Bend Home of 2010 Cyclocross Nationals, Sunnyside Sports, & the SS Cyclocross Team

Echo Red-to-Red

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:30:00 +0000

Don told me the Trek EX 9.8 would change my life. Considering I have fallen in love with mountain bike riding, I have to tell him he was right.

Saturday I joined the herd of folks rolling out through Echo for the second running of the Red-to-Red. All the Pro, Cat 1 and Singlespeed men and women started together. Strange feeling to start a race and have no idea who you are racing against. The Women’s field was swallowed up by the Men’s field. There could have been 100 women starting that race or just 3. Turns out there were 16. I saw only one of them the entire 29-mile race.

Endless ribbons of single track wound itself up the rolling Eastern Oregon landscape, a couple of steep climbs, a few slat bridges and a load of sunshine. There was nothing I would have rather been doing on Saturday afternoon.

The race unfolded pretty close to my expectations. I got passed on the descents and preceded to pass the same guys on the climbs. My confidence grew stronger as the race progressed and by the end, I felt like I was actually attacking the corners instead of letting them attack me. I have a lot of technical improvement to do, but the season is young, I have teammates who specialize in Super D and I have a new bike that I absolutely love riding.

When the results were posted, Sunnyside claimed 6 podium spots! Not a bad way to start off the season. I placed 1^st in the Cat 1 category, shared the podium with my stellar teammate Julie, and took home a bottle of wine and a sweet medal (which will be swiftly added to my nephew’s growing collection).

Now, off to pack and purchase books for my upcoming Spain adventure.

Did I mention I was going to Spain?

Did I mention how excited I am?

And So It Begins

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:07:00 +0000

Saturday marks the start of my 2010 racing season. Instead of driving to the valley to race skinny tires on snow-covered asphalt, I am heading east, to the little known town of Echo; Echo Red-to-Red.

28 miles of single track along the Umatilla River; it’s supposed to be beautiful.

Hopefully I can remember how to race a mountain bike.

Or better put; hopefully I can figure out how to race a mountain bike.

I have never before raced a mountain bike wearing the colors of Sunnyside. (This should give you an indication of my extensive MTB background.)

And with the start of racing season comes, you guessed it, RACE REPORTS! Fun to write, boring to read – but I am committed as ever to attempt to entertain with the ramblings and finer details of my 2010 racing season.

And in other news: I am heading to Spain!

Stay tuned for daily reports and photos from the island of Mallorca.

Although I can’t promise Spanish Boots made of Spain Leather; let me know of any special requests (leave a comment below) and I will do my best to smuggle a few extra kilos of coffee and olive oil into my suitcase.

Bend Backcountry Alliance Film Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:31:00 +0000

The Bend Backcountry Alliance will host the 2nd annual Backcountry Film Festival Friday, March 5th at McMenamins Old St. Francis School.

Doors open at 7:00 pm.
Show starts at 7:30pm.
Admission is just $5.00 and tickets can be purchased at the door.
Come early to secure your seats as seating is limited and last year’s festival did sell out.

The Backcountry Film Festival is organized by our friends at the Winter Wildlands Alliance. This year, festival attendees will vicariously surf the snow with a Japanese calligrapher, test extreme snow conditions in Vermont and ski a brief but majestic winter in Australia.

Once again, there will be a raffle with really fantastic stuff donated by some big brands and local businesses.

Check them out!
Fleet Feet / Pandora’s Backpack
Nau
Osprey Packs
Off-Piste Magazine
Pine Mountain Sports
Thump Coffee

Hope to see you there. And as always, think snow!

Emotions Run High - A Day of Inspiration and Battles

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:57:00 +0000

“I always think about what I want to share, what I want to give.”

I finish reading, She’s the One, The Source Weekly’s introduction of Cassondra Schindler as Bend’s Women of the Year.

I close the unbleached pages and look up; across the table. Ben is thumbing through The Bulletin, having a hard time finding an article that will genuinely grip his interest. He feels my gaze, looks up and our eyes meet. Mine fill with tears.

Cassondra is one of the most sincere, authentic people I have ever met. Her smile is contagious and her sense of style is one few can compete with.

Cassondra is a good person, doing good for her community and sharing her passions for art and culture and playing nice with the rest of us.

And she is getting credit for it.

How incredible is this place we call home; a place that recognizes the good in others, their honest contribution to the larger community, and celebrates their accomplishments?

How fortunate am I to be sharing community with so many incredible individuals?

My mind turns over and over; excited, moved, inspired. I am once more encouraged to leap outside the box, to grasp for goals far out of reach, to set sights on destinations that lay far beyond the horizon. We only get one shot at this, right?

Still reeling from the overwhelming emotion Cassondra has provoked, I check my email.

My thoughts turn quickly to another fabulous, strong, talented woman.

F#*%king Cancer. Damn.

Talk about overwhelming.

The tears run down my face, completely out of my control. This time it is Ben who looks across the table. I can’t look at him.

“She’s so damn tough.” I mutter under my breath.

My emotions change from sorrow to fear to battle.

This is one fight Cancer will not win.

A battle with this girl is a f*%king waste of time; she is the toughest, most determine woman I know.

If this fight goes anything like a bike race, which I am confident it will, Cancer will get its f#@%king legs ripped off.

So FU Cancer.

Don’t mess with this girl. She is strong, beautiful and has an army of supporters.

She will destroy you.

You will suffer.

So FU Cancer, you don’t have a shot.

Recipes from America's Small Farms - Dinner Frittata

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:12:00 +0000

The perfect "breakfast for dinner" recipe, this frittata takes not more that 20 minutes to prepare, is an excellent source of protein and the perfect way to use up all the veggies hanging out in the the refrigerator drawer.

There aren't many rules to the Frittata - follow the basics and experiment.

Using a cast iron skillet, saute the following until tender:

2 Small Onions
Loads of Garlic
And Veggies (You Pick):
   Potatoes
   Red, Yellow and Green Peppers
   Mushrooms
   Broccoli
   Squash or Zucchini
   Spinach

Meanwhile, whisk together 6 eggs, 1/4 cup cheese (sharp cheddar is fantastic), salt and pepper.

