tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63928917667482829512024-03-13T23:10:59.609-07:00T-Race, a.k.a Tracey PetervaryT-Racehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02650904934132344055noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-53719880746143849812023-01-25T17:32:00.002-08:002023-01-25T17:32:12.710-08:00<p> <a href="https://www.rei.com/blog/cycle/the-racers-of-the-longest-off-road-cycling-race-in-the-world#:~:text=A%2520married%2520couple%2520from%2520Victor%252C%2520Idaho%252C,finding%2520their%2520community%2520in%2520endurance%2520cycling.&text=A%2520married%2520couple%2520from,community%2520in%2520endurance%2520cycling.&text=couple%2520from%2520Victor%252C%2520Idaho%252C,finding%2520their%2520community%2520in">The Racers of the Longest Off-Road Cycling Race in the United States - Uncommon Path – An REI Co-op Publication</a></p>T-Racehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02650904934132344055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-2164791641707632572016-03-29T10:17:00.002-07:002016-03-29T10:17:40.235-07:00ITI #5 2016<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This would be my 5th return to the Iditarod Trail Invitational. The start could not come soon enough. The week leading up to the ITI, I had to control my excitement and conserve my energy! </span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-a48eae47-c360-4cf2-0977-d4fda7fa9cd7" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once again my sweet, amazing man, JayP helped me get Fly-Mingo, my Salsa Beargrease, setup and gear dialed in. bike/gear/food, total weight-45lbs. I was stoked I nailed my clothing choice: compression tank, l/s thin wool hooded base layer, wind vest, arm warmers, thin wool sock, vapor barrier, thick wool sock, 45NRTH Wolfgar boots, Bergraven gaiters, regular full finger cycling gloves (extra layers) l/s jersey, Montbell Alpine Light Parka, rain gear, neoprene socks, buffs, sturmfist 5 gloves. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="12794339_1004541116250993_1125584056926434644_n.jpg" height="351" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/4osU8oWYzdDbfr_Vkhs_4jhVlHLVFaEJrArj_yPSHiMA7IPM8MTOzk_qaJM4KfYcQ7hqRAi8GRsTknJ2uJ8YVQsORgZZNguivWW0oIyy--DPdhN0fA-vHujthf1gQQ9G4l4jeobO" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Photo courtesy of Kathi Merchant/Iditarod Trail Invitational</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The pace was blazing fast to the first checkpoint, Yetna Station, which is at mile 55. I felt great and was having a stellar time, I was so pumped to be on the trail and to be riding in Alaska! One of the neat things about the ITI is, even though this was my 5th return, I knew it would be different from years past. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="12779172_10208434875859650_1226143658126148819_o.jpg" height="416" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/5gpBS2LWUucbjgsgdkS6qlAd5-7pDI0J_R8kSgpw_TNW_RcHkgWj556qpuxvzESCN3eK51Dze3eYvOrli6bICXYReWkEdUTrZgLb0KaHZWnWfYwpppZ3HTWz-ikBmLRqsfWp6xM5" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Photo Courtesy of Angie Glover</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the past, I have stopped and resupplied at Yetna. The first year JayP and I even slept here, but there was no time for that. My plan was to make it to Skwentna, see how I felt and decide what to do from there. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I arrived Skwentna, mile 90, I thought it would be a good idea to eat some lasagna, NOT! my stomach swelled and hurt, it felt like I swallowed a watermelon, whole. I use to be able to eat any and everything during a long distance race, but my body has changed and I have to be careful about my food choices. I don’t think I spent an hour there, as there were other racers heading out, and I wanted to keep up. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I made it to CP3, Finger Lake, mile 130 in 13 hours and 24 mins from race start! this was crazy and very unexpected. Even more unexpected was catching JayP briefly biving under the kitchen table and how good I felt! Within minutes JayP was up, a bit disheveled and getting ready to leave. I debated leaving with him. Even though I knew it would be brief, the thought of riding with my man at this point in the race was exciting. I opted to rest and refuel for what turned into 5hrs, knowing that the next section, which included the Happy Steps, along with several other taunting hills awaited. However, if I could turn back time, I would have gone on and bivied on the trail. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The 35 mile trek over to Puntilla/Rainy Pass Lodge was tough. I was alone, there was approximately 15 miles of bike pushing due to a soft trail. I don’t think it would have made a difference when this section was done, to me, it was an 8 hour slog. When I got there, a few other racers, were getting ready to leave. I wanted to ride with someone, have company, so I gave myself 1.5 hours to dry out, eat, hydrate and no sleep. My intention was to catch the racers in front of me. There was only one person in the cabin at the time and no others expected for another 2 hours, I should have slept-ugh. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Quoted from the ITI website-“The next section from Puntilla over Rainy Pass to Rohn, is potentially the most dangerous. The Pass is subject to the extreme’s of Alaska’s winter storms.”</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I left the cabin at 5:45pm. This would be my second year heading over solo, this time with less sleep. I wanted it, I wanted to catch the racers in front of me. The trail was slow going. I was having trouble clipping in and out of my pedals and falling a lot, alternating between walking and riding. It was somewhere around 11pm when I ran into the Happy River crossing, open, flowing water about calf deep. I backtrack a bit to get away from the cold river, broke out my bivy and sleeping bag to put on my neoprene socks, with the intention of sleeping. Just as I settled in, another racer Kyle rolled up. I am sure he wished he had a piece of cheese to go with my whine. He offered to wait for me and cross the river together. I wrapped up my sleeping kit as quickly as possible, threw my rain pants over my bomber 45NRTH Wolfgar boots and Bergraven gaiters and went back to the river. We made a deal, if one of us fell in we would take care of each other. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kyle went first and made it safely. I hoisted Mingo over my shoulder and went for it. Whew! We both made it to the other side DRY!! Kyle said “well everything looks good here, I’m going to carry on.” I tried so hard to keep up with him, but I was too exhausted and watched him pedal off. I pushed on until midnight. It was near the bottom of Rainy Pass where I found a deep snowmobile track off the trail to lay down in. The zippers on my rain pants froze and I could not get them off, so I got in my sleeping bag, boots and all. I slept nice for an hour. My transition was pretty smooth upon waking and I was back at it. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was still dark when I reached the top of Rainy Pass, the wind was blowing, covering up the tracks of those in front of me. I could see the outline of the roofless cabin we spent the night in, in 2009, which brought back memories, I think it always will. As I headed down, I was thinking how nice it would be to sleep, and was eyeing up a few places, wholly willpower. I really enjoy this section (and have a few great memories here also) The trail twist and turns and winds through the willows eventually dropping down to the Dalzell gorge onto the Tatina River which leads over to Rohn. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was stoked when I arrived in Rohn, I had been on the move for around 14 solo hrs. I knew I was going to see the great CP volunteers, and boyeee was I looking forward to those bratwurst! I popped my head in the tent and said “the party is here!” humoring myself. And what did I hear? “Hey Champ, you ready to leave?, I’ve been waiting for you.” OMG! It was my man JayP!! My eyes and heart lite up! I had planned on taking a nap, but it was daytime and oddly I wasn’t sleepy. I ate one bratwurst and took one to go, I was finally able to get my rain pants off, packed my resupply and within 2 hrs we were off! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rohn 2016.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="12821416_809450039160114_1178452355233436450_n.jpg" height="351" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/l1nNuTZbSWgyXqhGmonLFrlcjk0dSofne586nTwlTF-BsWomwOpo_dtsMZYUopYIZBg4AdvT4HIMjJN-CqpaomzEv5P72FI205puptRNqhZzTYejrwPUq0U21ZkSR8100ydqAwEA" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rohn 2009.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="1923229_1088272897240_6196888_n.jpg" height="453" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Ru_pw6PUwf7jceXnFQQo7YRqp_uT98oRHL5GzrkMFYpme-RyjkGYMFpNhqnfsIQIOa5m4Lah5Uoe8Oef-EDR3PcQ-lI_SpZOZea9Jwxw70_9M89WwQb8zXFL06NxDNfq3sbWohcr" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="604" /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was like I had a new pair of legs, my spirit was soaring! I definitely rode way faster with my great company & it was way more fun. This section to Nikolia is fun to me with big rollers and great views. Riding over the Farewell Lakes is a freaky, but a beautiful experience unlike any other. Looking down I could see thick cracks and bubbles through the ice. There were times when the trail became off camber frozen overflow, and the 45NRTH Dilly 4’s stuck like glue! I had to keep checking if I was wearing a super cape they were so RAD! </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We arrived Nikolia in 11 hours. 300 miles, 55 hours into the race with only 3 hours of sleep. I may have performed better with more sleep, but this was a reminder that I can do more than I think I can. We were warmly welcomed into the house of the Petruska family, had a hot meal and I crashed for 3 hours. It was 2 a.m. when I heard other racers enter the house, it was time to GO! </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Back on the trail and headed to Mancakeville! The finish in McGrath. Riding on the swamps and Kuskokwim River the temps dropped a bit, I had to run a few times to warm up my toes. JayP and I switched off leading, which was weird, but fun to me, I am so use to riding behind Jay. This section is beautiful and my energy was high, knowing I was going to complete the ITI for my 5th time, and this 2nd time with my man by my side. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="10626621_1005993092772462_7859464627069541775_n.jpg" height="351" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/x4cZaBGwPwNHBsChuh6CNjZsP--TzoBdK_Ue3L0zTdytgIptTXXEa3udnKS9-wL8C3MGb9b2LemBZ3VQcIcSQnbVTt8aNZkRFNIZKV8_0bnmnr6a7MeDr_0NmbtmOtGd-0sOVIuV" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Photo courtesy of Kathi Merchant/Iditarod Trail Invitational</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I couldn’t wait to see everyone! Kathi, Tracy & Peter, all the finishers, to hear their stories, to sleep, eat, relax, welcome other finishers. Within 2 hours of finishing, I was on a snowmobile with Kathi, and interviewing at the McGrath radio station. A listener called in and asked “why do you do this?” My reply “because I can.” </span></div>
<br />T-Racehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02650904934132344055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-5193603823416738762016-03-29T10:02:00.002-07:002016-03-29T10:02:27.820-07:00Arrowhead 2016<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s a monster drive for us to get to the AH135, just shy of 1200 miles from Victor, ID to International Falls, MN, a solid 19 hrs of time in the van, with anywhere from 6-8 hrs of sleep, that's around 27 hours of travel, one way. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="drive.jpg" height="603" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/89MELtkwUSK72ha-5NE7z4qxji6ILB-jGnAfcY3oD08ycMiudm-I4PjSruWP-p0nwgRX1MKPy9Yw6OMBuFN6Dx2vOhrOJCPshsdXCQHd2xR3Snm2ftDXXYpoCv1msU6KS4oRbv5H" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Photo courtesy of JayP</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-a35d5b6a-c353-5b09-8ff7-6617941e4a52" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We reached our destination goal for Friday the AmericInn in Medora, ND which is in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We arrived 11pm and had eaten a pizza and several bags of chips all day. Straight to bed. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am not a morning person. JayP sweetly woke me Saturday morning at 6 am, with coffee and a warmed up van. We arrived in International Falls, MN around 4pm, went to the hotel, checked in and grabbed our mandatory gear for check in. Being our fourth year, we had gear check down and were out of there within 10 mins. We met up with some racers and friends for dinner at the hotel, then to bed. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sunday, JayP shuttled the van to Fortune Bay so he could give me a ride to the airport after the race. I did a shake down ride back over to gear check and dropped off my drop bag for Melgeorge. I fiddled with my bike and gear a bit, then took a nap before the pre-race meeting. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was such a blast attending the pre-race meeting, and briefly catching up with friends I only see once a year. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Svetababy.jpg" height="468" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_hgiPXk8fIhAfcAzpaP3rqqpXtsJbZdSycvLwCu3UMiNoiFBowOxH5y0hhy6WRlMMX3GJ892klXWdP-687yi4vfBlYtQhVek7nx8qD2gfUx-ZbZNb3tEgljGaqhCj1gC49D8MKcJ" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">photo courtesy of Salsa Cycles/Mike “Kid” Riemer</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Race day was finally here! I brought my own wraps, cuz I knew there would be eggs and cheese at the hotel, and I love to eat a burrito for race breakfast. I rode over to the start, checked in and “warmed up” for a few minutes. The temps were warm. Everyone was feeling each other's tires, and waiting to hurry up and GO! </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The pace line began, I settled in for the 1st ½ half hour, but was antsy and I wanted to see what I had, so I pushed myself and pulled ahead of a few people. I started training in late October, which was new for me. I have been getting up early (did I mention I’m not a morning person?), morning after morning telling myself, I want it, I want it more than anyone else. