Iceman: Slushcup Edition 2014 Pt. 2

Read Part 1 here.

I remember how nervous I had been at my first Iceman at 30 years of age, I can't imagine what the anticipation would be for someone who still shows how old they are by holding up their fingers.

As I watched Wave 4 ride off into the woods and soon after, Sage and Gage, I couldn't help but feel what a privilege it was to be able to share in their adventure.

The Sluschup course is comprised of mostly two track trails which allow for plenty of room for new and young riders to race at their own comfort level, unlike the Iceman, which is dotted with technical and frustratingly crowded single track sections that can fumble-up the most experienced racers. S(G)age immediately found their stride and were able to catch their wave. They maneuvered up the first climb, ticking off riders at a steady, strong pace.

Sage, on her own

Chad and I have always encouraged Sage to ride her own race. I suppose it wasn't all that surprising when she immediately peeled off from our little group and rode herself out of sight. I sped up to check on her, she assured me she was fine to ride by herself. I wished her luck before turning back for Gage, my riding partner for the remainder of the race.

Unlike Sage, who can be very chatty on the trail, Gage was stoic and silent. He kept his head up and eyes forward, holding a steady pace. I simply followed along.

Just 1.5 miles in, we came around the corner to find Sage standing on the side of the trail. The momma-bear in me became immediately worried and protective. Did she have a flat tire? Did her chain break? Did she fall and hurt herself?!?!?!

I quickly rode up to her and began fussing, "Are you okay! What's wrong!"

"I'm getting a drink."

What? She stopped for a drink? A drink?!? Thereisnostoppingforadrinkinracing. She had a huge lead and we caught up to her because of a drink? "That's what your hydrapak is for--so you don't have to stop. Keep going you crazy kid!" I laughed. "You're doing great!"

"Okay, Mommy!" Sage smiled. I was so relieved that she wasn't hurt. Phew! Sage rode off and Gage and I continued our race together. In silence. And then the rain turned from "light" to "driving" and while we had been cold, it was suddenly bone-chilling.

I've heard a lot of veteran Icemen say this was the worst conditions they've experienced: the cold, the rain, the mud, the failing bikes, the hypothermia . . . The Slushcuppers raced in the same conditions. Yes, it was only 8 miles. But for an 8 or 9 year old--that distance is as equally challenging as the 30+ miles are for an experienced rider. Most Slusher's bikes aren't set up with X1. For many of the Slushers, their bikes weigh almost as much as they do. They don't have insulated booties--their riding in sneakers. If your $3k+ bike was having a difficult time in these conditions, well, you can imagine how a kids bike would fare.

Gage, Team Troll, at the start of the race

I was constantly checking in with Gage. Are you thirsty? Hungry?  He simply kept nodding that he was fine and rolled along. About 5 miles in I could tell he was starting to struggle. While he insisted he was okay, sometimes moms know better. I made him drink some water and eat apple squeezie--for those that don't know, apple squeezies are apple sauce in the form of a large gu packet. I took off my rain coat and put it on him--not sure how much good it was going to do as it was soaking wet, but Gage said it helped--the one handful of words he spoke the entire race. Then we soldiered on.

At 6.5 miles the Slushcup and Iceman course merge. Gage and I had been riding over an hour already with several miles to go. Gage was doing great, but I could tell he needed something to build his confidence, keep him going. Fortunately, it wasn't long after that we heard some bongo drums.

"We're almost there Gage--you've got this! Peddle to the beat!"

The bongo drummer gave us a heads-up that the Slushcup course was to the left. While the wide trail went up hill then turned for a steep downhill (the Iceman), the Slushcup course had a narrow single track section in the opposite direction that cut through the woods and spit you out at the finish.

Gage and I emerged from the woods and rode down the finishing shoot to the cheers and applaud that is The Iceman Experience.

Sage and Gage's family were at the finish line to meet us with hugs and cheers.

"Mom! You told me it was 8 miles but it was 11!" Sage guffawed.

Sage missed the turn-off where the Sluschup and Iceman separate. Even with the extra miles, added single track and steep climbs, Sage wore a huge smile the rest of the weekend.

I'm so proud of both Sage and Gage. It was their first Slushcup in very challenging circumstances. They both worked past their discomfort and endured to the finish. What they accomplished is a hearty deposit in building their confidence and character that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Sage 1:24:51
Gage 1:31:28
Heather 1:31:29

Sage at the finish--mud and smiles!

 

Iceman: Slushcup Edition 2014, PT 1

Icemans of Past 2010 and 2012) 

This was my first year attending Iceman as a Slushcupper. I was worried that once we arrived at the expo that I would have regrets about not signing up for the whole shebang. Let me tell you, that was not the case. It was AWESOME!

The dreaded weather report of 34 degrees, rain and wind (arguable the worst conditions for a mountain bike race ever) was a blip in my radar--after all, I was only going to be out there for an hour. One can endure just about any kind of conditions for that long. Sleep and nutrition--other aspects that generally heighten my nerves were of no concern. I wasn't racing! There was, for once, no pressure. I was looking forward to a day of riding with awesome, inspiring kids followed by indulging in the spoils of one of the biggest parties in Northern Michigan.