When the veggies are tender turn the heat down to very low and quickly stir the egg mixture into the veggie mixture, right in the skillet.

Cover and cook until the top surface has set, about 8-10 minutes. Place the skillet in broiler for a couple of minutes, until the top of the frittata browns.

Cut and serve, straight from the pan.

Serve with whole wheat toast and avocado.

Some Monday Morning Sappy-Sap; Friends and Community.

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:51:00 +0000

It is only recently that I have learned the value of community.

Community.

community |kəˈmyoōnitē|

noun ( pl. -ties)

a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals : the sense of community that organized religion can provide.

A group of individuals continually making me a better person, challenging me, lifting me up and putting me in my place. Friends I can call upon anytime of day, for any reason.

Friends.

friend |frend|

noun

a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection.

Bend has been my home for the last three and a half years, but the feeling of community, a group of friends, people with whom to share stories and meals and trails, has come more recently.

As a kindergartner, it is easy to make friends. No one knows better. You laugh and play and hug each other because that is what you do with new friends, people you first laid eyes on moment before.

As we grow older, the whole “making new friends” grows difficult.

We become more self-conscious and less care-free. The need for acceptance is often overshadowed with hesitation and timidness.

But perhaps “we” isn’t the correct pro-noun. Perhaps “I” would be more appropriate.

As an adult, I have struggled with making friends. I have been timid and shy and reluctant to reach out to others, in fear of rejection. I shoved off the idea and the importance of community; until I fell in love with Mr. Community himself.

Lighting him and and drawing out the best in him, Ben loves to surround himself with good friends; comrades in the journey of life, souls that force him to challenge himself.

I am a slow learner; a reluctant student in the course of community. Ben has been patient. After five years of observation and study, I finally figured it out. A simple realization that is still coming to fruition, but strengthening with each passing day.

Just be yourself and love the people around you. (Sounds pretty cliché, doesn't it?)

Allowing the insecurities and expectations melt around me, the walls of defense crumble. The sun shines upon my face, warming my heart and bringing forth a smile. I see the people who surround me; my friends, my community. Faces of love and support, excitement and motivation, encouragement and inspiration.

Not only do I live the most fabulous place, I also have the most fabulous friends. You know who you are and I hope you realize how much I cherish you.

Sorry for all the sappy-sap, but sometimes if is important to reflect on what makes you tick, what makes you whole and what makes you smile.

And the Road Racing Season Begins. But not for me!

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:01:00 +0000

Saturday is the first day of the Oregon road racing reason. The Cherry Pie Road Race.

One year ago Saturday I stepped up to the starting line of my first ever road race. I had no idea what I was doing. I pulled the group around, I wasted way too much energy, I was just learning to draft, I all but stopped when I heard the sound of carbon hitting pavement in the group behind me. 365 days doesn’t seem like very long, but in the young life of my cycling career, it feels like forever.

This Saturday I will not be racing.

It is still the winter. Cyclocross Nationals was only 8 weeks ago. My mind and body aren’t quite ready to focus and suffer the way I would expect them to if I jumped off the line at Cherry Pie.

Last year I did every race I could. I traveled to the west side 7 out of 8 weekends. I road in the rain, in the snow, and when the race was cancelled due to weather, I road the course anyway.

Last year, I didn’t consider myself a cyclist. I had to become a cyclist. I had to prove (if only to myself) I could ride.

I had to give up a 15-year relationship with my running shoes and instead, break-in a thin leather saddle. I learned the definition (and purpose) of Chamois Cream and embrocation.

I learned that the strongest member of the peleton doesn’t necessary (if ever) win the race.

I learned that aero-helmets actually serve a purpose (even if they do look a little funny).

I learned about watts and power and RECOVERY.

I road my bike a lot in 2009. I am not sure how many hours I spend in the saddle, on the asphalt, on the trails; but it was a lot. I kept a trailing log, religiously, for the first time in my life and downloaded workouts onto my computer.

I did 20-minute tests (aka suffer-fests) for the soul purposed of evaluating my own progress.

I fell in love with my bike (or should I say bikes). I also got engaged, to Ben (which is another fabulous story I will write in another blog entry – It deserves special attention).

2010 will be different. A friend sent me an email the other day, a wise friend who always has the right thing to say, at just the right time.

“Racing is special. You are good, you should race to win, not just because you are addicted to it. Those are strong words maybe too strong. You do not need to race or even think about racing so much. It is winter and it is ski season. What I am trying to say you are no beginner anymore, you are an accomplished racer who should choose the races with purpose and stick to that purpose.”

At 1pm on Saturday when the Women’s 1/2/3 field rolls off the line, I will not be among them. I will be skiing, gliding along the pure white snow on my super skinny skis. I will be smiling.

Racing is Special. And in 2010 I will race to win. I will race because I am ready, mentally and physically. And I will race because it makes me happy. I will race because I am strong and I am made strong by the support of my family, my friends, my team, and above all else, Benjamin.

And he says he's not a bike racer!

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:46:00 +0000

Ben says he's not a bike racer, but the above photo documentation might just prove otherwise.

Take a look at The Source's Article about all the bike shops we have in Bend. 11 to be exact. I don't think that is such a bad thing!

And, check out the newest thing in bike racing, Velo Sprints! The ever popular Gold Sprints have come to Bend! We might not have a Velodrome, but who says we don't have track racing? Try your hand at Velo Sprints if you get a chance, and after an oh, so long 15 seconds of racing... well, you might just be hooked.

Ben's New Ride... Just in Time for Spain!

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:12:00 +0000

Special Delivery.... A Ritchey BreakAway for our trip to Mallorca, Spain.

Fitting easily into its own suitcase, the BreakAway can be checked onto an airplane with no additional costs... revolutionary idea!

