Serena Rides

Wise Words.

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:24:00 +0000

Sunrise over Tumalo
Photo: Ben Gordon

"Don't settle for anything but mad, passionate, extraordinary love. There are too many mediocre things in life and love shouldn't be one of them"
~ Mary Oliver

Gingered Carrot Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:35:00 +0000

At Ben's request, I attempted to make a gingered carrot soup. Ginger is a tricky taste. Too little, no impact. To much, well, we all now what happened the first time we put an entire piece of candied ginger down the hatch.

I did some recipe research and after a couple of attempts, I arrived on the proportions below. Spicy, but not too spicy.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 red onion
1/4 cup minced peeled fresh ginger
3 cups (or more) vegetable broth
5 cups sliced peeled carrots (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup half and half
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt & Pepper to taste

How To
Heat oil in heavy saucepan, I use a casted iron dutch oven, over medium-high heat. Sauté onion and ginger until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add 3 cups vegetable broth and sliced carrots. Cover and simmer until carrots are tender, about 30 minutes.

Turn off heat, and using an immersion blender, puree mixture until smooth. You can also use a traditional blender for this purpose, but it gets very messy. For under $30, pick up one of these handy hand blenders and use if for all sorts of blending - mess free.

Return heat to low, and stir in orange juice, then half and half. Heat for 5 minutes. Mix in ground cinnamon. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper. And Serve.

Dawn Patrol. Double Thumbs Up.

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:50:00 +0000

My alarm startled me this morning, it rang earlier than normal. It took me a moment to realize why I was getting up so early. Then I remembered… DAWN PATROL. Last winter, early morning skate skiing adventures were not uncommon – this year, not so much. My cyclocross season didn’t come to a close until the first week of January and the snow has been less than stellar. The idea of getting up early to brave the dark and cold is daunting, especially when you don’t know about the snow conditions; but after reading the Meissner Nordic Facebook Page last night, I was determined to make a go of it.

Meissner Nordic Community Ski TrailsAttention all dawn patrollers and early morning Meissner Nordic skiers. Get your bases waxed (evening temps in the low teens) tonight because the'll be some sweet corduroy awaiting you first thing tomorrow morning. Don't worry about which trails to ski, or chasing down the snocat, because they all will be groomed and Jake will be long gone by the time you get there. I expect conditions to be very good tomorrow for most of the day. I hope you can get out there and enjoy your ski area and what promises to be a fine winter day.Cheers, Dale

Equipped with a headlamp and lobster gloves, I headed out – and I was rewarded. I skied alone. No other cars in the parking lot, not another soul to be seen. The stars were bright, the snow glittered, my face was freezing and I was having the best time. A little bit of the day that was all mine. I felt like I just got a VIP pass to “my own private Bend”.

The sun began to rise, the sky turned a purple-orange that no photo of mine could capture. I’ll leave that to the pros like Heidi and Matt. The snow was cold, too cold for my wax, but I didn’t care. I skied until I had to head back – work was calling. I glided toward the parking lot and in the distance, saw a few silhouettes. One belonged to Ben. He and a friend were just gearing up to head out on their own adventure – we exchanged a good morning hug and I headed back to town. The stream of cars in the opposite direction was constant.

I smiled to myself, I had had the whole place to myself.

Happy Birthday Dear Sweet Sister of Mine

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:21:00 +0000

Thirty-one years today, during half time of the SuperBowl, the whole world changed; for the better. It had nothing to do with the half-time show or who won the game. During half-time of SuperBowl XXV, my little sister was born, Kacy Ann Elizabeth Bishop.

I don’t remember those first days, but I have been told I loved her immediately. I was kind and tender and gentle. She was my best friend, from day one. And today, all grown-up, this remains true.

We have had our moments, our ups and downs, our trials and tribulations, our laughs, our cries, our celebrations! Through it all, I have never stopped loving her, in the deepest place in my heart, reserved for my sister, and my sister alone. No matter where our lives take us, we will be together, bonded by something stronger than any other: Sisterhood.

On this 25^th day of January, 2012, I thank Mama and Papa for bringing Kacy into this world; for making it, and me, better. I hope that one day, Max will look at Jude, and then glance to Kacy and Andrew and feel the same way – grateful for the bond between siblings – real and sacred and irreplaceable.

