kacey manderfield

NEW SITE...

2009-04-06T04:18:00.002-04:00

http://web.me.com/kmanderz/Site/Home.html

I'm relocating my blogging. This site will allow me to work without internet and hopefully result in more updates for everyone...maybe...fingers crossed!

So use this URL: http://web.me.com/kmanderz/Site/Home.html and then click on the blog link at the top!

Enjoy

Working on it....

2009-03-20T10:39:00.002-04:00

Ok everyone....I know I have been more than horrible about keeping this up to date...SORRY!

I'm working on starting a new site that I will hopefully be able to post to more easily! I'll keep you posted.

In the mean time a quick rundown:

I'm in Austin now, local race this weekend. Fly to Redlands Wed and race Thur-Sun. Fly to MI for a day. Fly to Europe for a month to race in northern europe and for the US and check out that scene. Fly back to the states and hit the domestic calender for the rest of the summer.

Got lots to do today so that's all for now!

kacey

Copenhagen World Cup

2009-02-12T07:12:00.001-05:00

Sorry, I have been less than good about updating, but yeah here is a blurp.

Copenhagen, Denmark World Cup February 13-15, 2009

World Cup Whirlwind – from the first timer’s perspective

2/10/09
6:30pm Mountain Time

I’m sitting on my first flight of the adventure (Denver-Chicago) and when I really stop to think, my mind floods and it is hard to sort out all the thoughts, as they seem to scream through my mind with an utter calmness. I feel as ready as I can be for now. I know there is much room for improvement but that serves to excite and motivate me even more. One of the recurring thoughts that comes to mind is of all the people who have supported me and made everything I do possible. The obvious first thought of my parents and sister who have always been there and taken more flack from me than anyone else ten fold. Beyond that however I think of my extended family who have grown with me in learning and support for the sport, thank you! Then I always seem to end up reminiscing about how I got my start in this sport and all the wonderful people who I owe so much of my success to!

2/12/09
12:56pm Copenhagen Denmark

I made it safely to Denmark from Chicago and all my stuff even made it with me! (carry-on, one bag, one wheel case, one huge bike bag!) Everyone is here now, which consists of: Jim Miller (US coach), Andrew Hawkes (Mechanic), the men: Colby Pearce, Daniel Holloway, Taylor Phinney, and the women: Shelley Olds, Kim Geist, Kacey Manderfield. There are a few others here from the US with their trade team, Hawk Relay, but we have yet to connect with them. Yesterday we dropped all the bikes and gear at the track before scavenging for some food. Lucky us there is a marked about 50meters from our front door! Also lucky for us most of our food is taken care of by the host hotel because everything here is expensive. This morning we ventured out into the cold gray air to unpack our bikes and hit the rollers to get the legs going. We did our roller training in the track center while the allotted teams got in their track time. We have our USA Team slot tonight 6-7:30pm so now it is just chill, eat, and drink until our session. Other than my continued ability to get poor sleep everything is going well. Legs feel pretty good and will be even better after a few more painful openers! It’s just another bike race, right? It just happens to be with the fastest riders in the world, and I can’t wait! I’m hoping both the scratch and points race will have heats as it gives me a trial run on gearing and I can then make a rather educated decision on my gearing for the finals. At this point I just have to get my legs open, relax and mentally prepare for the races, which pretty much involves not over analyzing anything…I’m getting better at this! Next the focus with be to race the heats smart and get qualified for the final. Then game on and I better bring my A game to the table plus some!

Me and the Birdie...

2009-01-08T10:18:00.004-05:00

On my ride yesterday...

We had two things in common: we were working hard to move forward; I by pedaling and the birdie by flapping its wings, and we were both going pretty much nowhere but rather holding more of a stagnant position. Had we given up we most certainly would have gone backward very fast. Yes, that is what I have to say about my ride yesterday. First of all I really need to find a local weather guru similar to Ray's Weather in the high country because weather.com just isn't cutting it. A forecasted 20-30mph winds was more like a reality of 40-60mph winds. The first 45 min or so of the ride were not too bad, I was just getting out of town and out to the area I wanted to ride in. The wind was strong but it was ridable and noting I couldn't handle. I even saw a few others out, which meant it must not be too bad. Conveniently I get myself all the way out of town to 79th (broadway is 9th) and I start to loop around, headed for a canyon climb to finish my ride. I make my way along the roads and get back to 63rd with no problems. Then it was about 1/4 to 1/2 way across 63rd that I looked out across the open land and thought: "man, that wind looks like it's coming in strong"...but I've been alright so far...right? Yeah! right into the ditch! The wind was picking up and the gusts were mostly unmanageable. Luckily I figured out a trick. Just as the wind would start to blow me off my bike to the right and into the ditch I would unclip my left foot and swing some momentum that way to keep myself upright and just use my left foot as a skidding base to counter my wheels being thrown across the pavement and into the gravel...it was just splendid. I had to literally stop a few times just to get myself back on track. I didn't dare go too fast because I knew that would make the random gusts harder to control and I would probably end up on my face at speed. I thought "if I can just get to the north-south running street I will have a head wind rather than a side and I will be able to control that better". Um...yeah, that didn't work out soo well either. I had a head wind alright and this is when I meet my friend birdie, who was also trying to go North and making very little progress. I found I was semi-correct about the headwind being better for handling the bike. However, every now and then it would have little angled approaches and then rather than just being thrown one way I would get caught in a swerve where my bike would literally basically flip the front wheel back and forth, left, right, left, while I tried to control it without too much force, which would of course result in a crash. I had to stop a few time to wait for the wind to calm down. Dirt and dust was screaming across the fields and at times pelting my face and getting in my eyes, even though I had glasses on. Eventually even I just broke down and put my hand out...it was time to hitch hike back to Boulder. I knew I would have to do this once I made it to the main road because the wind was guaranteed to be strong there and I would be lined up to be blown right into the middle of a main hwy. Lucky for me a nice man in a truck picked me up and took me back to North Boulder where I knew I could make it back relatively safely. It was a good thing because his truck was being blown...I think I might have actually had some take off action with wheels leaving the pavement if I had attempted that. Even once back in town I had a close call and somehow as I was smashed up against a curb I managed to hop up on the sidewalk rather than crashing back in the direction of traffic. Needless to say I will not ride in that again, I will not call MI "windy" anymore and I will find an accurate weather forecaster for this area.

Winds such as there also result in some pretty nasty destruction sometimes. Boulder saw two fires yesterday and at least one of them was very bad. I believe power lines were blown out and that is how the blaze started. After meeting my Uncle Mike for dinner out East of town I could see the blaze in the Mtn on my way back to the foothills and it was an incredible sight. The way fire and ambers can light up a dark sky, the smoke billowing above the mountain range. I hate to say it has a strange beauty to it as many things in nature do, but it's massive destruction of the wildlife and peoples homes can be devastating and hard to recover from. Best thought and wishes to all those impacted and a big thanks to those who spent hours fighting it.

Only in Boulder...

2009-01-07T10:52:00.004-05:00

Just an average day at the new indoor velodrome in Boulder, CO and look who shows up...yeah, I know, they heard I was coming and wanted to be there for the event!...yeah right!

For those of you who may not know the tall kid in the middle is non other than the Taylor Phinney, an average 18yr old who happened to go to the olympics, oh and how also has a world title. Then off to the right is Colby Pearce, my amazing coach and somewhat of a legend to US track cycling, also a past olympian. And next to him is Sarah Hammer, a world champion in pursuit and yes olympian as well! These were the folks I got to ride with my second day at the indoor velodrome!

Colby getting ready to lead me out for an effort

Coach Colby and I!

Sarah was in town enjoying some mountain time and doing a few tests so it was good to see her and Andy

Day after fun at the track Colby blessed Julian and I with a wonderful jog/run and plyo work out...yeah I'm still feeling that and it was 2 days ago!

I dropped by the track to see what was happening and say hi to Guy and Julian came by as well. The urge to be a kid never dies!

Well, I'm about to head down the mtn for the day. Get in a good training session and then meet up with Uncle Mike for dinner! His is in Denver on business so he is going to come visit me!

Thought I was going to be settled in CO for a bit but think again. Headed to CA again end of Jan for camp with the US and looks like there may be some other travels happening after that as well!

Back in CO

2009-01-03T08:35:00.002-05:00

Just a quick note...

I've made it back to Colorado after all the Christmas festivities and it is time to get back to business and work! I road the new indoor velodrome in Boulder for the first time yesterday and it was pretty wild. Super small like the London, ON track. It will be good for indoor training although I still by far prefer the Bloomer 200!!!

Other than that I've got all sorts of things floating around in my head and up my sleeves for one thing or another...pretty much the usual.

Today is the "grand opening" of the indoor track so I'll attend those festivities and likely just talk way more than any normal person should. I gotta make up for lost time and meet some new folks!

Hopefully I'll have some more pictures soon.

Christmas '08

2008-12-26T12:35:00.009-05:00

Well, it was great to get back to MI and be with the family for a bit! That is once I got there...after feeling like I was about ready to have a massive breakdown in the airport...I was seriously ready to have a hissy fit and just lay on my stomach in the middle of the United ticket desks, flail my arms and legs, and scream at the top of my lungs (those of you who have even come close to hearing my loud mouth understand what an impact this may have had). Somehow I stayed fairly composed and remained kind to the people who did eventually get there act together and get me on a plane!

I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked but I did get a few from the Christmas Day gathering with my mom's side of the family!

Someone promised me they would get me one for Christmas next year! I can't wait!!!

Awww...Quincy and me!

and this is the very cute little Gunner...what a doll!

Oh the love

Cousins

That's more like it!

more love

The Manderfield's

If you know us, you will understand...

The production of getting a dog picture!...pretty funny...

We went to visit Grandma Great...our awesome great grandmother who we all love very much!

Off to the Sledding hill!...

Jess and Karlee...they wanted surf boards but this was the best they could do

my cousin Katie...super stud little athlete

Watch out!

Love you all very much and miss you already!

Camp

2008-12-26T12:25:00.005-05:00

After my last post not too much more took place at camp other than more riding and a dinner with some of the girls.

After the day 4 road ride day 5 was back on the track and we did some more efforts and pursuited against each other and followed that with a spin on the road along the canal. Day 6 us "trackies" got to put our drop bars back on!!!! Yahoo! and we did some bunch racing behind the motor...60lap scratch race, 80 lap points race, and 120 lap madison! I was feeling tired but I was able to go and even put in a few good efforts at the start of the Madison but that soon resulted in my wondering if I would be able to finish the last 20 laps...ouch. My legs were so dead and I still had one more day and more more hard effort left to do. Day 7 we hit the track early and did one last team pursuit effort before booking it for the hotel and airport.

After a few minor complications at the airport I finally landed in Detroit late Sunday night and couldn't have been happier to be HOME!

Overall camp was a great time. I enjoyed getting to know all the girls and had a lot of fun with everyone. Plus doing those workouts was a lot more fun with the other girls than to just do them on my own! Many times you have no option but to do it on your own so it was nice to have others there.

Currently...

2008-12-19T10:55:00.003-05:00

Quick update...

I'm at Track Camp at the good old ADT event center in Carson, CA and we are about to head out for day 5. Day 1-3 we hit the track pretty hard, then day 4 (yesterday) we had a "day off the track"....and that consisted of a 4hr road ride, 20-30minutes of which was spent chasing Kristen Armstrong and a handful of the best US road riders up a canyon with numerous sections of 17%+ grades...oh, yes totally my cup of tea, haha! At least the decent was fun.

So this is all I've got for pictures at the moment..

There were some pretty amazing views on the ride and of course up the canyon but lets just say it is all a blur in my head and if you are complaining that I didn't capture any of that, than I would suggest you try following those girls up a canyon some day and let me know how much extra time and energy you have to even catch your breath let alone get a camera out, turn it on and hold it steady enough to take a good picture while still moving your bike forward up a wall!...yeah, go ahead and get back to me on that.

Thank goodness we go back to the track today! Phewww!!!

California December '08

2008-12-14T13:28:00.009-05:00

Just gonna stick to picture book format for this post.

lets start with this; sometimes you just need a new perspective!

Wednesday I had an easier day of riding so I went to the beach to just hang out for a bit. I have been riding by things rings and I just had to try it out, it looked like such fun. I've been in this area before and seen them as well but never had the opportunity to give it a run so...

I was having such fun, but starting to really feel my hands, they just couldn't hang with the rest of my body. I was going to do it "one last time" and this is what happened

so I glued it back together

After fun time I wondered around Santa Monica a bit

and I found this, which goes out to my Papa!!!

Thursday I went on a long ride up the PCH and found this Canyon. I had not been too interested in most as it is to be assumed that if you take a Canyon you will be doing some significant climbing one way or another! But the start of this one reminded me of my NC territory so I HAD TO!

lots of fish in the sea...or ocean

Friday was another long day and I was planning to hit the PCH again but I was earlier and traffic looked less than pleasant so I headed south bound on the bike path to venture off that way and see if I could find appropriate terrain for the days training. I found some decent road and a few views that weren't so bad either.

After my interval on the way home I got a treat...yeah I probably shouldn't have but it sure was good!

and I countered that with a good dinner

Saturday was a chill day and I even got to meet up with my friend Keyln who took me to dinner at this super cool Caribbean place! Thanks Kelyn! It was great to spend some time with him, catch up on life, and talk about super amazing adventures...he went to Madagascar alone when he was 19...oh yeah, for 2 months!

it's called the treehouse because it is literally built around a tree!

all smiles

Now I'm just rounding things off at my cousin Dana's place and Chris is going to drop me at the Hotel for track camp this evening. I'll be living at the hotel and training with the crew for the next week and then I fly back to MI on the 21st...but I get in so late it might as well be the 22nd. I'm really excited to go home for a bit and be with the family and freinds! I really miss everyone a lot!

Revolution?...

2008-12-14T11:08:00.011-05:00

...or Hospital...ummmm...

On December 3rd, 2008 Christen King and I embarked on our quick trip over to England for the Manchester Revolution #22! Christen and I had probably not spoken for more than maybe 5 minutes before this trip, we knew of each other, but to say we really knew each other would be a stretch. But we both knew when we meet up at our gate in the airport that the following 4 days would pretty much be spent together the whole time, little did we know what was in store for us.

My plan was working perfectly...I had done the online seat selection for the plane over and I outsmarted the all by deciding to pick a seat in the last row (where I hoped no one else would pick and I would end up with a row to lay in), Bingo!

and I even got Christen hooked up with 2 free seats by the window so she could have a bit more room!

more good news came with Starbucks coffee!...yeah it wasn't the greatest but common, I was on an airplane.

So, things are off to a great start! Grant it my sleeping plan was going less than amazing as it was like trying to sleep on an oversized washboard with obstructing hard objects every-time I tired to re-situate. BUT apparently Christen was having a worse time than I, as I rolled over at one point to find a flight attendants rear end in my face as they were placing an oxygen tank next to my new friend Christen and securing an oxygen mask over her face! What the heck! I had one of those adrenaline reaction startles and sat straight up to ask her if she was okay and what was going on? She just kinda shrugged and waved it off and although worried I figured it was just a small reaction to the flying and would dissipate with a little time and rest...right? Later on the flight she comes back to her seat after a bathroom trip and says her legs are turning red, huh, that is strange. I should mention that I really wanted to take a picture of Christen with the oxygen mask and tank but I basically felt like I didn't know her well enough and I didn't want to get a bad reaction so I refrained. As it turn out we talked about it later and were both disappointed I hadn't documented the moment!

Next, we get to London where we just have one more quick flight to get us to Manchester. By now Christen's arms are turning red also, and seemingly the rest of her body as well. We grab a bit to eat at this pretty steallar place in the airport and Christen spots an interesting selection..."spotted dick pudding"...uummmm

Anyhow we start to try and figure out why Christen is red? She thought maybe she was having a reaction to her compression tights at first but that didn't make a lot of sense with the redness spreading over her whole body. She was excessively warm as well and it seemed she must be having some sort of histamine response or allergic reaction to something. We just keep hoping it will go away and get better!...I mean that was a good plan we thought!