Check them out here and then go pick one up for yourself at Sunnyside Sports.

Did you notice them make a Cyclocross version as well?

Not Such Breaking News - Cyclocross Coverage from the Oregonian

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 04:18:00 +0000

News from the Westside.... making its way to the hight desert.

Unknown to most of us in Bend, the Sunnyside Kit made it into the Oregonian the Week of Cyclocross Nationals! I just got my hands on a picture, so I thought I would share.

New Year Eve - 2nd Annual Hash Run, a photo journal.

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 06:52:00 +0000

The 2nd Annual New Year's Eve Hash Run turned out to be a fabulous success. Snow, rain, and slush didn't stop the 20 or so of us from tromping up Awbrey Butte, across the West Side and through downtown.

A huge thanks to all who helped to kick of 2010 in true style!

Check out the entire photo collection here (and check out Matt's blog here)

Cyclocross Nationals - Bend Oregon!

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 05:52:00 +0000

Sleep comes with difficulty. The road rash decorating my hips and elbows alerts me to even the slightest movement against the bamboo sheets.

Between these harsh awakenings, I dream of an asphalt corner, covered in ice. The same backdrop repeats itself in my mind, but the movement in the foreground changes.

I am riding the Cyclocross Nationals Course, lap after lap.

Lap one I am railing the corners and the off-camber sidehills; I make not a mistake, lose not a second, I ride the course clean and smooth.

Lap two I make mistake after mistake. I brake where I shouldn’t, I take bad lines in the corners, I slide down the stairs. I am a disaster.

If the road rash hasn’t woken me by now, my nightmare does.

I am restless and uneasy; I think back to events that have transpired just a few short days ago. While some memories are clear and vivid, USA Cyclocross Nationals as a whole seems like a milky daydream.

Lap One: Friday – Master Women: 30-34

It is Friday afternoon.

I stand on the starting line, waiting for the gun.

I have dreamt about this moment.

I have trained for this race.

The next 40 minutes will be a test of physical ability and mental toughness. An all out, nothing to lose, put-it-all-on-the-line kind of race.

The sun is out and the earth is starting to thaw from a deep artic frost. The course is lined with spectators.

I stand in the 2^nd row; called up behind some of the strongest women in the sport. We wait, listening to instructions and preparing for the start of the Women’s Masters 30-34 race.

The gun fires, shoes the clip into pedals, quadriceps engage, pavement moves swiftly beneath the pack of riders.

I make the first turn, narrowly avoiding a pile-up and standing up to chase the lead group. 2 minutes into the race I hit the hard, froze ground on an icy corner, swear out loud, but recover quickly. After that, I don’t remember much. The am racing against some amazing women. Perhaps, one day, I will be one of the amazing among them.

Lap after lap, I am passing girls. The crowd on the other side of the tape is like nothing I have ever before experienced. Voices, familiar and unknown, are yelling my name. I know I am in 13^th place, only because someone is counting and lets me know as I ride past. I do not know how many laps we have ridden, nor how many more we have to ride. It doesn’t matter. My legs are strong, my breath under control, my eyes focused on the course ahead of me. I am continually gaining ground on the girls in front of me. I pass Emily Van Meter and get a gap.

With two laps to go, I finally look at the lap counter as I ride beneath it; just behind Kristi Berg.

A smile begins to creep up into my throat when I realize I am riding my way into the top ten. I am gaining ground on Kristi, who is currently in 6^th place. On the backside of the course, I attack on the hill. I pull in front of Kristi, holding on to the lead for all of about a minute. When she launches a counter attack I can’t hold on.

The final lap is as blurry as the pervious five, but as I round the final corner, head down, pushing toward the finish, I am glowing. I have just ridden my best race of the season.

7^th place is what the official results report, but I feel as though I have just won. Ben is at the finish line, along with my father. The smile on my face tells the story the best and thanks to PDX Cross, it was captured beautifully.

I find Veronica; an amazing women with so much to teach me and pummel her with a bear hug. Team Sunnyside was well represented on its home turf.

For the first time all season I don’t second-guess the race. I don’t think about what I could have done better or what mistakes I made. I am just happy and enjoying the moment. I am elated.

Lap Two: Sunday – Elite Women

Sunday I lined up with (or better said, behind) the best women cyclocross racers in the country. The first row was stacked: Katie Compton, Amy Dombroski, Mary McConneloug, Meredith Miller, Sue Butler and Alison Dunlap to name a few.

The number pinned to my skinsuit was 55. I started right in the middle of the 105 rider pack.

Two weeks I wrote, Stepping up to that line will be the true test of my commitment to cycling; my commitment to improvement; my commitment to myself.

I had stepped up to that line and before the gun was even fired, I felt like I had accomplished something. I

had earned the honor to be standing among these women.

Hands in position, butt on the saddle, right foot in the pedal, left foot pointed, stretching to the ground. The gun fired and the sprint for the hole shot was on.

The first few laps unfolded brilliantly. I felt like I had just picked up where I left off on Friday. All I could hear was muffled noise.; my name being shouted by unidentifiable voices. I saw only the course, the girls in front of me, the stairs, the barriers, changes in terrain.

I was focused and racing on the edge. I was following Ben’s advice, Race like you’re crazy.

Working to pick off the girls in front of me and to hold off the ones behind, I rounded an icy asphalt corner like I was invincible. Before I could comprehend what was happening, I was back on my bike. Right arm and hip on fire, right brake lever bent inward making braking difficult, shifting almost impossible. An attempt to correct the damage failed and remembering I had a bike and crew in the pit, I relaxed and hammered the pedals toward the pit.

The rest of the race was a cluster of errors and miscalculations; a pit bike I was unable to shift, another fall, failing confidence, a lap of my own personal hell, visions of quitting, seeing girls in front of me that I hadn’t finished behind all year.

After each calamity I chased to reclaim my position, but after having to replay this sequence one too many times, I couldn’t make up all the ground I had lost.

The final lap and finish line came as a torturous, yet welcome relief and the commencement of my cyclocross season. The finish shoot was crowded.