Gratitude + Cyclocross Nationals

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:37:00 +0000

Nationals were..... a roller coaster. The thing with cyclocross is that you never know what is going to happen. You have to celebrate the ups and learn from the downs - and keep on smiling!

My first race, Masters 30-34, my derailleur exploded right after the pit and I had to run way too far to get another bike. The mud was like peanut butter and it paralyzed my pulleys and ripped off my derailleur. I was heart broken. For the previous 13 months, I had trained specifically for that race. I wanted to be on the podium. I could have been on the podium, but I didn't switch bikes when I had the chance (mostly because I am stubborn and like riding my "A" bike better) and as a result, I crossed the finish line, holding back tears. But, that's cross and I love this sport... so I wiped away the sadness and got ready to help my teammates and prepare for my second race.

The second race, the Elite Race, went better - but it wasn't magical. I rode as hard as I could, but got tangled up at the start behind a crash and had to chase hard. I rode a good race, but not great. I crossed the line in 23rd place. I started in the 6th row. I had moved up, but I wanted top 20 and that just didn't happen. It was a good race, but not my best race. One is supposed to race their best at Nationals, right?

As I cleaned up and prepared to work in the pit for the Men's elite race, I had to remind myself that you can not define your self or your season by a few races, you have to look at the whole. I had a great season, rode well and strong and saw huge improves over the previous year. I won the Cross Crusade Series and earned some UCI points. I had a great season and am already looking forward to next year! Athletic potential comes with continued dedication & incremental improves.

After the last race was over and the 2011 National Cyclocross Champions were crowded, we (Matt, Damian, and I) grabbed the flask and headed for to the “After-Party”. I was surrounded by good friends. After a conversation with one particularly Kind Spirit, my 2011 Nationals experience was put into perspective; I was thankful for the ability to do this thing we call cross, to be a part of this unique and special community.

I want to race fast, but racing fast is not why we do this thing. The reason is far bigger. We do this because we love it; because it makes our spirit soar and it makes us smile.

Thank you to Lucas from Bike Around Bend for sharing this TEDx video with me. It is 10 minutes long, it is worth it. Take the time, sit with someone you love and soak in the words and the images shared by Louie Schwartzberg.

Cyclocross Nationals: Madison is just 2 weeks away.

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:34:00 +0000

It is hard to believe I will be in Wisconsin in just 2 weeks, preparing for Cyclocross Nationals. Last year at this time, cross season was over for me. I was baking sweets, drinking wine, and skiing.

This year is different. I am still riding my bike. The weather has been fine. Blue bird skies and mild temperatures have made training outdoors very enjoyable and daily doubles have been the only thing forcing me to ride the trainer now and again. And there isn't much snow, so I haven't been tempted to head up to Meissner for a dawn-patrol skate session. Ben has been incredibly supportive my extended season, but I know he is looking forward to a Saturday that doesn't include me bundling up and heading out for a ride.

The weather in Madison has been equally as mild, but it looks as though a cold front is on its way and temperature could drop. We'll just have to wait and see.

Why We Race. USGP Bend.

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:51:00 +0000

Photo: Matthew Lasala

There are races to celebrate because you rode your best, everything went according the plan, and your hard work paid off. You crossed the line thrilled, smiling, speechless.

There are races to celebrate because you learned something. About yourself. About why you race your bike. About your spirit and your pride and your ego. You cross the line holding back tears, stunned, speechless.

Last Sunday was the later of these. When it comes to this type of race, celebration doesn’t come all at once, but only after a long, slow marinating. After the disappointment has worn away and a few layers of self doubt stripped back, you see yourself, and why you race, and what you do this for in greater clarity; with greater satisfaction.

Last Sunday, I had high hopes. My heart and my legs were on fire. I was ready. And then the race started. I had some mechanical troubles. I ran a long way. I was fighting to not get lapped. I finished the race. I wanted to cry. But I didn’t.

Until I was home, in the shower, scrubbing off the embrocation that was burning my legs.

And then I was done crying. Each life event has something to teach – what was I going to learn?

