tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774112376062485792024-03-12T21:57:10.793-04:00Haywoodja?Would you? I would.Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-46358050316535565392017-06-27T13:52:00.000-04:002017-06-27T14:09:07.802-04:00The Ring <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pvMPzgos1Vg/WVKME3Xb6PI/AAAAAAAAEsg/BM7X_hyhjLIOeD0ZQNQcALhLKIOu2QqJgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pvMPzgos1Vg/WVKME3Xb6PI/AAAAAAAAEsg/BM7X_hyhjLIOeD0ZQNQcALhLKIOu2QqJgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1145.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZ_Fl-axuzM/WVKMEP9SoeI/AAAAAAAAEsY/b69KybJGj1Mf2IZG8dsiS9pipg0n_otxwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZ_Fl-axuzM/WVKMEP9SoeI/AAAAAAAAEsY/b69KybJGj1Mf2IZG8dsiS9pipg0n_otxwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Five years ago the first mountain bike single pull of the Ring was completed by Michael Carpenter and Kyle Lawrence. Check out the video. <a href="https://vimeo.com/45669127">Carp and Kyles Ring</a><br />
<br />
Notice the hard tail Kyle is riding and the absence of dropper posts. Those two guys are the some of the best riders and endurance riders that I know. They also are just tough and stubborn dudes. They had ridden in that area many times and definitely had a sense of what they were getting into.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to 2015 When stranger to the scene Barry Croker did a solo completion on his racy Scalpel and carbon soled shoes. He missed Waonoze, so asterisk to some, but I'm counting it regardless. You can read about his ride here. <a href="http://www.rodeo-labs.com/2015/06/16/the-massanutten-ring-of-fire/">Barry's ring</a> Barry went on to make other attempts to be thwarted by thunderstorms and maybe his riding partners. Funny thing, he still plans on doing it again and maybe again!<br />
<br />
It is something that I have wanted to do, and found myself telling some folks that it was a goal of mine. I have done many rides up on orange loop including the Two Towers ride that is usually a stage of the tour de burg. I've also done Short Mountain and Jawbone pretty often. Honestly, I usually do those two trails by themselves, what we call low miles high miles. The mileage is less that 4, but we end up sessioning and practicing moves because they are so difficult.<br />
<br />
The riding on the Ring is the hardest, most difficult riding there is on the East Coast. I feel pretty confident in sayin that.<br />
<br />
As a step towards the goal, <a href="http://careylowery.blogspot.com/">Carey Lowery</a> and myself rode it as a two day in November of 2015. It was a lot of walking, but when you are fresher you can attempt to ride quite a bit. After that two day, I felt the one day was realistic. <br />
<br />
I found myself stating as my goal that I want to complete the Ring. But somehow timing and motivation were always a little off. I thought that I could do it in the Spring of 2017 actually writing down a few days on my calendar but schedules, weather, injuries and strength were the issues.<br />
<br />
In May, two really awesome riders, Carlos Grande and Sam Skidmore, slayed it in 15 hours. That time is mind blowing. But knowing that Carlos is one of the fittest guys I know with long legs and then Sam is probably the most natural and relaxed rider that I have ever seen, it makes total sense.<br />
<br />
Now there are others who have tried and failed particularly of note are Jeremiah Bishop and Sam Koerber.<br />
<br />
In June, Lindsey Carpenter, attempted the Ring as the first women to do so. Lindsey is an exceptional rider and person with the strength and stubbornness to do it. Coincidentally, she is the daughter of Carp and the girlfriend of Sam. So the connection was strong. She was doing well hitting 13 hours when her feet brought her down. Lindsey got severe blisters and has had some painful issues with her feet and bunion surgery. It was a harsh reminder that something like this isn't just about your riding ability, so many little things go into the equation. The boa on my shoes blew out a couple days before, so having to run new shoes was a major worry with this much required walking.<br />
<br />
Something about the summer solstice truly inspired me. Coming off putting on the very successful Canaan MTB Festival, I was energized. I made the decision to do the Ring only two days before. I didn't need too much gear more than a normal long ride except lights. <br />
<br />
Planning is my weak point, but experience and knowing myself is my strong point. I decided to go it solo and self suffort. <br />
<br />
I went the evening before and set my stashes. I put food and water at Jawbone, Duncan Hollow and Veach. I set up my stashes to do a reverse Ring. My thinking with the reverse (counter clockwise) was that it would be a fresher perspective. I had always done rides in the same direction that the normal route goes, so mixing it up would keep is exciting. Verdict is still out on what direction is better, but I'm leaning towards the clockwise version as of now.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdRd_W4A1_4/WVKL6Hc9oMI/AAAAAAAAEsg/t_3ftU7yh10kT-RW3Ntx4XBZsmFufj_oACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdRd_W4A1_4/WVKL6Hc9oMI/AAAAAAAAEsg/t_3ftU7yh10kT-RW3Ntx4XBZsmFufj_oACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1187.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hVnwaWEA8HY/WVKL57GqvUI/AAAAAAAAEsY/YPsrfhKlg58kM6uZTh5jr6a9mOg2btDCACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hVnwaWEA8HY/WVKL57GqvUI/AAAAAAAAEsY/YPsrfhKlg58kM6uZTh5jr6a9mOg2btDCACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I stayed at Preston's house and then started the Ring at 1:30 on June 22. I hadn't done a night ride in years and it was awesome. I enjoyed Signal and Woodstock and Waonaze. Short wasn't too bad, but I made a mistake with not leaving water at the start of it. I was thinking that I wouldn't drink a lot in the middle of the night. So I was really thirsty when I got to my stash at bottom of Jawbone. Jawbone was the worst with so many briars, walking and fatigue. Bears had pulled down so many service berry trees to get to the berries. I would feel sickish and frustrated quite a bit on this part. Once again I needed more water. Miles and miles of walking done at this point. But I will say my Pearl Izumi Trans-Alp shoes were really awesome and that is no easy task over this terrain.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X4zi8q57ku4/WVKUcZHlkWI/AAAAAAAAEtA/qFhiywpzuAo7xEBaCdD3opyx7njsNd2rACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X4zi8q57ku4/WVKUcZHlkWI/AAAAAAAAEtA/qFhiywpzuAo7xEBaCdD3opyx7njsNd2rACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1164.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OUU9GPb1aEA/WVKUdtKFVeI/AAAAAAAAEtA/-Ek2dGCrmnsVAjDHy94Pqem0NMeUZj2IgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OUU9GPb1aEA/WVKUdtKFVeI/AAAAAAAAEtA/-Ek2dGCrmnsVAjDHy94Pqem0NMeUZj2IgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1174.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq7OIBhqh0Q/WVKMFDoIuYI/AAAAAAAAEsg/7es6X1wRvksAI7zpHyhTUWrGNM8b6brpQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq7OIBhqh0Q/WVKMFDoIuYI/AAAAAAAAEsg/7es6X1wRvksAI7zpHyhTUWrGNM8b6brpQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1176.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Pv1OIQwXi0/WVKL0OdcsjI/AAAAAAAAEsY/9kmEsEPxGyYT0zF6m1OyyoI1FfPtTnSywCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Pv1OIQwXi0/WVKL0OdcsjI/AAAAAAAAEsY/9kmEsEPxGyYT0zF6m1OyyoI1FfPtTnSywCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1178.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EFQTJuKfoDc/WVKL1_XnIFI/AAAAAAAAEsY/b4N-gCrJiIU5_6fAVpKk8L5X_q79AXtDwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EFQTJuKfoDc/WVKL1_XnIFI/AAAAAAAAEsY/b4N-gCrJiIU5_6fAVpKk8L5X_q79AXtDwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1180.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bike did great!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lWI5hLR6e_4/WVKL3NvitdI/AAAAAAAAEsY/SoKvIFTAbwkYDSQgkumtVC1vvmLTqPocgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lWI5hLR6e_4/WVKL3NvitdI/AAAAAAAAEsY/SoKvIFTAbwkYDSQgkumtVC1vvmLTqPocgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1182.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sure, going down Waterfall and Duncan was great, but climbing up from Waterfall was particularly brutal. I drank out of the creek twice there and no beaver fever, so that's good. I got to my stash at Duncan and and was feeling confident and revitalized because of the familiarity of the next sections. I had also been texting just a little with Barry, Preston and Lindsey. My phone loses battery pretty quick, so I had to watch it in case of a real emergency.<br />
<br />
On a normal day, riding up Kennedy's is a doable challenge, today walk walky. And then walk some more for the half of the ride. Certain sections, I was so pumped to ride some technical trail. Other sections I knew how pathetic it was that I couldn't.<br />
<br />
I knew descending into Creasy Shelter and then having to climb back up to the ridge would be brutal, so I left a can of soup, cold brewed coffee, red bull and other treats at Veach. I cut my hand on the soup and was getting eaten alive by mosquitos. Climbing Veach is normally hard, but doable. Today was walk walky. Any pressure on the saddle hurt. It wasn't too bad, but honestly after I got to the overlook, the real test began.<br />
<br />
The ticks and deer flies swarmed me on the east ridge. The briars that had destroyed my skin on the west ridge were now being bitten by ticks, hit by my pedals incessantly and tormented by deer flies. I really wasn't expecting to be picking ticks off me while I tried to negotiate this gnarly terrain. It isn't that easy to get a tick off of you with cycling gloves on. Oh, and at the slow pace that I was going, the gnats buzzed constantly in my ears and eyes. Certain places poison ivy engulfed the trail. Still waiting to see if I got it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yvt80v8UaJ8/WVKL9uaoseI/AAAAAAAAEsg/WvaZNB1TVZkppjx274zeFJuGDsiLt7w1QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yvt80v8UaJ8/WVKL9uaoseI/AAAAAAAAEsg/WvaZNB1TVZkppjx274zeFJuGDsiLt7w1QCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1188.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
From Habron to Shawl is total brutality at this point. So many hike a bikes and rough terrain. I did ride a couple of sections that I just thought, fuck ya. An extreme low point came when the orange trail dips on the east side of the ridge. Normally, when we are riding up there we don't do that, we just stay on the ridge. But in order to follow blaze...I said FUCK there more times than any other place.<br />
<br />
Doing the math, which I'm never good as I get tired, I knew that I could make it in a day. I wasn't sure about my lights though. I had only one light and used it for almost 5 hours in the morning. I got to Shawl just when I needed to put it back on. My hands weren't really working anymore. I had to use my teeth to put it on. I finally got it on and there was some juice. Thank god I could descend with a light. I rode some tough stuff on Shawl, I guess because of adrenaline. I caught some air and though to myself , yeeha! If I ever doubted that I am a mountain biker through and through that moment cemented it for me. I still want to find flow and have fun when I'm on my last leg.<br />
<br />
The car was so close, but had to do the proper blaze and finish the 3/4 mile on the only built trail on the Ring into the parking lot. My car was still there even though I had thoughts that what if someone stole my car and I had to ride to help?<br />
<br />
I hadn't really planned what I was going to do after, but Preston had sent a text to say I could stay at his house. I needed two hands to get my car started because truly my hands took the worst of the wear. I still was crawling with ticks and imagining more. I was so chaffed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oNp8Nwf06-M/WVKL5RK4GgI/AAAAAAAAEsY/pmIWFbnpiTgg6AAFjHsG8fTuli2tAoPYQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oNp8Nwf06-M/WVKL5RK4GgI/AAAAAAAAEsY/pmIWFbnpiTgg6AAFjHsG8fTuli2tAoPYQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1186.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AnxvcDnzK_U/WVKL_jtuj7I/AAAAAAAAEsg/XmszDLvkyPMYk5Aec1OWeoXXVzBHDNjlQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AnxvcDnzK_U/WVKL_jtuj7I/AAAAAAAAEsg/XmszDLvkyPMYk5Aec1OWeoXXVzBHDNjlQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1205.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V4FzAFkRuhg/WVKL_eTWk2I/AAAAAAAAEsk/uUjKrRVJA7UUlxqD0jkjYbryl2rbwWNwgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V4FzAFkRuhg/WVKL_eTWk2I/AAAAAAAAEsk/uUjKrRVJA7UUlxqD0jkjYbryl2rbwWNwgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1204.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vYUHUGxplno/WVKZnhK27GI/AAAAAAAAEtM/65JEZ8sHSX4bFdNLQ5OwIHb6YKV8bow2wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vYUHUGxplno/WVKZnhK27GI/AAAAAAAAEtM/65JEZ8sHSX4bFdNLQ5OwIHb6YKV8bow2wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1208.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I got back to my car at 10pm after 20.5 hours of being out. No record time, but first person to do the reverse Ring and first woman, 6th person to complete the Massanutten Orange Loop by mountain bike. <br />
<br />
This whole thing started with a running race that has kept detailed records of the event. Check it out. <a href="http://www.vhtrc.org/news/theRing">Happy Trail Runners</a><br />
<br />
A hard thing about this was going right into a 3 day instructing and guiding weekend for 18 women at Elk River Touring Center. I was exhausted and beat up, but realizing the power of the mind is greater than any physical strength or limitation. Women constantly list finding confidence as the number one reason to take a clinic from me. I tell them that you find confidence by doing things that are hard and outside your comfort zone and surviving them and learning from experience. Completing the Ring, definitely gave me the confidence to know that I'm tough and do can hard things. And it reminds me to continue to surround myself with people who dream and push their limits and basically "do shit".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dGMpqooVCzc/WVKL9oPMMAI/AAAAAAAAEsY/8-p6ajO9DB4xPmTTGdeBQxTBut6l8KLFwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dGMpqooVCzc/WVKL9oPMMAI/AAAAAAAAEsY/8-p6ajO9DB4xPmTTGdeBQxTBut6l8KLFwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1195.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n_YzYY3G5fk/WVKL1jSeKtI/AAAAAAAAEsY/3KHCnsc_5lgxwIC83RAYKygsDCcDwGXNwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n_YzYY3G5fk/WVKL1jSeKtI/AAAAAAAAEsY/3KHCnsc_5lgxwIC83RAYKygsDCcDwGXNwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1184.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FhPdy13XDbI/WVKLzVXsSYI/AAAAAAAAEsY/LCnVFHLg7GghH29Te0eVTgER_HYw4ILBgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FhPdy13XDbI/WVKLzVXsSYI/AAAAAAAAEsY/LCnVFHLg7GghH29Te0eVTgER_HYw4ILBgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Special thanks go out to Michael Carpenter, Kyle Lawrence, Charlie Snyder, Sam Skidmore, Lindsey Carpenter, Barry Croker, Preston Stempler, Zach Adams, Chris Scott, Shenandoah Bicycle Company, Blackwater Bikes, Ibis Cycles, Shimano, Industry Nine, Pearl Izumi.Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-50510304315814359302017-06-27T11:13:00.000-04:002017-06-27T11:13:14.223-04:00Face with tears of Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The Ring is 71 miles of the Orange Loop around Fort Valley, Virginia. I've been riding up there for years and absolutely love it. It is rocky, dry, technical, slow moving and lots of steeps. Usually when I ride there I don't manage to cover much ground and always have to walk lines on the uphill and down!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-oafsdxtjk/Vks71pQr_aI/AAAAAAAADq8/ReJDP7X5Fpo/s1600/Sunny%2BRing%2BSue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-oafsdxtjk/Vks71pQr_aI/AAAAAAAADq8/ReJDP7X5Fpo/s320/Sunny%2BRing%2BSue.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That sunny east ridge of Massanutten. Photo credit: Eric Jensen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I only know of 3 dudes that have completed it in one day and one has an asterisk because he missed Wanoaze(but I'm still counting him). Now could more people do it...yes, of course. It's not that hard, but it is pretty hard. It's slow going. It's certainly not for everyone. And there really needs to be two categories of Ring rides: Those who complete it in one day and those that complete the toughest moves on the Ring.( And I would say there are about 3-4 dudes that can do that)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHIROb0hftY/Vks76drvNqI/AAAAAAAADrE/V-kr-pDEnrc/s1600/Hike%2Ba%2Bbike%2Bup%2BWaterfall%2BTrail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHIROb0hftY/Vks76drvNqI/AAAAAAAADrE/V-kr-pDEnrc/s320/Hike%2Ba%2Bbike%2Bup%2BWaterfall%2BTrail.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at those deep, deep oak leaves! The strenuous hike up Waterfall Trail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Carey Lowery asked if I would like to do it. She made me commit and I really appreciate that. My nature is too laid back sometimes and she is a good motivator and very driven. She hadn't even ridden Fort Valley before so had no idea what the terrain was like in person. And she did great! I think she'll be the first woman to do it in one day.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2hcdXfDSG6g/VktLKrjcLeI/AAAAAAAADrk/ML2SJllv0Kw/s1600/Sue%2Brocks%2Bring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2hcdXfDSG6g/VktLKrjcLeI/AAAAAAAADrk/ML2SJllv0Kw/s320/Sue%2Brocks%2Bring.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chutes and rocks. Photo credit: Kyle Lawrence</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pXNebCoUz0s/Vk3gD4L5h-I/AAAAAAAADs4/nkXu0stDZb8/s1600/Top%2Bof%2BWaonoze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pXNebCoUz0s/Vk3gD4L5h-I/AAAAAAAADs4/nkXu0stDZb8/s320/Top%2Bof%2BWaonoze.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This doesn't even look hard, but it's picky. Photo credit:Carey Lowery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q30iArSgnz4/Vk3Kg5Ckl8I/AAAAAAAADss/PQn5qmQdqHo/s1600/tears-of-joy-emoji.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q30iArSgnz4/Vk3Kg5Ckl8I/AAAAAAAADss/PQn5qmQdqHo/s1600/tears-of-joy-emoji.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the word of the year. Last year was vape. I would of chose Boost.