KaRons Spot

A New Post

2009-04-05T20:22:00.002-04:00

So, off and on since January I run into friends who will at some point mention that I haven't updated my blog. Yes, I know. Perhaps because I feel as if I am updating folks via Face Book. So, in no particular order here are some of the things that have been happening:

Had a great weekend the end of February in Atlanta. Spent the night at the W Midtown, saw Cirque de Soleil, drank quite a bit. Night cap was a drink called the Bon Bon....an incredibly tasty treat. It also snowed there.

A long weekend in Wisconsin visiting the fam. Good visit, good times.

A cyclist in Chatty that I knew was killed after being hit by a truck. A ghost bike marks the spot a a constant reminder.

Elected to BOD of SORBA Chattanooga. These are the folks that build the trails that many of us ride and run on. My way of giving back w/o manual labor.

Moved over to the other side and bought a MacBook. Like it, don't love it yet.

Got some new wheels for the Mountain Bike built just for me. Those I do love.

Spent a weekend camping at Davidson River at Pisagh. Those Flynnski's can cook. It was great ride fun trails. The ton's of climbing, not so much...but the downhills were sweet, technical and flippin' fun. Camping could be a go again, though I would prefer temps higher than 30 degrees.

Am planning to visit Austria in September for a riding vacation in the Alps.

Pic's to follow....

New Years

2009-01-18T09:57:00.007-05:00

Happy 2009. Hope it's off to a great start!

Left: New Years at the House of Hotties, with one of my BFF's. Below: The Countdown.

New Years day was a a four hour ride with the fast folks in 20 degree temps, one mountain climb and one flat/2 tire changes at the top of the mountain. Most of us spent the time huddling from the wind.
2009 has not gotten off the great start I envisioned but I am hopeful that after the death of a close friend, a reorg at the office and illness I can put these first couple weeks behind me and start having fun again (Ok, so this week I did get out Sunday, Monday and Thursday. No wonder I am sick).

Gotta get back on the bike regularly. Cohutta 65 will be here soon!

What am I listening to right now? You Better You Better You Bet by the Who. Life can imitate art! On board, Loveless by Bare Jr. Ha!

Alittle Christmasy

2009-01-04T13:19:00.005-05:00

Christmas Eve I had coordinated a ride with friends who, like me, were in Chatty and not spending time with their families. Jeffrey, Tony, Micah, Micheal, Rebecca and I hit the trails up at Raccoon. The group split early and soon it was Reba, Tony and I making our way. A mechanical on Rebecca's bike meant an early end to her ride. Tony and I decided to accompany her to the parking lot and wait on the others. Upon arriving, we saw that Michael had set up a stove and was heating soup and cider for us. He also had packed an array of rum to add that little extra kick to the cider. We weathered a brief rain shower and spent the next couple hours kickin' it in the lot.

Christmas Eve eve was spent at Chili's. Try to find a place open that evening. Here. The staff at Chili's cheered when I walked in and requested a table for eleven. We enjoyed three hours of two for ones drinks and a great evening with friends.

Good Bye My Friend

2009-01-02T09:55:00.002-05:00

I was still in bed Tuesday morning when my phone rang. I picked it up and saw that it was my friend Paula calling. It was 6:45 in the morning and I knew why she was calling. I put the phone down, unanswered, as I needed to process the information I was about to receive. Kim was gone. We had been riding buddies and friends. I am thankful that she was in my world. Kim had wrote after I completed the Black Bear Rampage that I was her hero. No Kim, you were a hero. I will miss you. We will bike together again one day.

The Holiday Season

2008-12-25T12:51:00.011-05:00

It's been a busy month celebrating the holidays for me here in Chattanooga. It all started back (it seems soooo long ago now) at Thanksgiving.

