Tour of Utah Whirlwind

The first stage was not our best day on our bicycles. With traveling the night before, mechanical issues, the rain and cold, coordinating logistics with the other gals (I was pretty much failing in this department but they took it in stride), I certainly was a bit preoccupied and didn't show up ready to race.  Not that the outcome would have been much different if everything had gone smoothly.

We stood on the start line shivering in the rain for a good 20 minutes before the gun went off.  The pace was insane from the get-go.  With a decently sized hill in the 1.5 mile circuit, the race shattered on the first lap.  About half of the field was pulled by the third lap.  Danielle Ruane was the toughest of our bunch toughing it out for several more, but in the end we all had a short day in the saddle.  I'm not particularly found of the feeling I get when I don't finish a race, but the circumstances surrounding this race were so absurd, we just had to laugh.  Drinking hot coco on the sidelines, we watched the remaining riders (only about a third of those starting the stage) finish.  Twenty 16 pb SHO-AIR's Dragoo took the win with an impressive solo break.

Danielle Ruane ready to sign-in on the stage

After taking care of some mechanical issues, we re-focused for the next day's crit in Ogden, UT.  The weather was perfect and despite the midweek/midday timing of our race, we had a great crowd of spectators cheering for us.  Although the race was considered a crit, it wasn't your typical crit.  Like the previous stage, the laps were 1.5 miles long and SUPER wide.  So although it was an L-shaped course that theoretically could have been technical, having such wide lanes made the racing dynamic a bit different.  Certainly a bit sketchier than you might expect with some nasty crashes involving sailing bicycles and their riders.  : /

Strung out through the start/finish straight in downtown Ogden, UT

The pace was fast, but manageable with the right positioning.  With 3 laps to go, guest-rider Tina Hughes was up there with me.  Unfortunately, she flatted on the next lap.  I was feeling good and kept decent position in the last couple laps, but the fighting at the front of the race, although impressive, was a bit too much for me.  I wish I had the aggression, guts, and handling skills that some of these women have!  The race ended in a field sprint and I managed 21st.  UHC's Coryn Rivera took the win.

Danielle, Alison, Chelsea, Tina & Kat 

Thrilled to have this awesome group of women join SKINourishment p/b Paceline Projects for the Tour of Utah Women's Edition and represent our great sponsors!  Also, a special thanks to Alison Frye who stepped up as team manager/team representative/racer and made the trek to Logan Sunday night for the team.  

Littleton Crit

I've been in CO since I wrapped up finals, so seemed like a great opportunity to race the Littleton Crit last night.  The race was on the NCC calendar this year and was pretty well attended.  Tons of spectators, a great atmosphere, and racing under the lights (or at least some lights) is usually pretty fun.  Unfortunately, the race was a complete debacle for me.  After getting caught up in the first of many crashes, my bike just wasn't working right.  Granted my poor performance may not have been entirely my bikes fault.  Better to think it was the bike and consider the race a good "opener" for tomorrow.  Looking forward to the start of Tour of Utah!

Announcing Tour of Utah Roster

SKINourishment p/b Paceline Projects will be lining up on Monday, August 3rd for the start of the Tour of Utah Women's Edition.  The team will race a 1.5 mile circuit in Logan, UT on Monday and then head to Ogden, UT Tuesday for the final stage.  If you're in Utah, please consider coming out for the event!  Details can be found here: https://www.tourofutah.com/womens-edition/womens-stages

Looking forward to racing with Alison Frye, Danielle Ruane, Chelsea Smith, and Tina Hughes!

Alison Frye is from Salt Lake City, UT and is our current Masters Road National Champion!

Danielle Ruane is from Bow, NH and along with her husband, our mixed tandem Masters National Champion! Straight off the podium at the Longsjo Classic, we're excited to have her join us out west!
 

 



Originally from Utah, Chelsea Smith served in the Army and is currently residing in Texas where she just recently won the 30-34 Texas State Crit Championships. 


Also joining us, Tina Hughes who just placed 6th at the Cascade Cycling Classic Stage 4 Crit.

 

Boise Twilight Crit

Drove to Boise with Matt to race the Anderson Banducci Twilight Crit this Saturday.  Glencoe was my last race, so I was feeling a little rusty.  About 10-15 minutes into the race, I was concerned I wasn't going to make it to the finish.  Toughened up and moved towards the front half of the field.  A bit more comfortable to say the least.

I even had pretty good positioning in the last laps, and despite another rider diving into me in the last corner, I sprinted for 14th.  Felt great to be racing again.

Sunday we rode up Bogus Basin before getting back in the car.  Of course we hit up my favorite bacon joint on the way out of town.  Wouldn't be Boise Twilight without a post-race breakfast at BerryHill Bacon.  Yum.

Anxiously awaiting the next race!

