animation than I was able to muster today. It is summer. It is summer. Yes, it is summer. I keep telling myself that, but it just doesn't feel like it. It feels like spring.

I had to deliver the registration papers for the horse I sold a couple of months ago. I met the new owner at a horse show that was going on at the Houghton County Fairgrounds. I kept watching his daughter ride my horse and thinking to myself, "I really want to ride." They offered several times, and I finally hopped on when she was done showing. I gave the daughter a few tips and made plans to show up to the stable Tuesday morning with baby pictures and a desire to ride. I'll have to pack my half chaps and get my riding boots out.

It certainly is not mountain biking, but over a decade of horseback riding prepared me quite well for my new sport. Balance, strength, relaxed muscles, it is all key to both sports.

Return to Mountain Biking

2008-07-12T22:12:00.000-04:00

It took some convincing, but I managed to get myself out on the trail for a great ride. I did almost all of the Churning Rapids trails (practically all) and rode home in less than two and a half hours.

I felt strong. Even though I am sore from yesterday's weight training, I pushed through my climbs and felt good. Some of the climbs even felt easier. As I was climbing High Point, I thought to myself, "This isn't nearly as bad as it was a few weeks ago!"

Plans Change

2008-07-11T23:41:00.003-04:00

I was going to set out for a long ride, but thunderstorms were forecasted. Instead, I weight trained for 75 minutes - it's been a while - and I pulled up some grass where my garden was going to reside, now resides . . . yes, I know it's late. The gardening caused me to sweat bullets, even though I didn't feel hot, or even warm. Interesting.

I showered and moved on to a partial movie. I proceeded to, yes, you guessed it, KBC (Keweenaw Brewing Company for you rookies) for good times with good friends. Oh, and I knew I could pay my teammates, Chris and Tammi, for my entry to the 12 Hours of Potluck in Marquette. Yeah, you saw right through me. That was just an excuse to go drink beer.

It is the Strawberry Festival in Chassell, this weekend. If I can get the money that is owed me for the sale of my horse, I will ride out there to get it, then head on to Chassell for the festival. I will then finish the ride, shower, and proceed to KBC for good times with good friends. ;-)

Planning

2008-07-10T22:11:00.003-04:00

My parents have been visiting this week. That's part of the reason why I haven't been riding. They're leaving bright and early, tomorrow morning. What does this mean? It means I'm riding my bike tomorrow.

My plan is to ride to Michigan Tech, do some loops, and ride back. I'm packing a lunch and plenty of water and Heed. Hopefully, it won't rain.

Weight Loss 10

2008-07-09T22:21:00.002-04:00

I saw one of the Bridget Jones movies, today [again]. They're fun movies, and it always blows my mind how Renee Zellweger managed to gain thirty pounds, and then lose it, more than once . . . successfully.

Yes, I know she has professional everythings helping her along, but there has to be a way that I can lose my fifteen pounds. Oh, wait! There is!

It's called my ten hour rule. I must ride ten hours a week. I haven't been doing that, but I've had good weight weeks when I hit at least eight hours. I haven't ridden this week - my week starts on Monday - so I have some catching up to do. I've been splitting wood for the last couple days, and tomorrow is another wood day. Yes, winter will be here and I want dry, perfect little cuts of wood for my stove.

I plan to start riding on Friday, again. I'm going to put in a long mountain bike ride. I might even ride to Michigan Tech and do a ride there. With the return trip, I could be out four hours. I better pack a lunch for the ride home.

My Honeymoon

2008-07-06T15:29:00.002-04:00

I feel like I just returned from my honeymoon, which is funny because I've never had a honeymoon. Just bear with me, here. Like all great honeymoons, I had one great ride . . . actually, several.

I've been riding, but more effort has been a requirement to get me out on the trail, lately. I just haven't felt like riding. I went up to Copper Harbor for the Thursday night group ride and stayed with some friends for the weekend. Three of us gals did a "B" ride while the rest of the group did the "A" ride. It wasn't so much a separation of skill levels as it was just three girls wanting to do a fun ride without feeling like we were imposing on a bunch of guys. It turns out that both groups hit some of the craziest trails. It was our little "B" group that did Paul's Plunge.

Di riding the Ma Maki trail.

Friday, I did a ride by myself. I really did not feel like riding, but felt compelled to do so when I saw all the guys leaving in different groups. I took off and set out for a challenging, technical, and fast ride. I found myself climbing quickly and confidently, and my riding was spot on. For the first time this year, I had a perfect ride. Things just felt great. I didn't feel awkward on my bike.

Saturday was a true testament to what my weekend at Copper Harbor was doing to me. I started off with a huge Harbor Haus breakfast and met some teammates for a ride. We rode for two hours and did a pretty grueling ride. It was grueling for me because I didn't get very much sleep (people screaming outside all night) and that breakfast weighed me down quite a bit.

We finished our ride after about two hours. I kept my cycling clothes on because I was going to do a road ride after lunch. My friend, Trash – yes, Trash – was chatting with me while deciding where he wanted to do a mountain bike ride. I mentioned my ride on the Kamikaze trail and he said, "That's what I'll do! I'll ride Kamikaze!"

"Seriously?" I totally took note.

"Yeah. I'm going to do it right now."

"Wait for me! I'm coming with you!" My legs felt like Jello, but who cares? This was going to be fun!

Our friend, Chuck, showed up and the three of us headed up to the top of Kamikaze for a funky, crazy ride down. We headed back home and decided to shuttle the bikes up to the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge for a ride down Garden Brook. After twenty-two miles of riding the ever-so-awesome trails of Copper Harbor, I had a couple of beers with Chuck and we called it a day.

I left the Harbor, today, with a renewed sense of enthusiasm for mountain biking. I got my groove back. I found that honeymooning with your mountain bike can do a lot to help you regain the joy, freedom, and awe that got you into this mess in the first place.

Nothing to Do But Ride a Bike

2008-07-05T23:59:00.001-04:00

Today was just like the camping days of my childhood. There really wasn't much to do but ride my bike! I would ride, come back for food, get bored, and then ride again. I went out three times and rode twenty-two miles in Copper Harbor. It was a blast!

2008-07-04T23:59:00.004-04:00

Copper Harbor fireworks as seen from my kayak.

It was such a long day, it seemed like two. I started the day off walking the dogs to Ft Wilkins State Park and back. I heard sirens toward the end of the walk indicating the fine Copper Harbor parade had begun. I rushed back, put the dogs away, and watched a parade truly in Harbor fashion.

Indian Paintbrush grows all over the Keweenaw. This was seen during my walk back from Ft Wilkins.

View of Lake Fanny Hoe from Ft Wilkins State Park.

It was a day that was difficult to settle into. I felt lazy and didn't want to do much. Many people were heading out to the trails to mountain bike, and I finally headed out myself. For the first time this year, I felt great! I didn't feel clumsy and my bike went right where I wanted it. After 90 minutes and 12 miles, I returned to town with a big smile and a great feeling. The ride was good.

We concluded the evening with a sunset kayak tour through the Keweenaw Adventure Company. The Independence Day sunset tour is special because the kayakers get to hang out at Hunter's Point and watch the fireworks. We were directly under them. It was freaky, cool, and amazing.

As usual, a few of us capped the night off with Tequila Sunrises at Zik's Bar. Life is good.

Looking out into Lake Superior from Copper Harbor.

Sun setting over Copper Harbor.

Hunter's Point.

Nice To See You Again, Paul!

2008-07-03T11:45:00.000-04:00

Thursday night group ride in Copper Harbor . . . the three of us, the girls, broke off from the rest of the group to do a "B" group ride. We did the first part of the Fat Tire course backward . . . well, sort of. We went the wrong way, thanks to me, and ended up at the beginning of Paul's Plunge. "It's a sign!" I said. They agreed, and we progressed down that ever-so-gnarly trail.

I led, and I finally reached the top of the plunge and laid my bike down to walk the plunge in an effort to psyche myself to do it. Amanda went flying by and I just said, "Feck it, I'll follow you!" I got on the bike and did the first part of the plunge like I was an old pro, which I kind of am.

I was afraid because it was my first time doing Paul's Plunge on *this* bike. I did the first part with no problem. The second part was a different story. I knew the line I had to take, but I stopped before going into it. I picked up the bike and went back to try it again. I froze within three feet of beginning it. The third time, with my friends cheering, I did it. I conquered it on my new, squirrelly bike.

Paul, it's nice to see you again.

Analyzing My Internet

2008-07-02T12:20:00.002-04:00

It is quite frustrating when your Internet runs slowly. I have satellite DSL and it hasn't been the best, especially as of late. Within the last few weeks, I started noticing "google-analytics.com/..." in my status bar every time I loaded a web page. For example, it would show up whenever I went to MMBA.com, Google.com, even my own web site! While my blog is hosted by Google, my web site, Moronacity, is hosted on a virtual server that I pay for. I never installed Google Analytics, and I was pretty upset to find that I was loading more than the desired content every time I clicked on a link.

What did I do? I did some searching, via Google, and found a simple solution. I use Firefox. I clicked on the ABP (AdBlock Plus) icon on the upper right hand corner of my browser, and located the google-analytics urls in the window that opened at the bottom of the screen. I right-clicked on the google urls and blocked them.

Suddenly, my surfing life is faster!

From 8-Track Tapes to Banana Seat Bikes

2008-07-01T23:00:00.003-04:00

This post is entirely Ali's, fault, because she inspired me. You see, she was kind enough to show us a pretty sweet picture of some 8-track tapes she saw at an auction. That got me thinking about the 8-track tapes I played with as a kid. It was kind of sad, really. The only two tapes I remember were Barry Manilow and Chicago - not exactly my cup of tea. Don't worry. I moved onto something more likable, like my brother's Queen record (yeah baby, vinyl!) with Another One Bites the Dust.

You're probably wondering what any of this rambling has to do with a banana seat bike. Well, nothing, really, except that this is a cycling blog and I had to tie it in somehow. ;-)

The 8-tracks, however disappointing the music, were a fond memory of my childhood. I would play with my parents' 8-track player and color, so crayons are also tied in with this memory. I had a lot of cool Crayola crayons - the big box - 64. I also had a Smurf coloring book, of which I can find no equal. I wonder what ever happened to that coloring book. Doh! I got away from the bike, again!

I had a pink, banana seat Huffy when I was a little girl. It was the bike that my dad taught me how to ride. It was my first bike without training wheels. I rode that bike all over town. My brother would hop on the back and we would head to the swings at a nearby school, or the Southside Market with the greatest candy selection, ever!

My pink, banana seat Huffy was also the first bike I would take off-road. We had some little trails around our neighborhood. There was a hill that we'd have to ride over - a little hump in the land a little higher than the bike - to get to the creek. We called this hill Snake Mountain. I'm sure the great, dangerous garter snake could be found there.

8-tracks, crayons, banana seat Huffys . . . I also had a Barbie Tonka Truck. That thing rocked.

Copper Harbor Kamikaze Style

2008-06-30T15:34:00.005-04:00

It's funny how you can spend three days somewhere without doing much riding. I'm in the greatest place in Michigan for mountain biking and I didn't hop on until this morning.

A grrls' ride occurred a little after 10 a.m. this morning. It wasn't just a ride in the woods with smooth trails and plenty of warm fuzzies for all involved, no. They had me with them and I wanted to try something new . . . or something old.

No one likes the Kamikaze trail. It is one of the oldest in Copper Harbor and built before much was known about sustainability. I was told that there wouldn't be much riding during the second half, but I had to attempt this trail that is no longer maintained by the Copper Harbor Trails Club.

I set out with two friends, Amanda and Rachel, and we rode to the top of the Kamikaze trail and began a wild and fun descent. It was almost as if we were riding through undiscovered country, or rather forgotten country. The beginning of the trail is surfaced with large slabs of bedrock, reminiscent of the slick rock I encountered out west. It had that appearance. We rode down the overgrown one-and-a-half track that which was bordered by various wild flowers and large trees and ferns. The trail surface was predominantly rock and root systems. At one point, while I was leading, we came upon a steep descent that was nothing but loose rocks. It was long and I was quite verbal heading down. "Holy waaaah!" and other weird sounds came bursting from my mouth as I tried to keep my weight back behind the seat and take it easy on the brakes. No matter what I did, my bike was moving forward and the only thing I could do was keep it upright. I successfully completed the descent as Amanda wiped out. I told her that Paul's Plunge didn't seem like it would be much after doing that.

The Kamikaze hill that caught me by surprise. This picture only shows about two-thirds of the hill. Yeah, that's me owning it.

I personally liked Kamikaze, and so did Amanda. Our full suspension bikes made us adequately equipped to handle the nearly insane trail with much joy and wonder. We marveled at the beauty surrounding us as we rode along Lake Fanny Hoe. We're definitely hitting up this forgotten trail, again.

Copper Harbor Trail Day

2008-06-29T23:59:00.001-04:00

It wasn't just a trail day, though. It was also the annual town party at the top of Brockway Mountain. We gathered there with legal beverages and cameras in hand and watched the sunset. Well, we kind of watched the sunset as we hacky sacked.

It's not uncommon to see the residents and friends of Copper Harbor kicking around a hacky sack. Beer doesn't really help with coordination.

Here is a short photo essay of the sunset view from Mt. Brockway.

Opposite the sunset, this is a view of the land through which a new ski trail will be built.

I'm guessing this is Lake Medora.

I'm guessing Lake Bailey and Agate Harbor in the distance. Lake Superior's stunning colors as the sun sets.

View of Lake Superior from Brockway Mountain Drive.

Lake Superior sunset over Isle Royale.

If you look closely, you can see Isle Royale where the sun is setting.

. . . or do I?

2008-06-28T10:58:00.003-04:00

I know when to quit, or do I?

I spent the last two evenings experiencing the giant Houghton social scene at the Keweenaw Brewing Company. Last night, I was invited to party with my friends up in Copper Harbor, and I've decided to make a weekend of it.

If I receive a particular email prompting me to do so, I will head up tonight complete with mountain bike. I'll stay with some friends and we'll start Sunday the best way: Harbor Haus breakfast. Yum. Tomorrow also marks the first regular trail day. We'll spend about four or five hours out there and probably head to Zik's afterward. My plan is to stick around through Monday and get in some wild 'n crazy mountain biking. Oh yeah, baby! It's time to take the plunge with Paul and do some squirrelly Red Trail riding.

Oh, yes. Di will be happy.

Knowing When to Quit

2008-06-27T22:49:00.001-04:00

Sometimes you just have to know when to quit. Tomorrow is the Ride for Glory in Ishpeming, Michigan. I never thought I would cut this race out of my schedule because it is only an hour and a half away. A large number of my team is going. I finally decided not to.

I feel a bit stretched. My car still isn't unpacked from Superior Bike Fest and I feel like I've been gone almost every weekend . . . probably because I have. I am getting a bit raced out.

Bear Meets Bear

2008-06-25T23:26:00.004-04:00

I took the little wieners for a pre-breakfast walk to the end of the road, this morning. We turned to head home and I saw a large, black outline crossing the road ahead. At first, I thought dog, however this figure did not exhibit the movements of a large, annoying black dog left to roam freely sans owner. No, its back was rounded and its legs slowly swung forward as it made its way to my adjacent neighbor's property.

I stopped.

"That's a bear!" I thought to myself. "No, it can't be. Yet, I surely know perfectly well that it could be a bear." I decided it was a bear. It was a bear. It was a bear.

Ok, now that that was established, I turned to call my dogs toward home, but stopped as I saw Marji taking a poo and decided to simply stop and think for a moment. "Do I really want to head in that direction without a bike and with two obstinate wieners following? Not really." Then, I thought I really had no choice unless I wanted to walk for two or three more hours around my large, country block. I could've cut across the back of my property, but that was clearly where the bear was heading, and even worse, that is where millions of ticks could reside. I headed straight for home. I also stopped to look for bear tracks, but I really didn't know where the bear crossed and it was difficult to find footprints on my gravel road.

The wieners and I made it safely home and curled up on the couch together to read the other half a novel we started the night before. Actually, I read the novel. Cori and Marji just slept, barked to go outside, stared at me, and ran toward the walls whenever the vicious squirrels ran across my wood siding.

Kryptonite

2008-06-22T23:10:00.002-04:00

Sunday marked a rather unmemorable event for me. It was the last day of Superior Bike Fest and the mountain event, my best event, was the order of the day. After Saturday's road event, it was no surprise that I was less than eager to begin this race.

My legs were stiff, although soreness wasn't really taking effect. They were heavy and energy failed to renew with the changing of the day.

One mile in, I decided that my only goal was to finish the race. This is pretty sad considering it was only sixteen miles and I've excelled at distances longer than this. The pack lost me right away. By mile three, I was seriously considering a big DNF (did not finish). By mile seven, I pretty much confirmed that I was going to DNF. Sure, I kept telling myself that I was almost finished with my first lap and that I could survive another one, but the truth was that I couldn't climb hills without getting off and walking. My legs were dead. It was almost like I was Superman, force-fed kryptonite.

The final decision came at the end of the lap and I headed straight for the finish with a final "F-YOU" to the Marquette Mountain course that I loved so much on any normal day. It was a sad, sad day – my first DNF.

Superior Bike Fest: 35-Mile Road Race

2008-06-21T23:02:00.001-04:00

My first real road race. We had an easy roll-out led by a beautiful, red Corvette. After a couple miles, the Corvette took off and the real race began. The riders immediately separated and I stuck with the lead peleton only for a couple minutes. We were headed up a long, very gradual hill and I was losing speed. Before I knew it, I was leading the second peleton and they invited me to drop to the back to take a break. We headed for the hill in front of Marquette Mountain and split apart. I led the downhill and the long, steep climb began. Riders began passing me and we all spread out to the point where I thought this was it: we were riding alone.

Mid-climb, I began feeling better and my cadence picked up. I shifted into a harder gear - twice - and caught up with the gal in front of me – Sarah. I passed her and noticed my new friend, Janet, up ahead. I said to Sarah, "Work with me to catch up to Janet."

"Ok," she said in reply. We quickly moved up and I yelled for Janet to pick up her pace and jump on the back of our newly forming peleton. We proceeded forward and picked up another gal. The four of us worked together for quite some while and we picked up riders and dropped riders throughout the race. Janet primarily led the climbs as she was better suited for this; I led the downhills. I could get really low to make myself more aerodynamically friendly and I was able to really pick up speed. We found ourselves speeding up quite a bit even though we would be coasting. We hit 38.5 mph in front of Marquette Mountain on the return trip.

As we headed to the finish line, I knew I had to plan my breakaway. The time came when we were nearing the end and I took off. I didn't know it, yet, but Sarah was hot on my trail, er, road. We were heading for a strong wind and I selfishly asked her if she wanted to lead the way a bit. She said, "sure," and helped me regain my energy for a final sprint. I don't think she knew what she was doing, but I sure appreciated it. We rounded the corner bringing the finish line within view and I took off. I was the first of my peleton to finish and it wasn't a moment too soon.

My legs had been hinting for the last several miles that they were ready to strike. They had it. My adductor muscles (upper inner thigh) were tightening immensely and immediately halted my ride so I couldn't do a roll down on the bike. I stopped, in great pain, and managed to finagle myself off the bike. I didn't really walk – I couldn't. I merely shifted my hips to get my legs to move in such a fashion that would produce a forward motion. I used the bike kind of like a walker, although it was more of a burden at this point.