Part of Thanksgiving weekend was spend in North Carolina riding the trails at Tsali. Though the weather was overcast and cool, it was a great day with 3 hours of riding . The night was spent at the Nantahala Inn...this place rocks! Great rooms with fridges, microwaves, rocking chairs and a sweet deal at 69 bucks!! Saturday the weather did not cooperate and the morning was spent in Sylva visiting former Specialized rep Kent at his bike shop and meandering through this quaint little town. Saturday evening it was back to Chattanooga for dinner at the home of the Flynnski's and a second Thanksgiving with grilled turkey from Rachel and Foye and sweet potato chili (delish).

The following weekend was the true test , with 3 parties to attend that Saturday. Starting early in the evening the first stop was the Velo Vixen's holiday gathering at BMW of Chattanooga , one of our wonderful sponsors.The building was decorated fabulously. With food provided by another sponsor 212 Market and toys collected for Toy's for Tot's it was a great event.

From there I headed to the Hunter Museum where I met Susan, up from Atlanta for a formal holiday gathering hosted by Archie, Tab and several others. It was a great gathering of many friends...I am very grateful to be included in such a fun event. Sadly, my sassy three inch heels were starting to wreck havoc with my pain threshold and after a break in the Uggs and numerous texts fired off at 1 am the journey to the third and final party was aborted and I called it an evening. My poor feet were suffering for days!

The following weekend was a visit to Jenny and Sherri's holiday gathering at Sherri and Adam's new home. Wow...was all I could say. Their media room is about the size of my whole house! More friends, and Karen performing karaoke to Sweet Home Alabama with Adam. That's the natural song for Wisconsin girl to sing, isn't it?

Birthday 2008

2008-12-06T11:32:00.005-05:00

It turned out to be a great few days of celebration. Monday the 10th I attended my first Sobra meeting...Big J and I were nominated for Board positions..guess that's what happens when you show interest. After munching on pizza, discussing trail building and the multitude of projects they have on the horizon several of us including Barry, Jeffrey and Eric hit Bluewater for Martini Monday. Great fun was had, including a visit from Wendy and Rebecca.

Tuesday was finally cake day, and it was carrott and de-lish. a HUGE thank you to Mike for taking the time to bake for little ole me. It was a great surprise :).

The day also included a celebratory bike ride up the W road and around the top of Signal Mountain. Thanks to Kim, Mike, Cindy and Steve for a great ride. We even came across our friend Dr. Greg, and he joined us for a bit.

Tuesday evening was dinner with Anita. Thanks to all who made Birthday 2008 a good one. 47 aint' so bad.....so far.

2 Days To Cake!

2008-11-09T19:50:00.006-05:00

Some people are birthday people. We acknowledge the day, encourage you to acknowledge the day and enjoy the day that is about ourselves to the fullest. If you know me the least bit, you know I am a birthday person. One can be an attention whore and not feel the least bit guilty. I started the birthday pre-parties this weekend with the arrival Susan and Rachel. After being out of town for most of the week for work and returning home ill...I was ready for some solid food and drinks. We had a great time at Taco Mamacito and a dessert and champagne nightcap at Terre Nostre. A befitting end to a day that also included boutique shopping (a new Kooba bag.....LOVE IT!) and a pedicure.

Sunday afternoon Rachel and I headed up to Raccoon for a short ride on the trails. The lots and trails were filled with people...many from out of town. While riding, we came upon a couple guys who, based on their jerseys where from Atlanta. Turns out one was none other than my "you have some of my underwear dude " friend Firewater Shane. It was great to see him and spend time catching up.

Monday and Tuesday I am enjoying off of work, out and about and attending my first Sorba meeting. I am also thinking a birthday road ride is in order.......

Karen is:

2008-10-30T09:43:00.002-04:00

Hoping that Kim gets better so she can come home.

Looking forward to shopping in Atlanta next week.

Going to miss boot camp in the mornings.

Excited about friends visiting and fun times.

Thankful for her #1 guy Barry and his help in popping wheelies and jumping over things. She will not blame you for the additional blood shed, but was very happy she made it up the last climb as far as he did last Sunday. The course was wet and slick which made the few climbs even more fun.