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="begin.jpg" height="416" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/FVZSv1pLI5I4pNwT3rC-6oXVhJBqvoaVY-n44qDor8-7-nRgkhp8mDVvFvLHx7n1WOjnhT-7UKsXPRmqm5-dpU8Zo_gKL7QTUfnXIDSFSDdlWIGrYM_Ucs1v4ekyb-G-nMEO5iTj" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Photo courtesy of Salsa Cycles/Scott Haraldson</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></b><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My goals going into the AH135 this year were to be efficient at the checkpoints, race the race and to stay on top of my nutrition. The 1st CP at Gateway, I went in, grabbed hot water and was out of there in a minute. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="GWAH16.jpg" height="468" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/s9VWeQps78DzP7GfOkyfpj5_kFmbjfSiBhl0qA7gNlB3bQCcbZvE_pgzX-bXeXp2qnK0tGd5t57xkV42kHKXGZZgld_INXHdDFlFpKN39Fsg0jAxlKturGhuQWAz2e1t3MwWblnz" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Photo courtesy of Tina Stiller</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I focused on racing the race, pushing myself at all times. It was snowing in my face and the course became rudded. I was falling down a lot, it was draining, but I still felt good and I didn’t let it get me down. Although my tire pressure was low at this point for better traction, my rear tubeless tire was being finicky and leaking a bit, it got too low a couple times, so I had to stop to pump it up. I really wanted to avoid putting in a tube.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">About 12 miles out from Melgeorge's, my freakin’ chain broke! UGH! I had a tool but no extra link. I popped the pin almost through but couldn’t get the last bit, my hands got cold, so I put on my heavier gloves and started running to warm them up. I couldn’t bare the thought of running 12 miles to the CP. I stopped again to work the pin when another racer Dave, caught me. He stopped to help, we got the pin out, put the chain back together and I was rollin’ on my way. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /></b><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My goal was to be in and out of Melgeorge's in under ½ hour, but I have yet to accomplish this. I think about what I am going to do when I get there and try to stick to that plan. I was soaking wet from snow and sweat. As soon as I got there, I grabbed my drop, had 2 grilled cheese, 2 bowls of soup, put all my clothes in the dryer, sorted my drop, filled my water, put my clothes back on, food on the bike and leave. This took me 49 mins, way too long. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="MEL16.jpg" height="599" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/CER_iMQBICcNV9Ldv7YYvrYLm4M8o7QbB8EEaMb023pIPYkNInB3bAxMfSDEpONdMqg4QWyTfWTZ1hYRXUmhJqzuJBSmo_lbZzd5lBfWAJApfteAVfoGKjXrFFH6rD9F1yftiSE_" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="534" /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Photo courtesy of Salsa Cycles/Scott Haraldson</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></b><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The ruts and snow got deeper after Melgeorge's on the way to Ski Pulk. I let some air out of my tires and it helped, but then all the air came out of my rear tire. I stopped, pumped it up and it was fine until after Ski Pulk. There was a lot of on and off through this section for me, I wasn’t interested in eating my food and 20 miles into this section my garmin died. Rookie move on my part for not having the usual backup odometer. So I had no idea how far out I was or what my speed was. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once I got to Ski Pulk, my intention was to just have a couple hot chocolates and be on my way, but that didn’t happen. Somehow I got sucked in and spent 45 mins there-WAY, WAY too long. Back on the trail at 4:22am, I knew there would be some sleep walking involved, around 5am it hit, but I was prepared with my can of Red Bull slushy which I mixed with some GU drink, some big chocolate sugar and some chanting, I was good to go. I don’t drink sugary drinks so I knew it would give me that pop that I was after, but it didn’t last long enough, 2 cans next time. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></b><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The sun rose, and despite the lack of an odometer, I knew where I was. The struggle was real, and I was slowing down. The last 10 miles are filled with long straight aways, and twisty turns. You can see the tower, but still so far away. I crossed the final road to the trail that leads to the finish at Fortune Bay, I was sooo stoked. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="AHfinish16.jpg" height="708" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/xnGf6yphNolUs7p6F3XzGPiCp8mXe4-eL0hhWS9WhT7r9rM7Lx6nasEEJ7IgcP109k6YvHVOgIAOcV9cl1ddnpNn2M0wIz5rhCXAkcZhatOblLxokGQRiLybMmnkMiVm9-Njzv9Q" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="521" /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Photo courtesy of Salsa Cycles/Scott Haraldson </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The finish. Once there I saw my favorite person, JayP, finish line hugs are the BEST! </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="hugs.jpg" height="770" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/FzOlBcNtNnHarwzoVv10ZKBeS481Dc2p3v6mYTd_joA7SOwjXNI1fKzpUaphr11AAwvM7OOvnpSabTf3r_-sBxGFecV-cuQHnnf_YcMhwYTgBf5jnajX25BggTEvf6WcCJssfcE1" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="531" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">photo courtesy of Salsa Cycles/Mike “Kid” Riemer</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was also greeted by Mike Reimer of Salsa Cycles happy face. We were chatting and I was saying how happy I was to be finished, how it it took longer than I expected and BAM there was my 45NRTH teammate, Jill Martindale, just 3 mins behind me. Whew! I had no idea she was that close and it was her 1st time racing the AH135. Great job Jill! Looks like I’m gonna have to do some more of this training stuff to keep up with the kids these days. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="AHfinish16Jill.jpg" height="351" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/4IyOa-7UU-L1cHuf0wnpt8IQEi8L3lKKi7DbCWxEHhNkBXNKxSp0N3a_y3G-zNtkgSxwLcZBDjOk1A-OgfGt3qkshKYTelno25-6KPQImhYycmM0nxud-XpsBNcLclrc4D83qRsY" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Photo courtesy of Jill Martindale</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am proud and honored to be a part of the Arrowhead 135 race and for receiving the spirit award this year. I am also super stoked for the three peat and currently being the winningest bike racer of the Arrowhead 135, Female or Male. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Within 4 hours I was on a plane and back in Idaho that night at 11pm. As I was driving home I saw a few deer, a herd of Elk and 2 Moose all on the road. Ahhh, home sweet home. I got my furboys the next day and we snuggled happily ever after. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Next up, Iditarod Trail Invitational! See you out there! </span></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">T-Race</span>T-Racehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02650904934132344055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-25619808205899137392014-04-04T17:49:00.001-07:002014-04-04T17:49:56.459-07:00Targhee Cross fit testimonialMy name is T-Race Petervary, I am an endurance cyclist racer of 20 years. I race and ride a bicycle all year long, so I was skeptical about trying something new such as cross fit. It made sense that cross fit it would benefit me, but I wasn't sure if it would be safe for me, and I certainly didn't want to Hulk up. A part of me knew I would love it and become addicted, which is totally what happened. <br />
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It is obvious that Dayne and Josh are knowledgeable and passionate about cross fit and how it can improve one's life. They make me feel comfortable in asking questions and explain things so I understand. They demonstrate the techniques, pay attention to what I am doing and correct my form if needed so that I don't get hurt. It has been rewarding watching my progress as they keep track of our scores for the day and I can see how far I've come.<br />
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I am not a fan of training indoors or attending scheduled classes, but Dayne and Josh are motivational, supportive and make the workouts so "FUN" and varied, I look forward to the next class as soon as I have left the last one. The class is an hour, which flies by, and is a small investment for such a huge return. I leave class feeling high, upbeat and happy. It's a bonus that a few of my friends and my husband attend classes with me. We all work hard but often find ourselves joking and laughing at times, which for me, is a great environment to be in.<br />
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Cross fit has helped me build more confidence and is a great complement to my cycling and life. I am stronger and more connected with my body and mind. Over the past 3 months and since I have started attending cross fit, I have had my best race results and look forward to many more.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4IA3jm0dIoY/Uz9TGkbzMJI/AAAAAAAAAGM/1OfKAxOOIyo/s1600/FP2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4IA3jm0dIoY/Uz9TGkbzMJI/AAAAAAAAAGM/1OfKAxOOIyo/s1600/FP2014.jpg" /></a></div>
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I will continue to attend Targhee cross fit, as I know it will make me live stronger & live better.<br />
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Thank you Dayne & Josh! and everyone who comes out for their own challenge.T-Racehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02650904934132344055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-62906103852187516742014-04-02T12:26:00.001-07:002014-04-02T12:26:49.794-07:00JayP's Fat Pursuit 2014My JayP's backyard Fat Pursuit story can be found here on Salsa Cycles.<br />
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<a href="http://salsacycles.com/culture/putting_it_a_together_at_the_fat_pursuit" target="_blank">Putting it together at the Fat Pursuit</a>T-Racehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02650904934132344055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-89435342440082513332014-02-16T17:03:00.000-08:002014-02-16T17:03:13.092-08:0027 HOURS ON THE ARROWHEAD TRAIL<div class="title" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; direction: ltr; font-family: proxima-nova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">Travel & Anticipation</strong></h2>
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There are so many variables to consider before hitting the road for a race like the <a href="http://www.arrowheadultra.com/index.php" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #be1e2d; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Arrowhead 135</a>, such as weather, road conditions, and travel time. We chose to drive the 18 hours from Victor, Idaho over flying for several reasons; expense and comfort being the main ones. By driving we are able to save on airfare, shipping of the bikes, food and hotel (all multiplied by two). But there is also the convenience of being able to bring EVERYTHING needed for any conditions the race may throw our way. It is usually a mad dash to get to the race, just to hurry up and wait for the start. We were lucky enough to have mostly clear, dry roads on the way to the race. Due to a storm, we weren't as lucky on the way back home.</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/TP_van_life.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 600px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 398px;" /></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">'Just flew in and boy are our arms tired'...</em></div>
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During the drive, we talk strategy and go through different scenarios we may encounter in the race. I envision myself during the race, and think of challenges I may face and how I will handle them. Then I visualize myself going really fast, of course. At this point the race has already started in some ways.</div>
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<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Gear Check & Pre-Ride</strong></div>
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Everyone is always talking and worrying about the “Gear Nazi”, so there is definitely stress. We rushed to make the gear check by 6pm Saturday so we could have Sunday to do a little pre-ride and dial in finishing touches. The Arrowhead itself always starts on a Monday.</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/TP_gear_approved.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 600px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 399px;" /></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">it's official! Looks like I'm racing on Monday!</em><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I know I have the right gear for me and I know how to use it. I chalk that up to the many experiences I have been through. Sure I get tips and tricks from JayP, BUT there are things that work for him that do not work for me. It's not easy and takes time to learn these things. The only real way to learn is to do it for yourself.</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/TP_post_gear_check.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 531px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 800px;" /></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Loading the bikes back into the rig post-Gear Check...</em></div>
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<img alt="" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/TP_preride_prep.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 398px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 600px;" /></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Prepping for a pre-ride on Sunday...</em></div>
