Mountain, Cross and Shuffleboard Nats
- Thread starter pixychick
- Start date
No pictures today. It has been raining here for several days and I just have not been inspired to try and take pictures in the rain. The first rainy day was like a novelty, but now it is a bit over the top. .... I know, "welcome to NJ!" I have been off the bike for 3 days, but getting out to walk and work in my garden. At this point, I am not feeling ready to race yet and not feeling up for riding in the rain either. Hopefully the rain will stop or I will get motivated.
In the mean time, I have already noticed a new wood duck family on the pond: 6 babbies in this brood. Mostly mature males on the pond so I assume that most the females are sitting on eggs. There may be many families emerging on the pond soon. Having this pond behind our house is really cool. I enjoy all the wild life that the pond attracts.
In the mean time, I have already noticed a new wood duck family on the pond: 6 babbies in this brood. Mostly mature males on the pond so I assume that most the females are sitting on eggs. There may be many families emerging on the pond soon. Having this pond behind our house is really cool. I enjoy all the wild life that the pond attracts.
It finally stopped raining and I got a decent ride in this morning. ... yay! I went to to Ringwood again as I have been afraid to go to Sterling with all the rain. Ringwood can get a few puddles but usually not much mud. It was in good shape and it felt great to get out. With a decent ride under my belt, I should be able to skip riding tomorrow and dig at Sterling work day. This will be my first day back digging so I plan to keep it short so I do not get too sore. That being said, I often say I will go home early and get so into it that I stay longer. I did stock up on Epsom salt this morning.
I am starting to get excited about racing nationals again this summer. I have tentative plans to also race Bear Creek Challenge as a practice race in 2 weeks if the weather looks reasonable. I certainly do not feel like I am in race shape yet, but the race should be good practice and part of getting myself back into it both mentally and physically, as well as previewing the course. Not sure how many races I have in me, so may just be the two. I'll just do what I feel up for.
I am starting to get excited about racing nationals again this summer. I have tentative plans to also race Bear Creek Challenge as a practice race in 2 weeks if the weather looks reasonable. I certainly do not feel like I am in race shape yet, but the race should be good practice and part of getting myself back into it both mentally and physically, as well as previewing the course. Not sure how many races I have in me, so may just be the two. I'll just do what I feel up for.
Trail work at Sterling was good today. We got a bit done and I did not over do it. The rock work that got done over there last winter looks fantastic! Brian has become a master with the big slab moving/building. The area down by the stream can get quite muddy in spots, and it is quickly getting fixed. Really great to see this happening.
Today I went ahead and registered for nationals. This year, I race on Friday and it looks like master men and master women will not be on course together. I will be racing with with younger Cat 1 women. They change things from time to time, probably to address compatibility issues. I imagine there will not be as much lapping with all women together. Anyway, it is good to see USAcycling trying to improve the race experience for the masters. With the growing numbers of juniors, us masters are now the minority, so anything to encourage participation is a good thing.
Today I went ahead and registered for nationals. This year, I race on Friday and it looks like master men and master women will not be on course together. I will be racing with with younger Cat 1 women. They change things from time to time, probably to address compatibility issues. I imagine there will not be as much lapping with all women together. Anyway, it is good to see USAcycling trying to improve the race experience for the masters. With the growing numbers of juniors, us masters are now the minority, so anything to encourage participation is a good thing.
When I get back east, I need to get my biannual ultrasound to check on cysts. I had been seeing a specialist in NYC, and while getting into the city was a pain, she was great. She did everything in one visit and always had me leaving feeling confident. Now I am back at my old doctor and his office works differently. I end up going there twice and doing a few zoom calls for results. ... not as streamlined, and a little more stressful, but the good news is that things look ok and I am once again cleared for at least 6 months. So it feels good to have this behind and thinking about riding bikes, building trails and doing a few races.
The weather has been cooperating and I have done my riding for the week, which frees me up for a possible trail work day tomorrow. Also the pool in my developement opens tomorrow, so going for a swim is possible. Things are looking good for the weekend. .... Happy Memorial Day!