Now it is Thursday afternoon and we make it to Manchester and one of the guys from the Velo picks us up and drops us at the hotel, then taking all our gear over to the track. We tell him we will probably lay low for the night but be over for training friday. We kinda monitor Christen and use the internet on our blackberry's to try looking up information on why Christen King has suddenly turned red! Our collaborated diagnoses with a few other contacts ends us being that it must be an allergic reaction, so maybe benadryl with help? Surly it will! I tell Christen no worries she can stay and rest, I don't mind going out to hunt some stuff down. And I promise to try and find something entertaining to document with a picture for her to view upon my return. The hotel says to catch a taxi to the ASDA, which of course is actually a SUPER WAL-MART 24HRS...what else was I expecting...

I was planning to just have the taxi wait outside but upon arrival to this massive store I decided against it

I wondered around a bit just checking things out and making my way to the pharmacy section or the "chemist" as they call it. I did find this bit of entertainment for Christen, although it was most probably more entertaining to see the looks on peoples faces as I put my foot up for this picture, it really needed a size of scale, I tried without it and justice just couldn't be had

I also picked up a little snack, which I found in the "healthy snacks" section, thank you very much!

Once to the Chemist section I gathered all the chemist's to tell them about all Christen's symptoms and see if anyone had any bright ideas beyond benedryl? Nope not really, benedryl it was. Oh and I learned that Tylenol is called pericitimal, or something like that.

While waiting for a taxi outside the ASDA I thought it should be noted there is a McDonald's everywhere...

Also the Manchester City Football Club is just across the way...it is HUGE and that "football" of course is equivalent to american "soccer"

Note the Mums to be sign in the parking lot

When I got back Christen laughed at the picture of the chips and enjoyed some yogurt bar!

She took some more Tylenol and some benedryl and we hoped it would be all better in the morning. No such luck. Still red and not so well feeling in the morning. The hotel suggested a walk in clinic and after determining that even as American's the care would be provided free we decided it probably wasn't a bad idea.

We made our way to this walk in

right next to K's Chemist

Things seemed to be going well, they ruled out Meningitis at that point and were ready to send us on our way until they took her temperature, which was equivalent to about 100degrees! yikes. The doctor there said it was probably fine but she wanted us to go to the MRI A&E, that means the Manchester ER...just to get a simple blood test done to ensure there was nothing further to worry about. 2.5 hours later after sitting in ER surrounded by a bunch of sick, hacking people we end up here...

Oh I forgot to mention when we checked in and they asked the usual "have you been here before?", Christen said yes. What?! Yeah, this was the ER she had gone to when she split her knee open at Manchester World Cup and they stitched her up. Crazy! Less paper work for us! The bed she is in above was one stall over from where she had been previously...cool huh.

Yep they were ready to draw all the blood right out of her

while doing some more waiting we took this comparison picture and it doesn't really even do her red skin justice but gives and idea

and the surgeon who had stitched Christen's knee up even paid her a visit...kinda crazy!

This is all beginning to take far longer than we expected but they are busy and we really don't have a whole lot of options. Eventually we get put back in a waiting room, then taken up stairs to the ward section (I'm thinking that is not good), but they send us back downstairs (pheww, that was close), oh no there was a mistake they do want us upstairs so they can monitor her for 6 HOURS!!!! HUH?...Christen and I look at each other like "are you kidding, what is going on". Our escort proceeds to tell us that "he didn't say so" but if she is feeling better in a few hours we can just say we want to discharge her ourselves and we can leave. Okay fair enough we figure. Blood results come back okay but they are still not so sure about what is going on. Oh and her temperature has elevated further and is now equivalent to about 101.6degrees...aahhhh. She starts to feel not so well again, headaches are coming and going, presumably according to the consumption of pericitimal. I am nagging the nurse about getting a doctor..."ok, but you told me 45min. ago that a doctor would be 5-10 minutes and we still have not seen anyone, can I at least get some more pericitimal for her, she hasn't had any in over 5 hours, etc." Eventually a doctor comes and takes Christen. It had been awhile and then it happened, a nurse came in and proceeded to help me gather her things and then escorted me to her new stall, where they would be keeping her overnight. She had a nightgown and the whole bit. I told her it was very flattering and she looked beautiful!

I try to nag for some more information and then after sitting with Christen awhile longer I head to the hotel to pick up some things and bring them back to her. We had gotten to the walk in around 9am or so and it was now about 8pm and I was just leaving the hospital. I gathered her things at the hotel and I packed my massive messenger bag with everything I would need for the night and to get to the races at the track the next day. I was NOT going to leave her there by herself overnight, I didn't care if I slept in a chair before the races or what, I was all she had there and I had my heart set on staying there with her. I got back to the hospital and they had moved her to her own room! How exciting huh.

By now I'm pretty much a pro at navigating the Manchester hospital and I walk around with authority like I know exactly what I'm doing, that way no one questions you! The taxi can drop me at any entrance and it is no problem, I know where to go. We are in Ward 5

which is the programmed investigation unit, basically where they put you if they don't know what's wrong and then they just send in a crap load of different specialist to ask all the same questions and take more blood from you for whatever "their" test is. Seriously Christen said they just kept coming in for more blood...they even did a spinal tap.

In any case when I return to the hospital Friday night with all my stuff ready to have a slumber party at the hospital they tell me I can't stay with her. I'm about ready to jump the nurse and explain that I WILL be staying when she argues that I can't stay, because she is under investigation for meningitis. They didn't think that she had it but I guess because they couldn't figure out what was wrong now it was back on their list and they were doing further tests. I didn't know what to say to this. I mean I wanted to stay but I knew that if she really did have meningitis the last thing we needed was for both of us to have it. I felt pretty much helpless and powerless and really really bad. I took Christen her things, chatted with her for a few minutes and then reluctantly said goodnight and let her know to call me anytime if she needed anything, I felt like a horrible person walking out of that hospital.

After a night a the hotel I called the hospital first thing in the morning to make sure they were going to let me in to see her. They said I could see her and I found out through messages with Christen that they said NO meningitis for sure! Carole (a women from the track) picked me up and we went to see Christen. She was doing alright but hadn't been able to sleep much. After chatting for a few minutes Carole took me to the track so I could build my bike for the nights races. Then I headed back to the hospital to spend the afternoon with Christen. She was finally starting to feel a bit better and her temperature seemed to be leveling out without continuous pericitimal! We still had no solid answers to what was going on though. Eventually I had to leave for the races and I let the nurses know I would be coming back past visiting hours just so they had a heads up that I was expecting to get in. While at the track I got word from Christen that they would release her with me after the races that night! Great! That way we could be at the hotel that night and then be ready for our ride to the airport at 6am next morning.

As for the races.

It was a packed crowd again

These nice brit girls helped me pin my numbers

and my legs felt far less than wonderful, which after 3 days of sitting in airplanes, airports, and a hospital was about what I was expecting

The points race was pretty ugly for me and I don't even know where I finished, not top 5. Then Christen and I were meant to do a team time trial against a few brit girls but given that Christen could not race it was just me vs. a brit girl and the distance was shortened to a flying 500m. I ran a 33.18, not my best time, and not good enough. But I was doing what I could. The last race was a 6 lap dash and I felt like I raced it pretty well. In the end there was one girl a bit off the front and then another girl and I chasing. I jumped around the girl with about a lap to go and I was gaining on the lead rider, I started to think I might actually have a shot at catching her, and I came close. But I didn't quite make it and I also got nipped at the line by one other tire above me so I turned out 3rd. A bit disappointing but I felt I raced it pretty well in general.

Overall, it was quite the adventure of sorts. Hats of to Christen for being such a trooper and I figure if we can have as much fun as we did in that situation, there will be more good times when we are both healthy!

Off to Manchester once more...

2008-12-03T09:47:00.003-05:00

Well I don't have any interesting new pictures at the moment but just posting to give a quick update:

Training for pre trip has rounded off nicely and now I just have one more easy ride before I hit the plane! Kristen King and I leave this afternoon for Manchester, UK to go race the Revolution #2 and it should be a good time!

You can view more information at: http://www.cyclingrevolution.com/content/en/default_gb.aspx

I'll let you know how things roll out and hopefully have some fun pictures for ya upon return!

Thanks for reading!

California Crib

2008-12-02T12:14:00.004-05:00

Well I'm going to try and give a quick update here before I get on with the day!

I'm now pretty settled into my December base home and things are going well. Training has been keeping me quite busy, but it has been very good! Roger (track director) has been kind enough to allow me to jump in their workouts! And Johnny (a friend of mine here) has been letting me use his bike locker space at the track, so I pretty much feel like a local! Those new silk tubular tires that were sliding in Manchester just needed to be broken in and they are working wonderfully now! Thank you Challenge! You know their alright for sure when you can do Madison on them! I DID MADISON PRACTICE/TRAINING FOR THE FIRST TIME LAST NIGHT IN OVER A YEAR AND I LOVED IT! I would have to admit my first few exchanges were less than beautiful as far as timing (meaning I dropped in way before I needed to), but it didn't take me long to get the hang of it back and by the end all the guys said they were pretty impressed and even Roger said I was looking good and rockin out the exchanges at high speed! Hopefully I'll get to do a bit more Madi today! Just one more day or intensity training and then tomorrow morning will just be cruising before it is time to pack up and hit the airport - Manchester bound! Just a quick short trip again, but this time Kristen King is coming with me so we will have two USA girls to try and do some damage! Wish us luck!

Alright on to a few other happenings, etc.

My cousin Dana has a house in Venice and John dropped me off here Sunday after John and Marica took me to Yoga...tons of fun with those two! Unfortunately, Dana will be out of the country the whole time I'm here but her boyfriend Chris is around and the cat Jackson! Chris has been gracious enough to let me use his car while I'm here, which made all this possible really. Dana's house is full of really cool stuff and she has a pretty sweet pool/hot tube set up out back...you are going to feel really bad for me when you see the pictures :)

Every morning I have this option:

After I get out of "my" beautiful bed...I totally have to get a canopy bed thing like this...it rocks!

and this is what "my" window looks to

This is a cool cabinet in the room

and a sweet mirror...

and yes, I am wearing a bathing suit! That's right I was about to head out to...

Hot tub!

and pool...

another view of layout

Also took a picture of the laundry station, because all athletes love this stuff! If you're in the market this set up is pretty sweet, digital display screen...yeah uh hu!

Oh and I almost forgot...look what I found! Any ideas?....I know you have some good ones MOM! Hehe!

Ok, more later...there are a lot of other cool things around here to picture but I'll have to do it another time. For now training followed by hot tub/pool and stretching sessions is really filling my time...but seriously!

Even warmer sunshine!

2008-11-28T23:37:00.009-05:00

As if the sunshine in Colorado was not good enough I have migrated even further West for most of December and will be enjoying the sun a little bit warmer yet!

With racing, traveling, & track camp, it just seemed logistically easier to stay here in CA for awhile and I'm lucky enough to know a few people here to help make that possible.

Between travel I got to get out on a ride with Colby and he took me to a pretty cool old mountain town and we also swung by Eldorado Canyon!

I caught dinner and a drink one night with Renee, Aldo and a friend of theirs

A BIG thanks and appreciation goes out to Miss Renee for all her support and providing me with a place to call home in Colorado! She is amazing!

I had some time to get out the machine and work on a few long awaited projects...hopefully more to come soon and much cooler creations if I have it my way

Thanksgiving quickly came around and Renee and Also hosted quite the feast. I would say we have to give Renee 99.9% credit for all the success. Aldo was the next contributor and I just made a few pie's.

My pies were good though!...I practically sat by the oven for 2.5hrs. I was so worried I would ruin them baking at altitude and such

And everyone had a good time

The last guests left at about 10:30PM and guess how much packing I had done for a flight the next day to be gone for a month...um...yeah, none! I needed to pack 2 full bikes, wheels, equipment, clothing, etc and make my room look semi-decent before I left the next morning at 9AM. I had gone for a long ride in the morning and then gotten ready for guests so I was pretty wiped, plus I was trying to be sure and get my sleep because I'm coming off of sickness. I packed the bikes up and went to bed, leaving the rest for morning. I thought I did a pretty good job of organizing life and packing one bag for the month within a matter of a few hours.

A big thanks goes out to Austin Carroll and his mom Michele for organizing to pick me up at the airport pretty last minute! Great people!

I'm spending my first few days in CA at the same host house I stayed at for elite road nationals, I have stayed in touch with the couple and they are just too much fun not to visit. They don't come home till tomorrow so I'm just chilling in their house of heaven and I get to hang with them tomorrow!

"my" room...for the next two nights...missing you Jackie!

Yes this house always looks this nice and picked up...funny what happens when you put stuff away I guess!

beautiful kitchen, and let me tell you the food that comes out of it is just as good!

and some awesome art work too

Upon arrival I relaxed for a bit and then got out for a quick spin before it got too dark

John and Marica will get me to Venice Sunday sometime and then I will base there for the remainder of my time here in CA. I go back to Manchester Dec. 3-7 and then track camp time Dec. 14-21 before heading home for Christmas and then back to CO for hopefully some solid training time!

I'll try to keep up to date on these posts!

THANK YOU!

2008-11-19T09:33:00.009-05:00

First of all a thank you is in order to all of you for your amazing support and overwhelming believe in me! I can't tell you how much it means. I was stunned at the number of emails and notes I had from people upon my return to the states and I just simply don't know what to say other than thank you and I promise I will always do my best to give back and show others the gratitude you have all shown me!

Also a thank you is in order to the following sponsors/supporters for their help and generosity!

BLUE Competition Cycles, who have provided me with a bike for the year that has not failed to fit beautifully and ride well!

Cane Creek Wheels, who have been great to work with and even quickly repaired my broken spoke from nationals in time to get me off to Manchester.

Challenge USA, who set me up with some tires last minute. I look forward to possibly working with them in the future.

Also, should thank both Boulder Cycle Sport and Pro Peloton for their help getting me out of town with everything I needed.

And Colby Pearce, my coach, of course who does a good job of keeping me on track, which can't be an easy task ;)

I know I'm forgetting a lot of places and people but most likely if you are reading this you are owed a thank you as well so please except it graciously and know that I appreciate you!

3...4...3...

2008-11-17T18:35:00.006-05:00

Manchester Revolution November 2008 Reprot:

I’ll start from the beginning…

November 12th – Aldo drops me at the Denver airport with all my stuff. I was rather pleased and proud of myself for what I thought was a rather masterful packing job. I had my double bike box with my road and track bike in it with a set of wheels to go with each. I also had the frames to my rollers in the bike box and I had everything calculated so the total weight was 69.5lbs…the limit as found on the website for Delta is 70lbs. Then I had a hard wheel case barrowed from my friend Cari (Thank You!), which contained my race wheels with bran new tubulars on them, the barrels to my rollers, my track tool bag and my toiletries bag. So those two Items would serve as my two checked bags. I then had my big messenger bag with all the clothes I needed and a rather large purse/bag with reading material, money, etc.

DON’T FLY DELTA!!!...
Especially if you have bikes! I got ripped off and I still need to call customer service and at least put up a fight even if I have little faith in their willingness to help me. After all my strategic packing an weighing and calculating I still got blasted by the folks at good old Delta airlines, who proceeded to charge me $300 for my bike ONE WAY…yep that’s right they did it both ways which brings my grand total just to get my bike back and forth for 4 days to $600….OUCH…I’ll be paying that one off the credit card for awhile…errrr. I was beyond pissed and upset but I guess what are you going to do. Apparently I didn’t look at the proper section of their website when I was checking my facts on sports equipment. You can bet I’ll be trying not to give Delta any more of my money anytime soon!!! Wish me luck in my struggle and argument with the idiots who came up with this idea.

Anyhow to move on to more positive experiences I did get this awesome gingerbread latte at the airport because it was clearly necessary to try and calm myself down from the urge to jump across the counter and strangle the manager at the Delta desk.

Ummmm

Oh and one more thing I thought was kinda funny…the guy tried to explain to me how difficult it is to fit a bike box on their trolley and how it is a hassle and has to be the last thing in right in front of the door because it doesn’t fit anywhere else and he knows all this because he used to do it. I was telling Guy and Austin about all this and Austin said exactly what I was thinking….if it is so difficult and always has to be the last thing loaded in the luggage area then why is it that is always seems to be the last thing to come out?...um!