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We had our <a href="http://salsacycles.com/bikes/2014_beargrease_xx1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #be1e2d; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Beargrease</a> bikes mostly packed to do a little pre-ride on Sunday afternoon. We left from town and hit the trail. It was slow going for me. Jay is so much stronger and faster then I am. I know it gets frustrating for him, as it does for me, but we've figured it out and made it this far; over 20 years together. It goes something like this, JayP: "Ok sweetie, I'm gonna pick it up a little. Will you be ok?" Me: Yes love, go ahead. See you back wherever we came from. I'm not gonna get lost, am I?”</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/TP_preride_away.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 531px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 800px;" /></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Sunday afternoon pre-ride...checking the trail conditions and thinking about the coming overnight drop in temperature...</em></div>
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The temps were close to a 30-degree Fahrenheit difference on Sunday during our pre-ride then they were expected to be on Monday at the start of the race. It is so crazy how that can be. -20F is no joke, which many people learned the hard way this year.</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Race Morning & Start</strong></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><img alt="" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/TP_boots_on_raceday.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 600px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 401px;" /></strong></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">One hour till race start...boots on...</em></div>
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I woke at 5am and was feeling stoked. Race start would be at 7am. My bike was ready to go, so I just had to eat and get dressed. I am fortunate to have stayed at a friend’s house that is located just one mile from the start. Being able to ride right to the start of the race is definitely a bonus. You can feel the anxious energy at check in. Lights are flashing all around; people are putting their last minute gear together, adjusting their clothing, taking pictures, waiting to go! The start was odd since in the front of the building someone was yelling ‘bikers to the line’; while at the start line someone else had already yelled ‘go!’ I made my way past many riders. It was interesting to see what everyone was carrying and how they’d packed their bikes.</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/TP_start_area.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 531px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 800px;" /></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Blinky paradise...</em></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><img alt="" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/TP_early_morning.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 531px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 800px;" /></em></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Dawn arrives in the early miles...</em></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><img alt="" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/TP_6_miles_in.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 531px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 800px;" /></em></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Six miles down...129 to go...</em></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><img alt="" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/TP_mile_18.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 531px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 800px;" /></em></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">18 miles in...a beautiful sunny, albeit cold, day...</em></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">The First Two Checkpoint</strong>s</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/TP_in_MelGeorges.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 398px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 600px;" /></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Arriving at the halfway point...frosty and out of focus...the sun is down now...</em></div>
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It took me longer then expected to get to the first checkpoint at mile 35. As I checked in and out, I saw many red, uncovered faces. It was -20F, and I was concerned for these people. My plan of ‘eat, drink and move forward’ was going well, I thought. The course started out flat, but had become rolling and twisty. It was all ride-able this year due to the cold and firm conditions.</div>
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Getting to <a href="http://www.melgeorges.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #be1e2d; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;">MelGeorge’s</a>, the halfway point, is a big relief! Especially after crossing the last few miles on a very soft and windy Elephant Lake. This is where warmth is found; warm food, warm cabin, warm welcoming people to help you, and a dryer! It is a great place to refuel, get your resupply (drop bag), and get stoked for the second half of the race. It is easy to get sucked in to stay, so it is a good idea to evaluate yourself, have a plan and stick to it.</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/TP_leave_MelGeorges.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 531px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 800px;" /></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Staying focused is important, as it takes a bit of will power to leave a bright, warm cabin and head out into the cold and dark...</em></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">On The Way To Checkpoint Three: Ski Pulk</strong></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><img alt="" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/TP_out_checkpoint_2.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 531px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 800px;" /></strong></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">I saw a lot of tracks, but one rider came upon a pack of six wolves between MelGeorge's and the Ski Pulk checkpoint...</em></div>
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Leaving MelGeorge’s can be a little tricky, as there is a turn, which several people have gotten confused about, including me this year. The course becomes intense with steeper hills. The downhills make it seem like you are moving ahead quicker, but there are also steeper hills to climb, so it can be a bit of a mind game. For myself, this part of the course is usually taken on at night. The temps drop and the long day begins to wear on you. You begin to get tired, so your eating and drinking discipline is crucial here. It is comforting to finally see lights and get to the Ski Pulk checkpoint tent for a final dose of warmth before heading to the finish line 25 miles away.</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Ski Pulk To Finish</strong></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><img alt="" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/TP_out_checkpoint_3.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 398px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 600px;" /></strong></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Leaving Ski Pulk...I had trouble breathing the rest of the way...</em></div>
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The part I have been waiting for! Leaving Ski Pulk there were tons of wolf tracks on the trail and what looked like a pool of blood from a fresh meal. It is about 1.5 miles to Wakemup Hill. I forgot how small it is, but that is relative of course. It does give you a quick, fun downhill onto the flats.</div>
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This part of the race meanders through the Black Swamp, where it got the coldest for me, -40F. It was funny to see the tracks swerving across the course from the racers ahead of me. You could tell they were getting tired. Signs start to pop up as you get closer to Fortune Bay, but there are no mile markers until the last mile is in sight. Buildings come into the scene and eventually the finish line! Ahhhh…</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/TP_finish_approach.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 531px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 800px;" /></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Fifty yards to go...</em><em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">I've been on the trail for over 27 hours...</em></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Thoughts After The Race</strong></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><img alt="" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/TP_finish_line.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 531px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 800px;" /></strong></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">I finished in 27 hours and 22 minutes...good for first-place woman, and fifth-place overall...</em></div>
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I had a great race up until MelGeorge’s. I got a little lost, which stressed me out and caused me to allow my water tube to freeze. Then it got really cold so I was not willing to deal with taking my jacket off to get water. I choose not to eat because it only made me thirsty. My odometer did not work due to the cold temps. Personally, I do not like the feeling of having a watch on me. I am not a fan of time, and honestly, I like being free of it.</div>
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Something happened to my lungs at the Ski Pulk tent which I had never experienced before. I became short of breath and had trouble breathing from there until the finish. It was disconcerting, but the only time I was briefly scared was when I heard myself wheezing and thought the wolves may see me as injured prey. I was also frustrated that I had to walk part of the last 25 miles due to my shortness of breath.</div>
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So, my plan to eat, drink and move forward didn’t go entirely as planned, but I was very happy about how I finished; first-place Woman and Fifth Overall.</div>
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After returning home, I got sick; fever, chills and a wicked cough that has lasted for two weeks. I'm on the mend now and looking forward to my next adventure, the 200k JayP's Backyard Fat Pursuit!</div>
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I'm often asked questions about what gear I use and what I wear when doing winter ultras, like the Arrowhead 135 or the ITI. My answer of “You have to find what works for you” is not about finding a quick way to get out of the conversation. Instead, it is really a critical part of making sure the people I'm talking to understand that these are serious challenges that should not be taken lightly. That said, they are also challenges that aren’t impossible or insurmountable.</div>
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If there is one thing I’d love to impart on you, it be this: while choosing the right gear is important, it is more important is to have used it and know it will work for you. Knowledge is key and helps build confidence. You gain that knowledge from studying, practicing, adapting, and improving. To all looking to take on these endeavors in the future, I wish you the best of luck.</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/TP_finisher_trophy.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 398px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 600px;" /></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Every Arrowhead finisher receives a personal Arrowhead trophy...</em></div>
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This post filed under topics: <a href="http://salsacycles.com/culture/topic/beargrease" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #be1e2d; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Beargrease</a> <a href="http://salsacycles.com/culture/topic/fatbike" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #be1e2d; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Fatbike</a> <a href="http://salsacycles.com/culture/topic/mukluk" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #be1e2d; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Mukluk</a> <a href="http://salsacycles.com/culture/topic/snow_biking" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #be1e2d; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Snow Biking</a> <a href="http://salsacycles.com/culture/topic/sponsored_riders" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #be1e2d; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Sponsored Riders</a> <a href="http://salsacycles.com/culture/topic/tracey_petervary" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #be1e2d; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Tracey Petervary</a> <a href="http://salsacycles.com/culture/topic/ultra_racing" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #be1e2d; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Ultra Racing</a></div>
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<span class="tk-kulturista-web" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: kulturista-web, serif;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR</em></span></div>