Sage, Gage, myself, and a photobomber sizing up her competition at the Slushcup start line

My riding buddies of the day were my daughter Sage and a friend of ours, Gage. Sage has gained some mountain bike racing experience this summer having competed at Big M, then doing her first solo races at Skirts in the Dirt, and Pando Fall Challenge. I had never ridden with Gage before and was uncertain what his experience was to that point, but I knew his family rolled with Team Troll. I could tell both Sage and Gage were very nervous.

We were assigned Wave 4 (the last wave in the Slush Cup). As each wave proceeded to be ticked off and the crowd amassed forward, both Sage and Gage were inclined to stay put. Eventually it seemed like there was a good 20 foot gap between us and the rest of Wave 4. I casually mentioned moving to the front but S(G)age implored me to stay right where I was. The crowd was clearly increasing their apprehension. I think if S(G)age had their way, they would have had a Wave 5 created just for them.

My competitive nature was twitching to shove both kids to the front of the line. But, this was their race and I was just along for the ride ;) If we never, ever passed one person (Sage has been known to start last, catch someone, stop, let them get ahead again before starting to ride) then that's what we were going to do!

Before we knew it the race had started! And S(G)age each had one foot on the peddle and the other on the ground, letting the chaos at the start line clear while they stood motionless for the moment.

. . . But then we were off!

The End of Part 1.
I'll finish the rest tomorrow! This mom only has so much time to write in one day . . .

Our home at Iceman / Timber Ridge

Skirts in the Dirt Mountain Bike Race

Hello Friends,

It has been quite a long time since I've posted here. It seems like life switched into high-gear about this time last year and I haven't been able to keep up. While I haven't been mountain bike racing I have still managed to keep a bit of dirt on the wheels with some family and leisurely single track rides here and there.

But, in a little over a month I plan on breaking out some racing legs for West Michigan's first Women Only Mountain Bike Race, Skirts in the Dirt presented by the WMMBA. This isn't a race just for Iceman veterans and dirt fanatics. There will be something for everyone! Check out the race descriptions:

• Girls on Wheels -- Kids Under 12 race for free -- Bring the whole family!. Race begins at 1:30 p.m.
• Never Ever! -- For those ladies who said they'd never race. Never say never!!! You've been out riding and love being on the trail, but are still starting out. Let's keep this fun! Beginner Course, Race begins at 1 p.m.
• ​Weekend Warrior -- You love to ride and maybe even race from time to time. You have probably passed a guy in an Iceman Jersey and politely waved as you pedaled by. 2 laps, race begins at 11:30 a.m.
• Fabulously Fat (Fat bikes only) -- ​For those riders who are always prepared for whatever weather Michigan can throw at them. Your favorite way to ride is with tires 3.5" or wider. Why loose the fat in August? Don't put that bike on a diet! Bikini season is almost over! 2 laps*, race begins at 11:30 p.m.
• Dirt Diva -- Chain lube is in your blood. Quite a few people have no idea what you look like without a bike helmet and dirt on your cheeks -- but you look like a total diva when covered with dirt. 3 laps*, race begins at 10 a.m.

The organizers of the event asked me to help out with the t-shirt design. It was a lot of fun to work on! The design is above. I've also created stickers (because stickers are fun!). Actually I wanted a sticker for myself. I see cars driving around with "26.2" and "13.1" and "ITRI" and wished that I had a sticker to represent what I love to do. Since I was making one for myself anyways, I thought I should just make them available for everyone!

Stickers can be purchased at links below (with customized hair color! Also, the pink isn't quite so pink on the actual sticker):

Blonde Woman : Click Here

Brown Hair : Click Here

Red-head : Click Here

And there are sticker for the Girl mountain bike racers too!

Brown hair : Click Here

Blonde Girl : Click Here

Red-head Girl : Click Here

Weekend Wrap-Up

I received some good news this morning! Even though my foot still looks like an anvil has been dropped on it (bizarrely large separation between toes and swelling in odd places) there are no more breaks! While there is obvious tissue damage and some arthritis flaring up, I received the "okay" from my doctor to resume normal activities!

Which of course means training for a 50 mile gravel road race in April.

Fortunately I am a bit of an Oracle and foresaw the clean bill of health a few days early which allowed me to meet up with my friend Kelly for a trainer ride.

Lucky for us, Top Gun was on television yesterday.
The plan was to ride until we hit 20 miles according to Kelly's odometer.

So Kelly, are we at 20 miles yet? -Me
No-Kelly

We've ridden 11 miles-Kelly

@%#^@-Me

Where are we at now?-Me

Mmmm, we're getting there.-K

We have to get there before Goose dies. I can't pedal and cry at the same time!-Me

I don't know if we're going to make it-K

Pedal, dangit! Pedal!-Me

Dangit.

And we're at 20 miles.

It's the last weekend before Iceman. What are you doing to prepare?