Non the less I was on my way. One flight 3ish hours to Atlata and one 9ish hour flight to Manchester later I was greeted by a very nice woman from the track named Carol! It was clearly easy for her to pick me out lugging the huge bike case and wheel container. She helped me get all my stuff to the car, dropped me off at the hotel and then took all my bike stuff to the track to wait for me there. I checked in and just chilled out for a bit trying to get a bit of quality rest. It was now Thursday and in the afternoon I grabbed a taxi to the track, where I put both bikes together. The British National team was kind enough to let me get on the track during their training and I just worked around what they had going. It was no big deal of a day for me, just some easy spinning in a light gear. The track was smooth and beautiful. A very nice facility overall…with bathrooms inside for the athletes…imagine that! (for those of you who don’t understand why I say that…the one nice indoor track we have currently in the states in the on in LA and they have no athlete bathrooms…in a million dollar facility…they put porta potties outside when they have events…ok) Anyhow I then got in some time on the road bike and soon packed up to head back to the hotel. The weather when I got in was a bit damp and wet and it pretty much stayed that way most of the time I was there. We joked that the ground never actually got dry the whole time we where there but it wasn’t much of a joke because it was true. I road back to the hotel in the dark and in a light rain, but I didn’t mind much. Honestly if just felt good to be outside and moving my body. I did get a bit misdirected if you will. I pretty much knew where I was going but I thought at one point maybe I had gone too far and missed my turn. I stopped at a gas station to ask…um…let me just tell you the gas stations in the UK are not much different then the ones in the US. When you walk in if it looks like some family of foreigners are running the thing…their directions probably are not to be trusted (as is true in the states). I’m generally good at reading weather they know what they are talking about or not but this guy was pretty convincing and I road back in the wrong direction only to have to ride back by the same gas station to actually get to my hotel…go figure. Good thing I was in a mood of caring less and just enjoying my time on the bike.

This was pretty much what the weather was like the entire time I was there

Friday morning rolled around and I came down to breakfast where I found the other US boys who had just gotten in. They are based in Belgium at the moment so it was only about an hour flight for them and not much time change. Austin Caroll and Guy East are the characters I’m referring to and I was quite glad to have them around to hang out with and such! We ate breakfast and chatted a bit and then everyone just relaxed until we headed to the track for workout around 2. We jumped in on the Brit National team workouts again and got in some good time on the track. During this workout is when I put on my race wheels to try out the new tires and just get some time on them…or that was the plan. I rolled through the first corners of the banking and heard a squeeking noise and was a bit squirly…what the heck I thought. At the same time the boys were below me doing moto work and I was worried about the tires handling on the track. I backed off enough on the straight to be sure the moto and all the boys had gotten under me before I picked the pace back up for the banking. Unfortunately the squeaking only got louder and the sliding more drastic than before. I kept the bike upright as I was sliding and headed for the apron right away to put my training wheels back on. So I had traveled across the world and would now be racing on training wheels and tires, not to mention I hauled the race wheels with me and would not even be about to put them to use. I was not too thrilled about this situation but it is just one of those things you have to deal with. After a long taxi ride back to the hotel and some showers we caught a double decker us to center city Manchester and had some food and spent a bit of time sipping on coffee at starbucks…yeah there was surely more than one starbucks there! We didn’t have time or energy to see too much but we stopped in a few shops that were open and then grabbed a taxi back for a good night sleep.

Bike storage area...tons of nice bikes there!

Downtown...

Saturday was pretty uneventful until event time. We were picked up at 3 and brought straight to the track where they checked us in, gave us wrist bands, programs and numbers. We were directed to the café and told to eat whatever we wanted, it would all be taken care of. They also let us know our bikes were already in the infield for us and ready to go!...they had us sold. We were there really early but it was kinda cool to see everything come together from a completely empty house to a sold out crowd. When the evening started they did introductions and we (the US riders) were the first to be introduced and take a lap around the apron.

Bikes ready and waiting

Full house

Points Race – I had asked around a bit about the kind of gears the women would use on the track and had an idea they would be pretty light compared to what I have been riding lately. I went with a medium gear but as it turned out I still felt like I was a bit over geared for efficient recovery. I sat in on the first sprint and may have picked up one point. I drilled it for the second sprint and held others off for the 5 points and I’m not sure of my exact placing in the other two. I turned out 3rd overall.

Scratch Race – I left on the same gear assuming the finish would be quick and I would want the larger gear on. I chased down a few Brit attacks and made sure things stayed together. I had the opportunity to attack with a little less than 2 laps to go and I took it, but I didn’t quite have it in my legs to keep the gear going really well all the way through and I got passed by 3 riders in the last 15meters or so and turned up 4th.

Me racing

Devils Scratch (this was a miss-n-out for the first 10 laps with the last rider to cross the line being pulled and then the remaining 10 laps turned into a straight up scratch race) – I started a bit far back but quickly worked my way up into a safe position…as I told myself I certainly didn’t fly across the world to get out in the first 10 laps of this race. I had geared down for the race to try it out and see how I felt. The gear did feel better but I still didn’t pull off a win. It was about 1.5laps to go and I was in a position to get through a gap and attack or risk getting blocked in. I just went for it and was doing a good job of holding them off until about the last 10meters and that is when the two girls who beat me got their wheels in front of mine. So I got 3rd in that race as well.

Looking back on the races there are certainly things I could have done differently or would have liked to have done. I think the biggest thing I learned is that I need to get my confidence back in my spinning and my ability to hit top end on a smaller gear. So you can bet I’ll be getting on that issue.

Durny bike used for moto pacing

After the races...the US kids

For the long flight home I got an exit seat! Sometimes short legs are rather convenient...

Thanks to everyone for all the support. I can’t believe how lucky I am to have all of you helping me out and behind me 110%!!! It means a lot to me! THANK YOU!

Manchester!

2008-11-13T13:42:00.004-05:00

Ok...I know I'm far behind on posting and updating all the latest and greates and there is a lot to be told about Colorado, etc. But for the moment this will have to do.

I have made it satly to Manchester and I got over to the Velo this afternoon to get in a bit of a spin and try to get the jet out of my legs. I'm feeling pretty well and looking forward to getting a real workout in tomorrow as prep for the racing on Saturday. The track is very nice and I'm looking forward to a packed house and some solid racing! There is all sorts of things to tell but at the moment I'm very hungry and just got on to post everyone before I go grab some eats! Hope all is well with everyone and I'll try to update life when I return to the states. For now it is race time in Manchester!

All the best,

kacey

In the company of CO

2008-10-29T14:39:00.011-04:00

I still have many things to catch up on but I have to show you all a bit of my life at the moment. After leaving MI and visiting my sis in upstate NY I packed back into my darling car and drove the 15hrs. to Banner Elk, NC. I staying in B.E. for about a week and had a good time watching collegiate MTB nats and catching up with friends. I had a serious 2 day affair with my MTB, but don't tell my road and track bike...they don't know about it yet! Great times and learned even more lessons. Then it was back into the car...fingers crossed...I had a long drive ahead. 25hrs of driving later and I rolled up to Boulder, COLORADO!

I should mention that during my drive I leaned I would be going to Manchester, UK to do some racing on Nov. 15th! Which meant, hurry up and get settled, back on the bike, focused and ready to get on a flight and race well!...I'm feeling pretty good and looking forward to it. So back on the ball:

Coming into town:

I could relate to this dog!

I was actually finally there!

Headed up to Nederland:

Look up and across the water...that is where I live!

Driving up to the house...

house

back deck

so after rolling in yesterday I went spinning with Renee for an hour

and of course what would a bike ride be without seeing a moose!

and later Renee introduced me to Foxy!...we have a friendly Fox!!!!

Yes, that is foxy coming in the house...

this fox found a total sucker in Renee, who feeds it hamburger meat balls! So great!

After an amzing nights sleep I jumped in the Cross group ride out of Boulder this morn and WOW was it a great time! When I say cross group ride that means 40+ riders in cross gear roll up for some fun. The ride consists of everyone bundled up for the cold morning rolling off, we get to venue one(some park) and everyone just drops there bikes and starts stripping layers, water bottles, gear, etc. Piles of stuff are left in a location and we are off to do a recon lap (this will let us know what the loop is! Then line up....ready set go...and everyone takes off race start style onto the loop! We did a handful of loops and then everyone gathered at their piles of stuff again. Layers back on, pockets stuffed, jackets zipped and off to the next venue (another park) where we repeat the process! Then I joined a few of the guys for a loop they call Poor man's loop...it was pretty cool, up the mt a bit onto a sweet dirt road that gets kinda steep...at least for someone who just drove 25hrs...but I made it around and back into town for a bit more of a spin and overall a great first morning in Boulder!

Now I'm at a coffee shop writing this. I just booked my flight to Manchester and it is time to go do some domestic things...market for food, laundry, finish unpacking, things of the sort...yipee!

Pumpkins!!!

2008-10-16T23:31:00.009-04:00

Ok. It is late and I totally have to go to bed but I had to post this because I'm sooo proud of my pumpkin carving!!!

In the begining

and my awesome work!

Jess's pumpkin

Emilie's pumpkin

Emillie and Jen

Hanging out

Jenn's pumpkin

Jess and Coach (Emilie's Dog)

My little sister!!!

Project Day2

2008-10-14T09:29:00.002-04:00

I don't really have time to be doing this but I'm what I like to call a professional procrastinator and this is just all part of the job! In my frenzy to get ready to move to CO I really want to finish this fixie I have been talking about for so long, which means I decided to give it a quick slap it on paint job! I wipped this up last night and now I'm headed to get the clear coat and be ready to complete the job.

I think I'm crazy...

2008-10-13T09:55:00.003-04:00

Things have been good, still trying to get organized at my parents house...I have so much stuff. But don't worry soon I will just be leaving much of it behind again. I have decided to move to Colorado...yep that's right I decided yesterday basically and oh yeah I leave Wednesday morning, which means I officially have less than 2 days to pack up life and tie up loose ends. So plan of action is leave Wednesday morning for NY to visit my sister Jess at her school for a long weekend. Then drive down to Banner Elk, NC to catch up with the crew there and watch some collegiate MTB nationals action. Then hit the road for Colorado! This all sounds like a great plan and I'm pretty much all set but there is one thing I think I might need help with or that I would ask people to do. Just cross your fingers and pray that my car makes it to Colorado with me!!!!...I think she can....I think she can!!!

Ok, I gotta run because I clearly have a lot to do and sitting here on the computer is not getting me packed!

Project Day1

2008-10-12T01:04:00.005-04:00

I always have "projects" but I many times have little time to attend to them or more often just don't have all the stuff I need. So I was pretty excited to forget about all life's worries today and dive in!

Here is what I start with:

The Schwinn that needs to at least be wiped down, my old Trek track frame, and an assortment of Campy parts

sometimes we tease my dad for having so much stuff...wonder where I get it?...but it does come in awful handy sometimes! For example it didn't take long to find all the sandpaper products I could possibly need

and my station of operation

Process:
take fork out and sand it

prepare for painting

tada

then repeat on frame

more to come once that is sufficiently dry!

Bringing it back

2008-10-12T00:28:00.006-04:00

That's right folks...

Front...

Back...

Side...

To side...

Everybody look what's going by!!!

Finally, some pictures of my beautiful Lees...I named her that because it was my graduation gift from my parents and I graduated from Lees McRae College so that is the connection. You know your a total bike dork when you couldn't think of a greater gift!

So a few more shots

I should mention this is a 1955 Schwinn, not completely original but a lot of it is and it is in great shape!

Original classic saddle

Watch out all you high tech 10 speeders...I might just be able to beat you with my 3!

and once again I may be a completely obsessed bike dork, but does it get any hotter?

What a beauty!

Nationals Pictures...

2008-10-11T18:00:00.008-04:00

Just some pictures to add visual to my longer than should be allowed report!

First it is necessary to show Jess turning back time!

Then the Keirin, as you can see being lead by a motor...John's face looks kinda funny!

Liz working hard

And happy to be done with some event!

Kelyn in team sprint

Theresa

Scratch race podium

Team sprint podium...congrats to Liz and Cari!

in the points race

My coach Colby came away with numerous wins!!! Congrats Colby and thanks for all your help!

Colby and Dan racing the madison on their way to a Win!

Another sweet madison picture of the 2nd place team

Back at the hotel Liz and I could not thank Jess enough for all her work through the competition!

Nationals THANK YOU!

2008-10-09T18:13:00.002-04:00

Wanted to mention that a HUGE thanks goes out to Phil, Gary, and Jess for all their help and support at nationals...I know they did a lot of running around so those of us competing would not have to! And also a shot out to my team mates Theresa and Liz for being great people and fun to spend time with! Everyones help, support and friendship is greatly appreciated!

Longest Report Ever...Warning...

2008-10-09T18:06:00.002-04:00

U.S. Track Nationals 2008 - Oct. 1-5, 2008 @ ADT event center, Carson, CA

I have separated into Chapters for reader convenience…it’s going to be long so you may want to choose what you read…

Chapter 1 – Out to California
Thanks to our amazing sponsor and team owner Phil, we were able to go out to California early this year for some training before track nationals. Thanks so much for all your support and time Phil. Gary, Theresa, Jessie and I left Michigan on Sept. 17 and checked into an extended stay where were would be based for the following 3 weeks. We got to the track for some training and went on a few beach/coffee shop recovery rides!

Chapter 2 – Swing over to Vegas
There just so happens to be this huge bike show called Interbike that takes place every year around this time in Vegas. I have been hearing all about this show for the past few years, how cool it is, etc. So I was excited to check it out but knew I had to keep it kinda chill because number 1 I was racing the crit there and more importantly number 2 I had track nationals the next week and for those of who who aren’t cyclist let me just say that walking around on your feet for 3 days straight at a show a week before competition is kinda a big no-no. Gary, Jessie and I left CA in the Golden Goose (our huge rented van) headed for Vegas on the 23rd. (Theresa stayed back to continue training on the track). Interbike was overwhelming a bit but very cool non the less. We remained in Vegas until the 26th and Jess and I raced in the crit on the 25th.

Chapter 3 – More team!
Phil had joined us in Vegas for Interbike and came back to CA to be around for all the nationals’ events! My other teammate Liz Reap Carlson also flew in to CA around this time and she joined Jess and I in our Extended Stay Suite. Thank goodness Theresa and Gary stored some of our bike boxes because we were pretty packed in with us 3 girls, 6 bikes, numerous sets of wheels, and all the food it takes to keep 3 cyclist satisfied!

Chapter 4 – Races

4.1 – Mass Start Test
So this really isn’t a race but rather a time standard that can be used to determine where a rider is along a certain line of fitness. There are certain time cuts for the amount of time it takes the rider to ride the first 500m and then to continue on and complete a total of 2k. I was using the test as a baseline, because I have not trained for it, which in my case meant the chances of actually making the times was slim. I did not make the time but I have my base point and it was time to put it behind me and focus on the race to come…the fun ones where I get to race with other people!

4.2 – Keirin
I had to debate over weather or not to even enter this event. I have a certain love for the Keirin and I think it is a super fun race but it was lined up in the schedule to be at the beginning of the session and then just a while after it would be time for the scratch race final. However, after speaking with my coach we decided if I wanted to do the Keirin that I should and it would serve as a good warm up for the scratch and hopefully not take too much out of me. Liz and I were both entered in the race but never ended up racing each other after Liz was ultimately relegated due to a few questionable calls. I should mention for those that don’t know a Keirin is an 8 lap race…the first 5.5laps are done behind a motor that steadily increases the speed and then the motor pulls off with 2.5laps to go and leaves the riders at high speeds to sprit each other to the line!

