tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68014176728569231702024-02-22T06:21:46.066-08:00Dynamic Physical Therapy Cycling powered by PathfinderAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552058529697590466noreply@blogger.comBlogger484125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-64371140445990238862016-08-25T15:59:00.002-07:002016-08-25T15:59:42.192-07:00End of Road Season and Locking Myself Out<div class="MsoNormal">
What an interesting way to end my road season! Being the
only Cat 4 Women rider for the final race of the series. Category Megan… I like
it! At first I thought I was going to start on my own with the Cat 5 Men, but
Gina was looking out for me and asked JR if I could ride with the Masters and
1/2/3 Women. That was an awesome experience! They actually start out at a
reasonable pace for a sixty-mile race, and it was just a different feeling to
be surrounded by experienced riders. If anything, this was motivation for me to
step up my game next season to get the points to become a Cat 3. This might
mean more traveling to get those points because it’s hard to get enough women
in the Cat 4 ABRA field to get points. We’ll have to see if I have the means to
do that, but it would be a great way to experience what riding is like in other
areas. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAurZZZlOuyqXnYEzfdLr34AthPLMqg4-5KWE5mRiqob_-fit0AllkOQRfWKbYfrNM1WLnDweB8tYPyzbncSM7iDEXPN32G9oHp1bfkPpXScxamVmdGP3lcDdwGFdCD6AAVmqQ4KWIXa4/s1600/20160820_171410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAurZZZlOuyqXnYEzfdLr34AthPLMqg4-5KWE5mRiqob_-fit0AllkOQRfWKbYfrNM1WLnDweB8tYPyzbncSM7iDEXPN32G9oHp1bfkPpXScxamVmdGP3lcDdwGFdCD6AAVmqQ4KWIXa4/s400/20160820_171410.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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For the amount of riding I have been able to do this year in
comparison to last year, I would say I am still pretty happy with my end
results especially since I was off the bike three weeks prior to this race.
Sure, my time at Appalachia Visited was about the same as last year, but I made
up for my not so great start in the second half of the race. I think it showed
that I was doing something right during this school year and summer,
considering I was riding a lot more distance the previous year. I ended up
doing more running and 45 minute workouts on stationary bikes to supplement my
lack of being on the road. Not fun, but something worked. Now how to figure out
how I can get more time practicing hills…. I know hills are my weak point in
races, so more focus will need to be put there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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BUT the best part of ending my road season was locking
myself out of my own car at Appalachia Visited. I’m just joking about that, but
I was impressed at how close my ABRA family was to getting that Ford opened! My
car was ridiculously well sealed. Who thinks of putting the lock/unlock button
in the middle where the radio is? That thing was basically steal proof! You go, State Farm, and your roadside assistance. Now time to enjoy a little off time
from racing before cross starts. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17993782392500239984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-71946762142488886112016-07-24T11:38:00.001-07:002016-07-24T11:42:20.342-07:00Road trip USA!!!<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My best friend got married this year, and tho she lives 3,000 miles away in Tacoma WA, she asked me to be her maid of honor. I was super stoked - this would be my first experience in a wedding party - but also because it meant I had a tailor made excuse to do a trip I've been wanting to do for years. I let work know that I would be leaving mid June…and I wasn't sure when I'd be back! The day after we unveiled a huge rooftop art installation I packed up my car and headed west. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNMU-5_m3d-xAzFyhyphenhyphenA_c8Lisk9DIPHLPp6cwwWgh4YEwXEL6tCKIIo-VGHAwrMUy3TWOA00-VHIkkeWSLegkujCafRlrbCxzjJuKjaUKcMjWpotj0MF9qsjx_bJgweHePiUjGlZWQLQ/s1600/dragon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNMU-5_m3d-xAzFyhyphenhyphenA_c8Lisk9DIPHLPp6cwwWgh4YEwXEL6tCKIIo-VGHAwrMUy3TWOA00-VHIkkeWSLegkujCafRlrbCxzjJuKjaUKcMjWpotj0MF9qsjx_bJgweHePiUjGlZWQLQ/s320/dragon.jpg" width="300" /></a>I had about a week to make the wedding so I was booking it to Tacoma - my first stop was Grand Rapids MI where I had an artist friend, then Madison Wisconsin where one of my Positive Spin coworkers had moved. We spent the afternoon riding around one of the lakes and then followed Madisons extensive trail network out to Epic Headquarters, this crazy company that basically wants its site to feel like a theme park. There were Harry Potter themed buildings, wild west buildings, a Lord of the Rings themed state of the art 10,000 person auditorium, Dungeons and Dragons offices, and so many more. It was a playground for adults!</div>
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The next day I drove over to Minneapolis, and rode about 60 miles of their mind boggling urban trails. The level of bike infrastructure there was astounding. At some parts I was riding in the middle of the city and it felt like I was on a bike trail in a secluded forest! So amazing. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6o8Ql-Z2B1GvufSdJlpU4GvT30KCfPuROAunqgZlBv6aabub7f9Jj2L3Ml6zmq6AVehYELf9c6PgZFVm5GyGxhZ-aC2ZYzxFcDkUdUFAEr7k8Ze3KzYSQal3IGA-QmqxlNcBvvkLxoV4/s1600/minne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6o8Ql-Z2B1GvufSdJlpU4GvT30KCfPuROAunqgZlBv6aabub7f9Jj2L3Ml6zmq6AVehYELf9c6PgZFVm5GyGxhZ-aC2ZYzxFcDkUdUFAEr7k8Ze3KzYSQal3IGA-QmqxlNcBvvkLxoV4/s640/minne.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbgVwI79PcuKbFjq_TgwbKPz4Gk5qYszVngrYBrA91tesFXXtUZP3L5jlvkk13pZJAyLTuQk-xW_wcKm9iF2OzpvIT23qwjFCL8LfmPjXyz_l-5JWI07TLWYmV76uEfMqCgbP9rL7NAc/s1600/minnemtb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbgVwI79PcuKbFjq_TgwbKPz4Gk5qYszVngrYBrA91tesFXXtUZP3L5jlvkk13pZJAyLTuQk-xW_wcKm9iF2OzpvIT23qwjFCL8LfmPjXyz_l-5JWI07TLWYmV76uEfMqCgbP9rL7NAc/s320/minnemtb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mtbing in the "Enchanted Forest" <br />
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After Minneapolis I hit my first experience with unbelievable geography. I drove through the Badlands National Park. I really can't describe how beautiful and alien the landscape was there, so here are a few pictures:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgfAmmaH6w6jIqWgMDp5AfTP7yHOy_P3ix9_C7dJZfKcvEdm-Lyd6o0JRzfRKF_P-djS6eraKUnbSzLeygQdKSCJrYzzyDDJ0KGOF0pJ-6fRSEHJKXXRL3GFMy1EGBQ7IR6KXtX-2ioE/s1600/cliff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgfAmmaH6w6jIqWgMDp5AfTP7yHOy_P3ix9_C7dJZfKcvEdm-Lyd6o0JRzfRKF_P-djS6eraKUnbSzLeygQdKSCJrYzzyDDJ0KGOF0pJ-6fRSEHJKXXRL3GFMy1EGBQ7IR6KXtX-2ioE/s400/cliff.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Climbing the Badlands Cliffs<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStw8ib7PnNF6bMfmGE7EKnvPiaASJjkmO4re-4B-yI9lKgycUgkbMj23zVPhKxY50ePRShL2vLPo5Xw9W1V3H7PjwGazyfubxMhKP8a7PrUs0blPpYJ7mwPKv7mDnA2N1cRHIZ1Pty4Y/s1600/sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStw8ib7PnNF6bMfmGE7EKnvPiaASJjkmO4re-4B-yI9lKgycUgkbMj23zVPhKxY50ePRShL2vLPo5Xw9W1V3H7PjwGazyfubxMhKP8a7PrUs0blPpYJ7mwPKv7mDnA2N1cRHIZ1Pty4Y/s400/sky.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStw8ib7PnNF6bMfmGE7EKnvPiaASJjkmO4re-4B-yI9lKgycUgkbMj23zVPhKxY50ePRShL2vLPo5Xw9W1V3H7PjwGazyfubxMhKP8a7PrUs0blPpYJ7mwPKv7mDnA2N1cRHIZ1Pty4Y/s1600/sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a></div>
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South Dakota, land of big beautiful skies <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxh_AIHnq0ULKb80A1n3bVCdbe2Ruik6GUL2MSPPPSb-ofMEKD_Ft2q3PXVbM0ZOzn91owfll8yHE2EMUNOv9t9cGjgF5iCKCXJa0JgWGr9ZNGhPUpx0P2sD3OF7TGwBQEfZzCucol_M/s1600/badlands+pano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxh_AIHnq0ULKb80A1n3bVCdbe2Ruik6GUL2MSPPPSb-ofMEKD_Ft2q3PXVbM0ZOzn91owfll8yHE2EMUNOv9t9cGjgF5iCKCXJa0JgWGr9ZNGhPUpx0P2sD3OF7TGwBQEfZzCucol_M/s640/badlands+pano.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_nUqty-9RfV9GKASpmnyQtcjuO4Bv2482FKrAvzPPOhobPP60COHWqOFSpz2SYQENkOaNNVIBFhQQZb1eVD1gHsQzn6YpITSqMX_1fxnJazBFeVqGohg6mxZwKyUVRMyxOkGTfyQaHA/s1600/badlandsmtnspano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_nUqty-9RfV9GKASpmnyQtcjuO4Bv2482FKrAvzPPOhobPP60COHWqOFSpz2SYQENkOaNNVIBFhQQZb1eVD1gHsQzn6YpITSqMX_1fxnJazBFeVqGohg6mxZwKyUVRMyxOkGTfyQaHA/s640/badlandsmtnspano.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMGlSPKKVqHZh6bbgK8vFtCamCMd5oTRwld8_fAngcrssWFzL-tdFl2OD7noIHw06VWk8LA60kKntvrASEGysLosVDcq7ARWl-Fc12KyYN2Up6A-NDMh_u7Z8U_95bUBCSHBVTv2QJOs/s1600/jillleon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMGlSPKKVqHZh6bbgK8vFtCamCMd5oTRwld8_fAngcrssWFzL-tdFl2OD7noIHw06VWk8LA60kKntvrASEGysLosVDcq7ARWl-Fc12KyYN2Up6A-NDMh_u7Z8U_95bUBCSHBVTv2QJOs/s1600/jillleon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMGlSPKKVqHZh6bbgK8vFtCamCMd5oTRwld8_fAngcrssWFzL-tdFl2OD7noIHw06VWk8LA60kKntvrASEGysLosVDcq7ARWl-Fc12KyYN2Up6A-NDMh_u7Z8U_95bUBCSHBVTv2QJOs/s1600/jillleon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMGlSPKKVqHZh6bbgK8vFtCamCMd5oTRwld8_fAngcrssWFzL-tdFl2OD7noIHw06VWk8LA60kKntvrASEGysLosVDcq7ARWl-Fc12KyYN2Up6A-NDMh_u7Z8U_95bUBCSHBVTv2QJOs/s1600/jillleon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMGlSPKKVqHZh6bbgK8vFtCamCMd5oTRwld8_fAngcrssWFzL-tdFl2OD7noIHw06VWk8LA60kKntvrASEGysLosVDcq7ARWl-Fc12KyYN2Up6A-NDMh_u7Z8U_95bUBCSHBVTv2QJOs/s320/jillleon.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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From there, I stopped in Rushmore long enough to take an obligatory photo, got pizza in Deadwood, got stuck in a herd of bison crossing the road in Yellowstone, and had Old Faithful erupt sulfery water all over me. I saw a grizzly bear in a stream, almost hit a moose, and had to stop for bighorn sheep as they clamored down a mountain into the road. That was week 1! I made it to the wedding in one piece, where I scrambled to write down the maid of honor speech that had be gestating in my brain for about 6 months. The wedding was a US/Canadian bike polo camping affair, and Jill and Leon didn't shy away from making sure their rides were in the wedding photos!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhP_7EbOa1SntuG9AItRF5C5oYf9yv4IgC82V0hB0hcI0Aq370Z7U4z_gGvyjwbfLi1ncRIY9y03H5476XKyFqatdB7_sFRQqpcEYr8qGaiz7VUibt4vSi7ZVpfkJV1SddzV-BBmamUCo/s1600/tara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhP_7EbOa1SntuG9AItRF5C5oYf9yv4IgC82V0hB0hcI0Aq370Z7U4z_gGvyjwbfLi1ncRIY9y03H5476XKyFqatdB7_sFRQqpcEYr8qGaiz7VUibt4vSi7ZVpfkJV1SddzV-BBmamUCo/s400/tara.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Tara at the Flying Bike Cafe</td></tr>
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I stopped in Seattle to visit another old friend and take a spin on my road bike before hooking back up with chunks of the wedding party to head north.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2K443JqzjAXkSMa6FBc62g9fAloS-ZjBSdg8Zif_fv2vNQ9GyNdLTt5P5NIxZDWFGIPWRSmTZDlkJ2aACUiUNruQAER9Wx4m934ChitVRLELOGdqZ8-BiHoY6vkcz_8zklOt8I1b3J84/s1600/blackrock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="563" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2K443JqzjAXkSMa6FBc62g9fAloS-ZjBSdg8Zif_fv2vNQ9GyNdLTt5P5NIxZDWFGIPWRSmTZDlkJ2aACUiUNruQAER9Wx4m934ChitVRLELOGdqZ8-BiHoY6vkcz_8zklOt8I1b3J84/s640/blackrock.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the Space Needle?!</td></tr>
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I picked up Bike polo extraordinaires and fellow wedding attendees Kyle and Sarah to head up to Orcas island to visit a former Pgher I had only met that weekend. Mike is a potter who lives above the studio he works for in a rainforest, on the beach. GEEZ, it doesn't really get more beautiful than that! This may have been the best weekend of my life. We hung out in tree houses, jumped off cliffs into a mountain lake, fished for salmon, made homemade pizzas, skipped rocks for hours into the sunset and then had a beach fire. As the sun started to set that night, Mike hopped into the ocean water and swished a stick around, jubilantly demanded to know if I could see the sparkles. Kind of? Maybe? I think so? Or maybe thats the sunset reflecting off the waves??? But! as the sun set for real and the night got darker, I could clearly see sparkles jetting off the stick he kept waving, like a magic wand shooting stars. There was a bioluminescent algae bloom off the shore!! Soon enough the waves washing up the beach were full of glitter, and Mike was finding big logs to drop into the water so glow-in-the-dark halos would radiate outward, like some kind of electricity field. I went out on a row boat and let my hand drag through the water, unable to stop my amazed laughter at seeing the sparks flow under my fingers. When I saw Kyle come back in from his turn on the boat, every time the oars hit water they sent a shock of glow through the waves, and the hull of the boat was lit like it had LED light underglow. It was the most spectacular thing I'd ever seen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAMJOZiiSJvSmYy1ydCpPkvNHmJk5ZZIBYktqxgPgTcQcyJe2STWZzE2d0m2jkDeQ1YHedwRVJukNSDntLj7b_fYLv95VPqkmMKE9kehKchSf_i2xiuacNoDzKPBe8slwpzI68lLhSRk/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAMJOZiiSJvSmYy1ydCpPkvNHmJk5ZZIBYktqxgPgTcQcyJe2STWZzE2d0m2jkDeQ1YHedwRVJukNSDntLj7b_fYLv95VPqkmMKE9kehKchSf_i2xiuacNoDzKPBe8slwpzI68lLhSRk/s320/tree.jpg" width="256" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgwUfDJNPH46v-YOpDqFhEazlk1NR4j4flu1g0DW0MV6hV0CZmBoKX-lEzTV9uXnoRhntGv3Ovk7wA_VEbXkB6aFM-kjGtdYJB8B5GiiLbWQUI7X_4XNSAaFT2C3QDgbTVKmI_elHiMQ/s1600/treehouse.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgwUfDJNPH46v-YOpDqFhEazlk1NR4j4flu1g0DW0MV6hV0CZmBoKX-lEzTV9uXnoRhntGv3Ovk7wA_VEbXkB6aFM-kjGtdYJB8B5GiiLbWQUI7X_4XNSAaFT2C3QDgbTVKmI_elHiMQ/s320/treehouse.jpg" width="256" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAMJOZiiSJvSmYy1ydCpPkvNHmJk5ZZIBYktqxgPgTcQcyJe2STWZzE2d0m2jkDeQ1YHedwRVJukNSDntLj7b_fYLv95VPqkmMKE9kehKchSf_i2xiuacNoDzKPBe8slwpzI68lLhSRk/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah getting ready to jump/friends in the treehouse! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDfjQaHP-hhXzfMQ0tw_PEKAWly7UG3Wh9lmlKPBDUJODX_2bvnxKPpNxpTPwbfzFt3_ISfmlRILHFcKoRNl1EeG_8zaZKNYBiBLHwWDrSHiccGH-NWparu7a3QFbw17NDjOhMyPlUGY/s1600/skippinrocks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDfjQaHP-hhXzfMQ0tw_PEKAWly7UG3Wh9lmlKPBDUJODX_2bvnxKPpNxpTPwbfzFt3_ISfmlRILHFcKoRNl1EeG_8zaZKNYBiBLHwWDrSHiccGH-NWparu7a3QFbw17NDjOhMyPlUGY/s400/skippinrocks.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">skippin rocks into the sunset</td></tr>
