1 half century complete

Janet and I swaped out our route for one we knew had wide shoulders and few hills for our first attempt at a half centry. We rode our mountain bikes with slicks. The first 26 miles were okay but tough for me. We had a head/side wind the whole time. We averaged 10 mph against the wind. I did not eat enough before the ride and it was hurting me. Janet kept asking if I was alright, she was kicking my butt on the hills, and everwhere else for that matter. We made it to Hastings just in time, I was feeling like i wanted to give up. TAXI.... TAXI..... We stopped at Emilys Bakery for a good bite to eat. We took an hour to eat and recoupe then we hit the road for our trek back.

The day had warmed some and the food provided me with a needed boost. We hit the road feeling ready for the next 26 miles. We had some popo admirers, we thought for sure they were going to give us some shit, but instead they just kept turning around to drive by and check us out again. Janet took care of that issue by giving the 50 a nice wave and thumbs up.

We made the whole 54 miles with only one incident. A Women was in the turn lane, we got the signal to cross the road and she pulls out infront of us to turn. She is on the phone and still doesnt see us. Something stops her, she looks at us in the turning lane, smiles, then bolts. What the #%&$. Comeon Lady pay ATTENTION!!

We celebrated our 50th mile with a High Five then went out seperate ways feeling great pride in our accomplishment. I thought I would be sore jumping from average 23 mile rides to the 50 but I felt great. The evening of I was quite tired, Sunday I was alittle achey in the hip flexors, my knees and my rear. But today I am feeling great. I am thinking Sunday may become my endurance day.

In the words of Janet route of the "Tour de my butt crack hurts"

I've Got Mad Skillz

Last nights skills session was wonderful. There were 7 ladies in all. We started out the evening with introductions, then a lesson on braking. The front brake is on the left, the rear is on the right. Im sure some of you are thinking, Duh! Common sense, but it isnt and there is alot to braking when you are out on the trails. The scaphoid incident from my Tribute to Fat Tire Post was due to not knowing how to properly brake. Yeah, I may have braking down by now but to spare the newbies if at all possible is worth the reminder.

Next we learned proper pedal positioning. Okay I may be to advanced for this class, But Shads a wealth of knowledge and there is always something to be learned. I remember how long it took me to get the pedal position down. I struggled on Corners and could never make the ones that went right until Andy told me how to hold my pedals through the corners. Man did that make a huge difference, and I learned the rock garden pedal position on an instructional video online.

Hmmm then It was how to take a corner. I just learned this last summer, Andy also taught me that and it was reinforced in one of Shads more advanced skills session. I still take crappy lines sometimes so I will have to keep working on this one. The correct way, (correct being the easiest and therefore being the safest way) is to go into the corner on the outside or wide with pedals even or the with the inside foot in the top position. This allows for clearance (not hitting unexpected obstacles with the rear tire) and a direct visual to the next part of the trail. The #1 thing is to look ahead at the next obstacles coming your way, so you can see why the direct visual is of utmost importance.

Fourthy we learned to pop up the front tire. This is the area I thought I needed help with, but in all actuality I was just being a big baby. My first ride at Murphy Hanrahan last summer I was with a group of MORCERS, the qualifier is a skinny as you can see by the photos. I went for it with some great spoters nearby. Thankgoodness for Shad, he caught me about 5 inches from face planting on the obstacle. Oh I forgot, around the pedal position portion of the skills session we also went over Body positioning, it beats out looking ahead on the trail and Is tied with braking As the Number One most important thing when it comes to mountain biking. So in this case I had my weight to far forward, since this day I have been freaked to pop my wheel, I have hardly even riden over curbs. Its quite ridiculous because I rode this ------------------------------->

Thanks Melissa for being my model.

So the timing and practice was well worth it, I also practiced popping my back tire over an obstacle which was surprisingly easy.  Shad was showing off his bunny hopping so I though I would give it a try. I guess thats one for the next skills session. You pop up your front tire then while the front tire is in the air you proceed to pop up your back tire.  I think I am going to have to stick to just popping up my whole bike at the same time.  I would get so anxious to pop up my back tire that I would just skip the front popping and due the back.  One of those uncontrollable impulses I guess because I tried numerous times and It just kept getting worse.