Bummed as she went Bike Polo last night to cheer for the Mack Daddy but he was nowhere to be found. No wings where earned. Curses.

Not looking forward to a week of becoming a computer geek.

Cake!

2008-10-29T19:55:00.006-04:00

With her day fast approaching, Karen wonders, which will it be?

Sunday Bloody Sunday

2008-10-12T19:21:00.005-04:00

Most people who ride the Megawatt trail on Raccoon ride to the left of the two small trees in this picture when reaching this rock. In fact, several people rode by while we were there and not a one rode either over or up it. Riding down it is fun, even though the view from the top appears as if you are dropping straight down. Riding up it is another story, at least for me. That's the beauty of riding with Barry. He thinks I can do these things and will work with me. Speed is your friend, but so is the ability to pop your wheel up onto the rock. After numerous attempts, a bloody elbow and a sore knee (rocks aren't very forgiving) I gave up after after consistantly getting the rear tire up on the rock I would lose momenteum and topple over. A bit more speed and a bit more pop and I am there. I did make it up the drops at start of the rock bridge, so all was not lost.

As Barry and I were riding along we came across my friend Rachel from Nashville, her husband Jason and Rae's sister Ellen. They were so busted. At least they had discussed calling me, but heeded to Ellens request of no, as she was afraid she would be walking alot. She was riding great. It was great to see them though!

Saturday I met Cindy up on the trails and we had a nice leisurely ride. The weather was perfect for being in the woods this weekend and the parking lot on the mountain was overflowed both days. Lots of folks from out of town enjoying our trails. We are so lucky.

WOW

2008-10-05T20:35:00.003-04:00

This past weekend was once again a busy one. Friday evening I met Paul, Anita and Rachel at Big River For drinks and dinner.

Saturday morning Rae and I headed to Dalton for Saul Raisin's Raising Hope Ride. It was a 50 mile ride which included a 7 ish mile climb up the road to Ft Mountain. Rae and I rode side by side as much as possible and chatted the whole way...except when she left me on the climb. She proceeded past most of the men, including Saul. That's my girl...the last Mt she climbed was Nick a Jack in the spring, and most of her riding is teaching spin.

Susan arrived in from Atlanta later in the afternoon and we proceeded to Wine Over Water. We had a GREAT time, saw so many friends and drank perhaps a bit too much. After a walk to Hennen's for dinner (thank you Rob for getting us a table, the place was packed) we hit Big River to meet Tim, Chris and Brad. On the way out I ran into several of the professional riders that had rode in the morning hanging with Sam, Robert and Angela. I visited with them and then finally headed home. Two weekends of wine, beer and staying out late was wearing me out. I enjoyed today by sleeping in, hitting Rembrandt's for breakfast and lounging around the house.

Rest Week, Sorta

2008-10-03T08:56:00.003-04:00

Well, at least its been a week of rest on the bike. Monday morning at 6 am I started bootcamp with Kym, Elke, Florida and Daisy. The adjustment hasn't been that bad, but I KNOW after this mornings inclined situps (40) my core is going to be sore on Sunday. Its all good though, and I am thankful for Florida. He has entertainment value at that hour and I like that.

Rae is heading into town tonight and we will be heading to Dalton in the morning to ride in support of Saul's head injury foundation. I am looking forward to the 7 mile climb up Ft Mtn. Perhaps not, though my climbing has improved. Saturday afternoon Susan will be in and we will be heading to Wine Over Water. Its one of my favorite events of the year.

