What's Next in 2009?

Stay tuned for blogs on other events I'll be doing--here's some events that are coming up for me:

June 2009

LA River Ride
Disney Duathlon

July 2009

Giant for Women MTB Ride & Retreat

August 2009

Cool Breeze

October 2009

8-Day Arthritis Foundation’s California Coast Classic (sponsored by Amgen) Goes from SF to LA via the coast.

On-Going in 2009

I have been spending time on the track at the Encino Velodrome with the LOTS program (Ladies Only Track Sessions). It has been a blast. They even had a special race oriented clinic on Memorial Day which was a lot of fun.

I’ve also ramped up our Breakaway Cycling rides. We now have an after work ride during the week and a weekend ride. I hope to soon have an away ride once a month as well. We have a nice core group attending, with more and more people joining each week. We did two nice rides where a few ladies got to accomplish some goals. So it was fun to see the excitement and sense of accomplishment. It reminded me of why I started the group in the first place. We will be training to do the Cool Breeze Century (Ventura to Santa Barbara) together as a group in August. Most of the ladies have never done a century before and it will their first one. It’s be very exciting.

So far we have 56 people sign up for Breakaway Cycling and we have had 14 events. We have approximately 8 regulars that ride consistently.

Catching Up

Well, it’s been a while since I last blogged. You can still follow me on Facebook and Twitter for current updates. I’ve been busy doing some fun stuff. Let me catch you all up.

Tour of California- February
The Tour of California was insanely awesome. I had the opportunity to work at the Giant Booth and in The Rabobank VIP tent during the last four stages. There were so many people there it was crazy. It was so nice to see so many spectators at a US cycling event. The route and expos were jam packed with people. It was really exciting to see Lance, Levi, Floyd & Rabobank (Giant’s the bike sponsor) ride in SoCal. I can’t wait for next year. Rumor has it that the tour is moving to May.

Lots of traveling- March

March was a traveling month for me. I got to go up north to Reno to see family that I haven’t seen in a while. My cousin Ryan got married in Japan last year to an amazing young woman named Naiko. We all loved her and glad that she is now part of our family. It was the first time nearly all my generation was together. The only one missing was by beloved sister. I also traveled to Keystone, CO during their biggest snow storm of the year and then to Tucson, AZ  both being business trips.

Sea Otter-April
Sea Otter was a blast this year. It was only my second time attending this event, but it left another lasting impression. I got to hang out with some friends from Arizona & Reno and watch my cousin Jon race Down Hill. Saw Kelli Emmett and Carl Decker out on course during two of their races. So needless to say, I caught Sea Otter racing fever. Next year I am thinking of competing in the Super D.

Cruisn the Conejo-May
This is by far one of my favorite rides (the other is Solvang Prelude) and it occurs where I usually ride. I was determined to do the century (6,000 feet of climbing) this year, since this is where I believe I first injured my knee two years ago. I didn’t have a lot of time to train, but I knew I had to do it. The morning was nice and overcast—perfect climbing weather. I left and road nice and easy. I was able to conquer a bulk of the climbing before the sun burned off all the fog and clouds. At mile 46 mile body began to question why I was doing this crazy ride, but after some food a chat with a couple fellow Conejo Valley Cyclists (CVCers) I was off and riding. I was feeling great. I finished the ride to the delight of still seeing the Giant booth and people at the finish line eating lunch. I even got to see my friend Beth at the last rest stop. She always makes me laugh and smile. I felt real good that day, and even felt that I could have continued riding.

VeloBetty Clinic- May

The following week after Cruisn the Conejo, I had the opportunity to participate in a VeloBetty clinic lead by Olympic Silver Medalist Mari Holden and Masters World Champion in Track, Road and Mountain, Lisa Jennings. The clinic was held in Ventura on Saturday and Ojai on Sunday. We had such a good time and learned a lot. A few of the Breakaway Cycling ladies were able to participate in the clinic as well. I can’t wait to attend another VeloBetty clinic. I highly recommend it. The go over techniques that aren’t really covered in a lot of clinics I’ve attended like, cornering, bike handling, etc.

Piru Time Trial (My Very First Race) 2-1-09

Well, I did it. My very first Time Trial/ Bike Race. I've never attended or seen a Time Trial so I was a bit thrown off guard when it was announced that I was the first rider to go out for the day. Other riders started behind me in 30 second intervals. It was a gorgeous day, warmer than expected. I learned a lot. I learned that I shouldn't have warm up as hard as I did, I need to hydrate more the day before, and not to take my allergy medication & inhaler before a race as they made my heart rate very high.

Overall, I was pleased with my first one. I finished 2nd in my class (out of 3 people) with a time of 42.45. I really didn't train for this one, I wanted to use it as a base to see how much I could improve. So, now it's time to get serious and properly train to see how much time I can knock off.

I want to give a huge thank you to RaeLynn who gave me lots of advise and road the course with me a couple weeks ago giving me tips here and there. I would not have done as well without her encouragement, support, experience and advise. She rocks!!

I also want to thank my pit crew, my mom and my best friend Jaclyn, who were there for support, holding my stuff/bike, and taking the following photos and video. Seeing them at the finish gave me that extra boost to the end.

Enjoy the pics and video below....

Here is the video of me coming across the finish line....don't blink.. it's a quicky...

Encino Velodrome Meetup 1/17/09

WOW!! I had an incredible experience on the track and I can officially say that I am addicted. I was rather nervous when in the class lecture they informed us that while riding the fixed gear bikes that had to keep a couple things in mind. One- Don't stop pedaling (coasting) and two Don't pedal backwards. Either one can quickly launch you on to the pavement. Did I mention that the bikes do not have brakes? Yup, but I quickly found that stopping wasn't that difficult. Already comfortable with riding on the road my bike handling skills really helped me on the track. I also noticed today that pedaling on the track really helps your road biking. Your pedaling is more efficient and so is your pedal stroke. It looks like both practicing both disciplines will really help my performance in each. Now when will I have time to hit the track? Hmmmmm....

Lady D Ready to Hit the Track...hopefully not literally

Well tomorrow is the day! It will be my very first time on a track with a bicycle. Stay tuned to see if I survive or go splat! The weather is suppose to be absolutely gorgeous. I hope that the winds die down by then.

Tonight I'm attending a nutrition seminar at Simi Cycling Center. I"ll let you know how it goes!!