I attempted to stretch these muscles, but found that any stance, other than feet together, called upon the necessity of these muscles for stabilization. Simply put, I was screwed. I took about thirty minutes simply moving. While I chatted with my team mate, Pat, I marched in place. This seemed to help a bit. I wasn't able to stretch until later. Sure, I could've lain on the ground, but then there was the issue of getting back up. It wasn't happening.

I showered, stretched, and headed to a party with the Chocolay ACE Hardware team for some beer, brats, and bugs.

Superior Bike Fest: Twilight Criterium

2008-06-20T22:45:00.001-04:00

I was nervous. It was my first crit, and my first road race. I worked a twelve-hour shift, Thursday, so I had no time for preparations that day. Friday morning, I packed up my bikes and my dogs. Unfortunately, it took much longer than I expected and I didn't arrive to Marquette until 4:00 p.m. I had very little time to get my packet, get ready, and start my race.

I started strongly. I hopped out in front, as racing articles said to do, and I lead the pack for the first lap. I took corners at top speed, leaning my bike into it while maintaining stability and grace that I only possess on the bike. The end of the lap met some difficulty as we hit a hill. I slowed and the rest of the pack went by. Unfortunately, most of them were just as fast as I on the rest of the course, but they were good climbers, so they dusted me.

The second lap brought a lot of pain as my chest burned from my deep, intense breathing. I was racing. My climbing got slower and it took longer for me to get up to speed on the straightaway at the top of the hill. By the third or fourth climb, I had to slow down for a bit and regain some of my breath. When I caught my second wind, I began climbing more strongly and the pain eased up only a bit.

I finished in tenth place that night. I was last. However, I noticed my riding skills were superior to some of the other girls as they braked like crazy into the turns and coasted down the hills instead of picking up speed by pedaling. I will continue to work on my climbing and I will come back to next year's crit with a vengeance.

While Visions of Mountain Bikes Rolled in Her Head . . .

2008-06-18T22:11:00.004-04:00

Yesterday's weather was less than desirable for toasty mountain biking. Of course, we haven't really had any toasty mountain biking in the Upper Peninsula, yet. We're beginning to wonder if the Fourth of July is going to be comfortably warm for back woods camping, or is it going to be uncomfortably numb?

My fellow Red Jacket, James, and I set set out for a full-Tech ride. We did all the old trails and quite a bit of the new trails. We did about 18.5 miles in three hours. I'm tired. My body is tired. I will sleep well. Ow.

We ended the ride at the dirt jumps where some people were doing a little freeriding on their "little" bikes. It's pretty sweet. I love watching those guys. They're nuts. I didn't watch long, however, because I was becoming the ever-so-tender meal to some skeeters (that's "mosquitoes" to those of you who prefer "proper" English). Yum.

I threw my bike in the Pathfinder and made way for Dairy Queen. Oh, yeah. I've got the bug. I'm really glad they don't have a DQ in Marquette since that's where I'll be this coming weekend. More tough riding ahead. Tomorrow, I'll have a rest day, at least where cycling is concerned. I have a 12-hour shift at the hospital and will most likely be quite busy for most of it. I will dream about my mountain bike, I'm sure.

Keweenaw Chain Drive Recap

2008-06-16T23:05:00.003-04:00

Di (left) enjoying her second place age group finish. Photo by Sean Evans and edited by Di.

I realize I rushed through my Keweenaw Chain Drive commentary. I didn't really say anything except, "Here ya go!" . . . basically. One of my team mates started a thread for Chain Drive recaps and I decided to do my race play-by-play. Here you go! ;-)

After realizing how well I did in O2S last year, and doing a few wave starts this year, I realized I needed to start up toward the front. My starting position was going to make a huge difference in the results. I was right. I was able to keep up with the guys until we got to the further side of Hancock and started the little climbs. I'm a better climber this year, but I still have lots of work to do, and I most certainly will not be able to keep up with the front runners, so it's not like that was a huge loss for me. I knew I was still in front of most of the pack.

I used my roadie skills to get an edge. Everyone would pass me on the climbs and I would blow by them on the flats and downhills. Crazy how that works. We reached cemetery hill and some guys went by me, but I actually had a very good climb at a personal best speed. I popped in front of Bruce P at the entrance of Iron Ring and we moved forward rather slowly. I used special superhero techniques (near trackstands) to allow people to get ahead of me so I could maximize momentum on the uphills while my competitors worked harder than I. Some people behind me weren't too happy with me, but Bruce knew what I was doing. Hey! I know the course! It hurts! Don't waste energy on the first couple miles.

We reached the doubletrack and I seriously opened it up while navigating the rocks - you know, the trail with a couple of dirt spots in it. ;-) We reached that first nasty, nasty hill and I walked up the middle of it to avoid blocking the rider line. For the rest of the race, I pretty much just got down to business.

The end was like every other race: some lady got behind me and made me super nervous, but I really couldn't push that much harder. Being an uphill, the end is a great place to get the best of me. I had mixed feelings when I saw who was passing me.
1. Relief - it was Tammi, fellow Red Jacket, and she is not in my age group.
2. Hurt pride - it was Tammi and she was finally going to beat me in a mountain bike race this year.
3. Camaraderie - it was Tammi and I was happy that I was crossing the finish with a fellow Red Jacket - who also happens to be the same Red Jacket who usually finishes within seconds of me even though we never really ride together.

I got to the finish and several people came up to me and chatted and congratulated me and asked me how the race went and we compared stories. It was awesome. I absolutely love the social atmosphere of riding in the Keweenaw, and this year's Chain Drive was peak happiness.

Lesson learned: avoid aid stations, even when you're trying to be efficient. If I didn't dally trying to get some fluid in my mouth at the aid station, I most likely would've beaten Tammi. ;-)

A Di Day

2008-06-15T23:47:00.002-04:00

We live in such a society where it is beyond the understanding of many that God simply wants us to slow down. In such a society where multi-tasking, economy, efficiency, and so on are paramount to our role as citizens, we have no idea how to not do anything. Even when we are completely wasteful of our time, producing absolutely nothing besides excess fat, we consume our minds with stimuli from video games, televisions, phones, and iPods. How many people actually take the time to notice how a sunbeam on an ordinary brick wall can bring a smile to their face and allow their heart a little leap of joy?

If you haven't already noticed, I have had a very special day. I decided to make it a "Di day." Sure, I've done this in the past, but none have been quite as successful as today. Even while climbing the last, brutal hill homeward, I found myself smiling as an audible giggle slipped out. Cycling does this to me.

I set out at 2:20, with a backpack containing a pair of sandals, a long-sleeved shirt, if needed, a cycling rain jacket for the predicted scattered showers that never occurred, a phone, money, camera, and hairbrush that was never used, but already in the bag.

Like many of my fellow citizens, I am quite focused on the end and hardly ever notice the means. Today, I chose to somewhat blindly head to Houghton in search of something to do. I really didn't know what. I took my time riding to Hancock. It was very windy all day and I wasn't in the mood to fight it, so I lollygagged a little on my ride. The direction of the wind allowed me to coast through Hancock while braking because the traffic was going slower than my bike. I actually considered passing the cars, but chose to hold my course. I rode around Houghton for a while and meandered over to Michigan Tech and up Sharon Avenue in search of a twist ice cream cone at Dairy Queen. For the first time, ever, I patiently sat in front of the DQ, slowly circling my tongue around the ice cream as I ate it slowly, taking the time to taste it. I felt calm as I enjoyed the view of the sun shining against the strip mall on the green hill across the street.

Michigan Tech and Houghton from the Hancock side of the canal.

Life is short. Eat dessert first. That's exactly what I did. I repeated my roundabout course as I rode back to Michigan Tech only to reverse direction and head back to downtown Houghton. I locked up my bike across the street from The Library and headed in for a long dining experience. I special-ordered a small basil and tomato pizza and drank a few cups of coffee as I slipped into a trance produced my leisurely eighteen mile ride. I said my goodbyes to The Library staff and slipped back onto my bike and headed for the Portage Lift Bridge to journey homeward.

Views of Mont Ripley and Hancock from the Houghton side of the canal.

As I crossed the ridge, a black car with a bike rack, heading for Hancock, honked and the driver waved to me causing me to smile. I have no idea who was in that car. All I saw was a hand. However, they left me full of pride and joy. How fortunate I am to live in such a community. Every time I commute, someone recognizes my bright, green Jake the Snake and they honk or yell my name. Having lived in communities where people were less than eager to greet one-another, or welcome a new member into the community, I absolutely recognize the grace God has given me by placing me in such a warm community where so many people have a strong bond with one-another simply because of a simplistic invention called the bicycle.

Portage Lift Bridge and Hancock.

Quincy mine.

I happily rolled home, and even enjoyed my long climb up White Street and US-41 – the dreaded Quincy Hill – without failing to notice how the sun shone above the cities creating a beautiful, lush appearance around the deep blue Portage Canal as waves thrashed about in the wind.

The newly-formed leaves on the trees created a spectacular view as I rolled closer to home. I felt strong, accomplished, happy. I continued to smile. My heart did flips.

The road home.

This is what I came home to.

2008 Keweenaw Chain Drive

2008-06-14T23:25:00.000-04:00

Di racing her heart out.

It couldn't have been any better! I had the pleasure of meeting new people, chatting with familiar friends and acquaintances, and putting forth a great effort on a course that was in great condition! Last year, the course was so dry; my face was black from the sand and dirt. This year, it has been raining off and on, and the trails were dampened enough to keep anything from flying up. My snot wasn't even that black afterwards!

I raced hard beating my time last year and reaching my goal of less than an hour and thirty minutes. I placed second in my age group, twelfth for the women, and in the top fifty percent overall.

The Red Jacket - Bluesky Health Team after the Keweenaw Chain Drive.

Bridgefest

2008-06-13T22:43:00.001-04:00

Friday was the beginning of Houghton/Hancock's Bridgefest celebration. One of the longest parades you'll ever see is here. Lasting at least a couple hours, the parade traveled through Houghton, crossed the Portage Life Bridge, and ended on the far side of Hancock.

After a pre-race spaghetti dinner at the Temple Jacob in Hancock, the Red Jackets rode in the Houghton part of the parade and had to bail before the Hancock part. The parade went pretty late and we all had to get home in preparation for the Keweenaw Chain Drive the following morning.

The Red Jackets waiting to parade through Houghton.

Anticipatory Housework

2008-06-12T23:59:00.000-04:00

I got quite a bit done, today, including a drivetrain clean and lube. I've been doing a lot of cleaning, some rearranging, and some unpacking from last year's move. Lots needs to be done. Until last week, my screened-in porch was more of a storage area than anything. Now, it's being transformed into party central for the post-Keweenaw Chain Drive Red Jacket party. My house still needs some work, and it's almost there.

While I was running around, finding a home for this and that, Cori was chilling out on the couch like a typical dachshund. Life is so hard. Her only real exercise was when I hopped on my mountain bike and I rode out the mailbox, dachshunds in hot pursuit.

Unlike me, Cori doesn't snore when she lies on her back.

I have a group ride scheduled for 10:00 a.m. I get to rush home, clean some more, shower, don my race kit, and head off to the Red Jacket spaghetti dinner followed by the Bridgefest parade. The Red Jackets are following the Trekkers, the local cycling club with which most of the team is involved, in the parade.

I hope I get everything done!

Gone To The Dogs

2008-06-11T21:05:00.002-04:00

Today was another cold and windy day in the Keweenaw. The weather has not been nice. Instead of doing anything with my bike, I spent most of the day playing a video game. Now, it's late evening and I'm settling into the chores I should've done earlier.

I took a little time to mess around with my cell phone and explore the possibility of posting some videos of different things to my blog. My camera takes much nicer videos, but I need to find some software I like that will allow me to do some video editing. Today's video is just a quick bit I played with.

I heard of Vimeo from Ali's site, Dirty Picasso Ride, so I decided to check them out when the username Moronacity was taken at YouTube. It was free at Vimeo, so I snatched it up. The following is a video of my dogs. Marji, the black one, is yipping. Cori, the little red one, is howling. Yes, I taught my dogs to howl. There is a story behind that. Marji was not in the right mindset to do it correctly. She actually gets camera shy. Go figure!

Marji and Cori Barking from Diane Ursu on Vimeo.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2008-06-10T23:38:00.001-04:00

There is usually something planned every day for the Keweenaw cyclist. Monday night Trekker's rides, Tuesday night friendly time trials, Wednesday night Cross Country Sports rides, Thursday night Copper Harbor rides . . . Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are usually up in the air, but people manage to busy themselves with long rides or trail work. Ugh!

I was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed. I knew there was something going on each night, but I couldn't place it. I decided to update the Red Jacket Calendar so I could see where all these events fell into place. I have to say no to some events for sanity's sake and to conserve gas.

Wednesday: Tech ride and pre-race tune-up at The Bike Shop
Thursday: I'll probably ride, but I should probably rest
Friday: Tech ride, team pre-race dinner, and parade
Saturday: Race and team post-race party, which I'm hosting
Sunday: Recover from hangover

Until Saturday, I'm also unpacking some boxes from last summer's move, cleaning off my screened-in porch, and cleaning the inside of my house which is getting cluttered from the unpacking. Friday, I also have to shop for food for our potluck dinners on Friday and Saturday.

Oh, yes, such is the busy life of a Keweenaw cyclist.

One Hundred Thirty Minutes

2008-06-09T23:14:00.003-04:00

. . . that's how long it took to ride all of the old Tech loops - fifteen miles. I had a blast!

I don't ride Tech as much as I did last year. I moved a little further away and, with the cost of gas, I choose to drive only when necessary. Fortunately for me, I can hop on the Churning Rapids trail system just about two miles away.

Today, I went shopping. I've been meaning to buy a gallon of milk for the last few days, but it never really happened. The night of the Stanley Cup win, I stayed out until 7:30 a.m. I was way too tired to buy milk. Thursday, I didn't go anywhere. Same with Friday. Saturday, I was going to buy milk after the Copper Harbor trail day. Nuh uh. That didn't happen either. I just couldn't get out of town soon enough to make it to a grocery store in Calumet for a gallon. Today, I decided it was time.

I threw my mountain biking gear, and bike, in the Pathfinder and drove to the Tech Trails. I started out with the technical loops full of skinny bridges and fabulous rock gardens. I hustled over to the Pilgrim trails and busted around those loops and finished the ride with the Outer and Inner loops. It took me just over two hours - about an hour shorter than last year's early summer rides. I was a little shocked to see the difference.

There is something about Tech that makes me so happy when riding through the trails on a sunny day. Each loop is different and offers different views and different types of trees. Some loops are slow and rocky, others are fast and technical. All are great fun. Tech is right up there with Copper Harbor on the happiness scale for me. It's not as gnarly, but it sure is fun!

Oh! I finally brought that gallon of milk home.

National Trails Day in Copper Harbor

2008-06-08T23:09:00.003-04:00

Tammi and Dee raking on the Dancing Bear trail in Copper Harbor.

No blog entry yesterday . . . no, I was out making the story happen. It all started at 6 a.m. when I dragged my butt out of bed for National Trails Day. I gathered my gear, had a healthy breakfast, made a healthy lunch, filled the Camelbak, and hopped in the Pathfinder to head for the Ace Hardware in Calumet. I had to pick up a wheelbarrow that is completely unrelated to the rest of this story.

I arrived in Copper Harbor to see the usual faces and the faces I haven't seen since last summer. I exchanged hellos, bear stories, and hugs with my trail friends. I even met up with Dee, a friend of my friend, Erin. Dee and I hit it off right away and formed a new friendship on the greatest of all trail days.

Everyone donned bug nets and were assigned tasks. The temperature reached at least 70 degrees F and, combined with the bug suits and hard labor, caused some serious sweating. One person on another crew suffered heat exhaustion. I immediately started sweating buckets. It felt like I was in a shower.

Dee working on Dancing Bear.

My team consisted of Dee, fellow Red Jacket, Tammi, and myself. Sam drove us to the bottom of Dancing bear with rakes and loppers in hand. The three of us spent several hours raking a thick leaf layer off of the trail and we trimmed back the bushes and trees that were intruding on the trail space. By the time we reached the top of Dancing Bear, I was exhausted, super thirsty, and ready to just get the job done. We had only two rakes, so we traded jobs. I took a raking rest during the top stretch of Dancing Bear and grabbed a rake as we headed onto the Red Trail. I made the decision that we were going to spot rake the Red Trail. Most of the leaf litter was from pine trees and really didn't affect the visibility of the trail. We removed the deciduous leaf litter from the trail and Dee and I raked all of the loose gravel off of the elbow turn. It was my goal to give the more potentially dangerous sections of trail a good cleaning off, and we met that goal. The rest of the two-mile trail was a long, slow hike.

Tammi and Dee atop a giant boulder alongside the Red Trail. A little trail leaves the Red Trail to encircle the boulder. It's amazing what you see when you're not riding a bike.

I ate a sandwich before Dancing Bear, one on the top stretch of Dancing Bear, and a Luna bar towards the end of the Red Trail. I was quite disappointed to find that my Camelbak was sucked dry at that point. It was at this point that Dee and Tammi were getting their feet wet in Lake Manganese.

Dee and Tammi crossing the bridge at the end of the Red Trail. The winter weather had pushed the bridge to the right of the picture. It is normally a straight bridge. It's on the trail crew's todo list.

We hustled like turtles down the road to the Harbor and stopped by the Manganese Falls on the way down. Even though I was dead tired and craving Gatorade like a dog craves a big, fat, juicy steak, I insisted Dee see this great sight since she is only a visitor to the Keweenaw.

Manganese Falls.

Manganese Falls.

We met the rest of the trail crew back at the Keweenaw Adventure Company around 4:30 p.m. We were out there for six and a half hours. That sure explains how we felt. Dinner at the Mariner was to begin at 7 p.m. Some of the guys decided to go ride the trails and Dee and I decided to grab some beverages at the local store. I bought chocolate milk, which disappeared within five seconds of my opening the bottle, Gatorade, and some iced tea. Dee and I shared a bag of bugles on the front porch at the Adventure Company. The black flies were still coming after us, so we headed all the way across the street to Zik's bar for some cold brew.

After a pint, we headed back to the house and chatted with our Adventure Company friends until dinner time. Sam and I opened a couple of KBC Ambers and Rachel caught me up on her summer plans. When 7:00 rolled around, we meandered over to the Mariner for a filling spaghetti dinner. Afterwards, it was fun and partying at Zik's with a live band: the Blackflies. Yes, they got their name in Copper Harbor.

At closing time, we all headed back to the house to chat a bit. After some very strong encouragement to stay the night and hang out and ride the next day, Dee and I both parted ways and went home. We told everyone we'd come back for a weekend camping trip in two weeks. The only problem is that I have races for the next three weekends and Dee leaves in three weeks. We might have to make it a partial weekend camping trip. We'll see. It'll happen. There is nothing like hangin' in the Harbor.

Trail Day Checklist

2008-06-06T21:33:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow is National Trails Day and I am going to spend it in Copper Harbor. All over the nation, bikers and hikers will be out in full force cleaning up and building trails. If you haven't been to a trail day before, now is a great time to do it. Trail work can be quite rewarding and very fun.

Di and Sandy Aronson on the Gardenbrook bridge in Copper Harbor. Photo by Arlyn Aronson.

In preparation for trail day, I need to remember to bring a few key things:
* bug net
* bug spray
* change of clothes
* work gloves
* Camelbak filled with water
* lunch.

That should do it! I can't wait. :-)

Recovery Day

2008-06-05T22:09:00.002-04:00

I went out last night to watch the final Stanley Cup game. It was great fun and turned into a really long night. I didn't get home until about 8:00 a.m. I was in no condition to ride my bike. I was in desperate need of sleep. I slept until about noon and woke up to a day of couch potato-ing and chillin' with my dogs. I might have gone for a slow bike ride, but the weather was iffy. Thunderstorms are predicted for most of the upcoming week.