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Too soon, it was time to leave Orcas. Our next stop was Seattle, where a friend of mine was promoting her line of women's cycling-specific jeans; RYB Denim, at Peloton, a polo kids-owned bike shop and bar. It also seemed like the whole wedding party reconvened to keep the buzz going - people I had just met kept filtering in to grab a beer, pick up some spare parts, and try on the jeans! The next morning was more of the same - breakfast at Peloton, giving a final hug to everyone I had just said a final goodbye to last night! - and then Kyle Sarah and I headed out to Portland. Sarah spent most of that day at her new house, getting her gear together for the 4th of July polo tournament in Pittsburgh (ironically, they were flying back to my city, and I was heading down to crash in Kyle's pad in Oakland CA). Kyle and I found a Lemmy themed bike ride to crash after we checked out Red Star Bags and Cascade Brewing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURfCl8M5fGGnX4rMZvow4alx-FgyywsgW5sUdAeWvFSw541uuLoTunEI3_DuHHHXTyiYjFh3VfnxXLO6wu4mxpIwPBNa6PM72Kgmcty8GwzvXZQoib7HFJk_Qg_o65gSEWUGHe9fCX-A/s1600/1lemmy3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURfCl8M5fGGnX4rMZvow4alx-FgyywsgW5sUdAeWvFSw541uuLoTunEI3_DuHHHXTyiYjFh3VfnxXLO6wu4mxpIwPBNa6PM72Kgmcty8GwzvXZQoib7HFJk_Qg_o65gSEWUGHe9fCX-A/s200/1lemmy3.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmMJnURtSo_SuspDoeKURS7QG7vDvAYtTC9G53XSJSPHSphZIM2PDSml9ald3Q_2D5TcFYMy5-Ceg4gtZCcH_EqDGabAO0y15W7y6Wc65u4uEIWbxsf9paGTiHjzh3XLGcED0Bjq7bTs/s1600/1lemmy2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmMJnURtSo_SuspDoeKURS7QG7vDvAYtTC9G53XSJSPHSphZIM2PDSml9ald3Q_2D5TcFYMy5-Ceg4gtZCcH_EqDGabAO0y15W7y6Wc65u4uEIWbxsf9paGTiHjzh3XLGcED0Bjq7bTs/s200/1lemmy2.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvae2Et0I7YpP4qGZuWJIv19KdbJlmoYL7UPNakjbPs7l0iYWnBPtUfmsfXd5RyhR6Ob9ioz7LpsuurpDJu4HAAGSwY5AXR7tFKmv-Eza-7XuXk3wUfKFY1vjxKRW4jszTbQpdSez6AA/s1600/1lemmy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvae2Et0I7YpP4qGZuWJIv19KdbJlmoYL7UPNakjbPs7l0iYWnBPtUfmsfXd5RyhR6Ob9ioz7LpsuurpDJu4HAAGSwY5AXR7tFKmv-Eza-7XuXk3wUfKFY1vjxKRW4jszTbQpdSez6AA/s320/1lemmy.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghH8Y5P9-FhxgIvPFcF3hyvlDyNVHNaD6y23PtGwDMTLv-p7g5Ho_Z6cSVh9PHW7xZxU2s8zwHpPMuUMZv8i3ZO4z5CRbJhAOIMV5LC6fci_brTTT6l9l_lcJIEWZzHcJaxZRjTfNMDZo/s1600/2july4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghH8Y5P9-FhxgIvPFcF3hyvlDyNVHNaD6y23PtGwDMTLv-p7g5Ho_Z6cSVh9PHW7xZxU2s8zwHpPMuUMZv8i3ZO4z5CRbJhAOIMV5LC6fci_brTTT6l9l_lcJIEWZzHcJaxZRjTfNMDZo/s320/2july4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I said goodbye to my friends that night, and started my solo trip down the coast. I took the scenic highways all the way to San Francisco, stopping along the coast to pick starfish out of tide pools, binocular watch a pod of humpbacks, and stand under the redwoods. I had a couple amazing friends in the Bay Area, so I ended up staying there for about a week. My July Fourth was at a boathouse in San Fran, I visited DZR headquarters and King Kog bike shop, saw the Sutra Baths, pet stingrays at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, saw a flock (a flock!!) of hummingbirds dine on a 30foot agave at Hearst Castle, wandered the labyrinth that was the Winchester Mansion, and even made some money doing an art handling gig just outta town.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghH8Y5P9-FhxgIvPFcF3hyvlDyNVHNaD6y23PtGwDMTLv-p7g5Ho_Z6cSVh9PHW7xZxU2s8zwHpPMuUMZv8i3ZO4z5CRbJhAOIMV5LC6fci_brTTT6l9l_lcJIEWZzHcJaxZRjTfNMDZo/s1600/2july4.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7s0Qa7zTpZG4v-eh7LmvsNR-M31AaokL8LZDValUSyYhYs0V32bHZAmUVj1UtNS4UOEep5WqOWkhFsO5dzErocPi7dqps1RkWHCa0BjN45xZbdhY7sq8dFK459fNrkJFAPpFpRDgwqIY/s1600/2oregonpano.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7s0Qa7zTpZG4v-eh7LmvsNR-M31AaokL8LZDValUSyYhYs0V32bHZAmUVj1UtNS4UOEep5WqOWkhFsO5dzErocPi7dqps1RkWHCa0BjN45xZbdhY7sq8dFK459fNrkJFAPpFpRDgwqIY/s640/2oregonpano.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaLTEYrnfpxlcW2uEPVSmVOVbuJVzpzclDdlbuCZQwp4DgzMo6t5iQyF881sL-yndB1bUYqMN_3RsggIC_Lq-W4H5X6fcMVbNw2sNoAjzOTcapFFQjd6mS6EjZ018o3lzLqMvWOTmnjg/s1600/0coast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaLTEYrnfpxlcW2uEPVSmVOVbuJVzpzclDdlbuCZQwp4DgzMo6t5iQyF881sL-yndB1bUYqMN_3RsggIC_Lq-W4H5X6fcMVbNw2sNoAjzOTcapFFQjd6mS6EjZ018o3lzLqMvWOTmnjg/s640/0coast.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Orgeon coast tide pools! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSpxWBQsS6umhTS-ml5n26aiQPQVI4qmmmLLwNBOGChBO8mwpyN-2kJT_66FQo5X9zT0A1uyNC9qG6TshDwP3rzDuCS32FZu7EDWc6yOuPROSc_Y-tw_lB9QWZLWHwLGfFCVaOfoqWUI/s1600/0hearst.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSpxWBQsS6umhTS-ml5n26aiQPQVI4qmmmLLwNBOGChBO8mwpyN-2kJT_66FQo5X9zT0A1uyNC9qG6TshDwP3rzDuCS32FZu7EDWc6yOuPROSc_Y-tw_lB9QWZLWHwLGfFCVaOfoqWUI/s640/0hearst.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hearst Castle indoor pool </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcGSw1a6uvdfUqhn2uGJo5LjS908kRq49FZZahMzz6h0-JDjms0_vgUMIkFBRvZNNQXW8oTlem-64meaHz1x5abdDwvXobzOKcRFIQijho6NliTUvCmKLr3AqD8rX-jMqJZD_pGWBFmw/s1600/0win+hester.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcGSw1a6uvdfUqhn2uGJo5LjS908kRq49FZZahMzz6h0-JDjms0_vgUMIkFBRvZNNQXW8oTlem-64meaHz1x5abdDwvXobzOKcRFIQijho6NliTUvCmKLr3AqD8rX-jMqJZD_pGWBFmw/s640/0win+hester.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I went to the Winchester Mansion and King Kog with Carolyn</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfAchyphenhyphenHhwZWnCa7pVk04TlAu76B6Y7pV_Gs-7Mlq0iBO_vgCbXRiB0YutE98FsdwoOVGuCto_0L5yVq9cIDg8bdtzTwnxiExwfHf-utfCPACa_K9vVtsCQpZUPyG10ULhQaQRQEpOZz8/s1600/carokog.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Om-dlUwKu1PA__zLAQKZzy8UdZ-dT9oDXvQhRGRdi4xW8Z20XkOWje-27jq7-GmNBqAgbyPeoKsJ6NcylrCsPrgvN5bgARGfsIIRhVXXPr-3rS1VkpSinWR3eogNYBIK_koKV-WKpoY/s640/2redwoods.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="611" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redwoods! </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-Voumz8nOIMD2igYylWmngwQx_Pr5N4_rRASmAoMLWd3Gr2-NVUmoHNochuBv9R8ULcqMclv0j0OtVWgYibanqQsu-ucMaF5jv1J5GXgdH7Bsq3cL_SV7cwW5jCDLfKtrS56BNs5IJM/s1600/2winchester.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRaLPRo894HOO3q3DdPIGFK2dkqQ-0uyucNFujn_uKeeXVpMyd4Kr4J08B7a_A6Po750N9rnZEsdZ4LYunDU2Q5AV__MK4LsUo_mpFFlu64j0dwHjoISyplqNg7yErpJEHNE_efhuSQE/s1600/3deathvalley.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRaLPRo894HOO3q3DdPIGFK2dkqQ-0uyucNFujn_uKeeXVpMyd4Kr4J08B7a_A6Po750N9rnZEsdZ4LYunDU2Q5AV__MK4LsUo_mpFFlu64j0dwHjoISyplqNg7yErpJEHNE_efhuSQE/s320/3deathvalley.jpg" width="320" /></a>When I finally left the Bay Area I had picked up a friend from back home, and our first stop was Death Valley. We got there around midnight and stopped to camp on the side of the road. Camping in Death Valley was awesome and I'm glad I did it, but we stepped out of the car into an oven, and though I was pretty sure we weren't going to die, I wasn't completely sure I wasn't wrong about that. I couldn't drink water fast enough so I had to resort to just pouring it on myself all night, because it would evaporate completely in about 20 minutes. Every once in a while a donkey scream would echo across the hills, making me jet bolt upright and send my heart rate skyrocketing. Around 2 am we got up to stand under the night sky, staring at the clearly visible Milky Way and counting shooting stars. We broke camp at 4:30 and headed down into the valley, the elevation dropping from 9,000 feet to zero real fast. I stopped to get on my bike and road the downhill through the desert until I ran out of water and couldn't take the chapped lips anymore. (I made it about 20 miles). As the sun rose, it was 90 degrees.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkaaj0yVs3NUUr2VCp7-2aVls9HztJpxwG9M4dV8HbEhTwJbCxI-DPQWeIMN41j_dMtLfGVI1iaowRwP7GT_V3hdEeP3pH-rttsseUNugRudFtAb9lfzdhWELEt15Pd8NinTEk1dRjcr0/s1600/4badwater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkaaj0yVs3NUUr2VCp7-2aVls9HztJpxwG9M4dV8HbEhTwJbCxI-DPQWeIMN41j_dMtLfGVI1iaowRwP7GT_V3hdEeP3pH-rttsseUNugRudFtAb9lfzdhWELEt15Pd8NinTEk1dRjcr0/s200/4badwater.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">almost 300ft below sea level!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwCAbCtnS1TCGxGIoe_Rz-G-iyQKZwT2WMnwmGZT7OZZbSQ7jQspF523YPGHAty3B4suxQlt6cWb8C3Q1IDCSXAD2hLD4U_DNLfX-iUJ7bBR5sTccBn294h_l9D7Ndu92GgUJNADFhpM/s1600/4devil.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwCAbCtnS1TCGxGIoe_Rz-G-iyQKZwT2WMnwmGZT7OZZbSQ7jQspF523YPGHAty3B4suxQlt6cWb8C3Q1IDCSXAD2hLD4U_DNLfX-iUJ7bBR5sTccBn294h_l9D7Ndu92GgUJNADFhpM/s200/4devil.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devil's Golfcourse</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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We stopped by the Devil's Golfcourse, a sea of coral-shaped salt covered rocks sharp as cut tin, that would creak and ping in the sun in a cacophony of metallic acoustics. I stood in the lowest point of the US, Badwater Basin, and wandered out onto the blazing beach of salt for sand. <br />
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Flagstaff AZ was our next stop, where we met up with a super lovely character who was also a cross-time teammate of mine! We busted out our homemade gin and killed an evening gabbing with Mike V, catching up on subjects like Pgh/Motown, Hillybilly Roubaix, and how across the board awesome JR and Gina are. When you're traveling across the desert, have been home in 4 weeks and have been sleeping in your car, a soft bed and a shower feels so so good. <br />
Just outside of Flagstaff is an inactive volcano that one of Mattress Factory's favorite artist installers bought decades ago and has been converting into an art installation that isn't yet open to the public. However, we managed to catch the artist's crew at the studio and they were happy to give us a private tour of the place. It was incredible! There's really no way to put it into words, so here are some pictures that are sure to amaze and confuse:<br />