]We rode the teeter,we rode a small camel back and it was a wonderful night to be on the bike.  Met some fabulous new women and I am ready to ride.  

Wagon Update

Okay, I know I was supposed to work out last night but I didnt. My legs began to get sore as yesterday progressed, so instead I did some nice long stretches to ease my legs back into this working out thing. I sure did a good job of avoiding it all winter long.

Tonight is the Womens Skills Session. I will be bringing my camera along. I hope to come back with some great shots and some new skills

A Tribute to Fat Tire

We got accepted into the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival. 40 miles of sweet trail. It got me thinking about the effects Fat tires have had on my life so here is a long, long story about my history with Fat Tire.

My love for Fat tire started approx 7 years ago.

Doodlidoo, doodilidoo, doolidoo

My BFF and I hit up a local club in the San Fran area Fuse. (I was hoping to have some pictures but I guess theres none out there.)

We spent the day/evening drinking Martinis, listening to great music and pretending to be writers with the Hastings Star Gazette, doing a story on the hot spots in San Fran. I think I got about 40 interviews with various people completed when Jessie had the bright idea to start listening to them. Well Guess what, Blondey (that would be me) Didnt know how to work the dam thing and I had play pushed down the whole time. Not one of my fabulous interviews was recorded, and because of the Martinis, I really dont remember them. Maybe this was a godsend.

Anywho I digress, The bartender offered me a Fattire, telling me that it was a medium bodied beer with a subtle hit of chocolate. Hell ya, im in! I exclaimed. What more could a chick want then chocolate flavored beer. It went down great, it tasted like nothing I had had before. In hindsight the beers good but I think the thrill of the vacation and the martinis before may have helped the situation out alittle bit.

I drank it everywhere we went for the rest of the trip. I came home only to learn that a case would cost me a hundo to get it here from Colorado. Apparently it was to expensive to get to MN, it had been here once before but there was not enough demand vs expenses so it was pulled.

On my 25th BDay my Dad, being the awesomest Dad there is! had a case sent to me as my present. Needless to say, it was a fabulous BDay. Thanks again Dad!

In April 2006 My friend Andrea and I ventured out to Vegas for a glorious bit of trouble. Again Fat tire was my beverage of choice, and I only learned of its exsistence after another Martini night. Weird!

Its almost pathetic, not quite, but almost, that I can remember every bit of Fat tire I have drank since learning of its existence.

August of 2006 another Fat Tire weaseled its way into my life. I purchased a Cannondale F500 in 2001 at the insistence of my boyfriend. Mine is pertty Red though. It spent the first few years of its life chillin in my garage collecting dust. The fate of many poor bikes, brought home from the shop expecting to be cared for and loved, but left to hang upside down drying up with age, just itching for someone to get its wheels a spinnin' once again.

I took it out a few times right after purchasing the bike, we rode from Hastings to Cannon Falls and back. Spent some glorious days on the bike trails in the Hastings area and on the Cannon River trail, but it didnt last to long. I moved like 5 times and had multiple jobs at one time and my bike got neglected like many other things.

I grew up in the country and have always had a mountain bike. We spent hours upon hours riding up and down dirt hills and gravel roads back in the day. We would crash on the dirt hills and get covered in burrs but It never mattered, we would just pick them off and do it again. Which is why it surprises me to look back and realize that I hadnt even thought about taking the Cannondale off roading until sometime in 2004. I spent lots of time trail running and hiking the Miesville Ravine, during one of my hikes it dawned on me, hey I have a sweet bike sitting in my garage I should try it out on these trails.