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-47363775462273100652015-04-07T16:33:00.001-04:002015-04-07T16:36:57.819-04:00How is mountain biking like sex? Actually, this blog post should be titled, "Why women mountain bikers are so freakin cool". Answer to title question is at the bottom of the page.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t0OquokRSfI/VSQuNlndkXI/AAAAAAAADkk/2WxZFSZBtjA/s1600/sue%2Bin%2Brocks%2B15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t0OquokRSfI/VSQuNlndkXI/AAAAAAAADkk/2WxZFSZBtjA/s1600/sue%2Bin%2Brocks%2B15.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit Carey Lowery of me at Racoon Mounain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I've been carving out some good clean fun the last couple of years doing mountain bike skills clinics for women. The last ones that I did in the South were special requests by small groups of women that were really good riders with racing experience, but wanted to take their skills up a notch to get faster and more relaxed. And these women were all fit and skillful, but also very successful at their careers and achievements. And they had really nice bikes!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4kLF770nMBs/VSQt3OL3onI/AAAAAAAADkc/PeAksKMA1c8/s1600/catching%2Bair%2Bclnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4kLF770nMBs/VSQt3OL3onI/AAAAAAAADkc/PeAksKMA1c8/s1600/catching%2Bair%2Bclnic.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit Carey Lowery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Riding with those ladies, it reminded me how cool the greater mountain bike scene keeps getting because there are more women involved. Women make the sport cooler. I remember hearing that statement a while ago in Whistler. The speaker (a man) said,"Look around at your local bike scene? I guarantee you that if there are a good number of women in it, it's going to be cool." I like cool, but you could replace that with better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yT85hqbFTLg/VSQ-QlR4eQI/AAAAAAAADk0/f2BcRuoCHm0/s1600/ashevilleladies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yT85hqbFTLg/VSQ-QlR4eQI/AAAAAAAADk0/f2BcRuoCHm0/s1600/ashevilleladies.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'd like to think that our bike shops, bike companies, sponsored athletes and trail workers should also have lots of women represented and they will be better. I think women specific products are a great option. All women group shop rides and all women skills clinics are of great benefit for all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzmQamUSO_4/VSQttBpbVaI/AAAAAAAADkU/nqIBsmLQyp8/s1600/MMBS2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzmQamUSO_4/VSQttBpbVaI/AAAAAAAADkU/nqIBsmLQyp8/s1600/MMBS2015.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And I am very proud of so many mountain bike races out there, especially the big ones, that give equal pay out to men and women pros. I'm so positive about women cyclists supporting youth cycling like <a href="http://cutawaybikecamp.com/girls-mtb-team/">Cutaway Girls Camp</a> and <a href="http://littlebellas.com/">The Little Bellas</a>. Many women have started or are running all women teams <a href="http://www.notubes.com/Racing-Teams.aspx">NoTubesWomen</a> or are even offering <a href="http://www.amandabatty.com/#!provingpossible/cdaj">sponsorships</a> from their own pocketbooks. <br />
<br />
<br />
I know that after I do a clinic the ladies are really great about sharing their feedback, sharing the pictures on social media(even using the right hashtags) and most importantly they know how to have a good time and SMILE! <a href="http://careylowery.blogspot.com/2015/03/sue-haywood-mountain-bike-skills-clinic.html?spref=fb">Carey is one of those cool ladies.</a> They do a lot to keep the sport positive and vibrant.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZPKNjHND6M/VSQ-ogC6x_I/AAAAAAAADk8/EaNK4cuykoI/s1600/happygirl-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZPKNjHND6M/VSQ-ogC6x_I/AAAAAAAADk8/EaNK4cuykoI/s1600/happygirl-2.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
**This was a joke that I heard when I was in Georgia teaching a skills clinic. How is mountain biking like sex? Answer: Don't just sit there! As an IMBA instructor, I had to change it to it's all in the body positioning of course! Or if you can think of something funny, leave it in the comments.Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-2015434050878145452014-12-22T15:54:00.002-05:002014-12-22T15:54:54.499-05:00But, How did you feel?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kf9kcgFfLMA/VJiBCSK1h6I/AAAAAAAADgc/jRWbnQdgQBQ/s1600/Invitational%2B20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kf9kcgFfLMA/VJiBCSK1h6I/AAAAAAAADgc/jRWbnQdgQBQ/s1600/Invitational%2B20.jpg" height="200" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
The Invitational is an annual event in Harrisonburg, Virginia. This description is taken off the SVBC(Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition) website, right under the disclaimer that the club no longer provides insurance for or is affiliated with this event. " <span style="color: #645c50; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">A Harrisonburg tradition since 1995. The Friday Six Pack Downhills are a very fun, informal group ride in the mountains west of Harrisonburg. Each week in the fall is a new trail somewhere in the George Washington National Forest. The Ride consists of a casual leisurely pace to climb up the mountain and then a very informal “race” back down the mountain. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to participate especially if you have never ridden in the mountains around town.</span><br />
<div style="border: 0px; color: #645c50; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
Each year the series culminates with an “Invitational” downhill, the Universal Fixed Gear World Championships, and an enormous party. All those with one 6-pack and two trail works are invited!"</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6o7lhOTCgJM/VJiBlEmfgfI/AAAAAAAADgk/beVFcVoXxCM/s1600/10537075_1510630029173356_5152267399936114571_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6o7lhOTCgJM/VJiBlEmfgfI/AAAAAAAADgk/beVFcVoXxCM/s1600/10537075_1510630029173356_5152267399936114571_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you win one week, the next week you get the pleasure of riding the "Soft Ride"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here's another blurb about it:<br /><a href="http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/go-outside/six-pack-invitational/">http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/go-outside/six-pack-invitational/</a><br />
<br />
This year, there were two timed Super D/Downhill sections and in my mind that makes it an Enduro. There was a timing snafu. The timers, who held stopwatches, did not allow for all the ghost riders. For some reason, they couldn't figure that out after a couple hours of Enron math working on it. Someone starts asking people, "How did you feel?" This also could substitute for a personality trait test. Some of the guys were modest like Abe and said that they had a pretty good run. But then some guys were cocky, like Oliver, who said that there was no way anyone could of beat him on the second section. He was completely sure that he not only felt fast, but was fast and therefore was the winner as long as his crash on the first section didn't effect his time too much. Others knew the exact moment that they would have to settle for not getting the win. Others had no idea how they felt, just that they had fun. The ladies were all smiling of course.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UmZRwzhgN_8/VJiB8iXxZdI/AAAAAAAADgs/GCOlncssJPM/s1600/10749954_1548232332079792_6422291526001325570_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UmZRwzhgN_8/VJiB8iXxZdI/AAAAAAAADgs/GCOlncssJPM/s1600/10749954_1548232332079792_6422291526001325570_o.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old school: Stopwatch, Pen and Paper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvNHcQtoto0/VJiE1neubnI/AAAAAAAADhU/IcpnN2MVPV8/s1600/10608410_10203058650687638_2021997409304395070_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvNHcQtoto0/VJiE1neubnI/AAAAAAAADhU/IcpnN2MVPV8/s1600/10608410_10203058650687638_2021997409304395070_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I felt pretty and fast </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Now, in some crowds, that shit wouldn't fly. I'm imaging the Cupcake community of Michauxslovakia or the BroBro Community of SoCal wouldn't be too happy about those snafus. But things are different in Harrisonburg. The purpose of the Invitational is for people to come together to ride and have fun. They simultaneously play up and play down the competition aspect of the race. Like, names are picked out of the hat for starting positions, so in theory the fastest guy could start in the middle of the slowest people, which can be a real disadvantage. And peer pressure dictates that you are polite when you pass in the Burg. But, if you win, you are local legend forever and then you are allowed to acknowledge the fact that you were indeed racing for the win. But, if you didn't win, in no way can you express your disappointment. You are crazy fast to win one of these things and everyone knows that! With so much respect on the line, its really fascinating to see people's mellow reaction to questionable race run times. It doesn't matter anyway, I heard lots of people saying. Its about coming together with your friends. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bumo5mTSwqE/VJiCw6uRMkI/AAAAAAAADg4/RB5Tmfu0JDg/s1600/10787765_304231229784223_2136062848_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bumo5mTSwqE/VJiCw6uRMkI/AAAAAAAADg4/RB5Tmfu0JDg/s1600/10787765_304231229784223_2136062848_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I won, but Lizzy is the fun, fast future of this event</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O32gCemHHHE/VJiDhs1F8DI/AAAAAAAADhA/gZ551Qh9A5M/s1600/1530690_298484830352449_147890438_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O32gCemHHHE/VJiDhs1F8DI/AAAAAAAADhA/gZ551Qh9A5M/s1600/1530690_298484830352449_147890438_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even though it was supposedly a tie, Oliver felt so fast, that he decided he should take home the trophy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Enduro is the new race of truth, because the clock doesn't lie even if it does take hours to calculate that truth. Sometimes it's just more important in America about how you felt, your feelings! If you felt fast and the timing got messed up, you are probably the winner and that's just another reason to love Enduro!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RHrwhqMrBxo/VJiD96eK1EI/AAAAAAAADhI/NYEhzdgcLEI/s1600/10735201_1516016585307536_321409297_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RHrwhqMrBxo/VJiD96eK1EI/AAAAAAAADhI/NYEhzdgcLEI/s1600/10735201_1516016585307536_321409297_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugh Jass lives in Harrisonburg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-32693338584192632412014-09-16T14:08:00.001-04:002014-09-16T14:08:34.584-04:00Queens , Sirens and Bullshit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1EFprtwPowg/VBh7B0tn7II/AAAAAAAADgI/7144gURDwM4/s1600/Sue%2Bgap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1EFprtwPowg/VBh7B0tn7II/AAAAAAAADgI/7144gURDwM4/s1600/Sue%2Bgap.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I love mountain biking. I am always wanting to improve my skills to maximize my fun. And reduce the crashes. One of the main reasons that I teach mountain bike skills is to share what I know with other riders, so that they can have more fun and ride with more confidence.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5gnLXlxESiI/VBh6mpY2vrI/AAAAAAAADgA/eVPFNMuzu-c/s1600/IMG_4676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5gnLXlxESiI/VBh6mpY2vrI/AAAAAAAADgA/eVPFNMuzu-c/s1600/IMG_4676.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing beats seeing a woman with stoke and confidence</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
These last couple of weeks, I've had the opportunity to teach lots of ladies new skills and ways to improve upon the skills that they have.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NCspKtyRtKU/VBhdkD-FEHI/AAAAAAAADfg/eLL2OjYJQGQ/s1600/IMG_4339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NCspKtyRtKU/VBhdkD-FEHI/AAAAAAAADfg/eLL2OjYJQGQ/s1600/IMG_4339.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pisgah Sirens! These ladies could climb some mountains! I think that I helped them conquer bigger logs, drops and they helped me with my left handed switchbacks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b8bFDZz6hcE/VBhdzYF-h-I/AAAAAAAADfo/sqCH1Wbv1Ao/s1600/IMG_4453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b8bFDZz6hcE/VBhdzYF-h-I/AAAAAAAADfo/sqCH1Wbv1Ao/s1600/IMG_4453.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our traditional group photo taken on the Highland Scenic Highway for the Elk River Touring Center women's single track weekend. These ladies gained efficiency over the miles of roots and learning to pump through long rock gardens.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9_soG5XUG0/VBheRKDhT-I/AAAAAAAADfw/v8PfPOlkBLI/s1600/IMG_4669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9_soG5XUG0/VBheRKDhT-I/AAAAAAAADfw/v8PfPOlkBLI/s1600/IMG_4669.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These ladies were the winners of the raffle at the Bryce QOM. They learned to catch air and train their minds to focus on body position instead of catastrophe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I really would love to see more women in my beloved sport of mountain biking! I am doing my small part by focusing on teaching women skills in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. For the Bryce QOM, I contacted some companies to ask for product for the giveaway raffle. The women would be psyched to get women's products and everyone loves swag and then the companies would get some exposure for their women's lines. I was really pleased with most of the stuff sent. Zoic , Bontrager, Mountain Khaki and G-Form sent some nice stuff.<br />
<br />
One rep sent two men's medium t-shirts that were pink and had the name of the Giro d'Italia winner on it. I have no idea why he thought that would be right for a women's mountain bike skills weekend. And it's not that I don't appreciate the free shirts and the cost of shipping, but it reminds me that sometimes the bike industry just doesn't get it. Just because its pink and free doesn't make it a women's product.<br />
<br />
I get to see a lot of different women's bikes. A couple of things that I continually see are bikes that are too big and often too heavy for the woman riding it. These are mainly 29ers . And yes, a small woman can ride a 29er...but not all 29ers are right. Some of the geometry puts the front end too high and puts the woman too far down in the bike to be able to move the bike around. The second thing is brake levers that are not in the right spot and too far away for their hands. Yes, some of this responsibility falls on the woman to buy the right thing for herself. But I think it also falls on the bike shops, bike companies and friends that they ride with.<br />
<br />
Selene Yeager had this to say on the subject <a href="http://blogs.bicycling.com/blogs/fitchick/what-women-want">What women want</a>. And I agree...You ask 5 women what they want and you might get 5 different answers. But choice is important and just by having the choice of bikes, products, clothes, clinics, races, events, groups...that shows that women are recognized as participants in mountain biking and cycling. Sure, probably a million more men cycle than women, but its still millions of women and its growing every year.<br />
<br />
I haven't seen "Half the Road" yet, but I am a huge fan of Kathyrn Bertine and her efforts to make more people aware of the inequality in elite racing for women. It seems like women racers are in a very tough situation. On one hand, they are the minority and don't pay their fair share of race entry fees. On the other hand, they spend the same amount of money buying bikes, paying race entry fees and money on a license. But still at most races, they don't get the same prize money. And "professional" women racers are often racing for free while the men have a salary minimum. Catherine Pendrel just won the Mountain Bike World Championships . Do you think she won the same amount as Julien Absalon? And do you think that she can afford to boycott races that don't pay equally?<br />
<br />
I remember accidentally seeing what a male teammate's salary was, while I was a rider for the Trek/VW team. It was more than double of what I made. They didn't make me go to less than half the races, train half as hard, pay half as much health insurance, pay my coach half or ask me to do half the bike shop visits. Or only deal with half of the bullshit that they dished out.<br />
<br />
A friend who recently came into the world of mountain biking racing and sponsorship noted how weird it was that riders on a team were supposed to spend a bunch of time doing marketing for the team and the team's sponsors for free, even though the team and the sponsors all have paid marketing managers. They were supposed to give over their social media identity to whatever company tossed them a bone. People ask me to teach for free. I really wonder if they ask to get their teeth cleaned for free or the oil changed in their car for nothing.<br />
<br />
She said that it's so hard because biking has captured all of our hearts and that is why we do it. But knowing that the bike industry and teams(or lack of)or clubs pull at our heartstrings to make us say yes. How do we get more respect, better pay, equal prize money, cool products and more of the right kind of exposure?<br />
<br />
I always tell the women that I teach(who have paid me for my job) to spread the knowledge. Take another women out for ride and teach her what you learned. Spread the joy! Which reminds me of the "dude" who wouldn't give me a mountain bike lesson because he thought that I was going to tell someone else what I learned.<br />
<br />
I guess I better go now and ride my bike!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; font-family: 'PT Serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; font-family: 'PT Serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; font-family: 'PT Serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">“It’s only a small thing, compared to the reach the men have, but that is the point of elite sport: for people to see it and be entertained, or inspired, or start cycling, even if it is just riding around the block." -Emma Pooley.</span><br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<br />Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-52015053250019046202014-09-16T11:44:00.000-04:002014-09-16T11:44:04.247-04:00Slatyfork Enduro<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