I love to race cross. Even when I was running around on a cold and dusty cross course, with my beautiful bike over my shoulder and my derailleur blown to smithereens, I love to race cross.

When things go right, it is easy to celebrate – it is when things fall short of “right” that we must dig into the pit of who we are, of why we do this, of what it means – and come out on the other side, stronger, wiser, and more in love with racing bikes than ever before.

The celebration our defeats are some of the most joyous celebrations because they do not come easily. They come only after we strip ourselves down, look deep into who we are, and find the heart-fire that will never be extinguished.

Madison had better be ready. This heart is on fire.

Family Support is The Best

Photo: Lyne Lamoureux

On a Mission

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:07:00 +0000

On Monday, The Bend Bulletin published this article, written by Laura Winberry, a spirited soul who loves to ride bikes. She gets it. Rereading the article, and I started to tear up. Talk about motivation. I am going to carry a copy in my race bag and read it before each race.... if these words don't touch my heart and ring true to my spirit, I don't know what would. Burning legs, fighting heart! Here's to the rest of the season!
Former runner now top cyclist; Bend's Serena Bishop Gordon is one of the top cyclocross competitors
By Laura Winberry / For The Bulletin

Serena Bishop Gordon stands with her cyclocross bike in the Old Mill District in Bend Sunday morning.

Photo: Andy Tullis / The Bulletin

Rider: Serena Bishop Gordon

Age: 32
Hometown: Bend (originally Portland)
Years racing: Four years for cyclocross
Cycling disciplines: Cyclocross and cross-country mountain biking, with a little road here and there
Team: Sunnyside Sports p/b Silverado of Bend
Occupation: Program Associate for The Conservation Alliance

A marathoner and ultrarunner during her high school, college and post-college years, Serena Bishop Gordon has at age 32 become a self-proclaimed cycling addict.

As she talks about her past, present and future, it's obvious she is on a mission. But hers is not a mission without meaning. Beyond the obsession, there is unmistakable heart.
These days, along with working full time and being married, Bishop Gordon trains full time. Come race day, there's a fire in her eyes. But engage her in conversation, and a beaming smile and warm presence quickly dissolve any misconceptions.

Rewind to 2008: Bishop Gordon runs the Portland Marathon. After finishing the 26.2-mile race she heads over to Alpenrose Dairy, where she had heard that a Cross Crusade race would be taking place. One walk around the Alpenrose cyclocross course in southwest Portland, and something clicks.

“I went to the dairy to check it out,” she recalled in a recent interview. “The next week I bought a used Poprad (cyclocross bike) and started racing bikes. It took me a year or so to put down the running shoes and challenge myself to becoming a cyclist ... but I can now say ... that I am a cyclist. I am addicted and I love it.”
Three years later — after much hard work, sacrifice and saddle time — Bishop Gordon is the 2011 Cross Crusade Series overall winner for the women A category.

Same coach, different game plan
Still with the same coach, Bend's Brig Brandt, Bishop Gordon notes that one of the main differences from her training last year has been intensity.
“There's more of it (intensity),” she said, adding that “with another year of racing under my belt, (I am) able to put in more solid workouts and recover better.”

Needless to say, the changes have paid off. Competing in the elite women's field at the International Cycling Union-sanctioned Jingle Cross Rock, staged Nov. 25-27 in Iowa City, Iowa, Bishop Gordon placed an impressive ninth out of 20 of the nation's best riders in racing on each of two separate days. When asked how she felt about her performance in Iowa, Bishop Gordon seemed pleased with her results. But she said she also knows where she could have done better.

“I went (in) without any expectations. I ... wanted it to be a positive learning experience,” she reflected. “Saturday was better (than Friday), and Sunday better than that. I have a fire to do better. Ninth is great, but I finished the race counting my mistakes and how I could have moved up a spot or two.”

With the upcoming U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross in Bend — this Saturday and Sunday in the Old Mill District — and the USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships next month in Madison, Wis., Bishop Gordon will have ample opportunity to move up that “spot or two” against some of the nation's top riders.