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The trek across Utah was a series of scenic drives and National Parks. We stopped in Zion, a lush oasis in the desert, where I stood under a rock overhang that wept water. I hiked barefoot up the most beautiful lush creek of rock cascades, sand pools, tadpoles, and water plants. We saw mountains that looked like melting ice cream, others that looked like needled rock, and natural red dusty arches. I've realized that every chunk of mountains in the US has a completely different look and feel and texture, and was wishing I had a flashcard deck of mountains like the constellation playing cards I had gotten in the Grand Canyon (I realized in Death Valley the only constellation I know is the Big Dipper). We stopped in Moab and I hiked my mtb up a hideous 9 mile climb to a super fun flawy hour long single track descent. To cool off after the ride we found the local watering hole (a gorgeous creek, of course), and I parked myself on an expanse of flat rock that a beaver dam forced a gentle waterfall down. Bright colorful dragonflies flitted around and parked themselves on my bikini.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVupGIl_o_yPEK-5HqhcJvK5hma94kIdmmreNMHbSf3mCxdT3nX8hs69WEMbk7z9KcWJyDM0p6KDJS3BGfeIAM_FNKXDr7vP5AsogFCHW6mNtewU6Shf1Hfty8KO0Y76cUo_bSLc1oY8/s1600/2zion.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVupGIl_o_yPEK-5HqhcJvK5hma94kIdmmreNMHbSf3mCxdT3nX8hs69WEMbk7z9KcWJyDM0p6KDJS3BGfeIAM_FNKXDr7vP5AsogFCHW6mNtewU6Shf1Hfty8KO0Y76cUo_bSLc1oY8/s640/2zion.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zion</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9m25gxuPsit0HwcgsDdWTywjDBZ9cLzePddtN0lFbfZFY-q2EJsS7LcQTB8bnIK8RpsoRh1hfh1iqR4G2a9v8gOlnukysNJLuAQ88tJQpVox5HR8S0Iam2fx68C3iJ4itzSnRMkwUY0/s1600/2arch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9m25gxuPsit0HwcgsDdWTywjDBZ9cLzePddtN0lFbfZFY-q2EJsS7LcQTB8bnIK8RpsoRh1hfh1iqR4G2a9v8gOlnukysNJLuAQ88tJQpVox5HR8S0Iam2fx68C3iJ4itzSnRMkwUY0/s640/2arch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arches</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cJ1iSLKtd25yuJfS9_xe4f5jPk7jqakP9DGRmisDD1okMrFqWpxDkSAdK0Rhuu4mLSl6MRGN9tT6f84WSAv3fAOdu3apnDvWXJQ3KEFrpJktLI5TX1ccMGrBP3FHZuKR0-2QTIzGIvw/s1600/2bryce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cJ1iSLKtd25yuJfS9_xe4f5jPk7jqakP9DGRmisDD1okMrFqWpxDkSAdK0Rhuu4mLSl6MRGN9tT6f84WSAv3fAOdu3apnDvWXJQ3KEFrpJktLI5TX1ccMGrBP3FHZuKR0-2QTIzGIvw/s400/2bryce.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mtbing in Bryce</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXvrsejvQ_EVIuFVDpc2fhtVGO1isBE5Zxtaavek7NcXCDugyPqze6tk_TKCP9fjxC7Ioo4w67Cb1wGwEXrybv2QsfKwnafk_LD62hkJEEXfMfD7_2Zo9hpGirnA84QP-y6J6On_LF7s/s1600/2brycec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXvrsejvQ_EVIuFVDpc2fhtVGO1isBE5Zxtaavek7NcXCDugyPqze6tk_TKCP9fjxC7Ioo4w67Cb1wGwEXrybv2QsfKwnafk_LD62hkJEEXfMfD7_2Zo9hpGirnA84QP-y6J6On_LF7s/s640/2brycec.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryce Canyon</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>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_UNErDb56hnyP1QiRHG2KVnjsiETFW2Yu_zF8xYqfhKaQPr-7nMJYBluD3Ko9zt9g54MZ3qPchJcRF82sFLpyJw2ipDs5tMqEy-GIIZm0h2fC5LrtDaIDpZKdOfr-LvOTID0HVnRqiI/s1600/2moabmtb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_UNErDb56hnyP1QiRHG2KVnjsiETFW2Yu_zF8xYqfhKaQPr-7nMJYBluD3Ko9zt9g54MZ3qPchJcRF82sFLpyJw2ipDs5tMqEy-GIIZm0h2fC5LrtDaIDpZKdOfr-LvOTID0HVnRqiI/s400/2moabmtb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mtbing in Moab</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVsFU4YrFRO6625HqLosFGiyoxNckpAK3SA5Zsbxc6SGEk6tdeUhLEO4yXPLhM89Ii2fgG6EFiJ0RpoMsXedkfaOfw1wT5oTiv-OrfwZsjDmZMu21PaJmDC36fHwAim8QDm1RFBqaJq4/s1600/2moabcreek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVsFU4YrFRO6625HqLosFGiyoxNckpAK3SA5Zsbxc6SGEk6tdeUhLEO4yXPLhM89Ii2fgG6EFiJ0RpoMsXedkfaOfw1wT5oTiv-OrfwZsjDmZMu21PaJmDC36fHwAim8QDm1RFBqaJq4/s640/2moabcreek.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaver dam/rock waterfall Creek in Moab</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6k7gLjBuCoqAo5ubiNmCleSsfWdpg5w8JpBKQa22bzhu_zApV6hjA4LWu6HlqUzi0GowJX-o5LhF5u9qEWJ-QttSyswb6nBit1yay4TBQxQluYARSIvAN41glqz9lAPTA0Kq6Px1-Gg/s1600/2moabpanocreek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6k7gLjBuCoqAo5ubiNmCleSsfWdpg5w8JpBKQa22bzhu_zApV6hjA4LWu6HlqUzi0GowJX-o5LhF5u9qEWJ-QttSyswb6nBit1yay4TBQxQluYARSIvAN41glqz9lAPTA0Kq6Px1-Gg/s640/2moabpanocreek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full creek pano @ Moab</td></tr>
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We had two stops left. Denver Colorado, where we stayed with previous Mattress Factory coworkers and hit up Casa Bonita, the crazy strip mall cliff-diving labyrinth Wild West wonderland, and Kansas City MO. We left KC at 6am and made a pit stop in St Louis to scope out the City Museum and grab a deli sandwich, then marathoned the 14 hour total drive back to the Burgh. Popping out through the Fort Pitt tunnels and seeing that beloved skyline and the brightly lit PNC park was heaven. I finally made it home!!! Unfortunately, a work-related gash I had gotten on my leg the day before I left had festered for 5 weeks and gotten infected, so I spent all of 20 minutes at home, unloading my bikes and giving my new roommate an exhausted hug, before she carted me off to the ER and I spent my first night back in a hospital bed with an IV slapped in my arm :(<br />
Oh well. It was totally worth it. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">too much fun.</td></tr>
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<br />malycathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683907441137333628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-37793879742705932602016-07-04T14:51:00.003-07:002016-07-09T05:42:13.742-07:00Race report: Hilly Billy Roubaix<div class="MsoNormal">
Last Saturday marked the 7<sup>th</sup> annual Hilly Billy
Roubaix, a tour of some of “best” roads in northern WV and Southern PA. It is
arguably the hardest race on the ABRA calendar each year.<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year was my 4<sup>th</sup> year participating in the
event and I was looking forward to the challenge! I had set 3 basic goals, the
first (as it is every year I have done it) was to finish the race. The second
was to break the 6-hour mark and the third was to break the 5:30 mark. The
course was slightly different than last year due to the fact we had a new venue
to the start/finish. This made the course basically 2 different loops. The
first loop of 33 miles would be the toughest due to the amount of climbing. The
second loop was about 41 miles still with some good climbs and pretty much
unchanged from prior years. It would however be an easier finish with no finish
climb like the one up to Mylan Park like in previous HBR editions. <br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had pre-rode the first loop with friends the weekend prior
so I had a good idea on how tough it would be, still I went into this race
thinking I had sub-5:30 legs. While the past 2 editions of the race featured
rain and cooler temps, I had noted many times that “we were due for a hot one”.
Unfortunately, that prediction had come true. I can remember steeping out of
the car after arriving at Mason Dixon Park to a noticeable feeling of heat! Oh
well, got to deal with whatever comes!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The race started with a gentle rollout on paved roads but started
to stretch out when we hit the rolling initial portion of Smokey Drain. Once we
hit the steep pitches of the climb, the race exploded and the suffering began!
After the hitting the highlights like L.I.C.E and John Fox, I was still rolling
pretty well. I completed the opening loop feeling pretty good and still
thinking about the sub-5:30 time. It was helpful to see my teammate EJ marshalling
the turn onto Henflint for some more gravel. After negotiating the tough climb
and descent of Henflint I was still feeling good and back on paved roads for a
bit. <br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was in a good group of 5 other riders which formed shortly
before climb up Mason Ridge Road to the original next rest stop. As we
approached the turn where the rest stop used to be a small group of people
yelled “It’s around the corner” obviously referring to the new location of the
rest stop. After pedaling up the climb across I79 then turning on to the next
gravel section I started to wonder if that “It’s around the corner” was a “West
Virginia” reference just like “down the road a piece”. It wasn’t hard to start
to wonder because we had gone around many corners and had pedaled about 2 miles
with no rest stop in sight! After finally spotting my buddy Terry marshaling a
corner he yelled that the rest stop was at the bottom of the upcoming gravel
descent. <br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a much needed pepperoni roll thanks to my teammate
Shawn, some chain lube and bottle refills, I was off again. After some more
miles and another dose of encouragement from Nate Clair, I was finally starting to feel the effects of the growing heat but soldiered on.
The legs were turning over pretty well, just feeling a bit of energy starting
to leave the body. I can remember distinctly when the goal to break 5:30 was
put on the back burner and that was at around the 52-mile mark. It was on the
climb on County Road 54 which ultimately would get me up to the last rest stop
which was JR and Gina’s house. This climb was a real struggle and even after making
it to rest stop #4 and consuming a couple freezer pops, a small cup of peanuts
and some salt pills, I left still not feeling all that great. <br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Knowing what all was left in the race, it became a matter of
survival and setting small goals. The biggest of which was getting to the top
of Smokey Drain because from there it was pretty much literally all downhill! While
the heat was becoming oppressive I do remember being glad it was dry which made
Smokey Drain slightly easier. The bad thing was I couldn’t fully remember where
the “top” of Smokey Drain actually so after a few small “downs” and more “ups”
it was becoming a real drag! Finally, I made it, then the next small goal became
to get down to the rolling section of it. Descending on a steep and rough
gravel road when you are pretty much knackered ain’t easy but I managed. After
hitting the bottom rolling section, I only had 2 small goals to go, hit the
main road off of Smokey Drain then the finish itself. The legs still actually
didn’t feel bad but I was running on fumes but it was glorious site to see the
sign for Mason Dixon Park and after turning on to the grass for a little
cyclocross action I had made it!! While I didn’t reach my sub-5:30 goal I did
manage to get in under 6 hours and for the day that was quite OK with me! <o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061169219775980530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-17603684798805756212016-06-30T10:06:00.001-07:002016-06-30T10:06:47.784-07:00June 2016: A Month of Adventures and New ExperiencesAs I looked back at the month of June, I realized just how many adventures I had packed into the 30 days between May and July. It has been a month of great experiences, and I hope the trend can continue into the rest of my summer, and ultimately the rest of my life.<div>
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The first experience was graduating from High School. Twelve years of mostly hard work and dedication finally payed off, setting me totally free for the next two and a half months. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHgjGly_W_Grws4KPNrLQ0E4Ie48fGks3zc5afWVuOdIqsNiWkzqgqDheL6L90SJOXKtq8xSN77jgeFXkxwMYDG33RDJvJ1Ha5VvAZQ3UUXe1hKr9JxHdtjSGep61O-JY0RwQZR7MIgS2/s1600/IMG_5843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHgjGly_W_Grws4KPNrLQ0E4Ie48fGks3zc5afWVuOdIqsNiWkzqgqDheL6L90SJOXKtq8xSN77jgeFXkxwMYDG33RDJvJ1Ha5VvAZQ3UUXe1hKr9JxHdtjSGep61O-JY0RwQZR7MIgS2/s320/IMG_5843.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you, Mom and Dad, for always encouraging me to be my best! </td></tr>
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The second, and probably most notable in my book, was the return of my best friend from Saudi Arabia after about ten months. It is very weird when your friend lives right down the street from you one day and halfway around the world the next day. But now he is back, until mid-August at least, and it has been a blast so far.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkoQ1j4M_vTdQRhyphenhyphen0LjIbK2P47kDMB_e_Cu_EilM6qpUlWltGQ1tlFFkb1iFW7YzYdvuJ7cod7WB8QvJyx8_nZ7RrY_bJBEM4kLu6n603CI6OqxmGakJFz55Ul-rCEWrMhv-bVCMhobuy/s1600/Nate_Ryan_Crop_skyline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkoQ1j4M_vTdQRhyphenhyphen0LjIbK2P47kDMB_e_Cu_EilM6qpUlWltGQ1tlFFkb1iFW7YzYdvuJ7cod7WB8QvJyx8_nZ7RrY_bJBEM4kLu6n603CI6OqxmGakJFz55Ul-rCEWrMhv-bVCMhobuy/s320/Nate_Ryan_Crop_skyline.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Featuring Pathfinder Nalgene Bottle. Unfortunately it was turned and the logo didn't make the photo. </td></tr>
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This is a small one but it has facilitated many great memories throughout the summer: I bought a hammock! This thing is awesome! I take it everywhere and can put it up just about anywhere that I want!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3A0Tw7cIxazfmXh9DUJ-6hbVw77Bpz4g4U2RugHDHjLvxn9MXidK0AlnkZxT71A56dk5VlK4dzwaBS-gfGOMdcn0pSDstlE0e8xqluOzRlI11botbReFwUsPpCeM0Ig7N4zHxRrrxdb0G/s1600/Gwen_Hammocks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3A0Tw7cIxazfmXh9DUJ-6hbVw77Bpz4g4U2RugHDHjLvxn9MXidK0AlnkZxT71A56dk5VlK4dzwaBS-gfGOMdcn0pSDstlE0e8xqluOzRlI11botbReFwUsPpCeM0Ig7N4zHxRrrxdb0G/s320/Gwen_Hammocks.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Currently covering my face with shame BUT IT'S OKAY"</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgSOuR-fZ6IBYNa-9DzM5B8HYdBtLlNGy4dO_XqZ-I6qaLOPV1EqvO1gU2MALcEyH7HVKnTSZvwTTQ1Q-TVScOpkbycfZNShtJp6UaYwWlc46DVoZWa0k8_NTzujBuUkd4XBdFtKPQkMF/s1600/Hammock_feet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgSOuR-fZ6IBYNa-9DzM5B8HYdBtLlNGy4dO_XqZ-I6qaLOPV1EqvO1gU2MALcEyH7HVKnTSZvwTTQ1Q-TVScOpkbycfZNShtJp6UaYwWlc46DVoZWa0k8_NTzujBuUkd4XBdFtKPQkMF/s320/Hammock_feet.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjwNazLtmBZ_nqD0HHRptwRU8p7dXLXLZVpZC9qVV1OWZ5PmITt05KKwfHdZLufw-JNaOpEsvK1-4ujJ5MtzZxBI5anugJbyytDwJYhlm93z7jciwKNL-tmjgiKxP_9bBZ9XcTESzL5PU/s1600/Hammock_over_rocks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjwNazLtmBZ_nqD0HHRptwRU8p7dXLXLZVpZC9qVV1OWZ5PmITt05KKwfHdZLufw-JNaOpEsvK1-4ujJ5MtzZxBI5anugJbyytDwJYhlm93z7jciwKNL-tmjgiKxP_9bBZ9XcTESzL5PU/s320/Hammock_over_rocks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Uo-ubwgDoCn-u7-WfShTsJFlGaRm515sUXYJyrsNWJ7huz2CBPw4ncvu_tevw-3dIPphgr_YeS6w6TTxIzWgE-bNkmfLuSAGQxajTB4bsYW1zv1b7bHQ3tLxMap_CgSFQZTey-lm9UGg/s1600/Hammock_Sonic.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Uo-ubwgDoCn-u7-WfShTsJFlGaRm515sUXYJyrsNWJ7huz2CBPw4ncvu_tevw-3dIPphgr_YeS6w6TTxIzWgE-bNkmfLuSAGQxajTB4bsYW1zv1b7bHQ3tLxMap_CgSFQZTey-lm9UGg/s320/Hammock_Sonic.PNG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hammock at Sonic? Oh yes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANVu3XXxKG9l6YcUi1gMe02cm9X1x8oiXJmueHHM1XLNDwtQEKd18Vta7OmKUIn4-LUgN6s-J1iCkRK9hyphenhyphen9jbg2Q7yseLobYPa5NXw5c998FCNhXpHCePDMBW9LEKYUZfneYeTij1Q3Y9/s1600/IMG_5855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANVu3XXxKG9l6YcUi1gMe02cm9X1x8oiXJmueHHM1XLNDwtQEKd18Vta7OmKUIn4-LUgN6s-J1iCkRK9hyphenhyphen9jbg2Q7yseLobYPa5NXw5c998FCNhXpHCePDMBW9LEKYUZfneYeTij1Q3Y9/s320/IMG_5855.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hammock Camping!!</td></tr>