Black Bear Rampage

2008-09-29T11:04:00.002-04:00

Sunday I was out the door at 6 am to head up to the Whitewater Center on the Ocoee for the start of rampage. The race started at the WW Center and the first two miles were a long slow climb to the trail head. Once in the single track we road Brush Creek and Boyd Gap and took Old Cooper Road back to the center and then up Bear Paw to Chestnut, down Thunder Rock and up the forest Service Road and then hit Quartz and Riverview before heading down Bear Paw and back the way you came. It was my longest ride in distance and time, and that must have agreed with me as I got 3rd in my class. I felt good the whole day, had a topple towards the end in the rocky uphill on Boyds Gap. I was quite surprised when my name was called as I thought I was fourth. I was even oblivious to the fact it was Gary Fisher handing me my prize. Oh well, It was my first podium. Little Rae played photog so I will post pics of the day. Most of my friends had great days, and props to the Moter Mile guys who made sure I received a premium ale for my efforts. They travel in style.

I followed yesterday up with a 6 am boot camp. It was rough this am getting up, pushing up, sitting up and running a mile. At least the "new" running shoes have got their first run in.

1:41 AM Sat Morning

2008-09-27T01:19:00.006-04:00

Which if you know me, is waaayyyy late. But I am still wide awake, bopping around the house listening to my favorite song, You Better You Bet off the Who's Face Dances album. What a great night. Early on I met Susan, Tim, Chris and Brad at Big River for wine, food and fun. The house of hotties were hosting their house warming party and that was next agenda. They live in a fab house in St. Elmo, and contrary to popular belief, they had a very nice selection of bottled beer, a disco ball and tons of fun. Sam's friend Matt and I tore up the dance floor for a bit highlighted by the flexibility I can exhibit in dips. I asked GQ to marry me, attempted to lift the 250 pound log the boys were tossing around (with Cathy, Emma and Kelli), planned two birthday parties for myself , said hell yes to the Shenandohah 100, and drank a quite a few brews. Wisconsin was well represented and leinies were in the mix. It was great to see a lot of friends, especially Rachel and Foye, who had returned to town. I am feeling good about this fall/winter. It will be fun. I am stoked and am putting several people/issues behind me. See, I am hitting the delete key to Hinder Lips of Angel and bringing on Irreplaceable. Yep, that's what I am doing.

Firewater 50

2008-09-21T09:03:00.006-04:00

Saturday the 13th was officially Big Daddy Barry's birthday and as it has been for over 10 years,the Firewater 50 took place. I had thought about riding it, but did not so my great friends did not have to hang out and wait on me. Plan B was riding Windy Gap and Tibbs. That also changed that morning as after a long week of work and riding, I was just tired when the alarm went off at 6:30. So, plan C was developed, which was just to drive down and help with the food. Sam and I got things ready for the guys, and Sam started up the grill. Being perhaps a bit over zealous with the lighter fluid Ralph's grill was no longer a shiny red. The first rider Shane, arrived after about 4 hours and 15 minutes, winning the coveted undergarment. Props to him for a great ride and a great sense of humor. Sam and I kicked into gear and made sure everyone officially finished the event by downing their shot of Firewater. The day was not without a visit to the ER, as Florida, whose birthday it also was celebrated in bloody style.

All in all, a great day was had. Three birthdays and one bottle of firewater are in the books.

Face Book

2008-09-11T08:07:00.004-04:00

Thanks to my friend Rachel, I know have a Face Book account and will begin creating that. Grrr. It was interesting to see all the people that are older and places for me to visit. Perhaps this will have more far reaching making new friends impact. Maybe will met the the next Mr. Rogers.

The Long Way Out

2008-09-08T13:55:00.002-04:00

Saturday I hopped on my bike for a long road ride. I hadn't done that in awhile and it was starting to show. So I head out of town, reach the intersection of Broad and Tennessee and realize I need to decide where to go. I chose Trenton and head over the toe and out to the back roads that will lead me to Trenton and a climb up 136. I was by myself, and started day dreaming about my old boyfriend Scotty (AKA Dallas). Cute,buff bod, lawyer with and MBA, did stand up from time to time, yet was so laid back. I got all sidetracked thinking about him the next think I noticed was a bridge. Huh...never seen that before. I look around and realize I was not on the normal route. I had gotten so lost in my thoughts I had road right by my turn.