4.2.1 – round 1
I’m in the 3rd heat with 4 other girls. We jump off the line and start to slot in
behind the motor. I’m in position for 4th wheel but there is another rider who hasn’t claimed a spot in line and apparently wasn’t happy with being last wheel behind me. Rather than easily slotting in behind me she attempts to intimidate me out of my spot in line…hehe…yeah you can probably imagine how well that went over! I held my ground and stuck on the wheel in front of me…if there is one thing I was taught from the start and I know how to do, it is hang onto a wheel, so she picked the wrong chick to mess with. I have to give her credit cause she was all over it, she had her arm hitting mine and the whole bit! A Keirin is expected to have some contact but there are rules and this girl got a warning for bumping and coming into my lane. After she ignored the warning and I continued to let her know she was not about to move me, they double fired the gun, which means they were stopping the race. The rider was relegated out of the round and we restarted. Unfortunately, I got 3rd in the heat and only the top 2 went straight to the 2nd round, so now I was going to have to ride the repacharge round to get into the 2nd round.
4.2.2 – repacharge round
Go figure the same girl that wanted to tango with me before is in my rep round. Once again everyone off the line and fighting for a spot behind the motor. I want a certain spot and when I want it I usually find a way to get it. Everyone was still kinda jockeying for position and it just so happened that the spot I wanted was right in front of the girl I have been referring to. I put myself there right away with my handlebars far in front of hers and by bike and body now on the lowest portion of the track. Had she been wise she would have just accepted that I was in front of her and also recognized that it wasn’t such a bad wheel to be on and all she needed to do was play off of me…but once again she failed to see such an opportunity. Instead I guess she was going to try and show me what was up or something, I’m not really sure because I was in front of her and minding my own business by this point but next thing I know something hits my lower foot and someone wrecks out onto the apron. My guess is that she tried to come under me and in the process got too close, hit her bars on my foot, got nervous and thrown off and then just wrecked. A little more skill to go with her tenacity and she could probably be a pretty good Keirin rider. Once again I have to give her credit and I went to shake her hand after the races and tell her good job. She wasn’t too happy to see me but what can I say…it is racing…leave it on the track. Oh, and I got into round 2!
4.2.3 – Round 2
Nothing too exciting happened that I can recall. Top 3 go to final, I got top 3 so I advanced.
4.2.4 – Keirin Final
I wanted to go early but I didn’t go early enough and apparently the gear I was on was far to small for me in this event on this given day. I was completely spun out and there was just no way I was going to be able to get around the girls in front of me. I ended up getting 4th, but I learned a lot and have new knowledge for next time!

4.3 – Scratch Race
I hung out toward the front of the pack for most of the race and tried to monitor things, watching for anything I felt was a dangerous attack. There were some attacks and at one point I felt like maybe I was going with a few too many of them. In a bike race it is important to pick and choose what you try to make happen or what you commit to going with. That is all part of the game and sometimes you make the right move and other times you make every move and then you’re too tired when the right one comes along. There is a very fine and delicate balance. As I mentioned at one point in this race I literally said to myself, “stop chasing everything, recover, or nothing will matter because you won’t have the energy to finish”. I had been sitting in for a few laps and it was toward the end of our race when Alison Powers initiated another attack, she had been part of a few others, and this time Shelley Olds went along. I hesitated for a split second and then decided I better get on that. All at once we went by the lap cards reading 3laps to go, I looked behind and we had a gap, and Alison pulled off and drifted back. Shelley hit the gas and I stayed tight on her wheel…I was later told her coach referred to be as a bull dog, I just got on the wheel and wouldn’t let go. We were keeping out gap on the field and now only had a few laps to go. As it turns out I should have made a move sooner than I did because I was unable to come around Shelley in the last ¾ lap of the race. Trying something sooner may or may not have worked but I think it may have given me a better chance. It was a good race to the line and both Shelley and I had shaking arms from the effort but she beat me by a bit. So I had to take it as a good race and be happy with my silver medal for second. Theresa came in with the pack just seconds behind Shelly and I and she took 3rd in that sprint for 5th overall.

4.4 – Sprints
No I didn’t race the sprints too this year but I wanted to throw a quick word in for Liz! She raced well and turned out 2nd in the sprints, representing Verducci well! Cari Higgins pulled off the win and a congratulations goes to her as well! Then this screaming fast duo of Liz and Cari raced the team sprint the next day and surprise surprise sprinted their way to the gold! Great job ladies!

4.5 – Points Race!
So this is kind of the event of events. It is one of the longer endurance events on the track, strategically it is challenging and difficult, you have to perform well over the entire race to win and it is of course an Olympic Event, which has a great deal to due with it being one of my favorites! I also have a passion for the Madison, which unfortunately I have not recently raced, but typically the Madison is a male dominated even and is not offered to women at the Olympic level. Anyhow for anyone who doesn’t know a points race is a certain number of laps but there are also sprints on certain laps within the race and you earn points in those sprints. At the end of the race the points are tallied to determine a winner. Points are many times doubled for the final sprint and there are point bonuses awarded to anyone who laps the field. In the particular points race we were racing for 25k, which means we raced 100 laps with a sprint every 10. So, the race is under way and I’m trying not to get too excited too early in the race, as I many time do and then burn too many matches too early. I think I sat on for the first sprint, then won the second one and got a few points in a few after that I guess. I was starting to feel my legs and thinking, you’ve done it again kacey…too much too early. Theresa got away with Alison Powers and another rider and I was happy to stay behind and try to slow things down so hopefully she could gain a lap. I certainly didn’t have the legs at the moment to be doing much of anything so I was helping us both by keeping it a slow pace for me and making it possible for the others to lap in less time than if the pack was moving faster. They got the lap and I settled back into the pack to draft. During an acceleration a rider cut down track before she was really clear of me and forced me down track, which ran me into another rider and that rider lost control and crashed onto the apron. I soon heard the clicking of a broken spoke on my fork and looked down to find my front wheel in a full on wobble, so I backed off the power and came down onto the apron signaling Phil to get a front spare ready…which he did super fast in full on pro form! They ended up neutralizing the race and restarting it. At this point I was sitting 7th or 8th place I believe but the sound system is hard to hear so I’m not sure. I should not admit this, nor should I have thought it but I had basically thrown in the towel on a win, and I say that because my legs felt tired and distant and there were 3 riders who had already lapped the field, and chances of more lapping the field seemed slim…but it is a bike race and I should always remember that anything can happen. The race is restarted with 46laps to go and we are back at it. The race had quite a bit of oscillation to it and there was a lot of speed variation within it. I suppose there were about 20laps to go when things slowed up quite a bit and 3 riders kind of just drifted off the front. I distinctly remember being at the back of the pack and trapped up against the rail because I was thinking – “what are they doing, why are they letting them go, I want this to stay together, gosh I have got to get out of this horrible position I’m in!” I spent the next few seconds backpedaling and navigating along the top of the steepest part of the banking on the track and then dove down under the lingering pack of riders who had all seemed to slow drastically and drift up track. The idea was to put some pedal power down and get the pack back together, but apparently everyone was enjoying the view of the now 4 riders in front of them (I had now joined the 3 who had drifted off the front). I felt like I was just riding along and then next thing I know I’m looking back to see where the pack is and they are a ½ lap down on us. At that point we started taking ½ lap pulls and were still gaining a little on the pack. The sprint lap came around and I attacked the other 3 to take the sprint, then dropped back in line behind them. There must have been about 7 or 8 laps to go when we were ¼ lap or less away from catching the pack. I heard Colby yell from the infield “Kacey, you have to lap them now!” and that somehow gave me the extra bit of kick I needed to fill the gap. I jumped out of my place in our little pace line and just drilled it to the back of the pack, not so much for any particular strategy but rather because it was the only way I could make it happen. I then spent a few laps dangling on the last wheel just trying to hang onto the accelerations coming from the front of the pack. Because I had previously thrown in the towel on the race I didn’t have point tally’s or any calculations in my head as I usually would in a points race, but I figured now with the lap I should be top 5 and for sure have the U23 title. I didn’t advance much for the final sprint, I was still trying to recover and hang on from my effort and then it was all finally over and my body could stop. I dropped down onto the apron and slowed my pedal strokes down, trying to relax and wondering what had happened. Then I heard the speaker system, which as I mentioned was not so good and I was not so sure I had heard it right because the noise had sounded like an indication that I had WON the race!?!?! Really!!! I was in disbelieve and then very excited all at once. My last race as a U23 and to take away both the U23 and Elite Title was not something that I thought was impossible going into the race, but at some point during the race I had thought it not possible and now for it to be true was a bit surreal. Goes to show anything can happen in a bike race, anything is possible and if you work hard and keep putting yourself in the right positions it will pay off eventually!

Phewwww….thanks for reading if you made it this far!...your a trooper!

Post National Championship!

2008-10-08T16:23:00.015-04:00

Full Nationals write up in progress...but this post will take less concentration so I'm rollin with it!

Ask most any of my friends and you will find I'm typically called the "mom" or old lady of the group because I like to go to bed early and boring things of that sort...so staying out into the hours of the night is an event in my life!

After a period of living in California and training up to Track Nationals and 3 days of races I was pretty tired but winning a National Championship has a way of keeping the adrenaline rushing and driving a desire to go out and celebrate!

Many people end up bailing on the party/celebration simply because they are tired, but luck for me there was still a crew up for some chill time! Big thanks to Austin Carroll on this one for not bailing and providing safe driving! We ended up heading to the beach and meeting up with some other friends and their team mates for a good time! Funny how the friendships of cycling come together and continue to randomly develop over time...I'll give a few little stories in this write up. Now some pictures to review the evening...

Austin & I

I first meet Austin I believe in 2006 when I helped run the 3-day madison at Bloomer. He came with Roger Young who brought 2 teams that year. I don't really know exact results or story but he has gone on to ride for the National Team and has competed all over Europe on the road and track...even in european 6 day amateur madison racing!...if you ever get a chance to go to a European 6-Day I Highly recommend it! This year for road nationals I ended up staying at host housing through a friend of mine that had been set up by Austin's mom Michele (Thanks again!) and stayed with an awesome couple in his neighborhood....craziness. This sport of cycling is like it's own little world.

Kelyn, Austin & I

Kelyn I would have to say is one of my "original" cycling friends if you will. I say this because I actually meet him at my first Nationals ever and that was Collegiate track nationals in 2006 at Northbrook. I was riding independently for Oakland University and Kelyn was the only one from his school in California. He was part of the "Red Roof Inn Crew", which was composed of a small group of individual riders and we all grouped together to help each other out and warm up in our little "zone". Haven't seen him much sense then but ties in cycling never die and as it turns out our team ended up doing a number of training sessions with Kelyn pre-nationals.

John & Becky made an appearance as well. John is probably showing Becky something inappropriate...haha.

I know John from the Bloomer 3-day as well and usually see him once a year at nationals. Becky I have raced a few times and it was chill to hang out with her a bit.

At some point Camille and Kelyn have a little wrestle

& I think this might be Kelyn's "oh no I'm getting beat by a girl" face!

Dean Tracy getting on his "cool" look

What a great smile this kids got!

Kickin it in the Oakley hat!

I bought a yummy dessert and Camille and Dean just couldn't get enough...or should I say just didn't want to share!...it was great entertainment!

For some reason on more than one occasion I have been in a situation where it becomes funny to shake your face like a mad person and take a picture at the same time in an attempt to create a picture depicting a morphed face...as you will see ive never been very good at this, and although the pictures can be rather embarrassing, they are worth good entertainment sometimes.

Dean at his best...

As I mentioned, if this were a competition, I would lose...

Kelyn tried really hard

Austin's first attempt...looks like a pre-sneeze

but improves...lol

And Camille rocks it

Somehow a glass gets broken...it wasn't my fault...no really...it wasn't...it was Dean

a cool picture of my boot and Austin's hat

Eventually we all make it out of the bar and head down to the water for a bit of time on the beach, which of course resulted in damp sandiness, but totally worth it.

Someone...a.k.a. Kelyn decided skin suits weren't reveling enough and went prancing to the water in his underwear!...lol...yeah that one is for you Kelyn!

Austin's eye's couldn't look much cooler...must be my photography skills...

And a walk on the pier is always a must when in California on the water

It was a great night with great company and I'm sure there are more fun time to come with these fun people! You guys rock!

PictureBook

2008-10-02T00:02:00.014-04:00

Beach ride was a hit

saw a band

and some people dancing

also a happening volleyball tourny

Coffee shop..a must

Grils getting ready for me

Tada...

Then off to Vegas for a few days

We stayed in a castle

Jess had to laugh at the view out the window!

our sweet shoes!

And this one is for Andrew!

And back from Vegas we had some fun at the track!

Liz getting her breakfast fuel before we head to the track...the bowls weren't big enough for her either so check out the pan

Gary and Phil hanging out at track

the Lizard

Jess playing in the net

Theresa and Jess hanging out

and even Theresa attempt to put up a gansta pose...lol

and surprise surprise I am laughing

and then hystarically...

Today went to track to do time standard

Liz chilling after training

Theresa acting like...well...I'm not sure what...use your imagination!

me getting ready for time standard

no one made the time standard, but no worries, I was just mainly using it as a starting point for the test.

9.20.08

2008-09-21T00:42:00.006-04:00

Somehow in the last post I left out our transportation, which is only worth mentioning because she goes by "golden goose!"

This morning we had another photo worthy situation. Yesterday Gazza and T-bird made a run to the pharmacy or "chemist" if you prefer ausi lingo. In any case Jess asked them to get a "big bowl" for cereal and such. The bowls at our hotel are a bit on the small side. I believe Jess's exact words were something along the lines of the bowls we have aren't cutting it because her muscles demand more! Well Gazza being Gazza meant business when he went bowl hunting so this morning Jess had plenty of room for all the cereal she wanted!...hahaha

I think she had plenty of muscle power after that breakfast!

We eventually made our way to the track for training...this track is so amazing...I wish I had one in my back yard!

And after eating a bit of recovery we stopped by the beach after finding the bike shop closed.

Gary and Theresa...a.k.a...Gazza and T-bird

Jess enjoying the beach

Me with Gary and T

And a few views....

Tomorrow we are slated to do a beach ride and coffee shop stop! Should be quite the day!

In Cali..

2008-09-20T01:20:00.006-04:00

Before I took off for California I got to go do a little visiting with my good friend Nick and some other friends. Nick is soon to be headed of to Antarctica for some work their and some good adventure! Have fun Nick! I love you!

This is Nick, myself and Alex...both boys I went to school with back in the day at UHS...where we built never-ending friendships!

And this will be one of Nick's little projects when he returns home! And hopefully I will make it home this summer for a ride!

Then it was pack up and on to the next adventure for me. Gary, Theresa, Jessie and I are currently in California where we will be living for the next few weeks before Track Nationals. My team mate Liz and our sponsor Phil will be joining us soon as well! We are here in California for another few days, then we travel to Las Vegas for Interbike and the Vegas crit, then back to Cali until Nationals the first week of October and then I return to my parents before figuring out where to next...

It is always an adventure to go to the grocery market when you are living someplace temporarily...you would be amazed the number of things you take for granted at home. Simple things such as olive oil, butter and spices.

Don't worry we got the essentials...

Jess unloading into our tiny kitchen!

Randomness in the fridge

Oh...and I found these HUGE mangoes at the market! It was only appropriate that we do something ridiculous with them...which resulted in...

Lots of laughter!

and of course mango cleavage...haha

And for the rooom

I'll try to start taking more pictures and get some interesting updates on here!

Hope all is well with everyone and be in touch....

Few tidbits...

2008-09-18T17:39:00.004-04:00

So in my frenzies lately I have neglected to update much and I've missed a few things worth mentioning I suppose...so here are a few steps backwards...

Awhile back we swung by the Chris Theter race in NY on our way to MI from PA. We raced alright and although a break of 2 got away I got in the chase group and won the sprint for 3rd, while Theresa won the field sprint for 8th.

After the race we packed ourselves back into the cars with the rest of our lives and headed for Niagra Falls...for a tourist stop before MI. Gary and Jessie had never seen the falls. We told Jess she could rent a barrel and go over the falls...haha!...she caught on eventually...

Great day for a view

It was nice to get back home and I did a few local races upon my return! So great to see everyone!

One day I took my dad to the bike shop and we got him a bike! It was pretty fun. He test road the MTB and I picked out a cool cruiser and that is when I decided I HAD to have one! Ironically on our way home I spotted an old school cruiser on the side of the road at a market...for sale! I stopped and my dad and I checked it out. It was super cool but I couldn't quite justify it at the time. My plan was to go back the next day and bargain to see if I could pull it off. As it turned out when I went to get on my road bike for my spin the following day I found the cruiser bike in my garage!!! Graduation present...how right on is that!!??!!...my parents rock!