Hanson Hills Challenge - June 1

2008-06-04T12:21:00.003-04:00

A couple of my team mates and I began the month in racing fashion down in Grayling, Michigan for the Hanson Hills mountain bike race. We left very early Saturday morning and arrived in Grayling in the afternoon. We unloaded the bikes and did a leisurely pre-pride. I, being the slow rider, set the pace around the flowing 10-mile singletrack.

James, Di, and Pat. The picture has my name on it, but it was actually taken by Pat's friend, Dennis. Whoops!

Hanson Hills has some gradual climbs and fast descents. Overall, I found the course enjoyable and noted that it definitely has the weeee factor and the wah! effect. It lacks any kind of technical terrain making it a less than ideal race course for the gravitationally challenged, yet skillful mountain biker - like me. This MMBA Championship Point Series event proved to be the most competitive race I've done considering my category. I raced Sport Women 30-39. My friend, Ali, showed up, and she's fast, and I know it, and I told her so, so I knew I wasn't going to beat her. Fortunately, I was able to share in the post-race joy of her victory over our age group. Six women finished within twenty minutes of each other proving that we were all well-matched and exceptional riders. ;-)

Glen and Ali looking all lean and mean with their first place plaques. Glen really needs to get that lip thing checked out.

Glen and Ali on a more normal note.

I finished fifth place. The only setback I experienced was when a Clydesdale's rear tire slid off a bridge and he stood there straddling the bike and bridge while contemplating how to get back on his bike. This cost me the lead I gained on the approaching downhill section and I knew it when I finally yelled, "Pull it off! Pull it off!" He pulled the bike out of my way and I proceeded only to be immediately overtaken by my competition. Blech! Before this occurred, I believe I was running in third, but it didn't cost me this position because I was doomed to climb slowly over the next couple miles. Fun stuff. I may have taken fourth without this mishap, but I take full responsibility for my placing.

I had the great pleasure of hanging out with Glen and Ali and chatting with Nick and Marty a bit. I only get to see them at certain races, and these meetings definitely make the race experience more enjoyable.

Ali, Nick, Marty, and Glen. This was the only picture of these guys where Ali was standing somewhat close to Nick. I'm not sure if he smelled, or what, but she just didn't want to get too close to him. ;-)

Craig Morris meandered by and joined in on our mountain bike thievery. Pictured: Di, Glen, and Craig. Picture from Craig Morris' blog.

Keweenaw Chain Drive Pre-Ride

2008-06-03T23:04:00.002-04:00

Pat and James after conquering a Maasto Hiihto hill I can't climb.

My team mates James, Pat, and I embarked on a "32-mile" ride today. Our course wasn't really 32 miles because we were doing the Keweenaw Chain Drive long course sans parade rollout.

The "long course" consists partly of all the trails in the Churning Rapids trail system. These are the trails near my home that I will be riding the most this year. The course was creatively plotted and amazingly includes all the singletrack, however not in the order I prefer. Great Oaks is a wildly fun, technical trail on the descent, but a beast on the ascent. It is a climb in the race and I found it quite challenging when we rode it today. We did the usual favorites such as Drunken Sailor and Pow Pow and headed back to Maasto Hiihto to finish up the race course. Towards the end, both of my knees were getting achy, we were all talking about pesto pasta at the Michigan House, and decided to cut out the last singletrack and simply head back to our vehicles.

Di riding under the Twisted Tree, also the name of the trail.

One of the new trails in the race was recently created because a beaver dam caused flooding of our singletrack. Here is the beaver dam and its newly created reservoir:

Pat noticed how the beaver dam, the sticks and brush at the bottom of the picture, is concave resembling the Hoover Dam.

Pat riding across the new bridge adjacent to the beaver dam (on the right).

We rode at a leisurely pace with me leading the way – twenty-seven miles in three hours and forty-seven minutes. We might have gone a little faster had I not been suffering from a hangover resulting from the previous night's Stanley Cup Finals festivities.

Even considering my less-than-preferable physical state, I decided that the thirty-two mile course was not on the agenda for this year's race. I have every intention of completing it this year and will continue to concentrate on climbing and endurance for my training this year. Next year, I plan to move up to the longer races.

Hockey Madness

2008-06-02T11:59:00.003-04:00

Life is interesting. Every now and again, a cyclist must take a break to rediscover the hockey fan within. Tonight was the night of rediscovery for me. I decided to go to The Library to enjoy the Red Wings/Penguins Stanley Cup Finals game in high definition. I walked in, scoped out a lone seat at the bar, and ended up sitting next to Bob the brewmaster. Bob brews the beer for the The Library.

Bob is a fun guy. We've had many conversations about Rocky and Bullwinkle and Looney Tunes, tonight being no exception. Bob and I watched the first period together, then Tim walked in and sat next to Bob. Tim is married to a tech I work with at the hospital. He is great fun. So is she! It turns out that Tim placed this precise bet that the Wings would win and lose certain games. Tonight was a losing night, and Tim was right. It was sad, but those of us who remained at The Library after he left meandered down to The Downtowner to offer Tim congratulations on his Penguin win.

Now, I haven't been out much because it costs money to party, so it was kind of funky to run into the particular people I did tonight. Bob was very happy to see me, and so was Tim. The fact that we all ended up at the same brewpub on the same night for almost the same reason (Bob showed up to see the Twins' game) was rather surreal. The night was topped off with a meeting with Joe, the Finlandia hockey coach, at the Downtowner. What a great night!!

Tim wanted the Penguins to win tonight so he could continue on to win $100 when the Wings win on Wednesday. We plan to meet at The Library again for the a win that both of us will agree with.

National Bike Month in Review

2008-06-01T23:59:00.003-04:00

Yesterday marked the end of National Bike Month. At the beginning of the month, I set a mileage goal of 400 miles. With the cold, wet weather we had this May, I did not find the motivation to get out much. When the weather was nice, I chose to mountain bike instead of riding the road. Combining these two factors, it is easy to see why I did not reach my mileage goal. I completed about 274 miles. Still, it's not so shabby.

Now that mountain biking is in full swing in the Keweenaw, I am switching my goal from mileage to hours. I plan to spend ten hours per week on the bike. I figure this is a good amount for promoting weight loss and will definitely give me a good amount of ride time for mountain biking.

Riding Through the Woods

2008-05-29T21:30:00.002-04:00

Today's ride took a rather different turn than I expected. I started out doing the two new [to me] trails near my house and followed the connecting trail to Churning Rapids. I had a great time as I flew down Great Oaks Trail and my climbing was showing improvements. I reached the trailhead and saw two guys getting ready for their ride. It turned out to be one of my co-workers, Kirk K., and his friend, Bob. They invited me to ride with them and had me lead the way.

We started out with two loops near the trailhead. They are short and offer a wonderful warm-up allowing the rider to relax as he or she travels quickly down the hillside and around corners. This is followed by a climb. We did both loops and headed up to find the new trail that was built this last week. There must have been one hell of a trail crew out there because Kirk told me that they finished about a mile so far. It was a great mile! We took an existing trail I was not familiar with to the beginning of the new trail. I saw spectacular views and met interesting challenges. I wished I had my camera.

We climbed up to Pow Pow and rode the banked, hilly turns through the trees. Pow Pow is a very fun trail and is a great way to end the ride. When we reached the end, I parted ways with my riding buddies and proceeded the way from which I originally came to head home.

Rails-to-Trails

2008-05-28T23:41:00.002-04:00

I joined in on the local bike shop ride tonight. It was great fun and quite challenging. I chose to go with the moderately-fast group, which turned out to be the fast group. Yes, they had to wait for me every now and again. I pretty much rode by myself, but managed to make a strong showing on certain sections of trails, especially the ones that didn't go up.

I drove to the ride tonight. One reason for driving was that my bike was at the bike shop for its "30-day tune-up." It was a new bike last fall when I bought it and winter kind of took away the breaking-in opportunity, so my 30-day tune-up was done seven months later. Such is life in the UP.

I fully intend to work up to riding the snowmobile trails to the group rides and still having energy to ride and come back home. I tried riding to Michigan Tech already, and didn't have a whole heck of a lot of energy, but I still managed to get a decent mountain bike ride in. Swedetown is further away, and will require a little more work.

While we have snowmobile trails for commuting around here, other places have rails-to-trails. These are excellent prospects for getting around and even doing a beginner mountain bike ride. They are handy and safe and waiting to be used.

Visit the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy web site to learn more about the organization, find trails near you, and learn how you can simply help.

Plan a Cycling Vacation

2008-05-27T23:09:00.000-04:00

Vacation time is fast-approaching and people are trying to figure out where they should go and what they should do. This really shouldn't be that difficult to figure out. If you live in Michigan, for example, it would be pretty easy to pop your bikes in or on the vehicle and travel to a cycling destination for fun in the sun on a bike. Michigan is full of wonderful places that are best seen on two ATP-driven wheels. The Keweenaw is one of them. ;-)

National Bike Month tip of the day: plan a vacation around cycling.

Cycling Progressive Dinner

2008-05-26T23:34:00.003-04:00

A League of American Bicyclists publication gave the splendid idea of doing a progressive dinner by bike. If my cycling friends didn't enjoy beer with food so much, this might be a great idea for us.

With a little help from your friends, a progressive dinner might be just the thing to add a little spice to your cycling life. Wow. That looks really good. I'm suddenly feeling hungry.

What is a progressive dinner, you ask? A progressive dinner is one in which each meal course is held in a different location. For example, the churches at Michigan Tech held a campus ministry progressive dinner. Appetizers began at my church, we moved on to the next church for the main course, and had dessert at yet another church. It was absolutely wonderful and kept the evening interesting.

It would be great fun to find some cycling buddies who lived in fairly close proximity of each other and hold a progressive dinner where everyone would bike to the different locations. How fun!

Review of Monthly Goal

2008-05-25T23:14:00.001-04:00

As we enter our last week of National Bike Month, I hope you have found the inspiration to stand up for cyclists' rights in a diplomatic manner and, least of all, ride your bike. I hope you have found new ways, partly inspired by this blog, to enhance your cycling experience or think about it in a new light.

Earlier this month, I mentioned setting goals. My goal was to reach 400 miles. I'm a tad bit away from that at 228 miles. That means I need to do a lot of road riding this week. ;-)

We were supposed to have thunderstorms today. However, the sun came out and it was a beautiful 60 degree F day. It's trying really hard. Summer is really trying to appear. We are supposed to have showers tomorrow. If it follows suit, we will have yet another sunny day. If that is the case, I will set out for a 50-mile ride. Three 50-mile rides this week should set me on track for 400 miles. I really have to cram the mileage in. I also have to take a couple days off because I have a race on Sunday. Ah, Sunday. Sunday begins a new mileage goal. I will probably set it at 400 miles, again.

A 400-mile goal is kind of hard to reach when mountain biking season arrives. When the trails are great, you want to do nothing but mountain bike. Three hours of mountain biking can produce much less mileage than road biking. Considering my average speed on a mountain bike is 8 to 10 mph, and my road biking average is anywhere from 15 to 20 mph depending on terrain, the difference can be huge. I just have to remember that the road bike does exist.

I really don't think I'll reach 400 miles. That is quite a lofty goal for someone of my ability, but I will surely try.

Invite a Friend for a Ride

2008-05-24T22:52:00.003-04:00

Summer really doesn't seem to be trying all that hard to arrive in the Keweenaw. It hit just under 60 degrees and I threw on my short sleeve jersey and shorts for a ride into work to do an ultrasound. I returned home two hours later to trade in my cross bike for a mountain bike and I hit some nearby trails. It peaked at 60 degrees, so the short sleeve jersey was a good idea. Well, that's what I'm telling myself. It's a good thing I had the trees to break the wind for me, because I could feel some pretty cool gusts on the road. The weather people lied, as usual – the wind far exceeded the forecasted 6 mph.

Even though the weather is less than desirable for this time of year, it is still National Bike Month, and it is the perfect time of year to get a friend out on the road or trail with you. Invite a non-cycling friend and plan to do an easy, social ride in an effort to get them hooked. Remember when you first fell in love? Your friends deserve that, too.

My friend, Erin, did a cycle of training for her degree here in my town. Fortunately, her clinical instructor is a riding friend of mine. It didn't take long to get Erin excited about mountain biking. She was hitting up the Tech Trails and Maasto Hiihto/Churning Rapids with us quite frequently. She also happily took part in the post-ride meals and beverage, read: beer.

I stole this picture form Erin's blog. Left to right: Mike, Cynthia, Di, Kevin, Arlyn, and Sandy. Erin is behind the camera. We are all contained within the Keweenaw Brewing Company. I personally believe that is what Heaven will be like.

I am proud to say that we have done well with Erin's training. She accepted a job in Washington and moved there a couple months ago. Erin's new adventure is our great loss. We miss her dearly, but we are proud to say that the Keweenaw has forever left its impression on her. She continues to mountain bike in Washington.

League of American Bicyclists

2008-05-23T23:59:00.001-04:00

A common topic kept coming up during our rides this week: cyclists know the law better than cops. This, of course, is a general statement, but it is unfortunately true in many cases. The rider who kept bringing this into discussion was stopped by a Michigan state cop while riding two abreast with a friend. They were told that they should be riding single file. He later took a copy of the law into the state police post and had the issue corrected. This is not an uncommon occurrence.

Fortunately, there are advocacy groups at work influencing the law in relation to cycling and sharing the road with motorists and working towards educating the public. Take action and support your advocacy groups by becoming a member and getting actively involved. The League of American Bicyclists is a good place to start.

Copper Harbor Dream

2008-05-22T23:29:00.002-04:00

Some people have wet dreams. ;-) People in the Keweenaw have Copper Harbor dreams. Tonight, for many mountain bikers, the Copper Harbor dream was realized.

Over 15 riders met at the Mariner to begin an 11 mile ride (felt like a lot more) through the Copper Harbor wilderness. Rock 'n Roll, Dancing Bear, Ma Maki Connector, and Garden Brook comprised the bulk of the ride. There was lots of climbing and lots of descending - all technical to varying degrees.

My body hurts. I feel I rode better than anytime last year, but riding with a group of riders who are all faster than I made it difficult to realize this. My body hurts. Did I mention that already?

Even when the climbs were grueling, I was smiling and thankful to God that I was out there riding my bike. Life just doesn't get any better.

After changing in the Mariner parking lot, we congregated at the Mariner for a lively dinner and post-ride beverage (KBC Amber). It felt absolutely wonderful to be with the whole gang riding, eating, drinking, and being merry.

Ah, Copper Harbor. It is a mountain biking mecca that is not well-known, but it is Heaven on earth for those who have dared to meet the challenge.

Ride of Silence

2008-05-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

The following is quoted from the Ride of Silence web site.

Join cyclists worldwide in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 mph/20 kph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.

WHY DOES THIS SITE EXIST?

* To HONOR those who have been injured or killed
* To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here
* To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD

THE RIDE OF SILENCE? WILL NOT BE QUIET

On May 21, 2008, at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence? will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride Of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed.

The Ride Of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. There is no brochure, no sponsors, no registration fees and no t-shirt. The ride, which is held during Bike Safety month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured.

- http://www.rideofsilence.org

To find a ride near you, click here!

Improve Your Riding With a Good Book

2008-05-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

I like books. Whenever I start a new hobby, I buy books. Bicycling wasn't any different.

When I started mountain biking, it was pretty obvious I had a lot to learn regarding technique. I didn't know how to climb steep hills or maneuver through rock gardens, and the only advice I was given was "ride more." Well, that advice really doesn't work. The following are the books in my collection.

Mountain Bike Magazine's Complete Guide To Mountain Biking Skills was the first cycling book I bought. It was a fun and easy read. I would read a chapter, visualize what I was reading, and then go try it on the trail, with few exceptions. I've attempted a wheelie, but that ended in disaster and I haven't tried since.

I highly recommend this book for beginner mountain bikers and for those that don't got skills. For the men who would like to encourage their girlfriends or wives to ride, this an excellent book to give as a gift. It will take a lot of stress out of learning how to ride because the very important unspoken information is in the book. It really will make climbing and technical riding easier.

I like to think of Bicycling Magazine's Complete Book of Road Cycling Skills as the roadie companion to Mountain Biking Skills. It is set up the same way and has short, easy reading articles. What is great about this book is that it doesn't only have articles pertaining to fit, skills, and racing, but it includes men and women only chapters containing many of those embarrassing to ask questions.

This book is geared toward roadies, but it contains lots of great information for all riders. It serves as a great compliment to the Complete Guide to Mountain Biking Skills.

My riding partner lent me Ned Overend's Mountain Bike Like a Champion. I'm still reading this book. I recommend this book for someone who has been riding for a few months. It is a great read after the Complete Guide to Mountain Biking Skills as it just seems to be written on a more experienced level. Not surprising, and quite enjoyable.

Ned goes more in depth about basic and advanced skills and gives information about racing and training as well. What I found quite enjoyable about this book are Ned's anecdotes and his admissions that he isn't particularly good at everything, at least not in his mind. It's refreshing to learn from such a great rider that it's ok not to be able to master everything. Just do what you can.

When I joined the Red Jacket – BlueSky Health Racing Team, I decided it was time to get a training book. I didn't get the one that everyone recommended, because it just didn't speak to me at the time. After about an hour sitting on the bookstore floor and thumbing through some cycling books, I purchased The Lance Armstrong Performance Program after much thought.

This book has a lot of great training information including riding programs and goal-specific workouts to include in your training. It is full of Lance experiences and tactics and is quite inspirational. If your training program is lacking something, this may be just the book you need for a little inspiration and a lot of great ideas.

National Bike Month tip of the day: buy a bicycling book for inspiration and skill improvement.

Spring Road Rides Beneficial at Cable

2008-05-19T00:00:00.004-04:00

The following is a write-up I did for the Red Jacket - BlueSky Health Racing Team web site.

The Red Jackets traveled to Cable, WI this weekend for the Cable Area Off-Road Classic. Two hundred thirty-nine riders, 216 men, attempted the 23-mile race and 120 riders attempted the 18-mile race. Although 14 racers did not finish, all of the Red Jackets had successful races free of any mechanical difficulties.

Pat Szubielak, 50, and James Bialas, 31, accepted the 23-mile challenge making strong 6th and 25th place finishes in their respective age groups. About fifty percent of the course consisted of sweet singletrack requiring cyclocross-style maneuvers over freshly fallen trees from the previous night's rainstorm.

"After a crazy fast start I finally settled into a manageable pace," Pat commented. "I felt I did great in the singletrack – not getting passed – but when we hit the open road sections, that's where the roadies took over and gained ground. I also enjoyed coming up on team mates and offering encouragement." Pat and James were going to race together but were separated by a gaggle of enthusiastic racers entering the first bit of singletrack. When asked for a comment, James said, "Hi, Mom!"

It was the second race of the year for the 18-mile Red Jacket men. Brett Hamlin, 38, felt his performance well-exceeded that of Iola and found himself back in his racing groove finishing 9th in his age group. Chris Lehto, 40, finished 8th in his age group just four minutes ahead of Brett. Terry Kinzel's 9th place finish received an exciting Red Jacket greeting as he rolled across the finish line smiling as always.

Tammi Lehto (left) and Diane Ursu (right) received 3rd and 2nd, respectively, in their age categories.

