Glenco and Lake Bluff GP's

Wow - two fast races down! Little spin in the morning early with the Now and Novartis team mechanic who is so graciously giving us a ride to Tulsa Oklahoma and then a couple days of RR, Training and getting settled in before Tulsa Tuff! Meanwhile, here's what we've been up to!

Hanging out with little kids.

 

JRA (Just Riding Around)

Number 11!

Feeling like super heros at local elementary schools.

warm welcome from our host family here in Glenco.

And their little Hedgehog Snuggles.

Looking at pictures of ourselves...

Glenco Gran Prix

Well, the race season is officially in full swing for me.  Being on the road for the next month should be quite interesting.  From travel, to racing, to working a bit remotely, to experiencing new people, places, and of course coffee - i'm sure i'll come back a little different than when I left.  It's true when they say life experiences change you.  I think this bike racing path will really prepare me for handling stressful situations in the future.  There's nothing like pre race jitters, especially with races being so late in the day.  Have the whole day to process, and prepare for what's to come.  Luckily - i've got some great entertainment to help me handle it. 

Those Burning Questions...

How do you do it? Train for hours on end each day, prep, travel, racing, and recovering...  It's a lot! And, it's a question I get from time to time.  Well, here's how I do it..and everyone is different and has a way of making it all work, because lets face it we're not becoming millionaires racing bikes! Well, not yet anyway.. A few years back I decided I wanted to see how far I could go in this sport.  I committed, paired down my lifestyle, and decided to pedal a lot.  That was the first step.  Making the decision to go for it, and surrounding myself with people who believed and continue to believe I can do something great on a bike.

Since you're not a millionaire how do you pay the rent? I don't have rent.  I live in an awesome loft above a barn my dad and I built when I was a teenager.  It has wood floors, a full tiled kitchen, stove, and breakfast bar.  I have a little living area and of course there's my bedroom.  It's tiny, but awesome.  I have a deck that overlooks a field and I can hear the crickets and see the stars at night.  My dog runs around the yard.  It's pretty darn great.


Do you work?  I work with some of the most supportive people you could ask for.  My current expertise is marketing with an emphasis on social media.  Bicycle Trip, a local Santa Cruz shop allows me to do their marketing and advertising from 2-6:30 pm Tue-Friday which gives me close to 20 hours a week.  I'm so grateful for the opportunity to work with them and really like what I do.  Essentially, I speak to fun bike riders in our community on a daily basis, put cool events together, and create art in Photoshop.  No complaints!  In my free time of course, when most people are dating and going out for drinks, or lets face it - FACEBOOKING - I usually can be found studying at home, as I begin Paramedic school this Fall and as it turns out there's kind of a lot you need to know when it comes to saving lives... Who woulda thought?!

My Roomate.

When do you train?  For the most part I ride every day.  Some days are harder and longer than others, but it usually equals out to around 20 hours a week including races.  Now - the 20 hrs a week sound somewhat manageable right? I mean, i'm only working 20 hrs a week - so it's like a full time job, no?  Wrong.  There's so much surrounding training starting from the most important part - early morning coffee (and I don't mean that in the Urban Dictionary sense...) get your head out of the gutter! Kitting up, packing up food, water, gear for the ride.  Getting to the ride start - Soquel and Aptos Creek road, where I sheepishly admit one of my most favorite parts of the day is people watching and waving to those I know heading out to their 9-5. Poor them. Picking out my playlist - will it be mellow or techno-ridiculous? Depends on my mood really..  Then it begins.  That block of time I set out of my day to pedal.  To do work. 

One of my fav training routes.

What do you think about on the bike?  In a perfect world i'd say - my workout, duh.  But no way.  I'm too ADHD.  Unless i'm doing intervals, i'm drifting out of past, present, and future - not necessarily in that order.  Contemplating decisions i've made about various things, thinking about if i'm hungry, how I should drink more water (not now, in general), if i'm rested enough to do this ride, the race on the horizon, and how this blue Jetta just cut me off while talking at his phone that's arm distance from his mouth - what part of HANDS FREE doesn't he understand!  Shmuck.

Is it worth it? I mean, you're 29 and single with a dog living in a loft above a barn...really?  Yeah, I wouldn't change a thing.  I love the challenge, the experience, the people, and my team.  It's the hardest thing i've ever done - emotionally, physically, psychologically - the full gamut.  Racing bikes - the whole process is hard work, and takes a lot of discipline.  One can compare the lifstyle probably to that of a monk!