So here are a few pictures...not great pictures and I need to clean it up a bit more but it works and it rocks. I took Moca out a few times and raced her down the private drive...what fun!

I'm a lucky lady!~

SOAKED...

2008-09-13T08:12:00.005-04:00

Yesterday:

Weather Forecast = rain all day, which actually meant continuous mist and spitting precipitation with scattered "rain" and intermittent downpours!

Training plan reads: road ride of 5 hours!

No worries...pull on the big rain boots, put on a big poncho and get out the umbrella right?...hardly! Although with the weather as it was I wasn't exactly super motivated to get out the door, it is really key to just get going. So after breakfast and wishing I could just cuddle up on the couch and watch movies all day, I finally managed to get myself together. Lucky for me although the forecast was rain it was relatively warm out (low 70's) and stickily humid. I drove down the street to avoid riding on the wet dirt roads from the house, as if maybe I would stay clean enough for this to make sense!

I rolled out of the lot wearing an undershirt, bibs, knee warmers, a jersey, a vest, some wool arm warmers (highly recommended, those things are awesome!), socks and my cycling shoes. At first I felt slightly suffocated by all the layers and warmth on my upper body but I knew it was wise to keep it all with me and just unzip layers, because I would most likely need/want them later.

The first hour was just a nice mist that barely stuck to the lenses of my glasses and I thought "oh this is kinda nice, this weather isn't soo bad"...I think the weather
God's heard me and thought "ahahhh, we'll show her!" Knowing it would be a long day I had been in super hydration mode all morning...and for those of you that know me you know how I'm usually obsessive about drinking water so to be in super mode is most certainly overkill. As was to be expected it didn't take long before I was looking for a bathroom break. I had found a nice road along a lake and was enjoying my ride when I saw a local lake front party store...one of those places you can tell is a local hang out in the winter months but would be swamped with all the cottage goes in the summer and most likely makes most of it's sales off of pizza and beer. I stopped in to use the bathroom and bought a Gatorade so I could continue to foster my need to go to the bathroom for the remaining 4 hours of the ride. As I left the party store the rain Gods were thundering with laughter as they opened their arms and let the ocean above pour down! I was stoked as I threw my leg over my saddle and pedaled away, spraying through every puddle I could find, like a puppy on a walk has to walk through every one! You have to understand once you are wet and dirty it really doesn't matter any more and it is like the more the merrier, at least when it is a bearable temperature that is the case! The rain Gods seemed appalled that I was enjoying myself in this and they tried harder to phase me but it didn't work, it just fueled my adrenaline and made it more fun! It is always kinda fun to be around the lakes when this sort of weather comes because generally they will have overflow onto the low sections of road and there is no feeling quite like riding your bike through a huge puddle where the water seems to engulf your legs up to the knee...or mid calf I suppose for the average person. In any case throughout the ride I was blessed with a few periods of complete downpour and other than that just some scattered showers, lots of mistiness, and some "dry air" if you can call it that, considering the humidity. The roads never dried and I could feel the grit from the roads spraying from my saddle to my neck. I road through one of the local park paths which has recently been repaved. The 7-8foot wide path of new blacktop was glossed over with glistening water and I could see the reflection of the over reaching trees as I road through the quite woods! It was one of the most enjoyable portions of my ride.

It was quite the day, with numerous bathroom stops (I was certainly staying hydrated!) and wondering around on roads I didn't know existed I could only think of how lucky I truly was to be out getting drenched in the wonderful rain. As I returned home my feet were still swimming in water and I no longer had any clean locations on my body to wipe my wet hands on. I road right past my car and onto the dirt road, as getting dirt had this point no longer mattered and I wasn't about to get in my car at my present state. I road my bike right to the side of the house with the hose and spent a good half hour or so spraying off my bike, washing my shoes, and stripping layers one by one, washing each on the paver patio and spraying the sandy grim from my hair to my toes, finally clean enough to warrant walking into the house. My feet were wrinkled like a dried up prune and I just had to smile at the experience of the whole day!

There is something special about riding in a rain like that! Be sure to try it sometime...you might be surprised by what great fun it can be!

Crit Nationals

2008-08-22T12:27:00.003-04:00

I headed toward Chicago a few days early to pick Jess up and spend a night there with her. Uncle Mike hooked it up for a hotel in the City and we spent Thursday afternoon and evening walking around Chicago before we crashed in our executive suite!

a sweet moon and the farris wheel I road last time I was in Chicago

another nice sunset

Then it was a short drive over to Downer's Grove for crit nationals. The racing went well...my energy and time to write a full on race report is lacking at the moment so a few pictures will have to do. I will say Theresa finished 2nd!...which we are happy about, although we of course would have rather taken 1st...can't take the drive to do better out of us athletes! I got a bit out of position in the last few laps and upon attempting to advance my spot I skidded sideways through a corner but was able to straighten myself out after throwing the back of my bike into some hay bails...although I stayed up it completely killed my momentum and I was only able to make my way back to a 24th place finish. So for now we've got the silver medal and we will be aiming for an upgrade next year!

LVG and myself early in the race

Theresa and Brook for the final sprint...if you look real hard you can see me coming up the left side of the photo trying to fight back a few more spots

Upon our return to Philly I spent a few nights at the team house before going back to pack up my Kutztown life.

We went to breakfast around the corner from the Philly house a super cool place called Honey's!

they had a breakfast called "Nutella & Strawberry stuffed French Toast"...that's all that needs to be said!

Home for a tease...

2008-08-22T11:56:00.007-04:00

When you travel a lot it can be so nice to just get home. After California Nationals I got to fly back to MI for just a few days before it was time to head off to Chicago for Crit Nationals. I fully enjoyed sleeping in my own bed out in the country, with the engulfing sound of crickets ringing in my ears...I didn't realize how much I missed it until I had it back!

My first day back I had an amazing ride during which I almost felt as if I was in a different element. My life streamed through my head and I couldn't believe what a lucky girl I am. I noticed every minute detail of what was happening around me and just felt so fortunate and blessed. I was inspired to write in detail but with everything else going on and spending what little time I had with family I never got around to it. Things aren't quite as fresh in my mind anymore but I'm digging for a few details. I headed out for an easy spin later in the day because the early hours had disappeared before me. I headed toward Clarkston avoiding main roads as much as possible. I road through a quite neighborhood where there were a few kids out playing and a few men who seemed passionately at work on what they considered precious cars. I was on the back road into the town when I saw numerous deer who were so beautiful and so lost at the same time. They hardly got out of my way, I assume as a result of their acclimation to a people filled society. I took a detour into one of the wealthy neighborhoods where I used to work and spend hours of my time with one of my favorite clients, who were refreshingly down to earth...unfortunately they were not in. I pedaled off and headed for town again. I was spinning easily and just enjoying the beautiful weather as a few families on bikes passed along the sidewalk. I cruised through a park and saw couples on the benches and kids playing. I noticed there was a dad pushing his little girls on swings, but he was on the phone...I thought how lucky I was to have a dad that played with my sister and I and taught us so much, spent so much of his time coaching us, and just being there, never distracted by such things as cell phones...of course he usually doesn't have his on or doesn't hear it but that is not what I'm getting at. Both my mom and dad gave my sister and I all the quality time we could ever ask for! Even now they support us both in everything we do and their support and compassion for helping us chase what we are after is absolutely priceless. Thank you! I love you!

Now for a few funny pictures! My friend Don came over and we caught up on life and went for a ride on his moto bike! Don didn't have an extra helmet so my sister and I went searching in the garage...um...yeah! Here is what we found...

a catchers hemlet...

and dad's old football helmet...

So clearly the best option was my bike helmet!...haha

and we were off

Notably we went to get a treat at the French Laundry and then dropped in a few shops around Fenton. We found a bracelet that says "Find your passion. Take chances." and before I could get it Don already had! The message is so appropriate of this time in my life and I've gotten many compliments on it.

The next day my long time friend Teddy came to visit for lunch! I was so good to see him and quite funny to talk about old times and all the fun we always had! This guy never forgets my birthday...no matter what! We might go 6 months without speaking a word to each other but low and behold every July 5th I'm sure to get a call and a cheery greeting! Thanks Teddy! Your genuine and true believe in me means soo much!

It was soon time to hit the road again but I left knowing I would be back soon to get a little more quality time in 'my' bed!

Where is the sun setting?

2008-08-13T16:15:00.013-04:00

Ok, it is more like where will I be when the sun is setting! I've noticed I kind of have a lot of sunset pictures lately...and I've also noticed they are almost all taken from completely different locations. This stream of pictures and thought will take you from Kutztown to Altoona, to Banner Elk, to Charlotte, to California and everywhere in between...

So I end up out on a recovery ride with some of the girls around Kutztown and find out that Altoona is the coming weekend and the crit will have a good field and good prize money. I'm suppose to be meeting Scott to get to NC where I have racing the next weekend (our racing calenders have been similar), so I consult and make plans to get to Altoona.

Altonna's crit course is a pretty technical and cool one. I didn't do as well as I would have liked but I got 7th and it was alright. More exciting though were the people I went with, we had a good time! A very nice girl named Kate comes with her husband and "puppy" to pick up my new friend Davina and I!

This is me and Kate with her "puppy", Major...quite the appropriate name!

Major is huge and not even full grown

look at those cute little paws...awww

Kate, myself and Davina after the races before they leave me at this gas station to await my ride...this waiting at gas stations for rides thing became quite frequent...

So then I'm finally headed to NC, by way of Banner Elk for a few days and then to Charlotte for weekend of racing.

On the way to NC

Across the Mason Dixon Line

Scott had packed up his sweet old Honda SL100! So fun...I'm jealous. I'm on the market for a bike by the way...anyone have any great ideas? I looked at a pretty sweet Honda CB350 the other day...well at least it looked sweet in my computer! But seriously I'm looking, so keep an eye out and let me know!!!

What a wonderful place to enjoy a cup of coffee!

And I'm greatful for my time there although it seemed all to quickly time to move on.

Headed to Charlotte...I wait at another gas station to be picked up by the team.

Once with Gary I catch this sunset

and at a coffee shop before one of our race days we see this sign!!!

we tried really hard to find a little kid to use cause we wanted that puppy!!!

It was a fairly good weekend of racing in Charlotte area...learned a lot and had a good time with the team! I then got to catch up with one of my old collegiate team mates a bit. Thanks again to Sam and his whole family for letting me crash a night and getting me to the airport!...that was sooo nice!!!

And another day at the airport with destination California...

I spent the first few nights at Kevin and Joslyn's apartment. Somehow I didn't get any pictures with them :( Recently married and loving life it was great to see them even for a short time and catch up on life a bit! I love you guys!!! Hugs and kisses!

Oh. I almost forgot to share with you...I got a GPS! Yes, it was because I NEEDED it!

Some of California is beautiful, but it is awfully brown...I like my green! Here are a few pictures from the road.

So after I leave Kevin's house I end up heading to meet up with my friend Jackie at the host house she is at. This where the GPS comes in super handy! In any case there must have been an angel or many of them watching over me because I end up in an amazing host house with amazing people! I literally felt like a princess all week, no joke!

The first night I got there John and Marica took us out to this beautiful restaurant that has a view of the entire Orange County!

On the way up the hill

Jackie and I

The view

Amazing food...
appetizers anyone?

and dinners...

this cool fireplace upon exit

A HUGE thanks to John and Marica!!!

The took us to that amazing dinner but John continued the tradition through the whole week and served us incredible food! It was like a fairy tale.

Friday night before the road race the neighborhood had a BBQ for the riders!

this is our bikes taking over a section of garage

You know how I said living a fairy tale...well this was the meal place in front of me immediately after I had come down from my shower following the road race...

where are my magic shoes?...I must have some around here someplace...

As if everything John and Marica had done already wasn't enough, they invited us to a ballet our final night there...how cool. I should mention John was a professional golfer and Marica a professional Dancer!

So we get ready and head to the Ballet!

Myself and Jackie!

headed in

stage

Marica and Jackie

After the show we head out to get desert

Cool name

We went to Habanas and they had these cool candles

Banana Desert...soo good

Check out this water fountain

and one last picture for the new friends!!!

Thanks again! You guys rock!

California Nationals Report

2008-08-12T15:52:00.003-04:00

August 7th
U23 Crit –

The U23 crit always provides a very interesting dynamic. First of all because of the nature of the event and the fact that they run crits all day, it seems common to have a parking lot crit. In my opinion parking lot crits are generally less then stellar and generally not too exciting. Considering the fact that it was a parking lot crit it was an okay course, but just keep it in mind. Now because the race is limited to women who are under 23 years of age, our turn out lacks in numbers. I guess there were probably 20ish women there, and not too be too critical but the race is easily probably only between 10 of them at most. Additionally, the dynamic and tactic of the race will be different from anything I’m used to because I’m used to racing teams and now it is pretty much a bunch of individual riders, half of which I now and half of which I’ve never heard of. So the race gets under way. There are 3 intermediate premes (prize laps) and I take 2 out of 3 simply to get my legs going, test my speed and because it was just easy to take the 2nd one given that no one seemed interested in going fast. Throughout the race there were some legitimate attacks with good power, but given the wind and the attitude of the bunch it became pretty clear that it would be difficult for a break to stick. So I got myself set up for the bunch sprint. I was 3rd wheel on the left coming around the final curve and I should have kicked at 300m to go, in retrospect all I needed to do was be the first to go, get off the front, and I don’t think anyone would have been able to kick around me. However, I was kinda marking the other girls I thought had a chance and a surprise rider kicked on the right side of the bunch. I didn’t realize she was going until she had a bit of a gap on me and although my speed was good and I was gaining on her, I ran out of time before the line. I got beat and had to accept the 2nd place and silver medal for the day. That is bike racing and it was time to focus my attention and energy on the road race.

During crit

August 9th
Road Race (Elite & U23)

Note: I was actually not registered for this race, basically because I had figured it would be a lot of climbing and it was not going to be my style…and for national championships it seems unreasonable to spend the money if you don’t have a shot at the win. The fact that I was not going to do this race will become quite ironic. Now I say it is not worth the money if you don’t have a shot at winning, which is kinda ironic also because I spent a small fortune to get into the race. What ended up taking place after I got to California resulted in my previewing the road course and finding it quite suitable to my style…go figure. So I called my team manager to consult and being the amazing manager and friend he is he said something along the lines of “Kacey, if you think you have a shot at it, we are behind you 100%, do what you have to in order to make it happen and we will support you!”…thanks to Gary and Phil for that! What “I had to do” involved changing a flight, registering for the race and making sure I had housing and transportation, easy enough right? Well, of course the housing and transportation was no problem given that I talk a lot, know a lot of people and can always make a new friend. The flight on the other hand would run a painful charge of $160…as if that is really necessary! Then of course USA Cycling finds it excessively entertaining to charge athletes double if they register at the event so my 3+ hours of road race would run me $120, and lets remember they have no prize money at nationals because, well, they simply don’t have to…people will come just because it is nationals. So now that I have spent a fortune to stay in California another few days and I’m registered, it will soon be time to race.