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Something totally foreign to me: I got a Cannondale! I've never had a Cannondale before, and I've never even ridden a Lefty, so this but is totally new to me, but I'm incredibly happy with it! 1x11 is the bees knees! Thanks to Pathfinder of WV for this awesome ride! Be sure to check them out for all of your outdoor needs!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkW5D-NUPkQ6VsXdl7hkV-e2_JAQhIp979DzjkuxOw0OdQZ_1x2riKcDlDaRR6RVmcme-DAWTtrq6wRQnF7abisiX67h2b6zS6TS6Rt3UEP7abC1TSPCzKnK9oFjO3EBDI_tEivNGcipR/s1600/Fsi_first_ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkW5D-NUPkQ6VsXdl7hkV-e2_JAQhIp979DzjkuxOw0OdQZ_1x2riKcDlDaRR6RVmcme-DAWTtrq6wRQnF7abisiX67h2b6zS6TS6Rt3UEP7abC1TSPCzKnK9oFjO3EBDI_tEivNGcipR/s320/Fsi_first_ride.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First ride/race on the new bike! Unfortunately my skills are a little rusty, leading me to crash about 10 miles in and forcing me to quit :(</td></tr>
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Some photos from some random adventures this month!<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVOnEbRev6MQGU1cNv5Ef1wFK3G3R3q2GaV7Nbr8MJ3AcWvhkLWBny2s5BiQJjnZqLGtPCE4E1aFbRnUcqFPuuie70yiWxvydSrijiaUeImBL7VvnProwG2yjZk7IoHYj2bOTu2rq3ms0/s1600/IMG_5803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVOnEbRev6MQGU1cNv5Ef1wFK3G3R3q2GaV7Nbr8MJ3AcWvhkLWBny2s5BiQJjnZqLGtPCE4E1aFbRnUcqFPuuie70yiWxvydSrijiaUeImBL7VvnProwG2yjZk7IoHYj2bOTu2rq3ms0/s320/IMG_5803.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going to watch the sunset is one of our favorite things to do</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVNn3tcxyo8fNWnIQ9tv43OhDtDT7CrPDwUyj4eQ3_jZ0Q9vzlNeOhLVAiFh6KjFJPHauZvFDbO0P2Da6pvQeyWAffwu2QicI8u7ae6LH2i_bUB307q4e6zm7cNKDh9b1tcjTdoXAskL9/s1600/IMG_5758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVNn3tcxyo8fNWnIQ9tv43OhDtDT7CrPDwUyj4eQ3_jZ0Q9vzlNeOhLVAiFh6KjFJPHauZvFDbO0P2Da6pvQeyWAffwu2QicI8u7ae6LH2i_bUB307q4e6zm7cNKDh9b1tcjTdoXAskL9/s320/IMG_5758.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You never know what you will find on the way to Ohio! </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBCHOgmu_Lq0noKj4y2F_0AMY-DdtwyN3DW0boX4OkLXlz-siSPHAy56N20R1p340MedUb18mjfTeG2B3fruduQKscq0R0k0tjBn9xZheOsgZ3OzIs_zTYEX54OHUDEe73gKHfb-iRY_Q/s1600/IMG_5777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBCHOgmu_Lq0noKj4y2F_0AMY-DdtwyN3DW0boX4OkLXlz-siSPHAy56N20R1p340MedUb18mjfTeG2B3fruduQKscq0R0k0tjBn9xZheOsgZ3OzIs_zTYEX54OHUDEe73gKHfb-iRY_Q/s320/IMG_5777.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I also recently watched <i>Into the Wild, </i>which is now one of my favorite movies. I'd like to end with a quote from Christopher McCandless, about adventure and experiences because I think it is very inspirational(don't worry I'm not going off the grid).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJzSTBKiWAU6G4YV28il9qLFoITBnNQmg9XByLosMc35VPefkfbynGjdxbzDFlNiUSKKHeksBj3TjKEuOwFKcCIqSR0Cviot5iN9mE8zfbknMzGfISuGhHW5oz7YjQXrA42L2o3V95-7o/s1600/Christopher_McCandless_Adventure.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJzSTBKiWAU6G4YV28il9qLFoITBnNQmg9XByLosMc35VPefkfbynGjdxbzDFlNiUSKKHeksBj3TjKEuOwFKcCIqSR0Cviot5iN9mE8zfbknMzGfISuGhHW5oz7YjQXrA42L2o3V95-7o/s320/Christopher_McCandless_Adventure.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: goodreads.com</td></tr>
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<br />Nathan Clairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02208086766396361347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-68117851386178828552016-06-01T07:02:00.001-07:002016-06-01T07:02:56.278-07:00Riding the Flint ridge into West Virginia <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiEOt-0_Ht4CBndxY543qWwgl7oNKMy1eZlJDawZx2hYgFWVj9xtP811leCjuy5rDIV_0-wI-SjHHFunLYZiDWSnMo6ta0HSe9nTOl9eohL-ltNQQWq2ZcBWg3u6n_6GeD9NClL2e1LI/s1600/0531161609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiEOt-0_Ht4CBndxY543qWwgl7oNKMy1eZlJDawZx2hYgFWVj9xtP811leCjuy5rDIV_0-wI-SjHHFunLYZiDWSnMo6ta0HSe9nTOl9eohL-ltNQQWq2ZcBWg3u6n_6GeD9NClL2e1LI/s400/0531161609.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After awhile of waiting i was finally able to get a set of the Kenda Flintridge Pro tires in. First thought when these tires were announced was that they were going to be a fast rolling gravel tire. Coming from the Happy Medium i was a little dissuade with much smaller cornering knobs. Though the lack of corner knobs that stick out so much should help with the drag on the road. This will be my first try going tubeless for gravel grinding.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8uGHBTokrtXE3jM33sf6ObwihwcSIbZHhi3mse64rpGaTqszbkkcMos08BDeydKlwBolbpzcKDIs7YogrSbYx3sh7K-VPwKVMeXSiJGPbyUWeEcVEBf1LdNdWMrbvFPP_2JMqoyEXOw/s1600/0531161609a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8uGHBTokrtXE3jM33sf6ObwihwcSIbZHhi3mse64rpGaTqszbkkcMos08BDeydKlwBolbpzcKDIs7YogrSbYx3sh7K-VPwKVMeXSiJGPbyUWeEcVEBf1LdNdWMrbvFPP_2JMqoyEXOw/s320/0531161609a.jpg" width="320" /></a> The Flintridge comes in at 442 per tire and is 40g less than the claimed weight. Mounting them up on the Bontrager TLR wheels i have was a breeze, took a bit of muscling it to get it on. They weren't the easiest tires to mount, nor were they the hardest tires (where i would have to use tire levers). With a cheap floor pump i was able to mount them to bead up by 40 psi (10 below the max of 50 on the sidewall).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxUhhWnNA0Ul6L3iXMr8UTwXNP4645W3UVEJFbxDLcAB8fqyoTpOeIFRcpG9Uqf31SNah3QTExnyQ_8etezqp6RwgJUwViL3Vob-kGrZBLtz3trmGtNMxuWXZ9zo-ClRg8KfUTP6F15k/s1600/0531161606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxUhhWnNA0Ul6L3iXMr8UTwXNP4645W3UVEJFbxDLcAB8fqyoTpOeIFRcpG9Uqf31SNah3QTExnyQ_8etezqp6RwgJUwViL3Vob-kGrZBLtz3trmGtNMxuWXZ9zo-ClRg8KfUTP6F15k/s200/0531161606.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />The first ride on them, was on the single speed. So i would have to carry more speed around some downhill turns, to carry more momentum into the next up hill; in the rolling hills here in western PA. At 40-45 psi these tires felt really stiff, making for a rough ride on the larger gravel, but on the road the took up the road noise perfectly. Now being new to tubeless for gravel riding i have to get away from my habit of running tubed tires 50+ psi, so that i can get a true feeling for these tires. These felt smooth on the road, quickly get up to speed (especially on descents). Cornering felt solid on them, though bit tough to hold a line over really rough gravel at the high pressure i was running. Once i drop the tire pressure down, it should help them feel much better over the rough stuff. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkn6-DOxPeUHvnGZ35rzGIdb1tR4l6eRRZC2p61HqwfoiodMGrzkUYSJY0zRXGn8BHu3y071e5MDWf6HdhyphenhyphenwPMM-eJ81UCG4E_dK46L0CSgfLfSefjEtPAbeO3F5xxNBbM1TTR33SH2M/s1600/0531161606a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkn6-DOxPeUHvnGZ35rzGIdb1tR4l6eRRZC2p61HqwfoiodMGrzkUYSJY0zRXGn8BHu3y071e5MDWf6HdhyphenhyphenwPMM-eJ81UCG4E_dK46L0CSgfLfSefjEtPAbeO3F5xxNBbM1TTR33SH2M/s400/0531161606a.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Flintridge Pro (left) and Happy Medium (right)<br />Both 35mm versions</td></tr>
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Look for a longer term review after i use these for the HillyBilly Roubuix and spend more time getting used to tubeless tires. </div>
venomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919775177188351060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-12947428706560497192016-05-31T21:19:00.003-07:002016-05-31T21:19:51.945-07:00<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2016 Tour of Tucker County Road Race</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Each year for the past five or six years, I start the Memorial Day weekend with a drive to Tucker County, WV for the Tour of Tucker road race. Each year, I look forward to the challenge, and yet dread the agony of this race. And each year, I struggle to finish in the top 15 of the Masters 40+ class.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSyPHjOf3r3lutv0oJZ7tcXqTm0UW0a48gvNSrCskaOhqz8P2vFCDxM4pRTY2J2cguKBd8EuPegY9xmCpKLzdymVt60EWHzMHg8W7D9rJDs1I-P4Py5xXODk8l-mLZu2orn2DpZlCQ1i7/s1600/windmills1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSyPHjOf3r3lutv0oJZ7tcXqTm0UW0a48gvNSrCskaOhqz8P2vFCDxM4pRTY2J2cguKBd8EuPegY9xmCpKLzdymVt60EWHzMHg8W7D9rJDs1I-P4Py5xXODk8l-mLZu2orn2DpZlCQ1i7/s320/windmills1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A seven mile long climb up Limestone road is a difficult but manageable start to the 56 mile race. Then, a ride across a rolling mountain ridge eventually drops to Route 50 in Aurora which puts racers into one of the fastest three mile switchback road descents in WV....quite possibly the only real opportunity to rest the legs. From there, Rt. 50 to Rt. 72 offer some "relatively" flat riding with two steep climbs back to Saint Thomas. Finally, the true test of the legs and lungs begins at mile 48 with the steep 1900ft climb up Sugarland road to the giant windmills at 3500ft elevation on top of the mountain.<br />
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Every year in the past, I've gone out too hard from the start, only to fight wind alone on the ridge, and eventually suffer leg cramps on the Sugarland climb. This year, however, I managed to hang on to a small chase group of Masters 40 and 50+ racers to the top of Limestone Road. At that point, the group dwindled to just myself and a racer in the 50+ category. We traded pulls, picking up and dropping other racers along the way until we reached Saint Thomas. From that point on, he pulled ahead in his own race with other 50+ guys, leaving me alone to tackle the final climb that I know from past experiences will cause leg cramps, overheating, and doubt that I would ever come back and race again. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMxXxIdIX5K2ipioSKpHq05UxqqULfCUOAQvvqtz8hRgcLzru-mdzLd44yWx2ZUQI5uuKSLSIVjSRMiV0Wy2dXSAuIXnqeAzalqOykglK8pj6Z50G73um_lUF0XugrDDXY6Neqg9wvk9-/s1600/ToT2016%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMxXxIdIX5K2ipioSKpHq05UxqqULfCUOAQvvqtz8hRgcLzru-mdzLd44yWx2ZUQI5uuKSLSIVjSRMiV0Wy2dXSAuIXnqeAzalqOykglK8pj6Z50G73um_lUF0XugrDDXY6Neqg9wvk9-/s320/ToT2016%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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During the final climb, I was passed by another 40+ male. Struggling to stay within 30 yards of him, I contemplated lying in the creek adjacent to the road to lower my core temperature. For miles, there seemed to be a power threshold that muscle cramps in both legs. As the competitor reached the steepest grade next to the cemetery, I noticed he was beginning the fight with cramping muscles as well. My last gulp of water was enough to get me past him with only a mile to go. Then, after the final surge to the top I rolled across the finish line for a 5th place spot on the podium<br />
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<br />Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15853667541425004707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-84521342473291876792016-05-21T10:03:00.002-07:002016-05-21T10:04:04.772-07:00Bye Bye School and Hello Cycling!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">It took me
a second to figure out what photos I wanted to go along with my post, but
then the idea popped in my head to use a picture of my “racing wall” in my
apartment. TADA! I was surprised to see how many ABRA races (17 pictured here
and a few random 5Ks) I have done in the last year and a half. What surprised me even more were the
improvements that I have made despite not being able to ride my bike much this
school year!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">I started
pharmacy school in the past year, and was I surprised to learn how much time I
would have to dedicate to school and work instead of exercise. It turned out to
be a major adjustment period. I spent an hour here and there a few times during the week on
a stationary bike and ran on the treadmill. Some days it was difficult because of how fatigued I was from my near nonstop days during the school year. Not ideal
circumstances, but I would go hard during those sessions to make the most of them. If I wasn’t able to
get out on a bike for a few hours at a time, mind as well make the hour
sessions worthwhile! Apparently I was doing something right with this method of training.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Now that the school year is done, I have been able to do a bit more with cycling. A 6<sup>th</sup> place finish in the Women’s 3/4
race at Steel City Showdown was a great way to start off the summer.