Fitting.

The  team i'm racing on, Vanderkitten-Focus is one of a kind.  Members come from Australia, the Uk, and New Zealand.  Everyone gets on well, can laugh at my silly 5 year old jokes, and have a good time together, whether we are training, racing, traveling, washing cars, eating birthday cake or just putting another shrimp on the barbie as they say...

The Vanderkittens.

So, there you have it.  That's how I make it all work.  And, saving the best and most important for last - my family is a supportive bunch, with special emphasis on my mom who has never once said I couldn't do something that I put my mind to.  I think that's the real secret to success...with just about anything. ;)

My mum.

Puppy in Coke Cup Kind of Day

Meet Izalco "Izzy" for Short

Wow.  2011 went out with a bang.  Had some highs, had some lows.  Made some friends and sadly lost one or two, but today kind of makes me feel like the light at the end of the tunnel is still shining bright.  There I was contemplating the worlds problems according to Courtney on my 5.5 hour ride to the Marina and back - wondering why I added a Lewis, Vega, Murphy's Crossing, Carlton and back to Freedom, (Pause because I just had to get a muffin wrapper out of Izalcos little mouth...geesh little sneaker.  Don't worry, i'm getting there.)  So I was wondering why the hell I added onto the ride. Isn't 4 hours enough?  No, it's never enough especially when there is nothing better to do on a sunny day.  So, I refilled my water bottles at a fire station (water tasted like rubber hose, awesome) and kept going.  Sure enough, I hit a low when I turned onto Freedom.  Gu in hand, I put my head down and said to myself "this is where you start putting money in the bank."  Whatever that means.  Just another Courtneyism I guess.  So, i'm feeling like crud, tongue hanging out and everything when out of the corner of my eye I see this little thing move inside of a plastic Coke cup.  You know, like a fountain cup.  It looked at me, and I looked back at it and then I realized it was a puppy!  Shortly there after the words "oh shit" escaped my mouth and I quickly pulled over.  The poor little guy, no more than 5 weeks old was hiding in the fountain drink cup.  I acted quick, because I knew the little guy was in danger.  There were lots of cars driving up and down Freedom and all it would take is a little scare for the pup to run out into the street. As soon as I put my hand out, it bared its teeth, very frightened and scared.  I scooped it up, and shoved it in my vest to make the journey home which was about 20 minutes.  Wind at both of our faces, we made the trek home.  I could feel her shaking against my chest.  She was quite as if she knew she was in safe hands. And funny enough, I wasn't that tired any more.  I'll have to remember that.  Fatigue is such a state of mind. 

I acted quickly when I got back to my car.  Home, change, grab Cole - my Dalmatian, and off to Pet Smart to get puppy supplies.  They close at six because it's New Years Eve.  I blew off my plans to party at the Cat's with my uncle and family as I was in operation rescue puppy mode.

Got some food, a crate, some chew toys and of course a new bed for Cole so he wouldn't feel so left out.
Now I'm home and trying to settle in with this little one.  She came to life after some food and water and is exploring my place - good thing it's small.  I named her after my bike, the Focus Izalco and will probably call her Izzy for short.  She's really cute, pretty perky and loves to be held.  I think she's part mini dog so she'll be small.  Cole really likes her and has been very patient.  They are getting a long great, which is awesome because he really wanted a friend. 

Happy New Year to you all. And I wish you all the best in the year to come.  It's funny how life springs these little tests on you from time to time.  It's so very true that everything and everyone come into your life for a reason.  Be stoked and embrace those moments when they come, because you never know how long they will last.

What?

I still can't believe I found a puppy in a coke cup today.  Crazy.

The Bike Hangover

This is one of my favorite times of year to blog because I feel like I have more time to post, but more importantly because I get to tell all my readers about the funny stuff I do training.  Take this morning for example - I had a MAJOR bike hang over after putting in close to 9 hours on the frankin cross bike that has been barley doubling as a road bike the past two days.  I hit the sleep button at least 7 times (1:10 min of hitting sleep) and finally fell out of bed, and stumbled my way over to the kitchen to immediately make every attempt possible to revive myself with the bean god, coffee.  It's no easy task.  It's not like I just hit a button and the coffee is made.  I have a bialette - which if you don't know what one of these are - you should stop reading and check out this link. 