And if anyone is curious, and I know some people are, this is what I'll be eating for my pre-race dinner:

Curried Lentils and Butternut Squash with Kale!

Chad will be eating lasagna or spaghetti or bagels or all of the above—which you should probably do to because he will have a much faster time than I will.

And for my pre-race breakfast I'll have a pot of coffee, whole banana, and a fried egg sandwich on Gluten-Free toast. Mmmmmm.

Iceman, I hope you're ready 'cause I'm coming for you! I've got lucky number 13 (actually, I've never gotten into the whole lucky number thing--but I'm considering it this time!) for my wave start this year. It will be a cold and chilly morning but I'll hopefully be back at Timber Ridge in time for lunch!

And this kiddo has been warming up her legs for the Sno-Cone!

It will be the Snoose's first time going to Iceman and she is both excited and nervous.
The poor kid has NO idea what she is getting into. 

I believe there is still time to register kids for the Meijer Sno-Cone race. The course varies from a 1/4 mile loop for the littlest Icekids up to a 2.5 mile course for the older children. Cost is just $5 and they get the BEST medals. 

Looking forward to seeing everyone at Timber Ridge next Saturday afternoon!

Have a great weekend and don't eat too much Halloween candy.

Peak 2 Peak 2012 Race Report

The weather forecast looked dismal and frigid as time rapidly approached the start of Peak2Peak at Crystal Mountain Resort last Saturday; one hundred percent chance of rain with temperatures in the forties, feeling like the thirties. One could only pray it would hold off to a drizzle.

A worse-case scenario ensued as a steady, hard down-pour began 20 minutes prior to the start of the Expert/Elite. I commented at the line-up that I would have preferred 10 degrees colder with snow. That was sincere.

With a steady waterfall dripping from helmet down my face and my clothes already soaked through, the Expert and Elite waves were sent on our way.

Upon hitting the first section of single-track it became clear that the course was slower than the previous year. The black dirt had been transformed to 6 inches of slick mud. I  quickly lost track of my position in the muddy spray.

Just five miles in, navigating a tight and winding section of oil slick, I had the startling realization that I no longer had brakes. I wasn't overly concerned at that point but I was not looking forward to the descent down the ski hill at the end of the lap. Not long after that I became victim to chain-suck and was reduced to one-gear.

I thought of all of my friends (Michelle, Danielle . . . ) that ride single speeds and soldiered on. Mother Nature was the biggest competition of the day. I had no illusions that I was the only victim of multiple mechanicals: it was a level playing field.

It was with relief that I began the Crystal Climb, determined in the knowledge that I had almost slogged my way through the first lap. Knowing there would be two more laps in the rapidly deteriorating conditions in the pouring rain was a slap in the face. My chain groaned and strained.

The descent down the ski hill was harrier than I imagined. With questionable brakes at best, I slipped, skidded, and slid down the slope. Every fiber in my soul wanted to call it quits and I willed my bike to steer towards the lodge, a hot shower, coffee . . .

However, my bike had a mind of its own. Despite my please, it passed through the shoot and started lap #2. Race officials hollered at me that they were cutting the race short. Just. One. More. Lap. I wasn't sure I could do it.

But you can always do one more mile. So that is what I did: 11 more times.

Trail conditions had worsened. Instead of 6-8" of slick mud, it was now a river. It didn't matter, miles earlier I had pools of mud and water sloshing around in my shoes, bubbling up through my toes.

Riding in the driving rain, cold, mud and fighting your own bike was, well . . . , it was what it was and I couldn't do anything about it but laugh at myself, have a good time and get across that darned finish line.

I rode my second lap conservatively, just trying to stay upright. I finally made my way back around to Crystal Climb. With no one in sight behind or in front of me, I opted to walk the last sections of single-track on the descent to the lodge. The conditions were treacherous and there was no reason to risk injury.

I finished.

There I am! All muddy and smiles.

I have more pictures but they are on Chad's iPhone. He was still sleeping this morning when I tried to send them to myself, but I don't know his 'pass code.' Do not fear! I know how to crack that safe. I should have those posted tomorrow.

I saw quite a few shivering and shaky expert/elite racers in the lodge post race. In return, I received a lot of comments about how I wasn't shivery and shaky. There was a good reason for that; it has something to do with my secret weapon (lining the inside of my jersey with Grabber Toe Warmers)--it really worked.

More post-race mutterings to come this week. And I'd like to wish all those fellow Peak2Peak 2012 survivors a heartfelt good luck in cleaning your socks!

More Peak2Peak Race Recaps:
Kolo TC
Sue Stephens -- Quiring 
MI Scene
Simonster Blog

Peak2Peak and Stravanxiety

I cannot believe it will be race-time in just a few days. It's hard to say whether or not I'm looking forward to it. It's supposed to be raining and 50 degrees: that part I'm okay with. In fact, it adds to the 'fun' factor.

However,
I always feel like a fish-out-of-water at races. I don't do the group rides, I don't do that much riding to begin with, and I don't go to many races. I hit a couple in the spring and this fall I'm just doing two: Peak2Peak and Iceman.