WVMBA (West Virginia Mountain Bike Association) knows how to put on a sweet bike weekend. I got to race a 37 mile wet, wild knarl Ultra race that took me 5 hours one day. Then the next day, out of the same parking lot, I got to race a truly backcountry Enduro. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yDkGzm89bWo/VBhWS2dUseI/AAAAAAAADew/vAsii1NdAjo/s1600/IMG_4188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yDkGzm89bWo/VBhWS2dUseI/AAAAAAAADew/vAsii1NdAjo/s1600/IMG_4188.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the finish of the last timed section of the Slatyfork Enduro complete with warming fire and a mountain man to take your time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For me, I like to have two bikes for such a weekend and for sure different tire selections. But with the Trigger "Quiver Killer" I can certainly do both on that bike. Of course, I do put the Zoic baggies over my Verge pink Lycra shorty short racing bibs. For most of the WV crew though, they don't change a thing. I really like that in this day of niche racing and specialization of gear.<br />
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nLUo6GkzjWk/VBhUb0so4gI/AAAAAAAADek/OFAi4_4uCRo/s1600/10525688_10102511320355929_7011066737327614503_n-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nLUo6GkzjWk/VBhUb0so4gI/AAAAAAAADek/OFAi4_4uCRo/s1600/10525688_10102511320355929_7011066737327614503_n-2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea Creek Mountain Trail was one of my all time favorites<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Its the way of Enduro podiums to have a beer in one hand and then raise the other. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mLd184ZR5tY/VBhXM62b1WI/AAAAAAAADe4/AJbXlZlzeZg/s1600/IMG_4208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mLd184ZR5tY/VBhXM62b1WI/AAAAAAAADe4/AJbXlZlzeZg/s1600/IMG_4208.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c5q84tgM2U4/VBhX7k7DEvI/AAAAAAAADfA/SO6AHMy2yYg/s1600/IMG_4212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c5q84tgM2U4/VBhX7k7DEvI/AAAAAAAADfA/SO6AHMy2yYg/s1600/IMG_4212.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HmZmY-fM834/VBhZeG6n7XI/AAAAAAAADfM/3ugWNl4seAI/s1600/IMG_4232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HmZmY-fM834/VBhZeG6n7XI/AAAAAAAADfM/3ugWNl4seAI/s1600/IMG_4232.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you haven't rode Tea Creek Mountain Trail...Do it!<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dxBs9nn6PZ4/VBhZ7bcomzI/AAAAAAAADfU/speVvKxUwwc/s1600/IMG_4436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dxBs9nn6PZ4/VBhZ7bcomzI/AAAAAAAADfU/speVvKxUwwc/s1600/IMG_4436.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet Trigger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-36799426557606332262014-08-11T15:00:00.002-04:002014-08-11T15:15:35.401-04:00National Championships<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SBcBqzYc9Ls/U-kIf8R7fKI/AAAAAAAADdQ/ZS9O9TQTAJY/s1600/podium2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SBcBqzYc9Ls/U-kIf8R7fKI/AAAAAAAADdQ/ZS9O9TQTAJY/s1600/podium2014.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I've been on the <a href="http://www.notubesracing.com/womenselite/">Stan's No Tubes Women's Elite Team</a> for the past three years now. It's a really cool team because all the women are dedicated to personal bests in their racing, but also give back to the bigger community of cycling. It's also great to have the backing of our main sponsor Stan's No Tubes and get to ride sweet wheels like the carbon <a href="http://www.notubes.com/ZTR-Valor-Wheels-C142.aspx">Valors</a>.<br />
<br />
I also learn so many tips and tricks hanging out with Richie O'Neil and Mike Bush. I learned that many people burp their tubeless tires because they don't have the right rimstrips in there. So if you don't have a Stan's wheel set, put Stan's rim tape in there, which helps build up the rim to make a better seal.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3si5Y34jbo0/U-kSc2KUjrI/AAAAAAAADeM/ck6PXHDcNyw/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3si5Y34jbo0/U-kSc2KUjrI/AAAAAAAADeM/ck6PXHDcNyw/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
I don't race as much as the other girls, so I don't get to see my teammates much. Nor do I get to see our sponsors at the races much. So, I knew that I had to go to Nationals in Pennsylvania to support the other girls and see my Stan's family. Feeling like a tweener knowing that I had no fitness to race in the Pro Women's XC or Short Track, but couldn't really downgrade to an age grouper. There was only one event for me to do...<a href="http://www.bikemag.com/news/exclusive-what-is-enduro-what-is-super-d/">The Super D.</a> Vicki Barclay was kinda in the same position. She couldn't race the pro class because she is Scottish, so she raced the single speed class and won!<br />
<br />
I personally love Super D and think that USAC is crazy to drop it. It is really the quintessential event for anybody. Unlike Enduro, which they will adopt next year, Super D can be done by anybody, on any bike , with any level of fitness. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203693118482824&set=a.10200370294494301.1073741825.1663333067&type=1&theater">Enduro</a> really does require a bike with more travel and you need to have the fitness and skill to survive the longer, more technical stages.<br />
<br />
The course was fun and short. The East Coast really does have such great technical terrain, I wish the pros got to race the goods like that more often. I honestly think they want to, but a lot of the bigger races are out West. And riders have very little say in the direction of the sport. And the "Heckle Pit" is only on the East Coast.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woyFMPwGRek/U-kP7OWzHoI/AAAAAAAADeA/3StXbGPRSyc/s1600/Hecklepit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woyFMPwGRek/U-kP7OWzHoI/AAAAAAAADeA/3StXbGPRSyc/s1600/Hecklepit.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Anyway, I hadn't the fitness to win the race. That is the bottom line. The short pedal sections made my legs burn and I knew that I wasn't sprinting up them like a winner, more like a chubby slug. I did have a mostly smooth run in the rocks. It was fun and my Trigger again proved its versatility.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NLYZbkwta64/U-kJmrvli4I/AAAAAAAADdc/cgl6oOSJM2c/s1600/racing2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NLYZbkwta64/U-kJmrvli4I/AAAAAAAADdc/cgl6oOSJM2c/s1600/racing2014.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Georgia Gould, skinny in her skinsuit, won by five seconds over me. I was pretty happy to not have embarrassed myself. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ke3OVn39Q5o/U-kH-V0UWjI/AAAAAAAADdI/yoDJDGl5ZwI/s1600/georgi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ke3OVn39Q5o/U-kH-V0UWjI/AAAAAAAADdI/yoDJDGl5ZwI/s1600/georgi.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm a big fan of both Georgia and Lea Davison. I watched them both race at the London Olympics and I knew that they would be in a class of their own at Nationals. They both work so hard and have great personalities. I had goosebumps as I watched them at different spots on the course. They were both riding the rocks fast. I knew it would come down to some attacks on the steepest grassy switchbacks on the last laps. It was special to be able to see both Georgia's mom and Lea's dad on the same switchbacks (in different spots, though) cheering for their girls.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vNasV2Fwlw/U-kLuS7nToI/AAAAAAAADdo/He7ELdzrs-Y/s1600/GVSL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vNasV2Fwlw/U-kLuS7nToI/AAAAAAAADdo/He7ELdzrs-Y/s1600/GVSL.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I was very inspired by my seeing my teammates Nina Baum and Sarah Kauffman, too give it their all in the pro class. They have the courage to race and train and put it all on the line while holding down full time jobs and being very active in their communities. Hopefully Sarah will have a speedy recovery from her collarbone injury!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_SAjJ8Q-mAM/U-kOTQMqlPI/AAAAAAAADd0/gtzsuq2z6bU/s1600/team2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_SAjJ8Q-mAM/U-kOTQMqlPI/AAAAAAAADd0/gtzsuq2z6bU/s1600/team2014.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-20028461760022614432014-07-24T16:16:00.000-04:002014-07-24T16:16:31.446-04:00July is a GeniusBike riding is sweet and warm in July. How brilliant is the warmest month of the year!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NgeSMcBwRys/U9FlhkU0u8I/AAAAAAAADcs/T83Qm3MAlQ4/s1600/Reddish+Drop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NgeSMcBwRys/U9FlhkU0u8I/AAAAAAAADcs/T83Qm3MAlQ4/s1600/Reddish+Drop.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Michael Boyes. The start of the raddest super D from Reddish Knob</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Tour de Burg<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sohvni0rD_c/U9Fg5ygoiOI/AAAAAAAADbs/44pp3ceKoXw/s1600/TDB2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sohvni0rD_c/U9Fg5ygoiOI/AAAAAAAADbs/44pp3ceKoXw/s1600/TDB2014.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 Tour de Burg </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As I get a little older, I've become sentimental about certain annual biking events. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tourdeburg">Tour de Burg</a> is one of those annual events that remind me the importance of committing to a full pull, pushing myself physically and mentally, riding with friends who share a certain kind of toughness and love of epic shit. And of course, flair is encouraged in either your haircut, costume , riding style and talent.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkBfOXAQwFA/U9FhTT03_YI/AAAAAAAADb0/2wqH_6R7J-c/s1600/KOM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkBfOXAQwFA/U9FhTT03_YI/AAAAAAAADb0/2wqH_6R7J-c/s1600/KOM.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KOM, Dan Wolf has flair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Tour de Burg is the second of the Grand Tours of the Virginias. I wrote about the first Grand Tour, <a href="http://susanhaywood.blogspot.com/2014/05/giro-dvillefooflandia.html">Giro D'Ville,</a> in my last blog post. Tour de Burg is in it's 19th year of "slummin". Slummin' means that you are hurting, but you carry on. Slum and carry on should be next year's T-shirt slogan. It's just a matter of time before Slum hits you in a five day, six stage multiday race on some of Virginia's raddest terrain.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--FCgmgRiSW8/U9Fc_FXS2cI/AAAAAAAADbQ/QPMj2jdoj5I/s1600/tshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--FCgmgRiSW8/U9Fc_FXS2cI/AAAAAAAADbQ/QPMj2jdoj5I/s1600/tshirt.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only race that matters has their branding dialed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The format is 4 days on a mountain bike and one road bike day. This is a race with more of an "enduro" format: Ride as a group to the timed section. This is what Enduro should be...really riding together catching up and talking with friends and then laying your best effort on a timed section. Pleasure pace (PP) can be 30 minutes or 2 hours. The same with the timed sections...long or short.<br />
<br />
The whole Tour costs $175 dollars and that includes all the racing your body can take, big lunch spreads and all the soda that you can drink, sweet t-shirt and yummy group dinners. The hospitality is big with Out of towners invited to stay at local's houses. Shoot, they will even give you a free haircut or show you their local lines (if you can keep up!)<br />
<br />
Jerseys are awarded. Fooflandia took the Men's Leader jersey with a big smile and lots of poise. You can image being thrust into the leader's jersey on your first tour! Bryan Lewis went on to win Cat 1 National Championships in both XC and short track! Another Bryan, Bryan Fawley won the Sprint Jersey coming all the way from Texas! He knows how important it is to put the Tour on the schedule year after year. The KOM was won by the skinniest guy in the peleton, Dan Wolf. The hot jersey was the Super D jersey. Sam "Skidz" Skidmore was the fastest on the timed xc downhill runs. Probably one of my <a href="http://www.strava.com/activities/163460217">favorite days</a> from town and it had the coolest ever Super D is the run from the very top of Reddish Knob to Timber , to the end of Wolfe. I was the Women's Leader out of only two women. I'm not sure if other girls don't know about it, or they aren't tough enough? It's probably that they don't have summer vacation time. And some pros can't handle all the down time because everybody waits for everybody. And lastly, Tour de Burg acknowledges the supreme effort of the biggest slummers and awards a DFL jersey with a ten thousand dollar check.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uOug9xgE_Is/U9FiBDbg30I/AAAAAAAADb8/Y6QKcLljjjU/s1600/PodiumTDB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uOug9xgE_Is/U9FiBDbg30I/AAAAAAAADb8/Y6QKcLljjjU/s1600/PodiumTDB.jpg" height="162" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Michael Boyes. TDB podium 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4p1913JOloQ/U9FgjVrrrrI/AAAAAAAADbg/qLgG450wVXs/s1600/grouptdb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4p1913JOloQ/U9FgjVrrrrI/AAAAAAAADbg/qLgG450wVXs/s1600/grouptdb.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The director has a sweet track suit and cool haircut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-giy8e4uJXcs/U9FjwBKNeyI/AAAAAAAADcI/GPP91gAh8kk/s1600/Chillyslum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-giy8e4uJXcs/U9FjwBKNeyI/AAAAAAAADcI/GPP91gAh8kk/s1600/Chillyslum.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These leaders are slumming, but not as bad as you</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNno7wLbDfo/U9Fj92hubzI/AAAAAAAADcQ/ql3hVa_4m3M/s1600/bullhorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNno7wLbDfo/U9Fj92hubzI/AAAAAAAADcQ/ql3hVa_4m3M/s1600/bullhorn.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You gotta listen to what the director says</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Big congrats to Lindsey Carpenter aka Lizzy Clawprong on completing the Tour de Burg on her first full pull attempt at 19 years old. When you are raised by a very sane mother and an insane father, you get a girl who is grounded but hauls ass!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zw7yR2qeWvM/U9FlOK_svTI/AAAAAAAADck/cz_r_gqHv7c/s1600/Linz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zw7yR2qeWvM/U9FlOK_svTI/AAAAAAAADck/cz_r_gqHv7c/s1600/Linz.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kari and Lindsey have been involved with Tour de Burg for 19 years</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LB63hvr4UbY/U9FlDsnZ-rI/AAAAAAAADcc/t5nqhhvUUqA/s1600/Carpongterritory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LB63hvr4UbY/U9FlDsnZ-rI/AAAAAAAADcc/t5nqhhvUUqA/s1600/Carpongterritory.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The director is quite a guy to put this whole thing on for the love of the Slum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next year's dates are June 30 to July 4 2015 for the 20th Anniversary.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBJua89XbK4/U9FnxjcpsRI/AAAAAAAADc4/aDi2tBBJawY/s1600/Dickey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBJua89XbK4/U9FnxjcpsRI/AAAAAAAADc4/aDi2tBBJawY/s1600/Dickey.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dicky knows how much it hurts but he'll be there!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-87316104962883106692014-05-27T12:36:00.000-04:002014-05-27T12:36:09.404-04:00 Giro D'Ville...FooflandiaGiro D'Ville<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2vllXwNyafw/U4SsS2q8c-I/AAAAAAAADTs/enUjhmyO318/s1600/IMG_1943.JPG" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">There were 40 full pullers and some day poachers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2vllXwNyafw/U4SsS2q8c-I/AAAAAAAADTs/enUjhmyO318/s1600/IMG_1943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: red;"></span></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There are three grand tours that matter for a certain crew of mountain bike glitterati...Giro D'Ville, Tour de Burg and the Fall Tour. These are off the grid events put on by folks that think fun involves a little pain, a little pleasure, but it must be done in the mountains with friends. Yes, they are races and yes, they are hard. You won't find them on BikeReg.com. One of the main difference lies in the format of these stage races. Its group living eating breakfast and dinner all together at camp and lots of hang out time on camp chairs and yoga mats. There is beer drinking. People are not staring at their iphones...They are talking to each other, sitting close, laughing.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdEWfW4JRAY/U4S6xVAY1FI/AAAAAAAADVc/of5aoFwaDRs/s1600/IMG_1925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdEWfW4JRAY/U4S6xVAY1FI/AAAAAAAADVc/of5aoFwaDRs/s1600/IMG_1925.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">There is some hang out time that the pros might find tough</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The big difference is the way the racing happens. All stages start off with Pleasure Pace (PP) to the first timed section. These PP transfers sound like an Enduro race, but no Enduro race transfer is this much fun and social. Plus, its a no drop PP, meaning even the fastest guys wait for the slowest. The PP sections can be long or short. The timed sections can be long say 1:30 or short say 20 minutes. The timed sections are racing sections. There are multiple racing sections. The fastest guys carry the watches and time everyone. Often the Super D sections are timed by a volunteer. And the riding is so fine and puts us out in the mountains all day and end at a swimming hole.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHo39qQDzDA/U4Su8rSMD9I/AAAAAAAADT4/mFps681mxMQ/s1600/IMG_1923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHo39qQDzDA/U4Su8rSMD9I/AAAAAAAADT4/mFps681mxMQ/s1600/IMG_1923.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Captain Hoy gives us directions...Listen up!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I hadn't been to the Giro D'Ville in years because it conflicts with the Transylvania Epic in Pennsylvania. Since, I'm skipping TSE this year, It was my pleasure to see good friends and catch up. And ride!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YWYjgI5uh0s/U4SwMlh5jrI/AAAAAAAADUE/nEeUpDVX34o/s1600/IMG_1946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YWYjgI5uh0s/U4SwMlh5jrI/AAAAAAAADUE/nEeUpDVX34o/s1600/IMG_1946.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Super Blue skies while riding in the Virginia mountains with friends makes me very happy</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