 

Ok, now that you're back - there is one key step to making coffee in this device... you have to put the metal filter in before you start pouring the grinds in.  Otherwise you're basically making cowboy coffee.  So, yeah in my fog I spaced it and just poured the coffee on the water, screwed on the top and put it on the stove.  Really?  Yeah, I did.  The best part - I didn't realize it until a half hour later, after I was frustrated that the bialette only made half the amount it normally makes.  I drank that half whole heartily, and after the caffeine started to flow throughout my body - it hit me. Doh...nice move Court.

So, I then went out for my morning pedal and all was good in the life of Courtney.  Well, mostly good - nothings perfect, but i'm not complaining. ;)

Pretty sunrise.

Oh and good news -  no more riding frankin bike!  Finally have a new road bike.  Game on.

Dear Blogary,

Dear Blog,

Is the blog the new diary?  If so, I find it fairly ironic.  I mean I would get upset if all my friends, AND complete strangers read my diary!  So, I guess blogging isn't exactly like writing in your diary - unless of course, you are the person who "accidentally" leaves the diary on the counter and comes home with the shocked face when you find out your sig other couldn't help themselves....  and said yes i'll have another to everyone of your "private" pages...  This hasn't happened to me and if you're reading this and have read my diary without my knowledge...take it to the grave!  It's more of a random thought, and yes there are many in my head.  Another random thought:  I love oatmeal.  It's so reliable, warm, comforting and easy to cook...especially the minute version.  I mean who doesn't have a minute in the morning to cook breakfast.  For all of you who skip your morning meal because you say you don't have time....well, I don't believe you.  Maybe you should start eating oatmeal.  I mean, it even lowers your cholesterol!  And I'm pretty sure I heard a story on the radio about a women who lived to 105 and she claimed part of her longevity success should be attributed to oatmeal!  So, start eating breakfast. And oatmeal...preferably at the same time.

Those are my rants for the morning.  What I really want to talk about is Kentucky!  What a neat state.  People walk around with blue tick hounds, funny southern accents and almost everyone has a mustache - well, at least at the cross race they did...I think it's because it's Movember.*

I arrived on Thursday night to two smiling faces - Edwin and Trina.  They rented an awesome pick up truck with four doors that was literally brand new.  We were rolling in style as they say.  Which is new for me, because i'm usually rolling the opposite way of style.  I think i'll hang out with them more!

The house we stayed in was great.  An old Victorian style home, on a quite street just minutes from the airport and cyclocross course which was a bonus. Either they did their homework or we lucked out! We met Devon and her family at the course the next day for practice, which was SOOOO fun.  That's when the party really started.  We came home afterwards, made a nice dinner and watched a funny movie called Bridesmaids.  It was my 4th time, and I still laughed at all the jokes.  Good times.  Then the lights went out, and the freaks really showed up - in the form of little hairy creatures called mice!  They were everywhere - crawling in the walls, on the floor, eating my food in my duffle, and I swear to you - I felt one scurry, or run, or trot, or whatever they do - right across my arm.

We raced on Saturday - well, they raced - I ended up pulling out after two laps due to a really really really bad stomach ache.  Not really sure what happened, but I was bummed.  Fly all that way, and pull out - sucky. I retreated to the car, and had fun watching Katie Compton spank the field.  That was rad.  And major props to Katie Antonneau - who pulled out a 3rd and a 2nd the following day.  She rocked it out.

We went home that night, had another nice dinner with our adopted family of mice - and had a new addition for the evening - Brian, my coach!  He had a great weekend of racing too and was fun to watch.

We watched another silly comedy, and this one was memorable only because as we were all (4) of us in my bed - I saw a furry creature run right for us with a knife! Ok, ok, ok...he (or she) didn't really have a knife but it did sound more exciting, right? I jumped what felt like 6 feet in the air and landed on top of Trina....screaming and laughing and yelling "oh my god (which is dog backwards...ha!) I saw a mouse!!"  Unfortunately, I was the only one to see this creature...and to this day, I think they thought I was hallucinating...  But, I wasn't - I totally saw a mouse.  It was real.

So, after the movie - I went military and set up a fort of traps.  And caught two of  those little (cover your ears, and close your eyes) bastards.  Which, to be honest was a little sad because they were quite cute and very little.  But, I had to set an example.

Part II to follow.  Stay tuned.  In the meantime - enjoy the pictures!

Our really awesome limo.  Carried 7 bikes and stuff no problem

A funny part in a book I bought in the airport. 