So venture #1 on my bike in approx 3 years: Down to the Miesville Ravine I go, only to be stopped by a Park Ranger within the first 15 mins of my ride. He proceeds to tell me I can't have my bike on the trails because it ruins them. I fought saying Hey, look at the fourwheeler trails made by you, what I am riding is doing far less damage on the trails then what your riding. Needless to say that didnt sit to well with the park ranger and he escorted me out of the park.

Bye bye bike, it sat in the garage again for another 2 years. I guess I am easily discouraged.

In 2006 My BF Andy, decided to get back into mountain bike racing (its something he had done as a kid). I traveled along as his trusty water bottle passer outter, cheering section, photographer, and dog watcher/walker. It was great to be out there chearing him and others on. I got to hike around and take photos, get the dog some exercise, we met tons of people who are now great friends, it was quite amazing and unlike anything I had experienced before.

Andy started riding more and checking out all the local trails, he got my bike down and lubed her all up and started hasseling me to get out there and ride. I cant rememer exactly how it went, but I think we rode Terrace Oaks a few times then Andy brought me to Lebanon Hills. Riding this trail was probably the scariest thing I had done. I was not the caliber of rider that it takes to ride the intermediate trail at leb, and to make matters worse Andy insisted that I ride in front of him. That absoluetly freaked me out. For one he was way faster then I was and two, I wanted to show him that I could ride the trail and do good. I attempted a rock pile that I think I still avoid and went flying over my bars. I landed about 10 feet from my bike on a downward slope covered in logs. I skid down another 10 feet until I finally came to a stop. Somehow I rode out of there, but my shoulder, back, and ass where pretty sore for the next few weeks.

I am a pretty insistent person who does not give up easily and does not like to let things get the best of me, so a few weeks later we headed back to Lebanon for another shot. This time Andy and I agreed to do our own ride and we would meet in the parking lot afterwards.

I made it about half way through the trail system, I was going down a step formation and didnt have my weight distributed correctly. Wham! Next thing I knew I was on the side of the trail on my back with the wind knocked out of me. I layed there for a minute catching my breathe, I heard some bikers in the distance and realized that my bike was in the trail. I got up and pulled my bike to the side of the trail, happy to realize that I really wasnt in much pain and my bike was fine.

Four dudes rode on by asking if I was okay, I said yes wondering how they had known I crashed. I hopped back on my trusty stead and shakely began riding my bike out of the trail, with each pedal stroke things began to ache, first my wrist, then my arm, next my leg. By the trail exit I was pedaling with one leg and had only one working hand.

I broke the scaphoid in my left hand and had the bruise the size of a basketball in my groin. Not quite sure how that got hit but Im glad its okay!

wow this is an uber post and no longer a tribute, I guess I should rename this post.

It was pretty much the end of the summer at that point, my bike was back in the racks for another 3/4 of a year.

Over the Winter I met a women Named Janet, Her husband biked and she did fitness competitions. We started chatting and within a month they had us over for dinner.

The rest is history, The guys started riding together, and Janet and I would ride together. We had the same pace and would help each other with the technical features. Actually If you ask Janet, She helped me and I hurt her ; ) Janet and I were putting some decent time on our bikes and getting better, we would have a fall or two on our first rides but that is the amazing thing with biking. It gets easier very quick if you stick to it and you can see the progress so you really feel great about your accomplishments.

Janet wanted to try a MORC Womens Ride and convinced me to go along. It was a wonderful group of women of all riding abilities. They have now become a staple in my life. We tried new trails, new features/obstacles, and met new people. It is a group that allows you to be who you are with no hard feelings, it doesnt matter if you are fast or slow, or need to get off and walk over obstacles, you are welcomed.

With all the riding and progress that was being made I guess Andy decided to coak me into racing. I had told him the year before that there was no chance in hell that he could get me to race. Well I guess hell must have froze over because he planted the seed and it grew. I did photos for the first race of the season and wished that I was riding the whole entire time. I signed up for the 2nd race of the season. It was held at Steeplechase in Mazeppa MN. I am much better at hill climbing then technical features on the trail so I didnt know it at the time, but it was the perfect course for me.