T-Racehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02650904934132344055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-35419250493368349462013-10-29T10:17:00.002-07:002013-10-29T10:17:50.819-07:00Elkhorn Hot Springs - Fall 2013<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We arrived the empty Grasshopper CG at midnight, i</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">t was about</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> a four hour drive from Victor, ID to Polaris, MT. We briefly scoped out the hot springs which was 1/4 mile up the road from the CG, then headed to find a camp spot. Our selection was slim, 24 out of 24 spots were available. We rolled out the mattress, sleepin' bags, down comforter and watched the stars. It was chilly, so our 70 and 90 lb squiggly furboyz decided to snuggle in between us in the early a.m. hours, we were warm and AWAKE! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next morning we checked out the other camp sites, looking for sun since we would be camping here again. While the water was boiling for coffee and oatmeal, the furboyz totally ripped around, chasing chiselers, squirrels, checking out every sound, movement, nook and cranny of the wide open empty CG. Although it was uninhabited by humans, it was filled with gorgeous Ponderosa pine trees, huge rocks, tons of firewood, streams, birds and at times, silence. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had b-fast and headed to the hot springs. There was a lot of work going on from a recent wind storm which had blown down and damaged thousands of trees. When we got to the pool, there were 4 people there, 2 were leaving, within minutes, we had the place to ourselves. After soaking, it was time to ride! The plan was to ride from Elkhorn to Wise River and back, 66 mile (empty road) ride. We were both looking forward to riding and reminiscing about this section of the Tour Divide. We had a nice tail wind on our 2 hr ride to <a href="http://wiseriverclub.com/" target="_blank">The Wise River Club</a>, where we had lunch and reminisced some more, JayP shure has some good stories! The wind was not our friend on the 2.5 hr return trip to Elkhorn, thankfully JayP is used to pullin' me around. After grabbin' a recovery drink A.K.A. beer, we went for our 2nd soak of the day, then headed back to camp. Jay made a nice big fire while I made diner. Not long after that, it was back to watching the stars and the fire. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next day we pretty much repeated our previous day, except we headed towards Jackson, MT for an out-n-back dirt road ride. We saw some hunters, but the road was still quite. There were great views of the valley and open fields. At times the forest got really thick and smelled so fresh. We went back for one last soak, then it was homeward bound. The furboys were so tired, they slept the whole way home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is a lot of exploring to do in this big and quite area, so I am shure we'll be heading back. Hopefully my camera will be working. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Til' next time!</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-73121460056194553282013-10-17T11:51:00.001-07:002013-10-17T11:51:48.187-07:00MOOSECROSS 2013-FUN!!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was very excited about<a href="http://www.moosecross.com/" target="_blank"> Moosecross</a> this year. Being part of the <a href="http://www.victorvelo.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Victor Velo</a> board, I know how much planning and organizing went into this race, great job team!! JayP is the course director, and fer shure has it figured out. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some more steps and a dirt pile were added this year only adding to the fun of this already super sweet course. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I ride it often with my boys, Rippin' and Chillin', they know it like the back of their paw. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was a little intimidated showin' up to the start line with my MTB, while most of the other ladies had their fast looking, skinny tire bikes, but Magic Wanda assured me, at the very least, we'd have a good time! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My heart was racin' and I couldn't wait to here the words GO!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With 24 women starting, I didn't want to get caught up in a crash off the start line, so I eased into the mid pack pace line over the whoop-de-doos. There were definitely a few VERY fast ladies off the front who I knew it would be hard to catch, but it ain't over til it's over! After swooshing through the chicanes, climbing the 12 step run up, the course sweeps back to the new dirt hill climb, with a short, super fast n' steep downhill which leads into the grass. The grass zig-zags back n' forth over a small hill </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">allowing you to see where everyone is</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, it includes a small barrier, which could have been ridden, I didn't figure that out until after the race was over, then it shoots out to the bike path for a short bit, back into single track up and around a couple dirt benches which leads into the barriers. Being vertically challenged, the barriers seemed a bit high and I was glad to hear some other ladies thought the same, back to the pavement, through some rough dirt, sharp turn, through the start finish area, beer shot optional-REPEAT!! There were so many spectators and cowbells were goin' off!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This course is soooo fun!! I settled in and started to relax, trying to figure out where I could make up time. It was the grass! I was able to catch the others from the steep DH through the grass. So I tried to take advantage of this and really push through the grass, eventually passing 3 riders. I also like to talk to racers while I'm around them, just for fun. My 7 lap average time was 6:40, with a shockingly fast 4th lap of 6:19. I felt great, had fun, no mechanicals, no crashes, and finished in 5th place overall. Good job Magic Wanda! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Til' next time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-91886029488318881132013-02-23T12:37:00.001-08:002013-02-23T13:59:18.299-08:00The adventures of 2012<br />
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">At year end it is so fun to look back at all I have accomplished and learned through my cycling experiences. Every single event I partake in, I always learn something. It's just amazing after all these years, the learning never stops. That is part of why I continuously look forward to the next adventure, because I know indeed I will learn something. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">This year I learned so much. Shure I have been racing and competing for close to 20 years, but many races have been as a team or with Jay. This year was different. I started out by deciding I was going to attempt the Tour Divide, from Banff Canada to Antelope Wells NM, 2745 miles. In order to prepare for such a feat, gear needed to be tested and I needed to ride. </span><span style="line-height: 17px;">We are very lucky to live where we do and have the conditions that allow us to ride 365 days a year, with the right bike & gear of course, which I am also lucky to have.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">My 2012 year started out with the Grand Targhee 1st annual Fat Bike race. Here I learned about putting new tires just days before a race. I didn't check to make shure the rear tire was seated on the rim and within 15 minutes from the start going around a curve my tire rolled off the rim. I had to let pressure out of the tube to get the tire back on which was my 2nd lesson learned, NEVER leave the pump! I was lucky to have 2 good friends roll up and help me, even offer me a bike! I finished in 2nd place with a time of 3hrs 12 mins, this year I finished in !st with a time of 2hrs 20 minutes-whew! what an improvement! </span><br />
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<img height="265" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/64216_10151652823489848_889521293_n.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">The 2nd race of 2012 was the Arrowhead 135. Conditions were fast, and instead of listening to my instincts, having faith in my ability to change the tire, I stuck with the big knobby Nate tire I had on. This tire was way too aggressive for the conditions and I really felt it slowed me down. </span></span><img height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6uLDJ_izld0/T0AzxL0tlpI/AAAAAAAABs4/V1c8hrE88Y4/s400/JBK_3465.JPG" width="400" /><br />
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">The 3rd race was the Togwotee Winter Classic. I've had good luck at this race, lets hope it stays that way, since this is next on the list. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">The 4th race was the 12 hr Equinox Bike challenge. A friend and I had gone up the night before to check out the course, relax and enjoy a little get away. We decided to go for pizza instead of staying in. Well 5 long island ice teas later, a push up contest and meeting up with my husband at 1 am, who had ridden from Victor, things were not pretty. I think the last time I had a long island ice tea was back in the 1990's sittin' at a bar on the Jersey shore. I really had no idea what I was getting into. </span></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">The next morning I was so sick and hung over.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"> We still rode, alternating laps, but I wasn't able to eat or drink til about 4pm that afternoon, hurting unit fer shure! </span></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">Lesson learned-UGH!</span><br />
<img height="380" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/551615_10150622748886674_1738583205_n.jpg" width="400" /><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">The 5th race was the Stagecoach 400. This was it, this was the 1st time I was going to be ridding and make all my own decisions. Yeah, I was definitely nervous, but also very excited! I had some mechanical, food, sleep and navigation issues, but learned from each one and got thru them. I am planning and looking forward to returning this year. </span></span><img height="300" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/536082_402398109795090_113078889_n.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">Then it was "the big one", the Tour Divide! I was so excited, but again oh so very nervous. Gettin a ride up to the start worked out, gettin thru Canada and the snow was tough, but I was fortunate to have people to travel with. Once we got to MT, the pack split up. I didn't mind riding alone, it was so freeing. It's hard to race this race b/c there are so many beautiful places I wanted to enjoy, lakes I wanted to spend the day by swimming, "plush" empty campgrounds. I had so much fun when Jay and I completed this race on a tandem, the company of my husband, the memories, the good and hard times we got thru together, the ups, the downs, but this time was different, but only in the way he wasn't physically there. I had a great time figuring things out. It was hard for me to get up and focus on the "race" at times. The BIGGEST thing I have learned from this race is that-I NEED a REALLY loud alarm! Other things learned: I don't need as much food as I think I do, and that I WILL be okay. I learned abut my nutrition, my comfort zone, to make decisions that work for me, my gear, and my desire to come back and do this race again. </span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">I think about the TD daily. I'll be back!</span><img height="225" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/600468_10150976615439228_1520423892_n.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">3 weeks after returning from the TD, I attempted the local Targhee Hill Climb, 12 miles, from 6700 to 9000 ft, fast! Shure I'm fast! I just rode close to 2800 miles with elevation around 200,000. I did a nice long warm up, which I probably didn't need, actual tired me out I think. I finished mid pack, but had a fun day watching friends and being outside. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">Ahhh, the Fitz-Barn was the next adventure, so sweet. Being able to leave pretty much right from my front door on my bike and ride through my backyard 350 miles to MT, with a party waitin'! whee-whoo! I had sooo much fun during this race. the terrain was variable, the places I came across were un-expected at times, and I rode really hard, pushed myself, trying to WIN! Again, I had a bit of a problem gettin up! It's hard for me to deal withthe dark and cold, gettin' out of a warm sleepin' bag, the sun is so warm. I had so great memories, meating up with Jay and TJ, close to 100 miles in outta no where, how light my bike/kit was packed, the excitement of a many friends 1st bike packing journey. The huge horses I ran into and rode with in the dark. fearing a bear run in. being slightly dehydrated. sleeping. finishing. It was August so still comfy sleepin outside.</span></span><img height="300" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/549641_461578180543749_1752138329_n.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">Then I fell into a slump for a few months, kinda riding but not really, gettin the dogs out n such. Maybe I was just waiting for the snow? Novemeber, I decided last minute to go race the 25 hrs of Frog Hollow in Hurricane UT. It would be a nice break form the cold temps setting in and a warm place to ride. I learned it's hard to do a 25 hr race without support. I felt great, except for some blurred vision 12 hrs in which could have been caused by a variety of things, the course, festivities/crowd were great, I saw many racers I've got to know over the years. Due the the eye conditions I wind up sleeping for 7 hrs but still rode 144 miles. Due to the amazingly fun course I would definitely go back to this race. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">2013 has started out great, so I'm moving on to a new year, with a new post, SOON!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">See you out there!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-36141435199638799362013-02-01T15:28:00.001-08:002013-02-23T13:56:01.914-08:00How many? <br />
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">I often think of how many miles I have ridden through my entire adult life, how many times have I turned my pedals?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">So here is the math equation I've come up with:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">I have beed riding for 20 years, competitively.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">1990-1999-2,000 miles a year avg=18,000</span><br />
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">2000-2008-3,000 miles a year avg=24,000</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">2009-2012-5,000 miles a year avg=15,000</span><br />
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">57,000 miles, thats it?!?! It seems like I have ridden soooo many more. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">However, the adventures, places I've been and things I have learned are beyond any calculation I could come up with. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">This year I am going to keep track of my miles and see how close I am to my guesstimate. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">So far for the month of Jan I have 177 fatbike miles, 32 ICC miles, 20 miles of snowshoeing and 20 miles of skating. 249 miles for the month of Jan, 2013.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-1745071203357665602012-11-11T18:08:00.000-08:002012-11-11T18:08:10.194-08:00PHAT is BACK!!Funny to think I was riding on dirt in 70F wx last w/e and riding in 20F on snow this w/e. We got some snow here in Victor, but we drove just 1 hr north to over a foot of snow, winter wonderland!!<br />