It was the Red Jacket women, however, who made a podium presence for the 18-mile race. Tammi Lehto, 41, finished a well-earned 3rd in her age category while Diane Ursu barely rolled into 2nd place with the 3rd and 4th place finishers crossing the finish line within 45 seconds of Diane. "I was following the guys in front of me and we went straight at a T-intersection when we were supposed to turn right," Diane said. "The woman behind me kept questioning the direction and we went back. I lost a couple of minutes there. I also began riding about 6-8 mph over the last mile and a half, which was railroad grade. My legs were dead and we were riding into a strong headwind. I knew I had to make up for the previous course blooper, so I really had to muster up some strength to more than double my speed in order to jump on the draft of one of the 25-milers into the finish. Looking at the finish times, it was a wise decision."

The Cable Area Off-Road Classic was a well-run race designed to bring the riders in together. The 23-milers started 20 minutes before the 18-milers and the two races converged for a group finish. "I thought the long course was very challenging and would recommend trying this race," remarked Pat. "About 50 percent of it was singletrack." It makes for the perfect spring race because the great majority of the race is ridden on gravel roads, which is beneficial for those riders restricted to road riding through the spring.

Inspired by the Red Jacket – BlueSky Health van presentation of the Lance Armstrong Tour de France performances, the Red Jackets are preparing for their upcoming races in Rhinelander, Wisconsin for the RASTA Rally Mountain Bike Race on May 25 and the Hanson Hills Challenge in Grayling, Michigan on June 1. Check the calendar for upcoming events.

Join Your Local Advocacy Group

2008-05-18T11:59:00.001-04:00

There is something about cycling that invokes passion within oneself. One lives and breathes cycling and it becomes so ingrained in one's lifestyle that this not-so-common understanding opens one's eyes to the necessity of advocating the safety of cyclists. One's cause may be as simple as wearing a bicycle helmet to something as large scale as creating new laws protecting commuters. Doing this as a group can have much more impact and can combine individual experiences for the progression of the group.

When I first started mountain biking, I hopped online and searched high and low for mountain biking sites to begin my riding education. There wasn't much available, but I quickly found the great luxury of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association forum. I used the trail resource of the web site to find trails downstate when I visited, and I was in awe of the quality, fun factor, and excellent trail markings provided by the MMBA trail volunteers. In fact, it was my first ride at Holdridge Lakes in Holly, MI one wet October that wowed me into joining the MMBA the following January. I've been a member for 16 months and it has been a wonderful experience.

I have met many members of the MMBA and ridden with people all over the state. I have people to ride with almost anywhere I go – all I have to do is post up to the forum. Yesterday, I mentioned that I would like to get a clearance law passed in Michigan (see yesterday's post). I did not know if someone was already working on it or if it was currently being passed. I posted in the forum and someone told me who to contact for information.

Advocacy organizations often put on races to raise money for trails, host clinics for women, children, or any rider looking to improve their skills, and family events to get all involved. The Ride of Silence is a national ride with local organizers which has the purpose of raising awareness of cyclists on the road and riding in honor of those who have been killed in auto-bicycle collisions.

National Bike Month tip of the day: join your local advocacy group.

Cycling Advocacy: Exercise the Power of the Word

2008-05-17T20:39:00.002-04:00

What is National Bike Month without a little advocacy? Today is a great day to pick a cycling topic that needs the attention of your local government, or even the state or federal government, and write your representative(s).

I first heard about a clearance law when I was reading a blog by an American girl who was living in France. I thought it was a spectacular idea and wondered why a law like that didn't exist here. After more searching, I found that many states have already incorporated the 3-foot pass law: a passing vehicle must allow three feet of clearance between the vehicle and the bicycle.

My state currently does not have the 3-foot pass law, and I have started an email/letter writing campaign this week to find out if this is currently in the works and to demonstrate my support for it.

My first email was sent to the League of Michigan Bicyclists:

Hello –

It was recommended to me to contact you regarding the 3-foot pass law – requiring three feet of clearance when a vehicle passes a bicycle – that many states have incorporated. I have read quite a bit about this and I would like to know if someone is currently working on this in Michigan. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Diane U.

LMB reply:

We have discussed the 3' foot law with legislators. The current law says that motorists must give safe distance when passing. Our legal experts and the legislators believe that putting the measurement of 3' in the law would then end up with lawyers arguing whether they were 3'2" or 2'10" away when they passed.

Obviously if a motorist strikes a bicyclist, they did not give a safe passing distance. Our legislators are more comfortable with a law that provides penalties for hitting a bicyclist, a vulnerable user law similar to the construction worker law.

States that have the law have not seen the gain they had hoped from it. One state, Arizona, has the 3' law, but in the same state you must give motorcyclists 5'. My experience in riding in states that have the law is that there is not difference on how motorist treat you. The real problem is that we need to educate motorist that they need to share the roadways with other legal users. Passing any law without education is useless.

In this case we have a law that says motorist must give us safe passing distance. What we need is education campaigns. Think about this, the federal government runs motorcycle safety campaigns, seat belt safety campaigns and my favorite, deer safety campaigns just to name a few. They run a campaign each year to protect 50 million deer, but they do nothing to protect 35.6 million tax paying citizens.

At this point we are focusing our efforts on the vulnerable user law and working on ways to educate motorist on sharing the roadways.

I would encourage you to join LMB (www.lmb.org) and become part of the voice that is working to improve bicycling in Michigan.

I replied suggesting, in short, that the state require that drivers show the same courtesy to cyclists that is required of motorists when passing a police car that has someone pulled over.

I also acknowledged that education is necessary; however, there are many drivers who will do the absolute minimum that is required of them. I also mentioned that it is legal for a motorist to share a lane with a bike, which I'm fine with in certain situations, but it's not necessary in most. Now that I have gotten more information regarding the idea of interest, my next step to contact my local representatives.

National Bike Month tip of the day: write an advocacy letter to your representative about a cycling cause that concerns you.

The New American Revolution?

2008-05-16T00:00:00.001-04:00

Today is Bike-to-Work Day. It marks the end of the Bike-to-Work Week, but that doesn't mean you should quit riding for transportation.

This week's blogging was all about bicycle commuting and some of its benefits. Of course, the benefit of gas savings is in the forefront of everyone's mind and that is why bicycle sales and restorations are spiking. A couple days ago, someone commented on seeing a story about this on the news. I did a little surfing and found the story.

Hop On A Bike To Save Gas

With gas just shy of $4 a gallon, the alternative-transportation wheels are spinning for people in mid-Michigan.

"They've been coming in, buying new bikes, bringing in their old bikes and getting them repaired," says Dirk Bus, manager of Eric's Fitness and Cycling in Lansing.

Bus says new bicycle sales are up 20 percent from the same time last year, and bike accessory sales are through the roof.

"What I've really noticed is the extra numbers of racks and baskets people are buying-- [sales] have probably quadrupled," Bus says. "[They use them] to get groceries at the corner store, get a gallon of milk..."

People like Jessica Yorko, who works for the Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council.

She uses her bike to "take my kid to school, I'm driving to work, I'm using it to go to the store to pick up a few things."

The environmentalist says biking saves her hundreds of dollars a month in gas. Now, she says, her peers are trading their cars for bikes- and enjoying the health benefits, too.

"For me, it's the difference between eating cheesecake," she jokes.

But if the demand for this two-wheeled transportation keeps up, people could find themselves standing in a waiting line before they're riding their very own bikes.

"The manufacturers haven't anticipated this," Bus says of the demand. He says already certain bikes are becoming scarce, and picky shoppers might have to wait four to six weeks for their bikes.

But with gas prices showing no sign of slowing down, the bike-riding trend might still be full speed ahead.

May 13, 2008 - WILX 10, Lansing, MI

After seeing this story, I felt happiness for the local bike shops. They are experiencing increased sales and providing increased service. I think about all the couch potatoes strapped to their bucket seats sitting in traffic and then I think of how some of them are converting to active cyclists using a great alternative for getting to work. For the first time, I'm seeing the silver lining to the increasing gas prices.

Could this be the new American Revolution? One could only hope. Well, one could also ride his/her bike to work.

Unfortunately, hardship breeds progress, and there usually isn't much interest in change by the majority until hardship is felt by them. Perhaps these increased fuel costs will spur the horse around the track and strongly encourage some more environmentally friendly alternatives.

From Prozac to Road: Cycling for Happiness

2008-05-15T00:00:00.003-04:00

It is amazing how a vigorous ride to school sucked all the stress out of my body. I would sit in my 9 a.m. class with a runner's high and not a care in the world. I also felt an incredible sense of accomplishment and self-confidence. This is a far cry from what I used to experience in my daily life.

Ten years ago, I was an overly-stressed, directionless student searching for accomplishment. I was the only Russian major at Michigan State University and I joined an intramural floor hockey team, the MSU Running Club, the MSU Equestrian Team, and I worked 30, sometimes 40 hours per week.

The business of my life was coupled with huge insecurities, shyness and fear of people I didn't really know, and a strong dislike for myself. I lost all motivation to show up for class and work. I reluctantly went to work, I skipped class, but I did manage to get to my equestrian team carpool the mornings of competition. One morning, as I was heading to East Lansing down I-69 at 5:30 am, I found myself bawling, literally bawling the whole 40-minute drive. It was about that time that I spent an incredible amount of time in bed and miraculously lost 20 pounds. Anyone who knows me knows that 20 pounds doesn't just melt off of this body.

Before I knew it, my relationship with the MSU Equestrian Team was mutually terminated, I dropped out of the Running Club, floor hockey ended, and I quit going to classes. I just couldn't handle . . . anything.

When I was 19 and living in California as a Private in the Army studying Russian, I simply wanted to die. That thought came to a climax at the implosion of my Spartan life and I didn't only have thoughts and hopes of suicide, but I was actually trying to figure out how I was going to do it and I was searching for the strength to complete it.

I had reached a point in my life that was filled with nothing but complete emptiness and loss of hope. I had emotional outbursts and fits and simply lost any control I might have had. I ended up in the emergency room twice because I had no idea where else to go and I felt nothing but the incredible turmoil going on inside my mind. That turmoil had spread beyond my mind throughout my body culminating in physical pain.

The emergency room nurses directed me to a psychologist who I met with a couple times and ended up absolutely hating. I skipped my last appointment with him (I think I had three) and left it at that. Shortly thereafter, I read an article that listed all of the symptoms a woman might feel from premenstrual syndrome. Wondering if this was what I was truly suffering, I cut out the symptoms and took them to my family doctor. I told her that I was experiencing all of these. They weren't things like "cramps," but things like excessive crying, stress, unusual weight loss, etc. We cycled through Paxil, which only made my suicidal tendencies stronger, and then began a several-year relationship with Prozac.

Life was still difficult, but Prozac took away my suicidal thoughts after one or two months and put me in a mindset that allowed me to eventually go back to school to obtain my Associate Degree graduating with a 3.8 GPA, and achieve independence. I spent many years going on and off Prozac. I remember the feeling of euphoria I would sometimes get while on it. The last time I used it, I lived in Appleton, WI in 2005. I took it for several months under the advisement of my doctor.

In January 2006, I moved to Hancock, MI for a new job. The lead ultrasound tech taught me how to cross country skate ski and I did it religiously through the end of April. When the snow was no longer there, I decided to take up trail running and train for my third marathon. The goal was to run Detroit in the fall. In May, I met someone who would change my life in such a profound way. She invited me to go mountain biking at Michigan Tech. I met her one Saturday morning in late May to go for my first, real, mountain bike ride.

For the next two weeks, I alternated riding with running and continued to get exercise four days a week, like I did during ski season. I started exploring more of the Tech Trails and enjoyed mountain biking so much that, by the third week, running had suddenly disappeared from my life altogether. The rest of the story begins with second post of my blog.

Bicycling maintains my emotional well-being these days. It also causes random giggles on the trail and even on the road.

I have been Prozac-free since 2005. I quit my job last year, not because I couldn't handle it, but because I detested certain aspects of it and felt a need for change. I wanted to make a difference that I couldn't make in my present position. I decided to become a doctor.

If I hadn't begun cycling, I probably wouldn't be embarking on this newest journey in my life. Truth be told, I never thought I was smart enough to be a doctor. Now, I realize that it is something I really do have the capability of becoming. Many of my riding friends are either PhDs or MDs, one is both. My cycling friends who aren't of these credentials are highly accomplished folks in other careers. All are inspiring, intelligent, community-minded people.

Cycling has changed me physically, in the sense that I am healthier, stronger, more confident, happier, and emotionally stable. It has also changed my social life as this sport is the glue that holds my social network together. I am inspired by cycling and cyclists on a daily basis.

As I continue to use my bike, not only as a recreational toy, but as transportation, I take delight that my Prozac-induced euphoria has been replaced by a cycling-induced runner's high that is much better than what any drug can provide. Most of all, I found my sanity in cycling.

Exercise Is a Benefit of Commuting

2008-05-14T00:00:00.002-04:00

One of the first things I noticed when I began commuting by bike is the lack of guilt I would often feel when I chose not to ride after work. This is probably because I got my ride in on my way to and from work. Go figure.

My work place is only about six miles away, and school is eleven. Even though it takes longer to get to school and work, I am actually saving time because I am getting my exercise when I would usually be sitting in the car driving. My biggest fear in giving up my vehicle was the big hill I have to climb.

Di riding to Copper Harbor, a trip that will hopefully be made many times this year.

There is an elevation change of several hundred feet on my way home from school. During the first couple weeks, I had to take a roundabout way up the hill that resulted in four miles of continuous climbing. In just one month of bicycle commuting, I noticed considerable changes in my speed and climbing ability. Suddenly, I found myself tackling hills I thought I would have to walk up. Now, I look at all these hills with the confidence that I can, and will, ride them.

It is simply amazing the fitness gains I made just from riding my bike for transportation. I consider commuting just one more little perk to my cycling life.

Stick It to the Oil Companies

2008-05-13T17:40:00.009-04:00

Surfing through the MMBA forum, I found myself admiring those who regularly made their commute by bike in the Greater Detroit Area. It's not like anyone got online and said, "I commuted, today." My knowledge of these commuters came from their stories of bike-car collisions.

When money got tight for my student-self this spring, I realized that bicycle commuting was going to be my savior. I could no longer afford several $60 fill-ups per month for my Pathfinder. Actually, I really could never afford that. This year, I chose to do something about it.

I grabbed my backpack and removed the unnecessary books that I normally carried to class and replaced them with clothes, shoes, and snacks, hopped on the bike, and used that as my main mode of transportation. Suddenly, I found myself buying only one tank of gas for the month. It is simply amazing how cycling can cause such a savings in your life.

I recently put a little over a half tank of gas in my Pathfinder in case I get called into work for an emergency. My goal is to make this half tank last until June 11 – one month. One-half tank of gas for one month. How many people can honestly say that is all they use? With a bike, it is entirely possible.

Let's do the math. Say I fill up with $60 once a week. That isn't all that unusual for the average American. Now, if we cut that back to one-half tank of gas per month, that would be a total of $30 instead of $120 per month. In my case, the oil companies are actually losing money by raising the gas prices so high. Now, imagine what would happen if everyone did what I did. The oil companies wouldn't fare well at all. That would be a huge financial loss on their part.

Do you want to stick it to the oil companies? Commute by bike, and get your friends to do so as well.

Unfortunately, my one day of work this week started at 7 am this morning. I had my backpack filled but I just couldn't get ready fast enough to allow time to ride the bike in. So, I spent my Bike-to-Work Week (day) driving my SUV in. I decided to make good use of the driving and pick up some groceries I wouldn't be able to carry by bike due to weight. I'm looking forward to riding my bike tomorrow. I won't be working anymore this week, but I will surely play.

Bike-to-Work Week

2008-05-12T00:00:00.000-04:00

Today begins Bike-to-Work Week. Make a point of readying your clothes and cycling gear the night before and head to the office or school on your bike.

The Internet is full of information regarding bicycle commuting and cleanliness at work. Since the days are cooler in my area, I don't break much of a sweat on my ride. I shower before I head out and tie my hair back. When I get to work, I change into my work clothes, wet my hair if it needs help, and let it air dry before I do a final brushing. It's probably simpler than that for the guys.

My commuter isn't really a commuter. It's a cyclocross bike that I really do use for cyclocross and road riding as well. I carry a backpack when I commute. I put clean clothes, regular shoes, lunch, and whatever else I may need in it.

As a person who usually runs late, I have learned that packing my bag and laying out my clothes the night before helps me quite a bit. The less I have to do in the morning, the easier it is for me to get going and be on time. I am actually thinking about making a checklist so I don't have to deal with that nagging feeling I've forgotten something.

I have only one day of work this week. I will have to get up at 5 AM. on Tuesday morning and slowly come to life and breakfast so I can ride my bike to work. One day of work...and I will celebrate Bike-to-Work Week by doing just that - biking to work.

Lunch 'n Ride

2008-05-11T18:53:00.002-04:00

I was invited to go on a road ride with some friends out to a nearby city for coffee. Unfortunately, I could not go because I was [fortunately employed] to take ultrasound call for the hospital. I expressed an interest to go for future ride 'n coffees. In fact, I have brought up lunch 'n rides with my teammates. I'd like to get a group of people together to ride to a restaurant, eat, and ride home.

National Bike Month is simply an excuse to take the initiative to throw together group outings such as the lunch 'n ride. This is something we should be doing all riding season. It is a great way to promote camaraderie among riders and the social aspect of cycling. Even if you go by yourself, plan a lunch 'n ride this week.

So, sometime this week, I am going to throw on my new skort and head to a local restaurant for a treat...on my bike.

Try Something New

2008-05-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'm having a lot of fun with National Bike Month. Not only am I packing on the mileage and packing in the hours, but I'm using this month to reset my bicycle clock and get me back into the swing of things.

Last fall, I tried something new. I joined an impromptu cyclocross team call "The Red Jackets." I was very nervous about trying the unexpected. The thought of mounting and dismounting throughout a race and actually having to learn the proper technique for doing so plucked away at my confidence. After a fun cyclocross season, I realized that I learned skills and techniques that could translate into my mountain biking to make for faster races. I will continue to practice cyclocross throughout the summer to enhance my mountain biking skills and to prepare for the new cross season.

National Bike Month idea of the day: try something new today, like cyclocross.

The Bike Wash, Baby!

2008-05-09T00:00:00.001-04:00

It's only May 9 and I've already washed all of my bikes. I washed my Trek Fuel EX 8 once this year, but it's time for another washing after our latest and greatest road trip to the WORS race in Iola. My Trek Fuel EX 7 has been washed probably three times. It's my mud and snow bike. I've ridden it several times in February, March, and April. I rode it at the Pontiac Lake race last month. I washed it before the race, after the pre-ride, and after the race. The cross bike was washed once this year. I washed it last week with the garden hose and some brushes. The drivetrain still needs a little TLC.

Everyone has a different idea of how a bike should be washed, but the following video is a good representation of a good bike wash. So, spend some time with your bike this weekend. It's amazing how much you'll appreciate it after doing so. Then, you may just want to ride.

Serious Bike Love

2008-05-08T20:36:00.002-04:00

Springtime is here. Yes, I totally know you needed me to state the obvious. If your bike is like mine, it is sloppily shifting and sluggishly braking. The cables are grimy and loose from cyclocross season and spring road riding. It needs some serious love, much like my body after riding to Copper Harbor (43.5 miles of hilly ouch).

I rode to Copper Harbor yesterday and met my parents there for dinner and the car ride home. My body was d-e-a-d. It wasn't just any 43-mile ride, which is still quite an effort for me, but it was a hard-effort 43-mile ride because I was trying to get there before my parents did. They left Houghton an hour after I left my house, so I expected them to pass me on the road.