Staying warm in Wisconsin ... and in Bend
Come January, while many Central Oregonians head to the slopes or cozy up fireside, Bishop Gordon will be flying to what she expects will be a frigid Wisconsin to endure 40 minutes of difficult racing as part of an elite women's field of 90 riders or more. Although the weather in Wisconsin should be nothing short of wintry, Bishop Gordon plans to “stay warm ... race my face off,” and keep her mind focused.

“I want to podium (finish in the top five) in my masters race and place in the top 20 in the elite race,” she said of her aspirations for Wisconsin. “If I race well, don't have any mechanicals, and stay calm, these goals are attainable.

“Staying warm is going to be a big challenge,” she added, “so I am testing out some different gloves ... and layers to get it just right.”

Good thing winter riding isn't a foreign concept to Bishop Gordon. She is more than accustomed to hitting the roads and trails through Bend's winter months, so long as weather conditions allow. Plus, there's always indoors.

“I try to ride outside as much as I can,” she said. “But there are those days when it isn't feasible or smart. ... Short days, snow and cinder-covered roads make it tough to ride outside.”

On those days, she said, she works out indoors on a CompuTrainer, a type of stationary bike.

Pair her determination with the prep of Bend's winter racing scene (this week's USGP should be a cold one), and Bishop Gordon is on target for nationals.

Dreams, goals and the difference between
“I dream of being one of the fastest women on a 'cross bike in the USA,” Bishop Gordon said without hesitation. “But, dreams are not goals.”

And she's right. Unlike most dreams, goals are attainable reality. Nevertheless, given her inspiring progress over a relatively short career, Bishop Gordon may very well turn her dream into an attainable goal.

It's simple: She uses her short- and long-term goals to motivate her, and each workout, interval and pedal stroke becomes a building block. Everything has a purpose and moves her in the direction of her goals. Fueled by addiction, a love for the discipline — or a combination of the two — little by little, she is chipping away.

“When you are focused on continual improvement, motivation isn't hard to find,” she said. “I am setting goals, hoping one day, my dream will be my goal and I will achieve it.”

Lentils With Sweet Potatoes and Swiss Chard

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 01:34:00 +0000

Delicious, easy, and perfect for sharing with friends, this is a hearty dish that pairs well with cornbread muffins, green salad and your choice of red wine.

Lentils With Sweet Potatoes and Swiss Chard

Serves 4-6

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 1-inch piece fresh ginger root, peeled and grated
1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
4 to 5 cups vegetable broth as needed
2 large orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes (about 4 cups)
1 1/2 cups dried lentils
1 pound Swiss chard, center ribs removed, leaves thinly sliced
1 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Finely grated zest of 1 lime
Juice of 1/2 lime
1/3 cup finely chopped tamari almonds, for garnish (optional)
1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish

1. In large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and saute until translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, and garam masala. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

2. Stir in 4 cups broth, sweet potatoes, and lentils. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium, partially cover, and simmer for 25 minutes. (If lentils seem dry, add up to 1 cup stock, as needed.) Stir in chard and salt and pepper, and continue cooking until lentils are tender and chard is cooked, about 30 to 45 minutes total.

3. Just before serving, stir in cilantro, lime zest and juice. Spoon into a large, shallow serving dish. Garnish with almonds if desired and scallions.

Jingle Rock Cross. An Iowa Thanksgiving Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:31:00 +0000

I went into Jingle Cross without any expectations; I just wanted the trip to be a positive learning experience. My first “traveling” UCI race – I felt like a little kid traveling solo for the first time. But, I wasn’t solo. I had all the experience of travel veteran, Sue Butler, to show we the tricks of the trade and how to roll with the punches. Sue tells it like it is and doesn’t take crap from anybody. I like that, a lot.

Fast Start; I'm back there somewhere.

Starting in the back row is tough; not knowing where I fit into the mix; sitting behind slower girls I should have been in front of, watching the front of the race ride away. The beauty of a three race weekend is that I got three chances.

Friday was a little disappointing, but at least I got to race (our bikes were delayed by a day and we just made it to the venue in time for a quick warm-up and headed to the start line.) I learned a lot Friday. Most importantly I learned I needed to be more aggressive!! Got to BE AGGRESSIVE, GOT TO BE AGGRESIVE.

I needed to be more aggressive at the start and move up quickly, before the single track. Saturday was better, and Sunday better than that.