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Just 33 miles from here is part of the Tour Divide trail, the road to Flagg Ranch. Jay and I took the boys here and did some reminiscing about riding on the trail, just not too long ago in completely different conditions. Now the whole family has been on this part of the trail, FUN! We got the boys out for an hour, not shure how many miles, but enough to tire them out so we could go a on a longer ride.<br />
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Some trucks and 4 wheel drive vehicles had previous driven back to Cave Falls, ID creating a nice path to follow. The riding was GREAT and super quiet, we saw one car, which thankfully help reinforce the path through the 12 inches of still fallin' snow. The temps were cool approx 20F from my guess, but havin' the right gear and knowing how to use it totally makes our trips comfortable & fun. </div>
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The reward:</div>
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It took us 3hrs 15 mins to ride 28 miles, more of a climb on the way in. We finished up in the dark, my batteries were dying, my light was dim, so I followed JayP's red P-Tec tail light and followed his line, not too close, not too far away or I couldn't see. I was comfortable & REALLY havin' fun, workin' on my night vision. </div>
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The next day, I took the boyz out for another 11 miles.</div>
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To another cool place, minutes from home...</div>
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Til next time! </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-74483486413220406802012-11-05T18:33:00.000-08:002012-11-05T18:33:12.584-08:00Well I guess I'm not going to win if I take a 7 hr nap during a 25 hr race. Just another wicked time! 25 hrs of Frog Hollow was just a race I heard of until I was asked 3 weeks ago to be on a team for the event. I like to ride for a really long time, I am fer shure more of a solo rider, so I declined joining the team but since there were a few friends going as a team that could help support me, I decided to join the group and go to Hurricane UT, where it was nice and sunny and race the 25 hrs of Frog Hollow solo! Yippee-I was stoked!<br />
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I'm not in super great shape, nor have I been riding like I normally do, whatever that is. I mean I get the dogs out for a few miles a day, 4-5 days a week. I go on 2-3 hr rides on the weekends, and thats about it. So I was relying on my 20+ years of cycling to get me through the 25 hrs of Frog Hollow. Honestly, I felt great! I was a little nervous at the start, but otherwise calm and relaxed. I was totally looking forward to spending 25 hrs in the saddle, overcoming the challenges which will evidently arise. but WHAT challenge will arise today?? ahh, will my stomach go? will I bonk? will I sustain an injury? will my bike breakdown, and if it does how?? Seriously I don't think too much about these things, but they are thoughts that come and go. What I do think about is how to be efficient in and out of the pit, how to stay strong mentally through tough times, knowing they will only last a short time, remembering to eat and drink and how important that is, and how to use any resources that are available to me, oh and of course to have FUN!!<br />
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The race started with a nice jog to Magic Wanda aka Salsa Ti El Mariachi (I love this bike) and it was go time! I felt really good, and was riding a moderate pace knowing I shouldn't crush myself. It's hard not to get caught up in that speed trap in the beginning. My 1st 5 laps were between 1:03-1:20, and I felt I could sustain a 1:15 hr lap comfortably. I thought I was going to have support, but it fell through during the race. A few people checked in now and again, gave me some food and lubed my chain, but for the most part I was filling my own bottles, getting my own food and tending to my bike, which is fine, but it would have been great to know before the start of the race so I could set myself up a little better. Lesson learned.<br />
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After the 1st 3 laps the vision in my right eye started to blur. It occurs only in my right eye during intense biking and when I sweat a lot, it could be dehydration or dry eye, but since I've been racing for over 20 years and it just started happening this year 2012, it's definitely odd and of course I have to get it looked at. I do wear contacts, so I changed the right one out, but there was no difference, it was m eyeball fer shure. I've already talked to 2 doctors and it was recommended to see an ophthalmologist.<br />
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By lap 5, my forearms were KILLING me! I had never felt this pain before, it was very sharp, uncomfortable and made it hard to ride over any kind of bump, which there were a lot of. I figured my arms were out of shape, but I soon found out I had been riding rigid the entire time. My fork was broke, didn't move up and down. If you rode this course you would know the importance of front suspension. I also had some front derailleur issues, like it wouldn't drop into the granny gear.<br />
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After my ninth lap and riding one eyed in the dark I decided it was time to rest my eye with the hopes it would fix itself and stop burning. It was 11pm, I set my alarm for 1am. When I woke up my eye was still burning, so sleep it was. I woke at 6am, 7 hrs later-ugh, my eye was betta, I ate some food and started riding again.<br />
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I finished with 11 laps, less then I had anticipated. Overall I had a great time at this event and highly recommend it if you wanna have fun! The course was a mixed bag of terrain, which was awesome and kept it interesting. In the future I would definitely bring my support man JayP, no one does it betta and I shure did miss him at this event!! I am undecided about the bike choice and wonder if the Salsa Spearfish would have been a better ride for this course, guess I'll have to find out next year!<br />
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Til next time!!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-89755514513469367742012-08-22T13:07:00.001-07:002012-08-22T15:52:14.571-07:00Fitz-Barn 2012Wow! <a href="http://fitz-barn.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Fitz-Barn</a> was a WICKED good time! I definitely recommend this ride for 1st time bike packers, for those who are gear testing for a up coming longer ride or for anyone who just wants to have FUN!<br />
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As I was getting ready for this "ride" I focused on carrying the least amount of gear that I could, which of course changes with every ride depending on temps, wx conditions and terrain, very hard to figure out sometimes. Being that I was on home turf made it a little easier.<br />
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My gear list was as follows:<br />
Sleeping system: NeoAir therm-a rest & Montbell sleeping quilt<br />
Clothing: Montbell rain, wind & puffy jackets, tights, ultra light wool long sleeve top, arm warmers, warm hat & gloves, 1 and a half buffs<br />
Fix it: 2-29er tubes, quick links/small piece of chain, lube and rag, zip ties, duct tape, patch kit, pump<br />
Personal: eye drops, toothbrush and paste, vitamin I, chamois cream, contacts, antibiotic ointment, phone, camera<br />
Food: Kate's real food bars, licorice, sunflower seeds, nuts, grilled cheese, nut rolls, misc, no bags of hot nasty<br />
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It was so great to be able to leave pretty much right from my house with several friends! The start was a little delayed but ya gotta be flexible, a lesson I learned long ago. Roll out was fast & furious as usual, there is always talk of this casual group ride start but it just never seems to go that way. I headed out with JayP, TJ & Bill M and was able to keep up until my seat post started to slide down and I had to stop ant fix it just outside Tetonia, after that, I was on my own-which I kinda like & am getting more used to.
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<span style="text-align: start;">This part of the road was a little knarly, but didn't last for long.</span></div>
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I had no idea these sand dunes were so close to my house!</div>
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I had no idea there would be snacks in the middle of where?</div>
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Heading toward Dubois where I caught up with JayP & TJ.</div>
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I caught up with JayP & TJ just about 20 miles outside of Dubois, it was freakin' HOT! I was still feelin good but that changed within 10 miles of Dubois. My stomach started cramping and I needed something cold to drink. 5 of us showed up in Dubois and had lunch. I wanted to leave with JayP & TJ which I did, but I just wasn't able to keep up. My legs started cramping, no way did I stop, I began to rub my legs and move around on the bike asking the cramps over and over to go away, I just dealt with it and ate some more electrolytes. 10:30 pm rolled around and I was at the bottom of Banock Pass, it was time to sleep. I dread going to sleep cuz it's so hard for me to wake up. I ate a grill cheese and set my alarm for 3:45 am, which I have discovered is unrealistic for me, unless I am with someone, which makes it easier to get up. My sleep was restless and the cramps made me whimper in the night, but I just fought thru them and kept asking them to go away. I surprised myself when I heard my alarm and woke up. I saw what I thought was like 4 people riding and moving around, only to find out later it was just Bill and I was hallucinating in the dark. I got up about 430am and started to move. Lemme tell ya, it's cold & dark, I do not like it. Getting redressed is tough, and within minutes I changed only to change again, and again. It was very cold coming down the Banock Pass, I couldn't feel my hands so I put them down my pants every few minutes and continued to ride towards the sunshine! I did stop at one point and cry, but all was good after that and the sun finally hit me. It was kinda freaky going the opposite way I had just come 2 months ago, very cool to be in a familiar place.<br />
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Food was scarce during this ride so good planning was essential, but very hard at times. I did run low on food between resupplies and ran out of water 2x's 20 miles out of resupply, which is fine, so long as it's not 40 miles out. I was excited to get to Grant, as it was familiar and I knew there was water there. I ran into a man who lived next door to Ned & Ester the water resupply in Grant. He wanted to chat and tell me where to go, but you can't listen to these people, b/c they have no idea what you are doing or willing to do to follow the track and they don't ride bikes! When people tell you its downhill, it's not, they have no idea how far anything is even though they have been living there for 30 yrs. It was NOT all DH from Grant to Jackson, not even close. The road was washboard and this car with the license plate Spine DR, kept driving back and forth around me stirring up the dust-ugh!<br />
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Ahhh, Jackson! What a relief, food and cold drinks! The hot springs here were very tempting! I Got a good meal and a grill cheese with fries to go. It's very interesting how different grill cheese's can be. There was a man who was touring to PA who said Jay and TJ had been in 3 hrs earlier, boy did I want to catch them! I was happy about not staying here too long & got on my way, wanting to make it as far as I could that night.<br />
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I laughed when i saw this thinking, I wonder if anyone will try to ride this. Shure enough I later found out TJ tried, fell in but had his get out of broken bike card with him. </div>
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It was definitely smoky, which made it hard to swallow food. As I headed over to Skalkaho Rd, I ran into 6 huge horses that were on the rd. It was dark and they wanted to race! I tried to get around them but they just kept running faster kicking up the dust, after about 10 mins they finally tore off into the woods. It was cool except for the dust. I went to bed about 1130 Sat night, and really, really wanted to get up at 4am, but was unsuccessful, instead I woke at 630-ugh! I believe the time for me to get up is 5am, that is doable, guess I'll find out next time. The grill cheese was not appetizing, it was soggy, so I had a Kate bar which was great. Once it warmed up a bit I was able to choke down the GC, and again was running low on snacks, so the rationing began. By the time I finished all I had left was salty sunflower seeds & no water. </div>
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The roads were quiet, and I hardly saw anyone. I did see lots of wildlife though, cows, horses, big horn sheep, regular sheep, skunks, a heard of Elk which ran right in front of me, a huge buck, some other deer, rabbits, snakes, a monkey, & coyotes howling in the night </div>
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It was thru here I was unable to shift down into my front small chain ring, about 50 miles from the finish. The housing on the cable was shredded and was rubbing the cable itself, so I peeled as much of it as I could off, tried turning the adjuster barrels but eventually just dealt with not being able to down shift, I certainly did not want my cable to snap! Welp, I gotta lotta miles outta those! Hopefully my mechanic will replace them. </div>
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It was so amazing to be riding through this area, as I looked around I could see the rds to where I was going and it seemed so big, very FUN! The terrain was very friendly, a good time fer shure!</div>
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The finish! I was super stoked to make it! There are so many variables and things that can happen in these multi-day rides, ya just never know, so I always feel very fortunate to get to the finish!</div>