Having to keep myself occupied with some sweet riding in the meantime.  Gorgeous mountain bike riding in WY this weekend.  Yes, we carried bear spray...  

First Mountain Bike Race!

I raced in my first mountain bike race last night in Park City...and it was awesome!  Why did it take me this long??? 

 

I put the hammer down for the first bit of the race because 1. it was mostly uphill 2. it was fairly smooth 3. I figured it was as good a time as any to get a good gap...

Worked out great until I hit the first down hill...which was rocky... and dusty... and a little scary for this newbie.  I know all these real mountain bikers keep telling me to get off my brakes and it will feel safer...but really?  I don't know....

Needless to say I lost a some ground on the downhills and there were some close calls!  Finished 4th for SKINourishment p/b Paceline Projects and had an absolute blast!!!

Glencoe Grand Prix Recap

Quick trip to Chicago this past weekend for the Glencoe Grand Prix.  It was a blast despite an unremarkable performance on my end in the windy, rainy, 40 degree conditions.  (Or maybe it was remarkable that I finished the 50 KM race in those conditions?  There's something about not being able to feel your hands and feet, and consequently your bike, that's a little freaky.) 

Anyway, the weekend was awesome because I got to visit with the Chiangs and I just adore them.  One neat thing about this bike racing business is having the opportunity to meet people all over the country, and these friends become part of your family.  I just love visiting with Regina, Michael, Elise and Amelia.  Amelia represented SKINourishment p/b Paceline Projects in her first crit, and she did awesome!  I had so much fun watching her and she crushed it.  Top step of the podium!  

Next stop...Chicago!

Excited to be heading to the Chicago area this weekend for the Glencoe Grand Prix!  I'll be joined by two talented women: Vanessa Drigo and junior Amelia Chiang.  Thrilled to have these two representing SKINourishment p/b Paceline Projects!

Glencoe Grand Prix is one of my favorite races.  Why?  The community is wonderful and I dig the cause.  Education!  Learn more about the Glencoe Educational Fund and the Glencoe Grand Prix here.  Type GEF to watch.

*Spoiler: SKINourishment p/b Paceline Projects makes an appearance!

Dana Point Grand Prix

Well, my trip to California was a success.  Got some good training in (lots of sweet climbs thanks to Matt) and a top 20 finish at Dana Point.  I had set reasonable... to low.....expectations for my first NCC race of the year.  I got on the bike in March and had no race intensity in the legs.  Honestly, finishing the race was the goal.  The race wasn't easy for me.  I definitely struggled with positioning and felt uneasy in the field, but I avoided the crash on the last lap and managed to finish 16th.  Not too shabby...
As always, it was a pleasure to represent SKINourishment p/b Paceline Projects and all my awesome sponsors!

Rocking the Pactimo Summit RFLX Jersey- a must in CA traffic!

The course and its ocean views below

Some additional photos from our training rides:

Tuttle Creek Road



Horseshoe Meadows


 

Los Alamos 

Santa Barbara climbing

Painted Cave Canyon... brutal climb.

 

Worth the effort to get off your bike and scramble up to the cave to check this out....



Post-ride beach time

Burrrrrr

 

The mountain man at the ocean!!! 

Ultimate UT recovery ride

With the Dana Point Grand Prix just around the corner, figured it was time for a little rest!  Enjoyed a great trip to southern Utah to meet up with my folks and Ameerah.

Meet Snip. 

 

Fischer Towers

 

 

Checking out the Double Arch

 

Ameerah checking out the views 

 

Next trip:  California!  First NCC race of the year for me and I'm excited!  Thrilled to be representing my sponsors SKINourishment, Paceline Projects, Pactimo, Joe's Garage, Caldwell Sport, BellLap Coaching, Arundel, and Arnicare on May 3rd for the Dana Point Grand Prix.   



Off-season Recap: FUN.

The title says it all...

This past off-season was a blast and here are some photos of the highlights:

Autumn in VT!

A special celebration!

Lots of school interviews...no photos thankfully!

Some mountain biking thrown into the mix...

My new ride thanks to Joe's Garage!

Finally, winter!!!  Despite a crummy winter in UT, we were lucky to ski a ton and race quite a bit too.

One of a handful of great ski days in UT!




Idaho

Skiing and sleeping in a tree house.  Perfection. 

Zip line to the bathroom?  Wahoo!

Racing in UT, WY, ID, MT and NY...

Even when you have fast skis from Caldwell Sport, racing still hurts...  

VT

Craftsbury Outdoor Center

Some family time in Colorado

The little snow we had here in UT is essentially gone now.  So, I've turned my attention back to two wheels.  Looking forward to another great year with SKINourishment p/b Paceline Projects!  Three years now with these awesome folks!!!  Feeling very fortunate to have such wonderful support from all my sponsors.  Thank you all!

More to come soon...