Top ten finishes on Saturday and Sunday and some UCI point to boot. I finished 9th both days, which is awesome and I am really pleased with how the weekend played out, but I have the fire in my belly to do better. I finished the race counting my mistakes and how I could have moved up a spot or two.

Racing with fast ladies makes you faster…….I want to be faster! I am already starting to scheme how I can travel more next year.

Big thanks to Kevin Blair and Brook Watts who were amazing in the pits all weekend, and to the fabulous folks of My Wife Inc; the most pro, non-pro team out there. Your awesomeness knocked my socks off!

Next up: USGP in Bend!

Sunday was a mudfest, glad I had a pit bike

So slick, no one could ride the downhill Saturday

More photos and race report over at PodiumInsight

Cross Crusade #8 - PIR - Yeap, that was sweet!

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 22:40:00 +0000

Photo: Pat Malach

PIR Take #2. Pro Paddock Course, with mud. So good. The last race of the Cross Crusade Series. Awesome course, awesome support. Kacy, Mom, Andrew, Max, and Jude all came out to the race as well. Max had his number pinned on and raced the kiddi-cross. He rocked it; see the sweet photos below (Thanks Matt).

I took the W, with my Mom watching on - which felt great. Having her there was pretty special. With this win, I wrapped up the Cross Crusade Series! My goal for the season was to win a Cross Crusade Race. I won 4. I won the series; a pretty incredible feeling. I feel incredibly fortunate to have such amazing support from my family, friends and team. Not one race has been ridden this season without sister, mother, father, husband, friends, teammates there to cheer me on. I can't thank them enough.

Next up, Jingle Cross Rock in Iowa City over Thanksgiving...... Can't wait for this experience.

Photo: Lasala Images

Cross Crusade #7 - Pretty in Mud......Racing at Barton.

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:35:00 +0000

We are a unique breed.

We find beauty in the in between. The weather in between seasons. The mud that finds its way beneath our finger nails and in between our toes.

We discard the traditional girly ways and go out and get muddy. We suffer and snot and come out on the other side, covered in Barton grime, more beautiful.

We are special people. We are a tight community of lovers. Lovers of cyclocross, lovers of life, lovers of this unique community we call our own. We are fortunate.

Falling snow, melting hearts, tearing eyes, lyrics that touch the soul. There are times I can't help but cry, rejoice, celebrate, ache. We are the most fortunate people in the world. This should never be taken for granted. Ever.

A friend of me texted me this week, “I have something for you”. A pink tee, from Stomach of Anger, Pretty in Mud. That pretty much sums it up.

Racing at Barton Photo: PDXCRoss

Complete Barton Race Reports on CXMagazine.

Cross Crusade #5 & 6 - The Halloween Weekend Double Header

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 22:41:00 +0000

Photo: Matthew Lasala

A picture says a thousand words, or so they say - so I am going to let the photos of this weekend tell most of the story. I'll keep the words short, as the memories are sweet and still reeling though my mind.

This past weekend, I raced at home in Bend. The Cross Crusade came to the Sunnyside and we raced in the dust and warm autumn weather of Central Oregon. There is nothing better than racing well, racing at home, and having Ben, and what seemed to be the whole of Bend, on the other side of the tape.

At the finish line, Ben was there. He was the first to congratulate me, never hesitating to give the hug I was so excited to get; even if I was covered in dirt. That is true love, I am sure.

DAY 1

Hanging at the team tent pre-race

Charging the flyover Photo: Dave Adams

Purple Power Photo: Dan Brobst

Photo: Matthew Lasala

What a face..... Photo: Matthew Lasala

DAY 2

Costumer Theme: Wizard of Oz.....

Thanks Mama for the awesome costume...Photo: CXmagazine.com

Fox as the Tin Man Photo: Pat Malach

Damian as Dorothy

Check out more race coverage here:
Day 1
Day 2

One note to close; a dear friend and awesome cross racer, Renee, crashed on Sunday, after winning her race on Saturday. She was injured, and will be out for awhile, but she will be back. She's tough as nails and has an iron spirit. She has a community that loves her and is being treated by the best in the business.

