http://app.strava.com/runs/5389864/embed/c1ec8e7f11924e6fdd989599dee67650678508a2

Overall a good day. I did get shelled on the first climb, but caught on with four other riders and we kept it going. Last lap, I cramped up on the short, steep climb, and could get back on. With 1/2 lap to go. That was frustrating.

Weather was unusually warm and humid, so I wasn’t really ready for it.

Still a good day! My fitness is better than I expected, and I think I can truly say, I haven’t been this fit, this early, in a long time.

Excited to part of the big things happening at Strava

I gave up on local teams. If they don’t want me, I don’t need them. I’ll be riding for the Cycle Smart team, a great group of riders from all across the nation.

I did get my license from USA Cycling yesterday. Racing age- 55 years. One think I lost track of..I’ve been racing since 1993 under my current number. I actually started in 1987. I can remember when the did the number regorg in 1993. That really pissed off a bunch of people

First race of the season will be March 18

Fast forward to 2012.

Okay, I admit, I’m an unknown in the cycling community here. I got back in to racing in 2007, put out a few inquiries, but could not find a team to ride with. Really no big deal, I could deal with it. My work schedule was some what prohibitive, not really allowing me to time to “join them in a group ride to see if they would be a good fit”. (How many times do you see that? Why don’t the say “to see if you’re a good fit for us”.) And I didn’t really have the opportunity to race more than two or three times a season. I just opted to ride with an out of town club who welcomed me, I had a team kit, and didn’t have unattached on my license.

Now things have changed. I know have a better work schedule, which will allow more time to do the “check you out” team rides, weekend group ride, and racing. I’ve sent out I don’t know how many emails… and did not get ONE response.

I’m not a podium contender. I’m a cat 4, 54 years old, with few opportunities to race masters. I’m not looking for a free ride. I’m not looking for any freebies or reimbursements. I would like to look at it this way. It’s not what you can do for me, but what can I do for you. I love cycling, I love to race, and only want to have the opportunity to ride with a local team and hopefully, in the process, get more people involved. One reason I was so excited to be selected as a Strava Ambassador.

Cycling has always been elitist, there is no denying that. Have someone come out to a a group ride on an old bike, or steel frame, and hairy legs, and immediate judgments were made. And I have been guilty as charged. And I will also admit something that others would not, those some of those we were judging as Fred’s could beat my ass in a New York minute. And after getting back into racing after 7 years off, I know how it feels to be the one judged. I was riding a 10 year old Giant aluminum. It was a sweet ride for me. Oh sure, I would have like newer and better, but it was out of my budget. And I saw the sneers, I know I was being judged.

I’m not a high budget racer. I don’t have a gold card, I’m not independently wealthy. I’m not a social butterfly. I just love to ride my bike, and ride and or race as hard as I can on any given day. But, it seems we have come to the point where it all comes down to who we know, how new and expensive our ride is, the gadgets we have, and what our power tap readings say.

Me. I ride and race a two old year BMC SLT01. No power meter ( I don’t have to drive myself crazy over analyzing the stats). I just depend on my outdated Garmin 305. And my legs.

It was an easy 45 minute spin on the trainer. I was running low on energy. I’m sure it was the diet, possibly combined with 15 consecutive days of training. Kept the HR low, cadence low. I did get off the bike feeling a lot better.

Two full days of no processed foods! No sugar, no added salt! While I am dragging a bit this morning, overall, I’m already feeling better.

The only thing I really miss at this point is my whole grains. But, based on the way I have felt, I do have to wonder if I have Ciliac, something that for some reason, doctors seem reluctant to diagnose.

I will be riding for Wonderful Pistachio’s Cat 4/5 development team who will be wearing the same kit as the professional team. Gotta say..this is the sharpest kit I’ve ever worn. And it is a great pleasure to wear the kit as Wonderful Pistachios happens to be my favorite snack. I am a pistachio junkie, and I really do believe in all the hype you hear about pistachios. I really do believe they have help me maintain my weight and the antioxidants have kept me healthy.

GET CRACKIN’

Ended 2010 with 8200 miles!

Overall, it was a great year. I had a cooperative work schedule, and I’m going into 2011 with that same schedule. But I’m certainly open to changing that schedule. It was great for training, but it would be great to spend more time with my biggest supporter.

I also ended the year 25 pounds lighter than last year!

It truly was an amazing weekend.

Right now, I’m physically exhausted.  Those Hocking Hills are tough, and I thought they would never end on the way back to Columbus! But it was worth every pedal stroke, as was the over 5000 miles I have pedaled  this year getting ready for this event.  The suffering I experience pales in comparison  to suffering experienced by  cancer victims and  their families. And the signs posted along Sterner road served as a reminder as I battled that hill.

I’ve been riding over 20 year, recreationally and competitively, so it was easy to think about "my ride" and overlook the real purpose.  I was able to catch up with old friends. I  made many new friends. I enjoyed riding through the beautiful Hocking Hills (much easier to say that today, even though it still feels like my legs are somewhere on a road in Hocking County).  Good times!

But, we all had a story and a reason to be riding.  And we shared those reasons with each other.  Most were gut wrenching and I found myself teary eye on many occasions. I rode along side a lady from out of state who lost her mother at the James last year during the Pelotonia weekend. She came back to ride the 180 miles. One of many stories.

The crowds along the road served as a reminder of our mission.  The true reality and the reason hits hard when someone offers to shake your hand and say “Thank you for riding. I am a survivor” or Thank you for riding, I lost my mother to cancer”. 

Total rider count was 4047, and it is estimated that over $8 million will be raised. 

Unfortunately there was a tragic death on Saturday. Please keep the family  of Michelle Kazlausky in your thoughts and prayers.

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/08/23/tributes-pour-in-for-caring-cyclist.html?sid=101

At the start. I’m in the bright pink jersey that cant be missed. Limited Brands..than you!  This was during the national anthem. See how many have their helmets off? Sorry, that’s disrespectful. There was actually a twit in front of me that was on his Iphone, and continued to yack during the rollout. GOTFP!!!!!!

I’ve lived in Ohio for 10 years and have been to the Hocking Hills only once. Beautiful country! Killer Hills!

Here is the link for the combined two day ride.

Day 1 profile:

When I got to Logan with about 30 miles to go, I didn’t think I was going to be able to finish. My left leg was cramping so bad. But I was determined to finish. I did not want let those who supported me down. I eased off, regained my legs, and was able to finish.

Athens finish:

Day 2 route profile:

Thought those hills would never end!