Di riding down Covered Road. Don't let the snow fool you - it was 50-55 degrees F and super sunny. It felt soooooooo good.

They caught up with me on Covered Road (US-41) about five miles south of Copper Harbor. I had my own SAG wagon in the form of a white Cadillac with a personal photographer following me into town. I just got new brake pads and the bike stops like a dream, which is a good thing considering the giant descent into the Harbor. I peaked at about 37 mph. Yes, brakes are good.

I met Mom and Dad in town and we did a little jaunt around town and Ft Wilkins State Park all while getting pictures. This ride concluded 50 miles for me. I do believe this is the farthest I've ever ridden.

Di beginning her descent into Copper Harbor by the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge.

National Bike Month isn't just a great time to do long road rides and advocate bicycle safety and awareness, but it is the perfect time of year to get your set of wheels ready for a season of heavy duty rolling. My Kona Jake the Snake is heading in for a tune-up pretty shortly and will shift and brake like the performance animal - er, bike - it is come the next Copper Harbor ride.

Motivation in New Clothes

2008-05-07T16:19:00.001-04:00

The day comes when you just can't find the motivation to get out the door. I experience this a lot. Maybe it's a girl-thang, but I find that one thing in particular is a great motivator. NEW CLOTHES! Oh, yes. What girl can resist taking a roll around the neighborhood when she is sporting a new jersey or new shorts?

My National Bike Month motivational tip for the day? Buy some new clothes.

Second Most Important Piece of Safety Equipment

2008-05-06T20:07:00.000-04:00

"They're the second most important piece of safety equipment." This is what one of my bike guys likes to say about sunglasses. Although, if you're like me, riding through the dark forest, your sunglasses aren't so sunny. They are lightweight glasses with interchangeable lenses. Mountain biking days call for clear lenses, road days for amber.

I like clear lenses for mountain biking because I ride in the Keweenaw forests where the trails are well protected by the sun. I like to see everything in true color rather than through tinted lenses. I use amber lenses when I hit the road. My baby blues are sensitive to light, yet I like a brighter view, so amber works perfectly. I have smoke-colored lenses that I don't use much, but they're there if I need them.

I've had stones and sand thrown at me by passing automobile tires and leading mountain bike tires. Rain has smacked against my face as have tree branches. My glasses protect my eyes from all of this. This is why glasses are the second most important piece of safety equipment.

If you can't figure out what the first most important piece of safety equipment is, click here.

Join a Local Bike Club

2008-05-05T11:01:00.002-04:00

Many cities or regions are fortunate enough to have a cycling club. While some cyclists are elites and need to ride with fast groups, there are many organizations that cater to riders of all levels. My area is a great example of the different kinds of clubs that can exist:

C4 – University cycling club

Keweenaw Cycling Club – new community club open to families and creating a kids' race team.

Red Jacket – BlueSky Health Cycling Team – adult race team with riders of all levels.

Trekkers – Community cycling club geared toward adults that meets once a week and sends out about three groups of riders: beginner, intermediate, advanced. All gather together for a potluck afterwards.

Bike shops often host weekly rides through the summer as well.

While there will be some discouraging rides for new riders, they are usually quite welcome. Many clubs host no drop rides where the faster riders ride to a certain point and wait for the slower riders, allow them to rest, then move on. Many faster riders have no problem with no drop rides. I like them because it gives me an excuse to stop and drink since I'm not particularly fond of refueling while riding.

Joining club will also give you the opportunity to make social connections with people who share the love of cycling with you. It sets you up for becoming a healthier, happier, and better rider. Spending time with your local cyclists presents many educational opportunities that will help you become a more competent cyclist.

National Bike Month is a great time to get involved with your local cycling club and get rolling!

My First WORS Race - Iola, WI

2008-05-05T10:52:00.002-04:00

I was nervous. For some reason, WORS had a bad reputation with me. I've heard/read things about them and everyone *knew* that it was cutthroat, physical racing.

Wrong.

Everyone on the course was very friendly at all levels. My team left quite satisfied with the competition. Everyone said please and thank you, some were chatty and encouraging. The course was hard - lots of steep climbs. In fact, before each wave, the announcer told everyone to communicate and "ride kind[ly]." It seemed more like a Yooper cyclocross course in that it was anaerobic for the most part. It was a real test of strategy to catch your breath.

My teammate, Chris, riding expert.

All of the sport women started together. The first lap was frustrating. I never had a chance to pre-ride the course, so I had no idea what to expect. Everyone expected this "one hill" to force most of us off our bikes and walk, because that's what a lot of the riders did. I kept asking, "Well, what about Copper Harbor? If I can ride those hills before Dancing Bear, is this particular hill going to stop me?" "Yes," seemed to be the answer. There was doubt in me completing that climb.

I can now tell you that, yes, if you can climb the hills preceding Dancing Bear, you can clear the Iola course. It hurts, and it's one heck of a challenge, but you can do it. One thing that makes the Iola hill of death much easier is the nice, packed dirt. Copper Harbor is loose and requires a bit more finagling to succeed.

I was still forced to walk part of many of the hills on the first lap because my fellow competitors kept falling in front of me. I realized I was riding too hard to keep up with these gals because my breathing was hard, and we weren't even three miles in, yet. I realized that many of them were breathing just as hard and decided to ease up and let them move on ahead. I lost view of most of them.

My shifting was awful the first lap. I kept shifting down too much before my climbs and I couldn't effectively use my momentum combined with pedaling to clear the hills more easily (the climbs weren't very gradual, more steep and long enough to be respectable).

The second lap went much better. Toward the middle of the second lap, I started passing many of the gals who smoked me on the first lap. They didn't ease up like I did. They were getting tired. They were still walking up the hills while I was riding (much faster to ride, even if it just 4 mph - twice as fast as my walk). The shifting was getting much better and I had room/clearance to maximize the downhills and swoop up the hills.

The third lap was painful but my technique was great. My shifting was dialed in and I was clearing the climbs, even though my legs were shaking on the second lap when I had to dismount to get around some people on a short, rooty climb. I didn't get to clear that climb at all because I didn't have a choice of lines because someone was alway off their bike on that climb.

I spent about one-third of the third lap trying to catch up with the girl in front of me. We were pretty evenly matched while I was chasing her. It was that rooty climb where I passed because she dropped her computer. Another girl started catching up with me, one who gave me difficulties earlier in the race. We were approaching the tight, twisty, technical singletrack. She wanted to pass, I moved over so she could, but I shifted up and hammered so she couldn't. I wasn't going to let her pass me just before the section where I was going to dominate. As a sport rider, technical and downhill seems to be where I prevail. I love technical and I'm not for braking on downhills. I love to go fast.

My teammate, Mark, on a nice long hill just before a tricky, steep, long, climb. I think this is the section where I got my max speed of 29.1 mph.

Through this little pine section just before the finish line, I noticed one of my teammates up ahead followed by Dr Bruce. Feeling I was being chased down by two other women, I yelled, "GO HOUGHTON! PEDAL! PEDAL! PEDAL! FASTER!!!" Brett and Bruce hammered and the three of us sailed across the finish line together. It was sweet. I love ending races with my friends.

Iola was aerobically challenging. Anyone who raced sport (15 miles) deserves respect because just one lap there is painful.

One of my teammates and I both grabbed second in our categories. The girl who got third in my category was 20 minutes behind me, so the two I was racing weren't even an issue as far as medals go. However, I'm very competitive, so I couldn't let them beat me.

My lungs HURT after that race. We sounded like a bunch of unfiltered chain smokers on the car ride home. It was a great race.

2008-05-04T00:00:00.002-04:00

Proof that mountain biking season is right around corner can be found on the weekend as riders gather together to clear the trails of debris and make repairs. Those of us who don't yet have access to dry trails find joy in these trail work sessions partly because it brings us closer to what we love: being on the trail. There is something to be said for caring for the trail one rides regularly.

My first trail day was June 2 of last year. It was my first experience swinging a pulaski and seeing what is involved in bridge construction. I loved it! I returned several times throughout the summer as a trail volunteer and was impressed by what I had gained. I gained a greater appreciation of the trail and work that goes into it. I gained increased upper body strength and self confidence. I gained a desire for good, hard physical labor.

Construction of the long bridge on the Garden Brook trail in Copper Harbor on National Trails Day, June 2, 2007. Di is on the left.

Trail day was beneficial in bringing about the sense of camaraderie I felt with my fellow trail workers. I ate lunch with them while sitting on the trail and drank beer with them afterwards. I rode with them and celebrated with them. Trail work added a whole new dimension to my mountain biking. In fact, it changed my addiction to mountain biking to a healthy, social lifestyle. I found that trail work added to the quality of my life and changed how I viewed myself.

Trail crews are organizing trail days all over the country this time of year. Look for volunteer opportunities and mark it down on your planner to be a part of one of these trail crews. Make a commitment to show up to at least one trail day this month.

Use Protection, Wear a Helmet

2008-05-03T08:13:00.005-04:00

It's interesting how cycling helmets have so much opposition. Excuses for not wearing them are plentiful:

They don't look cool.

They don't feel right.

If I fall, the helmet will cause neck injury by rotataing my head on impact (this was part of an Australian study against laws necessitating the use of a helmet).

Helmets among cyclists are a great necessity. If you don't wear a helmet around one of us, you don't look cool, and you do look funny, and chances are we won't want to ride with you. Look cool. Wear a helmet.

Give it a week and you will wear a helmet for the rest of your life. I feel naked without my helmet and even a little scared. As a mountain biker, I've had quite a few accidents that were nothing because I wore a helmet. Hitting my head on that rock didn't take me out of commission. Click here for a great story on how my helmet either saved my life, or at least the quality of it. Since I was wearing a helmet, we'll never really know. The answer to this question should never be known.

I have never injured my neck in a fall. Sure, neck injury is possible, but if you consider how many cyclists hit their heads each year without inducing neck injury, you'll see the odds are on the helmet-wearer's side.

Here are a few tips for wearing your helmet:

Helmets come in different sizes. Choose one that fits well and has an adjustment to make it tighter or looser.

Adjust the chin strap so it is snug.

When properly adjusted, your helmet should sit squarely on your head and should not move when you shake your head from side to side or front to back.

Wear it. It may save your noggin.

Ride long enough, and a situation will arise where a helmet will save your noggin and allow you to ride another day.

Easy Steps to Properly Fit a Bicycle Helmet
Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute

Set a Mileage Goal

2008-05-02T11:13:00.000-04:00

Someone from one of the mountain biking forums I frequent gave me the idea of making a mileage goal each month. I have been tracking my mileage for a couple years. Adding a goal gives it more purpose.

Last month, I set my goal at 400 miles. For whatever reason, I only reached 250 miles, 84 miles more than last April. In comparison, it's not too shabby! Last May, I did 193 miles. All of that was mountain biking. This year, I'll be commuting as well. I'll set a goal of 400 miles for May. We'll see how that goes.

Tracking your miles can be a very useful tool. As you have already seen, I was able to determine this month's goal by looking at what I did last year and considering what I am already doing this year. I also use my log for predicting race times. I can compare the race course to one of the trails I have already ridden and determine how long it might take to complete the race. It's nice to head into a race with an idea of how well you may do.

Since this is National Bike Month and everyone is motivated by the onset of spring to get out there and ride, this is the perfect time for you to set some goals. Pick the number of miles you'd like to reach by the end of the month, keep a log, and ride.

National Bike Month

2008-05-01T00:00:00.004-04:00

Today marks the beginning of National Bike Month promoted by the League of American Bicyclists. They have provided 50 ways to celebrate safe and enjoyable cycling throughout the month.

May is a great time to celebrate National Bike Month as many cyclists come out of the woodwork to commute, train, and ride the trails. As more cyclists hit the roads, the number of auto-bicycle accidents increase. While most cyclists are aware of bicycle laws regarding road use, many drivers are oblivious to the rights of cyclists and unaware of life-saving etiquette. On the flip-side, there are many riders who could benefit from education regarding commuting and helmet safety.

National Bike Month is an opportunity to promote bicycle safety and awareness for cyclists and non-cyclists alike.

May 12-16 is Bike-to-Work Week culminating on Bike-to-Work Day on May 16. Many Keweenaw cyclists, whether it be students or work professionals, commute by bike. In many parts of the world, the bicycle has maintained its status as a mode of transportation. Cyclists have recognized the benefits of commuting. These benefits include regular exercise, savings from gasoline costs, and limiting greenhouse emissions. Bicycle commuting cannot only save a life by helping to prevent cardiovascular and other related diseases, but it can save the world one cyclist at a time.

The Ride of Silence takes place on May 21. Click here to find a location near you.

National Strategies for Advancing Bicycle Safety¹

Motorists Will Share the Road

Bicyclists Will Ride Safely

Bicyclists Will Wear Helmets

The Legal System Will Support Safe Bicycling

Roads and Paths Will Safely Accommodate Bicycling

¹National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Federal Highway Administration, National Strategies for Advancing Bicycle Safety. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2001.

Comment on The Shoot Out

2008-04-30T18:29:00.006-04:00

Sunday, I gave you some information about a ride called "The Shoot Out". Click here to read it.

As part of the cycling community, it is easy to get caught up in protecting our rights. We have a right to riding peacefully and without harassment from motorists and police. This isn't occurring in Pima County. In fact, the right to ride through the local reservation might be taken away.

Cyclists, like motorists, have laws to follow. We are to follow all the basic traffic laws and some additional laws that pertain only to bicycles, like riding as far to the right as practicable, and riding no more than two abreast. Taking the lane is only to be done when moving at the speed of traffic, or the speed limit. I personally think these are reasonable. These laws are necessary to create harmony among motorists and cyclists. If everyone follows their own rule, we have a problem.

Motorists can't share the road if we don't share as well. Sharing is not one-sided.

In the VeloNews article, it is brought to our attention that riders are riding more than two abreast, even through the reservation where the law is single file. Complaints have been made about indecent exposure when cyclists relieve themselves in not very discreet places (not just number one, but number two as well). They offend others and impede traffic.

On the flip side, these cyclists have been harassed by drivers and police. Accidents were caused by police, one case being when the cop swerved his vehicle into the lane of the cyclists (oncoming) causing the front cyclists to brake hard resulting in the middle of the peloton to go down. Bad injuries were incurred. The cop showed no remorse, and reprimand from the police department is unlikely. Motorist's behavior is encouraged by the police with a pat on the back.

I was disappointed in the VeloNews article in the respect that, although the offenses of the cyclists were outlined, the police and motorists seemed to be more to blame. I agree that what they are doing is very dangerous and quite unacceptable, and the job of the police is to, well, police. They are to be the mediators between the offenders and the victims. What I don't like is how my viewpoint never really came up.

I believe that both parties are wrong. We know that the motorists and police simply have to quit harassing the cyclists. It's not just an irritating game, it's a potential death sentence for the cyclists. None of this is important enough to incur a death.

What many cyclists fail to do when they are facing a situation such as the Pima County conflict is look at what they can do to change the behavior toward them. Many residents don't like the cyclists, police included. There have been many complaints about the cyclists, complaints for behavior that I believe is completely unacceptable (read the VeloNews article for a nice survey of the offenses). These cyclists continue to break several laws and have no regard for other traffic on the road, yet they want respect. They want people to like them.

If we, as cyclists, want others to respect our right to share the road, we have to be willing to respectfully share as well. This is something of great importance to consider as we head into National Bike Month.

With Freedom Comes Uncertainty

2008-04-29T22:44:00.003-04:00

It's truly amazing how we often wish for the freedom to do whatever we want. For most of you reading this blog, that would be riding your bike.

It looks as if my financial aid is nonexistent for the summer semester at Tech. This is going to force me to withdraw from summer classes because don't I really have $4,000 just floating around somewhere. I wish I did. That would rock. I'd go back to Fruita! (I don't claim to be a responsible spender!)

With my almost newfound freedom, one question keeps resurfacing: what am I gonna do? I will continue to take call and work random shifts at the hospital, but my hours are so sparse that it doesn't really seem like a commitment. With summer comes vacations, though. Even filling in for others' vacation time, I am still going to have a lot of free time. So what do I do with it?

Allow me to state the obvious. I will ride my bikes. All three of them. I will continue to road ride, and work on my cyclocross skills and anaerobic fitness, and I will do LOTS of mountain biking. I will also do a lot of trail work. I love trail day. This should be a fun summer.

Knowing how time-consuming my bike habit is, I know that I don't have a lot of free time. That's why work got in the way. ;-) However, on the eve of my two final exams, I'm not only worrying about how I'll do on those, but I'm worrying about how my summer will turn out.

I'm sure I'll have a plan by next week.

Stabbing at Local VA Clinic

2008-04-28T22:04:00.008-04:00

No one gave their opinion on yesterday's post, so I will present my opinion Wednesday. That gives all four of my readers the great opportunity to voice their opinion about the Shootout. Just kidding. I have more than four readers. ;-)

I haven't ridden since I last rode. I can't remember when that was. Looking at my log, it was Thursday when I had to ride to the VA Clinic for a fasting blood draw. That was fun.

I rode six miles with only water in my stomach so someone could stab my arm. It wasn't very fun. She missed the vein on the right arm, and left a nice, knobby hematoma on the left. Translation: she went through the vein. In all fairness, I'm getting to be a pretty difficult draw as I age. That's a scary thought considering I'm only 31. At this rate, they'll need to put a PICC line in when I'm 51 to have any kind of access to my veins. ;-)

The blood actually tracked up my arm, so there is a "tail" to my bruise. It's kind of cool, but I prefer the kind of bruises that result from colliding with chainrings and rocks. They want me to come back for another draw so they can test for iron because my hemoglobin count was low. That's ok. I can already tell them I haven't been eating enough iron. I think I'll put off the next great opportunity to get stabbed until I heal from this last trauma.

In recent years, I tend to bruise after blood draws. This one hurt.

Some of you are probably thinking I'm a bit morbid with my terminology, but that really is how "we" in the medical profession refer this blessed event. In brief, you are a "draw" and they "stab" you to get the vein. Fun stuff!

I didn't want to return home without something in my stomach, so I packed a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and bagged some strawberries. I took along two bottles of Heed as well. I ate the strawberries when I walked out of the clinic and ate the sandwich while riding home. I really like the concept of eating real food on the bike (as opposed to gels and bars). I got the idea from a Lance Armstrong book I bought.

So, I hope this post has been useful by teaching you how you, too, can successfully ride your bike to your next fasting blood draw.

The Shoot Out

2008-04-27T16:54:00.004-04:00

The Shoot Out is a weekly group ride of professional and advanced amateur riders that starts at the University of Arizona. Great idea, eh? One would think.

Now consider this: there seems to be quite an anti-cyclist attitude by the local police. In fact, an accident was even caused by the actions of a police officer: crossing the double yellow line in an attempt to stop the peloton for breaking a traffic law.

Now, for those of us who ride the road for training or commuting purposes, who are concerned about the safety of cyclists, and who support laws that are designed to protect our well-being, we might become a little irate at seeing this news regarding the police-cyclist interactions in Pima County.

Ride Strong has provided us with a video on their blog and some comments from local cyclists. Their video can be viewed below.

But wait! There's more! OH, there is so much more that I am going to let you read about it at VeloNews: Legally Speaking with Bob Mionske - Shootout at the UA Corral.

Now that you have seen the video and read the VeloNews article, what do you think? Who is wrong in this situation? What needs to be done? Please share.

I will let you know what I think in tomorrow's post.