Let’s see if I can keep this going later in the year!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17993782392500239984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-91889439405138428432016-04-30T15:47:00.000-07:002016-05-01T08:53:23.270-07:00Lining up for 20162016 has been a great year for bikes so far. Coming back from injury has been a slow process of regaining bike fitness, but it is definitely more enjoyable when you aren't hurt. Rob over at Dynamic Physical Therapy pushed me through the whole process so I wouldn't give up until I was finally pain free. Now, I am making sure to foam roll and stretch the surrounding musculature to limit the chances of reinjury.<div><div style="text-align: start;"><font color="#000000" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LJYwHl0YJUQ/VyU1TComO8I/AAAAAAAAAV4/_kh60wMARMw_uRKOEyffeRW1w6khtrWTgCKgB/s1600/IMG_4471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LJYwHl0YJUQ/VyU1TComO8I/AAAAAAAAAV4/_kh60wMARMw_uRKOEyffeRW1w6khtrWTgCKgB/s320/IMG_4471.JPG" width="240"></a> </font><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7h2FyWLSnMU/VyU1NAhIjgI/AAAAAAAAAVo/ql7AwDB0kcEJ_VK1pvI3Mg_eBkpWAd7mACKgB/s1600/IMG_4538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font color="#000000"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7h2FyWLSnMU/VyU1NAhIjgI/AAAAAAAAAVo/ql7AwDB0kcEJ_VK1pvI3Mg_eBkpWAd7mACKgB/s320/IMG_4538.JPG" width="261"></span></font><br></a></div>
My bike season started off with the team training camp. There is nothing better than doing a big group ride with your friends. Thanks to Pathfinder and Morgantown Brewing Company we had the supplies and fuel needed to get us through the weekend. We finished off the weekend by climbing up break iron followed by a challenging decent increased my confidence as a rider. Big climbs challenge mental and physical strength while I convince myself that putting a foot down will do more harm than good.</div><div><br></div><div><font color="#000000" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ONaowls-CBo/VyU1TNEEjgI/AAAAAAAAAV4/dMJwavyp8LQjFb_WF-DrkcCZ2se8G2uuACKgB/s1600/IMG_4473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ONaowls-CBo/VyU1TNEEjgI/AAAAAAAAAV4/dMJwavyp8LQjFb_WF-DrkcCZ2se8G2uuACKgB/s320/IMG_4473.JPG" width="240"></a></font><font color="#000000" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xDNXmyjAX-s/VyU1JMLO4NI/AAAAAAAAAVc/bGf0TH_BYb01nm--_j3RVd6tdLt6gpeagCKgB/s1600/IMG_4552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xDNXmyjAX-s/VyU1JMLO4NI/AAAAAAAAAVc/bGf0TH_BYb01nm--_j3RVd6tdLt6gpeagCKgB/s320/IMG_4552.JPG" width="320"></a> </font><font color="#000000" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOoO32xBfa8/VyU1TCzt8EI/AAAAAAAAAV4/FQFDmynfNlUEHudX0ZpW9q2RRLB_tcxnQCKgB/s1600/IMG_4475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOoO32xBfa8/VyU1TCzt8EI/AAAAAAAAAV4/FQFDmynfNlUEHudX0ZpW9q2RRLB_tcxnQCKgB/s320/IMG_4475.JPG" width="240"></a></span></font><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TnxtC-hh7Dc/VyU1TDFyAII/AAAAAAAAAV4/QA0rJXjHCsUlU2qYw4vY-9pQFGkl5gKIACKgB/s1600/IMG_4472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TnxtC-hh7Dc/VyU1TDFyAII/AAAAAAAAAV4/QA0rJXjHCsUlU2qYw4vY-9pQFGkl5gKIACKgB/s320/IMG_4472.JPG" width="240"></font></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></font></div><div>
Next, I traveled to a few collegiate races on at Navy, VT, and Appalachian State. I am so proud of the WVU cycling team for pulling out an overall third place in Division 1 for the ACCC and qualifying for Nationals. Individually I was able to pull out a 3rd place overall for Womens B. Early races always remind me how much I haven't climbed hills in months as I contemplate dropping out with every pedal stroke (don't worry I didn't).</div><div><br><div><div style="text-align: start;"><font color="#000000" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IYN4saNMjeQ/VyU1NJWX_XI/AAAAAAAAAVo/B0RhDS5weUogIVDopaIO22c70CDAq-pBgCKgB/s1600/IMG_4541.mov" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IYN4saNMjeQ/VyU1NJWX_XI/AAAAAAAAAVo/B0RhDS5weUogIVDopaIO22c70CDAq-pBgCKgB/s320/IMG_4541.mov" width="180"></a></font></div><div style="text-align: start;">WVU Home crit</div>
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With this beautiful weather I hope everyone is getting outside and enjoying themselves! Can't wait to see you all soon at the next ABRA event, Steel City Showdown!<br>
<br>
C.B.<br>
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Race spectating with my Swiftwicks and Pathfinder bottle</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m3HySkq76_U/VyU1AY07Q_I/AAAAAAAAAVM/8EmfnSnvz78pBGZy79M8LsefFsMNXE5pQCKgB/s1600/IMG_4577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m3HySkq76_U/VyU1AY07Q_I/AAAAAAAAAVM/8EmfnSnvz78pBGZy79M8LsefFsMNXE5pQCKgB/s320/IMG_4577.JPG" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Appalachian State</div>
</div></div></div></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-62303709056415151532016-03-31T19:52:00.001-07:002016-04-01T03:10:25.278-07:00new food for riding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuSZjky1nQQ8e52Hc_52M0CRTgNX4rdwLnYRlfz5JuLraUWKyVX_oNsiuHsEEkJz7BIU8qR1GisWjoewr_WV_dDU-hGNDPqpy4rwnBVw4-58rMZeBeT2Nj_IN47kJ5ly0jl_oa2rdEIE/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuSZjky1nQQ8e52Hc_52M0CRTgNX4rdwLnYRlfz5JuLraUWKyVX_oNsiuHsEEkJz7BIU8qR1GisWjoewr_WV_dDU-hGNDPqpy4rwnBVw4-58rMZeBeT2Nj_IN47kJ5ly0jl_oa2rdEIE/s320/images.jpg" title="this is a parady recipe " width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have been working on a new recipe for bars to eat while riding. Those that were at our team camp a few weeks ago had a chance to try these new treats. They are a tasty treat with plenty of carbs and some protein.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are the ingredients you will need.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVotWmFB-Nk1vXAC4ucNxiDJphpGnB-GEAsSNNk4dgLmwbOi1e6sySvGxDwuYF3KswKYAmdm3mB-A-R1dDEsvzZzGaASvl6HB86YFZCgpbcjXlRe8ffYafC-gGv1OFBDmKxogjCv8eGY/s1600/91172000a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVotWmFB-Nk1vXAC4ucNxiDJphpGnB-GEAsSNNk4dgLmwbOi1e6sySvGxDwuYF3KswKYAmdm3mB-A-R1dDEsvzZzGaASvl6HB86YFZCgpbcjXlRe8ffYafC-gGv1OFBDmKxogjCv8eGY/s200/91172000a.jpg" title="the real recipe just omits these yummy add ins" width="100" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZ9WnaM5QayQtIuqjS6AxjudPsIURlK059ax-F7eVQfSDw0VxxGIPrc9ok9ZvE2Abn9BCHE76nWRTzBTDfbZHQYbbDTBqDag71vFyBFO-mXOKOt3VTQDtbPQ-xYhrVqD3LlxtY4jWdzk/s1600/lg-72689-75791R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZ9WnaM5QayQtIuqjS6AxjudPsIURlK059ax-F7eVQfSDw0VxxGIPrc9ok9ZvE2Abn9BCHE76nWRTzBTDfbZHQYbbDTBqDag71vFyBFO-mXOKOt3VTQDtbPQ-xYhrVqD3LlxtY4jWdzk/s200/lg-72689-75791R.jpg" width="97" /></a>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">½ cup honey</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">½ cup creamy unsalted peanut butter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">½ teaspoon sea salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">4 cups rice cereal</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">1 cup of dried mealworms</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">½ cup of dried crickets</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUNBaoO2TyGwyLRjBDIfl6-52Fe2gdxdwGkxeQPqag_5LtyxbVyawGAZnmGT4d-Edc0vmm3aah4-X9tUEIbDjy6DK4Ju6v8dkRX75Thbcjl9CYVk_ZB4pLVrQdbFFF1TNDoSqqNj1Lrs/s1600/healthy-rice-krispie-treats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUNBaoO2TyGwyLRjBDIfl6-52Fe2gdxdwGkxeQPqag_5LtyxbVyawGAZnmGT4d-Edc0vmm3aah4-X9tUEIbDjy6DK4Ju6v8dkRX75Thbcjl9CYVk_ZB4pLVrQdbFFF1TNDoSqqNj1Lrs/s200/healthy-rice-krispie-treats.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUNBaoO2TyGwyLRjBDIfl6-52Fe2gdxdwGkxeQPqag_5LtyxbVyawGAZnmGT4d-Edc0vmm3aah4-X9tUEIbDjy6DK4Ju6v8dkRX75Thbcjl9CYVk_ZB4pLVrQdbFFF1TNDoSqqNj1Lrs/s1600/healthy-rice-krispie-treats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">You'll want to put the honey in a small pot and bring to a light boil. As you are waiting for honey to heat up mix your dry ingredients together in a large bowl; rice cereal, salt, dried meal worms, dried crickets. After your honey comes to a boil mix in the peanut butter. Stir the peanut butter into the honey until it's smooth. once thoroughly mix pour it over you dry ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly to make sure the honey and peanut butter coat all of the dry ingredients. Once the mixture is completely coated pour it into a glass 9x13 baking dish and spread evenly, press firmly to compact it into the pan. Let it cool completely, about an hour. After it has cooled it's now timed to cut. I prefer pieces about 1" by 2" to eat while riding, though this can be cut any size that you see fit.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZ9WnaM5QayQtIuqjS6AxjudPsIURlK059ax-F7eVQfSDw0VxxGIPrc9ok9ZvE2Abn9BCHE76nWRTzBTDfbZHQYbbDTBqDag71vFyBFO-mXOKOt3VTQDtbPQ-xYhrVqD3LlxtY4jWdzk/s1600/lg-72689-75791R.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-WGIYI38y8T7O53ABEz6ZYZgKB6xi-4y90CM3CiMauhOnxAq_GHCRN-ZOS6UERRLNkCZeaFIuAZmVsCCEWq4Hl7IoicJ8eToOXkDc2VKbXFzOoNrXrXnLvtUQDLuB_j9I4gEXuS7Ou0/s1600/image31.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-WGIYI38y8T7O53ABEz6ZYZgKB6xi-4y90CM3CiMauhOnxAq_GHCRN-ZOS6UERRLNkCZeaFIuAZmVsCCEWq4Hl7IoicJ8eToOXkDc2VKbXFzOoNrXrXnLvtUQDLuB_j9I4gEXuS7Ou0/s200/image31.png" title="not really the bars in this recipe" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZ9WnaM5QayQtIuqjS6AxjudPsIURlK059ax-F7eVQfSDw0VxxGIPrc9ok9ZvE2Abn9BCHE76nWRTzBTDfbZHQYbbDTBqDag71vFyBFO-mXOKOt3VTQDtbPQ-xYhrVqD3LlxtY4jWdzk/s1600/lg-72689-75791R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">There you have it a quick simple recipe to eat while out on the bike, it'll help replenish the carbs you are burning and protein you body will need to recover. These are very tasty and will go quickly, so long as no one ask for the recipe.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZ9WnaM5QayQtIuqjS6AxjudPsIURlK059ax-F7eVQfSDw0VxxGIPrc9ok9ZvE2Abn9BCHE76nWRTzBTDfbZHQYbbDTBqDag71vFyBFO-mXOKOt3VTQDtbPQ-xYhrVqD3LlxtY4jWdzk/s1600/lg-72689-75791R.jpg" imageanchor="1"><br /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZ9WnaM5QayQtIuqjS6AxjudPsIURlK059ax-F7eVQfSDw0VxxGIPrc9ok9ZvE2Abn9BCHE76nWRTzBTDfbZHQYbbDTBqDag71vFyBFO-mXOKOt3VTQDtbPQ-xYhrVqD3LlxtY4jWdzk/s1600/lg-72689-75791R.jpg" imageanchor="1"><br /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZ9WnaM5QayQtIuqjS6AxjudPsIURlK059ax-F7eVQfSDw0VxxGIPrc9ok9ZvE2Abn9BCHE76nWRTzBTDfbZHQYbbDTBqDag71vFyBFO-mXOKOt3VTQDtbPQ-xYhrVqD3LlxtY4jWdzk/s1600/lg-72689-75791R.jpg" imageanchor="1"><br /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZ9WnaM5QayQtIuqjS6AxjudPsIURlK059ax-F7eVQfSDw0VxxGIPrc9ok9ZvE2Abn9BCHE76nWRTzBTDfbZHQYbbDTBqDag71vFyBFO-mXOKOt3VTQDtbPQ-xYhrVqD3LlxtY4jWdzk/s1600/lg-72689-75791R.jpg" imageanchor="1"><br /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZ9WnaM5QayQtIuqjS6AxjudPsIURlK059ax-F7eVQfSDw0VxxGIPrc9ok9ZvE2Abn9BCHE76nWRTzBTDfbZHQYbbDTBqDag71vFyBFO-mXOKOt3VTQDtbPQ-xYhrVqD3LlxtY4jWdzk/s1600/lg-72689-75791R.jpg" imageanchor="1"><br /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZ9WnaM5QayQtIuqjS6AxjudPsIURlK059ax-F7eVQfSDw0VxxGIPrc9ok9ZvE2Abn9BCHE76nWRTzBTDfbZHQYbbDTBqDag71vFyBFO-mXOKOt3VTQDtbPQ-xYhrVqD3LlxtY4jWdzk/s1600/lg-72689-75791R.jpg" imageanchor="1"><br /></a>
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<br />venomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919775177188351060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-32441051023169890682016-03-31T19:40:00.002-07:002016-03-31T19:40:15.986-07:00Wait, why are there other dudes dressed like me…?<div class="MsoNormal">
As winter had loosed its grip over the area and an
increasing amount of decent days helped get me back in the swing of riding, I
started to notice a strange thing happening. I was beginning to ride with a lot of other
people wearing the same kit as I was. How could this be? It has been so long
since something like this happened out on the roads. How long? Well I thought
about it and the answer is 20 or so years! Yep, not since the early-mid 90’s have I
been on a such a comprehensive team. I must say I really missed it!</div>
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While I mainly train alone I have always been a “team” guy,
I enjoy the structured environment of one. I also love having a large group of teammates enjoying a sport as much as I do. I haven’t had that in quite a long time and for the last few years prior to this one I was hoping to find it again. With
each passing week, as we have more team training rides and races together, I
feel the team atmosphere will continue to grow. Of course bike racing ain’t
easy and we’ll each have our bad and good days on the bike but it will be great