Improvising at it's best in the Luna tent.

Crazy.  Who new I'd find a Roman in Kentucky!

  Thanks for reading.

There and Back Again

To say the drive back from Colorado after two hard days of racing was long, would be an understatement. I was doing just peachy on the way back through Salt Lake, and most of Nevada until we hit the Silver City. I then hit the wall and handed the keys over to Sarah for the Reno to Sac leg. She came through big!

After a quick swing through the Fresh Choice salad bar and a little walk, I hammered out the rest of the drive from Sac to Santa Cruz. Yay! What a great feeling. In a funny way I feel more independent after that trip. It was successful on lots of levels. Racing, friendship, teamwork, and personal development. That's what it's all about, right?

Good stuff.

The greatest part about being home was the thousand puppy kisses I got when I walked through the door. :)

Next stop - LA!





Crossin Colorado

After 19 hours of driving the toaster across four states, through rain, snow and wind storms - one of which blew three semi trucks over, we finally arrived in the land where the antelope roam - Colorado. It's amazing here, despite it feeling like I'm sucking oxygen out of a coffee straw... We are staying with a wonderful family on a farm just outside old town ft Collins and its great. I've met some of the nicest people bike racing. It's pretty amazing and wonderful to have smiling faces and warm welcomes to wake up to - especially from little kids dressed up in witch hats.

The field was stacked today - the best of the best were out. Conditions were cold, rainy, and muddy - I loved it. The course was technical and interesting and really challenged me. I ended up 24/44 and managed to stay on the lead lap. I felt good about it and think I can do better. I loved the cheers from the die hard fans on the sidelines. They really keep me honest - no slacking allowed! Not when your being heckled, and encouraged to go for the dollar bill grab as your taking a turn on mud that's slicker than snot!

I also had a great experience at a local bike shop called Full Cycle. Not only did Mike, a guy that works there, hook me up with some of his embrocation cream for the cold (couldn't find that stuff anywhere!!!), they let me use there stand and tools to replace my front derail cable since it was about to snap off!

All in all great day.

What Are You Doing With Your Time?

Despite what some of my roadie friends may say, I personally find cross to be one of the most challenging disciplines of cycling.  In addition to precision and technical accuracy, cross demands focus when your body is screaming and at it's limit, legs begging you to stop.  You have to have a mantra.  Something to focus on other than the pain cave. If cross was a piece of cake, I think it's recipe would be the following:

Ingredients:
1 cup of sweat and tears - combination is up to you
2 cups mad handling skills
1/2 cups determination
1 cup of dedication
2 cups of passion
One hell of a big heart
1 cup grit
One can of Monster or Red Bull Energy
Unlimited Mental toughness - add to taste, really can't get enough of it.  Poor it on.
1-2 Tablespoons embrocation cream
1Teaspoon Anti friction cream, preferably Button Hole
If in NorCal - 3-5 Tablespoons of sunscreen
 A good cow bell for spice

Mix all that stuff together and try to keep the rubber side down.  Bake in the oven for 40-50 min until you feel like puking, passing out, or just plain dead.  While it's baking, it may seem horrible difficult, painful, smelly, not worth it, and tough.  But, when you're done you won't regret it.  Sit on the sidelines, heckle and enjoy your darn beer and piece of cross cake.  You earned it.

So, that's what i'll be up to and blogging about till January.  CROSS! 

It's motivating...really.

Putting bikes together for a new cross season.

Giving away a lot of eggs.

Little trip to Tahoe.

Amazing Tahoe...

Team camp at the Rambuski's....so rad.

Paying attention to detail.

Fun with friends.

Drinking coffee.

Oh yeah, had my first crash.  Popped that cherry.

Seeing some cool sights.

Making great friends.

Got a new pair of kicks!

Drinking more coffee.

Making more new friends.  Watch the wire...

This was just funny.

Fun cross riding.

WTF?!  Nathan is funny

More fun cross riding.

Reading a great book.  Thanks Coach P.

So true it's scary.

Ran a womens clinic.  5 women now know how to change their own tire.  Booyeah.

Rode with the Santa Cruz Jr. Composite team.  Great kids, super fun!

Got some pumpkins.

It's the bench.  My favorite ride.

Been using a lot of this lately...need i say more?

Watched Devon and  Aspens dog.  Cute little guy he is..

Oh, and cross practice on Wed morning.  Heaven:  Think I found you.

What have you been up to?

CD