With eyes toward the ground and bleeding elbows, I made my way to the back fence.

Face buried in my hands, I burst into tears. I forgot about all the accomplishments of the season. I forgot about the honor of racing with the elite women. I forgot about the sacrifices and support of my family and friends.

I could only cry; thoughtlessly, selfishly, and self-pitying. Ben and Mom found me; wrapped up in my own self-wallow. I had failed. I had disappointed.

But only in my own mind. No one else was disappointed, no one else saw me as a failure. They loved me just the same.

I finished 52^nd in the Women’s Elite Nationals Cyclocross Race, with mishaps and mechanicals. Get over yourself.

The lessons from Sunday’s race are slow to sink in, but with each passing day I see them more clearly. The smile that covered my face on Friday afternoon is reappearing and I am reminded of the accomplishments of the year.

There is a fine line between racing on the edge and stepping onto the other side. Without flirting with that line, full potential will never be achieved. On Sunday I found that line, road right on it, and then, stepped over. I will be a better cyclist because of it.

Tomorrow is a big day.

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:54:00 +0000

It’s not time to get nervous. But nervous I am getting.

Tomorrow is a big day for me.

How big, you ask?

Tomorrow is the day I have been thinking about since March.

The idea occurred to me on a bone-chilling ride up Skyliner Drive.

Cyclocross Nationals – I want to be a part of that.

I road all spring and summer; attempting to race a road bike.

Learning I had a lot to learn.

Learning to push pedals and spin wheels is easy; racing a bike is a whole other ball game.

I started skills practice in early August.

My stutter step is all-but-gone.

I have driven to Portland just about every weekend this fall.

I am no different than any other lover of cross.

Sacrificing late Saturday nights and lazy Sunday mornings.

Spending the “date night” money on race entries or new pedals.

Tomorrow I will stand at the starting line of my first Cyclocross Nationals Race.

Looking around I will see only familiarity; but I will feel something new.

I am uncertain of all the thoughts that will run through my mind right before the gun sounds, but

I hope to clearly see the experience for what it is; an honor to be riding my bike and a chance to race like I am crazy.

Roll35.com: All You Wanted To Know About Cyclocross (But Were Afraid To Ask)

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:04:00 +0000

Check out Bend's Newest Website, Roll35.com; Where Social Media Meets for Not for Profits.

All You Wanted To Know About Cyclocross

(But Were Afraid To Ask)

The days are growing shorter, the air smells a bit more like autumn than it does summer and the first snow has fallen in Bend, Oregon. To many outdoor enthusiasts, these signs point to the not-so distant future when snow covers Mt. Bachelor, pre-dawn hours are spent lapping the cone and “sick days” are full of powder shots and Northwest runs. But to a niche group of cyclists who somehow get their kicks from 45 to 60 minutes of pure pain, the early setting sun and cool evening breeze means just one thing: Cyclocross season. Read More

The road is long - Cyclocross Nationals, Writing, and the PeterPan Syndrome

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:00:00 +0000

I will be 31 years old in January. And finally, at least for today, I have figured out what I want to do with my life. I want to write and I want to ride my bike.

I want to write, to inspire, to motivate. I want to submit the edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting stories that publications like Women’s Adventure and Wend and Outside can’t get enough of.

I want to ride my bike, to pedal, to sweat, to feel the pain and the pleasure that comes with stepping up to the line and riding all-out for no less than one hour.

When broken down to the lowest common denominator, cycling and writing aren’t so different.

To excel, to succeed; I just have to put myself out there.

I want to perfect an article or execute my finest race and then, get thrashed.

Beaten down, torn apart.

I want an editor to get out the red pen.

I want my coach to raise the bar.

I want to suffer and sacrifice and then, slowly, with care and gentle masseging; rebuild, restructure, and rebirth the stories I once thought magnificent, the legs I once thought were strong enough.

The road is long. Improvement and strength come from commitment, dedication, failure, sacrifice and a dash of lunacy.

My first big test is now.

USA Cyclocross Nationals…just one week away.

Am I ready for knowledge and development that will come from racing at this level?

I say I want to get thrashed, but am I ready to get lapped in front my friends, family, and all of Bend?

Stepping up to that line will be the true test of my commitment to cycling; my commitment to improvement; my commitment to myself.

A friend ask me yesterday if I was “stoked” for Natz.

Stoked….well, excited for sure. Nervous, under-trained, over-trained, tired, lazy, scared out of my mind!

It is hard to mentally prepare to get lapped, racing for top 35 instead of top 10, getting creamed.

I watched a video interview of Mary McConneloug last night, filmed before the US MTB Championships this summer... she was calm and confident and smiling. She didn't seem a bit nervous, not a bit worried about how she would perform. She was confident that she would give all her body would allow on the given day.

She was just a regular person, sitting in a coffee shop, talking to a friend (with a video guy in the background).

Does she know that there are kids like me, plagued with the Peter-Pan Syndrome, that want to grow up to be like her?

Do Katie and Amy and Georgia know that their pictures fill the training journals and bedside-table drawers of local top-5 racers?

What would it feel like to know you had a chance at the hole shot, a possibility of standing atop the podium, that zipping into the jersey with the stars and stripes wasn’t far from reality?

What will it feel like to stand next to those women one week from today?

For me, cross is a money-sucking addiction, a hobby that fills my weekends and free-time, a passion that brings a smile to my face.

For these women, it is who they are, their passion, their livelihood.

When I contemplate the feelings that will fill my mind as I stand on the line and prepare for 45 minutes of wonderful, torturous bliss, I realize how crazy it is that I have the honor to, for just one split second, as the gun goes off, be racing with my idols.

A fine Line - Cyclocross Nationals and the Portland USGP

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:52:00 +0000

There is a fine line between excitement and nervousness; pain and pleasure; dedication and obsession.

24 degrees. Windproof tights, 2 jackets, warm gloves.

45 second intervals – all out efforts.