Ready to get started

The racecourse was relatively dull and not exactly the most exciting thing in general. Of course when riders were attacking and picking up the pace it did get a bit more “exciting” or painful! I had done a recovery ride Friday and felt okay, but not stellar. I just tried to eat well and get rest in order to be as prepared as possible for the road race Saturday. When the time came we were up early Saturday morning and after loading my messenger bag it was off to the race, about a 30min easy ride from the house. My legs were not exactly sending happy signals to my brain but I tried to ignore them and straighten out their attitude and feeling, I mean clearly they were just being cranky and needed to be told off. My host family brought over my race wheels, water bottles, etc, so I was able to easily get everything together after my warm up. I pumped my race tires up, put them on the bike and made sure all the shifting was smooth. I filled my bottles and put Gatorade in the appropriate ones. My host family would be feeding me so I ran Marica through a quick practice hand off and she was golden! I told her to have Gatorade and water available for the first two laps and then coke with one lap to go…she didn’t even flinch, she had it all under control. I rolled up to the start line with bottles full, 4 gel packs in my pocket, and one bag of shot blocks. We were starting at 7am so we would be blessed with cooler weather to start but I knew by the time we finished the sun would be beating down pretty hot and I needed to be methodical about my nutrition to ensure my best chance of doing well, especially because my legs were giving me crap. We finally started and things were pretty relaxed and under control, no one wanted to do too much too early. I was fine sitting in but I knew we were going easy, and I wasn’t feeling too keen on how my body was going to handle going hard. As the race went on there were a few good efforts and as predicted my legs and body were fighting with my mind. As ridiculous as it may sound I can remember thinking: “Kacey, you better pull something out of your rear, because a small fortune has been spent to keep you here to do this race and you have to prove to yourself and the team that it was worth it”…so basically I don’t care what your darn legs feel like, make them go fast and hard and that is the only option. Don’t worry I do get myself back mentally and things start looking a bit more promising. Sometime in the last 2 laps there was a solo break with a Colavita girl off the front. I was not liking how far out the pack was allowing her to get, last I heard was 40seconds and she was gaining as we continued to slow down. I wasn’t entirely sure who it was but I was sure that I didn’t want to see it stick. I figured “fine, I’ll get the momentum started and hopefully the other teams, who actually have numerous riders here, will keep it rolling with me”. So, I pick up my pace and come up the side of the pack, doing my best to launch away from the pack and force them to chase me. It doesn’t take long for the pack to string out behind me in pursuit of the solo rider, and when I pull off there are a few others who help to ensure we catch. The point of me sharing all this is that it was that effort that really brought me around. When I got out of the saddle and punched it I felt good power and decent speed that seemed to have some endurance and solitude to it! It was literally that moment that I realized my legs were opening up and I WAS going to be able to do well physically, I just needed to keep everything together and focus. We came around and they gave us 1 lap to go. Per usual some of the girls were getting antsy and a bit worried about position. I just sat in and chilled out until about a half lap to go and then I knew I wanted to be on my game because there would most likely be an attack on the last climb and I wanted to be right on it so I could hopefully stay with it or at least not fade too far back. Sure enough we get to the last climb and non other than Mara Abbott decided to launch up the right side full on…oh boy, now it’s time to go into the hurt locker. I follow it and struggle to hang on as a group of about 10 of us start making a defined break from the pack. The break sits up a bit, Mara sits up and then after a few seconds recovery shy launches full on again…oh someone please help me! Once again I struggle and fight with the pain in my legs, try to focus on breathing and barely hang on. Finally I see the 300m sign, which means 300m till we turn around and head downhill! Joy to the world I think, just get through this and then you will have it made. Our break group is now probably around 15 girls and no one is interesting in slowing down too much because we don’t really want the pack to catch. It is one attack after another, then a slow down, then another attack. I look back and I know this is the winning break, there is not a chance for that pack to catch us before we make the final corner and head uphill to the finish, now I just need to recover as much as possible, be smart and position well. I was on good wheels and things picked up early. I tried to sit in and be smart, I knew going to early would result in blowing up before the line and a lower placement. However, I once again I made the mistake of not committing to something sooner. I was in the midst of repositioning when the winning move went and I think from the feeling in my legs I was a bit over geared, but that may have just been fatigue after 129k as well. In any case I came across the line 6th place overall. I was the first U23 rider to cross the line and that earned me the U23 Road Race National Champion title!, with the next U23 girl coming in around 20th I believe. I was pleased to win the U23 title and although I would have liked to have placed better overall, I learned more again, as I do every race and it will all make me stronger for the future!

And after the finish

Past few weeks

2008-08-05T11:32:00.002-04:00

Basically I want to do a full on write up and discription of the past few weeks because it may give some of you more of a look inside what this whole living as a cyclist thing is like...but for now...

Just writing in to let everyone know I'm still alive, I flew into California yesterday, I race here Thursday morning, then fly back to MI Friday morning...hopefully I will see some of you there!, and then I leave for Chicago again on the 14th or 15th, race crit nataionls and then fly back to PA and well that is as far as I know...sounds exciting huh!

Hope life is treating everyone well and eventually I'll get around to doing some more writing. I'm just about done with my summer school class and then I hope to do a bit more rambling from my mind thoughts.

CHICAGO...

2008-07-24T20:52:00.011-04:00

So, I actually have a short research paper due today, which I haven't started yet, and in about an hour and half I need to go pick up an Australian rider, I'm riding with some friends at 3, I have a massage scheduled for 6, I need to pack up my room because my life will take to the road again in two days, etc. Basically I'm going to try and quickly explain these pictures and you will have to imagine the rest for yourself.

I've been by Chicago many time, but somehow never had the time to actually stop in and check out the city. So after Scott raced on Monday we decided Tuesday was the day for us to quickly explore some of Chicago...a very little bit of it we figure. After sleeping in we packed up from my friends house in WI and hit the road.

Detour

to the Jelly Belly factory!

on Jelly Belly Lane

this is it

and the retail section...you would think they would give you a good deal given that you traveled all the way to the factory, but forget that, it is still expensive...

at some point we spot this hot car

Driving into Chicago!

we parked, grabbed a bit to eat and headed toward Michigan Ave. On the way we saw...

Water Taxi

Stars & Stripes

Huge frog of Rainforest Cafe

Flair Lane

a cool bridge

and we reach Michigan Ave.

it is clear that the dominant Garmin store on the corner is a sign of how much I NEED to get a gps!...I didn't buy one there but I'm planning an online purchase in the very near future...seriously those things are so nice to have when your life is pretty much one huge, never ending road trip. More on this later...

After checking out Michigan Ave we headed for Navy Pier

passed the Chicago Tribune

walked along this canal

reached Navy Pier

wanted to go sailing

thought of Went when I saw the seadog!!! Love you Went, wish you could have been there

we got tickets to go on this sweet farriswheel

and got some good pictures from above

After the sun went down we chilled at the pier and then walked around a bit more

this sign was kinda funny

we found this water fountain

and this was from inside of it

hanging out by a canal we see

found some angels

and a moose...I climbed on it but Scott has those pictures

this one is for Carla!!!

Even though it was a short stop, Chicago was cool and it was a good time!

Day 1 through 7 +

2008-07-16T23:39:00.016-04:00

My race wheel started out the week like this after the Iron Hill tire roll:

So the first few days of riding I had to bug my friends at SRAM to give me a rear race wheel before I finally had that one back up and ready to roll

More importantly on to a quick race reportage...

I'm sitting in an Extended Stay hotel at the moment with a nice mini fridge, after the first 3 days of 7 racing in IL and WI in the International Cycling Classic, a.k.a Superweek!

After Friday night track races last week I road to Superweek with Scott and we made the best of the long drive. To make things a bit more interesting than they already are when your driving for 11-12 hours I decided to make my phone die. I was sending a text msg and it just blacked out. I called verizon and they said it sounded like a warranty issue...so we used Scott's fancy GPS and I called verizon stores till I found one in reasonable distance off the highway and with a phone to possibly replace mine. In the mean time I removed the water damage sticker from the battery b/c it might have been dropped in a sink...I mean just maybe...So I got lucky and they found that it was the battery with an issue...surprise, suprise...and they gave me a new one, NO charge! Yeah!

A bit later we realize that we were going right by Gary, IN, which happens to be the location of a scene in the musical The Musicman, which Scott apparently remembered. So it was a given that we needed to drive through Gary and see what was up. As Scott was afraid it was a bit of a disappointment as it didn't quite live up to his expectation of band kids in the streets everywhere and marching around, rather this is what we found...

First of all we had to take a detour because things can never be simple when your traveling and the exit we wanted to get off at was closed

This is Gary

Scott driving in Gary

Not too far up the road we get close to Chicago as the sun is setting!

The Windy City

We get to my fiend Dee Dee's at a reasonable time and get to chat with her for a bit! Somehow I didn't get any pictures with her, but I will try to remember if she comes to the last day of races. A big THANK YOU goes out to Dee Dee for letting Scott and I crash at her place for a few nights, buying us food, helping with directions, etc...couldn't ask for much more!

The first day we are in town is Sunday and I don't start racing until Monday but we head off to the men's races for the day where we will meet up with a few of Scott's team mates. Unfortunately this is what we arrive to

you may not be able to tell from this picture but they have basically created a course in the middle of a new subdivision development...and part of the course was deemed unsafe by the officials so they had to shorten it to less than a half mile! It was a simple rectangle and these guys were suppose to ride 100K on it?!?!?...pretty ridiculous. Then they realized it might not be so safe to have 120+ guys on such a small course and they made a big fuss about it and called a riders meeting

I'm not big on complaining and criticizing races too much because I understand a lot of what goes into putting such things together and I know it can be difficult and you will never please everyone, but if you are going to run something like Superweek it seems there needs to be far more organization and planning in order to make things run smoothly, rather than what I was observing on Sunday.

The highlight of the race day was probably when I was over at the SRAM pit and the sprinklers turned on, starting to soak the bikes and go in the support car windows...opps

Now Monday rolls around and I get to start racing as well! I meet up with the girls at the race. Our team for the week will include Theresa; who is coming back to racing after her broken hand at the start of the summer, Jessie; the "rocket" Australian, Lisa; who has taken a week off work with her husband Walter and their dog Toby; and myself. Gary is here as well and does a great job of keeping things rolling smoothly. Also an appreciative thanks goes to Walter who has been handing off wonderfully cold water bottles and had cold towels at the finish of our races!...it's so nice to have that, and it allows Gary to worry about other things, which just turns out better for us all!

Day one goes according to plan. I should first do a bit of explaining for those less informed about this bike racing stuff. Many times when you have a stage race or a multi day race they will give points for good finishes or toward some designated jersey. So in this case each day they give a jersey away to the stage winner, to the overall leader (yellow jersey) and to the top sprinter (red jersey). There are 3 sprint laps spread out in each of the crits with points going to the first 5 across the line toward the sprint jersey classification. Our team was shooting for myself to take the sprint jersey and for Theresa to take the win.

I won every sprint lap, with incredible help from Jessie and Lisa, who where there for each one with a solid lead out. Theresa also helped to keep the pack together by pulling in a few small gaps during the race. Then we worked together again for the finish. Jessie was on the front with about 4 to go and keeping things steady. I took over with about a lap to go, let another girl pull us around a bit and then charded the front to give Theresa a lead out for the win!

1 lap to go...you can see me on the left of the girl in front with Theresa right behind me...

Theresa winning, her first race back of the year...not so bad!

Following our race I chilled out to watch the boys...

Scott racing...the bike with the bright green fork

Day two of racing got really hot and although our plan didn't work quite as well as we would have liked but we still finished well with Lisa taking 3rd after being off the front!...great job Lisa! Also, Theresa and I kept the leaders and sprinters jerseys.

Warming up on our rollers, in the shade

Start line

Jess racing

Me on the front

Day three we picked things back up a bit and controlled th race more again. I got 2nd in one of the sprint laps and won the other two, with help from the team once again. Then Jess kept things under control for the final laps and I lead Theresa out again for another win!

Pictures I snagged from cycling news:

About a lap to go I'm getting ready to put Theres in a good spot

T-bird taking the win!

Scott's team also did well with Scott taking a preme in the men's race and then leading his team mate Tommy out for a 3rd place in the field sprint.

I'll try to keep updating all this, but as you can probably tell we are doing well and things are good!

Day four is another good day. I won all the points premes for the sprint jersey and I'm gaining points on that. Theresa won the race playing off of other teams as I was shot from my sprints and from attempting to take a big money preme late in the race. So we still hold the yellow and red jersey. Theresa and Lisa did get caught up in a bad crash early in the race but they were both ok, although both of their bikes are going to require some repair...I was glad to see them both walk away safe and able to continue the week!

Day Five was a bit of a stinger with a short course that just went up and down. The "up" grade wasn't too severe but when you have to do it 50 times in a row back to back it gets to take it's toll. It was a rough day for my legs. Everyone was a bit tired but we raced pretty well, not letting anyone dangerous to our lead get ahead. I did well in the sprints. Theresa and I were very close to getting wrapped up in a crash in the last lap as a girl directly in front of us slid out and spun across the pavement, but somehow we both came out upright, although all my momentum had been killed and it was a fight to get back to the group. All in all we kept our jerseys and were looking forward to the next day after it was over and we were all safe.

Few pictures again...

Gary has been getting podium pictures so hopefully I will get those off of him soon!

Day Six is another good one! Jess got on a break off the front and took the sprint for a win. I did well in the sprints and still lead by a large margin. Theresa won the field sprint easily and is still in the leaders jersey!

Day Seven also a good run for the team. I easily held the sprint jersey. In the end Jessie kept things going at the front just to make sure Theresa and I would have a good run for the finish. I was going to try to sprint for the finish but got a bit mixed up in the last lap and with tired legs I didn't get where I needed to be. Luckily Theresa got in good position and got a good run before blazing by everyone to take another win! Yeah! So we finished the series with the Leaders Jersey, the winners jersey and the sprint jersey!

Great job girls!

The team left, heading home and I stayed to watch the men's race and then hang out with Scott and his team mates for another day of racing before heading home.

The boys betting ready for their road race

Spencer checking out his cracked crank...yeah he cracked a Durace crank arm...pretty impressive

Tommy trying to show off his man muscles...this guys is quite the character!

I was just hanging out in the feed zone

...

Superweek...

2008-07-12T08:42:00.003-04:00

Currently about to hit the road to Superweek. About 11.5-12hr drive today so should be fun! We will get into Chicago, IL area tonight and be there a few nights before hitting the other races in WI. If I have net I will try to keep all posted...

Have a great week everyone!!!

For Ally...

2008-07-04T11:43:00.004-04:00

Oh I was really hoping to get out to the North Cal this summer to visit my dear Ally but race calender is not looking so promising...good thing she rides bikes and understands!

So Ally, just wanted you to know I'm missing you and all your energy!

Love you dear...

Professional Cyclist/Professional Surfer?

2008-07-04T08:35:00.009-04:00

Wait, surfing in PA?...well, kinda...

Yesterday I was just chilling on the couch...like a good professional cyclist must learn to do, and it started to rain. It was a nice summer rain and quite enjoyable to listen to and watch, as I was done with my riding for the day and was unconcerned with getting my bike all wet and messy. To make this story a little more interesting and understandable please note that I live in a house with two Australians and two guys from Trinidad, next door in the same complex area there are two New Zealanders and another Australian and then some more Argentine's someplace as well. It is common place for random cyclist to be running in and out of the house all day, borrowing a pump, taking my george foremen, looking for so and so, speaking with an accent I have to work to understand, etc...

As I'm laying on the couch doing some things on the internet the Australian from next door, Doug, comes in and walks to the front storage room. The front storage room is just stuff from the landlord I guess, we really don't know, but we do know they have a surf/sail board out there and apparently Doug had been waiting for a good rain so he could try it out in the river behind our building! Of course I was stoked, I had already wanted to go dancing in the rain, but this surfing experiment would work too. I jumped off the couch and ran upstairs as I yelled to the Trini's to get ready and come outside. I put on my surfing gear...a.k.a. running shorts and sprots bra and headed outside. Oh, yeah and we figured the best way to do this "surfing" was to tie a line from the bridge and then we cold hang onto it and use the "current" to surf! Lucky for the boys, who were trying to make a rope out of cut up bike tubes and random pieces of small string, Kacey has a slackline! Grant it the "slackline" has yet to see it's true purpose this summer but it has now served as a clothes line and a surfing device, so it is totally worth having! And this is how it went...

Note: sorry for the poor picture quality, the lighting was not great, but you get the idea

Getting ready

Haseem was content with surfing in the grass...boring

One of the guys ties the line

Doug gives it a run

If you look closely you can see Doug pre crash

and in the water!

Out for a paddle

Then I get on and Haseem gets a picture of me falling

and rowing

I wanted to get in some quality arm work, but the river is only about a foot deep maybe so it was more like grab the bottom and pull...

We had to admit it wasn't quite as fun or exciting as we had hoped but it was fun and as Doug said "now it has been done".