One of the highlights is eeing the new blood mix with old blood. A new men's leader emerged in the uber fit and enduro ready, Collin Vento. Marty, also the race director, got second. Now wearing baggies and sneakers, Kyle Lawrence in third. Riding for Freedom and Family, extreme Joel Maynard got fourth and C-bass Quinn rode strong into fifth and selflessly stirred the Port a John for us all. O-Dog won the sprints and the lumberjack contest. Last year's winner, Alex Kurland, was this year's climber's jersey. And of course, Dan "ice cream" Oates is DFL.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ErijK7HgXok/U4SxbMcXGkI/AAAAAAAADUQ/ejz8vDAusjE/s1600/IMG_1864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ErijK7HgXok/U4SxbMcXGkI/AAAAAAAADUQ/ejz8vDAusjE/s1600/IMG_1864.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">DanFL again!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QuntcBFL96k/U4SxjAVpgEI/AAAAAAAADUY/wVb3_CShEc8/s1600/IMG_1871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QuntcBFL96k/U4SxjAVpgEI/AAAAAAAADUY/wVb3_CShEc8/s1600/IMG_1871.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Collin dominated all with a smile</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pDiZn6Pkh2Q/U4S1qNLgVDI/AAAAAAAADUs/sF7i-FykiwE/s1600/IMG_1874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pDiZn6Pkh2Q/U4S1qNLgVDI/AAAAAAAADUs/sF7i-FykiwE/s1600/IMG_1874.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Alex in the climber's jersey</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cjtK9-U3HbE/U4S2u4JMobI/AAAAAAAADU4/mSAnG6R0AMw/s1600/IMG_1954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cjtK9-U3HbE/U4S2u4JMobI/AAAAAAAADU4/mSAnG6R0AMw/s1600/IMG_1954.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Quinn Bros. Racing kept Oliver in the blue sprinter's jersey</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I am the Maghlia Rosa for the women, miraculously. I wanted to keep the leader's jersey because I like the color pink but it always hung pretty precariously on my shoulders. The 19 year old daughter of one of my best buds showed her mountain bike pedigree with some steamrolling downhill sections and some stubborn pedaling. Hopefully, she'll smartly channel that hereditary rage into some great fast racing in her future and making lots of friends. Whitney March was in third showing that she is tough as nails after coming back from giving most of her liver to her mother for a transplant! And our little friend who moved to Massachusetts, Jennifer Wolfson, rounded out the podium for the ladies.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BpwhGA70OHU/U4S8Z7QN3oI/AAAAAAAADVo/mJdOxzAEHwQ/s1600/IMG_1866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BpwhGA70OHU/U4S8Z7QN3oI/AAAAAAAADVo/mJdOxzAEHwQ/s1600/IMG_1866.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">There is only one jersey, it does not get washed and was only worn by me </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OpdT9Gwu6Fc/U4S1GO4s8RI/AAAAAAAADUk/VGSKt51hjcU/s1600/IMG_1911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OpdT9Gwu6Fc/U4S1GO4s8RI/AAAAAAAADUk/VGSKt51hjcU/s1600/IMG_1911.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Lindsey Carpenter is growing up fast</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R84TJK5Otuc/U4S4TGJFTWI/AAAAAAAADVQ/pTdtL-RQNRg/s1600/IMG_1889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R84TJK5Otuc/U4S4TGJFTWI/AAAAAAAADVQ/pTdtL-RQNRg/s1600/IMG_1889.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Wolfie at Spy Rock</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My favorite stage was Whetstone Ridge, right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is 11 miles of some of the best. Classic Virginia Backcountry Ridge riding...and one of the best downhill rewards at the end!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F9JMufqg400/U4S9vjsQBkI/AAAAAAAADV0/H2X82ZOAmqs/s1600/IMG_1903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F9JMufqg400/U4S9vjsQBkI/AAAAAAAADV0/H2X82ZOAmqs/s1600/IMG_1903.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Love, Love this trail!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hFR-FnmC1uA/U4S-3HC4ChI/AAAAAAAADWA/0Ka9xt3drpw/s1600/IMG_1940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hFR-FnmC1uA/U4S-3HC4ChI/AAAAAAAADWA/0Ka9xt3drpw/s1600/IMG_1940.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Thanks go out to the CAMBA crew and the heros that make the Giro happen.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0S07BXTvWI/U4S3TX4WAjI/AAAAAAAADVA/OvwYqsHo1KM/s1600/IMG_1884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0S07BXTvWI/U4S3TX4WAjI/AAAAAAAADVA/OvwYqsHo1KM/s1600/IMG_1884.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3FUNf6HMRM/U4S36qapHqI/AAAAAAAADVI/ECg4_wpdpLA/s1600/IMG_1879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3FUNf6HMRM/U4S36qapHqI/AAAAAAAADVI/ECg4_wpdpLA/s1600/IMG_1879.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-6772044611214527412014-04-22T14:39:00.000-04:002014-04-22T14:39:42.983-04:00April update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I entered the Leesburg Baker's Dozen race as a duo with my friend Libbey. I knew it was going to be hard from a fitness standpoint, but loved the aspect of hanging out in a chamois for 13 hours. This is a super fun flat lap with twists and turns, log hops and some neat rock features. The lap times were fast at under 45 minutes, so not much downtime for us. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9kDXk8yg9A/U1aq5OMd8oI/AAAAAAAADSk/2DYVa-6epJA/s1600/IMG_4768-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9kDXk8yg9A/U1aq5OMd8oI/AAAAAAAADSk/2DYVa-6epJA/s1600/IMG_4768-M.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I did the first lap. I was enjoying the chaos and loving the course. I felt good and efficient on the mountain biking aspect of my lap. Then about a 1/4 mile from the finish, I clipped a pedal and went down hard. I hit a rock with my left pedal and flew off the bike landing on my head and back. The wind was knocked out of me and I was gasping. Its not a good feeling. It never is when you can't breathe. About 10 people asked if I was okay and one sweet singlespeeder actually stopped. He got my bike out of the way and made sure that I wasn't critical. I really appreciated that. There is nothing like not being able to breathe that makes you feel vulnerable. <br />
<br />
I collected myself and the lenses that popped out of my glasses. I finished the lapped and was in shock. Shock and awe because I actually clipped a pedal last year at this race on the first lap. I guess I have bad timing of when I lean my bike over. Or maybe my vision is going, or I lost focus...or maybe I just suck.<br />
<br />
I would of quit the race, but nothing was dangling, you know. If you have ever had a rib injury, you know the next days are much worse than the present day. So, in a way it was great to keep moving. Plus, that is the power of a teammate. You don't want to, in any way let them down or pull them down with your misfortune. And we were in the lead from the start and Libbey was pulling really great lap times.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bvny7Erxob8/U1ateKAb5rI/AAAAAAAADSw/OCaUackW9t8/s1600/10176026_10203633410381495_784196712593978384_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bvny7Erxob8/U1ateKAb5rI/AAAAAAAADSw/OCaUackW9t8/s1600/10176026_10203633410381495_784196712593978384_n.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Relay style racing with Libbey. Photo by Chris Merriam</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was kinda brutal way to do 72 miles. I was being really hard on myself, too. I felt like such a loser because I could see what other people were doing wrong in the corner and over the logs, but then I have a horrendous wreck myself. I am teaching mountain biking frequently and just got certified to teach mountain biking, so to wreck like I did and on easy terrain, really bummed me out. Plus, it hurt!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BVmADLekEOU/U1au8bLhOHI/AAAAAAAADTA/yNgC2c_EaAk/s1600/bruised-ribs-what-you-need-to-know.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BVmADLekEOU/U1au8bLhOHI/AAAAAAAADTA/yNgC2c_EaAk/s1600/bruised-ribs-what-you-need-to-know.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">The pain is under my armpit</span> <span style="color: red;">now but before was in my upper back</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
That wreck really made me question why I fucking keep wrecking and why I even mountain bike! One of my first thoughts was, its because you are not in good shape! You have slacked and this is the result. But even people in amazing physical condition who are <a href="http://cpendrel.blogspot.com/">Olympians</a> still wreck. Then, it must be because your skills aren't good. But even people who are in awesome shape with good skills still wreck like this <a href="http://enduro-mtb.com/en/news-fabien-barel-has-a-very-close-call-in-chile/">Frenchie</a>. Not that I want other people to wreck, but it happens. And all mountain bikers have a high pain threshold and a stubborn spirit.<br />
<br />
So, still hurting, and knowing that I probably shouldn't go, I go on a ride with some buddies up on Spruce Knob. My breathing seems to be at half capacity, but at least I'm getting some oxygen to my muscles. I think the worst part is the inability to be dynamic and strong on the singletrack. I'm forced to ride lazy, which is very dangerous. I'm protecting myself which results in poor riding.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykk3nIeIn_c/U1anIEhewyI/AAAAAAAADSc/rm-qn0wc6DU/s1600/10152606_10201931758678153_1435285284220770884_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykk3nIeIn_c/U1anIEhewyI/AAAAAAAADSc/rm-qn0wc6DU/s1600/10152606_10201931758678153_1435285284220770884_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Superwoman,not photo Michael Boyes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, I wreck again and it hurts. It's just a knee scuff and some soreness, but I'm humiliated and frustrated and scared. This isn't supposed to be happening to a coach, instructor, pro and badass and on a backcountry ride!<br />
<br />
So what do I do? I watched this <a href="http://www.waitingforlightningthemovie.com/#home">movie</a> and that helped inspire me to be strong mentally. I go back to the fundamentals of good body position and balanced riding. I got the pilates tape out. I try to stay positive and hang out with <a href="http://cutawaybikecamp.com/girls-mtb-team/">young people</a> who don't have the baggage of smackdown. I'll keep on keeping on because I do love mountain biking and nothing worth a damn is ever easy.<br />
<br />
<br />Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-44604863357082184232014-04-16T13:23:00.001-04:002014-04-16T14:03:31.898-04:00IMBA ICP<br />
<br />
I decided to take the <a href="https://www.imba.com/icp">IMBA Instructors Certification Program</a> in Delaware the other weekend, hosted by the <a href="http://www.trailspinners.org/">Trail Spinners</a>. I've been teaching mountain biking for a while now, but I am constantly hungry for more knowledge about good technique and sound ways to teach these techniques. And the idea of a certification has a certain appeal.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNUa8-D_d1g/U07D2PTF7zI/AAAAAAAADSI/phE_mDpYzAI/s1600/ICP+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNUa8-D_d1g/U07D2PTF7zI/AAAAAAAADSI/phE_mDpYzAI/s1600/ICP+.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Its official</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Personally, I've taken clinics from <a href="http://betterride.net/">Gene Hamilton</a>, <a href="http://takeaimcycling.com/">Harlan Price</a>, <a href="http://www.kirtvoreis.com/lindsey-voreis.html">Lindsey Voreis</a>, and <a href="http://www.snowshoemtn.com/events-and-activities/events/2014/07/womens-weekend-mountain-biking-camp.aspx">Angi Weston</a>. I learned so much from these professionals. Those lessons are all since I retired from professional mountain bike racing. I never took a single lesson when I was getting paid to ride a bike! And I'm not alone in thinking "what if" I had exposure to really great teaching at the beginning of my career.<br />
<br />
It is a big chunk of money to take this course, especially right now in my life. I was able to test out of Level I by paying $100, having adequate experience guiding and teaching and by taking and passing the test. Normally, the Level I course is 3 days and $350. I don't recommend testing out. It's just too much important information to lightly touch on. In the end, its over $1000 for a three day course including your dues, memberships, first aid and insurance. You have to take the course in person again every four years and keep your memberships and first aid up to date.<br />
<br />
We lucked out getting <a href="http://madmarchinc.com/coaches/coach/?page=1">Shaums March</a> and <a href="https://www.imba.com/icp/meet-the-instructors">Gale Dalagher</a> as our instructors. These two are ,of course, amazing riders who give the best demonstrations of techniques. But I was so impressed with their professionalism, knowledge, respect for students and their patience. They really came prepared and were fun to learn from.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2WmwUQn3TNk/U066iMxTCKI/AAAAAAAADQw/p4-7nUBzlOY/s1600/ICP+G+S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2WmwUQn3TNk/U066iMxTCKI/AAAAAAAADQw/p4-7nUBzlOY/s1600/ICP+G+S.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Gale and Shuams worked hard to teach us well</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLSxHF1ZHnw/U068b1S2aBI/AAAAAAAADRE/N61EfMrNlps/s1600/20140406_ICP_Level2_173051-1-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLSxHF1ZHnw/U068b1S2aBI/AAAAAAAADRE/N61EfMrNlps/s320/20140406_ICP_Level2_173051-1-M.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Shaums can lean a bike! Photo credit www.kurtkuhn.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The weather was very cold and windy the first day, cold and sunny the second day and downright miserable and rainy the last day. Those were not ideal learning conditions or teaching conditions! The days were long, starting by 9 am and finishing at 7 pm. They were intense too!... Lots of information, lots of demonstrations, lots of practice and lots of looking at the other students practice. One thing I wasn't expecting was the homework! I had to read and study the material and then really study for the test and to be able to teach a skill. <br />
<br />
A highlight for me was the conciseness of the material and teaching process. I like the idea of saying less! Say what you need to say and say it well. Don't crowd a student's brain with unnecessary wording and analogies. <br />
<br />
Another great thing that I took away was the ability to make corrections to a student's riding instead of just identifying mistakes. This takes a lot of practice and I need to work on developing my system for doing that. There are basically 10 fundamentals that come in to play mountain biking in order for the rider to be in control and balance in different situations and hopefully increase their fun, too!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-195DaOPAv4Y/U07Bvh_3eCI/AAAAAAAADR8/xbrYxVmHWWI/s1600/20140407_ICP_Level2_1397-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-195DaOPAv4Y/U07Bvh_3eCI/AAAAAAAADR8/xbrYxVmHWWI/s1600/20140407_ICP_Level2_1397-X2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">We were graded on our teaching. Photo credit www.kurtkuhn.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It was very difficult assessing students errors in mere seconds in under 15 yards in a parking lot, while giving compliments and corrections. The instructors would tell the students to make mistakes and we got points off if we didn't identify the mistake, make the correction and give a compliment. Its funny because I usually give my students lots of compliments, but at this class, I was too overwhelmed to give my usual, "Nice!" "Great!" And I was so fixated on mistakes, that I didn't even realize when someone was doing something right.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZBD9jrABE4/U068xHFBc6I/AAAAAAAADRM/SYVnaVZ1qJI/s1600/20140407_ICP_Level2_1453-S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZBD9jrABE4/U068xHFBc6I/AAAAAAAADRM/SYVnaVZ1qJI/s320/20140407_ICP_Level2_1453-S.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">I was overwhelmed at times. Photo credit www.kurtkuhn.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Something that could be improved is less time listening to students teach a skill. None of us students were good at teaching, including me, sorry! It doesn't help anything to listen to 5 other people make a bunch of mistakes while learning to teach. Of course, we all had to get up in front of a crowd and practice, but I'm not paying this much money to be a test pilot for others. And purposely doing things wrong for the benefit of the other students is very counterproductive. I was actually getting a little bit confused when I had to do things wrong. Practicing things correctly is the only way to go. And I get more out of listening to Shaums and Gale teach well than a fellow student teach mediocre.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G7BKiH5sSMk/U07BQ61awrI/AAAAAAAADR0/E5Je0_4flb0/s1600/20140407_ICP_Level2_1438-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G7BKiH5sSMk/U07BQ61awrI/AAAAAAAADR0/E5Je0_4flb0/s1600/20140407_ICP_Level2_1438-X2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Always Assessing. Photo credit www.kurtkuhn.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I did enjoy meeting and learning with others, though. It was a great group of people who are all going to make great teachers for their clubs.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0vjDDu-mD0Y/U06-NvQ1BZI/AAAAAAAADRg/Zo0sx283JmI/s1600/ICP+friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0vjDDu-mD0Y/U06-NvQ1BZI/AAAAAAAADRg/Zo0sx283JmI/s1600/ICP+friends.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">A great group of people</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Everyone must use flat pedals for this certification. Yes, that was challenging for me having used clipless pedals for over 20 years. I absolutely agree that it should be done on flats, though. I learned a ton because of it and actually really enjoyed it! If you can do it with flats, you really have mastered that skill more soundly.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pcTbSZAJMj8/U0686_qgBMI/AAAAAAAADRU/VjpLkcHCk_0/s1600/ICP+Kurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pcTbSZAJMj8/U0686_qgBMI/AAAAAAAADRU/VjpLkcHCk_0/s320/ICP+Kurt.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Kurt Kuhn doing a level lift</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, I did pass. I scored really good on the written test, but not on my skills or my teaching. I think nerves and the newness of the lingo and different structure of a lesson made it weak. The fact that I managed and spoke well to the group was my strong point. Sure, I'm a good rider, but obviously there is room for improvement with my demos especially with flat pedals. I need to make sure that I'm clearly hitting the teaching points for each skill. <br />