Why are the last 3 seconds always the hardest?

Quads burning, lungs experiencing equal pain.

Each inhale is a reminder of the ambient air temperature.

It is December; it is cold, and I am doing the intervals that will make me stronger, tougher, faster.

I roll back to my invisible starting line; ready to repeat 45 seconds of pedal-turning bliss.

USGP, Cyclocross Nationals

What are you thinking?

These races are different. I will not be racing to win. I will be racing to survive.

I will be racing for the experience of lining up with the likes of Katie Compton, Amy Dombroski, Alison Dunlap, and Georgia Gould.

I will stand on the line, honored that I can pretend to chase these ladies around for three-quarters of an hour.

I will race as hard and as fast as my legs will allow; I will remember the time and effort and support Damian, Don, Ben and Team Sunnyside have given me.

I will race because I love it.

I will race because it makes me smile.

I will race because somewhere deep down, I can’t seem to draw the line between love and hate, dedication and obsession, pleasure and pain.

Last night I got some advice from Ben; the person who knows me better than any other being on earth:

Race like you are crazy.

Crossaflixion Cup and Cross Nationals in Bend

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:26:00 +0000

Saturday morning I was up with the sun, heading out to the Inn at the Seventh Mountain to help Gina and the FreshAirSports crew get ready for the second Crossaflixion Cup race in Bend, Oregon.

It had been 3 weeks since I had stepped up to the starting line and the fabulous workouts that Damian has been assigning me are my only reminder that Cross Nationals are only 2 weeks away.

A week of easy road riding while on a Pre-Thankgiving Trip to Maryland made me forget the 60 minutes of pain I have come to know as Cyclocross and helped me to recall the deeply rooted reason I love to ride my bike. Empty roads, autumn leaves and the feeling of freedom that only two wheels turning under your own power can give you.

But back to Cross…Saturday’s course was super fun (thanks Brent). Covered partly in snow, the course was mostly flat, with a couple of good kickers, a couple of curbs, and some twisty turns on the backside. Turn out for the early races was strong and as the day went on, registration for the Men’s Elite field was looking pretty stacked; Ryan Trebon, Barry Wicks, and Ben Thompson all turning out to ride around in the Bend Sunshine.

Team Sunnyside was out with strong numbers and loads of smiles. Renee took the overall Women’s race, beating out Tina Brubaker for the win with a blazing fast last lap! Humble, solid, and determined, Renee rode hard, smart and skillfully and I was thrilled she got the win and a write up in the Bulletin and in CX Magazine. Nice Work!!

As for me, I raced with the Men…. Both Heather and I did; making it easier for Gina to race and act as race director. I rolled up to the startline with not 5 seconds to spare and didn’t even have time to be nervous. I was excited to be racing and wanted to try out my legs. The last time I raced was at PIR and I was tired. Saturday I was well rested and my legs felt great!

The boys from Kona went off the front within the first quarter mile and the rest of the field got pretty strung out during the first lap of the race. I was ridding hard and having fun.

There was no pressure, I as just racing for a good workout and to enjoy being on my bike. I was smooth over the barriers, loved the downhill kicker and stayed upright for the entire race. The off-camber snow hill took some wind out of my sail ever single lap, as I tried to find the best line. It wasn’t until the last lap that I felt smooth around that corner. My technical skills are in constant need of improvement and it was fun to test them out without being worried about Megan or Rhonda or Erin making a move if I missed something.

I have four races left…. The USGP races in Portland and CX Nationals.

The countdown has really begun.

In April, Damian took me out for my first 20 minute test.

It was snowing.

You are training for the next time it snows… 10 months from now.

That was 9 ½ months ago. Nationals are in 2 weeks. I certainly hope it snows.

OLCV WInter House Party

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:44:00 +0000

The Oregon League of Conservation Voters, Deschutes County chapter cordially invities you to help kick off the 2010 election season at our Winter House Party fundraiser. Hear from 3E Strategies' executive director Cylvia Hayes about the state of green jobs in Deschutes County, meet OLCV’s new executive director Jon Isaacs and get a behind the scenes look at the 2010 election lay of the land. Come support OLCV and enjoy, dinner, drinks, and great conversation with fellow conservation enthusiasts.

Date: Saturday, December 12^th, 6-10 pm

Location: Host Betsy Warriner’s home,

119 Drake Rd.

Bend, OR 97701

Space is limited so RSVP today! Contact Ben Gordon, ben@olcv.org with any questions. Please feel free to email or text this invitation to friends who may be interested.

P.S. If you are unable to attend, we hope you will consider making a contribution in your absence. Remember: donations to OLCV's Deschutes County Chapter qualify for Oregon's political tax credit! This means that you can subtract up to $50 (for individuals) or $100 (for couples filing jointly) of your gift from your state taxes. Read more

A Sneak Peak at the Cyclocross Nationals Course in Bend

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:43:00 +0000

The fabulous folks at BendCyclingEvents have just posted the video we have all been waiting for... a preview of the Cyclocross Nationals Course!

Enjoy and make sure to check out BendCyclingEvents and BendCyclocross for all the info on Cyclocross Nationals!

This Year is Different.....Cyclocross Nationals in Bend Oregon

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:52:00 +0000

My lungs burn with each inhalation of cold, crisp air. My legs turn over slowly in recovery from an effort that took some mental toughness to get through. It is November, there is snow in the mountains, Mt. Bachelor is opening for winter operations tomorrow, and I won’t let myself wax my skis, lace up my skate boots or pull out my climbing skins.

I am still on my bike; protected from the elements in my Ibex wool knickers and windproof gloves. This time last year my cyclocross season was over, ending with the finale of Cross Crusade. But this year is different.

This year I am racing A’s.

This year I learned about intervals and power zones, and training.

This year I became a cyclist.

This year is one of transition.

Transition from the B’s to the A’s.

Transition from runner to cyclist.

Transition from “I might do okay” to “I want to do my best”.