She needs all the positive energy we can send her way right now - so muster up your greatest super powers and shoot them her way. I'm sending her the power of the Sword of Unicorn, and if you know what I am talking about; that is some super-charged super power!

Cross Crusade #4 - Hillsboro

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 02:16:00 +0000

I was hoping it would rain. Hillsboro is the most fun in the rain. I inquired with my Portland comrades about the potential need for mud tires. Things didn't look promising.

Nope, it didn't rain. As much as I would have liked to believe Brad Ross (see above), that is rarely in one's best interest.

So, on a clear, blue sky morning in October, we drove over the mountain, through the woods, to the Hillsboro Fairgrounds complex - to race cross!

My legs were feeling close to their old selves again. I would say 97% back to normal; after a week of intensive self-care and good advice from Amber.

I was riding my new bike; lightweight, stiff, beautiful. Don had put the finishing touches on her Thursday morning. She was smooth as silk. I was hoping my legs could keep up with this new set of wheels.

Despite the flat, dry conditions, the Cross Crusade crew put together a fantastic course. I was excited to try to hang with Alice for as long as I could. I had a good start. Lead for a lap or two, hung with Alice for part of a third and then, she was off... I tried to keep her in my sights - but a gap was formed, and I couldn't close.

I raced hard. My legs cooperated. I got the bit of confidence back that I need going into this weekend's double header in Bend.

First....... Photo: Mike Albright

Then.... Photo: PDXCross

The End

I got this email from my Mom on Monday. She was at the race. Cowbell in hand. Running around the course, screaming. Wow - I am one lucky kid.

For more race coverage over at Cyclocross Magazine, click here.

That hurt. Cross Crusade #3 - PIR

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:26:00 +0000

As you can see from the expression on my face, that hurt. A lot.

Photo: Nick Fochtman

My legs were tight. My back hurt. My mind was telling my legs to go faster. They refused to listen.

I had to work for every pedal stroke. There was one off camber section, which was not difficult, but I couldn't find the right line. A total bust on my part because I could have asked Damian or Matt or Don and they would have shown me the line before the race.

The course was really, really flat and dry. No running, except for the barriers. In some ways, it was not a good race, but in other ways, it was a great race.

I had to fight; fight hard. I didn’t feel great. I could have given up. I didn't. I “hung in there” (which, by the way, is the worst thing you can yell at me during a race – completely demoralizing).

It is only with these not-so-great experiences that we learn to fight. And when we fight this hard and have good legs, the result can only be awesomeness.

More race coverage over at Oregon Cycling Action and CX Magazine.

Roasted Carrot, Red Pepper, and Avocado Salad.

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:48:00 +0000

Autumn is here. The days are growing shorter. The temperatures are dropping. I am inspired to turn on my oven; after a wonderful summer of garden greens, heirloom tomatos, snap peas and broccoli, which require absolutely no cooking...just pick and eat.

Not wanting to give up on summer completely, I figured out a way to keep the taste of sunshine in our salad, while blending in some warmth of falls changing colors.

Roasted Carrot, Red Pepper & Avocado Salad.

6-8 garden grown carrots (the kind still covered in dirt), cut into two-inch pieces
1 red pepper, sliced thin
A bit of olive oil
A couple few dashes of ground cumin
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 avocado, pitted and sliced
Juice of half a lemon

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Toss the carrots with a bit of olive oil, cumin and as generous of a helping of salt and pepper as you like.

Spread carrots on a cookie sheet or roasting pan and bake for 10 minutes. Add red pepper slices, mix and bake for 10-15 more minutes, or until the carrots are tender.

Once the carrots and peppers are roasted, toss them with avocado, lemon juice and some more salt and pepper.

Eat right way.

Cross Crusade #2 - Rainier - Win #1

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:39:00 +0000

Photo: www.shiftfocusphoto.com

I woke up Sunday morning, determined. Determined to win a Cross Crusade Race. A win at Rainier would mark my first Cross Crusade Series win.
The rain was coming down in sheets as we rolled through Longview, crossed back into Oregon and made the left-hand turn into Rainier High School. Rain = Mud. Mud = Super Fun! Cross season was showing off it's colors......