I had an offer from Peace Coffee to join the race team but I wanted to get a race under my belt and see if it was really for me. I was alittle slow off the start, they rerouted the trail for Citizen class and the grass was wet and slick, but I chugged up the hills with Ton yelling "your going faster up the hills Dana, what the heck" We circled the prolouge twice then headed down the front of the hill by the time we hit the bottom of the trail I could feel my body taking off, I passed a few people and stared climbing the hills. It felt great! I came in 2nd out of the ladies and First in my age group. It was the motivation I needed to keep with the racing.

I completed 6 of the 10 races last season and finished first in my age group. All in all it was a fantastic year and I cant wait for the next one to begin!!!

Now Andy and I have a very large repretoire of biking friends. We ride every week rain or shine, snow and ice. In under two years biking has changed my life forever and has become something that I cannot live without. Fat tire beer has also made its way back to MN. My favorite two fat tires have been brought together along with a boatload of friends to share them with.

Fat Tire here we come!!

Made it into Chequamegon. WOOT!

Back On the Wagon, Lets see how long it will last

Hit up the Gym last night. First time since December. I feel like a million bucks today!

20 mins on treadmill 5.5. (Yeah Im a slow ass!!)
Vertical Row 30 lbs 3x10
Butterfly 30lbs 2x10
Lat Pulldowns 40lb 3x10
sit ups 3x10
squats with medicine ball 3x10
one legged squats 1x10 each leg
balance on bosu 30sec/leg

I am going to try to get a workout in everyday, even if its just slow spinning on the trainer. Wish me luck.

People are starting to get there acceptance into Chequmy. I hope we made it!!

A little of this and A little of that

The more ground I gain in biking, the more time I spend on the road, and the more I become aware of the absolute invisibility of bikers on the road. There is a great commercial everyone should check out. It brings a great sense of awareness to the issue!

On Janet and I's ride on Sunday, we had 2-3 seperate incidents.

1) Some dude was too busy checking out the beer specials at a bar then to pay attention while pulling into a turn lane. He didnt even notice us on our bikes crossing. And Yes we had the little white blinky guy telling us it was okay to cross. Then when we said something, he just nodded at us and smirked like we were hitting on him or something. I tell ya, Ignorance MUST be Bliss.

2.) We again had the right away, were crossing the road on the cross walk, we were in front of a stopped vehicle in the first lane, a 2nd vehicle came flying up the exit way faster then the speed limit and we had to wait for them. Had we been in the next lane Janet and I would have been creamed.

3.) I don't remember, maybe there wasnt a third that we noticed but I am sure there was one.

Please people, when driving get out of your head and pay attention to whats going on on the road!! There was an awful incident in CA this last week. 2 people where killed when a police cruiser swerved over the double line and hit 3 bikers head on.

http://www.velonews.com/article/73458/questions-about-the-cupertino-crash-

And to the bikers: Remember that only you and truly you can look out for yourself, so proceed with caution. Your not a dummy, you know people in their cars are prone to not see you. Dont dart in and out of traffic and give the blind drivers something to hit, and dont give the rest of the bikers sharing the road a bad name. We need to follow the rules just as much as the motored vehicles on the road.

Okay now, give me a Hallelujah!!

Next Topic: Last night Andy bought me a new book. Its called "The Scalpel and the Soul" . I am so stoked to curl up and read a good book. Its been such a long time since I have had the time or desire to curl up and read. I stayed up until 11 last night to get in a few pages but in the end my old body up and fell asleep on me. I was sooo looking forward to going home and continuing my book, But now my conundrum, being that we are surrounded with a winter wonderland for what may be the last one of the season i am torn. Should I break out my snow shoes for one last jaunt. It is quite lovely outside and I bet the photos I could take would be ama zingzingzing, Or do I hit the gym for a quick run and go home and curl up with the awesome book that I have been looking forward too!

Oh life is filled with such hard decisions.

And another totally random subject: Isnt this the cutest thing you have ever seen?