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As always I learned a few more things which I will carry to my next adventure!</div>
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Thanks to Magic Wanda <a href="http://salsacycles.com/bikes/el_mariachi_ti" target="_blank">Salsa Cycles</a>, <a href="http://shop.fitzgeraldsbicycles.com/" target="_blank">Fitzgerald's Bicycles</a>, <a href="http://redbarnbicycles.com/" target="_blank">Red Barn Bicycles</a>, <a href="http://www.princetontec.com/" target="_blank">Princeton Tec</a>, <a href="http://www.montbell.us/" target="_blank">Montbell</a>, <a href="http://www.wtb.com/" target="_blank">WTB</a>, <a href="http://www.giro.com/us_en/products/women.html" target="_blank">Giro</a> , <a href="http://katesrealfood.com/" target="_blank">Kate's real food</a> & <a href="http://trackleaders.com/fitzbarni.php?name=Tracy_Petervary" target="_blank">Trackleaders </a>for being a part of another successful ride! </div>
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Til' next time! T-Race</div>
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<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="display" id="statustable" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border-collapse: collapse; clear: both; color: #6b6b6b; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px auto 0px 0px; text-align: left; width: 219px;"><tbody>
<tr class="odd" style="background-color: #e2e4ff;"><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">Finishing place</td><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">4</td></tr>
<tr class="even" style="background-color: white;"><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">Race Status</td><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">Finished</td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="background-color: #e2e4ff;"><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">Last Update Rec'd</td><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">09:17:58 PM (MDT) 08/19/12</td></tr>
<tr class="even" style="background-color: white;"><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">Current speed</td><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">0.1 mph</td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="background-color: #e2e4ff;"><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">Route mile</td><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">404.56 mi</td></tr>
<tr class="even" style="background-color: white;"><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">Route average speed</td><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">6.7 mph</td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="background-color: #e2e4ff;"><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">Route distance per day</td><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">161.02 mi</td></tr>
<tr class="even" style="background-color: white;"><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">Moving Time</td><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">1:13:37</td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="background-color: #e2e4ff;"><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">Stopped Time</td><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">0:22:33</td></tr>
<tr class="even" style="background-color: white;"><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">Moving Average Speed</td><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">10.8 mph</td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="background-color: #e2e4ff;"><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">Current Elevation</td><td style="padding: 3px 10px;">3675 ft</td></tr>
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<a href="http://fitz-barn.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://fitz-barn.blogspot.com/</a>http://fitz-barn.blogspot.com/<a href="http://fitz-barn.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://fitz-barn.blogspot.com/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-383077259162738722012-08-15T20:59:00.001-07:002012-08-15T20:59:22.786-07:00I can't keep up with myself! My right hand is not back to full working order yet, I'm not totally caught up at work, damn that paperwork seems to multiply like rabbits, but I'm super stoked to be gearing up for the <a href="http://fitz-barn.blogspot.com/">Fitz-Barn</a>! Even though this ride will 'hopefully" be just a few days, I am looking forward to the freedom and fulfilling this addiction I have acquired, ride, eat, sleep, repeat.<br />
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I was back on the bike a week after I got back from the TD, leading the ladies ride. I've been riding here and there, getting the boyz out on Rush Hour, a sweet new local trail, a few single track rides, which kinda freaks me out knowing the bears are around, plenty of time on the road bike, which is good but I do get bored of, even did a local hill climb, which I thought I was going to do betta in but I was slower then last year, some volunteering at local events, Victor ID fer shure has it going on! Back at the farm, lemme tell ya, people think it's this easy volunteer job, but that farming is physically demanding, some days it's like doing 5 hrs of squats, harvesting & weeding. Pretty awesome we get a homemade lunch afterwards. Since I do get so many veggies and love to cook, that takes time as well. The days are just too short, or maybe I need to hire a house cleaner, chef, grocery shopper, bookkeeper and quit my job.<br />
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I started commuting again over Teton Pass last week, drive in, ride Magic Wanda home, ride road bike in, drive home. I love it! Am I recovered from the TD? I don't know. I haven't been sleeping as much as when I first got back, but I am certainly not in any fast kinda shape, I do know that I can ride for a long time. And thats where I am at. I've actually been here for awhile. I have done a few "fast" races over the past couple years, but my main races have been multi-day & I my 1st real solo race was the Stagecoach 400.<br />
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So, I have much to say, many memories to share, I'd love to publish my gear list if I get a chance, and eventually will, but this is all for now. Gotta get ready for the FITZ-BARN!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-59895740631765637362012-08-09T21:16:00.002-07:002012-08-09T21:16:34.853-07:00Long time coming...I am working on my TD update. I have been catching up with work and life and doing many great things. Be shure my story is something I can't wait to share!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-59224791683637352612012-05-05T12:34:00.003-07:002012-05-05T12:34:39.850-07:00Stagecoach 400/road trip<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">This was a great trip, ride race! I am currently gearing up for the Tour Divide 2012, and am very excited, so the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: left;">Stagecoach 400 </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">was a shakedown to help me prepare, and I learned a TON! I have actually never done a MTB race of this </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">length solo. I was responsible for all the decisions, taking care of myself and my bike. Of course I had plenty of prep help from </span>JayP<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> which is priceless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Our vacation started with a local dig day on Sunday, I have never raked rocks before, very interesting. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">Then I went for a quick spin and we finished loading the van. This was also the 1st road trip we had taken our dogs Rippin' & Chillin' on, and they proved to be great travelers! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">We made it to St George late Monday afternoon and got in a short, but warm ride. I love the desert fauna, it's so wild looking. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">We spent the night in the Valley of Fire just outside Vegas, what a cool little camp spot, then made it to Idyllwild the next day Tues to do a little pre-riding. Big pine cones and pretty forest. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Camping was available right in Idyllwild which was very sweet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">So we did some more gear fiddling, then met up with Brendan to get some info about another pre-ride near San Diego. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">We got to take the boyz to the </span>doggie<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> beach and they loved it, and so did I, I love the beach and ocean. Then we did some more </span>pre<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">-riding, met up with a couple friends. We spent the night at a campground we had been to before which is right on the beach, but it was raining, so all four of us, our bikes and gear slept in the van on our very, very cozy mattress. we headed back to </span>Idyllwild<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> the next day. Camped </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">again</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">right</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> outside </span>Idyllwild<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> and took the boys to their acclimation at the kennel-they passed with flying colors and got to stay. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Go time! The race was originally scheduled to start at 8am, but was delayed due to the spots arriving late. Then we finally departed 1030 am. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Within the 1st 3 miles I was greeted by a man and his big utility truck which almost hit me shouting "get outta here, this is private property!" somehow I rode around him and just kept going. There was a bit of climbing, but a lot of descending. About 15 miles outta Borrego Springs I sliced my tire, probably on one of these metal elephants in the middle of no-where? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Not knowing there was no slime in my tubeless tire, I had to stopped every five miles to fill it up, thinking it would seal, no luck, but I knew I would be in </span>Borrego<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> Springs soon to fix it. The 1st store I came across was a True-Value, I knew they would have slime! I got the slime then headed to the burrito shop and spoke with some fellow racers who were more then eager to help me out, but we could not figure out how to get the </span>presta<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> valve out. Fortunately Brendan had shown up and we got the tire all fixed up as I was on my way. I am </span>shure<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> I spent more then an hour at this stop trying to figure this out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">I got 2 burritos, ate 1/2 of one there and carried the others, which probably weighed about 2 lbs each to the Stagecoach RV park. For some reason, I did not have enough food from the start, and boy was I feelin' it. So when I arrived the RV camp at 130 am, I just ate the other 1/2 of burrito. I was getting tired of carrying this 2lb burrito so when I woke at 4am I ate 1/2, threw away a quarter, which I would later regret and stuffed 1/4 in my pack, with no more food. The next time I was able to get food was mile 151. I ate a bucket of soup, snack mix and the reloaded til mile 205, in San Diego. I got there at 1am, I was tired and hungry, so BK fish sandwich it was, then I searched for a cheap room, which I finally found. I showered, slept, devoured a couple danishes and felt like a million bucks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">I started heading </span>thru<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> SD and really wanted and egg and cheese, which I got and headed towards Sea World, only to get very confused by people and my GPS. I think I spent about 2 hours riding the same path back and forth trying to figure it out, and finally did-ugh! that was </span>trippy<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">! It wasn't til mile 271 that I got another meal, Mickey D's fish sandwich, (</span>BK's<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> is better) and some more food to go, but still not enough. All I had left for the last 25 miles was 2 cheese crackers and about 20 chocolate covered espresso beans. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">I began stumbling and need to rest, I only wanted to lay down for an hour but did not hear my alarm and woke 2 hours later. I tried to move forward again, but wasn't able to get on the bike and pedal, so I just laid down in my rain jacket for 20 minutes and that seemed to do the trick. I like being able to just get up and go. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">The Anza Market was closed when I got there but there was some water left out, which I was also out of. I still felt good though and just cruised along. I saw someone catching up to me so of course I started charging. Luckily the Hemet Lake market was open 15 miles before the finish, I grabbed a coke and cinnamon bun and continued the climb to the finish, only to get turned around 6 miles from the finish by a woman in a white car, who followed me almost all the way back to Idydlwild. I was disappointed to not be able to finish the original course and really didn't like the hwy climb, but rolled into Idyllwild just before 10am, to be greeted by my amazing husband who had won, and other racers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">I got changed, ate a very great b-fast, took a shower and we headed home! We were home by 430 am the next day. I was at work by 10am, doing Payroll, catching up all the day ends and then finally got to fold and stuff invoices. Whirl wind of a trip at the end, but very much enjoyed! I would highly recommend this race!