The weather has been cooperating and I have done my riding for the week, which frees me up for a possible trail work day tomorrow. Also the pool in my developement opens tomorrow, so going for a swim is possible. Things are looking good for the weekend. .... Happy Memorial Day!
A lot of rain and a few sunny days and the laurel is starting to bloom. It should be peak in Sterling the next few weeks. This is a beautiful time of year to be out in the woods.
I feel really good about getting started on our first trail project at Ringwood last Saturday. It was not a planned work day, but the work at Sterling changed and freed us up so that we could start at Ringwood. Being last minute, Art and I went to work just the two of us and got a bit done. We both got a little sore afterwards, but it felt good to once again be in that summer build mode.
Since then, I have been a little flat on the bike. I also have been riding regularly and the increased volume could be tiring me a tad. On top of that, I heard that the tech stuff at Nationals might get taken out. While I should not let that affect me, it did deflate my attitude a bit. The thought of a 100% fitness race does not excite me the way riding a trail full of rocks. There is something about rolling into a situation that completely engages the rider. It does not have to be rocks the whole course, just a little bit here and there to recover from the grueling climbs. All climbing and no fun just does not do it for me anymore. Anyway, I am hoping for a few fun race courses that will motivate me over the next few months. I am leaning towards racing Sunday, but have not completely decided yet.
I feel really good about getting started on our first trail project at Ringwood last Saturday. It was not a planned work day, but the work at Sterling changed and freed us up so that we could start at Ringwood. Being last minute, Art and I went to work just the two of us and got a bit done. We both got a little sore afterwards, but it felt good to once again be in that summer build mode.
Since then, I have been a little flat on the bike. I also have been riding regularly and the increased volume could be tiring me a tad. On top of that, I heard that the tech stuff at Nationals might get taken out. While I should not let that affect me, it did deflate my attitude a bit. The thought of a 100% fitness race does not excite me the way riding a trail full of rocks. There is something about rolling into a situation that completely engages the rider. It does not have to be rocks the whole course, just a little bit here and there to recover from the grueling climbs. All climbing and no fun just does not do it for me anymore. Anyway, I am hoping for a few fun race courses that will motivate me over the next few months. I am leaning towards racing Sunday, but have not completely decided yet.
I raced last Sunday and it was a major sufferfest for me. I did not pre-ride the course and probably was not quite ready for racing cardio wise, but made the most of it. Not seeing the course was not a problem as it was not super techy. As for my fitness, it was hard to be back out there again. Getting my heartrate up felt like crap. I was well matched with a few other competitive racers that pushed me hard. Ten minutes into my first lap, I was already wondering why in the hell was I doing this, but I stayed with it and found a somewhat workable race pace before the end of my race. I finished 2nd out of 6, and went back and forth with 3rd on my first lap. The leader was out of my league in my current fitness. I hate to say it, but without the pressure from the two ladies behind me, I may have gotten complacent. .... So, this race was good for me.
As much as I did not care for this course with it's extra climbing and less tech, it was probably what I needed to get me going. I somehow amazingly got the hole shot into the first singletrack. I also stayed clear of any leg cramps, which is great as that has been a daily problem for me. It is a humbling feeling when you have to dig deep to slowly make it up a small rise and the Cat 1's pre riding just come flying by. Sucks getting old, but not ready to give up or even buy an e-bike yet! Six weeks to nationals and I still plan go and throw it down with a bunch of other grey haired folk.
As much as I did not care for this course with it's extra climbing and less tech, it was probably what I needed to get me going. I somehow amazingly got the hole shot into the first singletrack. I also stayed clear of any leg cramps, which is great as that has been a daily problem for me. It is a humbling feeling when you have to dig deep to slowly make it up a small rise and the Cat 1's pre riding just come flying by. Sucks getting old, but not ready to give up or even buy an e-bike yet! Six weeks to nationals and I still plan go and throw it down with a bunch of other grey haired folk.