Also, as of late, my friend from school Andrew Talansky stopped by for a night on his was to Fitchburg. We had a cookout with my friend Ben Tuesday night and I did Andrew's laundry along with mine, made him breakfast Wednesday morning and took him out on a nice ride before he had to pack back up and get to the races. The Time Trial at Fitchburg was yesterday and my little Andrew rocked it out and placed 5th in the Pro Race!!! Yeah Boy!!! Congratulations...what a stud! I'm sure he will love how I called him "my little Andrew"...haha! I'm pretty sure it was that breakfast I feed him on Wednesday that made him go so fast!...along with all the hard training and time he puts in of course!

Andrew packing up

And I'll leave you with a few pictures from the track races last Friday night

The bunch on the track

Jess and I in the 3km scratch, which Jess would essentially lead out and I would take the win!

Oh...and HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYONE!!!

Like the new title bar?

2008-07-04T08:13:00.004-04:00

Another reason cycling and the community that surrounds it rocks!...as those of you who come here often may have noted, I have a splendid new title bar picture. The picture is from the Liberty Classic Philly race and was taken by Leonard Basobas. What makes it so splendid...a bit of a story behind this...

I sent an email out to a listserve looking for some retro Wolverine Sports Club clothing and along with responses of people who are going to dig through old stuff I got an email from Leonard. He introduced himself as a new wolverine, requested that I might do an interview for the blog he puts together and also noted that he had a picture of me in his last post. Accordingly I respond that I would be happy to do an interview and I would check out his blog. Soon after I emailed back that I really enjoyed the blog and the picture was great! I had been hoping cycling news would post a picture of me with the little boy on the podium but they hadn't...lucky for me that was the picture Leonard had posted. When I emailed to thank him and tell him how excited I was he said he had more picture and he would send them my way...what a nice guy! But then he checked out my blog, liked it, and get this...he went out of his way and spent his time to create that new title bar you see, he sent it to me in the proper file and included directions on how to place it in! I know when you know what you are doing it might not take that long but still, it is such a nice gesture and something a lot of people just don't do anymore. So a big thanks goes out to Leonard for his kindness and let it serve as a reminder to the rest of us that the little things matter so much and those little things can make peoples day! Don't worry so much about spending all sorts of money or or having the latest and greatest to impress people with, just care about others and give what you can and I bet you'd be surprised by the response and the feeling of gratitude.

So what about those pictures I was talking about?...

The picture that was turned title bar

Hard earned money...

I still think it was easier than sitting at a desk all day!!!

He was a little nervous to give me a kiss...so I took care of that!

Leonard's caption reads: Kacey Manderfield (Verducci Breakaway) - The best U23 rider turned podium girl for the little gentleman who presented her trophy.

Check out Leonard's blog at: http://www.triplecrankset.com/2008/06/portraits-from-philadelphia.html

and I will be adding a link to Triple Crankset so you can get there easily anytime!

Princess?

2008-06-29T15:19:00.006-04:00

Maybe I'm not an official Princess but I sure do feel like one sometimes...such as when Cullen sends me tons of amazing parts for a bike I'm working on! I love you Cullen!!!...not just because you take such good care of me but because your just awesome!

Aright so the story behind all this...I was going to sell my old Trek track bike when I got my new BLUE race bike this year, but then after I did the street crit in Brooklyn I really wanted to put together a street fixie bike for fun. Then I also realize the Trek was the bike I won my first two national titles on and I kinda wanted to hang onto it. So, I decided to turn the Trek into a city fixie. I want to strip the bike and custom paint it and then I'm going to do it out with sweet parts and amazing wheels and just be all smiles!!!

Here are some of the parts I have to put this thing together...

Cullen also shipped me these sweet old school cleats to show me what they used to have tacked to the bottom of their shoes to insert into toe clips!

And you may have noticed there are hubs and rims but no wheels built...ummm...don't worry I'm not planning to do that on my own. However, I have an awesome friend who just so happens to know how to lace twisted spoke wheels! Scott's mistake was telling me he could do it and volunteering to help me out, cause I'm going to take him up on it! Below is a picture of a wheel Scott built and a good example of something like what I will end up with...I'm pretty darn excited!

Now I just have to figure out how I'm going to get the paint stripped off of my bike and repainted how I want it and I will be ready to put it all together! I'm sure I will have pictures up when it is complete or more progress is made.

Back to K'town...

2008-06-29T14:42:00.006-04:00

I was happy to make it back to Kutztown after a rough day of travel with my allergies coming on full force and three flights to get back to Philly...I was ready to just disappear.

But life got better soon. I got settled back in at 'home' as I many times call if for the time being and I was finally getting some good rest and down time to recover from the 5 days and 6 races of Nature Valley.

My good friend Scott Jackson came to visit for a few days, did some riding, and watched a little track racing...still working on getting him out there...lol

A few days later I headed to NYC to see Miss Hannah Trimble and have Birthday dinner with her and her family! This girl is amazing! Love you Hannah!

Hannah and I

I got to see PJ from LMC as well

and I took Haseem and Jude (my room mates from Trinidad) with me

Other than that just been training, racing track and chilling out.

Track has been going well. The first Friday night race was a good opener for me and good to start getting my track legs back after Nature Valley. The second Friday night race went even better, I won one of the scratch races, got second in the points race and did pretty well in a few other too. My legs didn't actually feel great but I raced well for a few of the races.

And this last Friday was the first races with my new race wheels...oh how amazing they look and ride!

Check this hotness out...

Nature Valley, MN

2008-06-11T22:53:00.010-04:00

DAY ONE
Severe storm warnings + rain + strong rain + 6 corner crit course with lot of man whole covers + a field of over 140 = a hard race and lots of crashes.

I started in a bad position (long story), and worked my way up slowly, doing my best to be patient...a virtue I don't really have. In any case I made a break of about 6 or so and we were going pretty good, but got caught, and just about that time I blew up a bit and started fading. I held on to things but kept using energy to get a better position and then having a weak moment and falling back. So I race the majority of the race in a less than ideal position, which cost me a lot of energy. I avoided all the crashes, although I did get caught behind a few and have to chase to the group. I truly also feel like I had a bit of a mental lapse today for some reason, so I've got to get that one sorted out before tomorrow and the rest of the week.

All the other girls raced hard as well and we are looking forward to the rest of the week.

It was great to see Carla and some others I haven't seen for quite some time! Carla did very well coming in 25th!...way to go girl...you rock!

Well, I'm tired and going to bed and hopefully I will get my act together for tomorrow.

Update
None of stage one's results will count toward GC...the officials nullified everything due to safety issues. So we will all start stage two with the same time and with a clean slate...interesting...

DAY TWO
Kacey goe's BOOM!...pictures and details later...bed NOW!

Ok...going to be quick cause I need to get to a nap but yesterday (stage 2) was probably one of the best races I have ever raced as far as riding smart, although I took a bit too much wind at times, and I just really enjoyed the course for the most part although it was challenging.

Lets just say I was feeling great...well ok, actually suffering like a dog!...and sitting top 10 with one lap to go on the finishing circuit. I was fighting off cramps in my legs and doing everything I could to stay calm. As we came around the final corners no one was making any advancements, we were going far to fast for that. Unfortunately a girl in front of me slid out in the second to last corner, which was super fast and off camper a bit, and when I tried to adjust my line it just wasn't happening and I decked it to the pavement for a little butt surfing as well. To think I was so close and I had a shot at the young riders jersey and a super amazing finish in general hurt more than anything else. I fought so hard to keep that position and I suffered and mentally battled my way through, and I was feeling great and inspired coming into the end of that race...and then...but that is bike racing! I also want to mention that all my team mates, Kele, Jessie, and Andrea all road very well and were in great position during the race!

Pictures: if your a cyclist you will laugh at these and for the rest of you these are hardly battle wounds...

Got my arm a tiny bit

ripped right through the bottom of my bibs

not really too bad...

Good thing our radios are durable

My jersey will allow a bit more airflow now

Picture of our pack passing by a farm

DAY THREE

AM - Time Trial
PM - Crit

Time Trial - not really sure how it went but we all raced and we will have to look into our times a bit later.

Everyone was pretty well this morning and feeling decent. My body was a bit tight but a good warm up took care of that!

Just got these sweet new BONT compression tights

I've got them on now and I'm about to take a nap! Prob. won't have time to write about the crit tonight, but wish us luck and I'll try to update soon.

Good News: Kele rocked the TT and it placed her in 26th GC!...she might even be further up because we think their may be an error in timing...but non the less a great ride for her.

Bad News: Jessie was taking the TT easy but ended up taking it a bit too conservatively and didn't make the time cut after Kristen Armstrong had an exceptional ride.

So, on to the crit...

Jess and Andrea before we start

Start...I got a good position in second row

coming into a corner...

the course was fun and fast and that is about all I have time to say for now...

the finish

I got 9th. Kele sat in and finished well and Andrea finished as well!

DAY FOUR

Off to the road race today (Saturday)...long course with a tough finishing circuit!

Was feeling pretty good and riding well until we hit the finishing circuit and I was tired enough from the long ride all day that I really struggled on the climb of the circuit. I fell back into one of the groups behind the lead girls and I was able to stay with that group for the first two of four climbs, but I was hanging off the back and eventually they road away from me and I finished the last two circuits on my own.

DAY FIVE

Warming up for crit

Jess being silly

I tried to convince Gary it would be best if I just staying there and took a nap...he could wake me up when it was over, but that didn't fly...

A challenging crit with a super steep climb in it. The race starts at the base of the climb and finishes as the top...I think that should be against the rules somehow! In any case the race is only 12 laps, but it is hard and a lot of girls don't finish. In order to complete the stage race you have to complete at least 3 laps without being pulled. I think I completed 5 or 6...I can't remember, in fact I didn't even know on race day, I was a little out of it and super tired, feeling sick, etc. It felt good to be done though and to know I was headed back to PA soon where I could settle in for a bit of time and let my body catch up.

My team mate Kele climbing

and myself

You can kinda tell this thing is just a little steep...

I got to see Eric and his family! This is us cheering people up the climb...obviously at this point I had been pulled from the race

And here it he team at dinner one night! Its a great crowd to hang out with...lots of laughing and fun times!

Liberty Classic - PHILLY!!!

2008-06-10T19:23:00.005-04:00

Day before the race we headed out for a spin

and swung by the Scott tent

this is a picture of Theresa's hand...yes, she broke it at Reading unfortunately. So keep her in your thoughts and wish her speedy recovery!

So morning of:

Jess and I are sitting together...umm...guess which leg is mine?

Let the race begin...

Here I am sitting in

Trish and Kele climbing the Manayunk "wall"

Commerce Bank Liberty Classic – Philadelphia, PA, USA June 8, 2008 – Race Report #4

This was the second year I’ve participated in this race, but last year lets just say I wasn’t in the race much. I’ve been on pretty good form this year so far and I was looking forward to this race, although I was still nervous per usual. The Philly course is a challenging one that starts near center city Philadelphia, circles a few of the fountains (the start/finish is on a straight between the fountains), heads out along the river, narrows, widens, narrows again just before turning toward Manayunk, where we scream threw the streets all fighting for position before we hit a few tight corners, cobbles and the climb known as the “wall”…it isn’t too long really, but with its steep grade, length and the speed at which the race demands you climb it, it defiantly hurts. Following that there is a bit of a false flat downhill, but no one slows down and if you aren’t jamming on the pedals you will be off the back. As leaving Manayunk area we head back up a small grade, which can pretty much just be sat in on. There is another gradual uphill section that is a bit longer and can hurt if someone decides to attack, which of course they did! Then it is pretty tame again until we hit Lemon Hill, which is the last of any climbing before the finish and it is twisty but it isn’t too steep and it is really quite short, so if you roll into it with good position and don’t get stuck behind the wrong rider it is doable. Lemon Hill winds down just as it did up and it spits you onto the main straight, where the feed zone is on a fast flat section, before you loop around threw the start finish section again.

To start the race we were lined up super early as usual. Meaning we were all staging on our bikes far before the race would actually start. The reasoning behind this is to get a good spot on the start line, which gives you the best chance to gain a good position and also keeps you out of any havoc that might take place in the mob of girls behind you. This might sound easy but let me tell you, this good starting position thing is something many of us fight for and if you get in the way or we think you might be trying to take our spot, you can bet we will figure a way to stay in front of you. Personally, I value a good starting position and I’m pretty good at getting it. Occasionally, I end up in the wrong spot and start farther back than I want but usually I’m in the first 2 rows. And today for Philly I was on the front line, ready to go. Everyone was inching forward and they finally blew the horn to release us. This is probably one of my favorite parts of a race because before a race I just keep running the course threw my head, thinking about who will be out there with me and how I can play off of them, and of course I generally have nervous energy floating around, but all that nervous energy disappears as soon as the race starts and I got into racing mode! It becomes no longer about being nervous but about staying calm, watching who is around me, making sure I’m in good position, trying to see where my team mates are, reading the race and trying to be a part of it.

We started at a quick pace as anticipated and it didn’t slow down much. I was maintaining good position but trying to stay very protected from the wind in the pack at the same time. I ended up out front a few times just in order to assure a good position going threw the narrow section and then I drifted back a bit again. One of the most important things I needed to do was to gain a good position as far toward the front of the pack as possible before we hit the base of the Manayunk “wall”, this is because although I’ve gotten stronger and better at climbing, it still is not my strength and if I start at the front it gives me a lot of time to drift back as we climb but still have a wheel to get on when we crest the top. I know, it sounds easy, but when you have to fight 80 other girls who all want the same spot it becomes a bit more difficult. In any case I wasn’t as far up as I should have been on the first lap and I paid for it by having to push harder than I should have on the climb and then having to chase the lead group down after we got over the climb. I gave myself a lecture that my position was unacceptable and I best change it next lap! At this point Kristen Armstrong was on a break off the front and as we came through the start finish the announcers said something along the lines of “and here the women come faster than we had expected, this might be the fastest lap they have ever turned over”…and I think…”oh thank you Armstrong, the hottest darn day ever and you decide to go attack and make this race just a little faster…wonderful!” Then again if it weren’t hard I probably wouldn’t enjoy doing it. As we head toward Manayunk for the second time I fight harder for position and stand my ground. There was one girl who was apparently frustrated and wanted to get out of the pack and I’m not sure if she was ramming my butt with the hoods of her shifters or her fist but she picked the wrong girl to do that with, as I just decided that it would be fun to box her in even more and NOT move! I got a better position for the start of the climb, although I still had to chase a little after the top. After we had been given 2 laps to go there was a break of about 12 riders that branched off the front. I had started to go with them and then sat up, but when I turned around and saw a gap a put in the effort to get pack up with the lead girls. I realized there were strong girls there and there was representation from some of the top teams, which meant it was possible it could stick. Although I figured the group was too large to be let go and I didn’t feel all the right girls were there, I sat on anyhow and it proved to be the right decision. For a large portion of the 3rd lap I was with this break and it was really like recovery in a way. I could ride wherever I wanted and I didn’t have to fight an entire pack for good positioning in the more technical sections. Of course as I started to look around I discovered that most of these women were probably going to climb Manayunk a bit faster than me and I was not looking forward to the solo chase I would have to pull off over the top. Sure enough I struggled up the climb, but so did a few others and we were able to work together, along with a small group who had bridged up to us, and catch the lead group. I was thankful for my little period of “recovery”, as the pack all came back together and it was time to fight for positions again. It was now the last lap, which meant the positioning would be even more important and everyone would want it that much more. This last lap was the only lap I made it up the “wall” with the lead group, I was on the back of the lead group, but there was no chasing, I was with them. I was so excited to make it up that climb for the last time and still be with the lead group, I actually verbally said, “I did it!” I knew I still had Lemon Hill to make but I wasn’t concerned with that. As we made our way up Lemon Hill I road my usual line and was feeling great, until a few little cramps started to act up in my legs. I quickly went into conservation mode and just told myself it wasn’t far. I had been doing everything I could all day to fight the heat. It was between 95-100degrees without humidity, the pavement had been measured at 120degrees, and the sun was blazing on us all day. I had been taking gu’s to keep my body feed, I brought a container of electrolyte chews and I was popping those. I fell back in the feed zone every lap to get liquid, just to find myself in a full out sprint chasing the lead group…but I needed that fluid, without it nothing else would matter, I knew that. So now lemon hill was over and we were heading for the home straight. It is flat out around the fountain and back to the finish, which meant it was going to be FAST, especially with a European field. I was struggling to maintain position but kept grabbing good wheels and refusing to get pushed back too far. I was probably sitting top 10 around the fountain and heading into the straight. I told myself not to overgear, it wouldn’t help me…I geared down, no geared up, back down, stay calm. Everyone started kicking and it was time to go. I got out of the saddle and tried to stay calm but that wasn’t working so well, my body was giving out on me. I pushed and kept pushing but eventually I just blew about 100-200meters from the line. I had to hop over a crash, but luckily I stayed upright. I was disappointed I didn’t have more and I was just kinda rolling in when I realized there were still girls behind me so I picked it up a little and got across the line. All I could think was that “I could have pushed harder”, “I made it all that way and to blow then…”, it was frustrating to say the least. But it is always easy to look back and say I could have gone harder, when at the time you just couldn’t. I ended up 31st overall and I actually won the best of U23 award. The Best of U23 award goes to the first American under 23 to come across the line and I’m pretty excited about that accomplishment.