to have teammates to share all those days with the rest of the year and beyond.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061169219775980530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-17950382531023632322016-03-28T09:22:00.001-07:002016-03-28T09:22:47.799-07:00The Beginning of the EndAs my spring break comes to an end, I begin the last quarter of my senior year of high school. After that I have summer break and then the next chapter of my life begins. It's pretty strange for me to think about: it seems like just yesterday I was a freshman in high school and tomorrow I'll be a freshman in college. Before you know it I'll be sixty-something, writing a blog about how I am about to retire. But that's a long ways away and it's best to live in the present.<br />
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Being the end of my senior year, I really don't have that much school stuff to do. I have two study halls every day, so the only work I really have to do at home is math homework and the occasional writing for my Creative Writing class. This lack of excessive work has freed up some time outside of school for me to enjoy this wonderful weather that we've been having. Here are some photos from my endeavors!<br />
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<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyAXxrKKosrSOBmqj5UUoA554jShzrPDaUY0n80ID2LkSyips1B900KK1oev8WgEx0nqoG7-1TVZc9JDv9Wqk55w-iady0glyI0_4xoNlKBGJxVaOaiXymITa_hQ2kG6rxX9isYJJH2gZ/s1600/IMG_5361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyAXxrKKosrSOBmqj5UUoA554jShzrPDaUY0n80ID2LkSyips1B900KK1oev8WgEx0nqoG7-1TVZc9JDv9Wqk55w-iady0glyI0_4xoNlKBGJxVaOaiXymITa_hQ2kG6rxX9isYJJH2gZ/s320/IMG_5361.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I asked my Girlfriend to prom!</td></tr>
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<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1HEHt2TLTJnPLdseGHY0cB2SNXC-_jdlsn8ApUFhWDL4_eaAFzXYyn-wlgF96OA3Now66EFIgexkFEqvBDEZnQQs4UzuFK_mCyhBn2D0r5x5Vt2SeS0h5m0HqFi5NbJYBjgy4xE_nPof/s1600/IMG_5339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1HEHt2TLTJnPLdseGHY0cB2SNXC-_jdlsn8ApUFhWDL4_eaAFzXYyn-wlgF96OA3Now66EFIgexkFEqvBDEZnQQs4UzuFK_mCyhBn2D0r5x5Vt2SeS0h5m0HqFi5NbJYBjgy4xE_nPof/s320/IMG_5339.JPG" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I went longboarding(many times)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SJSyXJpDJXhSyAPYs4McZoIvOIwHZ8JnRI1Lz0ex6Y8wozNeOUMFDY0FxqfjX4SZBO6wDLuIIINvkB9ijvmofcOO7qpiV55IPYYVRP_8xoPVbWL9T6C5YpTUlBS8KZlgnj06l4nem2HF/s1600/IMG_5367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SJSyXJpDJXhSyAPYs4McZoIvOIwHZ8JnRI1Lz0ex6Y8wozNeOUMFDY0FxqfjX4SZBO6wDLuIIINvkB9ijvmofcOO7qpiV55IPYYVRP_8xoPVbWL9T6C5YpTUlBS8KZlgnj06l4nem2HF/s320/IMG_5367.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember that nice weather I mentioned? Unfortunately it didn't make it to this race</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bLWDhpTQJyO6yFKqDbBWlJFpv4OH8dFoPfRqnnarZkbm5BXrS2ZzvZEEnpMnHIbx0WyrJePEIPxMDUus4dEVqOIjw65_3gvI51vNKXKOks7Aef7jz7P9Qz6YYLJSS9x2aqTg9aRy5g3-/s1600/12321446_1372218422805057_7750546190757199568_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bLWDhpTQJyO6yFKqDbBWlJFpv4OH8dFoPfRqnnarZkbm5BXrS2ZzvZEEnpMnHIbx0WyrJePEIPxMDUus4dEVqOIjw65_3gvI51vNKXKOks7Aef7jz7P9Qz6YYLJSS9x2aqTg9aRy5g3-/s320/12321446_1372218422805057_7750546190757199568_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fortunately a few days later I was able to ride with exposed arms and legs! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYz6dOoE2OMktdthwVPD5XWjlYJsZZUL55yK54ephY4RrZsQNztodPX5ikRP2-GVvguPWNEOjS9XH6QGbhHeDJLKBvh1LbZd67slda0u9Zs78mT5z62StwvJ9kD1FCq0G7weqkxiMh3_9/s1600/IMG_5383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYz6dOoE2OMktdthwVPD5XWjlYJsZZUL55yK54ephY4RrZsQNztodPX5ikRP2-GVvguPWNEOjS9XH6QGbhHeDJLKBvh1LbZd67slda0u9Zs78mT5z62StwvJ9kD1FCq0G7weqkxiMh3_9/s320/IMG_5383.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful skyline on a beautiful car, to finish it off</td></tr>
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Spring is here and soon it will be summer. I'm excited for all the great times and memories I will make with all my great friends and family before I begin the next chapter of my life! </div>
Nathan Clairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02208086766396361347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-84028879431073737302016-03-23T18:26:00.003-07:002016-03-23T18:26:44.497-07:00It's Race Time!!!! <div class="MsoNormal">
Well, it’s finally starting to look like spring here in
Western Pennsylvania and you know what that means…. Race season is finally
here!!!! However, it did snow for the first race last Sunday at Fair Chance!?!?!?!?!?!?<o:p></o:p></div>
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In early March, we had our annual Dynamic Physical Therapy
Cycling Team Powered by Pathfinder team camp in good old Morgantown, WV. Day
one was a great 60 mile ride out to Fair Chance, PA to pre-ride the next week’s
race course and get in a little long distance time in the saddle. We also had plenty of miles to catch up with
one another since last season and find out about our new teammates. After the ride, we headed over to the Dynamic
Physical Therapy office in Westover, WV to go over our team roles and responsibilities,
meet up with Rob and catch up with him on what he has been doing since we last
saw him, and then head over to Black Bear for some grub and more bonding.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 2 saw another great 60+ mile ride and more bonding time
for the team as the miles rolled by underneath our awesome Kenda Tires. We climbed a lot, did tempo pace line drills,
and really just enjoyed the fact that we were all together and outside on our
bikes. We ended the day at Morgantown
Brewing for some pints, laughter, and great food (as always at Brew pub).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 3 was our final day together, so we started the day off
right by having a great meal together at Terra Café’ prior to the ride. The mood was light even though we were all
tired from the previous two days of riding, so we ate, talked, and then rolled
out for a short ride. The weather was
overcast that day and would soon turn downright nasty as we were on our way
back home. We did a nice climb that day. It was like riding up Sycamore Street in Pittsburgh, but for 4 miles…lol….<o:p></o:p></div>
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All in all, it was a great three days together and we definitely
got to know each other all over again and are looking forward to a great
2016!!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">See yinz at the races n'@!!!!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGeyvwpabzeyFAZWj__pjzTJRr7AKKySkFXXlFYt9mTbGdmIA0O867e7AA2ik1u1ZELbIOlLeNmirjWOGf-vHEOkpF8Ps1sLQH-n_BlOLWw14I0dCSF2JkMlAvecCSlWNfoxYZSrXKbzt/s1600/pathfinder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGeyvwpabzeyFAZWj__pjzTJRr7AKKySkFXXlFYt9mTbGdmIA0O867e7AA2ik1u1ZELbIOlLeNmirjWOGf-vHEOkpF8Ps1sLQH-n_BlOLWw14I0dCSF2JkMlAvecCSlWNfoxYZSrXKbzt/s400/pathfinder.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497046133294211656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-33928535236290456522016-01-11T19:17:00.002-08:002016-01-12T04:52:10.392-08:00Already Dreaming of SpringYes, I know what you are thinking, 'Winter has just begun, how can he be thinking about spring?!?!?"<br />
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For me, it was a long season this year, and even though I took "a little time off" in December, I am already wishing it was March 19, 2016 (first race at Fairchance).<br />
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We have added a few new faces to the team for this season, and team camp is right around the corner as well, so I cannot wait to get this season started. So I guess for now while i'm either riding the trainer or out riding the trails with Jim Mock and my mates, spring will just have to wait, but not too soon I hope!!!<br />
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As always, a big thank you to all of our 2016 team sponsors. We appreciate everything that you do for us on and off the bike!!!!!<br />
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<b><i><u>2016 Team Sponsors</u></i></b><br />
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Dynamic Physical Therapy<br />
Pathfinder of West Virginia<br />
Apothecary Ale House<br />
Morgantown Brewing<br />
Performance Coaching Services<br />
Kenda Tires<br />
Goehring Rutter & Boehm Law<br />
Patti's Pasticceria<br />
Swiftwick<br />
Cannondale<br />
Red Rose Imports<br />
Morr Eyewear<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497046133294211656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-80103637956993644972015-12-30T07:17:00.000-08:002015-12-30T07:17:10.031-08:00PoetrySomething that a lot of people don't know about me is that I write a lot of poems. I'm also a huge fan of spoken word poetry and use it to inspire a lot of my own poetry. Poetry all together has helped me understand a lot of my own thoughts as well as relate to/understand others.<br />
<br />
Luckily I have a great group of friends who share my passion for poetry. Every once and a while we get together and have 'Poetry Circle', where we share our own personal poems or some of our favorites by other authors. My favorite part about these is getting to share my most recent poems with people who are genuinely interested in hearing them. This past Sunday we had one and the idea popped into my head to share this practice of sorts with people who don't know too much about this part of my life. Here are some photos from the event!<br />
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<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCWU05O6c1a0I3qjo3vgvUcfKVt8yWKAUXUoN0BP4E3-Vn_J2BUcDIXQjCkZN2fVbQIXlVju-1hJHf7Y8cVLv42hpKLPZFsJ_ZEzMP5b8nXekYMTuolBxtW72KNMwXJYV70fNBcZnFQU3/s1600/IMG_5066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCWU05O6c1a0I3qjo3vgvUcfKVt8yWKAUXUoN0BP4E3-Vn_J2BUcDIXQjCkZN2fVbQIXlVju-1hJHf7Y8cVLv42hpKLPZFsJ_ZEzMP5b8nXekYMTuolBxtW72KNMwXJYV70fNBcZnFQU3/s320/IMG_5066.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The musical people play some instruments while we wait for everyone to arrive </td></tr>
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<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rlgDW3cAvowhXUg6QE4H6z719sHNzmljkZVxQB7KdhSGdy9OoL_iABDBFAIwNUG4-1tv-49qbdWkPw8AZEfu9FzshYUO-Ts4RK48S984AZ34AGOAeAJS4zfUZxingEHtfTR6VEUhgCZ1/s1600/IMG_5068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rlgDW3cAvowhXUg6QE4H6z719sHNzmljkZVxQB7KdhSGdy9OoL_iABDBFAIwNUG4-1tv-49qbdWkPw8AZEfu9FzshYUO-Ts4RK48S984AZ34AGOAeAJS4zfUZxingEHtfTR6VEUhgCZ1/s320/IMG_5068.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alberto does a poem which he wrote a guitar part for!<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TfkgfmP8szPmn8_xopOjGV7XW4zXM9mRVMn5ZS_5W7C8h5-f4kgQg4LbiNjm6ys5_bEBeFSCsw5e76CiSzq0deeKkDmKDFsiPAUylvqGCNqNjmgXcuarJrOt3NR6g1BZHD5VhY6gQt7S/s1600/IMG_5071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TfkgfmP8szPmn8_xopOjGV7XW4zXM9mRVMn5ZS_5W7C8h5-f4kgQg4LbiNjm6ys5_bEBeFSCsw5e76CiSzq0deeKkDmKDFsiPAUylvqGCNqNjmgXcuarJrOt3NR6g1BZHD5VhY6gQt7S/s320/IMG_5071.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course I wear my Swiftwick Socks, why wouldn't I?<br /></td></tr>
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<br />Nathan Clairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02208086766396361347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-36391616260844236762015-12-25T07:27:00.000-08:002015-12-25T07:27:05.862-08:00Merry Christmas <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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIhya9akCPKkrJ_88KxwDzVDywX0EVhNteI-dLnw1F3VSlFed8MV14YDaM8a9ACFIGzIqnZf63wfUVu_QZdZImFHVLS1AaL53_4SvuZJxWRR7TyrIeWdcEoD5CbDa774LdN26ckKSj2ax/s1600/20151218_134857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIhya9akCPKkrJ_88KxwDzVDywX0EVhNteI-dLnw1F3VSlFed8MV14YDaM8a9ACFIGzIqnZf63wfUVu_QZdZImFHVLS1AaL53_4SvuZJxWRR7TyrIeWdcEoD5CbDa774LdN26ckKSj2ax/s640/20151218_134857.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas from Jeff, Amber, and Mackenzie</td></tr>
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I just wanted to take a quick minute to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope yours was as blessed as mine has been. I am VERY excited to see what the next 12 months has in store for me and my girls.jeff Gernerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807153308113867645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-34191938483731225942015-12-22T08:39:00.000-08:002015-12-22T08:39:07.450-08:00Winter? Summer? I'm so confused...