Art's mom passed away Sunday. Art and his sister were able to be with her when she passed. She was 96 and like a second mom to me. I am thankful to have had her friendship and love for close to 50 years. She was a special lady! We will all miss her.
There have been some emotional moments over the last week, but I have been trying to love and be thankful like my mother in law would have wanted.
I have had a few good rides too. Besides clearing my head, physical activity and being in nature help heal my soul.
There have been some emotional moments over the last week, but I have been trying to love and be thankful like my mother in law would have wanted.
I have had a few good rides too. Besides clearing my head, physical activity and being in nature help heal my soul.
serviceguy
Well-Known Member
Sorry to hear about your loss.
Art got back from NC last night. It was only a few days, but I really missed him. I felt a little helpless being away from him when his mom passed, but it was good that he and his sister were able to be together for this. We will be both be going down to NC for a memorial service later this summer.
Given a choice of a ride or clearing a blowdown tree in the park, Art took the tree. It just so happened that it was at our current work site, so I dove in and did a few buckets of dirt, while Art slightly widened the trail along the big tree that was too big to cut with the small electric saw. We both ran out of energy and did not finish with the dirt, so I guess we will be going back to this site again. Hauling dirt is a thankless job that drags out when you work solo ( no volunteers ) . We need to get some volunteer days on the calendar. ..... Just been busy with other stuff.
Given a choice of a ride or clearing a blowdown tree in the park, Art took the tree. It just so happened that it was at our current work site, so I dove in and did a few buckets of dirt, while Art slightly widened the trail along the big tree that was too big to cut with the small electric saw. We both ran out of energy and did not finish with the dirt, so I guess we will be going back to this site again. Hauling dirt is a thankless job that drags out when you work solo ( no volunteers ) . We need to get some volunteer days on the calendar. ..... Just been busy with other stuff.
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serviceguy
Well-Known Member
You guys sure you don't want to deal with the tree in a more radical way? I'm on a roll, now my chainsaw start all the time, 50% of the times...
Art and I took a few days and went up to Slate Valley Trails with some friends. The trails up there are really fun and well built. It was in the 90's and humid, which was ok for riding, but throw in some rain and t storms and the camping part started to get to us after a few days. We had two great days of riding and lots of fun with friends. We ended up coming home a day early because of rain. I was also having some minor problems with my bike that Art could not figure out. I got it into the shop yesterday and thankfully they were able to trouble shoot and fix it in 5 minutes. Thanks Kevin at Bicycle workshop! I hate to admit it, but I am addicted to having a working bike that allows me to pursue my happiness. When my bike gets sick, so do I. ..... So I would like to send a big thanks out to all the bike mechanics out there that support our bikes and ultimately our own health in the long run.
I have not had to dry out camping gear in awhile. Probably dating back to the rain cursed days of the 24HOA. Anyhow, this year I invested in cots, mostly so I could jump out of bed to stop my leg cramps. I am not as agile as I was when I was 50. It was a good call because our tent flooded underneath and the cots kept our stuff from getting soaked. All I had to dry out was the tent, which was not bad.
The course for nationals was released and I am saddened to find out that they took the technical section out for masters. I used to look forward to that section, and while I am bummed about this choice, I do understand that those in charge have certain standards that they try to stick to for national racing. It may not suite me, but it probably suits many others. I am accepting it and concentrating on fitness from this point until the race. Art took my dropper post off yesterday as part of my bike diet to get almost a pound off my bike. I really do not use it that much anyhow. I hope to ride today and see how it feels on the climbs. If I step back and look at where I am, and where I want to be with my fitness, this whole situation may help motivate me more. I am trying to embrace it and move ahead.
I have not had to dry out camping gear in awhile. Probably dating back to the rain cursed days of the 24HOA. Anyhow, this year I invested in cots, mostly so I could jump out of bed to stop my leg cramps. I am not as agile as I was when I was 50. It was a good call because our tent flooded underneath and the cots kept our stuff from getting soaked. All I had to dry out was the tent, which was not bad.