<br />
This course is a good call for people who want to learn to teach mountain biking better. This is not a personal skills improvement course. I think it will continue to evolve and get better and better too!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c-BoWZESOGc/U06-ay7G15I/AAAAAAAADRo/u5Aipo-bmcM/s1600/ICP+Cheryl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c-BoWZESOGc/U06-ay7G15I/AAAAAAAADRo/u5Aipo-bmcM/s1600/ICP+Cheryl.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Racer girl Cheryl working on her level lift</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-17046803182159208352014-03-31T14:02:00.000-04:002014-03-31T14:18:40.744-04:00Michaux MTB SchoolThis is the 7th year that the Michaux MTB School of Hard Rocks put on by <a href="http://www.fastforwardracingproductions.com/">Zach Adams </a>has been run. I've been involved as an instructor for the last two years and its been a really great experience.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TDlFjTQiTrA/UzmVqM6OXtI/AAAAAAAADPk/bgpqofy_n7E/s1600/1510486_10152306362084598_73900376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TDlFjTQiTrA/UzmVqM6OXtI/AAAAAAAADPk/bgpqofy_n7E/s1600/1510486_10152306362084598_73900376_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The camp is divided between a men's group with instructors <a href="http://www.takeaimcycling.com/">Harlan Price</a> , the legendary <a href="http://dirtragmag.com/riding-world-cup-xc-lead-moto/">Jay De Jesus</a> and racer and coach, <a href="http://speedworkscoaching.com/coaches/ryan/">Ryan Fawley</a>. The campers have the option to learn from all the instructors as the weekend progresses. Sometimes having things said in a different way really helps and then of course the personal style of the coaches clicks with different people. The women's group was led by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202824615710452&set=a.4668512824800.2175347.1052953478&type=1&theater">me</a> and the ever enthusiastic and very fast, <a href="http://rarediseasecycling.org/2014/03/rdc-western-campaign-successful/">Cheryl Sornson</a>. I'm always amazed at the positive nature of women mountain bikers and the energy that is created by a group of women learning. I also loved that later in the day the women could switch to one of the men's group and visa versa if they preferred.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UOrJ6UhsSPw/Uzmncwh5onI/AAAAAAAADQI/TrfzTLkcHyw/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UOrJ6UhsSPw/Uzmncwh5onI/AAAAAAAADQI/TrfzTLkcHyw/s1600/download.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I really like the idea of a dedicated weekend to learning and practicing mountain bike skills with a group of people and some really great instructors. Ideally, a mountain biker does something like this at least twice a year. I recommend a more intensive weekend camp and then some clinics or private lessons. If you are a racer, then it will make you faster for racing. If you don't race, it will totally increase your fun factor while riding trails.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yIEX2far3Aw/Uzmb857lJsI/AAAAAAAADP0/vKNwqw1hTk8/s1600/1970496_10102408623226603_1530626007_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yIEX2far3Aw/Uzmb857lJsI/AAAAAAAADP0/vKNwqw1hTk8/s1600/1970496_10102408623226603_1530626007_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">photo by Liz Spencer</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I know that a lot of riders who can do some features in situ on the trail, but can't in a field. I know many riders who say, I'm not incentivized by a board in a field, it has to be on the trail for me to jump over it. And I say that is a bad attitude. Learning skills in a field with repetition will only enhance anything that you do on the trail, especially when you figure out the how and the why of the body mechanics of a move.<br />
<br />
Of course the weather was less than ideal, meaning it rained hard most of the weekend and nothing was left clean or dry. But my new favorite phrase is "There is no bad weather , just bad friends" , so make sure that you have friends that will go out with you on the tough days and make the most our of it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_lJgj7swPI/UzmnsmoIC6I/AAAAAAAADQM/WygxyNMq9s4/s1600/10015642_10102408624029993_2136050119_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_lJgj7swPI/UzmnsmoIC6I/AAAAAAAADQM/WygxyNMq9s4/s1600/10015642_10102408624029993_2136050119_n-1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">photo by Liz Spencer</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was also a little rippers group led by a very sweet and qualified Karen Krasley. I think its great to have kids and adults learning together. It helps them both. Whenever you find yourself complaining about the rain, make yourself a kid again and enjoy the mud. The little rippers certainly did! And the junior racers camp led by Jeff and Gunnar. Gunnar had attended the camp the first year as a little ripper and is now an instructor, so cool!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DsC-iv5Zi4/UzmsMlWDMPI/AAAAAAAADQY/5Rumgl4AGyk/s1600/1526086_744372662264160_1346782937_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DsC-iv5Zi4/UzmsMlWDMPI/AAAAAAAADQY/5Rumgl4AGyk/s1600/1526086_744372662264160_1346782937_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Photo by Ralpe Pisle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And any instructor will tell you, that they learn a lot by teaching others. I always learn something about teaching, technique or people and of course my own riding. It is a very gratifying part time job for me. Next up for me is <a href="https://www.imba.com/icp/certification-levels/level-2">professional development</a> and finding some fitness.<br />
<br />
<br />Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-21915088510475696022014-03-24T11:33:00.000-04:002014-03-24T11:54:48.778-04:00Tuscarora Off Road Weekend MarathonThe format of this race was to do as many laps as you could between 10 am and 2 pm. The lap was 6 and a half miles and took around 45-50 minutes for me. It was a cold morning in the 30's. It is always tough to dress for a cold weather race because you know that you are going to hot on the climbs and cold on the long gravel descent. But you could tell the folks that have been biking all winter, not just because they had better fitness, but because they had less clothes on.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YhyJvFFTdSM/UzBGxveG-EI/AAAAAAAADOc/ot2Slu5u3wo/s1600/Sue+torw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YhyJvFFTdSM/UzBGxveG-EI/AAAAAAAADOc/ot2Slu5u3wo/s1600/Sue+torw.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Photo by Jack Copley</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It was a great women's field with a dozen girls. The gun went off and up the hill we went. I went my pace and got some saddle time in. <a href="http://blogs.bicycling.com/blogs/fitchick/">Selene</a> and <a href="http://oldlinevelo.com/racing-team/">Laura</a> were pushing each other hard and had a great race with Selene winning on her new bike that as a size small fits two water bottles.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDFcI9R4Epg/UzBB2PhSYVI/AAAAAAAADOE/WI9CP4qEvJQ/s1600/IMG_0798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDFcI9R4Epg/UzBB2PhSYVI/AAAAAAAADOE/WI9CP4qEvJQ/s1600/IMG_0798.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://instagram.com/lrmrry">Laura is on the fast track to racing success this year.</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W1Rnv767UFM/UzBJTpAFNVI/AAAAAAAADOo/rGMMJfhSVNk/s1600/IMG_0801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W1Rnv767UFM/UzBJTpAFNVI/AAAAAAAADOo/rGMMJfhSVNk/s1600/IMG_0801.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I finished five laps and ended up in third, which was good enough for the cool El Salvadorian machete prize. In the words of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cory.rimmer.5?fref=ts">Cory Rimmer</a> <span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">"Tough day at the races. Skills kept me in the race and my legs took me out. Lots of training to be had." My skills were remarkably good. Maybe all the <a href="http://www.whitegrass.com/report.html">cross country skiing</a> had a positive effect on my mtb skills? I also really like the Scalpel and my <a href="http://www.kendatire.com/en/wheelchair/high-performance-sports/nevegal/">Kenda Nevegals</a>, they rock on the rocks!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FuM5w83eI3Y/UzBFDh2wlwI/AAAAAAAADOQ/56ETSgXQUrw/s1600/Podium+torw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FuM5w83eI3Y/UzBFDh2wlwI/AAAAAAAADOQ/56ETSgXQUrw/s1600/Podium+torw.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
It was great to get racing and really, just riding! I have a lot of work to do to get in shape which is full of possibility and promise. I want to be able to do <a href="http://outdoorexperience.org/tse/">TSEpic</a> again but its hard to know if two months is enough time to be ready for a 7 day stage race.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fastforwardracingproductions.com/p/events.html">Zach</a> puts on nice races and feeds us great afterwards.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2pYSmVwULk/UzBNbNqmu8I/AAAAAAAADO0/L0yt25GlFe8/s1600/IMG_0802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2pYSmVwULk/UzBNbNqmu8I/AAAAAAAADO0/L0yt25GlFe8/s1600/IMG_0802.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-56777584931222840842014-03-24T01:09:00.001-04:002014-03-24T12:25:19.453-04:00Tuscarora Off Road Weekend Super D!I really love a two bike race weekend. I got to pack up both the <a href="http://www.cannondale.com/">Scalpel and the Jekyll </a>and head up to <a href="http://www.fastforwardracingproductions.com/">Fast Forward Racing Productions</a> Tuscarora Off Road Weekend in <a href="http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/tuscarora/index.htm">Tuscarora State Forest</a>.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L6TnShFCvL4/UzBcG4yLesI/AAAAAAAADPE/fpk76dGrv0U/s1600/Super+D+podium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L6TnShFCvL4/UzBcG4yLesI/AAAAAAAADPE/fpk76dGrv0U/s1600/Super+D+podium.jpg" height="263" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oldest in the middle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
This was a special weekend because it marked the first mountain bike ride of the year, as well as the first race. I don't recommend that, mind you! But you have to start somewhere. And now that I've started, I'm where I'm at...so Zen, it must be the <a href="http://mountainyoga.blogspot.com/">Yoga</a>.<br />
<br />
After squeezing into my <a href="http://www.notubesracing.com/womenselite/">NoTubes</a> jersey and Zoic <a href="http://www.zoic.com/navaeh-short">baggies</a>, The first race on the agenda was the <a href="http://www.bikemag.com/news/exclusive-what-is-enduro-what-is-super-d/">Super D</a> on Keane Trail. Last year, it had snow on a most of the trail and was really tough. This year had less snow on all of the trail, but all corny, slippery snow was just on the toughest, steepest section. My first run, I actually walked most of it and contemplated skipping the race entirely. I had no courage.<br />
<br />
But, being an experienced rider and being a mountain bike instructor, I decided that I needed to really use my knowledge of technique to conquer the fear voices in my head. I mean we all have fear, but we need to manage it or it will run wild and have us in a gripped flight or fight mode unable to relax and perform.<br />
<br />
I was thinking about the huge lump that I still have on my hip from crashing hard in the snow and landing on a rock on the Keane Trail last year. I was thinking that I hadn't actually rode this particular Jekyll in exactly one year. I was thinking that I hadn't ridden a mountain bike since December 20. All these things that our brain does to keep us safe and alive and comfortable.<br />
<br />
I tried some different lines. I talked to some of the other riders. I watched the men's first and second place riders in practice and saw them playing on their bikes and having a hoot. I tried some different techniques like more weight on the front wheel and less front brake. I kept a lot of weight on my feet and stayed low. I tried to set up for things and be proactive. I tried , then I did. My friend and mentor <a href="http://betterride.net/">Gene Hamilton </a>always uses that phrasing when he teaches ( and he borrowed it from Yoda) "don't try, do". And of course my winning run wasn't perfect, but it felt good and fun and fairly smooth.<br />
<br />
Smooth is fast. I want to be smooth. And I keep finding an outlet for those ambitions in racing. I really don't have to win to feel satisfied, of course it feels so frickin good to win, but priority is smoothness. I want to be , skillful, fast, fit and have a bunch of fun doing it. And since I don't have to win to feel good about myself, it frees up a lot of good energy. I really enjoy being out there. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jCgGY-A9Cyo/Uy-8kMTQYDI/AAAAAAAADN0/qF-Z5cMMrBc/s1600/IMG_0780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jCgGY-A9Cyo/Uy-8kMTQYDI/AAAAAAAADN0/qF-Z5cMMrBc/s1600/IMG_0780.JPG" height="320" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
But, I did win the super D, by a good margin, too! I beat a really phenomenal downhill rider, <a href="http://annegalyean.wordpress.com/">Anne Galyean.</a> She is an amazing <a href="http://www.pinkbike.com/news/anne-galyean-breaking-rad-interview-2014.html">woman on and off the bike</a> and a rider who I probably won't beat much in the future, if at all . But it wouldn't of mattered where I placed, because I figured some things out technique wise and I overcame debilitating fear.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8cYPMgBu4M/Uy-p1AEkFkI/AAAAAAAADNQ/Wo77a1JqtKs/s1600/IMG_0791.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8cYPMgBu4M/Uy-p1AEkFkI/AAAAAAAADNQ/Wo77a1JqtKs/s1600/IMG_0791.MOV" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Super D shouldn't die because of Enduro. Its still a really cool format and a great opener for a cross country race or great practice for both XC and Enduro. Thanks to Zach and his sponsors for the cool prizes, too!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Raif7LB0wsg/Uy-pq9lM-PI/AAAAAAAADNI/THhJcjjhSTU/s1600/IMG_0792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Raif7LB0wsg/Uy-pq9lM-PI/AAAAAAAADNI/THhJcjjhSTU/s1600/IMG_0792.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Sorry, no pics of me yet from the Super D! Next blog about the next day's raceSusan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-78329295445273467012014-03-21T11:17:00.000-04:002014-03-24T11:57:36.227-04:00Always start at the beginning, Spring Training Camp in Georgia<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3S1k6DuV6VY/UyxJF6jLbHI/AAAAAAAADLM/NvMqZ64koIc/s1600/IMG_0770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3S1k6DuV6VY/UyxJF6jLbHI/AAAAAAAADLM/NvMqZ64koIc/s1600/IMG_0770.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Blackwater Falls at Spring levels</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TFbSyjAEXc4/UyxSFSCf-DI/AAAAAAAADMc/IXGhRV88q50/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TFbSyjAEXc4/UyxSFSCf-DI/AAAAAAAADMc/IXGhRV88q50/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">One of my favorite shots of Springer Orchard and Canaan Valley</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6PZNShUblA/UyxN-alThkI/AAAAAAAADLs/QpjeTqQIlio/s1600/IMG_0635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6PZNShUblA/UyxN-alThkI/AAAAAAAADLs/QpjeTqQIlio/s1600/IMG_0635.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Some of the best lamb that I ever had</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tu-r3_RWsEw/UyxJJXiAEsI/AAAAAAAADLU/lMLaD5yN-Wk/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tu-r3_RWsEw/UyxJJXiAEsI/AAAAAAAADLU/lMLaD5yN-Wk/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">When you go to the South, you have to eat fried chicken</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zZxSzmSrSxA/UyxRGg1hqlI/AAAAAAAADMI/M4qahw6poPU/s1600/IMG_0639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zZxSzmSrSxA/UyxRGg1hqlI/AAAAAAAADMI/M4qahw6poPU/s1600/IMG_0639.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Oliver would juice us up in the morning</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6gkaj7kPwjE/UyxI-CS4v6I/AAAAAAAADLE/ttmLJR5tVXQ/s1600/IMG_0616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6gkaj7kPwjE/UyxI-CS4v6I/AAAAAAAADLE/ttmLJR5tVXQ/s1600/IMG_0616.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Yoga has been a big life saver for Carp's back</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWwOThy5cBA/UyxOJ88eM-I/AAAAAAAADL0/Wqs_Ob5i5u8/s1600/IMG_0645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWwOThy5cBA/UyxOJ88eM-I/AAAAAAAADL0/Wqs_Ob5i5u8/s1600/IMG_0645.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">It was great to wear shorts and see pear blooms</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-to3hw3xNkco/UyxRS3hIHGI/AAAAAAAADMQ/sJBatMXyqi0/s1600/IMG_0701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-33u1BQITHnI/UyxN44vJR5I/AAAAAAAADLk/eltSz-1ZsSw/s1600/IMG_0630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-33u1BQITHnI/UyxN44vJR5I/AAAAAAAADLk/eltSz-1ZsSw/s1600/IMG_0630.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Of course mountain bikers always find dirt</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Klxoa0Y83JA/UyxOWwi4mqI/AAAAAAAADL8/LZzQrSRmQIM/s1600/IMG_0658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Klxoa0Y83JA/UyxOWwi4mqI/AAAAAAAADL8/LZzQrSRmQIM/s1600/IMG_0658.