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last month of the year is here but if you have been
outside you may wonder if your calendar is on the correct month. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know there have been a few days that do feel
like December but for the most part it has been more like Spring than Winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also the shortest day of daylight has just
passed so before you know it the days will get longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I feel more motivated to get outside!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUMmN0zujm8IvYfOQ5fVhNxqpnovBAI8uDBOGUzYdmfUd-TbxF7QVatxdCaYeKOyWlyb-6yUCqKzkv7VJiVbsAwENoAEQtPdz3OCycNKYpid_fZZWS9PC8XY24V3JjsLCpPGUqW1FTwQ/s1600/166353_ts.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUMmN0zujm8IvYfOQ5fVhNxqpnovBAI8uDBOGUzYdmfUd-TbxF7QVatxdCaYeKOyWlyb-6yUCqKzkv7VJiVbsAwENoAEQtPdz3OCycNKYpid_fZZWS9PC8XY24V3JjsLCpPGUqW1FTwQ/s320/166353_ts.jpg" width="320" /></a></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m sure my collection of hand warmers will not go used because
January and February can be brutal here in Western Pennsylvania and West
Virginia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always like the challenge of
trying to figure out what layers to wear with the temperature when starting then
again two hours into the ride. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even March can be hard to get miles in on the
bike. Just ask EJ Hubstenberger III how Virginia went last year?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgyh76iQI-HdO_yRnn1Yw_tvRMGvi2n1KHqOJX3DcZF99TPMQcwhsn0GkZPKNcwEKOYe_6OTPqi3-UVRWqG2i5bNMwCkgXdK09_l0b4rLaeatXBX5BiOkGPZK2LFnFLeeWKlQaHxq8Qw/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgyh76iQI-HdO_yRnn1Yw_tvRMGvi2n1KHqOJX3DcZF99TPMQcwhsn0GkZPKNcwEKOYe_6OTPqi3-UVRWqG2i5bNMwCkgXdK09_l0b4rLaeatXBX5BiOkGPZK2LFnFLeeWKlQaHxq8Qw/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="264" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That all being said I cannot wait till team training camp to
roll around in the spring. Maybe even Summer when the only cycling clothes you
need to worry about are my Dynamic Physical Therapy powered by Pathfinder bibs
and jersey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well I guess I should not be
wishing time away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">See everyone in 2016!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296004722498905790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-55548839344442397622015-12-17T11:19:00.000-08:002015-12-17T11:30:22.437-08:00My first Dirty Dozen<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Despite being sick all week from the previous weekend's ABRA & PA State Championship races in the frigid temps, I last minute decided to get up on a rainy Saturday morning and try to race the Dirty Dozen for the first time. I hadn't done any training outside of races for the past two months, and had been hitting the race exhaustion wall repeatedly. Still, 2015 had seen me through my first Crush the Commonwealth and Hilly Billy Roubaix, and I had to at least try to finish the last of the Debilitatingly Hard Race trifecta. I put on my rain jacket, wind pants and shoe covers, stashed some fig bars in my pockets and headed out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A few blocks from my house I realized my front derailleur had cracked clean in half. I stared at it in bemusement for a few moments, knowing there was no time to fix it and mentally flipping through my index of potential DD second-choice bike candidates (uh, none). A few moments later I realized that if there was a race made for a broken front derailleur, this was it. I nudged my chain into my small ring and left it there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The first hill was one of the few I had actually done before, but despite remembering it as "not all that bad," exhaustion nailed me and I definitely felt the 10 pounds of cx-season weight gain (thanks, beer!). "I definitely can't do this," I thought. I don't even remember going up the second hill, but I do remember deciding that once the route swung me back down into Millvale I was gonna jet back home. The third, Berry Hill, I knew was nice and short and I actually managed to score some points. It still murdered me. I was definitely gonna quit. I wanted to bail after the 4th hill in Etna, but I lived right across the river from Logan (#5). I figured, I'll do Logan, and then I'm out. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gYIz9-Cw-47dk7LNPZCnjDN3AesztDjvDC483LIFqgxpcQEvf8kxUhqKhg10RozNPXyWMS0DiBjEJpptKH8mGyHvA6S07IMxWCsjJxalywe54AQBQarH8RmZemwTdbrE0v8_AcBptJk/s1600/ddhighseavey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gYIz9-Cw-47dk7LNPZCnjDN3AesztDjvDC483LIFqgxpcQEvf8kxUhqKhg10RozNPXyWMS0DiBjEJpptKH8mGyHvA6S07IMxWCsjJxalywe54AQBQarH8RmZemwTdbrE0v8_AcBptJk/s400/ddhighseavey.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Picking my lines up High St</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Logan was terrible. It's a narrow, beat up hill that gets steeper at the top and the rain had slicked it with oil streaks. My back tire kept sliding on the pavement, but I didn't have gears low enough to stay in the saddle. Somehow I managed to save it every time my pedals lurched forward unexpectedly, but there was a moment about 3/4 of the way up the hill that I decided to quit and walk away. Just when I was eyeing up a nice looking bail spot between some parked cars, a bystander yelled some garbled encouragement at me that barely filtered through to my melting brain. I made it up, and scored some more points. I was ready to go home…but we were heading towards a food stop. Why not. I stood around with the other riders, shivering and trying to down a pop tart. Rialto was next, and only a 10 minute ride from my house. It was also probably one of the easiest of the DD hills. 'Okay, Rialto, then home." </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylWO02GTKkRwb4H3FEhjkUuDwjkOYylTrJ4tlLQU3lIdcj5FbvbDK9bRtL6COcStGY26cLnenDOfY-FctzB33H6Agz_ODKQq6YxtgtDQ4kSuHs9oE9UgT7QmqD1OCmZ6azbA-1Gerz8M/s1600/ddrialto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylWO02GTKkRwb4H3FEhjkUuDwjkOYylTrJ4tlLQU3lIdcj5FbvbDK9bRtL6COcStGY26cLnenDOfY-FctzB33H6Agz_ODKQq6YxtgtDQ4kSuHs9oE9UgT7QmqD1OCmZ6azbA-1Gerz8M/s320/ddrialto.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Rialto is the only hill that isn't raced in a mass pack. Because it sits right above a busy chunk of highway, riders make their way to the bottom in heats and then race up from a standing start. If there's one thing I'm good at, it's surging forward from a standing start. Enthusiastically supported by my cheering friends on the sidewalk steps, I led the women's heat up the hill, but just lost gas at the top and fell back a few places. I had still netted some points, and by now had realized I was begrudgingly going to try and finish the race. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <i>Leading the pack up Rialto </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> The 7th hill was a long grinder that ends in cobblestones. Still exhausted, and knowing long steep hills weren't my forte, I just tried to pace myself and make it up. Learning from the slick race up Logan I had started letting a little bit of air out of my probably over-inflated back tire after each hill. As long as I avoided the wet leaves in the road, I'd be fine on that front. The next hill was Sycamore in the south side, the only hill I'd done more than once. It's long and steep but it's a commuter route up to Mt Washington and not that bad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>At the overlook</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHh7ojI_hv6Jpu47xAwGbdfSrjOzCDHT-XTOaXT0EkrdpuU-lI0n9oNy7fVO0sfm7N0zIyMmPhfpqeXngNy14X03VosKHOS-SN0WwKN2s4X5IZdyt019TCiIWLosqWXbeXqyIpGSjBsFI/s1600/ddoverlook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHh7ojI_hv6Jpu47xAwGbdfSrjOzCDHT-XTOaXT0EkrdpuU-lI0n9oNy7fVO0sfm7N0zIyMmPhfpqeXngNy14X03VosKHOS-SN0WwKN2s4X5IZdyt019TCiIWLosqWXbeXqyIpGSjBsFI/s1600/ddoverlook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHh7ojI_hv6Jpu47xAwGbdfSrjOzCDHT-XTOaXT0EkrdpuU-lI0n9oNy7fVO0sfm7N0zIyMmPhfpqeXngNy14X03VosKHOS-SN0WwKN2s4X5IZdyt019TCiIWLosqWXbeXqyIpGSjBsFI/s200/ddoverlook.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We stopped at the overlook and I started asking others what the next hills were like - from this point on, not only had I never ridden any of them, I'd actually never even *seen* them. This became immediately detrimental, as the next hill was the infamous Canton Ave. I knew it was a 37% grade and possibly the steepest public road in the world. I didn't know that as soon as we made the turn onto Canton and the cobbled wall appeared in front of me my mind would immediately shut me down. "Nope. Nope. Can't do it, not possible." I stopped at the bottom and stared at it for a good ten minutes, watching riders make it, fall over, and one who crashed into a bystander and knocked her rolling down the hillside. I stood there gaping next to my bike until my friend Eric walked over, asking if I'd made it up yet. "Uh…I don't think I can do that.." I said. "Uh..yeah you can. Idiot." he replied, rolling his eyes at me. (Except not really; Eric is super nice). With that encouraging smack in the face I clipped back in fast enough to leave me no time to doubt and rocketed up the 100 yards or so of cobble. What a breeze! (relatively). I only needed to weave enough to get around a wobbly rider in front of </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">me, and when I made it to the top I was ecstatic. I had had no idea I would be able to do that, and so easily. What a great feeling! That big cobblestone wall that had floored me came a-tumblin' down. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Right around the corner from Canton was Boustead, and then we had a good while before hitting Welch way, another short steep road that dead-ends at the top. Riders race up the narrow street while hill finishers squeal their brakes down beside you. The last two hills were long and steep and wreaked havoc on your whole body. At the top of Barry/Holt/Eleanor I stood shivering so badly, I started looking for a friend who wouldn't mind hugging me for the 15 or so minutes we spent waiting before heading off to the last hill. (No luck). Someone had told me that there's about a 5 mile stretch between hills 12 & 13, and that the pack splinters in the neutral zone while riders try to race to the finish. I knew there wasn't more than a 1 point difference between me and another female rider; a slim margin that would determine which of us made it in the money. So for the last rainy stretch of flat I spun as fast as I could, drafting off the men in front of me and hopscotching my way forward in the spotty line of finishers. This was the only part of the race that I really missed my big ring. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Flowers/Tesla was another long hill that gets real steep at the end. Totally beat, knowing only that I had to make it up without putting a foot down, I slowly ground my way up. I slid out on something but caught myself, barely in a low enough gear to keep spinning. Halfway up my calf started cramping. I didn't have any room to baby it, and there was no way I was going to foot down and have to re-do this godawful last hill. I pushed through the pain. The road got steeper. I could see the spectators cheering at the top, but my eyes scanned the crowd for one person - Nina, the ladies' points scorer, or - crucially - my human finish line. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I finally made it, finally finally. I was destroyed but totally stoked. Cold and wet but happy. In years past I'd laughed at the thought of ever being able to do the Dirty Dozen, but not only had I finished, I'd gotten third place. It felt awful and great. It was one of the hardest races I've ever done, but I remembered the line I kept telling myself in between every time I'd decided to quit and go home:</span><br />
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malycathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00683907441137333628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-54857367075759688202015-11-30T15:52:00.000-08:002015-11-30T15:52:09.248-08:00Giving Thanks<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09hhdhRQyZ0yCFy_nVzFrd8g0V2M4lkHrTI73r4213fODSXvuH_Mg4ujlLpvITcSh0nXrWesRstk6tf8_V9l_afrmPb59HiO97DdkVAUJcAp0-jlmw5r2fp0hZUzRwVMj8BPwKroyRzQ/s1600/12247098_10153685957663564_5917220005664295187_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09hhdhRQyZ0yCFy_nVzFrd8g0V2M4lkHrTI73r4213fODSXvuH_Mg4ujlLpvITcSh0nXrWesRstk6tf8_V9l_afrmPb59HiO97DdkVAUJcAp0-jlmw5r2fp0hZUzRwVMj8BPwKroyRzQ/s320/12247098_10153685957663564_5917220005664295187_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Takes a lot of work setting up a 'cross course.</td></tr>
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As the 2015 ABRA season comes to a close, i think back on how my season had gone. I may not have gotten the results i had been looking for. Unlike like past years i had missed a bit of the close local races. Not due to injury or anything, but by volunteering for local race promoter JR Petsko. People may think volunteering at a race is quite thankless, but that's not really true. You get plenty of thanks from a lot of thanks from the riders passing by. It's quite awe inspiring just how much happens behind the scenes that you don't really see as a racer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBA8vRsQrdQYOhOeegzpcetoEcfmDbbEzdKTL3xAOOc080crmAZk3UMHShCLSlR1x7V595vYxX4XzmjHGHn1HHPnHFH5ZyVvd6LUIN9ZbLocdkBYA50RW5vAW13v7d8BHlW2ItyhuWnYw/s1600/11650564_10153404114383564_86912544_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBA8vRsQrdQYOhOeegzpcetoEcfmDbbEzdKTL3xAOOc080crmAZk3UMHShCLSlR1x7V595vYxX4XzmjHGHn1HHPnHFH5ZyVvd6LUIN9ZbLocdkBYA50RW5vAW13v7d8BHlW2ItyhuWnYw/s200/11650564_10153404114383564_86912544_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Whether it's staking and taping a cross course, being a corner marshal in a gravel grinder, or a lead car in road race. These are just to name a few of the many jobs that have to be covered to put on a top tier event as JR does. Having done each of these this year, they all provide a different aspect in to what goes into these races. No matter how small the job, it still plays a big factor in how awesome of an event it'll be.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfiIYsCkML2VuzREIGIY6ItYErC6isQLHU9hWM-QNPNb943OEBFfaStzzaApFN6Yg2h6qARJxNnnSMW0EtBcVD14pImPwQUg4CQJ4ZtDx6REAQPYKDFpQIyONV-xrkBeUY-9n-5zcvek/s1600/11260691_10153526383193564_444719786901574487_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfiIYsCkML2VuzREIGIY6ItYErC6isQLHU9hWM-QNPNb943OEBFfaStzzaApFN6Yg2h6qARJxNnnSMW0EtBcVD14pImPwQUg4CQJ4ZtDx6REAQPYKDFpQIyONV-xrkBeUY-9n-5zcvek/s200/11260691_10153526383193564_444719786901574487_n.jpg" width="110" /></a></div>
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It takes quite a bit of effort in to providing a safe, well marked, and fun course for all. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMk7c1off1rcv3_yg6UTu73mx_MRfC2RyHCIVMV8VYM5is_gQkGdrGqHa0l5Vfve5WJs-SwWi0c9Zg03K4JPlJTeFxGnjtxYcdAUMb0FvRYaZgsfGdBLXsZUDEUqzvIKTl_hTscgWqu68/s1600/10982819_958966914161546_1069127300215054536_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMk7c1off1rcv3_yg6UTu73mx_MRfC2RyHCIVMV8VYM5is_gQkGdrGqHa0l5Vfve5WJs-SwWi0c9Zg03K4JPlJTeFxGnjtxYcdAUMb0FvRYaZgsfGdBLXsZUDEUqzvIKTl_hTscgWqu68/s200/10982819_958966914161546_1069127300215054536_n.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
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I know we see these from JR for any volunteers throughout road season. But instead of dismissing it, think if you'd be able to help out. If each of us just skipped 1 race (say that one that doesn't suit your racing style) and helped out, other racers would be thankful that they have a safe race.</div>
<br />venomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919775177188351060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-12058017076389328102015-11-28T09:06:00.002-08:002015-11-28T09:08:40.652-08:00The end to another year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Fall has been a time of cross and horse shows. I also finished my last full semester of college classes. Next remains two internships before they finally agree to give me a Masters in Occupational Therapy. Below are some of the highlights from the past couple months through pictures:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1BaPN-MOhE/VlnYAZKK5II/AAAAAAAAAM8/HXsqwL5kfAE/s1600/IMG_3783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1BaPN-MOhE/VlnYAZKK5II/AAAAAAAAAM8/HXsqwL5kfAE/s320/IMG_3783.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Nikki & I having a blast with cx at ABRA!</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T08YtTtkyuc/VlnbyamooFI/AAAAAAAAAOA/OMkSYqlbZtA/s1600/IMG_3550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T08YtTtkyuc/VlnbyamooFI/AAAAAAAAAOA/OMkSYqlbZtA/s320/IMG_3550.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pt8NracZiAQ/VlnbyP62WtI/AAAAAAAAAN8/dBEvbnQrbTs/s1600/IMG_3548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pt8NracZiAQ/VlnbyP62WtI/AAAAAAAAAN8/dBEvbnQrbTs/s320/IMG_3548.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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<i> Shawn, Billy, and I starting cx season in Cleveland at my first cx race!</i></div>