Plus I work at home in our basement and Chad works a lot too—basically, it all adds up to any time I'm around people I feel out of place.

I haven't raced since early June. I'm wondering if I have a pair of race-legs to pull out of my closet for Saturday or if its been so long that nothing is going to fit but a pair of old baggy sweatpants.

The only way to find out is to show up and ride my guts out!

Stravanxiety

Those of us lurking in the mountain biking blogosphere are familiar with a new term: stava**hole. I don't have that issue, I have another one that may be slightly related, stravanxiety.

stravanxiety: the stress and/or anxiety induced by a fear that one's training log is insufficient.

I opened a Strava account because I like the user-friendly interface and the "segment" feature. I can easily track sections or complete routes to guage my progress. It's great. And then people started following me and I started following them and before I knew it, my "Dashboard" was filled with other peoples rides. And they ride a lot. And fast. And for a lot of miles.

I started to feel the cold, long-reaching fingers of anxiety begin take its grip on me. I'm not riding enough! Or far enough! Or fast enought! Aghhhh! 

This has happened to me before. I'm a follower by nature. I want to fit in and keep up. Early in my racing days I rolled with a group that took riding and racing seriously. Not that there's nothing wrong with that. But its not for me.

My "ah-ha!" moment was when I spent a Saturday morning, my toddler pulling on my leg wanting to play but not being able to because instead I was on the phone (for over an hour) getting yelled at because I didn't perform to someone else's expectations. And here I thought we were just having fun . . .

After that I purposefully changed my attitude and approach, among other things, towards mountain biking and racing. It's my Happy Place, a sacred space. Life is filled with too much stress as it is, riding is my escape.

I know that it is not Strava's fault for my case of stravanxiety. It's my own insecurity. However, in order to protect myself and my Happy Place I've started limiting my Strava exposure.

2013

There's no denying that summer is over and Autumn has settled in to stay. And with that comes the steady tide of early registration for 2013 races. I have a crock-pot stew of emotions every year this time comes around: anticipation for the coming year, anxiety for the quickly passing year, dread over lack of preparation for Iceman . . .

It's time to start filling my calendar with registration reminders while budgeting for the coming year's events.

Speaking of which . . . 

Lumberjack 100 2012

I had a survey on my blog that asked all of my readers (Thanks mom, my mom's card group, and my mom's Farmville friends for reading!) to vote for a 2013 event for me to race. The choices were: Returning to Lumberjack 100, Running Bayshore Marathon and shooting for a sub-4 hour, Racing Ore-to-Shore, or . . . I don't remember the 4th choice. Anyways, the overwhelming response (thanks for voting mom!) was to return to Lumberjack 100.

I have also decided to make another run at the 5/3 River Bank 25k. Which means I will be doing a good chunk of my LJ100 training by means of running. I think its going to be a great experiment.

With that, here are a few of my favorite races and registration dates (note that they are in order of Event Day and not Registration Date). Be sure to sync your iCloud calenders!

Registration Date	Race	Event Date	Cost	Link
December 1, 2012 @noon	Barry-Roubaix	3/23	$40-$50	Website
October 15, 2012	5/3 River Bank Run 25k/10k/5k	5/11	$35 (until Jan 31, 2012)	Website
December 1, 2012	Bayshore Marathon/ Half/10k	5/25	$90	Registration
March 2, 2013 @noon	Lumberjack 100	6/15	$150	Website

Other 2013 Races/Series to Consider:

MMBA Championship Point Series
Tailwind Race Series
National Ultra-Endurance Race Series
Mud Sweat and Beers, May 4, 2013 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Ore to Shore, August 10th, 2013

      

      

Mountain biking is just about the hardest racing there is to do.

Shredding the last single track section before the finish

That's what Chad said yesterday after riding Pando Fall Classic. He also said that to me years ago when I first contemplated racing myself. I didn't really believe him. I mean, seriously, you're on a bike (what's more fun than that?) and you get to sit down (on that bike) for the entire race. It's not like running where you're on your feet, pounding pavement. Mountain bike racing could not possibly be more challenging than running a marathon.

I have since learned my lesson. And if you've done a mountain bike race you know what we're talking about. Mountain bike racing challenges every system in your body: strength, endurance, aerobic and mental focus. It's tough.

My daughter learned that lesson yesterday.

Sage climbing the ski hill to the finish line at Pando

The picture above sums up the entire experience for her: she had to dig deep.

I won't sugar-coat the experience. It was rough. There were tears for 95% of the race. However, given the opportunity to quit, she refused and pushed on.

One of the other girls in her AG, a more "experienced" racer at the young age of 9-10 was waiting at the ski hill for Sage to finish. She cheered her all the way up the climb along with the crowd of spectators and racers that had long earlier finished. Then she congratulated Sage at the finish line. It was a great display of sportsmanship and it meant the world to Sage.

One of the reasons I love mountain biking, especially racing, is that is has pushed me beyond what I thought my limitations were. It takes you so deep into suffering that all you see is black and pain lights up your legs like fire crackers. But somehow you find a way to keep going. It's true what is said at Leadville 100 every year: You are stronger than you think you are and can do more than you think you can do.