I have a long way to go to if I want race with the big girls. I have a lot of work to do if I want to challenge Wendy and Emily and Alice. Katie and Georgia and Amy and Sue still remain magazine cut-outs pasted inside of my training journal.

But this year I have learned that it is possible. I have learned that with patience and time and dedication and determination and focus, UCI points are within reach. With rest and recovery and repetition, my legs will become more powerful, my lungs stronger, my mind sharper. This year is different.

This year Cyclocross Nationals are in Bend.

This year my season ends on December 13^th, 2009.

This year is different……. because I am already making plans and setting goals for December 2010.

Cross Crusade #7 - PIR; and it was muddy!

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:35:00 +0000

Sunday

PIR delivered just what the doctor ordered; rain, mud, puddles 10 inches deep, slippery run-ups, off-camber side hills, and a sloppy, sloppy day of racing.

Team Sunnyside was out in full force and in high spirits, but with heavy legs after fabulous day of racing in Salem the day before. Paired with the folks from Bend Bike N’ Sport, we built a pretty good tent city and were able to stay out of the rain, for the most part.

My day started out on a stressful note, as I watched my tubular tire being pryed off my rim by someone who thought it was a tubeless, rendering it unridable. For the next couple of hours I worked to borrow a rear wheel that could handle the mud; the Sunnyside Team came through and I took Wade’s clincher to the starting line.

The race was tough, slow, muddy, and fabulous. Splendid, torturous bliss.

Rhonda and I battled it out for the majority of the race. Neither of us wanting the other to get away. In the end, she won, but I felt good about staying with her. As we rolled through the finish line, covered in mud, I felt a huge sense of relief. I didn’t have my best race ever, my legs had felt heavy during warm up and by lap 3; I was tired. Racing doubles every weekend take a toll after awhile. (Enter Damian and Don: Time for some rest!)

After catching my breath, I rolled over to where Rhonda was standing.

We smiled at each other…

Nice Race I said.

You too. I passed you and thought you were gone and then you passed me back… you are a really strong racer.

Coming from you, that means a lot.

We made a bit more small talk and she offered up a couple of hints on how I could improve in the mud and over the off-camber down hill sections.

I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. Rhonda Mazza is not only a really nice person, she is a fantastic bike racer.

This is what I love about cyclocross.

Rhonda giving me tips on how to improve, helping to make me a better racer and bike handler.

The conversation I had with Wendy as I walked to the parking lot.

Covered in mud, we had all just experienced the same joy, pain, and oxygen deprivation and we stand their swapping highlights and tragedies.

These are the big girls, the girls I have pinned to my corkboard along side Katie Compton and Georgia Gould. They are my local heros. Now I am racing along side them.

The embrocation delivers a sensational burn as I stand under the hot shower. Hard to believe cyclocross season will be complete in a month. The USGPs in Portland and Cyclocross Nationals will finish off the season for me.

I will miss Barton Park, which will be good for my rest schedule, but bad for my ego. I am sitting in 4^th over all in the Women’s A race for the Cross Crusade Series. Barton Park is double points. Bummer.

To my dear Sunnyside Team; race strong, smart and skilled around the gravel pits at Barton. Leap effortlessly over the concrete masses they call barriers and don’t break on the sketchy downhill. Get muddy, keep smiling, and make sure not to pack up the shower before V, Matt, D and Mike get to take advantage of it!

Check out Matt's report here
Here are some more photos of the team

OBRA CX State Championships and Willamette Valley Series #3

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:58:00 +0000

It’s Tuesday night, darkness creeps through the open windows, I can hear the sound of rain between breaths. One day of rest and I am back on the trainer. With a month to go before Cyclocross Nationals, I have to stay focused and determined. Train, rest, recover….With a week of recovery ahead of me and a great weekend of cross behind me, I take a deep breath before I start my 3^rd set.

So, lets back up….. A great weekend of cross behind me…..great for so many reasons.

#1. The Mud

#2. The Rain

#3. The Hail

#4. The Wind

#5. Super sloppy run ups, off camber side hills, and bottom-bracket deep puddles

#6. My family braving the weather to see me and the Sunnyside Team race our bikes

#7. Winning the OBRA CX State Championship

#8. A conversation I had with Rhonda after Sunday’s race

#9. Spending time with my nephew, Max… who is just learning to ride his bike

By all standards, the weekend was prefect for cross. 39 degrees, pouring rain, sideways wind, deep mud puddles, hot showers, awesome teammates, and my introduction to Mad Alchemy Embrocation!!

Saturday….

Saturday was host to the OBRA state championships and the final race in the Willamette Valley Cyclocross Series. The rain poured down and the wind blew hard, making the team tent impossible to keep upright; the team warm-up session took place in the fairground barns instead.

The course was flat, exposed and altogether tough, thanks to the head wind that made it nearly impossible to get off the front and stay there, the hail that pelted down for the majority of the race and my frozen fingers that made braking pretty much out of the question.

After a slick, asphalt start and a sweeping left turn, I took the lead, but quickly hit the deck on a tight right-handed corner on slick, muddy grass.

It was bad move, I was excited to be out front, knowing I could win this race, and went into the corner much to fast. My foot was stuck in the pedal and as I struggled to get off the ground, Veronica came by…

Get up, lets go she shouted.

V’s voice snapped me back to reality.

Get up Bishop, What are you doing in the mud?

I had to shake the shock and disappointment from my mind and get back on my bike. I chased for the rest of that lap, making my way up to the front of the group and on to Sunny Gilbert’s wheel, who sat in second. Alalia Berry was in the lead.

Over the barriers and around the “S” curves, I got in front, taking the lead right as we hit the windy straight away. I pulled hard, Alalia right on my wheel. We dropped the rest of the group and got a gap, but I had just done a ton of work.

You are smarter than that Bishop… don’t get stuck in that position again.

Around the course once again, Alalia and held our lead, but neither of use were putting out 100% into the wind, and Sunny was closing in. I followed closely as we ran through the sand pit, through the barns and over the moto-cross track, across the start/finish line.