The course pre-ride went well, with one exception. Something with my drive-train wasn't quite right. Upon closer inspection, my chain was, well, really messed up. T-90 minutes until go time and I needed a new chain. With the help of Don's trusty tool box (and his foresight to bring a spare 10-speed chain) and Shimano Neutral Support, I was up and running with plenty of time for a good warm-up.

My father and family came down from Seattle, with cowbells in hand, to lend support to the Sunnyside and Silverado teams, and seeing their smiling faces at the starting line was awesome.

I was calm at the start.

Just ride your race. Attack on the hills. Be smooth and smart in the corners. Get the job done.

Photo: Pat Malach

The course conditions changed dramatically during the race, making each lap a new challenge, change of game plan, change of line.

Amber and crew were at the first set of barriers, screaming their heads off. Brad Ross was yelling encouragement at the off-camber hilly section. Papa and family seemed to be everywhere on the course, I think they got more exercise than I did. Don was at the hill.

Accelerate, and when you get to the asphalt, kick again.

How can one ignore such advice?

Six laps later, I was high-fiving my family, grinning. I had won. Cross Crusade win #1 in the books. Stay tuned… more Ws to follow! More race coverage at CX Magazine and Oregon Cycling Action.

Photo: www.shiftfocusphoto.com

Photo: Pat Malach

Super Fans!

Mary McConneloug
wins in Providence... love this smile!

A Q&A with IBEX

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:59:00 +0000

The good folks at IBEX aren't just the creators of fabulous, wool fashion..... they are also huge cyclocross fans and awesome sponsors!
Check out Q&A With Ibex-Sponsored Cyclist Serena Bishop Gordon, Part One here!
And Part Two here!

Alpenrose.....I left the mind-games at the door.

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:42:00 +0000

Alpenrose. I raced well. Not well because I placed third, but well because I raced clean and smooth and without the head-games that are so easy to play.

I just rode my bike. I wasn't nervous at the start. I was excited and confident. Not jittery or wound up.

I knew I had warmed up, I knew I needed to ride well; to keep calm, to carry on. I didn't waste energy on things that didn't move me forward. When I lost my chain, I didn't Spaz Out. I just pedaled it back on and focused on making up the few seconds that I had lost.

I still have a lot of work to do, but I am happy to have Alpenrose under my belt.

And I was thrilled to see Max, my nephew, complete his first race - Kiddie Cross!

Determination

Over the barriers

Sprint to the finish

And a huge shout out to the team. You guys rock!

Bunny ears.... they will never grow up?

Wise words on a Tuesday Afternoon

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 17:54:00 +0000

“Winning is not a sometime thing, it's an all time thing. You don't win once in a while, you don't do things right once in a while, you do them right all the time. Winning is habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.”

-Vince Lombardi

Patagonia TOOLS, Riding in the Sierra, and Coming Home.

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 22:16:00 +0000

Donner Lake, from Donner Summit

The tail end of summer is upon us and I am mildly depressed due to the short days that are quickly shrouding us with darkness, much too early in the day. This also means cyclocross season is almost here, so there is reason to celebrate!

I spent last week on the shore of Fallen Leaf Lake, nestled between Lake Tahoe and the Desolation Wilderness – attending the Patagonia TOOLS conference. Words cannot begin to do justice to the wealth of knowledge, passion, and inspiration shared at Patagonia’s biennial conference for grassroots activists. Staying true to their mission, “Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis,” Patagonia is fostering solutions to the environmental crisis and raising up the next generation of impassioned individuals.

There was a lot going on in the cycling world while I was off the grid (a very peaceful place to be, highly recommended) – and while I was completely entrench in the inspiring individuals I was surrounded by, there was piece of me that longed to be at CrossVegas, Starcrossed, and the Rapha GP; not to mention USA Cycling Marathon Nationals, hosted in my own backyard.

Instead of racing, I was doing morning yoga sessions on the boat dock, listening to Anne Leonard as she instilled hope into my thirsty soul, brainstorming strategy, messaging, and successful campaign implementation with Washington DC professionals and stealing away for a few minutes in the Desolation Wilderness. A change of pace for sure…. a new perspective and joyful reprieve.