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">So many awesome dirt roads in Georgia</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n18z-lbNZd4/UyxSRMFy7bI/AAAAAAAADMk/LcrDolq7Clc/s1600/IMG_0640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n18z-lbNZd4/UyxSRMFy7bI/AAAAAAAADMk/LcrDolq7Clc/s1600/IMG_0640.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">Grits, HaySue's and fresh maple syrup</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bEsuPMZeXck/UyxTjghleSI/AAAAAAAADM4/MC95esxiILc/s1600/chicken+stop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bEsuPMZeXck/UyxTjghleSI/AAAAAAAADM4/MC95esxiILc/s1600/chicken+stop.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Fried Chicken rest stop</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnevmKZYoDs/UyxTY_BEcBI/AAAAAAAADMw/5ezVRDaVkMM/s1600/Sue+gravel+georgia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnevmKZYoDs/UyxTY_BEcBI/AAAAAAAADMw/5ezVRDaVkMM/s1600/Sue+gravel+georgia.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Gravel rousing</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-to3hw3xNkco/UyxRS3hIHGI/AAAAAAAADMQ/sJBatMXyqi0/s1600/IMG_0701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-to3hw3xNkco/UyxRS3hIHGI/AAAAAAAADMQ/sJBatMXyqi0/s1600/IMG_0701.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Hello, its me</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span id="goog_86987512"></span><span id="goog_86987513"></span><br />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-to3hw3xNkco%2FUyxRS3hIHGI%2FAAAAAAAADMQ%2FsJBatMXyqi0%2Fs1600%2FIMG_0701.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-to3hw3xNkco/UyxRS3hIHGI/AAAAAAAADMQ/sJBatMXyqi0/s1600/IMG_0701.JPG" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-TFbSyjAEXc4%2FUyxSFSCf-DI%2FAAAAAAAADMc%2FIXGhRV88q50%2Fs1600%2FIMG_0135.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TFbSyjAEXc4/UyxSFSCf-DI/AAAAAAAADMc/IXGhRV88q50/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG" -->Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-57009623815872149122013-07-15T14:40:00.001-04:002013-07-15T14:40:56.418-04:00Mid Summer RecapBlogging is always hard when you wait too long to do it! But I want to recount to you the amazing summer that I'm having. It's been a blast!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Canaan MTB Festival</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjVRdsC9ugs/UeQ4sf2kzHI/AAAAAAAADH8/vvowrrms8m8/s1600/2013-06-22_13-23-42_255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjVRdsC9ugs/UeQ4sf2kzHI/AAAAAAAADH8/vvowrrms8m8/s1600/2013-06-22_13-23-42_255.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7u9ewZQcCqY/UeRAnLRPIgI/AAAAAAAADJ4/dVbyIyfmEWA/s1600/IMG_0678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7u9ewZQcCqY/UeRAnLRPIgI/AAAAAAAADJ4/dVbyIyfmEWA/s1600/IMG_0678.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Five years ago, I had the idea to do a mountain bike festival in Davis, West Virginia. I wanted to give back to the town that really created me as a mountain biker. I wanted to share this great mountain town with others and encourage people to ride together, do trail work and donate to the Tucker County Trails Club (TCT). I also was inspired by <a href="http://svbcoalition.org/"><cite>svb<b>coalition</b>.org</cite></a> mountain bike festival in Stokesville, VA.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvzSixG0jOk/UeQ5JjdUUmI/AAAAAAAADIE/g6q-j8q3UhU/s1600/2013-06-23_13-56-33_528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvzSixG0jOk/UeQ5JjdUUmI/AAAAAAAADIE/g6q-j8q3UhU/s1600/2013-06-23_13-56-33_528.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The fifth year was a huge success! We had over 120 riders, 25 for the Ladies Day and raised $2,000 for TCT through donations and selling raffle tickets. I want to thank everyone who donated, especially: Tip Top, Blackwater Bikes, Hellbenders, Sirianni's, White Grass, Blackwater Outdoor Center, Wild Ginger and Spice, HaySue's Salsa, Cannondale Bikes, Stan's No Tubes, Toasted Head Wine, Fast Forward Racing Productions.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5CMnR1SgUSE/UeQ5nkLB--I/AAAAAAAADIQ/itWOXt57QCU/s1600/2013-06-23_17-21-02_988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5CMnR1SgUSE/UeQ5nkLB--I/AAAAAAAADIQ/itWOXt57QCU/s1600/2013-06-23_17-21-02_988.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I want to thank the ride leaders as well: Rob Stull, Rob Hull, Jeff Melnick, Meredith Erlewine, Chip Chase, Todd Romero, Dave, Van Morales, Ian Beckner, Jason Cyr, Kim Johnson. I couldn't have done it without your help!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COdSkABrSEQ/UeQ6H4YlQ_I/AAAAAAAADIY/RdKAKbVARfU/s1600/Ladies+Hellbender+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COdSkABrSEQ/UeQ6H4YlQ_I/AAAAAAAADIY/RdKAKbVARfU/s1600/Ladies+Hellbender+2013.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LiJ4S3ZCAg8/UeRBHjZmhQI/AAAAAAAADKA/vppDypQtpGw/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LiJ4S3ZCAg8/UeRBHjZmhQI/AAAAAAAADKA/vppDypQtpGw/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We will continue the tradition next year with Ladies Lunch ride, Group rides, Benefit Fundraiser party, Bike Hash, Trail work and Fun! The dates for 2014 are on the solstice again...June 21, 22, 23. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Elk River Touring Center Women's Weekend</b></span><br />
<br />
So many ladies came out again for this fantastic weekend of riding, skills building, camaraderie and great food. I always am so impressed with the great women come out for this event. Everyone is so positive and really pushes themselves to improve. The level of encouragement that the women give to each other is special. <br />
<br />
The trails in Slatyfork are always a challenge with the mud, roots and climbs. I love the way that women rise to the challenge of negotiating the tricky roots and find inner strength to conquer moves that they could never get before.<br />
<br />
<br />
But after all the dirty trails, a swimming hole, a hot tub and then a gourmet dinner are our treat!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X1a3OmFLH1s/UeQ8BceM_oI/AAAAAAAADIo/JE3MRfSo2ck/s1600/2013-06-30_12-24-31_292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X1a3OmFLH1s/UeQ8BceM_oI/AAAAAAAADIo/JE3MRfSo2ck/s1600/2013-06-30_12-24-31_292.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxztBgx6Q9w/UeQ8Zh_rrOI/AAAAAAAADIw/-6JUDZJY66Y/s1600/2013-06-29_13-22-15_85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxztBgx6Q9w/UeQ8Zh_rrOI/AAAAAAAADIw/-6JUDZJY66Y/s1600/2013-06-29_13-22-15_85.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The next clinic there is on September 13-15 and spots are still available! Check out the website <a href="http://www.ertc.com/">www.ertc.com</a> and look for it on Facebook.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Tour de Burg</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LpbgSg6MGlc/UeQ_Ivc1SBI/AAAAAAAADJg/8WbhWU6Twfg/s1600/2013-07-05_19-07-01_733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LpbgSg6MGlc/UeQ_Ivc1SBI/AAAAAAAADJg/8WbhWU6Twfg/s1600/2013-07-05_19-07-01_733.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have mastered the fine art of slummin'! I first did the Tour de Burg in 2001 when it was a 10 day stage race consisting of both mountain and road days. I missed lots of them in between, but I've been the Women's Leader a big handful of times. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGU1OngKu_w/UeQ9LMaWY4I/AAAAAAAADJA/uvKgkLqHPfA/s1600/2013-07-03_14-34-11_525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGU1OngKu_w/UeQ9LMaWY4I/AAAAAAAADJA/uvKgkLqHPfA/s1600/2013-07-03_14-34-11_525.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bmT_991TZyk/UeQ_-g3S9PI/AAAAAAAADJw/CjKRpyEFT2o/s1600/2013-07-05_09-06-08_939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bmT_991TZyk/UeQ_-g3S9PI/AAAAAAAADJw/CjKRpyEFT2o/s1600/2013-07-05_09-06-08_939.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the 18th year, the theme was the "Anti-Enduro" . Why? I think because there is a lot of hype about how Enduro is the most pure form of mountain biking and the most fun. And how a lot of enduros are chair lift fed which is nice, but nothing beats the satisfaction of climbing a tough hill and then rewarding yourself with a sweet, gnarly downhill. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwzYakB8Z0U/UeQ9zJFWV5I/AAAAAAAADJI/MBIIa5IUi50/s1600/2013-07-05_19-55-44_572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwzYakB8Z0U/UeQ9zJFWV5I/AAAAAAAADJI/MBIIa5IUi50/s1600/2013-07-05_19-55-44_572.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tour de Burg had 25 full pull riders with lots of day poachers. It cost $175 dollars for 5 hard days of racing and riding. This includes lunches, beer and dinners! And all the slummin you can handle! Its group riding at pleasure pace "PP" to the timed sections. Then go! and the timed sections are between 20 minutes and 2 hours. There are some costumes, rock star haircuts, beer drinking and of course amazing feats of athleticism.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tDEwVlGfMsQ/UeQ-2iTV04I/AAAAAAAADJY/1QMLlh_Qvdk/s1600/2013-07-05_19-00-06_625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tDEwVlGfMsQ/UeQ-2iTV04I/AAAAAAAADJY/1QMLlh_Qvdk/s1600/2013-07-05_19-00-06_625.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My heartfelt thanks go out to Mike, Kari and Lindsey Carpenter for putting on this classic lifestyle event that is always the highlight of my summer! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zYi4O_Zm8fs/UeQ-VDREPqI/AAAAAAAADJQ/IcNlWE5FhJI/s1600/2013-07-04_10-07-57_269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zYi4O_Zm8fs/UeQ-VDREPqI/AAAAAAAADJQ/IcNlWE5FhJI/s1600/2013-07-04_10-07-57_269.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-31224954859932074892013-06-10T23:24:00.000-04:002013-06-10T23:24:04.173-04:00HooHa 2013<br />
The Massanutten HooHa celebrated its 25th anniversary this past weekend. It's incredible to think that for every year since 1989 this race has happened. I wonder how many people, if any, have been to all 25? I've been to less than ten, I think. I don't think its been the same course twice ever. And the trails just keep getting better and better. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0p7lmco2_8/UbaVN5T0vNI/AAAAAAAADHo/NzrfDbQ106s/s1600/Sue:JB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0p7lmco2_8/UbaVN5T0vNI/AAAAAAAADHo/NzrfDbQ106s/s320/Sue:JB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I pulled a double win this weekend! I won the inaugural enduro and then the 19 mile xc event at the HooHa. Its funny because enduro is the latest trendy, fun event to do, but in a way it is something that Harrisonburg has been more or less doing for a while. The six-pack downhill race series in the fall has elements of enduro, as does the annual(15 years running) Tour de Burg. But <a href="http://www.mtntouring.com/">Shenandoah Mountain Touring</a> and <a href="http://www.massresort.com/">Massanutten Resort</a> did a great job this first year of making challenging courses over four stages and having accurate, transparent timing. I've been to a few enduros now and I was pleased that there were no timing snafus. Maybe a bettter shuttle to the top...but can I really complain about a shuttle? Don't worry, we did have to ride to the top of Kaylor's once that day and then twice the next day to the overlook.<br />
<br />
Enduro is fun, but I also think its really tough in a lot of ways. Some of that depends on your expectations. Do you just want to ride all day in the woods with your friends and make new friends and pay for someone to time you doing that? Or do you want to ride as fast as your potential? Do you want it to be all downhill? Will you only be happy with courses that play to your strengths?<br />
<br />
Practice makes you ride better normally. Seeing and practicing lines is usually a benefit. Also, knowing where the hills are( yes, enduro usually has uphills in it!) and what tires to run. Even things like what color lens to run in your glasses or do you want googles? Some people think that no practice, no shuttles and sight unseen runs are the purest form of enduro. I'm not sure. You have to do what your schedule, budget and mountain allow for. <br />
<br />
One thing I have noticed is that every enduro is going to be a little different. I like to think of it as an artist's interpretation of a mountain or area. Chris Scott's interpretation of the western slope of Massanuttten has a healthy mix of gnar, gnar with Stage 2 rocks of Kaylor's Knob, the pedaling across the ridge of stage 3 and then the beautiful descending of <a href="http://www.svbcoalition.org/">SVBC</a> built with love trail, 2000 hours in stage 4. And even though the men's podium was half hardtails and lycra and people will complain about that...the fact is you need both fitness and skills to do well in enduro. And you need to give all you got because every second counts. But if there are any videographers (<a href="http://www.adventureseen.com/">Scott Wooten</a>) or photographers (<a href="http://www.itmexposures.com/">Ian McAlexander</a>) around and they catch you doing a section fast or with style then that is what counts! Thanks to Ian for taking these pics of me on the course and podium.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RUCXxV5H5ik/UbaPJJM-RuI/AAAAAAAADGs/TyT27tR75ao/s1600/endurohooha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RUCXxV5H5ik/UbaPJJM-RuI/AAAAAAAADGs/TyT27tR75ao/s320/endurohooha.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I rode my new Cannondale Jekyll for the enduro, which is a trail bike with adjustable suspension that goes between 4 and 6 inches front and rear, on the fly. I had a Rock Shox Reverb dropper post and Kenda tubeless Nevegal tires and baggy shorts. Then for the cross country I rode my Scalpel 29er with Kenda Kommandos and lyrca!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n3zEKs6zrE8/UbaPVhGbdaI/AAAAAAAADG0/bm0sG7YrSPc/s1600/Suesmilehooha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n3zEKs6zrE8/UbaPVhGbdaI/AAAAAAAADG0/bm0sG7YrSPc/s320/Suesmilehooha.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The xc course was run in reverse this year than year's past. It was a fun course that had fast climbing up the Ravine trail and a rocky prologue loop and the highlight was coming down 2000 hours! My legs were a little stiff to start from the enduro the day before, but about 4 miles in, I started to loosen up and get a gap on the other girls. On days like this I think its really important to use electrolytes. I use <a href="http://new.eletewater.com/">Elete </a>in my bottles and <a href="https://guenergy.com/roctane-ultra-endurance/">Gu gels</a>. It is so hot and humid always at the HooHa. And those poor XXC riders have it the toughest! <br />
<br />
I found the climbing easier than the descending! Which is weird after doing well in the enduro the day before. I guess that is the way it goes, you never know how it is going to go! I was psyched to win some good cash for the weekend and not have any wrecks. It was a great, but small group of girls at both races. I was very impressed with our youngest enduro girl, Scout! She has got some skills and drive. Hopefully, more women will find enduro and the HooHa as fun as I do and come out and race.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zq4a3ilJXo/UbaPreWvL-I/AAAAAAAADG8/dKjkI5tjcVU/s1600/podiumhooha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zq4a3ilJXo/UbaPreWvL-I/AAAAAAAADG8/dKjkI5tjcVU/s320/podiumhooha.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Its fun to be a part of the history of mountain biking in this area. Big kudos go out to Kenny Hess, George Willets, Mark Nissely, Tom Proctor, Eric Bickert, SVBC, Thomas Jenkins, Chris Scott, employees of Massanutten Resort and so many more people who have given their time and energy over the years to this great event. I think for next year, they need to bring back the pond jump!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkZmbsP2S-A/UbaTQZSWs7I/AAAAAAAADHQ/FklvTOh5QIk/s1600/hoo-ha-1st-ann.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkZmbsP2S-A/UbaTQZSWs7I/AAAAAAAADHQ/FklvTOh5QIk/s320/hoo-ha-1st-ann.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Consider donating to <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/swootten3/25th-annual-massanutten-hoo-ha-video">Scott Wooten's kickstarter</a> about this gem of a race in Virginia.Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-39911876290919258622013-03-25T13:30:00.000-04:002013-03-25T13:35:42.610-04:00Tuscarora Off Road Weekend<br />
<br />
<br />
I<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Stx1tqNtgX8/UVB9XyDr5FI/AAAAAAAADAs/dJHukxGTU1c/s1600/Tusc+Super+D.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Stx1tqNtgX8/UVB9XyDr5FI/AAAAAAAADAs/dJHukxGTU1c/s320/Tusc+Super+D.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I liked the format of this past weekend's racing. Saturday was a Super D and Sunday was a four hour endurance race. That makes too diverse of racing for some, but I like it! <a href="http://www.fastforwardracingproductions.com">Www.Fastforwardracingproductions.com </a>put on the event in the remote area of the Tuscaroara State Forest. This is a hard to get area in central Pennsylvania that is filled with beautiful trout streams, mixed hardwood forests, lots of dirt roads and rugged mountain bike trails.<br />
<br />
Most of the fun of Super D and Enduro racing is the practice, especially, if it involves shuttling. Its important to get in the practice of knowing fast lines, hitting the jumps at speed and being in the right gears for the uphills. But there in lies the rub, too. Practice often involves crashing! My M.O seems to be, I have to hit the deck hard in practice at least once. I've been very lucky not to hurt myself too bad in practice to ruin my race, but I'm not going to lie...Wrecks hurt! And they can make you question confidence at times and whether you should of practiced more or less.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ua4U5HCLOpU/UVCA15dHBEI/AAAAAAAADA0/qX_K4J5Bfg0/s1600/Bruise.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ua4U5HCLOpU/UVCA15dHBEI/AAAAAAAADA0/qX_K4J5Bfg0/s320/Bruise.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Last post, I talked about how skiing has helped my biking, which was ironic because the Super D was covered in snow! And skiing may have helped my biking, but in cycling we talk constantly about specificity for training and there is a lot of logic to that. Downhill biking in the snow, would have helped me race downhill in the snow. So, I did my best to ride the one of the steepest trails I've seen on a Super D when it was covered in snow. I kept my weight on my front wheel a little bit more that usual to keep it from washing and put lots of weight on my heels, too. I was determined to figure it out.<br />