Brrr

2008-04-26T23:13:00.002-04:00

It snowed today. We didn't get a lot, just a dusting. It is currently 30 degrees F - a big difference from the 60 degree weather we had a couple days ago.

I didn't ride yesterday or today, so I am getting dangerously close to laziness. If I don't ride tomorrow, I will have motivational issues. The problem is the weather.

I have posted a ride on the Red Jacket forum for tomorrow at 1:00 pm. The temperature is expected to be 35 degrees, and the wind about 18 mph. I could handle 35, but 18 mph along with it? Uh, no. I am canceling the ride.

In fact, the next three days are cold with snow expected. I most likely am not going to ride. I'll probably throw on my winter clothes and take the dogs for a walk. I don't have class until Wednesday, which is expected to be nice with a high in the 40s and partly cloudy. I can do that. I will ride to my exams that day.

Summer really is just around the corner. The calendar tells me so. I just have to keep telling myself that.

Michigan Bicycle Laws

2008-04-25T17:38:00.006-04:00

Sometimes, bicycle laws are a gray area. Even when there are clear laws on the books protecting the rights of cyclists, law enforcement may shift any blame to the cyclist. In many cases, law enforcement is more than happy to protect cyclists' rights, but motorists feel cyclists have no rights, and most of the time, motorists don't even know that there are laws giving us rights.

That may be a bit of a confusing paragraph, so let me sum it up. If you ride on the road, know your rights. Click on the League of American Bicyclists link to the right to help you find information for your state. Michigan law is summed up below.

In general, cyclists should follow the same laws as motorists.

State of Michigan: What Every Driver Should Know
Bicycles and Mopeds pp 105-106, pp 107-108 of the .pdf

Much of the advice about motorcyclists also applies to bicycle and moped riders. Bicycle and moped riders are allowed to ride in a traffic lane, but must stay as far to the right as practical, obey traffic signals, not ride more than two abreast in a single lane, and must ride in the same direction as other traffic. Bicyclists entering a roundabout are encouraged to ride in the center of the lane, traveling at or near the speed of circulating traffic. Motorists who encounter bicyclists in a roundabout are urged to use caution, be courteous, and share the road.

A bicycle or moped ridden after dark must have a front headlight and rear reflector. But these may be hard to see. A person riding a bicycle on a sidewalk meant for pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and sound a horn or bell before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.

Watch the side of the road for slow-moving bicycles and mopeds without reflectors. Be ready to dim the headlights. While it is safer not to, you may drive beside a bicycle or moped in the same lane. Leave plenty of room. A rider may turn sharply to avoid something in the road or a door being opened from a parked vehicle.

The Michigan Vehicle Code does not require vehicles such as go-peds and electric scooters to be registered. Some municipalities have outlawed the use of go-peds and electric scooters on roads and sidewalks.

Although the law only requires moped riders under age 19 to wear approved, properly fastened safety helmets, all moped and bicycle riders should wear them as well as reflective clothing.

State of Michigan: What Every Driver Should Know

MDOT: Mackinac Bridge

How can my bicycle group get across the Mackinac Bridge?

Answer:
Bicyclists are not allowed to cross the Mackinac Bridge on their own. The Mackinac Bridge Authority will transport your group across the bridge in Mackinac Bridge Authority vehicles. The fee is $2.00 per bicycle.

If you are traveling northbound, there is a phone at the south end of the bridge. Instructions for using the phone are posted in the phone box.

If you are southbound, please go to our service window in the administration building and ask for assistance. The administration building is located on the north end of the Mackinac Bridge on the east side of the toll plaza.

The service is provided on an as needed basis. If you need additional information please call us at 906-643-7600.

MDOT Frequently Asked Questions: Mackinaw Bridge

The Mackinac Bridge Authority will transport your group across the bridge in Mackinac Bridge Authority vehicles for $2.00 per bicycle.

League of Michigan Bicyclists

YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY
Section 257.612.1(a)
Vehicular traffic, including vehicles turning right or left, shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and to pedestrians and bicyclists lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk at the time the signal is exhibited.

Section 257.612.1(d)
The vehicular traffic shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and bicyclists lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection.

MANDATORY SIDE PATH
Section 257.660.3
Where a usable and designated path for bicycles is provided adjacent to a highway or street, a person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device may, by local ordinance, be required to use that path.

EXCEPTIONS TO FAR RIGHT
Section 257.660a
A person operating a bicycle upon a highway or street at less than the existing speed of traffic shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except as follows:

(a) When overtaking and passing another bicycle or any other vehicle proceeding in the same direction.

(b) When preparing to turn left.

(c) When conditions make the right-hand edge of the roadway unsafe or reasonably unusable by bicycles, including, but not limited to, surface hazards, an uneven roadway surface, drain openings, debris, parked or moving vehicles or bicycles, pedestrians, animals, or other obstacles, or if the lane is too narrow to permit a vehicle to safely overtake and pass a bicycle.

(d) When operating a bicycle in a lane in which the traffic is turning right but the individual intends to go straight through the intersection.

(e) When operating a bicycle upon a 1-way highway or street that has 2 or more marked traffic lanes, in which case the individual may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of that roadway as practicable.

2-ABREAST RIDING
Sec. 257.660b.
Two or more individuals operating bicycles upon a highway or street shall not ride more than 2 abreast except upon a path or portion of the highway or street set aside for the use of bicycles.

PARKING A BICYCLE ON A SIDEWALK
Sec. 257.660d.
(1) An individual may park a bicycle on a sidewalk except as prohibited by an official traffic control device.

(2) An individual shall not park a bicycle on a sidewalk in such a manner that the bicycle impedes the lawful movement of pedestrians or other traffic.

Entire Law
LMB Bike Advocacy Center

Weather-Induced Rest Days

2008-04-24T00:02:00.005-04:00

Rest day. That special day in between workouts that allows your body to repair itself and prepare for another hard workout.

Magazines often provide workout programs that tell you which days to ride and which to rest. It's a no-brainer. These rest days are necessary to prevent overtraining. Another guideline I really like is resting heart rate. No, it is not your heart rate while sitting in front of the television watch the most recent episode of Grey's Anatomy. It is your heart rate before you get out of bed in the morning. Recently, mine has been between 55 and 60 beats per minute. If I wake up to a heart rate that is significantly higher, 75 or 80 bpm for example, that means one of two things: I am either severely hungover and my body is dying for water, or I am overtraining and a rest day is necessary.

Unfortunately, programs and heart rates don't necessarily take into consideration the springtime Michigan cyclist. In this case, a day that isn't cold, rainy, or snowy is a day to ride. It is a day that cannot be lost to laziness. Seize the day! Ride your bike! With the unpredictable and ever-changing weather in springtime Michigan, overtraining is hard to accomplish.

Now, shut off your computer and go ride your bike. It's a beautiful day out!

Secret Weapon Training Method

2008-04-23T23:30:00.002-04:00

It is no secret that road riding is quite beneficial to competitive mountain bikers. It promotes endurance at a steady pace and allows the rider to work on techniques such as more efficient pedaling.

I chose to trade in my Nissan Pathfinder for a Kona Jake the Snake. Jake and I spend a lot of time together. We roll to school and work and we're even starting to shop and attend meetings together. Currently, our shopping is limited to a new stem and a rear view mirror for Jake. Jake will be sporting the new goods, but I'll be able to ride with more comfort and with a visual on traffic approaching from behind. Jake and I will be safe together.

In just a couple weeks of riding, I've noticed something else. I'm losing weight, I'm getting stronger, and my commute time is getting shorter and shorter by the ride. My commute involves a lot of climbing with a few sprints sprinkled here and there.

My commuting experience has proven to be quite an effective tool for increasing speed and power. I can't wait to find out how this translates to the trail.

Cast Iron Dream

2008-04-22T19:12:00.004-04:00

A couple of men have argued with me that added iron is quite unhealthy for my diet. "Iron is something we don't need an excess of." That's fine and dandy, but as a menstruating female who has felt the effects of anemia, iron is Heaven on Earth. It is no wonder that my carnivorous side overwhelmingly takes control of me after a ride. This is evident towards the end of a ride as I discuss thick, juicy burgers with my riding partner, Pat. One day, as I rolled into Calumet, I said, "I smell BEEF!" That was it. Onward to the Michigan House for a burger.

Maybe it is of no surprise that the rather untalented chef in me prefers my only cast iron skillet. I bought it for making Steak au Poivre, as seen on Good Eats with Alton Brown. I was particularly surprised to find that the best fried eggs I had ever made were out of that skillet! Oh, yes. It was better and easier than the ever-so-carcinogenic Teflon I have used all my life. What is even better about cast iron is I no longer hear the "use a plastic spatula" comment verbalized by my mother for oh, so many years (yes, mom's voice sticks in your head even when you live eight and a half hours away).

Cast iron is ideal for cooking all types of food. I bought my cast iron skillet for making Steak au Poivre (pictured), but found that fried eggs out of this skillet are just as easy and equally delightful.

As a female cyclist, cast iron is not only a great tool for producing splendid post-workout meals, but it provides me with that oh-so-necessary iron that promotes adequate transport of iron throughout my body. While I absolutely love beef, it is not something I eat very much of. In fact, I've answered the "are you a vegetarian" question many times because my diet consists mostly of fruits, vegetables, and faux meat (I love Morningstar Farms soy Chik products).

Cast iron cookware adds to the iron content of food. Steak au Poivre with scalloped potatoes, corn, and an oh, so yummy biscuit.

I succumb to the temptation of beef rather easily and I can say with quite a bit of certainty that I am most certainly *not* a vegetarian. However, with beef tenderloin prices beyond what I can afford on an average day, faux chicken is usually my choice. That means I usually sacrifice the benefits of dietary iron . . . unless, of course, I cook with my cast iron skillet.

The Feminine Face of Cycling

2008-04-21T19:45:00.004-04:00

I live in a cyclist-dense community. Two small communities connected by a bridge over a canal contain one university cycling club/racing team, two community cycling clubs, and an adult cycling team. Allow me to briefly plug these groups:

* Copper Country Cycling Club (C4) - Michigan Tech's cycling club and racing team
* Keweenaw Cycling Club - Still in the beginning stages, the KCC is a new cycling club that is also starting a kid's competitive cycling team.
* Red Jacket - BlueSky Health Racing Team - A group of close-knit riders who fell in love with the camaraderie brought about by the impromptu Red Jacket cyclocross team.
* Trekkers - Started as a group of adults getting together for adult fun time. It evolved into what is now a large community cycling club with Monday night rides and potlucks.

These two small cities have more cycling clubs than many large cities. What makes them special is that they are not just cycling clubs, they are communities. The people in these clubs spend a lot of time together because the lifestyle of cycling is what brings them together. What makes all of this even more special are the familiar faces you find around any random corner and the conversations waiting to be had by bumping into one of these people.

I ran into three of my fellow cyclists within five minutes of each other at Michigan Tech today. What was even more unusual is that the four of us are all women. I couldn't help but smile as I walked through campus thinking about the good fortune I had just experienced. The masculine face cycling originally presented itself to me as was transforming into a symbol of feminine strength and means.

Today's occurrence may not be of much significance to you, but it is of great importance to me. I greatly admire the female cyclists in my community because they are my role models. Men have Lance. I have Bobbie, Heather, Kathy, Lori, and Melanie, to name a few. These are women who have allowed cycling to play a significant hand in their lives while juggling what life throws their way: school, work, relationships, travel. Most of them can identify with me. To see three of them doing what I do: going to school, some commuting by bike, is a great motivation.

No Drop Di

2008-04-20T21:17:00.004-04:00

I was dropped. Today's ride was a no-drop team ride that I assembled via our team forum and email list. We had a great turnout and a ride that proved to be a little more challenging than I bargained for.

I led for a bit because everyone assumed I should because I'm the one who got everyone together. However, being the second slowest person in the group and having a fairly respectable headwind sucked some of my energy. Also, we met Thursday's goal of 15 mph. That was with some stops and indecisiveness sprinkled in here and there, so the pace was actually quite good. Drafting was my saving grace by allowing me to actually keep up with everyone.

The Red Jacket - BlueSky Health Racing Team had a great turnout for today's team ride. I find road riding with a group much more exciting than a solitary fight against the wind.

Toward the end of the ride, I told them that I was going to do a little recovery spin and I dropped back. They kept going at the 17 mph pace that was too much for me to handle after more than two hours. I came to a crossroads and had a strong inclination toward the road they most likely turned on, but they never left a rider back to direct me, so I reluctantly went straight. I was right. They turned.

I did my extra little part and turned to head where they would come out by taking the other road. I saw them crossing the intersection as I rode near and I cut through the Family Video parking lot to intercept them. "Hey!" I yelled sternly.

"Oh, there you are!" one of them replied.

"You guys dropped me!" I said, smiling back at the smiling droppers.

"We waited for you a bit, but you never came."

"Well, I was tired and needed to slow down for a bit. By the time I got to the crossroads, I couldn't see you guys, so I went straight since you didn't leave a cyclist behind to direct me."

We chatted and merrily ended our ride. I hope that next time they take count of their riders before jetting around the next corner. I know where to find them if they drop me again.

Distractions Must Go

2008-04-18T22:59:00.006-04:00

It's not that I don't want to bike, it's that I keep putting it off.

I planned to eat breakfast yesterday and go for a ride two hours afterward. I postponed the ride for another hour or hour and a half. Why? Because I was too busy "Interneting" and watching TV. Ok. It's time to re-assess the situation and make the appropriate "rules."

My friend, Sandee, makes rules she follows to help her with goals. For example, one of her money saving rules is "no spending money on unnecessary things for the first six months of the year" - no clothes, no DVDs, no nothing. I've found that rules help me as well.

There are a couple of distractions in my life that need to be addressed, so I'm going to abide by the following rules this summer:

1. Internet surfing only in the evening after the bike has been taken for a ride. The dogs should probably be walked, too.

2. I am allowed to watch two hours of TV in the afternoon after I have ridden my bike. (Sensing a theme here?)

3. TV is to be shut off when my designated shows are not on. This is to promote my "no new shows" rule of last year. I've done a great job not taking up new shows on Primetime, probably because I don't get cable or antenna. However, I've taken up old favorites such as Simon and Simon and Miami Vice because I wouldn't shut the TV off. I didn't even used to like Miami Vice. Fortunately, it doesn't take long to get through reruns of reruns. I'd be glued to The Tudors if I had Cinemax. I love that show.

4. No new shows. Even the old ones.

5. This next one will be very hard. MMBA only once a day before bed. This is my biggest distraction. The lesson I learned today is, never surf the MMBA forum while everyone else is at work. New posts keep popping up and, before you know it, you've spent four hours online and you've skipped class.

Less Internet and television. Those are my goals. :-)

Spring Training is Here

2008-04-17T19:26:00.009-04:00

I woke up this morning with one thing in mind: long ride. I wanted to do a moderate ride for about three hours. I had three goals in mind:
1. Average about 15 mph
2. Maintain an efficient pedal stroke
3. Ride for three hours

I ate a healthy breakfast:
* Malt-O-Meal
* Yogurt with raspberries, vanilla, and chocolate chips
* Grapefruit
* 2 slices of toast
* Water

It took me longer than expected to get my lazy butt out the door, so I had a salad:
* Leaf lettuce
* Tomato
* Croutons
* Homemade French dressing

I made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cut it in two, wrapped the halves, filled two water bottles with Heed and left.

I didn't meet the first goal. I took it fairly easy starting out. I maintained a speed of about 17 to 18 mph for the first hour. After the first hour, I unwrapped one half of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich and washed it down with some Heed. I continued out of town and headed in the direction of the next town four miles away, according to the sign.

I geared down and began climbing. I knew it couldn't be far before I reached the top of the hill. I continued to climb. I concentrated on my pedaling and was afforded the luxury of being able to shift up twice and increase my speed. The hill wasn't ending, though. I finally reached the next town and realized I was still climbing. Four miles of climbing. Fortunately, I still felt good.

I decided to make the descent northward. Oh, yes. A descent. It was a long descent. I rode through two more towns, drank some Heed, and turned around to face my next climb. By the time I got to Calumet, I took out the other half of my sandwich and washed it down with some more Heed. Most of it was downhill from there. I proceeded to ride, but the sun hid and the wind picked up. It was cold. I rode into the wind until I reached the bottom of the hill. What I fail to tell myself every time is that this homestretch is also all uphill.

I did meet the second goal. I maintained a proper pedal stroke and it became second nature after climbing a couple of hills. The reason why I chose to pay attention to this is because I have a tendency to point my toes down when I get tired. I think the proper stroke was one of the reasons why my climbing was so good today. So, even though I didn't meet my mph goal, I had a very good ride.

After three hours and thirteen minutes, succeeding with my third goal, I reached home with 41.6 miles under my belt. My mileage averaged about 13 mph, which is actually quite respectable considering how many Keweenaw hills I chose to ride.

I walked in the house, had a tall glass of Ovaltine, did part of my yoga routine, and took a shower. I felt a little weak in the shower. I rushed through it so I could eat dinner. For my post-ride meal, the following was on the menu:
* Spaghetti with olive oil and spices mixed with a MorningStar Farms Chik Patty cut up
* Caesar salad with tomatoes
* Water
* Glass of Breckenridge Avalanche

Cyclists do long rides because they recognize the importance of endurance training. Riding slow and long can make you faster when combined with other training techniques. Another reason why I like long rides is that they help me meet my weight loss goal.

Looking at the details of this post, you will see that I've taken in a lot of calories. My breakfast alone equaled half the calories I should take in on a sedentary day. A long ride requires a lot of calories, though! According to Bicycling.com, I burned 2,023 calories - over 800 calories more than I should on a sedentary day*.

Ideally, I would have ridden my bike two hours after breakfast. My lallygagging made it necessary to consume another quick meal before I headed out the door. Normally, I wouldn't choose a salad for a pre-ride meal, either.

I am not sure what I'll do tomorrow. I have to work after class, so I am planning to drive to work, then bike to school and back. This way, I can drive home at night when I get out of work. If it's raining, I won't ride because it's too cold right now. However, I do feel a light ride like the one I have planned will do me a lot of good after this endurance ride.

* I base my caloric need on the Weight Watchers Points program. According to Weight Watchers, about 23 POINTS is what I should shoot for to lose weight. Each point is equal to about 50 calories (23 POINTS x 50 calories = 1,150 calories per day), and adjustments are made for fiber and fat content. More fiber = more food. Exercise also allows you to eat more food. So, no, I'm not starving . . . and yes, Weight Watchers works great. I lost 25 pounds on the program and kept it off using the program as a guideline.

Breakthrough Riding on a Regular Commute

2008-04-16T21:04:00.001-04:00

Today was another commuting day, but something was different. It was the first time I've ridden my bike since my race on Sunday. I switched out my cross tires for my road tires and found myself running ten minutes late. I was already planning to not show up for my 9 a.m. class. Then I proved something to myself that I already knew: my road tires were faster. Oh, yes. I was faster. Suddenly I felt really good and decided to see how fast I could get to Hancock.

There was a method to the madness. It wasn't an all out sprint uphill for six miles, no. I can't do that. However, I chose to do a series of sprints on my way there. I pushed the biggest gears I could while maintaining 70 to 90 rpm. I did this several times and finally made it to Hancock, and running on schedule! I was able to exceed the speed limit down the hill and hopped on US-41 heading for the Portage Lift Bridge. With the road tires, the sidewalks were no longer safe since they were covered in sand and some soft snow. I chose to ride the right lane and maintained a speed of about 17 mph. The drivers were pretty respectful and shared the road with me. It felt good.