</span></div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-89006522174908342272012-03-06T17:13:00.002-08:002012-03-09T15:34:43.272-08:00The Togwotee Winter Classic was a BLAST! We didn't have to decide which milage we were doing until we got out there, super cool! I thought I would do the 35 miler but knew I would have more fun riding 25 miles. Yes conditions were soft, but ridable, except those few hills in the beginning, were a few had turned around to go ski powder. It was snowing and blowing, but not too bad and it was just great to be out there. Many think I like it when the conditions are soft and nasty, and they are correct! But it's not so much that I like them, it's just favorable to me because I know how do deal with it and know it's only gonna last a few hours. And here is where I use my perception. We were 7 miles, approx 1.5 hrs into the race, on and off the bike and another male racer says to me "I'm turning around." I asked why? he says "because this isn't fun." a huge smile came across my face as I replied "I think this is a blast, it's only gonna last 5-7 hrs, you might as well enjoy it!" guess he turned around because I didn't see him again. The start was fast and furious and it took a bit for the crowd to break up. <div><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%; ">I was able to ride with Fitzy and Chad for a bit then broke away after about 3 hrs, I musta been getting warmed up by then. I listened to my tunes and pedaled away to the finish in 1st place for the women (outta 3) and 5th overall in a time of 4hrs43mins. There were some people out from a newspaper in Laramie taking pictures and cheering me on, thats always fun, and I saw about 3 groups of 10 snowmobilers, so it was pretty quite out there. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%; ">I tried to keep my bike as light as I could by not using any frame bags, just poggies and a feed bag, which worked out great! I carried my fix-its in my hydropack, along with 70 oz of water I drank about 20 oz of-I brought too much water which = weight, booo. But better to err on the side of too much then too little. I drank a 20 oz bottle of emergency, ate 1 stinger waffle and 1 bag a stinger chews. I like to eat a burrito in the morning which keeps me full through a race of this length. Being as warm as it was I was able to get away with a wool base, wind vest and my favorite Fitzy long sleeve jersey. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%; ">I had my camera with me but failed to take any pictures, which I need to get back in the habit of doing. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Looking forward to more adventures! Til next time! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%; ">T-Race</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-41957726985240501702012-02-02T18:16:00.000-08:002012-02-16T09:27:05.540-08:00Arrowhead 135, 2012I would like to thank <a href="http://www.princetontec.com/?q=apex-extreme">Princeton Tec </a>for helping us get here! They paid our entry fee and of course have the best lights in the world! I used the Apex Extreme, the EOS Bike and the Swerve. With the possibility of running into a snow mobiler I knew fer shure that I would be seen!<div><br /></div><div>You would think I have this snow bike racing thing all figured out by now, well, I don't, and that's OK. Every race has its variables and with the majority of my past races being multi-day events, preparing for a 135 mile "sprint" race is obviously different. I knew from the beginning it was going to be a fast pace and that I wouldn't be sleeping 'til I was done. <div><br /><div>The journey to the race always seems like just as much as an adventure as the race itself. We drove to MN from ID in the winter. We were expecting driving conditions to be heinous, but overall we lucked out. There was a blizzard going on when we left but by the time we were through MT, the roads were clear, but very windy. We made it to Bismark, where they have the shitty-est coffee in the world! We slept and completed our drive on Friday. We arrived in I-Falls, MN Friday evening where we met our host housing, Anton Oveson. What a trip! This guy is a true original. Upon entering the house, we were shown the pinball machines along with several other very interesting items. It was like a museum, just fascinating! Anton is like a never ending book full of fun, exciting and interesting stories. He is also very kind and generous. It was great cuz he knows the Arrowhead Tr. like the back of his hand, since he grew up in I-Falls, I guess he should, therefore he was able to give us a guided tour through parts of the course as well as some details and what to expect.</div><div><br /></div><div>We went for a short ride Sat morning and checked out the beginning of the course, it was flat, but pretty. The trail goes through swamps and forest. We did our gear check and race packet pick up, which was very smooth. In the afternoon we took a ride with Anton to check out some other parts of the course where there could be some confusion, then out to diner at the Chocolate Moose, which is the best place in town to eat. Then back to Anton's for some more fun stories. </div><div><br /></div><div>We slept in Sunday, found the good coffee/breakfast place in town and did some race prep, packed the bike with food and gear. I wasn't really shure what to bring, and at this point I wasn't shure of what I would wear. The temps were predicted to be in the 20's and that to me is warm. So I wind up switching some of what I normally wear, ie. vapor barrier and Montbell soft shell jacket, for Fitzy jersey and light wind jacket and was very comfortable. I also brought what I call, my honey jacket, Montbell lightweight puffy and balaclava. The pre-race meeting was fun with LOTS of great raffles. </div><div><br /></div><div>Monday, race day! Breakfast, get dressed, stuffed the food on the bike and headed to the start. Lots of racers doing last minute gear adjustments and taking pictures, the energy was exciting! We all lined up and ready go! Of course there is always that fast group in the front that takes off, its hard not to get caught up in it. So right out of the gate I was thinking I could maintain 11mph for the whole ride. I felt good and was having a good time. The course was flat and mostly firm. I rode with a couple guys and Eszter for a bit, but I was still fiddling with some of my gear. I was trying to keep Eszter in sight, but then 2 guys passed me and it was like they all hooked together like a train. I thougth fer shure I'd catch them. When I arrived at CP1 my competition was 20 minutes ahead, I stopped for the bathroom and a warm drink, then on my way. There were lots of people around cheering. About 15 miles of out CP2 I ran out of water, but so did a lot of others. Got to CP2 for some really good bean stew, chips, grilled cheese, plus one to go and some cookies to go, and of course water. At this point I was and hour behind, but as I always say "it ain't over til its over". It started to get hilly and dark, I like the night. Shure it was hard to stay awake but I just kept moving forward. I was excited to get to CP3, and see some people, get a warm drink and continue on. There were lots of wolf tracks around but I never saw any, not even any eyeballs. I wasn't scared cuz I knew there were people behind me. The last 25 miles of the race, I started sleep riding and did some running to help wake me up. I began to see some racers pulled over sleeping and I was kinda surprised. For me I knew I would be awake however long it took me to get it done, and thats what I did. I finished at 6am, 23 hrs later. </div><div><br /></div><div>Overall the course was mellow, not too much pushing up hill, which I think was mainly due to using the Nate tire in the rear. I do think that the Endomorph would have been a better tire choice for me in these conditions and I certainly didn't need the balaclava! I learned a few things and I would change some of my food/drink choices. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Arrowhead135 was well organized, had great energy and was fun. Thanks all! </div><div><br /></div><div>The riding conditions in ID are excellent right now, so I am looking forward to putting down some miles, along with some boot camp training and spending time with the boyz. Up next maybe a skate race and fer shure the<a href="http://togwoteewinterclassic.blogspot.com/"> 2012 Togwotee Winter Classic</a>, which already has 27 racers signed up! Yeehaw!!</div><div><br /></div><div>'Til next time!</div><div><br /></div><div>T-Race</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-61528521257096230652012-01-22T12:54:00.000-08:002012-01-22T15:14:20.770-08:00What's going on??? Well I had a very interesting year, one I wish to not revisit, which is why I am so looking forward to 2012! It's here, it has begun and it's gonna be fun!!! I have been busy doing stuff, living life. We all know it goes by so quick and day to day life takes time. To start off we have been doing lots of riding in West Yellowstone, and it has been amazing! Not only is the riding out of this world, but it's a quick little w/e get away for Jay, myself and the boyz. The 1st few times we went, people were asking if we were sleeping in the van or outside, but we haven't been, we have been sleeping inside hotels, kinda like "normal" people. We like to head up on Friday, get the boyz out for a couple hour ride along the way and then make our way up to West, either for a quick skate or another ride and spend the night. The next day we get the boyz out and then get ourselves out. <div><br /></div><div>Let's talk about the riding. We have gone several w/e since Thanksgiving and the conditions have always rocked, lots of riding, not much pushing. We haven't had any run ins with the snowmobilers and have gotten plenty of thumbs up! I am comfortable saying there is over 500 miles of sweetly groomed trails for our riding enjoyment! But, it is still a work in progress. We "snow bikers" are a new user group, so details need to be worked out and I agree we should have to contribute some $$ to help pay for the grooming. There are many opportunities for our new sport to grow, many people are gaining interest and want to try it, including some bilers!</div><div><br /></div><div>The local ski resort, Grand Targhee, has introduced snow biking, and even had it's 1st race Jan 15th, which was a huge success, 46 snow bikers showed up to race! We attempted the West n Back, but due to fluke conditions there was a re-route ridden with a great lunch at the Pond's with lots of brainstorming and story sharing. </div><div><br /></div><div>So what does my exciting year hold in store? Well I will be heading to MN, instead of Alaska this year to partake in the Arrowhead 135. I am really excited about getting into this race and conquering it! The conditions haven't been favorable for snow biking in MN, but of course it changes constantly, and you never know what'll you'll get but it is fer shure what you make of it! I am looking forward to some nordic skating, more riding in Feb, the Togwotee Winter Classic, spreading the word about snow biking and getting more people on snow bikes! oh and some more riding! </div><div><br /></div><div>Got some other adventures up my sleeve for the year, so stay tuned! </div><div><br /></div><div>Til next time!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-65397284613945752242011-04-20T00:51:00.000-07:002011-04-25T11:34:55.630-07:00Gear Baby<div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599574419388915602" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WCreWxR-sDI/TbWvREEKX5I/AAAAAAAAALY/nWjSa_YwtMg/s320/gear%2Bbaby.jpg" /> <br /><div><br /><div>Gesh there is a lot of gear to keep warm and carry in my pockets. On top of all the layers, one starts lookin' pretty prego! So what do I wear? I start with an Ibex wool bra, <a href="http://www.io-bio.com/softest-merino">I/O bio </a>glory zip or contact 2 top, depending on temps, followed by my <a href="http://www.rbhdesigns.com/product/1156/vaprthrmnts-vest.htm">RBH design </a>vest, <a href="http://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=64&p_id=2306384">Montbell </a>Nomad softshell, and then as temps drop I put on the Montbell thermawrap, which I also refer to as my honey, and when temps really drop I add my Mountain Hardware puffy jacket. I also carry one more jacket used for wind or wetness, and thats the top. Bottom gear starts with Pearl Izumi 3/4 bike shorts and either the I/O Bio 3/4 contact tights or full contct 2 tights, covered by Swix nordic pants which are over 10years old and I have finally wore holes in the seat.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In my pockets: spare headlamp which is the <a href="http://www.princetontec.com/index.php?q=fuel">Princeton Tec Fuel</a>, a set of spare batteries which include 8AA and 4AAA, tp, wetwipes, firestarter, matches, tool, aquaphor, chain lube, contacts, toothpaste, toothbrush, 4 packs of handwarmer, camera, and music player. The there is my pack which contains a 200 oz bladder, my <a href="http://www.princetontec.com/index.php?q=apex-extreme">Princeton Tec Apex Extreme</a>, a pic to comb my hair, some barretts and eleastics, as well as a list of phone numbers, ID and cash-o-lah. In my pants pocket I carry a small knife, duct tape, and lighters. </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598557142206139554" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9gwsv-kaG0c/TbISDvPsTKI/AAAAAAAAALQ/yXEuwJh3Ow0/s320/IMG_2689.JPG" /> <br /><div>This is also how I sleep outside. Fully dressed, with all the layers, water pack, boots on, all the gear in my pockets. My hands get really cold, really fast so I like to be able to just get up, stuff -n-go! This way I can start moving ASAP and get the heat generating. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599584294155284082" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cbds2V6pAMM/TbW4P2b7bnI/AAAAAAAAALg/qX2xFB0Uxxc/s320/untitled.bmp" /></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-32083129463892206622011-04-07T14:09:00.001-07:002011-04-08T14:35:41.063-07:00Socks-n-Boots<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592956914691253778" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6xOzDl2IrVA/TZ4srmA8phI/AAAAAAAAALA/yV9jEr9QrFA/s320/IMG_0961.JPG" /> <br /><div>So here is my foot wear setup. I start with one of the 3 base layers, either the super thin Bridgedale liner, a thin Icebreaker sock or sometimes the thicker Smartwool sock, then I use a <a href="http://www.rbhdesigns.com/product/34/vaprthrm-insulated-sock.htm">RBH design </a>vapor barrier, this prevents my insulating sock, which is the Wigwam El-Pine sock, from getting wet. My boots are RU outside Tundra boots which they no longer make-boooo! They have been seamed sealed several times and got a fresh coat just before we left. The replaceable liner, which I did replace this yr, in the boot insulates as well as reflects heat back to the foot. I use the <a href="http://www.polarwrap.com/productinfo.aspx?pid=1&product=25">PolarWrap Toasty Feet </a>insole, made to regulate the temperature of the foot, made with aerogel, which is comfortable to me. My feet did get cold just a couple times, probably lack of circulation, but I got off and ran and they warmed right up. I also put hand warmers on my shines which are held there by my socks and around my knees which are held there by my OR gaitors and pants. Due to the colder temps last year, I do believe I did some damage to my toes, cuz it was 3 months before I could flick my shoes off with my toes. I didn't experience that this year with the warmer temps. </div><br /><div>Last year I used the thicker Smartwool sock b/c it was much colder goin' to Nome. This yr I used the thin Bridgedale sock to McGrath and the Icebreaker sock goin' to Nome. I did get some rubbin' on the inside of my heel which caused blisters, not shure if it was the holes in the Icebreaker sock, the new vapor barrier sock or the new boot liner, could have been a combination. I also use Aquaphor ointment on my feet, face, hands and a$$. It's one thing that covers it all. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I did step in some overflow and it was approx and hour before it soaked thru to my foot, by which time we were in a safety cabin drying out. Had that cabin not been there, I would have had to stop, make a fire to dry my boots and change my socks. I carry and extra liner sock and wigwam sock for emergency. I also have screws drilled into the bottom of my shoes for traction on the ice. </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593314802512162114" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NCLP4Be4i_g/TZ9yLaCr7UI/AAAAAAAAALI/NZGJAdfurMI/s320/IMG_3347.JPG" />Frozen overflow leaving Ophir on the way to Iditarod. Now while this setup may work for me, it is highly recommended YOU figure out and TEST what works for you! Til next time!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-84124074010156280042011-03-29T16:37:00.000-07:002011-03-30T09:54:20.178-07:00The race starts long before the starting lineI remember dreaming of the <a href="http://www.alaskaultrasport.com/alaska_ultra_home_page.html">Iditarod Trail Invitational </a>in June while working on the <a href="http://www.cosmicapple.com/">Cosmic Apple Farm</a>. Not shure how I got so addicted to it, but I did. A lot of people ask me why I do this race. The main reason is because I can. Other reasons include the challenge, the freedom and experiencing big, beautiful, wide open Alaska, having it all to myself at times. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CGE1R2_Fpj4/TZJxB3b65ZI/AAAAAAAAAKw/_MebFKDT48M/s1600/IMG_0692.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589654364395070866" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CGE1R2_Fpj4/TZJxB3b65ZI/AAAAAAAAAKw/_MebFKDT48M/s320/IMG_0692.JPG" /></a> Gettin' ready for a race like this starts long before the start line. Purchasing plane tixs, guesstimating a return time, finding someone to watch our house and dogs, gettin all the survival gear together, scheduling all the bills to be paid while we're gone, findin' a place to stay in AK, and gettin' a ride to the airport with our 2 bike boxes and luggage. I started shopping for our drops a month before they had to be mailed, picking up different food items here and there keepin' it as cheap as possible, since everything is X's two. Our main meals consisted of ramen, which I love at the checkpts, Idahoans (instant mash potatoes) with butter, these are good when on the trail using my thermos of hot water, different styles of mac and cheese side dishes with powdered milk, butter (packaged at home) and sometimes a pouch of salmon, also good at checkpts due to it needing to be boiled a little more. I thought I would like the stuffing a lot more, but it wasn't all that and I will probably leave this out next time. These would be our main meals, with JayP varing his with meat. Then there is the trail food. This is really tricky cuz you don't kow what you'll want to eat or how warm or cold the temps will be. Warmer temps, less food, cold temps, possible storm or other variables, more food. I have kept a list of the past 3 yrs and what I put in each drop, I still don't have it dialed but believe I am gettin' better at choosing things I will eat. I love candy, shiny, bright, all the dye and sugar you you can pack in CANDY! Sour patch kids, gummy bears, mike and ikes and welches fruit snack are a few of my favorites. Chocolate bars, I learned a lot about these this yr. I was able to find smoe nice belgium chocolate bars for cheap, but once they froze they tasted like crapolah! So lesson learned the cheaper chocolate usually 2 for 1 bars such as reese PB cup, almond joy, carmello (my fav), reese crunch (2nd fav), PB snickers, take 5, whoppers, are a few I rely on. Then there are the nuts, cakes and cookies. We were fortunate to recieve lots of tasty calories from Tram Bar which was great, but I prefer them chopped in pieces. The cookie of choice is nutterbutter, followed by just about any other kind of cookie. The cakes of little debbie or hostess of any kind are always a welcome treat. I am pretty shure I ate my 1st Suzy Q this past trip, T-lecious fer shure! Fruit pies aren't so good frozen, but thanks to handwarmers, this can be quickly solved. We also carry hot coco, coffee, emergency, cough drops, lots of vitamin I and different hard candies. <br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8bIMT5Qz9ug/TZJuOxxehEI/AAAAAAAAAKo/6Oj48ogCznI/s1600/IMG_0633.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589651287678288962" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8bIMT5Qz9ug/TZJuOxxehEI/AAAAAAAAAKo/6Oj48ogCznI/s320/IMG_0633.JPG" /></a> Just wanted to get out a food diary and will follow with a gear list soon! Thanks for your support all! Til next time! <br /><div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-78422135237718355862011-03-25T07:21:00.000-07:002011-03-25T08:58:40.010-07:00ITI 2011-workin' on it!I am compiling stories, pictures and workin' on gettin' it together to share. Many people ask what the highlight of my trip was. The truth is there are many highlights, I remember being so happy and smiling A LOT! So to start I'll say some of the highlights were gettin' to the start, waitin' to start is hard. Sleeping outside by myself in -30 temps and fixin' a flat tire at -30 gave me confidence, good thing the wind wasn't blowing. Getting to McGrath and meeting up with Jay was very exciting since I knew this is where the vacation began and knew we would have a great time together. Finding the trail from Ophir to Iditarod was packed down was EPIC! I told JayP I had called "the people" and asked them to take care of it, glad they followed thru! The NEW shelter cabins are beautiful, I hope this encourages people to use the trail, even though it's in the middle of nowhere, guess thats why it's so beautiful. Spending 2 days in Oasis Iditarod in the mushers cabin, and the people that we meet and helped us there was a real treat, so glad we didn't have to camp outside for 2 days. Gettin back on the trail was a relief. The interview in Shageluk was neat. Becoming friends with the trailbreaks was great! Winning the pizza in Unalakleet and the breakfast Nita made us in the checkpt was amazing and very generous of her. Gettin welcomed to Shaktoolik and meetin' up with our friend Rick Swenson was a happy time. Cuttin JayP loose was a huge relief. When leaving Shatoolik, preparing to travel the sea ice of Norton Bay solo in the dark, a man by the name of Phil directed me to the trailhead, then asked if I had ever traveled the sea ice before, it was liberating that I could tell him yes, I have.<br /><br />Inspiring a mushers to walk the last 10 miles of sea ice whose dogs were running in circles and was going to scratch, I heard he gave me props when he finished. That was very special to me and gives me chills. Meetin' the people of Koyuk, and interactin' with the kids was fun, they asked a lot of questions. Heading to Elim, I had the wickedest tail wind ever, I was just sitting on my bike and the wind blew me to Elim! I passed a musher which was really wild, I also saved a musher from going to the wrong way. Elim was great and to me is the prettiest of all! The ocean and sea ice just does something to me. I got to see JayP briefly and spent some time eatin' and sleepin' in Elim. It was also where I had the BEST piece of musher cheesecake ever. Golovin was a quick stop, but I was greeted by 2 kids and 2 women, who invited me into their house for coffee and bread. I also ate a ramen. Gettin' to White Mountain was bitter sweet, as I knew I was nearing the end. Jack, Joanna and Liam openly welcomed me into their house like it was my own. I had a wonderful diner cooked by Joanna, took a shower and got way more rest then I had intended. Going over Topkok mtn was amazingly stunning, it was hard to keep movin at times b/c I had it all to myself, beside a couple of ravens and really just enjoyed it. Safety was cool cuz there were people there and my friend Dustin the trailbreak, his wife and friends were all amazed by my accomplishment, which felt really good. Last miles into Nome, I had a tail wind, I didn't get caught in the blowhole and knew JayP was waiting for me.<br /><br /><br /><br />I plan to follow up with a gear, food and detail stories.<br /><br /><br /><br />I can't help but think of next yr already. This race is the most EPIC adventure I have ever, ever done.<br /><br /><br /><br />Til next time!<br /><br /><br /><br />T-RaceUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-80915069486006357162011-01-11T20:45:00.000-08:002011-01-14T16:00:27.208-08:00TWC1-2011The w/e b4 the TWC I remember feelin' chilled, like I couldn't get warm. Shure enough by Tues I was sick, so was everyone else. I decided to ride/be outside as much as I could, you know like gettin' up at 6am. So I was able to accomplish this by riding every morning for 2hrs leading up to the race. Really I had no idea how long the race would take me. It turned out to be 5hr n 20min day followed by good beer, great food and a bunch of friends/teammates (18 to be exact)! Kicked that cold right the heck outta here!<br /><br /><br /><br />The race was intense. Maybe it is functioning that is my slowness in the am. I am a procrastornater. I remember being called that by my nun teachers in catholic grammer school, it has stuck with me and I believe it. Not really shure what that means, but I know I get some shit done. Gettin up that early, gettin dressed, makin & eatin b-fast, feedin the boyz, gatherin gear, water, DogFood, bowls, wonderin what to wear, loadin up bikes (JayP), preping to camp out, skis, dog gear, walk the dogs, bikini, towel-GO! you gotta be flexible.<br /><br /><br />The course was easy to follow so long as you had your directions or could remember that much, I had to check mine. All were gearin up in the PL. Lots of new bikes on the scene-lookin good. I don't think anyone warmed up? A picture of us, all lined up would be pretty cool. Head over to the start, ready-GO! Conditions were good in the line, a little soft otherwise, not ideal for passin early on. Lots of climbin, which is just really fun, lots of rollers, whcih are fun too. I love to snowbike, so it's all a good time to me. It was snowing as we started the race and lasted about 2 hrs. I was able to ride with a few of my teammates, TJ & Byers for a bit, watchin JayP in the distance goin faster and faster-he knew I was comin for him! There was a really wicked DH on the K trail, I stuck out my foot and rode it out and made it thru rubber side down, fun when your done!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My eatin was random. I had a sweet potatoe, kidney bean, cheese burrito, same as the night b4, for b-fast, so I was fueled. 1.5 hrs into the race I ate a carmel milky way, which I enjoyed much more frozen, then when I stuck it in my pocket and it got all warm, it's easier to break off when frozen, followed by a PB snickers at some point, pack of cheese crackers and 1/2 bag of jelly ring gummy candy things which got me thru those last few miles. I drank about 40oz of water.<br /><br /><br />What do I wear?<br />Obviously temps dictate this, but one thing I always wear unless it's above 30F, is my RBH design Vapor barrier vest, it keeps the sweat warm. I recently received the morning glory zip from I/O Bio, and wholly, this is fer shure my favorite piece. It was perfect for this race and temps, and is going to be my choice for Knik to McGrath. The zipper has a nice protector over it, so the cold metal doesn't ever touch your skin, the hood is sweet, keeps the neck breeze free, and of course, it is so soft. It snowed early on and this piece just thrived. I was never uncomfortable, wet or cold, things I like to leave up to the gear to handle-so it was perfect! Under that I wore the contact top (bra) and racer tank, hey I like my layers! I also appreciate how long the I/O Bio gear is, so my back is never hangin out catchin a draft. Since the temps were so warm, I wore 3/4 cycling knickers and some 13+ year old wind tights on my legs. Again being so warm, I wore super thin Bridgedale liners along with my raglin wool socks inside my RU Outside Tundra boots!<br /><br />I won the womens division with a time of 5:20, and was quickly reminded by JayP that I was 15 mins behind him like last time! ;) <br /><br />Super fun time! Til next time!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392891766748282951.post-41953807629988815592010-12-27T17:47:00.000-08:002010-12-29T16:25:49.877-08:00snowdayI knew it was goin' to snow big today! Super physced I didn't go to work. Instead I went for a 4.5 hr snowbike ride on the back rds of ID. Departure time was 730am, with a turn around to put more air in my tires, which I later let out. The snow was DEEP today, proabably a foot on top of ice covered rds, but thats ok. After I ate it on a corner, I deceided to let the air out, which was a huge improvement. It was a very quite morning, with few autos out. It wasn't until the tree farm, 1 hr into the ride that the plow caught up with me. Then I turned on Bates, which had only 1 truck track, and once I got to Teton Creek bridge, there was no tracks for a bit, until I hit the next farm. It dumped until I got to Driggs, so goggles were in order. I had to defrost them a couple times in my jacket, which worked really well, a little tip I learned from JayP. Then I headed up to Darby Canyon, the snow was deep here too. I ate it again, due to some off camber ice under a foot of snow, then finished up by takin' the backrds out to the frontage rd, which was smooth sailin', deep but nice. Had some lunch, shoveld, made pizza and chocolate chip cookies. It was a great day!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0