<br />
On the race run, it was a shit show. There was carnage in front me and I added more. Once that front wheel caught the now dirty, churned snow, I slidout. It was super hard to remount on something so steep and running was comical, too. I remounted where I could and just tried to not be so gripped and tense. It was a great adrenaline rush and happy to have survived...I'm such a true black and blue mountain biker!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1CdfBcZj90/UVCEwAQQbeI/AAAAAAAADA8/wZibJ5vBe9I/s1600/1st+place.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1CdfBcZj90/UVCEwAQQbeI/AAAAAAAADA8/wZibJ5vBe9I/s320/1st+place.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The next day's track was 6.6 miles and the task was to do as many as you could in 4 hours. There was no snow on the xc course, but there was mud! The first lap was frozen goodness and the rocks were dry. As the laps went the mud got thick and the rocks got painted with greasy mud. I wish we on the East Coast had as many words for mud as the Eskimos have for snow. The flavor of the race was old school, homey and gritty.<br />
<br />
Since NUE champ Cheryl Sornson was still tired from True Grit, she didn't do the race. That would of made the race for me a lot different, more difficult. I won both the races for the weekend. There were some really cool prizes like Cash, hatchets, homemade Judy's Ice Cream, Peanuts, Toasted Head wine and nice race bags. I'm glad I got a weekend of bike riding, especially now as I look out the window, its dumping snow in Virginia again!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFwPTZAECIQ/UVCE_5MYpHI/AAAAAAAADBE/mSyfejpIGLw/s1600/tusc+prizes.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFwPTZAECIQ/UVCE_5MYpHI/AAAAAAAADBE/mSyfejpIGLw/s320/tusc+prizes.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
In the Super D, I rode my last year's Jekyll, as I'm still getting the right parts for my 2013 Jekyll 1 and the Scalpel in the XC. This was a better test for the Scalpel than the last race as there were lots more rocks! It did really well. The 29er wheels are so fast on roads and so stable on cornering, albeit I have to set up a little sooner than with 26 inch wheels. I'm still getting used to the big wheels on steep short climbs and the 2x10 race gearing. I'll play around with the Lefty air pressures too. After 4 hours on the rocks I felt the suspension needed to be a little softer and plusher. Jeremiah Bishop suggested tuning the Lefty with a different shock oil, as opposed to the grease that might come in there from the factory. And of course, on such a cold day, temperature could have affected the feel of it, too. Its exciting dialing in the bikes!<br />
<br />
Next up is the <a href="http://http://www.fastforwardracingproductions.com/p/michaux-mtb-school.html">Michaux MTB School!</a> This is a weekend of instruction and riding in Michaux State Forest. There is an all star cast of instructions, including me and Cheryl for the women and <a href="http://http://www.adamcraig.net/">Adam Craig</a>, <a href="http://http://boxedbee.blogspot.com/">Harlan Price</a> and <a href="http://http://themattmillerexperience.blogspot.com/">Matty Miller</a> for the men. <br />
<br />
Photos courtesy of Fast Forward Racing Productions, Derrick Green and Sue Haywood<br />
<br />
<br />
Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-5196928019833682212013-03-17T17:53:00.000-04:002013-03-17T17:53:33.124-04:00Winter to Spring<br />
<br />
It was such an awesome winter! And it’s not quite over yet because as I write this, its snowing in Harrisonburg and there is 24 inches of snow on the ground in West Virginia. I got back to my roots this winter doing lots of nordic skiing and working the weekends at White Grass. White Grass is one of my favorite places on the planet because its all about fun. And when there is good snow, there is so much fun to be had!<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8xwoFl_BWw/UUY5WWRZ3XI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/CfnmcvkbZXA/s1600/IMG_0414.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8xwoFl_BWw/UUY5WWRZ3XI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/CfnmcvkbZXA/s320/IMG_0414.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Skiing is so joyful. I love feeling glide. Its freedom. And the more skillful of a skier I can become, the more glide potential I can get. There is great aerobic fitness to be gained with lots of skiing, but biking is still a lot harder. In skiing it seems like there is unlimited granny gear and you don’t have the weight of your bike to contend with. I also love how different temperatures, snow types, ski and wax make such a big difference in the ski experience. <br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O5hnePm4nPc/UUY5hb5cqbI/AAAAAAAAC_c/t-nVVmdKFxM/s1600/Springer+Turns.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O5hnePm4nPc/UUY5hb5cqbI/AAAAAAAAC_c/t-nVVmdKFxM/s320/Springer+Turns.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I’ve been taking classes this past year at our local community college with thoughts of completing my prereqs for applying for nursing school. My mom is a nurse and it seems like a really great profession on lots of levels and of course its so easy to get a job. On other levels the doubts creep up because I don’t really want to work with sick people in hospitals. I’m interested in health, wellness and ecology. I never seemed to make the transition into a normal lifestyle(ie real job) after professional bike racing. I love the skills coaching, but its not a full time gig. And since I feel this good at 41, I need to have some kind of marketable skill set so I can work into my 70′s. Its been great getting back to school and using my brain and memory in different ways.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wlvifxhYSQ/UUY5offDYRI/AAAAAAAAC_k/9j1MzWkC0GQ/s1600/313349_10151289685535988_792439565_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wlvifxhYSQ/UUY5offDYRI/AAAAAAAAC_k/9j1MzWkC0GQ/s320/313349_10151289685535988_792439565_n.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The really awesome thing about dedicating a winter to skiing again, was the total jones for getting back to mountain biking. I was really craving it in a way, that I hadn’t in a while. I think that is what happens to so many bikers is that they don’t diversify enough. They bike too much in the winter and don’t work on their weakness or just don’t have enough fun. By summer, the burnout is palatable.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ESF-MxT38W4/UUY5ziCkMbI/AAAAAAAAC_s/U0HnXoNdfyc/s1600/Bluebird.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ESF-MxT38W4/UUY5ziCkMbI/AAAAAAAAC_s/U0HnXoNdfyc/s320/Bluebird.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I started the biking season with two fun sundays. The first sunday, I went to the Virginia State Mountain Bike Championships on my brand new Cannondale Scalpel. I really like 29ers for racing. They roll! But this year I’m so happy to be on a light, flickable , full suspension 29er. For local xc racing, the Transylvania Epic and Shenandoah 100 this bike is going to be so perfect. I was happy that my very first ride on this bike made me a state champ.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iNZN3dpT5AY/UUY6Abj3k9I/AAAAAAAAC_0/TlU2_KMyLlc/s1600/Scalpel+hot.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iNZN3dpT5AY/UUY6Abj3k9I/AAAAAAAAC_0/TlU2_KMyLlc/s320/Scalpel+hot.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
The second sunday funday was the Twin Towers ride. Heading out on one of those days when they are predicting rain and not worrying about it, Five of us got rewarded with perfect spring temps with tacky dirt and the slightest of slip to the grippy rocks. This is only about a 30 mile ride, but its epic. We started at Edinburgh Gap and climbed Wanazee Peak. I’ll give a free jar of salsa to anyone who clears this trail. Its real hard, but I know someone can! Then when you get to the top its miles of rolling downhill trail that transitions to gentle ups and downs along a traverse. You come out to the first tower, Woodstock Tower.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eBPNb8b2J5k/UUY6I8hvMHI/AAAAAAAAC_8/0jg5XKWOmuo/s1600/576725_10151505014284598_338187647_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eBPNb8b2J5k/UUY6I8hvMHI/AAAAAAAAC_8/0jg5XKWOmuo/s320/576725_10151505014284598_338187647_n.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Some dirty downhilling and then we crossed the valley and resupplied at my new favorite stop, the Fort Valley store because they had about 10 different hot sauces made by a local guy that I’ll have to go back for. The bag of potato chips and mountain dew got me up the steep gravel climb to Milford Gap. We were up on the ridge now, heading south, heading to Kennedy Peak.<br />
<br />
Probably one of my favorite rides…either direction is incredible! Steep ups, Steep downs. Sometimes you aren’t working a bit and then other times you are tasting blood. The March views with no leaves on the trees, treats you to views of the bends of the mighty Shenandoah River and Shenandoah National Park. To the west, the big mountains of West Virginia.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2I1X0TBDeNI/UUY6Tje8RQI/AAAAAAAADAE/IyiOquqwGAU/s1600/480496_10151505925529598_656950470_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2I1X0TBDeNI/UUY6Tje8RQI/AAAAAAAADAE/IyiOquqwGAU/s320/480496_10151505925529598_656950470_n.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I was in slumtown quite a bit. I hadn’t done that long of a ride in a long, long time. But I’m not going to complain like a Foofer about it. I was also in utter amazement at all the things that I had cleared up or down! For sure the highlight was when Carp and Jimmy watched me style a really hard downhill chute and gave me props. It was like it was good for any rider, not just “good for a girl”! Back to the skiing…I think skiing all winter helped my mountain bike skills.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPkTFFazkOM/UUY6j-bAesI/AAAAAAAADAM/pZ4Ez6WLuWE/s1600/559742_10151481797639598_1637029675_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPkTFFazkOM/UUY6j-bAesI/AAAAAAAADAM/pZ4Ez6WLuWE/s320/559742_10151481797639598_1637029675_n.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It was a tough hump up to Tower Two, Kennedy Peak. But, it meant a huge rocky downhill as a reward!<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D7dCj9wVdmA/UUY6uRDf5hI/AAAAAAAADAU/hJ_EFMXIMkM/s1600/Jenson+rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D7dCj9wVdmA/UUY6uRDf5hI/AAAAAAAADAU/hJ_EFMXIMkM/s320/Jenson+rocks.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Spring isn’t officially here, but nothing stops the rolling on of time!<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mofi41M8E6o/UUY615nLBxI/AAAAAAAADAc/C5_ZD6T4CPw/s1600/Maple+Taps+in+the+Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mofi41M8E6o/UUY615nLBxI/AAAAAAAADAc/C5_ZD6T4CPw/s320/Maple+Taps+in+the+Snow.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Posted March 17, 2013 by susan<br />
Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-26183275764619266982012-08-21T15:32:00.000-04:002012-08-21T15:32:36.233-04:00Summertime!Summertime means living to ride!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ssqwU_z-mzY/UDPhBOmp9dI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/IJUW3qzT-t0/s1600/Sue-stans-tse-200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ssqwU_z-mzY/UDPhBOmp9dI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/IJUW3qzT-t0/s400/Sue-stans-tse-200x300.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Transylvania Epic( TSE)<br />
<br />
TSE was the big race on my schedule for the Stan’s No Tubes Team. I did the race last year and really enjoyed the terrain, the race organization and the overall friendly, fun vibe. Last year, I camped out under the trees that were raining pollen and cooked on a little camp stove. I was sad and introspective because my dad had very recently passed. He would of wanted me to do the race and enjoy myself as he was my biggest fan. It was good therapy. But it also felt like I rode with a heavy load everyday, his memory and my 28lb bike.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The 2012 edition was like riding with wings comparatively. I was in much better shape physically having spent a month in Sedona, ridden some long road epics with friends and had done more xc racing capturing several state championships along the way. Mentally, I was just starting to come out of the funk of the end of a long term relationship. The bike had been my savior during that time and I appreciated the mental clarity and sheer joy that the bike always provided for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CULAXvp9Cz4/UDPhMOAqe1I/AAAAAAAAC9k/O3yfQ7tysHw/s1600/s-on-first-day-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CULAXvp9Cz4/UDPhMOAqe1I/AAAAAAAAC9k/O3yfQ7tysHw/s400/s-on-first-day-300x300.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Then add to that the top notch support from our Stan’s Family( Thank you Shannon, Kenny, Richie Rich, Strauber and Mike B!!!) and having my teammates Jenny and Sarah and Vicky and Shannon there…well it was amazing! I thrive on having my bike(which by the way was under 20lbs) taken care of after each stage with not only uber professionalism, but with a smile and a joke, too! And then having the girls there to make me laugh and offer encouragement is priceless.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cEuzjrf7V7Y/UDPhUU__xmI/AAAAAAAAC9w/aEmTUjiD0nA/s1600/3-stans-amigos-300x169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="169" width="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cEuzjrf7V7Y/UDPhUU__xmI/AAAAAAAAC9w/aEmTUjiD0nA/s400/3-stans-amigos-300x169.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
I won several stages and felt good. I was missing some top end at the starts and didn’t have the fitness to attack eventual winner Cheryl “Churtle Le Turtle” Sornsen, but it was a successful stage race for me and full of good memories. Our team rode strong and made a big splash in our beautiful pink kits. I like a race that ends with winning a hatchet(aka Tomahawk), eating prime rib and then a three beer derby. Good times in Pennsylvania for sure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DqmoAzoDsHI/UDPhgp-rjVI/AAAAAAAAC98/enAA4ZyYcws/s1600/Sue-tse-run-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DqmoAzoDsHI/UDPhgp-rjVI/AAAAAAAAC98/enAA4ZyYcws/s400/Sue-tse-run-300x300.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Canaan MTB Festival<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbA7EFRUmEw/UDPhp1WInRI/AAAAAAAAC-I/hWaiicsajpc/s1600/BIKEFEST12-jpg-200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbA7EFRUmEw/UDPhp1WInRI/AAAAAAAAC-I/hWaiicsajpc/s400/BIKEFEST12-jpg-200x300.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The heart and soul of my biking life started in Davis, West Virginia( aka Canaan Valley pronounced “KaNane”). Owing so much of my love for mountain biking to this place and wanting to share it with others, I started the Canaan MTB Festival four years ago. This festival aims to bring people together to ride trails, enjoy each other’s company, do trail work and support the Tucker County Trails Club.<br />
<br />
I do a women’s skill tour on friday. We do skills drills and practice in the morning and then ride to my cabin for lunch. I cook the meal for these amazing ladies. I want them to have a healthy homecooked lunch because they deserve it for all their efforts and good energy. Saturday are free group rides led by the local characters. We have a nature ride, a championship loop ride and then an all day circumnavigation ride of Canaan Valley. Sunday was trail work in the morning where we fixed a wet spot at a local park by armouring it with rock. Sunday afternoon is a Bike Hash.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LIHTboiXOt0/UDPh0LtrGRI/AAAAAAAAC-U/tj876g5pveQ/s1600/Ladies-Day-300x169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="169" width="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LIHTboiXOt0/UDPh0LtrGRI/AAAAAAAAC-U/tj876g5pveQ/s400/Ladies-Day-300x169.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
A Bike Hash involves two Hares leaving the start point with a 6-10 minute headstart. The Hares throw differing marks of flour on the ground for the Hounds to follow. They also carry beer that they stash along the way for the thirsty hounds. The sneaky Hares try to throw the Hounds off course with false trails and confusing markings. The object is to catch the Hares before they reach the end of the route where more beer and Sirianni’s pizza is waiting .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UO-2VSOtxfI/UDPh7Qb93HI/AAAAAAAAC-g/-tpV0P11ORA/s1600/sacred-vessel-225x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UO-2VSOtxfI/UDPh7Qb93HI/AAAAAAAAC-g/-tpV0P11ORA/s400/sacred-vessel-225x300.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
There is a limited and special language used like, “RU?” that means are you on the trail? and “Checking?” Then when you find the right trail you say “ON, ON!” And then when you find beer, you say “ON BEER!” At the end, Beer is drank out of the Sacred Vessel and songs are sung and toasts are made and most importantly, Beer is drank!<br />
<br />
<br />
Tour de Burg<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-kJIICf3II/UDPiDqRlj4I/AAAAAAAAC-s/RwVByjPVJdw/s1600/Number-plate1-300x169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="169" width="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-kJIICf3II/UDPiDqRlj4I/AAAAAAAAC-s/RwVByjPVJdw/s400/Number-plate1-300x169.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I’m glad that I got TSE under my belt because that prepared me for the infamous/mostly unknown Tour de Burg. Starting the same day as the Tour de France, the TDB is a 7 stage, six day race that has 2 road stages and 6 mtb days. The format is pleasure pace (PP) to the timed sections, then race a set section of trail or road, regroup and then PP to the next race section. Usually, there are two timed sections per day and a lunch stop. These are all day outings over rough, gnarly terrain in the mountains of Virginia. This is an off grid race that costs $175 dollars for lunch, dinner and a massive beat down with a core group of athletic weirdos and sadists. Jerseys include the typical Men’s Leader, Women’s Leader, KOM, Sprint and the much contested DFL.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kykag0BXocc/UDPiMTYTmiI/AAAAAAAAC-4/oP9R2aB0eaA/s1600/nate-dfl-e1343078983523-169x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="169" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kykag0BXocc/UDPiMTYTmiI/AAAAAAAAC-4/oP9R2aB0eaA/s400/nate-dfl-e1343078983523-169x300.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