At bedtime we talked about what a tough, difficult race she had. It was the hardest thing she has ever done! But she learned something amazing and invaluable about herself: she endured.

Help me decide what to do in 2013!

If you haven't done so yet, please vote!
------------------------------------------------------------------------->>>>>

I'm easily swayed into doing events, so vote on the survey to the right to help me decide what races/events to do in 2013!

Thumbs-up after the first lap of LJ100

A return to LJ100?

It kicked my butt last year. Should I go back to return the favor? (I've been thinking scary thoughts about attempting the NUE Series. If I'm going to put in all that time training for a 100 mile race, I might as well get as much out of my training as possible! Right? I'm right.)

Sub 4 hour Marathon

It's a goal of mine to run a marathon in under 4 hours. Shall I attempt that at Bayshore in Traverse City?

Ore to Shore

Sounds like a fun event in a beautiful location. Should 2013 be the year I finally commit?

Half Ironman

A full Ironman is on my bucket-list. Committing to doing a Half next year would put me on the road to knocking this one of the list.

3rd Annual Skip School to Go Mountain Biking Day (SS2GMBDv3.0)

Snoose on the loose in the woods

It's just about that time of year again: Skip School to Go Mountain Biking Day. 

Why must we skip school to go mountain biking? It makes it that much more awesome of a day, a day she'll always remember.

And now that Bear can ride his bike there will be a SS2GMBDvB1.0 (Bear's First Annual). Coming Spring 2013.

I'm currently in the "concepting" stages of SS2GMBDv3.0. I need to pick a date and a location. In the past we've ridden at Luton and closed the evening with Ada Bike Shop's Ladie's Night. It was a lot of fun and a good experience for Snoose to meet so many amazing, strong women cyclists. This year we will do something a bit different and not incorporate Ladie's Night. However, I'd like it to be equally special and inspiring for her. I'm not quite sure how to accomplish that. 

If you have suggestions, please let me know. Help a mom out! Thanks!!!

Mountain bike happenings this weekend and beyond . . .

Women's Sport start at Pando, Sept 2011

Pando Fall Challenge MTB Race
Sunday, Sept 23

"MMBA CPS Race: a tough 4-1/2 mile course- technical climbs, technical descents and technical singletrack as well as wide passing areas as well as long bombin' descents,climb up the ski hill on each lap."

After a morning of spiritual rejuvenation and Windmill cookie pig-out at church we'll be loading up the truck and heading to Pando for this fall classic celebrating 25 years of racing! Check out the 1987 November edition of "Bent Rim Bugle" to read about one of first races ever held at Pando.

Chad is getting ramped up to race. He's been racing a mountain bike long before he could shave, skipping school to race nationals or to ride the NCT with friends. And although he wasn't at the first Pando race back in 1987 he has a long history of racing at this venue. He's excited to go back to Pando after a near decade hiatus (getting married and having kids can put a wrench in your race schedule).

The kids and I will be on the sidelines cheering and taking photos. After Chad's race the kids will have a chance to test out their legs in the kids race.

Since we'll be in the area we plan to stop downtown GR to check out ArtPrize. I can't wait!

Owasippe

Owasippe
Now—November 1

It's open, it's awesome, go ride there this weekend! A little rain is great for this trail so don't let that deter you. C'mon out and ride. If you see me on the trail be sure to say "hi!"

Merrell Trails Grand Opening
Merrel Trail, 2908 10 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI

Saturday, September 29

Trailhead parking lot.
9:30-10 free Merrell bottles to 1st 100. Register for drawing of thousands of dollars in Merrell gift certificates and shirts. Get free meal & beverage tickets
10-11 grand opening remarks and ribbon cutting
Trail open
11-2 Free lunch catered by Yesterdogs, free Founders beer and beverages. Music by Mike Cramer.
Bring your friends, family, bike and lawn chair

Oceana Gravel Roads

Fall Oceana County Epic Dirt Road Ride
September 29, 9:37 AM


September 29th is the ride date and will start at 9:37am. The routes are 47.5, 25.25, and 16.25 miles…approximately. The roads are in good condition, with only a couple places with deep sand. I will be sending the route maps in a few days. We are on roads, although most of them are dirt, so please be watchful of vehicles.

The start is located on M-20 (south side of the road) approximately 5.5 miles east of US-31. There will be one support vehicle (SAG) driving the course throughout the day.

This is not race, even though some of us do occasionally race each other. I’m hoping for a fun group ride while also getting in a great workout. And as I say this, there will be two sprint points on the long route course. The first sprint is a hill top and the second is a flat sprint. The sprint winner(s) will get a couple 22oz Fat Tires.

Hammering a false flat at Cry Baby

Cry Baby Classic
September 29


9.5 mile course with 3.5 miles of brand new single track added. Hardpack dirt, hilly, wooded, and wide trail sections. New! PRIMES added, free t-shirts for adult racers, improved kid's race, and Friday night pasta dinner, music and pub open at Nubs Nob.