Sunday was a 3.5 hour ride at Tanasi/Brush Creek covering most of the trails for rampage. Amy, Bill (Mr.Lisa) and Gary joined in the fun.

The day ended on a sweet note...as in a yummy brownie from Florida sent via Sam's mom. Gotta give the guy credit, he is working the kitchen aid.

Labor Day

2008-09-06T09:55:00.000-04:00

Monday I met JC, Paul, Anita, Gary, Dean, Alex and Steven for a loop on Raccoon. JC was in town visiting from Partland and I had missed Big Daddy the day before.

It was a great ride. Raccoon is definately the place to see and be seen. I was pooped, as it was day six of riding and had raced the day before.

Other notible sittings included : Ann looking FAB at 5 months!

Mike in the woods???

Socks vs. Karen Round 1-BING

2008-09-05T08:26:00.000-04:00

[quote="Philip Stewart"]New socks are better than than riding with Karen.[/quote]

I was crushed. Was this because I started 6 minutes behind him and passed him.

Was it because I didn't stay with the hurt rider, choosing instead to ride up and get Barry..who would be more helpful?

Was it because I hadn't given him a pair of the much coveted Velo Vixen socks?

I threw the question out to a few of my much younger yet adoring fans. Florida's response: I would much rather ride with you than have a new pair of socks. Folks, this is coming from a cute 24 year semi pro mountain biker who I actually had given two pair of new socks two Sunday. I also checked with B-friend # 4 - Cute 28 year old Engineer: Quality time with me, unless they were really nice ski socks.

A few years ago I was every ones favorite rider. The fall from the top is hard.

Mixers and Mountain Bikes

2008-08-31T20:56:00.000-04:00

Things were starting to look up when I read this post on Florida's blog:
You'll get your carrot cake...
...when I get this...
A CUSTOMIZED kitchen aid nonetheless....as the standard machines are pricey I can only imagine what this would cost. Sigh. It is pretty cool looking though. Guess I will be eating Greenlife's Italian Creme Cake for awhile longer.

On a somewhat brighter note today was the race at Booker T. It was hot but turned out pretty well...I stayed upright..actually lead for awhile and ended up finishing 2ND. Out of the 5 races this year, one was DNF due to a mechanical and the other 3 involved crashes. So this was actually a new experience, having to ride hard and race the whole event. I took the lead early in the first lap and then hit a wall of juniors...sweetie, I need to get by you so ride to the right and and am going to pass on the left..ok...wham..to the left he went and we knocked tires... This went on for several minutes and Celeste was right back with me. Curses. During the second lap I heard a crash, and came around the bend and found another junior sprawled out in the trail. I stop. Are you OK? No response...Are you OK? No response...though there were moans..I finally yell, I NEED YOU TO ANSWER ME....my shoulder....ow. I tell him I have a friend right up the trail and I will get him and have him come back. Sadly, this was at the start of the gully that takes you to the jeep trail and I was forced to hike it as I was off my bike. I lost a bit of ground there but did the right thing, as he was a teen, and new to riding. Barry drove him in and he was fine. I did pass several juniors and several men who had started ahead of me, so that was nice.

Before my race Chris Brown had given me some tips..the only one I followed was to jump in the lake after the event..It felt good and cooled me down. Though temp wise it was cooler than last year, it was more humid. Most of the buds did well. Kym, Lisa and Bill won their events and Cindy finished in 3rd in our race. (Thanks to Lisa for riding with me yesterday). Steve was riding well and suffered a mechanical on lap two...Florida was still dressed as a mummy and his day didn't go as he would have like. And thanks to all who cheered me on...I always made sure I looked good on the parade lap...for the fan's you know.

Currier is in town from Portland and we will be mountain biking in the morning. I'd like to get at least two laps of Raccoon in.

Carrot Cake Karma

2008-08-26T21:12:00.000-04:00

So,

I have decided my crash is Karen's fault. She crashes when I am around on the mountain bike, and it seems I crash when she is around when I am on the road bike. How did I come to this conclusion? I NEVER crash on my left side. It use to be pretty much scar free on that side of my body. I always fall to my right. So yep it's Karen's fault.