These quirky, endurance, hard partying, inexpensive races are the memories that I will cherish when I’m in the nursing home more than any world cup!<br />
<br />
What’s Next?<br />
<br />
The second big race for me this year is at the Colorado Endurance Festival. I will be participating in the All Mountain Enduro at Winterpark. There are five stages, including a chainless downhill. I heard there are non stop tabletops and some very fast girls showing up. I’m so excited to finally try this format of racing that seems to be getting popular. I will be racing the Jekyll II with Kenda Nevegals, and Crank Bros. Zepplin seatpost and pedals and a Lazer full face helmet. So stay tuned!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading.<br />
<br />
Sue Haywood.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SjNlKqOUPBo/UDPg0D1EhbI/AAAAAAAAC9M/ooD5UxqbuPM/s1600/sue-tse-fast-300x201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="201" width="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SjNlKqOUPBo/UDPg0D1EhbI/AAAAAAAAC9M/ooD5UxqbuPM/s400/sue-tse-fast-300x201.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-90195087395018155142012-05-23T22:44:00.000-04:002012-05-23T22:45:06.257-04:00I love my friends, I love my bikeI want to thank my friends from the bottom of my heart for helping me through this rough patch of my life. The silver linings to my personal crisis have been my friends and loved ones and my bike. I've cried on many shoulders and surfed some couches and rode some long miles. It was hard and sad and a little pathetic. And I read a few self help books, so I know all the right stuff to do and I try to do the right thing. But, honestly, with such cool people in my life, I can't be too sad for too long. And I really love riding my bike with my friends and realize how lucky I am to be able to do that. I am so grateful that I have you in my life. Thank you my friends in Harrisonburg. Thank you, my friends in Canaan. Thank you my family. Thank you, web friends. I feel your good vibes and got to pay them forward.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8R1lKerkl1E/T72TMFQCQQI/AAAAAAAAC6U/5pTDIbviq_A/s1600/Church%2Bof%2BDirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="220" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8R1lKerkl1E/T72TMFQCQQI/AAAAAAAAC6U/5pTDIbviq_A/s400/Church%2Bof%2BDirt.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTzFRKw4_ZQ/T72TZE5doeI/AAAAAAAAC6g/sSXuLDoDoTI/s1600/Sue%2Bon%2BChurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="226" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTzFRKw4_ZQ/T72TZE5doeI/AAAAAAAAC6g/sSXuLDoDoTI/s400/Sue%2Bon%2BChurch.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Let's never break up, Okay?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6aGpBhlxDDo/T72Rhng2DAI/AAAAAAAAC6I/P4r1zfg_MQc/s1600/mothersday%2Bwomen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6aGpBhlxDDo/T72Rhng2DAI/AAAAAAAAC6I/P4r1zfg_MQc/s400/mothersday%2Bwomen.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Pink makes me happy<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oAl1f0NKOIY/T72QUU4aQkI/AAAAAAAAC5w/JNCXUzlOblU/s1600/DSC_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oAl1f0NKOIY/T72QUU4aQkI/AAAAAAAAC5w/JNCXUzlOblU/s400/DSC_0038.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rCpbhaR2Q8U/T72RGElBt7I/AAAAAAAAC58/-CB4hMm4mv4/s1600/voorhees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="226" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rCpbhaR2Q8U/T72RGElBt7I/AAAAAAAAC58/-CB4hMm4mv4/s400/voorhees.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
MMwwahmmpa!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AeyOvQu_RSw/T72Y4z5FFyI/AAAAAAAAC6w/E2lxYu3JDvc/s1600/friends%2Briding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="226" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AeyOvQu_RSw/T72Y4z5FFyI/AAAAAAAAC6w/E2lxYu3JDvc/s400/friends%2Briding.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a-aYGHEUZYY/T72Z7WLRzaI/AAAAAAAAC68/CIw70SZyF90/s1600/Funny%2Bride%2Bat%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a-aYGHEUZYY/T72Z7WLRzaI/AAAAAAAAC68/CIw70SZyF90/s400/Funny%2Bride%2Bat%2B5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Yea, I like whiskey and ramps<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpJBRBRKqJM/T72aYC0qF9I/AAAAAAAAC7I/fo35U0UFRs8/s1600/Cabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="226" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpJBRBRKqJM/T72aYC0qF9I/AAAAAAAAC7I/fo35U0UFRs8/s400/Cabin.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Never underestimate the power of laughter and endurephines!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-we30-pPbU38/T72b3aDaQFI/AAAAAAAAC7U/hhHFTQLuTQQ/s1600/anne%2Btrevor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-we30-pPbU38/T72b3aDaQFI/AAAAAAAAC7U/hhHFTQLuTQQ/s400/anne%2Btrevor.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
And dogs are the best creatures on the planet<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PDXjgNFoTkM/T72e8XIz4BI/AAAAAAAAC7k/s_WtvJiK8wk/s1600/bone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PDXjgNFoTkM/T72e8XIz4BI/AAAAAAAAC7k/s_WtvJiK8wk/s400/bone.jpg" /></a></div><br />
What can you do but smile?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLVOQgNjf8I/T72fUT5SnsI/AAAAAAAAC7w/S2YeCZvrxEs/s1600/wet%2Btubes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="226" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLVOQgNjf8I/T72fUT5SnsI/AAAAAAAAC7w/S2YeCZvrxEs/s400/wet%2Btubes.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-37950815019797053382012-04-10T13:45:00.001-04:002012-04-10T13:45:21.426-04:00Canaan MTB Festival 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqpPn8NAL1o/T4RxfLn_sTI/AAAAAAAAC4k/DV6Vc71QOfs/s1600/MTBposter%2Bfinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="264" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqpPn8NAL1o/T4RxfLn_sTI/AAAAAAAAC4k/DV6Vc71QOfs/s400/MTBposter%2Bfinal.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Thank You, Ruth Melnick, for designing this year's Festival poster!Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-25885047755641489232012-03-08T11:39:00.000-05:002012-03-08T11:39:06.144-05:00PoetryAh, Spring! The eternal hope of better things, pretty things and freshness. Also the time to renew, clean, and move. As, there is one thing for sure in life, its change. And as much as I would like to hold back that change, I can't. I must move, move forward.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1NV0o7aGRHs/T1jf4s6aLFI/AAAAAAAAC3c/wDfR93oK3Qs/s1600/IMG_20110421_113100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1NV0o7aGRHs/T1jf4s6aLFI/AAAAAAAAC3c/wDfR93oK3Qs/s400/IMG_20110421_113100.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Summer Day<br />
<br />
<br />
by Mary Oliver from The Truro Bear and Other Adventures<br />
<br />
<br />
Who made the world?<br />
Who made the swan, and the black bear?<br />
Who made the grasshopper?<br />
This grasshopper, I mean—<br />
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,<br />
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,<br />
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down—<br />
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.<br />
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.<br />
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.<br />
I don't know exactly what a prayer is.<br />
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down<br />
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,<br />
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,<br />
which is what I have been doing all day.<br />
Tell me, what else should I have done?<br />
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?<br />
Tell me, what is it you plan to do<br />
with your one wild and precious life? <br />Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-998895884126806902012-03-05T10:20:00.000-05:002012-03-05T10:22:38.742-05:0024 Hours of Old Pueblo...fast tracking on kitty litter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0LFxC548lM/T1TIRDsuWiI/AAAAAAAAC3E/T1565bzT-4k/s1600/OldPueblo24-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0LFxC548lM/T1TIRDsuWiI/AAAAAAAAC3E/T1565bzT-4k/s400/OldPueblo24-12.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oLX2878cT5k/T1TIRdWuM5I/AAAAAAAAC3M/5sKFliep7hk/s1600/oldpueblo135_150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oLX2878cT5k/T1TIRdWuM5I/AAAAAAAAC3M/5sKFliep7hk/s400/oldpueblo135_150.jpg" /></a></div>
Back in the fall I inquired to a couple of friends in the bike industry, if there might be a little sponsorship available for a person like me. I wasn't planning on coming out of retirement and conquering the world, but I wanted "help" to get to some of the great, though expensive, races that I like to do. And really, I wanted to be part of a team again. I missed the friendship and shared experiences of being on a team. And, as you know its hard feeding a bike racing habit without some great equipment easily available.
Lucky me, because Stan's No Tubes Elite Women's Team was looking to pick up a diversified rider like myself. The team is filled with really great gals who will be at the biggest races in the country. They are true journey women of the sport. They are racing and training for the sheer passion of it. Its so great to be surrounded by women with that kind of drive. But its a balanced, healthy drive that you see among female mountain bike racers in this country. They are happy to put in the training work, work their jobs, work for the sponsors and work for their families. Its a positive influence for sure. And I'm really honored to be part of their family this year.
A contingent of the team met at the 24 Hours of Old Pueblo. I've done this race before on a 5 person team and on a female duo. And had a winning streak going! And of course the girls wanted to win and win we did. It was a solid win for February, most of the girls coming from cold climes. It was such serendipity, that Susan De Mattei, needed a team to be on, and we needed a rider because of illness.
Every year the race gets dedicated to someone in the mountain bike community that has made an impact or difference. This year, "Sue Demo" was the honoree. Todd Sadow asked me to say a few words about her. I was happy to recount the time that I first met Susan in Slatyfork , WV in 1997. She was doing a women's singletrack weekend and I was a guide and helper to her. She was the first pro rider that I had ever met. She gave me tips and encouraged me to turn pro. She encouraged and mentored all the women there that weekend. She was exuberant. And she still is. And she is still really fast, cranking out a fast lap of 1:11! She thought that she might only have to do three laps, but the course was fast, that she ended up doing four and most were night laps! Sorry Susan!
It was a cold night and the shivering and tense muscles had me questioning why I was doing this again? It never changes for me...the night racing laps are brutal. Its not that I don't like night riding. I actually think it is a magical experience that has so many benefits. And our light sponsors, Light and Motion, gave us some really bright and lightweight lighting systems, so seeing was no problem. I'm a creature of comfort and crawling out of a semi warm tent to crank a fast lap, is just uncomfortable. But never the less, it got done and I had the fastest night lap! So its a reminder, its okay to be uncomfortable and the quicker you go, then the quicker you will get it done!
The 24 Hours of Old Pueblo is a great opener season race for all. There is great melding of industry supporters, regional fast pinners, and members of the tribe of the wheel. The course was incredible fast this year, with the fastest time for 16 miles, being 54 minutes! That is so fast for flat tracking on kitty litter.
I look forward to getting equipment from sponsors, especially the wheels from Stan's No Tubes, bikes from Cannondale, tires from Kenda, energy from GU and Elete, packs from Ergon, trainers from Jet Black, air from Geniune Innovations, Adidas Sunglasses. Also check out our website <a href="http://http://notubesracing.com/womenselite/"></a>Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77411237606248579.post-44492271455702852052012-02-23T12:26:00.001-05:002012-02-23T12:28:15.386-05:00Sedona PicsThese are some pics from Sedona!
I was lucky enough to get to spend four weeks out there this winter with my good friends. The riding is ledgy, edgy and mostly grippy. The scenery is so amazing and gives out good energy.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppxiaOzqNM8/T0Zu09d9A2I/AAAAAAAACyY/cMv7WQ52aBA/s1600/DSCN9303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppxiaOzqNM8/T0Zu09d9A2I/AAAAAAAACyY/cMv7WQ52aBA/s400/DSCN9303.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wjrxaafn_-I/T0Zu1LP2ZwI/AAAAAAAACyg/Y3BAyf9-deQ/s1600/DSCN9311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wjrxaafn_-I/T0Zu1LP2ZwI/AAAAAAAACyg/Y3BAyf9-deQ/s400/DSCN9311.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ox_YJETmPSo/T0Zu1f73UjI/AAAAAAAACyw/OXPEkS-JvQY/s1600/DSCN9343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ox_YJETmPSo/T0Zu1f73UjI/AAAAAAAACyw/OXPEkS-JvQY/s400/DSCN9343.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VscG80QcTOU/T0Zu3CaqEYI/AAAAAAAACy4/Bo6Q8WQWYXI/s1600/DSCN9359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VscG80QcTOU/T0Zu3CaqEYI/AAAAAAAACy4/Bo6Q8WQWYXI/s400/DSCN9359.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5h5ZIZ46G3E/T0Zu3UafV5I/AAAAAAAACzI/7tb9Yx0g7rU/s1600/DSCN9368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5h5ZIZ46G3E/T0Zu3UafV5I/AAAAAAAACzI/7tb9Yx0g7rU/s400/DSCN9368.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNw3AOeBwXA/T0ZxiKszJ9I/AAAAAAAACzU/X9UE0A8mWok/s1600/DSCN9371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNw3AOeBwXA/T0ZxiKszJ9I/AAAAAAAACzU/X9UE0A8mWok/s400/DSCN9371.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdM2dQFQ74w/T0ZxjqHuCVI/AAAAAAAACzc/-ECruNneer8/s1600/DSCN9374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdM2dQFQ74w/T0ZxjqHuCVI/AAAAAAAACzc/-ECruNneer8/s400/DSCN9374.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy0VryigCFE/T0ZxkLSQ1-I/AAAAAAAACzs/HO5EZTmAgnU/s1600/DSCN9381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy0VryigCFE/T0ZxkLSQ1-I/AAAAAAAACzs/HO5EZTmAgnU/s400/DSCN9381.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5OYk21qa7_k/T0ZxlmrzxtI/AAAAAAAACz0/VBpd2tJe_1E/s1600/DSCN9388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5OYk21qa7_k/T0ZxlmrzxtI/AAAAAAAACz0/VBpd2tJe_1E/s400/DSCN9388.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGaT506zklY/T0Zxl8ksDmI/AAAAAAAAC0A/RfMQFwAxbQE/s1600/DSCN9389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGaT506zklY/T0Zxl8ksDmI/AAAAAAAAC0A/RfMQFwAxbQE/s400/DSCN9389.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZEr41G1kmI/T0ZyyQlFf3I/AAAAAAAAC0Q/BVxZh71PHCQ/s1600/DSCN9399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="355" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZEr41G1kmI/T0ZyyQlFf3I/AAAAAAAAC0Q/BVxZh71PHCQ/s400/DSCN9399.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJKTNWVy7C8/T0Zyy2DtyzI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/xfph8U4Ykn8/s1600/DSCN9413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJKTNWVy7C8/T0Zyy2DtyzI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/xfph8U4Ykn8/s400/DSCN9413.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fzMiCdeL2QA/T0ZyzGenkCI/AAAAAAAAC0o/Bn89OMbm10s/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fzMiCdeL2QA/T0ZyzGenkCI/AAAAAAAAC0o/Bn89OMbm10s/s400/DSC_0055.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ynpzgFs9fTg/T0ZyzvGM-jI/AAAAAAAAC00/mZjMB4Bsf2k/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ynpzgFs9fTg/T0ZyzvGM-jI/AAAAAAAAC00/mZjMB4Bsf2k/s400/DSC_0066.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-brco9usv1tU/T0Zy0DGqr3I/AAAAAAAAC08/WdQ89V8qtYc/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-brco9usv1tU/T0Zy0DGqr3I/AAAAAAAAC08/WdQ89V8qtYc/s400/DSC_0075.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UxqZiMDFR5g/T0ZzrUY7hVI/AAAAAAAAC1M/lQjyCa2mSsw/s1600/DSC_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UxqZiMDFR5g/T0ZzrUY7hVI/AAAAAAAAC1M/lQjyCa2mSsw/s400/DSC_0104.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hU64TjfbIdQ/T0ZzrihKfTI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/Qd7Fp6DiQxA/s1600/DSC_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hU64TjfbIdQ/T0ZzrihKfTI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/Qd7Fp6DiQxA/s400/DSC_0134.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbN5ikRdIKE/T0ZzsDImJDI/AAAAAAAAC1k/aYZtJsh2k-I/s1600/DSC_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbN5ikRdIKE/T0ZzsDImJDI/AAAAAAAAC1k/aYZtJsh2k-I/s400/DSC_0142.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pgLxHdFEqw8/T0ZzslgQ8MI/AAAAAAAAC1w/gQrue5izqUA/s1600/DSC_0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pgLxHdFEqw8/T0ZzslgQ8MI/AAAAAAAAC1w/gQrue5izqUA/s400/DSC_0157.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TOlBQRtu_5c/T0Zztg9sKrI/AAAAAAAAC18/Y9_FomXPK30/s1600/DSCN9450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TOlBQRtu_5c/T0Zztg9sKrI/AAAAAAAAC18/Y9_FomXPK30/s400/DSCN9450.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QmA0G2qnUQg/T0Z05Lgh-YI/AAAAAAAAC2I/6PL4ZbltEbs/s1600/DSCN9452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QmA0G2qnUQg/T0Z05Lgh-YI/AAAAAAAAC2I/6PL4ZbltEbs/s400/DSCN9452.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQUvVeD7Z4I/T0Z05dwOGpI/AAAAAAAAC2U/Bqt2w6SkRsw/s1600/DSCN9483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQUvVeD7Z4I/T0Z05dwOGpI/AAAAAAAAC2U/Bqt2w6SkRsw/s400/DSCN9483.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lk5JHVTd3QM/T0Z061u_6zI/AAAAAAAAC2c/aOp-jZONXc4/s1600/DSCN9506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lk5JHVTd3QM/T0Z061u_6zI/AAAAAAAAC2c/aOp-jZONXc4/s400/DSCN9506.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHt5jMi9dDY/T0Z07IBkA3I/AAAAAAAAC2o/NJ-HSn3NW8k/s1600/DSCN9536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHt5jMi9dDY/T0Z07IBkA3I/AAAAAAAAC2o/NJ-HSn3NW8k/s400/DSCN9536.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGrXklnwYyE/T0Z07WWgR3I/AAAAAAAAC24/AyMymTSssRo/s1600/DSCN9541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGrXklnwYyE/T0Z07WWgR3I/AAAAAAAAC24/AyMymTSssRo/s400/DSCN9541.JPG" /></a></div>Susan Haywoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08895772660816892706noreply@blogger.com0