*I did this race its inaugural year and really enjoyed the venue and the course. What is not to love about Petoskey? And I grew up skiing at Nubs Nob, returning was nostalgic. I'm hoping there will be some kind of time-fold warp that weekend so I can hit all three events: Merrell Trails, Oceana Epic Ride, and Cry Baby. 

Top Five Events for Fall: 4 & 5

Getting this Fall Events Preview wrapped up today! There's been a lot going on, hence the single post from last week. Without further ado, here are my #4 and 5 Events for Fall:

For the Family:

4) Muskegon YMCA Turkey Trot

MLive (Muskegon Chronicle)

What it is: 5k walk/jog/run along Muskegon Lake on the morning of Thanksgiving Day. Presented by the Muskegon Family YMCA. Casual, family-friendly atmosphere.

Why I like it: The Muskegon YMCA Turkey Trot has become a Brewer Family tradition. The weather is almost always terrible but the crowd is none-the-less enthusiastic. It's a great way to kick-off the holiday. After a brisk 3 mile run it's much easier to enjoy a piece of pumpkin pie.

Thanks to volunteers there are oodles of giveaways post-race. Prizes range from totes and t-shirts to a large assortment of homemade baked goods. It's just about impossible to leave this event without a goody-bag. If you dress up as a turkey you receive extra raffle tickets (for some reason I forget this detail every year and then wonder why so many people are wearing snoods and fans). This event is for EVERYONE: from strollers, walkers, joggers to runners. Come on out!

Details:
Muskegon YMCA Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving Day
5k Walk/Jog/Run
(check back later this fall for information on their website).

For the Mountain biker:

5) Iceman Cometh Challenge After Party

Finish venue Timber Ridge Resort

What it is: "The Bell’s Beer Iceman Cometh Challenge is a 29 mile point-to-point mountain bike race from Kalkaska to Traverse City, Michigan. Held traditionally on the first Saturday of November (except for years when the first Saturday of November is the 1st), the 23rd annual Bell’s Iceman will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2012. Over $54,000 in cash prizes and $10,000 in merchandise prizes will be awarded." That's the race part . . .

Why I like it: I'll admit, I hesitated putting Iceman on my top 5 list. I've only done this race twice (2010 and 2011) and have my registration reserved for this year. My first year racing I was under the relatively new rule of the preferred start. Because of the number of racers (over 4,500), Iceman starts in a series of waves, about 45 of them. Veteran Icemen/women get preferred starts based on previous finish times. New racers are started last. That meant in 2010, my first year, I had to race in wave 42. The traffic on the trail was the worst I've ever experienced. I won't go into detail about how much I hated racing Iceman that year, you can read it here instead. But it was so bad that I almost quit mountain bike racing altogether. My friends convinced to me to come back the next year to see if the experience was better having a preferred start. It was night and day! Which is why I'll be back for a third year.

The best part of Iceman isn't the race, it's the after party at Timber Ridge Resort. There are thousands of mountain bike enthusiasts gathered at the finish venue enjoying beer, food, campfires, and more. Some of the fastest Pro's from around the US come to race and the crowds line up 4-5 people deep to watch them fly across the finish line. The mountain bike racing season is over (unless you've got a fatbike and are gearing up for the Great Lakes Fat Bike Series). For the rest of us its time to hang up our wheels, kick up our feet, and enjoy a cold one around the campfire with good friends.

It's too late to pick up a registration (unless you are able to transfer in). But even if you are unable to race this is worth attending as a volunteer or spectator. I hope you decide to come on up to Timber Ridge and join the party!

Details:
Iceman Cometh Challenge
Traverse City, MI
November 2, 2012

Other Awesome Fall Events:

NOW - Owasippe is open for riding!!!!
9/8 -  Battle at the Burg, Grand Rapids (Mountain bike race)
10/4 - Reveal the Path presented by Ada Bike Shop, Grand Rapids (Movie)
11/3 - Turkey Trail Run at Hoffmaster State Park, Muskegon (5k trail run)

Top Five Events for Fall: Peak2Peak Mountain Bike Classic

Top Five for this Fall:
1) Grand Rapids Urban Adventure Race: Art Prize Edition
2) Scardy Pants 5k Trail Adventure: Zombie Apocalypse

For the Mountain biker: from the Experienced to the First Time Racer

 3) Peak 2 Peak Mountain Bike Classic

Photos from Endoman Promotions Website.

What it is: "Peak 2 Peak [mountain bike race] is held in and around the beautiful and gently rolling terrain which surrounds Crystal Mountain and will start and finish right at the resort!" Lap distances are approximately 11 miles. Beginners do 1 lap and bypass the large climb up the ski hill, Sport races 2 and Expert 3 laps.

Beautiful fall colors and flowy single track!

Why it's one of my favorites: "The hardwood and pine forests along with rambling two-tracks and flowing single-track will have you humming as you race." < This! Last year was my first of what I imagine will be many times racing this event. The strongest memory I have is humming and singing while I was riding. The course was a delight (other than that ski climb that didn't seem to end). It is relatively flat, smooth, with just a few moderate technical sections which makes it an ideal course for those interested in participating in their first race.