The course for nationals was released and I am saddened to find out that they took the technical section out for masters. I used to look forward to that section, and while I am bummed about this choice, I do understand that those in charge have certain standards that they try to stick to for national racing. It may not suite me, but it probably suits many others. I am accepting it and concentrating on fitness from this point until the race. Art took my dropper post off yesterday as part of my bike diet to get almost a pound off my bike. I really do not use it that much anyhow. I hope to ride today and see how it feels on the climbs. If I step back and look at where I am, and where I want to be with my fitness, this whole situation may help motivate me more. I am trying to embrace it and move ahead.
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I have been getting out to ride my mountain bike and trying my best to do some intervals and spin drills. It is now three weeks to nationals and I am not feeling like I am quite there yet. Today was probably my last chance to do a longer ride. I went to Sterling not knowing how I would feel. Once through section A from southgate, I chose Munsee Eagle counter clockwise. Probablby not the best choice for prep before Nationals with the current course they have posted for my race, but I just had the urge to plod through big boulders. Sometimes riding rocks motivates me. Even with all the dirt washed away from this past winter, the trail experience was pretty amazing! While I thought I would opt for a shorter ride, I ended up doing the other loop as well, making for my longer ride today. Worked out well and I do not feel exhausted afterwards. So the next few weeks will be all rides under 2 hours with more intensity.
As you can see in the picture below, our butterfly bush is blooming. I have been enjoying all sorts of butterflies and bees that visit to nectar.
As you can see in the picture below, our butterfly bush is blooming. I have been enjoying all sorts of butterflies and bees that visit to nectar.
Yesterday the monarchs arrived in my neighborhood. There were multiple sightings. Also some of the wood duck babies are already flying short distances. I imagine the first brood are the ones flying and the second brood are the ones having flying lessons off the damn. It is hard to tell who is who as they all about the same size now. The wood ducks seem to own the pond this time of year.
I have not been taking too many pictures on my rides, but have a few from my yard: my baby figs and a few cute mushrooms growing under a bench.
I guess I have been distracted with little training drills on my rides, and while it is good that I am motivated to do these drills, I am starting to get sick of them. Thankfully there are little fun sections along the trail that keep me stoked and make me smile. Last year at this time, I noticed that that my name was popping up on Strava and I was making improvements with my climbing. I have tried to do the same this year, and it is not quite happening. In these last few weeks I have bettered many descending sections, but my climbing seems to have leveled off. This has been somewhat disappointing, but I'll take it. I am still better than before I decided to train for this race, so I see it as a win. I also have had a muscle way inside my back/side that has been in spasm for over a week now. It is not terrible, but I can not twist my torso and have problems sleeping. I have had no luck with getting rid of it and stretching makes it worse. I have an apt on Wednesday for a massage with my miracle worker therapist. Hopefully she can get things straight.
In the mean time, I am happy that the temps came down a few degrees from the weekend, because it was hot and humid out there !!!
I guess I have been distracted with little training drills on my rides, and while it is good that I am motivated to do these drills, I am starting to get sick of them. Thankfully there are little fun sections along the trail that keep me stoked and make me smile. Last year at this time, I noticed that that my name was popping up on Strava and I was making improvements with my climbing. I have tried to do the same this year, and it is not quite happening. In these last few weeks I have bettered many descending sections, but my climbing seems to have leveled off. This has been somewhat disappointing, but I'll take it. I am still better than before I decided to train for this race, so I see it as a win. I also have had a muscle way inside my back/side that has been in spasm for over a week now. It is not terrible, but I can not twist my torso and have problems sleeping. I have had no luck with getting rid of it and stretching makes it worse. I have an apt on Wednesday for a massage with my miracle worker therapist. Hopefully she can get things straight.
In the mean time, I am happy that the temps came down a few degrees from the weekend, because it was hot and humid out there !!!
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