The best part is that I made it to class on time and sat through a lecture on a runner's high.

On the return trip, I climbed the hill to the north of town. Now, it was mostly downhill. I managed to do some sprints holding steadily at 34 mph. Mind you, this is not something I can do without the help of gravity, so the speed isn't what was so special about this. The moment of glory is when I realized that I could spin fast enough to keep up with my drivetrain. My pedaling at this speed was productive, and I wasn't bobbing on my saddle like I did last year when I couldn't pedal fast enough to keep up with the speed. My legs are faster and stronger. What a great feeling!

Keweenaw Awe

2008-04-15T17:31:00.009-04:00

I am very fortunate to live in an area that never ceases to amaze me in a truly wonderful way. In a place where very few can hack it, true beauty is found in the serenity of the Keweenaw Peninsula.

My teammate, Pat, and I returned to Calumet yesterday morning from our race. I hopped in my Pathfinder and took the back roads home as usual. There was a clear sky and the sun was in a spot that made the sky and the lake appear dark blue. The colors were rich and I couldn't but help feel my heart leap as I took in the view.

The following is a pictorial of what I saw.

This road is low in traffic and offers challenging hills and breathtaking views that can make the most mundane ride incredible.

The Keweenaw differs from the Eastern Upper Peninsula that is so well known to Michigan's southern citizens. Instead of roads lined with pine trees, birches and maples highlight the landscape.

Lake Superior offers a panoramic view unique to the Keweenaw.

Many deer can be found down by the lake this time of year. This one decided to walk away from my vehicle.

This deer dismissed me almost as quickly as it noticed me. She decided to meander in the direction of her friend.

This gal gave chase as she ran down the road with me slowly following her. She eventually ran into a clearing on the side of the road and looked behind as if to say, "Ha ha, you can't drive your Pathfinder here."

Red Jackets Ride Strong at Pontiac Lake

2008-04-14T17:33:00.003-04:00

The following is the news tidbit I wrote for the Red Jacket-BlueSky Health Cycling Team web site.

Pat Szubielak took first place in the Sport Men 50+ category and 19th overall. Left to right: Niel Scharphorn – Cross Country Cycle, Pat Szubielak – Red Jacket–BlueSky Health, Glenn Willyard, and Roger Pelkey.

The Red Jacket – BlueSky Health Cycling Team swept the Pontiac Lake Time Trial this weekend in Waterford, Michigan. Pat Szubielak took first for the Sport Men 50+ category and Diane Ursu took first for the Sport Women 25-39 category. There was a good turnout despite the snow with 170 racers. The one-lap race had 114 competitors who made a clean finish after the Expert and Elite racers cleared the water from the course with a grueling two-lap race.

Diane (right) took first for the Sport Women 25-39 category and third for Women's Sport Division, and 97th overall. Jennifer Fischer (left) racing for Tree Fort Bikes took second in the Sport Women 25-39 category.

The race started off at a tropical 30° F with light snow and progressed to a breezy, sunny 38° F. Overcoming heat exhaustion, our polar Yooper citizens pulled out all the stops to show the world the Red Jackets are a new force to be reckoned with.

Pontiac Lake is an intermediate course located in Michigan’s beautiful Oakland County. The course is packed full of varying terrain with respectable, longer climbs and fast, challenging descents along with varying technical terrain including soil, sand, and clay, log piles, and drops combined with rock gardens and root systems. It is understandably one of Lower Michigan’s most popular trails.

Diane Ursu taking off from the start line on Sunday.

The Red Jackets would like to thank Robert Linden and his Tailwinds crew for their hospitality and a race well done.

Inaugaral Mountain Bike Ride Of 2008

2008-04-12T20:44:00.004-04:00

The third great Keweenaw blizzard of the year began yesterday. The whole state of Michigan had fallen victim to rather unhappy weather. It didn’t change our plans, though. My friend, Pat, and I drove through the blizzard, then the winter storm, then the rain. We completed our trip this morning and did a 10 a.m. ride at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area. PLRA is, in my opinion, the best trail in lower Michigan. No, I haven’t ridden them all, but I’ve ridden some of the best.

I was willing to forego our ride, today, but Pat insisted that we were going to ride since we just drove 550 miles to get here. We met up with two of his friends and ended up having a great ride. Halfway through the ride, I was smiling and laughing and thinking, “Wow! What a great trail for the first mountain bike ride of the year!"

With all the snow in the Keweenaw, mountain biking is a slightly distant thought, but there’s a race tomorrow at Pontiac Lake. This is why we fought the blizzard to be here.

This is US-41 just south of Calumet during the blizzard. Look carefully. There is a plow truck in front of the pickup truck.

This is US-41 between Chassell and Baraga.

There is something strangely beautiful about the Keweenaw Bay at its worst.

The Keweenaw Bay. The white-capped waves look small. In reality, they were at least three feet high.

We were expecting to get pretty muddy at PLRA. We wanted before and after pictures.

This is what the guys looked like after the ride.

They felt like they were in a lineup because I made them turn for another picture.

I Would Travel Through a Blizzard to Get to You

2008-04-11T00:37:00.003-04:00

I had to laugh at the forecast for Hancock:

It is rare to see a full day with a 100% chance of precipitation. I find it quite humorous.

I will be traveling through a blizzard with blowing snow creating conditions of decreased visibility due to whiteout conditions . . . just to get to a mountain bike race.

How is that for dedication!

My Pipe Dream

2008-04-09T12:53:00.003-04:00

The fact is I know better. When living in the Upper Peninsula, expecting not to see any snow in early April is a pipe dream. Just as the wheel tracks in my driveway were opening up to muddy potholes, the heavy, wet snow began falling from the sky. Driving down my driving, I noticed how beautiful the view was. Two inches have fallen already. The bright side is that I no longer have to scrutinize the ground for dog poop as I walk out to my garage. Two little dachshunds are poo machines that contribute excessive fertilization of the non-existent lawn surrounding the entryway to my house. Not only does the snow make this natural fertilizer highly visible, it covers the existing fertilizer that I diligently sidestep.

A great benefit of snow is the high visibility of the dog poo one wishes to avoid stepping in.

Spring fever? Check. Sick of snow? Check. Need exercise? Check, check, check, exclamation point! It’s not that I don’t enjoy the snow and no longer want to ski. It’s that I’m tired of throwing on layers of clothing and driving to the nearest ski trail for fun. I’d much rather leave my front door with minimal preparation to get my exercise. It’s time for a compromise. I am going to weight train instead.

I have been weight training at Michigan Tech since January and showing wonderful results in strength gains. I haven’t been going lately because I’ve been riding, or at least trying to ride in between snow and rainfalls. I also believe it is time to go on a maintenance program since riding season has officially begun, even though there is snow on the ground. Snow or no snow, it is here. Heck, my first race is this coming Sunday.

Protein-Packed Quinoa

2008-04-08T09:26:00.003-04:00

I have a box of quinoa that has been sitting in my cupboard for three years. I bought it because I read that it was good for you. I never opened it . . . until the other day. I was in the mood for chicken noodle soup. The only problem I have with chicken noodle soup is that it is so watery without enough substance to it. Of course, you have to add water to condensed soup, so my solution was not to cut back on the water, but add something to it. I thought the quinoa would be a great choice, and I was right! What I didn’t know was how beneficial the quinoa could be to me as a cyclist.

Quinoa is a pseudocereal – it is much like cereal grains except it isn’t a grass – from South America. It is of great value to cyclists because it is high in protein (about 5 grams per serving) and is a rich source in amino acids – it contains all the essential amino acids. This makes it a great post-ride food that can be readily available - cooked quinoa stores quite well in the refrigerator. It is also a gem for those trying to lose weight, especially while maintaining muscle mass.

The million dollar question for most of us is, “What do you do with it?” It is not something that is found in most American kitchens and some of us lack the creativity necessary to create delicious quinoa dishes because we don’t know how to tap into our inner chef. It’s a good thing we have the Internet!

Adding quinoa to soup is a great way to make a filling and complete meal.

My creativity stopped at chicken noodle soup. Adding quinoa made it an excellent, filling, post-ride meal. It doesn’t stop there:
• Treat it like rice. Make a pilaf.
• Have it for breakfast with fruit, honey, and almonds.
• Use it as breakfast porridge.
• Make soup with it.

To learn more about quinoa and find great recipes, use the following links:
Wikipedia: Quinoa
NPR: Kitchen Window – Quinoa: A Sacred, Super Crop
Epicurious: Quinoa Search Results

Another Year Older

2008-04-07T22:56:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was my thirty-first birthday. I had the pleasure of sharing it with another cyclist who was celebrating his twenty-first birthday. Our mutual friends arranged for all of us to have dinner and beverage down in Marquette. It was a great evening followed by a morning of the obvious consequences of birthday embellishments.

The part I appreciated the most was the opportunity to spend a fun evening with people I have come to know over the last two years because of cycling. Our paths cross frequently in the bike shop, on the trails either riding or building, and in the local brewery.

I think this was my best birthday yet!

Bikes, Burgers, and Brew

2008-04-05T18:54:00.004-04:00

Today was our first Red Jacket team ride. Four of us showed up and did a loop between Calumet and McClain State Park. It was a breezy, partly cloudy day – the sun didn’t come out until after the ride. I started the ride out a little nervous because I was riding with three guys who have a lot more experience than I, and who are in better shape. Fortunately, we managed to keep a medium pace (15-18 mph) most of the time.

A small chat during a group ride allows slower riders to rest while creating a sense of camaraderie.

I drafted my friend, Pat, for the beginning of the ride, then rode alongside him for a bit chatting about Fruita, Colorado, commuting, and the upcoming race at Pontiac Lake (Pontiac, Michigan).

We hit the lakeshore and rode to Calumet Waterworks Road to ride the two mile climb. By this point, I was tired. It took a lot of effort to hit 10 mph, so I fell behind the other riders. I dropped it into my uncle gear and began the long, slow climb to the top. Pat turned around to ride the hill with me and we chatted more about the race at Pontiac Lake. After the climb, the conversation turned to food. That is usually a sign that the ride is coming to an end.

Our post ride meal was spent at the Michigan House Café and BrewPub. I was very happy to get my nut brown ale and my big, juicy cheeseburger. What a spectacular commencement to a spring road ride!

Give Me Wings, Or Give Me Wheels!

2008-04-04T14:28:00.001-04:00

When I was a kid, I used to have a dream that ended with me flying through the air like Superman. It didn’t matter that I was only flying two feet above the ground. Oddly enough, it was in the direction of my favorite park.

A little bird was caught in my porch the other day. He watched me go out through the door, and later tried it himself.

I recalled that dream today as I was riding home from school. A little brown and white bird made quite a bit of noise as it left the snow bank flying across my path and soon with me for a short bit. Seeing the bird and the road in front of me recreated that dream for me, except I wasn’t Superman, nor was I a bird. I was riding my cyclocross bike.

I felt a strong sense of gratitude as these signs of spring greeted me, even the sun was out, and I realized that bikes are God’s way of giving us wings.

Cycling Forums

2008-04-03T12:37:00.006-04:00

The Internet is a pretty addicting little tool. Many of us have spent hours, if not days, surfing the web with endless information at our fingertips. I spent one whole night last week surfing through the backwards chronology of the English monarchy on Wikipedia.

If you are reading this blog, it is probably a safe assumption that you spend some of your bandwidth surfing through various cycling forums as well. I am quite guilty of this, especially this winter. Four complete weeks of bed rest dispersed throughout the winter is encouragement enough to click over to my favorite forum and dream of getting outside to ride my bike. I think this has been the cause of my spring fever, which I rarely get because I usually get to enjoy my winters skiing and snowshoeing in good health.

I spend a lot of my Internet time surfing through four cycling forums. The forum I spend the most time with is the Michigan Mountain Biking Association. This is a fun, passionate group of people who never fail to entertain. Even most serious topics get “sent to the Basement” when someone inevitably makes a sick comment sending the conversation into a downward spiral. This group proves amazing, though, as this forum also serves as a major network for riders who want to find others to ride with at various Michigan trails. One of our members moved to Colorado and even guides many the Michigan riders who head out west to be awed.

Team Estrogen is an online store for women cyclists looking for a large selection of fun cycling clothes and accessories to meet their needs. This store is unique in that it also hosts an online forum for women that has become quite the community. There is an incredible contrast between the female-dominated Team Estrogen and the male-dominated MMBA, both offering different kinds of information with the latter providing more humor and politics.

The Red Jacket – BlueSky Health Cycling Team forum is a new forum that deserves my time mostly because I am the forum administrator and a member of the cycling team. The goal of this forum is to provide a common source for local area riders to communicate and facilitate rides and transportation for races and trips. It is also our goal to provide health and training information as topics of discussion. All are welcome to contribute.

Mountain Bike Review is a precious resource to mountain bikers all over the world. It provides user product reviews, photos, and other resources along with an extensive forum. I only use the forum when I am homebound due its complexities. It is a very large forum with a lot of subforums and countless threads. Due to its size, it can be a bit overwhelming, but a lot of information can be found in its depths.

Small Towns Ahead of the Rest

2008-04-02T23:57:00.005-04:00

It’s interesting to hear people say things like, “No one will notice, it’s a small town,” or “No one will figure it out, it’s a small town.” What they don’t realize is this isn’t your typical small town.

In Michigan, the twin cities on either side of the Portage Canal are referred to as Houghton/Hancock. Even in combination, the two cities are not the largest “city” in the Upper Peninsula. It’s a small place, but that’s the allure.

What is truly unique about this “small town” are the people who live here. Consider this, Houghton/Hancock
• have two universities: Michigan Technological University in Houghton, and Finlandia University in Hancock
• one hospital – Portage Hospital
• four bike shops

Four bike shops!? Yes. We are world class. We have four bike shops. We have Cross Country Sports (Trek), Downwind Sports (Giant), Hancock Bike Shop (Specialized), and the not-even-opened-yet The Bike Shop (Jamis, Marin). One might attribute this to being a “tourist town,” but that is inaccurate. True, we are tourist towns in the tourist peninsula, but Houghton and Hancock are two towns tailored to their unique demographic. We aren’t the typical small town. The residents consist of a high percentage of healthcare workers and university PhDs in comparison to other small towns. Combine these professionals with the high percentage of college students, and you find a severe demand for bike shops.

The number of bike shops is a good representation of how strong the cycling community is here. However, there is further evidence in the cycling clubs that have popped up over the years.

The Trekkers stemmed from a group of people who got together to play golf. This group has greatly evolved to a group that gets together to ride and dine together.

The Copper Country Cycling Club (C4) is the Michigan Tech cycling club that participates in intercollegiate racing and hosts the annual Copper Country Color Tour.

The Red Jacket Cycling Team is a new race team that arose from an impromptu cyclocross team from last fall.

The Keweenaw Cycling Club is in development.

As you can see, Houghton and Hancock are not your typical small towns. When it comes to cycling, one could say they are on the cutting edge.

Vicious Cycle

2008-04-01T01:35:00.001-04:00

When you’re sitting on the couch reading bike forums and blogs as you sniffle and cough and look out the window at the beautiful, deep blue sky above the trees that sparkle as the sun beats down on them, you get a little antsy. Actually, you get horribly impatient and envious of your friends who you know are outside riding their bikes. You want to be one of those crazy people enjoying the day on your bike in what feels like a tropical 40 degree F day after a long, cold winter.

Spring in the Keweenaw can be a vicious cycle of hope followed by disappointment. Just when the snow is almost melted and the weather hits the 50s, snow dumps on you that night.

Of all the illnesses I’ve had the displeasure of building up immunities to, there is one I cannot lick: spring fever. I’ve got it bad, and it only gets worse as nature teases me with these gloriously perfect days while I’m sick, and then sends a truckload of snow my way when I’m well.

It’s almost as if nature is saying, “April fools, Di! April fools.”

Tea and Weight Loss

2008-03-31T10:14:00.001-04:00

For many of us, spring is equated with weight loss. It is time to get rid of that winter weight, but how?

In theory, it is an easy concept: burn more calories than you take in. Putting this into practice is a different story, however. Our metabolisms are as individual as we are. Our physical compositions – muscle versus fat, endocrine function, and sex are just a few of the many factors that can affect weight loss. Sometimes, we just need to examine our lives to see what works for us.

Throughout our lives, we have heard that we should drink eight glasses of water per day. This amount changes from study to study and when considered with other foods, such as juice and milk. Getting plenty of fluids is the one rule of weight loss that seems to be what everyone can agree on. I inadvertently put this rule into practice this last month. I’ve always drank a lot of water when working out. Hard exercise makes me crave water. However, I can’t stand water when I’m sick and my throat is sore. Water makes it feel raw. I had the displeasure of working around this problem earlier this month when I had tonsillitis, and again this week with a bad cold complete with sinus problems.

Tonsillitis: Blessing In Disguise?

I spent six days resting and drinking plenty of fluids during my first and only bout of tonsillitis. I had a sore throat from day one and went to the store to buy a variety of herbal teas to ease the pain. For a week, I rested and drank tea all day. I drank at least six to ten glasses per day and my appetite lessened due to the pain. For two days, my diet consisted of soup (no solid food) and a little ice cream. After those two days, I began eating solid food out of desperation, but my throat was still sore. I chewed my food more thoroughly than I ever have and I had to prepare myself to swallow, since swallowing saliva alone was even painful. I lost five pounds that week – and kept it off.

Drinking different herbal teas may help alleviate or shorten cold symptoms. It is a great way to get the fluids necessary for fighting illness.

One Doozy of a Cold Virus
I got a slight sore throat the day after Easter. It turned into a horrible cold by Wednesday. I’m still fighting this cold and I’m fighting it with tea, once again. Unlike with the tonsillitis, I am eating solid food, and loving it. My diet consists of yogurt with fruit; spaghetti topped with pesto, tomatoes, and parmesan cheese; salads with homemade dressing; eggs (it is the week of Easter); and dark chocolate. I’ve lost three pounds so far this week, and that is without exercise. The only thing I can think of, other than eating well, is the tea. I’m drinking a lot of tea throughout the day while getting plenty of rest.

Tea and Weight Loss

There are studies showing that various types of tea are linked with weight loss, and some studies discrediting the aforementioned studies. My theory is based on personal experience: instead of searching my kitchen for in-between-meal goodies, I am filling up my tea cup and mindlessly sipping it in front of the TV. We’ve all heard that mindless munching in front of the television causes increased caloric intake. However, mindless tea-sipping is calorie free. Rather than loading on the calories, it is a major source of water. If you drink herbal teas, like I do, it may also ease your sore throat, boost your immune system with echinacea, or ease you into bedtime with calming chamomile.

Incorporating It into Your Day

If you are like me, you have a tendency towards laziness. If something is not convenient, you won’t do it. Warming up a glass of water in the microwave each time you want tea can be that extra step you don’t really want to deal with, especially when you do it about eight times a day. I’ve simplified this so that I also have hot water waiting for me. I run hot water through my coffee pot and let the burner keep the water hot as I drink through a few tea bags.

If you don’t have a tea kettle, a coffee pot is a great way to quickly warm up enough water for several cups of tea.

Eco-friendly note: In an attempt to be more eco-friendly, I am going to start pouring the water into an insulated carafe and unplug the coffee pot to save energy.

Successful weight loss is easier by making one change at a time. Fluid intake is extremely important to weight loss and drinking tea is a great way to increase it.

2008 Goals

2008-03-29T15:15:00.004-04:00

The sky is blue, the pines are green, the snow is still here. To those inexperienced with life in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, one might think it is still winter. Look closer, and one will see that it is over 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the snow is sliding off the roof.