There are plenty of pre- and post-race activities at the lodge. Spectators can ride the chair lift to the top of the ski climb to cheer on demoralized racers struggling up the back. This is a family-friendly event, so bring the kids! Rent a condo or reserve a hotel room at Crystal Mountain for the weekend and enjoy the fall weather and colors of Northern Michigan while they are at their best!

Peak 2 Peak 2011: Crossing the finish line in 3rd!

. . . And it might also be one of my "favorites" because it is the only race I've ever podiumed (podiumed is a legitimate word in Mountain Bike Speak) in the Expert Cat. Sadly, there won't be a repeat this year. It's Chad's turn to race Expert, my turn to watch the kids. I'll either be racing Sport while he watches the kids or, hopefully, riding in the Beginner race with Snoose.

Details:

Peak 2 Peak Mountain Bike Classic

Thompsonville, MI (Crystal Mountain Resort)

Saturday, October 13

Online Registration

Sponsor: Right Brain Brewery

In other news . . .

Chad and I rode the MOST Tour  with Snoose and Bear this weekend, hosted by none other than the West Michigan Coast Riders. Chad has a few photos on his phone. If I can steal it away tonight I'll do a ride report. 

And . . . I have some friends that rode the ODRAM or One Day Ride Across Michigan. Approximately 150 miles from shore to shore. Kuddos to Kelly, Kirsten, Derek, Matt, and Jim S.! 

The 99%

If you want to find out more about Brown County Mountain Biking, I'm currently working on an article for the next issue of Northern Motion, so stay tuned.

AND now you can get Northern Motion Gear. Check it out here!

Summer Vacation

As you can see from my banner ^(look up), I've been on a "summer vacation" from training. You could legitimately say this vacation began on May 31st which was the day of the last endurance training ride I did for LJ100. Okay, so I know LJ100 was just a few weeks ago, but my schedule for the previous two weeks and every day after that has been clear. Spinervals? Nope, sorry Coach Troy! Sufferfests? My passport is lacking any recent stamps from Sufferlandria. Hill Repeats? Hmmm, not those either. Strength Training? Ugh. Under-Overs? . . . Running?

Well, one thing is for certain, I am awesome at taking a break when it comes to neglecting my training schedule.

Back to work.

Unfortunately, my lack of training (and lack of eating healthy training food) has left me feeling like a big'ole'watermelon.

And not as in "a refreshing treat on a hot summer day" but in the "big, bloated, hollowed-out" way.

THIS IS NOT A GOOD FEELING.

To remedy the situation, I decided it was abruptly time to END the summer vacation and get back to work. This week I've been putting together a training schedule from now all the way to Iceman!

Making a training calendar was empowering!
I was already feeling less like a watermelon and more like a Wonder Woman!

Oh yeah, I was going to DESTROY my first workout: Intervals! 

But as I began to "spin" an odd feeling crept up my legs.
It was that empty, hollow watermelon feeling. Sometimes called "flat-tire legs."

Yup, it took all of 30 seconds to completely deplete my enthusiasm.

This was discouraging.

The fact is, there are consequences for taking time off. It's not a bad thing, taking a break can be refreshing. But I can't expect to be at the same place physically as I was during my peak training for Lumberjack. 

The 99%

Training is 99% HARD work. And 1% Awesome. Most of the time you feel awful. The muscles burn, the lungs ache, and your mind tells you to quit. You have to push yourself beyond your limits if you want to become faster and stronger. But if you're willing to do the work, I promise that all the days and weeks of putting yourself through the grinder will cause something amazing to happen. All the blood, sweat, and tears shed during the previous weeks will come together in a trifecta of awesomeness. 

You'll have that ride. The one where you feel like you're flying. Invincible. The one climb that typically turns your quads into ground beef will become your b*tch. Oops, I mean, will become a mole hill! Resistance? Hah! I laugh in your face! 


But that is the 1%

You have to get through the 99% of suffering first. Once you've finally achieved that Ride of Awesomenss, well, I have some bad news: it's not a destination. It's a moment. Once that moment has passed you're right back where you started, the hard work.

As a famous cyclist once said "It never gets easier, you just go faster."—Greg Lemond.

There is good news, however. Because right now I'm starting as a watermelon.

 But after a few weeks of hard work, well . . .

I will feel (and look!) much better .

Lumberjack 100 Part 3

I'm running out of steam which is good luck for you because that means I'm wrapping up this race report in this post.

Lap #2

photo by Andrea Tucker

A mile into the second lap and my contacts were giving me fits. Two times one of my contacts came out and was stuck to my sunglasses. I was blinking constantly and having a hard time seeing. The frequent and time-consuming stops quickly put me from being ahead of- to behind schedule. That’s when I made the decision to throw out any finish-time expectations and to take in the experience.

Soon I was looking for the manikin head. I planned on taking full-advantage of the aid station services. I want to give a big Thank You to everyone that volunteered. All of you were incredibly up-beat, helpful, encouraging, and friendly. That became my favorite part of the race. I could be riding for miles alone and isolated but I always knew that if I made it to the aid station that smiles and friendly faces would greet me. From there I could depart with other riders and be guaranteed company for at least a little while.