When I look at the big picture I consider the fast that last year I didn’t even make it up the “wall” with the pack on the first lap and I didn’t finish the race. This year I make it up the “wall” every lap and I stayed with the lead pack to the finish!

As for my teammates they did well also. Theresa as I mentioned earlier has a broken hand so she did not race. Kele served as great inspiration through the race with comments of encouragement, or just common sense…like telling me to get on a wheel as I was straggling off the back after the climb…I needed that little push, and she also did a great job of positioning and keeping things smooth the first lap. Jess took the lead with positioning through the tough sections in the second lap! I saw both Trish and Lisa in the first few laps and Trish ended up finishing in the 3rd group to come in. The hot weather took its toll and Kele flatted again adding challenge to her race, but as the saying goes…”that’s bike racing.”

After my race I got to hang out a bit with:

Consorto

and Jackson

Consorto made us these amazing signs!!!! THANKS CONSORTO!

this is without humidity factor...which I can assure you was very high

The men are about to finish...long day!...over 6 hours...wow!

Waiting for women's awards I got a picture with the top 3 for the day!

one day I'm going to go as fast as them at the right time and win big races too!

Best of U23 Podium

We laughed at this picture for a good bit...Gary says I landed a 10 on my floor performance after a triple twist round off!

Back at the house this is my favorite wall

the bikes all lined up

and here are a few pics of the oversized check from the U23 award

So then we had one day to go for a spin and pack our bikes before we left at 5am this morning for the airport and onto a plane to MN, where we are going to start racing the Nature Valley stage race tomorrow! Wish us luck and I have internet as of now so hopefully I can keep up some pretty regular updates while we are here...if I have the energy!

Wow...this marathon blogging update has taken a lot out of me...I need to go eat dinner now!

Pre Philly

2008-06-10T18:55:00.006-04:00

Following the first two races of the Triple Crown Series I had one day to get things together and head off to Philly where I would join the team at the team house until my return from Nature Valley.

So Friday I went on a beautiful recovery ride. It was beautiful for many reasons: I love the rolling country side around the Lehigh Valley area, there are so many cool old barns and farm houses (Daddy, I want one!), and also this particular morning a somewhat cold front had come in and I got to do my ride in 60degree weather rather than the 90+ degrees we had been having and we reached later that day.

It was an overcast morning as I mentioned

The roads are just nice to ride, from rolling over farm land...

to more wooded routes!

I found this pretty cool view...check out the sweet tree in the middle of the picture

and more close up on the tree...

me enjoying myself and my easy spin

just putting on that LMC kit reminded me of so many great times...I miss all you guys if you ever read this thing!

This is an example of the old stone buildings

And with all the farms and Amish people around there are a lot of places to buy fresh produce and eggs!...I'll be back to this place

Some golf course area

Oh...and I found my next housing option when I can no longer afford anything else...

I think they will make great roommates!

Allentown & Reading

2008-06-10T18:39:00.003-04:00

Here are the race reports and a few pictures...

Pre-Allentown

Start of Allentown

And Andrew was done with his work early so I got to hang out and catch up with him!

I was the loudest fan for Andrew and Scott!...can you imagine...

Allentown – Allentown, PA, USA June 3, 2008 – Race Report #3

This race is the first of the Triple Crown Classic, a series of three races that culminates with the Liberty Classic in Philadelphia! The women’s race will be a fairly short crit on a circuit none of us have ever raced before. In previous years the race has been held in Lancaster but the location was moved this year and everyone will be on the course for the first time. Lots of strong teams are in from around the country and from other countries. It will be a large women’s field full of very strong riders.

I got a really great start position right behind the call up line and I was all set and ready to go. Well, I was as set as I was going to be, but I had not warmed up properly, which would come back to hurt me and the team. I tried to ignore my knowledge of poor warm up and just get my head in the race. Given my start at the front of the field I was able to place myself in the top 10 straight away! Things were going pretty well although my legs didn’t feel great, I was hoping they would come around, I just needed to give them time. I tried to mark the front and any attacks the best I could and was still waiting for the go ahead from my legs. Eventually I realized I was doing more than I was going to be able to handle and I dropped back a bit to try and recover. Unfortunately, when you are racing such a strong mass of women there isn’t always an opportunity to “recover” and I hit a tough point at the wrong time and slipped off the back. I was then in a small chase group, or actually kind of a few. In any case at some point Theresa dropped back with a few others and I worked a bit harder to try and reach her sooner rather than later and see what I might be able to do. Soon after I reached Theresa, Kele came back to us and we attempted to get things rolling a bit faster with the idea of catching the field, but they were pretty far ahead of us and it was a large bunch of very strong girls. Eventually the officials finished our chase group early and we had only Jess left in the lead pack, fighting a tough fight. Jess did well and held on just about to the end of the race and finished just behind the pack! It was a rough day for us as a team and there was much improvement to be made for Thursday.

Through this race I was reminded of the importance of a good warm up and also that I needed to monitor my effort output more closely and more realistically. I felt good about how I raced the first part of the race but I also realized I was not strong enough to pull it off and I needed to reevaluate what I was doing. I could still race well I just needed to pick and choose more about what I was going to put effort into. I promised myself that Thursday I would get a better warm up and ride smarter…so watch for the result!

Just a few days later and it was time for the Reading Classic...

Reading Classic – Reading, PA, USA June 5, 2008 – Race Report #4

Well, as I promised myself I did get a better warm up and prepare more properly for the race! I fought for a decent start position but wasn’t so anxious to be sitting in the top10, I was pleased with more like top 15-20 and playing my cards a bit more conservative. The course was a fun one but quite bumpy pretty much everywhere and tons of man whole covers and drain grates of varied sizes everywhere. All of the road obstacles and corners made it a challenging course and somewhat difficult to move up on if you let yourself slip back too far. Due to my more conservative start and the fact that I actually warmed up I was feeling better than Tuesday, but they day was not without its struggles. There were a few moments when I thought I was done and it was over, but luckily I pulled through mentally and made my body fight. At some point during the race, more than half way through Kele flatted and had to go to the pit for a wheel. Around about that same time I was having a gu and downing some liquids when the two girls in front of me split directions at the last minute and I found myself tangled with a rider who had pretty near stopped directly in front of me. Had I been a bit more attentive at the time or had two hands on the bars it may have been avoidable, but leave it to me to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I put my front wheel into the riders derailleur and broke a spoke, threw my wheel off, and did a little butt surfing. Literally, pretty much the only things that hit the pavement was a bit of my shoe and my bum, or at least that was the only clothing or bodily damage that was visible as a result. It is situations like these that favor those of us blessed with a larger than normal rear! In other words I was able to land on my bum and due to its fullness, if you will, I can’t feel any structural damage at all…just a little scrape that will heal very soon. In addition to the little scrape on my left check I had a decent sized whole in my shorts for the remainder of the race, which means a lot of people got to see my glowing rear…that must have been traumatizing. In any case I ended up in the pit at the same time as Kele and just before we reentered the race we heard that Theresa had crashed. Unfortunately Theresa was unlucky and had landed in a bad way on her left hand, which resulted in a spiral fracture of her metacarpal. Please keep her in your thoughts for a quick and strong recovery! So now Kele and I are the only two on our team left in the lead pack and there is a break of 5 very strong riders up the road, who will stay away the remainder of the race. I got myself in good position as we came down to the final laps, as I knew this would be important for a good finish. With one lap to go Cheerwine had some girls on the front and let one rider gain a bit of a gap. I jumped around the girls and filled the whole but the other rider and I had a small gap, a very small gap. I wasn’t sure it was the right decision but it was the decision I made and I was sticking with it. I did jump around the rider at one point and take a very short pull, until I realized I was just wasting energy, I was too far from the finish and the pack was too close for this move to make sense, so I tucked back in behind the other rider. We still had a gap coming around the last corner and I drafted a bit farther after the corner before I decided to jump and try to hang on to the line. The finish was slightly uphill and it was still quite a ways up the road when I jumped so I knew it was risky. Sure enough in the last 10yards or so I got passed by 3 riders who had come off the momentum of the pack behind me and I ended up taking 4th in the field spring, which placed me 9th overall. I don’t regret what I did and I can’t say I would do it any different if it happened again…well of course I would be a little faster and win anyways next time! It is just one of those race situations that happens and sometimes it plays out to your favor and sometimes it doesn’t. I would have liked the 6th place, but I’ll take the 9th and all the lessons that go along with it! Kele finished not far behind me in the pack and we called it a day.

Found this good shot of Jess from Reading

And this was the pack with one lap to go. There was a break of 5 in front of us. You can see Kele on the right and you can kinda see me tucked in on the far left

Time to recover and get ready for the BIG ONE! Liberty Classic in Philly!

More on where I am...

2008-06-07T13:22:00.004-04:00

I've got a lot to catch up on so I'm going to try and make some of this pretty quick!...we'll see how that goes...

This is the creek that runs behind the housing I'm in. If the weather in PA keeps up I have a feeling I'll be spending more time in the water than in my hammock at the waters side.

I snapped a quick shot of the inside of the coffee shop just below my room.

Over at the track I got a storage room for track bike, equipment, etc...it is super nice to have a place to store that. Plus it makes it really easy to cruise over on my road bike, do a track workout and ride back 'home' on my road bike...which means saving more $4.00 gallons of gas!

These are the barns with storage

I will walk you to my room

enter...

turn left and...

Hoping to get my new BLUE track bike built up upon my return from Nature Valley and get it all tuned in!

Back in Kutztown I found a pretty cool little food shop called Betty's

with some pretty cool purple doors!

I got together with my friend Jackie! Good to see her again.

and we might have visited the ice cream bar...ummm....

I also got a quick picture of the K'town Pub

found a health food store just downtown...

could be dangerous to my pocket book.

Then before heading off to Philly week races I joined some of the guys over at Bobby's awesome little school house for a bite to eat.

and he has this sweet cruiser

Of course laundry also needed to be done so I used my slackline and the doors in Fitzy's room (before he got in) as my drying service!

Alright, got that department up to speed.

CSC Invitational

2008-06-02T19:51:00.003-04:00

As for photography I did a nonexistent job of documenting the weekend, but here is a quick report and a few pictures I was able to find.

CSC Invitational – Arlington, VA, USA, June 1, 2008 – Race Report #2

Saturday I traveled from Kutztown to Philly and meet up with the team at the Philly housing. They have quite the set up there and it is only about a 5minute ride from center city. We loaded into the car and hit the road to Virginia for the CSC Invitational Critirium, a 50km race on a challenging 1km course.

Sunday morning came around and it was time to race! The weather was quite nice, in fact probably a bit nicer than was really preferable. It is quite a change to go from training and racing in dry, slightly chilly weather to humid, hot sunny days. The effects on the body can be fought off a bit by staying hydrated and eating regularly, but try riding your bike at 27mph in the middle of a pack of riders, with a corner every 200-500meters and now reach to your back pocket, grab a gu, rip the top off with your teeth, spit it out and try to get all the gel in your mouth, not on your hands or all over your face. Basically it is not always convenient to be feeding at any point of a race so it takes a special discipline to keep me in line. I managed to drink a bottle and a half of mix today and 2 gu’s so that was decent.

A good start position was fairly important on a course of this nature but it was a fight with all the girls as usual. I started a bit farther back than I prefer but it just meant I would have to burn a few matches at the beginning to get in a good position. I started a bit flat, finally worked my way up and then did some chasing to keep things together. Then my legs started talking back and they weren’t real happy so I let the others know I was hurting and dropped back in the pack a bit to follow wheels and recover. Eventually I started feeling better again and moved back up. Somehow I had neglected to realize a break of 3 girls was up the road. I’m typically very good about keeping track of a race but I had dropped back farther than usual and that results in an inability for me to see everything on the front, as I obviously can’t see over a whole lot of girls. Not that there is any excuse, but I just missed it today. In any case for the rest of the race I was able to chase down a few girls who launched off the front of the pack to keep things together. As it came down to the final laps Kele, Theresa and I were all up in the mix of the pack. Unfortunately Kele got forced over to the barriers with 2 laps to go and Theresa and I were just able to get by without loosing much momentum. I attempted to get up and block the wind from Theresa and even thought “oh yeah I’ll just lead her out”, however I ended up next to her for about 5seconds and then I realized that my legs were disagreeing with what my mind wanted to do. So as I drifted back a bit I dropped in on a wheel and just tried to hang on for what I could. Theresa came in 7th, I managed to hang on for 14th and Kele came in about 25th, although that was debatable. The officials had decided to allow lapped riders to remain in the race, which caused numerous problems with placing in the end. Kele had been so lucky as to flat and things got confusing with the free lap rule and such but from what we could gather 25th was about right.

Overall it was a pretty good day for us. All considered it was our first crit together as a team and we learned a lot. Now it is time to take our lessons and race even better this week through the triple crown series! All the hot shots should be there and some super strong riders will be in from out of country as well so it should be quite the show!

Super sweet shot!

And I even found one of me

Philly week starts tomorrow!

Summer Living

2008-05-30T21:54:00.008-04:00

Welcome to Kutztown, PA!

more pictures of actual downtown Kutztown to come later...

As for my accommodations...

Note: Keep in mind this is before the major cleaning and actual organization of anything

Door to enter

Kitchen

Dinning room

TV/hang out room

Front room

On to the 2nd floor

Hallway

One of the rooms

My room

yes, it is pink, it has lots of windows and I like it a lot! I have made a few changes already so maybe once I get my hammock hung in there I'll take another shot!

This is the sunniest room in the house

but you have to walk through another room to get to it

The bathroom

lucky for the boys living with me, I don't need to shave my legs, take 10minutes to wash my hair + another 10 for the rest of my shower, blow dry my hair perfectly with every product on earth, and apply enough makeup to make a mask every day...well actually maybe that is just lucky for me.

In any case on to more important things...like where is the coffee house? Oh wait that's right I think I could just have them throw one to my window every morning!

This sign is basically right below my window

don't worry I was all over it and had one of those Iced Mocha Lattes in my hands quickly!

So this is the outside of the shop...see the window above and to the right?...yep that is my window!

So, I'm moved in and have most of my room organized now. The kitchen is still a work in progress and not much more will get done until I get back from the CSC race this weekend. My roommates should be arriving soon. In fact I meet one of them today. One of the guys from AUS I know from last year and he will be here for the whole summer with me. Then there are another two guys, one from New Zealand and another from Germany who will be moving in on Monday. The New Zealander is Miles and he came over to check things out today, which worked out perfectly because I needed to go for an easy ride and I was able to tag along with him! Miles is pretty chill from what I can tell so far and it sounds like he knows how to give a massage, which he should not have told me, but too late now!...haha.

Miles and I after our ride...did I mention the roads and riding here are amazing

I've been super excited about life and summer since I got here and now that I'm pretty confident I'm going to be living with chill people, I'm even happier!

Well it is a bit past my bedtime so I'm going to say goodnight, but I'll try to keep updated. I leave tomorrow for Virginia, that is where the CSC race is, so wish the team and I luck!

Short term schedule:
1st - CSC, VA
3rd - Allentown, PA
6th - Reading, PA
8th - Liberty Classic, PA (I may or may not be racing)
11th-15th - Nature Valley, MN
Then some Track Time!!!