As we got back on the pavement on our on our 3^rd lap, Alalia shouted, Let’s work together, Sunny is closing in.

Okay, I shouted back. Work together, okay, but I am NOT doing all the work was the thought going through my mind.

I took my turn out front, into the wind and then backed off, thinking Alalia would come around me and do some work. She didn’t. I slowed down, I had to be smarter than to pull her around for the next 1 ½ laps and then get out-sprinted at the finish. Sunny caught up with 1 lap to go and I sat tight, 3^rd wheel, thought the barriers, the “S” curves, the windy straight away.

I knew I had to get into the barns first. If I could do that, I could win. Headed toward the gravel section right before the sand pit, I made my move.

Accelerating out of the corner and onto the gravel, I stoop up and punched it. Over the sand I lifted my knees and sprinted. Into the barns, I didn’t look back.

I heard Damian yell, This is what you are training for, the State Championship.

I stood up out of the last turn and flew toward the moto-cross track. My fingers were nearly frozen and braking was next to impossible. I rounded the last corner, leaning way over, knowing I was going in too fast and just holding on. My right hand couldn’t pull the brake lever. The finish was 30 meters ahead. I had a 15 second lead. I put my head down, in the drops and crossed the line smiling.

I had raced hard, smart, and with determination. I had won. No, the big girls weren’t there (Wendy, Alice, Megan, Emily, and Rhonda) but I had won none the less.

Later in the evening as I looked at my medal and put it around my little nephew’s neck, I couldn’t help but laugh. I had an identical medal at home that I had won last year, but with one exception. Last year I was racing Bs, this year, I was racing As.

At the end of the day, Team Sunnyside come home with 3 State Championships, a ton of top tens and a team unity that can only come from sharing Peppermint Essential Oil and Embrocation.

Read the VeloNews Summary Here

Check out Matt’s race report and what he has to say about Cyclocross Nationals Here

Photos of my most excellent Sunnyside Team

Sunday's Cross Crusade Race at PIR coming soon......

A Team Called Sunnyside and Cyclocross Nationals

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:10:00 +0000

With cyclocross season well underway, Cyclocross Nationals just 5 weeks away and the snow beginning to fall in the Cascades, the days are growing shorter, the air feels crisper as I fill my lungs and the cycling booties have come out of hiding and are now showcased on afternoon rides.

Autumn has arrived, winter is not far behind and I find myself smiling, zipped into my down sweater, sitting in the living room. Soup is on the stove, cobbler in the oven and Ben milling about, finishing up some projects before he heads East for a work conference.

I smile because I have found my place.

I have surrounded myself with people who make we stronger, wiser, and hold me to a higher standard.

I have friends that genuinely care about me; about my successes, failures, and my life.

I am engaged to a man that loves me; covered in mud, gasping for breath, he will still give me a kiss.

I have a family that believes in me, supports me in my hair-brained ideas and will encourage me in whatever it is I am passionate about. They come to cyclocross races, stand in the rain, learn to heckle, bring cowbell.

How many women find their mom waiting at the finish line at a Cross Crusade?

At least one.

I have a team that is made up of friends. Friends that meet at the House of Pain for an hour or two of intervals and perfuse sweating. Friends that train together, travel together, exchange emails, phone calls and share meals. Friends who all ride for Sunnyside Sports… a shop made up of friends. People that whole heartedly care about each other, their customers and their team.

In Sunnyside tonight, picking up my Yeti, I had an unexpected conversation. I should probably stop being surprised by what I learn while spending time in Sunnyside, but I don’t really want to. I never what to take these experiences for granted.

Questions of life and love and living are asked, answers are batted around, solutions may or may not be decided upon. Smiles are exchanged, knowledge transferred, and in the most unexpected corners, wisdom is imparted.

While I might be wrong, I am fairly certain that Sunnyside Sports is unique. Unique to Bend, unique among bike shops, unique among most business establishments in general.

Sunnyside Sports is my shop, my team, my friends.

To everyone that helps to make Sunnyside Sports much more than a bike shop; I can’t thank you enough.

A weekend of Cyclocross in Astoria

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:47:00 +0000

A double header of Cross Crusade is a full weekend in and of its self. Through some rain, wind and Halloween into the mix and you are sure to have a party!

The Sunnyside Team was out in full force this weekend, many of us spending the weekend at a house in Seaside, sharing stories, meals and Rad Racing (Thanks Matt).

Friday night the rain started to fall and although it subsided slightly on Saturday, the deluge from the night before made for slippery, sloping racing… just the way we like it!

Saturday

The course on Saturday contained a little bit of everything and was the first race of the season that really epitomized cyclocross. Fast downhills, technical off camber 180s, slippery slopes, sloppy run-ups, quad-burning climbs, barns, grass, and a lot of mud.

We all slipped and slide all over the course, the best lines changing with each lap. The start was fast. I got off the line well and took the lead. I stayed up front for at least a lap before getting passed by a couple girls and settling into 3^rd position.

Wendy had a mechanical in the 2^nd or 3^rd lap and had to run to the pit, giving me the chance to move into 2^nd place. Megan was right on my heels and it was a hard fought battle for the second position. With 3 laps to go, Megan got past me on a downhill section, but I was able stay with her and with 2 to go, I got a burst of energy and was about to put some room between the two of us. I held the gap through the finish… smiling.

Don and Ben had been yelling me throughout the race and found me at the finish.

Covering in mud, I gave Ben a kiss. He didn’t seem to care that my entire face was plastered with dirt.

Don came over and gave me a hug. I got his clean Sunnyside Jersey all dirty, but he didn’t seem to care.

Happy with that? He Asked.

All I could do was smile!

Check out the Velonews recap photos.

Sunday

I raced hard on Saturday. Much harder than I had on Saturdays before at the Willamette Valley Series Races and on Sunday my legs remembered what I had put them through the day before.