A good sign of the spring thaw, icicles forming as the snow melts off of the roof.

Many of us have already started riding. All we need is a cleared off road and sunny sky to motivate us. With spring in the air, many of us are thinking about the dreaded “T” word - training. Ok, this early in the year, most of us are enthusiastic about the “T” word, and we’re very much looking forward to it.

This is the time of the year when we map out our goals and decide how we are going to meet them. I had already verbalized my goals for 2008 by the end of last year’s cyclocross season. I started out with the bigger goals, then I moved onto the little goals that will help me get there.

My Cycling Goals For 2008

• Podium finishes for all my races in my age group; first place age group finishes for the Keweenaw Chain Drive, Great Deer Chase, and Fat Tire Festival
• Lose fifteen pounds
• Become a stronger climber
• Use the bicycle as my primary mode of transportation
• Include cross-training to balance it all out

Race Finishes

I had podium finishes for all of my races last year except for Ore to Shore, when I took seventh. It is difficult to improve when your goals are the same as your results from the previous year, so instead of stating “I want a podium finish for all of my races,” I raised the bar to achieve first place in all the races I previously placed in. Realistically, I may not achieve the second part of this goal this year, so it’s a great goal to carry over to next year. I am certainly off to a good start.

Lose Weight

Last year, my goal was to lose twenty pounds, and I did it! I gained five back after about a week, and I gained ten more while on antibiotics this winter. I’ve lost the antibiotic weight already, so I’m still down fifteen pounds. In a nutshell, I am at my 2007 cycling weight.

My goal for 2008 is to lose an additional fifteen pounds. My goal was originally twenty pounds, but I feel fifteen is a much more realistic weight loss goal. I currently weigh 170 pounds, and my body loves this weight. Fifteen pounds would bring me down to 155, a weight I haven’t been for over ten years.

Losing this excess weight will do a lot for my cycling. This has been my greatest motivator. I’ve found that putting in at least eight hours a week on the bike helps me to easily achieve weight loss.

Become a Stronger Climber

Most places are fairly flat with some hills thrown in. The Keweenaw is the opposite: many hills with a few flats here and there. It is difficult to find a flat section of road to train on. For this reason, most of the cyclists in my area are very good. Even the mediocre cyclists are good by other people’s standards. We get a hill workout every time we ride. How we use those hills is what separates us.

This year, I plan to tackle the most difficult hills with enthusiasm and gratitude.

Commute

With rising gas prices and my goals of become a better, stronger rider, it makes perfectly good sense to ride my bike to work (6 miles) and school (11 miles). School will automatically give me four twenty-two mile road rides per week. With careful planning, I may lengthen that commute a couple times a week.

Even though there is still snow on the ground, the weather is warmer and some have already begun riding to work and school.

Balance My Training Regimen

Cycling alone can help you achieve a muscle imbalance thus setting you up for injury. This winter, I began incorporating a regular yoga routine along with weight training into my week. The yoga promotes muscle balance by maintaining flexibility while minimizing the possibility of pain and injury. I began an upper body weight training program to strengthen the muscles that tighten the most while cycling. I figure that a stronger upper body would minimize the muscle-tightening that is throwing my body out of alignment, because the added strength would minimize the stress (this is my own theory). It also makes climbing easier.

That’s a lot!

It may seem like I have a lot of goals for 2008. However, I really only have one pinnacle goal, while the remaining goals serve as the plan for achieving that goal. It is much easier to achieve the bigger goal in little steps. The best part? I’m making positive lifestyle changes that will benefit me not only physically, but financially as well.

Beer for Mountain Bikers

2008-03-28T00:01:00.004-04:00

Just like the priest, the minister, and the rabbi, the mountain biker could have a joke of his/her own. A mountain biker walks into a bar . . .

Mountain biking and beer are almost synonymous. Perhaps that’s why the sport suits me so well. Many microbreweries and not-so-microbreweries sponsor mountain biking teams. Mountain bikers usually congregate at the end of a race, heck, the end of almost any ride, to have a round or two of beers.

Alcohol has had a bad rap. Many have abused this substance and allowed it to destroy their lives. As a result, many look at beer as an evil substance that no one should be allowed to imbibe.

Beer has many positive health effects when taken in moderation.

Unfortunately, the people who abhor beer for the actions of those who abuse it don’t realize that many more people benefit from the positive effects of beer. Beer may contribute to:

• bone density
• reduce the risk of heart and other cardiovascular disease
• increase HDL cholesterol
• lower insulin resistance

On the flip side, excess beer consumption, like any other food source, can lead to excess calorie consumption, which leads to weight gain. This can lead to heart disease and diabetes.

Overall, beer does not contribute to negative effects when used in moderation.

Moderation is key.

Please refer to the following resources for more information:
The Benefits on Modern Beer Consumption
The Buzz On Beer’s Health Benefits

NOTE: Beer is good for roadies, too!

Dressing for Cold Weather Rides

2008-03-27T15:57:00.006-04:00

Cyclists like me are anticipating the warmer weather and are already hopping on our bikes for what we like to call training and commuting, but the truth is, we want to play. The minor challenge presented to us is this little thing called the weather. It continues to snow throughout most of my state. One day, the top layer of snow melts in the sunlight on a breezy 40 degree (Fahrenheit) day. The next, there is a wind chill of 9 degrees and there is a fresh four-inch layer of snow covering the ground.

I read a guideline in a forum that I feel is a good rule of thumb: don’t ride if it feels like it is below ten degrees. Personally, I don’t feel like riding if it is that cold. Pay attention to wind chill as that will greatly affect how it will feel outside. It can be 15 degrees but can feel like five with a wind. For the days that are suitable for riding, it is important to find the right clothes. After you’ve done that, your ride will feel just fine. You may even break a sweat.

Luckily for me, I live in an area where Nordic skiing is the norm. I didn’t have to buy additional clothing for winter riding. All I had to do was look at my ski stash.

Everyone has a different idea of what works. I’m willing to bet it’s because we own different things. Therefore, I will share with you what works for me. Since I live in a little peninsula surrounded by Lake Superior, you may find that my opinion is worth noting.

Method Behind the Madness

The first rule of thumb for winter riding is layering. The layers should be slightly loose to allow heat from your body to settle between the layers creating warm air pockets. These pockets are what will keep you warm. Add another layer, create another pocket. If it’s too warm, get rid of a pocket by removing a layer.

The second rule of thumb is the type of material used. Cotton will soak up sweat causing your clothes to become wet creating the perfect environment for hypothermia. Breathable clothing has become quite popular over the last ten years. I’m sure you’ve heard of COOLMAX®, Nike Dri-FIT, Columbia Omni-Dry®, and Patagonia Capilene just to name a few. These fabrics are all designed to wick moisture away from the skin to the surface of the garment to promote evaporation of sweat. This keeps you dry. All of these companies produce quality clothing. It is up to you to find the brand that fits you best. Just make sure the label says breathable.

Check out the plethora of sports equipment web sites out there and you’ll find that these fabrics are used to produce garments that are intended for use as different layers, for example: base layer and shell.

Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Unless you are buying clearance, which I highly recommend, you’ll find that breathable clothing is usually quite expensive. Now consider this: I’ve been using most of my winter cycling wardrobe for over four years, for different sports, and quite religiously in the winter. With the exception of the reflection material slowly peeling off of my ski tights, everything is holding up well. All the stitching is top notch and there are no holes. The best part is that most of these garments are stretchable for maximum comfort and they will fit you well through quite a weight range . . . just in case you’re planning to lose weight.

The last thing to note about breathable fabrics, and the most important, is care. Breathable fabrics should be washed in cool water without fabric softener and should be hung to dry. Keep in mind that these are polyester fabrics. Plastic can melt in the dryer. Melting clogs the pores of the fabric rendering it useless in the breathable category. Fabric softener also clogs the pores of these fabrics rendering them useless, however, this can remedied simply by rewashing the fabric.

The Layers

Unless you’re a man who needs little support, this first part pertains only to women. The layers are only as good as the base layer. For women, that base layer begins with the sport bra. There is an abundance of sport bras out there waiting for you to buy them. However, not all sports bras are created equal. Aside from finding the one that fits you best, make absolutely sure it is made of a breathable fabric. The other layers can’t wick if the sweat stops at your bra. Underwear could be an issue, but we’re all cyclists. We don’t wear underwear. If you don’t wear a cycling short with a chamois, then you may want to consider buying breathable undies as well.

Clockwise from top: 1 – Nike Dri-FIT cycling jersey; 2 – Columbia Titanium base layer; 3 – Pearl Izumi ski jacket; 4 – Columbia Titanium wind jacket; 5 – Pearl Izumi ski pants; 6 – Nike cycling shorts.

I like to start out with a base layer. I currently use the Columbia Titanium layer shown in the picture above (2), or a blue Patagonia Capilene base layer that I like equally as much. Throwing a cycling jersey (1) over it allows use of the rear pockets while helping to keep the torso warmer. I wear these two layers on most spring rides in temperatures ranging from the upper 40s to the upper 50s. In the 50s and low 60s, I may use a light wind jacket (not pictured) for really breezy days. If it is in the lower 40s and below, I will throw on my Pearl Izumi ski jacket (3) or my Columbia Titanium wind jacket (4) depending on the type of weather. If it’s cold enough, I’ll wear both. It’s better to have too many layers because you can always take them off and throw them in your tool bag or CamelBak.

The legs are much easier to work with. In colder weather, it is very important to keep the knees covered. I wear ski pants (5) over a traditional cycling short (6) through the 50s and in the 60s if there is a cold wind.

This outfit is perfect for mild spring and fall weather that is above 50 degrees. The cycling shorts and ski pants are worn in the wintertime as well.

Accessories are equally as important as all the layers you wear on your body. Without the accessories, your ride could become miserable because your toes are numb or sand from the road is blown up into your eyes.

1 - Trek Interval WSD Sport helmet; 2 – Mountain Hardwear Gore Windstopper Dome; 3 - Kona gloves; 4 – Dakine inserts (came with Dakine Women’s Camino gloves); 5 – Swix Women’s Cross Gloves; 6 – Columbia neck gator; 7 – Optic Nerve sunglasses; 8 – Nike mountain biking shoes; 9 – Planet Bike wool socks; 10 – Wigwam Ingenius ski socks.

In Trek’s helmet owner’s manual, it specifically states that hats should not be worn under the helmet to ensure proper fit. In reality, if you don’t wear a hat during part of the year, your ears will fall off. I use either a headband or a snug-fitting cap like my Mountain Hardwear hat (shown above, 2). You will need to readjust your helmet when fitting it over a hat or headband. Make sure it has a snug fit. I know people who have gone down on the ice and hit their heads. If you experience a fall like this, it will be one of the hardest falls you will encounter as a cyclist, and you will be grateful you were wearing a helmet after the pain the rest of your body experiences. Don’t be afraid to readjust your helmet midway through the ride.

Gloves are an area of debate on some mountain biking forums. I usually wear my ski gloves (5) and they do a great job keeping my hands warm while riding. Recently, I couldn’t find them and chose to wear my Dakine inserts under my mountain biking gloves (4 and 3 respectively). Due to layering, I can see how the second choice can be warmer than the first, but the difference is negligible. If you’re looking for a single pair of gloves for winter riding, Swix makes a perfectly adequate cross country ski glove. I’ve laughingly heard others say, “yeah, but bikers travel faster than skiers.” That may be so, but cross country skiers are also found on the trails in below zero weather wearing those very same gloves.

Riding is not fun when your face is freezing. For skiing and for biking, the odds are good that you will find me wearing my neck gator (6). Sometimes I keep it around my neck, sometimes covering my face, and many times I move it back and forth. It has made what could have been the most unbearable ride into a perfectly enjoyable ride.

One of my bike shop guys says, “Glasses are the second most important piece of safety equipment.” I agree. As a mountain biker, I wear glasses to keep bugs, dirt, and tree branches out of my eyes. Having mud or sand flung up into my eyes and sticking to my contacts isn’t exactly my idea of a good time. I always bring my glasses with me (7). I prefer the clear lenses, but the amber lenses are ideal for sunny days. They’ve offered protection from the wind and the sand on my road rides.

I don’t have the fortune of owning winter specific cycling shoes or neoprene booties to put over them. I wear my regular cycling shoes with packaging tape (8) over the vents to help keep the wind away from my toes. I always wear two pairs of socks for that layering effect – cycling socks or something similar (9) over ski socks (10).

When you step back and look at all the gear you need to keep comfortable during a winter ride, it seems like a lot of stuff. It is. However, all this stuff will make your ride much more comfortable and enjoyable so you, too, can join the rest of us nutcases out there on those cold, slushy roads.

The Acne Cure

2008-03-26T01:01:00.001-04:00

“How many of you wear makeup while riding?”

I’ve seen this question asked twice on cycling forums. Some of the die-hard feminists scoff at those who do wear makeup while riding. Some have a somewhat valid excuse: they put it on for work.

While people respect my reason for wearing makeup while riding, it is not valid to the die-hards. I have acne. I’ve had horrible acne since I was about fifteen years old. I’ve tried a lot of different things. Just when I thought I had it under control, I found I didn’t really. It probably has something to do with the timing. I probably tried new products just after my favorite time of the month, and the flare-ups would happen just beforehand. I would have a window of about two weeks of peace. In reality, this peace probably had more to do with my hormone levels than the skincare products I was using. Last October, I counted eighteen new blemishes. It was horrifying! I had a mountain range running from the valley of my cheek to the plateau of my chin.

Evidence from my fight with acne lingers on my cheeks. Six months ago, these scars were large, painful blemishes.

I can only imagine how much I’ve spent on facial products. I’ve tried different cleansers, gels, creams, moisturizers, toners, wipes, pore strips, and masks. Averaging about $5 a product, it really adds up. Acne is like obesity, it is a major money-maker for those producing these miracle products.

The only thing I did not try is Proactiv. I have a very good reason for it. One cannot buy it in stores. I won’t do business with a company that won’t allow me the satisfaction of the best part of buying something: shopping therapy. The act of going into the store, grabbing something off of the shelf, purchasing it, and taking it home is a wonderful occurrence for people all over the world, and Proactiv will not allow us that satisfaction with its product. That’s not to say that I don’t occasionally shop online, but I prefer going to the store, especially for medicinal products. My other reason is that it uses the same main ingredient that every other product does. I know people who swear by it, but I’m tired of paying a lot of money for an extra step in my morning routine.

There have been many casualties in my fight against acne. I’ve lost many shirts. Many of the creams will bleach clothing. You won’t notice it right away. It is usually after washing that you’ll notice a white splotch on your shirt where your chin touched your shoulder when you turned your head.

I was fighting asthma and sinus congestion for over two years. I read about doing different detoxes in one of my mother’s books and how they could restore your health and get rid of conditions such as my chronic cough. While perusing through the selection of tea at the local co-op, I came across the Celestial Seasoning’s Detox A.M. Tea. I remembered what I read and decided to try it. What could it hurt?

I had an interesting reaction the first day I drank the tea. As the day progressed, I found myself becoming fatigued and acquiring a headache. The symptoms subsided by the next day when I drank another cup. I had no symptoms the second day. I decided to keep drinking it for a couple weeks to see if it would have any positive affects on me. The result was pleasantly surprising. My face was clearing up!

Celestial Seasoning’s Detox A.M. Tea cleared my skin of painful acne.

The theory behind the tea is how it affects the liver. While the FDA has not approved any health claims to herbal remedies such as this (if you’re like me, the FDA’s word is no good to you, anyway), the detox tea clears toxins out of the overtaxed liver. The theory is that the liver is so busy detoxifying the blood of the toxins we are constantly taking in that it doesn’t have time to properly detoxify itself – it gets overloaded with detoxification. As a result, the skin, another organ that excretes wastes, exhibits this process in the form of acne.

I started using the Detox A.M. in January and saw results within the first two weeks, unlike the over the counter products that require about three months for results. I may get a couple of very small blemishes each month, but it’s nothing like the large, painful and numerous blemishes I was getting beforehand. I enjoy a cup of this tea almost every morning before breakfast. Unlike the creams, the tea tastes good and is part of something I have to do anyway: drink. This is the best skincare regimen I’ve ever had.

I am waiting for the scarring to resolve, and this process takes a while, so I will continue to conceal the scars with makeup. Yes, I wear makeup when I ride, but I hope that this will no longer be necessary in the near future.

Cycling + Pain + Yoga = Happy Cyclist

2008-03-25T00:19:00.004-04:00

Many cyclists like to spend at least a couple hours on their bikes several times a week. It’s fun, and improvements are quite evident as the days pass by. Some cyclists will ride five or six times a week and include a seven or eight-hour ride.

If you’re like me, you’ll find that you can put your time in on the bike, mostly because you can't get yourself to stop because it’s just too much fun. I like to ride, and nothing is going to stop me as along as I’m able, even a few aches and pains. I do realize, however, that I need to address these aches and pains if I want to keep riding for years to come.

I’ve had pain from my ankles to my neck. Knee pain and sciatica are no strangers to me. I know the relief that certain movements of my neck will bring as a pop sounds. I love my chiropractor. I also know that these pains should not be occurring and I’ve learned what my ailments are caused by. My lower back muscles and IT band on my right side are tight, much tighter than the left. This muscle imbalance is the source of my aches and pains mostly by causing my spine to be pulled out of alignment. This causes the need for the chiropractic care that has become so important to me. I always ask my chiropractor and massage therapists what I can do to alleviate my symptoms. Stretches are always the answer.

The following routine is a series of yoga poses I do on a daily basis, sometimes twice a day, to promote flexibility and muscle balance. I provided links from a trusted source with pictures and descriptions for the poses that could be found. I’ve found the order listed to be the most beneficial.

* Wide-legged forward bend - For this pose, I like to do a variation resting my hands on the floor in front of me. After my muscles have relaxed, I'll vary it further by placing my hands on a two-foot high table in front of me to stretch out my upper back.
* Standing half forward bend or the Standing forward bend. I usually slowly move into the latter as my muscles relax.
* Bent-legged lying twists – Lie on your back, bend your knees and bring your legs toward your chest like you are sitting in a chair. Lower them to the right side and rest, allowing for a long stretch. Repeat to the other side.
* Straight-legged lying twist – Lie on your back with your legs extended in front of you, feet up in the air. Lift your hips and move them to the left a little (scootch your butt to the left), lower your legs to the right and rest for a while. Flex your feet to feel a deeper stretch along the IT band and knee. Repeat to the other side.

Straight-legged lying twist.

* Triangle pose
* Half lord of the fishes pose

These poses have done wonders for my back, and they feel incredibly good while I'm doing them. They help bring balance and allow my spine to fall closer into place.

I find stretching to be necessary after riding. I’ll do the above routine along with the following poses:

* Hero pose
* Cow face pose

These yoga poses don’t need to be done in a quiet room with a mat for the total yoga experience in order to be beneficial. Sometimes I do it in quiet, sometimes I do it in front of the television. The important thing is that these poses are done regularly. Do not stretch to the point of pain. These poses should be comfortable. They should feel good as you maintain a mild stretch.

Exercise is not without its risks and this or any other exercise program may result in injury. To reduce the risk of injury in your case, consult your doctor before beginning this exercise program. The instructor and advice presented are in no way intended as a substitute for medical consultation, the instructor disclaims any liability from and in connection with this program. As with any exercise program, if at any point during your workout you begin to feel faint, dizzy, or have physical discomfort, you should stop immediately and consult a physician.