Mind you I was NOT racing the P123 Crit on Sunday. I was one block away.

My response: Where is the carrot cake you said you'd bake?

Bikes, Beer and Babies

2008-08-25T18:39:00.000-04:00

That is pretty much what the weekend revolved around. Saturday I was up and at it bright and early (5am) to head out to help with the River Gorge Road Race. After fufilling my duties at the sart and watching my friends take off, I headed up the mountain for phase two. Unfortunately, I had arrived late and my marshalling corner was covered. So, I spent the time cheering and chatting. My girls rocked!! It was great to see so many people and I had a great time visiting. My last duty of the day brought me back down the mountain to track down a friend of an injuired rider and turn over his mangeled bike and gear. Saddly, he had been airlift but had never lost consciousness. Unfortnately, I was running behind schedule so my ride was out.

Saturday evening was the 15th annual Southern Brewers Festival and like any good Milwaukee native I was there...unfortunately I found no beers that amazed me but I did enjoy visting with the many friends I came across.

Sunday Rae, Jason and the kids come to race and I came to watch the kids. Thank god for Michelle..I would not have managed. Weesie and I cheered maddly for Daddy Jason and Mommy..both did very well. Jason even juped in and raced the p123 race..and finished with the back. Saddly, my favorite bandana is now in Nashville, but dang, she's cute in it. Nothing accentuates green and pink butterflies like skull and crossbones.

Wednesday Evening Vixen Ride

2008-08-22T01:44:00.000-04:00

I have been on my road bike just a few times in the last month, mostly for short recovery type rides. Last night I lead the Double V's biweekly ride. It was great fun and has a very loyal following of Vixen supporters...Thanks guys!

Tuesday I met Barry and some of the Sorba guys for a ride at Booker T. Was not one of my better outings as I over cooked a washed out turn and slide. It happened to be the same location Star tangled with the week before. The trail out there is so dry..we really need some rain to chill it out.

This Saturday I am helping with the River Gorge Road Race. It will be a 5 am curtain call..that's early!! I will be helping with parking, and a course marshall at the top of the climb. A great place to watch my buds finish. After my support duties are done Fellow Vixen Amy M and I plan to ride a couple loops at Raccoon Mountain. Sunday is the crit and Rachel and family will be in town to race and visit. Will be great to see them!

Bear Creek and Pinhoti

2008-08-17T17:59:00.000-04:00

Today Firewater Barry and I headed down to North Georgia to ride. Though it was shorter day of riding..only 2 hrs 40 minutes, there was quite a bit of climbing..7000 feet. To put in perspective, that's 2 plus trips up suck creek. Needless to say, what goes up a mountain does indeed come down, and those trails were sweeeeeeeet. There were two highlights of the day..one while heading up the mountain. Barry didn't make it over a log on the trail, but I did. The second was at the end of the ride. As we were finishing, so was a group of 6 men from Atlanta. So, off to the creek we all went to wash off, cool off, and chat. They all had ridden firewater, but had never met "The Man". Needless to say, they like everyone else , look forward to the event. I enjoyed sitting in the creek surrounded by half naked men. Good times...Good times......

Two days of riding...almost 7 hours in the saddle and 11000 feet of climbing.

Ho conquistato il mio nemesis

2008-08-16T17:38:00.000-04:00

That's Italian for I conquered my nemesis. There has been one rock at Raccoon Mountain that I never have ridden. I have tried, once even ending up over the embankment. But today, I nailed it. I finally figured out the line was over the rocks ahead and not around them, as going around that slowed you down. El gueppo es finito. Fortunately, my friends, who have also struggled with "it" where there to witnessed it. Got in one loop with the small intestine with Aniat,Paula nd George and one loop on my own without the intestine. A great day of riding!!