The field stacked and adorned with Halloween costumes; even Sue Butler was dressed up for the occasion. The course had changed, the conditions had changed, the weather had changed; but the goal remained the same. Get off the line fast, ride fast, then ride faster, be smart, stay upright and ride with the big girls.

I got off the line well, focused on the sweeping left hand turn in front of us. Right before the turn I heard a crazy sound. Had my tire just exploded? Had somebody crashed? Had I just taken someone out? I still don’t know what that sound was, never the less, it caused me to pause, loose my concentration and a couple of spots, right from the start.

I chased up the first hill, trying to hang with Wendy, Sue and Alice. There was a pack of about 8 of us going into the first barrier section. I was right behind Rhonda; I needed to stay right there.

Through the technical muddy corners I passed a couple of girls, only to passed right back.

I was trying to hang, but my legs weren’t responding to the instructions I was silently yelling at them. On the bumping up-hill traverse, I tried to hammer;I should have been able to make up some ground… but all I could do was hold on.

Through the barns, I focused on nailing the corners and tried to accelerate on the straight-aways. I was riding fast, but not fast enough.

Come on legs.

I saw Ben as the barns, Come on, get up there. He yelled.

I’m trying......

I was tired. With 3 laps to go, I knew I was tired. It was a realization that I had not yet experienced this year. I was riding well, but not as well as I know I could. I tried to punch it on the uphills, charge out of the corners, and take the technical sections smoothly, but it wasn’t enough to bridge the gap up to the girls in front of me.

Just hold on Bishop.

I crossed the line in 7^th position. I raced hard, as hard as I could. I pushed the pedals as fast as my legs would allow. Saturday I had given everything, on Sunday I tried to do it again. 7^th place was my everything on Sunday…. And I was proud of it.

I am proud of the way I have been racing this year.

I am proud of the time and effort I have dedicated to my cycling.

I am proud of the decisions I have made that allow me to smile every time I get on my bicycle.

I am proud of the determination it takes to stand at the starting line every week.

Cyclocross Nationals are only 6 weeks way.

This week I am going to follow the advice of a good friend.

Remember the word REST.... Promise?

I promise.

Cross Crusade #4 - Cyclocross at Hillsboro Fair Complex

noreply@blogger.com (Serena) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:24:00 +0000

The forecast called for rain…. To a cross racer, rain means mud… if you know anything about cross, mud is a good thing. The 4^th race in the Cross Crusade Series was held at the Hillsboro Fairgrounds Complex, flat, fast, and muddy!

This week I had a front row call up; the rain was falling softly was we stood at the line and I kept my rain jacket on until the last possible moment.

The whistle blew and it was go time.

The flat, fast gravel straight away was quickly filled with knobby tires, turning over in an all out sprint for the whole shot. This week, it wasn’t mine to take. Emily and Alice were off like they had been shot out of a cannon and it was all I, and the rest of the chase-group, could do to try to keep up.

I hit the single track in 5^th or 6^th place, holding tight to Megan’s wheel; Rhonda, Bridgette, Tina and myself all fighting for position. The first time through the slop pit (if you were at the race you know what I am talking about) Megan got bogged down, fell over and like dominos, a number of use followed. I was fortunate to be on the outside and was quickly able to recover, remount and get out in front of the group.

I knew the riders right behind me; strong, consistent and determined. If I was going to hold onto 3^rd place, I was going to have to work for it.

On the straight-aways I hammered; head down, mouth open, visualizing the last 30 seconds of a 4x4 interval.

Over the barriers I tried to be smooth; remounting with efficiently and speed. (I was successful with the efficient part about 50% of the time.)

Through the barns and the tight cornering and muddy sections I tried to stay upright and carry my speed, accelerating out of each turn.

With 2 laps to go, Bridgette was still right on my tail. Coming through the barn section she passed me. Not Good. My job was now to stay with her, not let her get a gap and be patient.

I stayed right with her though the finish line, over the barriers and through the super sketchy off camber slippery turn-hill-turn section.

Back on the gravel straight away I jumped and got a small gap. I rode hard through the sweeping corners of the backside of the course, fumbled a bit with my footing on my remount of the 2^nd set of barriers and got passed again through the barns.

Through the finish line, the lap counter said 1 to go.

Bridgette was faster than me on in the tight corners.

I needed to drop her in the first 2/3 of the next lap or she would come out of the barns in front.
I was not going to let that happen.
I wanted 3^rd place.
Be patient.

I stayed right with her though the finish line.

Over the barriers I was able to move in front.

Through the super sketchy off camber slippery turn-hill-turn section I held my position.

Once on the gravel I gave it everything.

Hands in the drops, I stood up, accelerated and pedaled like the finish line was 100m in front of me.

It wasn’t and my lungs and legs were cursing at me.

In the race for 3^rd, I wanted to win.

Onto the single track, I didn’t slow down. By this point in the race I had figured out the best lines through the bog, around the corners near the pit and over the asphalt lip that waited in silence in hopes of hearing pavement meet tire rim.

I knew I had a gap. How big; I wasn’t sure.

Through the first set of the tight corners Ryan Weaver and a couple of other Cat A Men came passed me.

You got it, no one’s even close Ryan said between labored breaths.

All the more reason to stay focused.

I stayed right on the wheel of guys as we twisted and turned through the barns.

Around the last corner, into the mud, one final right hand turn to the finish.

My gap had held. I came across in 3^rd, covered in mud, gasping for air and smiling.

After a couple of quick circles to relax my legs, a preventative measure that could otherwise result in me simply tipping over, I chatted with a couple of the girls, found Ben and Mom and made my way back to the Sunnyside Team Tent.

On the outside, it was just another great race, complete with mud, cowbell and friends. On the inside I was jumping up and down with excitement. 3^rd place…. 2 weeks in a row.

I will start calling myself a cyclist.

Read the VeloNews article and check out the New Sunnyside Kit.

Read the CX Magazine article

Read Matt’s Recap of his awesome race

Here are some more pictures of the Sunnyside Team! Thanks Mark