And on Monday, I got back on my bike….. Riding from Squaw Valley, up Donner Pass, along the Truckee River and between steep walls of strong granite. The Sierras are daunting, overwhelming, gravitational.

My adventure among the igneous rock didn’t last for long, as we soon headed north, toward home. From Reno, we took Highway 395 to 31, The Oregon Outback. And the Oregon Outback it is. A stop at Summer Lake Hot Springs soothed our bodies after an early morning wakeup-call by a California Forest Service Ranger, just south of the border, and by noon, we were back in our beloved Bend.

The Sierra is beautiful, majestic, magnificent, but the High Desert of Central Oregon is home.

Boat Docks = Morning Yoga Sessions

Donner Pass

Summer Lake Hot Springs. Worth the trip.

Racing in the dust. Thrilla #1

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 22:23:00 +0000

Photo: David Adams

No better way to work out the cobwebs and get your race-face on than to ride around in the dust and sagebrush. More than 150 competitors gathered Thursday night for the first race of the THRILLA, Round #8.

Cyclocross season brings the smiling faces of friends I haven’t seen since Nationals; a spirit that can be found nowhere but at the finish line of a cross race. Bright smiles reveal dust covered teeth, recent pain, and pure joy.

No matter the jersey you wear, the bike you ride, the team you are on; if you race cross, you share a common bond that only members of our community can understand. I feel so fortunate to be a part of this community.

Big thanks to Kevin of Webcyclery for putting on this series. It offers our small, but mighty community of racers the opportunity to get our “cross” on before heading to the Valley for a full Cross Crusade season.

Letters from the Pacific Crest Trail #10

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 07:31:00 +0000

9/9/2006
We Made It!

Hello All!! We have made it!!

Bluegrass and I crossed over into Canada and completed the Pacific Crest Trail on the 4th of September, 135 days after leaving El Campo. It is hard to believe we have "finished".

I was unprepared for the rush of emotions I experienced upon seeing Monument 78, the Northern Terminus of the PCT. Tears came unexpectedly, as did smiles and hugs and a sigh of relief - and the urge to turn around that walk south most definitely invaded my mind (didn't see that one coming). We had walked 2683 miles and yet I was not really ready to stop walking - strange, wouldn't you say?

There was no fanfare; no ribbon to cross or medal to receive. The people we met as walked into Manning Park, Canada, just one mile from the trailhead, had no idea what the PCT was - and made comments like, "Oh, of course, I used to do that as a kid".

I did want, nor did I expect, a grand applause or a banner announcing our arrival, but I was disheartened, I must admit. It is the traditional marathon syndrome; you train and prepare and run the race and then, well, you have crossed the line and taken your emergency blanket and go on with your life.

But in this instance, it has been a bit more difficult for me. Training and running this "race" has consumed my life for the last year - I left Portland last September with plans of hiking the trail underway. In April we headed south to San Diego and then turned around and started, on foot, heading north..... And now we have walked as far north as the trail will take us.

I am sad, elated, disappointed, celebratory, hollow, full.

We have been off the trail less than one week and yet it seems so far away - I work not to forget the feeling of freedom the trail brings and look to the future with fervor and zeal – but it will take some days, I suppose, to make sense of my mind and heart and give my tired legs a rest.

I have great plans for tomorrow, too many to sort out…… For the past 135 days I have been free to dream and imagine and create – now it is time to turn these visions into 3-D techni-color.

With love and open arms I thank each of you for your support, love, and trust.

Those whom are loved are the rich; I am the wealthiest person I know.
Scarecrow

Cross Season, already?

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:05:00 +0000

September is just around the corner; Alpenrose looms in the not so distant future.

I have moved my pedals from Little Fish to the Yeti.

Matt and I spent Sunday riding around the Central Oregon Mountains on skinny tyres and last night I practiced on&offs in heavy, damp grass.

My stomach is already turning over; with excitement and nervous energy.

Yesterday my sister called me a "crazy ass psycho bike lady". I'm taking that as a compliment.

Cyclocross Season is just about here…. and I can hardy wait!


Surrounded by mountains, wilderness, smoke, and thunder. An amazing ride to sisters and back.

Skinny tyres, surrounded by wilderness.

Greatness.......

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0000

If you want to achieve greatness, stop asking for permission.