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<i> I am so happy to have gotten my Cannondale cx bike from an awesome local cycling chick. I have so much to learn, but excited on the new journey. I also purchased Kenda tires from another local cyclist. I am so thankful for the cycling community of West Pennsylginia, because everyone is so supportive and encouraging. </i></div>
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<i>2nd place at Clarion University</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f-0-J8fXNBA/VlnbZRbM6kI/AAAAAAAAAN0/A4HQq0em9Xo/s1600/FullSizeRender-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f-0-J8fXNBA/VlnbZRbM6kI/AAAAAAAAAN0/A4HQq0em9Xo/s320/FullSizeRender-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>2nd and 3rd place at Grier</i></div>
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<i>WVU football game with my dad</i></div>
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<i>Exploring the outdoors with my little buddy</i></div>
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<i>2nd place at Reedsville</i></div>
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<i>Morning practices with one of my favorite men</i></div>
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<i>At the WVU horse show</i></div>
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<i>Currently, I am only a few points away from qualifying for Regionals in Alumni Horsemanship which will be held on March 6th. Before then I have scheduled to attend shows on February 20th and March 5th at Slippery Rock and WVU. My goal is to place in the top 2 at Regionals to qualify for Semifinals on March 19- 20.</i></div>
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<i>And finally, back in NJ for Thanksgiving with my sister :) </i></div>
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I hope everyone is able to capture the moments in life that creates happiness. Don't forget to make time in this busy holiday season for your favorite activities and spend as much time with loved ones as possible. Until I see you all next weekend at the final ABRA race, have a wonderful day!</div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-31545497225154062782015-11-24T18:06:00.001-08:002015-11-24T18:08:09.420-08:00For What Are You Thankful?So for what are you thankful for this holiday season? When life gets hectic and it seems like you just want to give up, stop and take a minute to reflect on just how lucky you are, in some form or another, to be able to do the things you can in this world.<br />
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Here is my top (5) 'What I am Thankful For' List 2015:<br />
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5. Team Mates - <b>T</b>ogether <b>E</b>veryone <b>A</b>chieves <b>M</b>ore<br />
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4. A Great Workplace/Profession - 11 Years This Year<br />
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3. Health And Prosperity - Need It...Want It<br />
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2. Friends And Family - Life's Initial Building Blocks</div>
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1. Just Living - Take A Look Around, We're Small In Comparison To The Big Picture<br />
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I know that there are a lot of things I could have chosen for my list, but when it all boils down to it, the simplest things in life tend to be the most dear and precious to us all. I hope that ya'll have a great holiday season and truly do appreciate all that you have in your life. Believe it or not, life is short, so enjoy it!!!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497046133294211656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-91964055696529301812015-11-23T10:35:00.000-08:002015-11-23T10:36:15.855-08:00Thanksgiving<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Well here it is almost end of the season and near the end of
2015. More importantly Thanksgiving and the holiday season are upon us! This
time of year we should be thankful for our family and friends but as part of
Dynamic Physical Therapy Cycling Team powered by Pathfinder I’m thankful to all
of our sponsors for their support. We would not be able to do what we do
without the support that you give us. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAo9tVX6KEhhS9w5RAfvQA4noDL3Sri_NOnGm11E8V_mj0vyHeeADH76SNr6UyFazSGr_rUXLFE2Wjk8TtTZf4x2rHH3WL6tE0LrK-1ttw3shdFX-kIgmnbX-QBirS5xGre0F3-BX50c/s1600/12140130_1090589730973345_8651705431248501585_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAo9tVX6KEhhS9w5RAfvQA4noDL3Sri_NOnGm11E8V_mj0vyHeeADH76SNr6UyFazSGr_rUXLFE2Wjk8TtTZf4x2rHH3WL6tE0LrK-1ttw3shdFX-kIgmnbX-QBirS5xGre0F3-BX50c/s400/12140130_1090589730973345_8651705431248501585_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span> <span style="font-family: "calibri";">I hope all of my teammates are thankful for the year that
they have had. Here is to a bigger and better year ahead! I am thankful for
this past season but I’m dreaming of what next season can bring. Lots of hard
work will start very soon for my new goals. Well I guess I better go dust of my
trainer and rollers to puts those goals into motion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296004722498905790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-83100015678747510072015-11-06T17:44:00.003-08:002015-11-06T17:49:13.684-08:00FallI thought this season would finish up with 3 or 4 Cross races but it didn't quite work out that way. I found myself sick at the end of road season in August and it lingered for a month. 2 rounds of antibiotic and 2 months later I am feeling better and am able to get out and enjoy easy rides. It is nice to get out and enjoy riding bikes without expectation or intervals. The roads in my neck of the woods have little traffic and the fall colors are inspiring.<br />
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I find comfort in the roads less traveled. Fall is the perfect time to explore new routes.<br />
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If your not on the cross course then get yourself out on the road and soak up the fall colors. You won't regret the time you spend with friends before cold winter days roll in. </div>
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Enjoy the Ride! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889068559094426891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-78453782875376163292015-11-02T12:07:00.002-08:002015-11-02T12:07:23.391-08:00Time to cool things a little....After many years being away from the game, I finally laced up the skates and started playing a little hockey again. It started this summer with a pickup game a couple times a week and eventually lead to playing in an adult "Jurassic" league in Indiana PA. I'd forgotten just how much I love to play this game and look forward to Sunday afternoons for more than just sitting in front of the TV watching NFL football. <div>
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I have been blessed to have amber and Mackenzie travel with me on a few occassions, and I love seeing Mack's eyes light up when we talk about the sport. On one occassion, I told her I had a surprise for her and her response was "a hockey stick??". That wasn't what her surprise was, but it warmed my heart to hear her get so excited that maybe it was. Truth be told, she already has 3 hockey sticks of various descriptions. </div>
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jeff Gernerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807153308113867645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-86854161727371153952015-10-30T21:09:00.000-07:002015-10-30T21:09:05.888-07:00Life is AwesomeRecently in English class we watched a TED Talk on how life can be awesome if you let it be; it talked about the three As of awesome: Attitude, Awareness, and Authenticity. It was done by a man named Neil Pasricha, who has a blog and has published a book called "The Book of Awesome". I'm not going to go very in depth into it because the video is everywhere and it would serve you better to watch it than to read my description of it. The basic idea, though, is that with these three things, you can see awesomeness in everything. This has got me thinking about everything that I think is awesome in the world, from simpler things like cold fall afternoons and snowy nights to more obvious things like cycling and physics. In this blog post I'm simply going to list a few things that I find to be exceptionally awesome, each followed by a brief explanation.<br />
(Here is a link to the TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/neil_pasricha_the_3_a_s_of_awesome?language=en)<br />
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<u><b>Going out of your way while walking to step on the crunchy leaves</b></u><br />
I love walking home from school and taking very wide, awkward strides just so I can crunch as many leaves as possible. When I see a leaf ahead and plan to step on it, only to find, when I do, that it is very soft and damp, a pure sense of disappointment runs though my mind. However, that disappointment is countered many times over by the amount of satisfaction that I get when I step on a leaf and hear that wonderful 'ckrunch' sound, like biting down on a kettle-cooked potato chip. This is even better when my feet are cradled in my wonderful Swiftwick socks.<br />
<img alt="Image result for crunchy leaves" class="rg_i" data-sz="f" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="GXe4uPDpKGN4RM:" 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" 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<b><u>Walking down the road at night after a fresh snow</u></b><br />
Snow on its own is incredibly awesome, as is night time, and peaceful walks. The combination of all three is really too good for words, but I'm going to try it here. Walking down the road at night after a fresh snow when my footsteps are the only disturbance on the pristine white surface is definitely on my list of "Top 10 Things that I Live For".<br />
<img class="irc_mi" height="212" src="http://media.oregonlive.com/terryrichard/photo/maryhilljpg-98ec26c3b59b98c9.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="320" /><br />
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<b><u>Mountain biking in the fall</u></b><br />
I love mountain biking, of course, and something about doing it in the cool fall air with the leaves on the ground makes it that much better. There are all kinds of reasons but I'll try to mention the less obvious ones. The leaves crunch when you ride over them - as you can tell I love the sound of crunching leaves. You don't sweat as much; sweating isn't that bad, but it's definitely more comfortable to be slightly cool than boiling hot. It's also awesome that my Kenda Slant-Six Pros work all the way until the first snow-fall.<br />
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<b><u>Physics</u></b><br />
This one is pretty simple to explain: physics is everything. Snow is physics, biking is physics, driving is physics, living is physics. That's all for this one.<br />
<img alt="Image result for physics" class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSHtYMNRfDlXr-0hVfMYE2nxd6nNlTojja3lUWghrAQucEhPdR9" data-sz="f" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="IUIVq_qKb5ig-M:" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSHtYMNRfDlXr-0hVfMYE2nxd6nNlTojja3lUWghrAQucEhPdR9" style="height: 211px; margin-left: -2px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 211px;" /><br />
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<b><u>Music</u></b><br />
Music is awesome. I'm always amazed by how music can relate to so many people on so many different levels. I'm also amazed by the fact that music being so relateable means that somebody else knows pretty much exactly how you feel, happy sad or otherwise. I love music and recently went to a concert for my favorite band, The Front Bottoms. At this concert I had a great time with people who I've never seen before and may never see again. Music brought us all together regardless of how different we might be, apart from our music tastes. Music is incredibly awesome.<br />
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The idea for this blog popped into my head late in the night. Being dark, I couldn't really get a good picture of leaves. Being not winter, I couldn't get a picture of snow. I didn't really know what to do for the picture of physics or music. For these reasons, all these images came from a simple Google search, which is actually awesome as well - that I can find some beautiful images(and so many more amazing things) with a simple key word search. I Wish I could have made this post longer but I was feeling pretty enthusiastic about the idea and wanted to write it down before I forgot about it! I also have to get up early for the ABRA Franklin Cyclo-Cross race tomorrow morning!<br />
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<br />Nathan Clairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02208086766396361347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801417672856923170.post-39547589269429932762015-10-29T08:07:00.005-07:002015-10-29T08:07:59.736-07:00Duo Racing 2015 Recap, Part 2: The Big Bear 2x12 Mountain Bike RelayJust two weeks after a win at the Mountain State Dirty Double, Derek and I thought we would test our skills on a little fatter tires over considerably rougher terrain, The Big Bear 2x12 Mountain Bike Relay. Two days before the race we headed up to Big Bear Lake campgrounds in Hazelton, WV for a pre-ride of the course. The course was in excellent condition...dry and fast...just the conditions that I prefer to race. However, the weather for race day would be a different story. After rains set in all day Friday and Saturday morning, the course was going to be less than desirable. While checking in at the venue, we recognized only one of the fifteen teams that we would compete with in the Men's Veterans category--Scott Benson and Gerry Pflug. My initial though was "Oh, Craaaap". These two gentleman are fast and have a strong resume of wins on mountain bikes. Although they showed up with fat bikes, anyone would be foolish to think that they would be slow. <br />
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Derek lined up at the starting line for our first lap. After a long gravel climb to thin the pack, Scott entered the woods ahead of us. It was clear that the course was going to be muddy as the lead racers crossed the far end of the airstrip race venue 1-2 miles into the race with team uniforms that were barely recognizable. At the end of that first lap, Derek had a lead on Scott and all other veteran teams. However, Scott was not far behind, rolling up the cross-over bridge as Derek was exchanging the baton to me.<br />
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In the first few miles after I began my lap, I was surprised at how muddy the course was--worse than I had ever ridden it over the past 10 years. But, I was more concerned that Pflug would be effortless rolling by me any minute. In fact, I probably had as much difficulty staying on course due to continuously looking over my shoulder for him as I did with the mud. As luck would have it, I held on to that lead and finished the first lap ahead of him. <br />
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So, Derek was off again for another amazingly fast lap in the worsening muddy conditions, finishing in the lead, and leaving me once again for a lap of muddy paranoia. Fear of being chased down kept me moving on the first lap. But, would fear be enough to keep me moving as fast while considerably more tired on the second lap? As I motored on, slipping and sliding, I began to forget that I was being chased down. The racers were more spread out. I didn't see anyone behind me, or in front, for miles. Then, all of a sudden I heard the sandy, grinding sound of a drivetrain closing in fast. Adrenaline kicked in... but only for a moment as I soon realized the passerby was one of the pro/ex leaders. A couple of miles later, I managed to roll through the finish in the lead, giving Derek and I a nice 2nd win for 2015. <br />
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<br />Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15853667541425004707noreply@blogger.com0