Nothing like a little Bad Medicine

I had the pleasure of seeing Jon bon Jovi on Tuesday night. What a great show. Bon Jovi still has it! Whatever it may be. I think it might be this ------------>

The women were going wild and crazy over the x hair band of the 80's, Richie Sambora was amazing on the guitar and Bon Jovi had the energy of a boppin Teen.

He kept the audience involved, did the great old favorites along with some newer songs. I never realized how clean his songs really are. The eye opener was the number of children running around on the floor.

I realized I am not a fan of his newer music so the highlight for me was "Living on a Prayer".

Many a times I was sitting in the back of my parents eagle, begging my parents to keep that song on.

The row before us and behind us got upgraded to the front because they had children with them. Come on now, the childrens parents werent even old enough to be born when bon jovi got his start. Thinking that we were atleast semi lucky because we got to move a few rows up, we realized it was not such a great move because the guy in front of us had the worst Gas and I think he was actually bending and aiming it directly at us. Thanks dude!!

All in all a good night, I got to see a legend. Spent some quality time with the gals, and realized that floor seats are good for the private bathroom and bar and thats about it if you are near the sound booth or farther back.

Update from a Slacker

Andy and I went out for a ride Friday night. I was hurting, Its been awhile since I put some mileage behind me. We rode from our house parellel to 35 W, then down blackdawg road to Eagan, then followed the route in reverse back home. I think I was having an off day or it was trying to keep up with Andy that wore me out, Not exactly sure but I was beat. I think we put in approx 14 miles. I rode slow and steady, my feet were cold pretty much the whole time. This spring weather is tricky to dress for. If the sun is out i'm hot, if the sun goes behind a cloud, then I am cold. I cant wait until the average wheather temp is in the 70's. I was worried I lost all the ground I gained last year while biking.

Yesterday Janet and I put in a 3 hour/ approx 23 mile ride ride. We started off at Andy and I's place. Followed Cliff to Pilot Knob, took Pilot knob to the Eagan bike trail, followed the trail parallel to 494 into bloomington, then followed the route in reverse back home.

Its a nice route with all the rivers and actual bike route to follow, I tend to avoid riding on the road whenever possible. We trolluped through some snow, practiced bunny hoping and curb jumping, did some sprints over the bridges, and spent alot of time catching up. Janet is overcoming her car vs bike accident from this fall and we havent been riding much. It was very nice to ride with her again.

We had planned a dinner at Axels but Janet and Justin had to cancel so Andy and I went to Doolittles and filled up on some carbs. I was spent for the rest of the evening. Went to bed around 9 and I am feeling good today. Thats a good sign, Maybe I didnt lose all my progress from last year. I think I will rest today, then put in some time on the trainer at the gym tommorrow along with some weight lifting. I have 10 lbs to shed from this winter. Man was I a slacker!!!

blah, blah blah, blah blah blah blah

IS WINTER OVER YET. This time of the year is hard. I am sooooo greatful that the cold is going away but its always raining, everything is full of mud, I have to replace the windshild fluid in my car everyday because the roads are filthy, and worst of all. NO BIKING the trails are also mud. Sorry, Rant is over.

On a positive note, my time consuming class has ended freeing time up. I can finally catch back up on my house cleaning, jersey design completion and WORKING OUT. Woot. I am going for a jog tommorrow. I am so looking forward to it. Since class started I think I have been on my bike 4 times and have not made it to the gym once. My body is aching for a good beating, and I need to get rid of this winter weight fast.

Tami's wedding is fast approaching, we had the bridal shower yesterday. It went well, I think all had a good time (due to Jessies fab punch and good company). Everyone showed up, I made the cake which was a hit. It was a great day, but I am glad to have it behind us. Shoes and final fittings are all pressing issues that remain.

Elk Rivers final Cold Bear Challenge is this weekend on sunday. Looking forward to a good ride, I hope the course rides better then the last race but fun will be had by all no matter the turnout. Rumor has it there will be a hot tub available post race. I can only imagine.