Without the pressure of the clock I started enjoying the ride. Don’t get me wrong, there were times of suffering, agony, and I questioned my sanity more times than I can count. But I wasn’t worried about trying to pass anyone or getting dropped.  

I met a lot of amazing and inspirational people riding Lumberjack. Everyone had a story to share. The camaraderie I witnessed was like no other event I’ve done. Everyone I encountered put helping others have a positive race experience over their own finish time. 

The back end of the second lap stretched longer than my memory. The three big climbs I had noted the first time around were now about five to six big climbs. Eventually I mashed my way to the screaming single-track descent.

I loved ripping down the trail when a giant, oversized green leaf dropped from the heavens and suctioned itself across the face of my sunglasses. I was blinded nary a mere quarter inch across the very top of my field-of-vision. I did not want to take a hand off my bars going near 30 miles per hour down bumpy, sandy single track. I’ve done that before and it resulted in a very bad crash that still gives me night-sweats. 

I stuck out my lower lip and tried blowing the leaf free. That only resulted in scootching the leaf upwards and blinding me completely. This is how I was going to die. I was at peace with my Maker, I only regretted that I would not be around for my kids. I took a steadying breath and initiated launch sequence: heavy feet, weight over center bracket, neutral grip . . . and go! I stealthily removed my hand from the grip and swiped the leaf like a ninja. I would live to ride the third and final lap.

Jim's wound after trying to fly like Super Man.

Our friend Jim was not as lucky. He noted the “Caution” sign at the top of the hill and started babbling on “Caution, eh? What’s so dangerous about this . . .” then clipped his handle bar. I hear he now holds the unofficial record for human unassisted flying distance. Nevertheless, Jim was able to get back on the bike and finish with a very respectable time.

Lap #3

I was experiencing early signs of heat stroke and dehydration: goose bumps, chills, and nausea. While I wasn’t feeling hot, I knew that I needed to cool my body temperature and drink more fluids. While I was at the aid station I shoved ice cubes down my bra and in my jersey pockets. Rob gave me the update; everyone had slowed down significantly from the heat. 

When I couldn’t clasp the sternum strap across my chest, I knew I was experiencing some other physical ailment that I had managed to push from conscious. I made note of this development and told myself to take it easy. When I got to the top of the last climb in the first section and I just didn’t feel right, I decided to sit for a few minutes.

Because everyone at LJ100 was amazing, someone stopped to make sure I was okay. I assured him I was but he insisted on giving me his PayDay bar before he continued on. That was the best food I had eaten all day. Feeling renewed from my break I got back on my bike and continued on to the aid station.

During every hard effort I felt like I was suffocating. Later I learned that the dirt and sand I inhaled had irritated my throat and caused “esophageal spasms.”  Basically it felt like I had a giant pill stuck in the base of my throat. It lasted for three days beyond the race. 

I took another long break at the aid station. There were a handful of other riders hanging out, enjoying the company, food and drinks. It was so comfortable that I was in danger of staying there all afternoon. Someone had other plans for me however, that’s when it started raining. It was time to get moving.

The last 15 miles were the longest I have ever ridden. They stretched out into eternity. It was the only segment that I rode entirely alone. I arrived at mid-point of the last sustained climb and I had to stop. I was simply overcome. This place shall now be known as Contemplation Point because I talked to several other first-time Lumberjacks who bewildering stopped at the same location to collect their thoughts. We were all so close to the finish and yet we could not go on. 

This all started with accepting a challenge from a friend. It ended up being so much more. It’s hard for me to put into words what this experience has meant to me. 

Eventually I gathered myself, got on the bike for the last time that day and continued to the finish line. All of my friends were there to greet me. 

Crossing the finish line.

There are so many people in my life that I could not have done this race without. I need to thank my daughter Sage and son Bear who inspire me to be more. My parents for being encouraging and always willing to help just so I could go on a bike ride. My husband Chad who was there when he said he would be. Jim. Pit Crew Masters: Rob, Jeff, and Levi. Dane and the cowbell.  And Michelle for throwing down the gauntlet. 

Michelle finishing! Go Michelle!

After the race . . .

I went up North with some of my friends to Glen Arbor and Sleeping Bear National Park. 

We had a condo right on Lake Michigan Beach. Every morning I walked the beach looking for "treasures": petoskey stones, beach glass, etc. And of course just to enjoy being on the Lake. It was incredibly peaceful.

There were thousands of rocks on the beach--very different from where I live where the beach is pure sand. On the last morning I was walking along and I noticed a rock peaking through the sand, the crashing waves were slowly unearthing it. It had some strange marks on the top. I stopped and dug it out thinking it might be a fossil. But it wasn't.

Someone had written "ENDURE" on the face of the stone.

It was the perfect treasure to take home from my LJ100 experience.

> Check back because I plan on doing a write-up on our awesome trip to Glen Arbor!