The past few Wednesday evenings have been spent looping around the trail at Booker T with Kim, Mark, Florida Mike , Lisa, Star, Bill, Cindy and her husband Bill. Even Sam S made a guest appearance at last weeks event. The coolest thing is our friend Steve S got a mountain bike and has joined in. He is doing great, and has fab people like Kim and Mark helping him get the hang of it, which helps. I love it has I get to chase the fast girls, which works me. Afterwards, we eat...and its a great night.

The rash that appeared Monday is finally calming down. Its been a rough two weeks.

Finallly....an Update!!

2008-07-28T18:54:00.000-04:00

Sorry for not updating.....but here is a brief recap of the activities and events of the past few weeks:

1. All the spotted mollys are deceased.
2. Raced mountain bike at Ft. Mountain. 2 laps and loads of climbing and a great power line descent that I absolutely loved.
3. Got my first case of full blown poison ivy after toppling at Ft . Mountain.
4. Raced at Fontana.....very hard course. Was wet. Slid off wooden bridge into a ravine. Climbed out and road rest of lap easy. Ride time was equal to 4th place....bummer.
5. More poison ivy. Went to Dr and got shot and drugs. Legs were a mess from the brambles that I landed in.
6. Drove to Nashville for trip to Chicago for a reunion of my first job. Had developed a staph infection and woke up in Nashville with a swollen face and eye and a bright read nose. Came home. As the arrangements were all nonrefundable, I will be heading to Chicago soon.
7. Been riding Booker T on Weds with the girls and dinner after. Fun!
8. Signed up for Black Bear Rampage, a 44 mile mtn bike race.
9. Went up to the Ocoee Saturday with Lisa T and road 4 hours and 30 miles..my longest ride ever. Was a great day. Road much of the course for rampage and felt good about it.
10. Woke up Monday with a massive rash. It appears I may have had an allergic reaction or a heat rash or a combination of both, as the the antibiotics made me more sensitive to the sun.

As the sandwich said, I am due for some good very, very soon. I look forward to that.

Fish Imitate Life

2008-06-12T14:55:00.000-04:00

Today I was presented with three Spotted Molly fish in my honor for the fish tank in our departments living room. The largest of the three was named Karen. Shortly after their introduction to the tank, Karen was chasing the other fish, terrorizing the Vince fish and fighing with the other spotties. Coincedance?

Challanging the Greenway My Way

2008-06-07T19:02:00.000-04:00

While driving back to Chattanooga last Saturday several friends of mine were competing in the Greenway Challange put on by 'lil fella. I had been out to the greenway a few times running, but was unaware of the quarry (ok, i am not really sure how I missed that) and the trails that went off the main path. So I was confused on "bushwacking" up the ridge and other areas people were describing as challenging.

Well, now I know. After a hearty breakfast the sandwich and I headed over to the greenway with the kayak, bikes and running shoes. Ok, he had those items..i had one road shoe and one mtn bike shoe, both for the left foot. Ooops. The bike turned out to be fun, especially the last section of single track, but I could understand where people not used to riding on trails would have been leery in that section. Having one run under my belt since Jan I delivered a trot and a walk. We climbed up the creek bed and detoured to the quarry's beach. Being an self supported event my special challenges were a bit different. I traversed two lenghts of the balance beam...ok, almost two. 1 and 7/8th. As we returned to our transition vehicle after the run, I spied the inflatables that had been set up for a picnic. A water slide was calling my name. It rocked...especially the mist at the top of the slide. After much success with the water "obstacle" we proceeded to the paddle. I enjoy the water at the greenway as it is so peaceful. A return visit to the water slide and we were done. It was a great day all be a hot one, and props to the sandwich for taking me through it.

Chicago

2008-06-01T12:11:00.001-04:00

I love this city...it is up there with NYC and the state of California as my favorite places.

This is the view from the car heading in.

The drive from Chattanoog to the hose is roughly 10.5 hours..I live about 1 hr 45 minutes north of Chicago.

Wisconsin

2008-06-01T11:48:00.000-04:00

I spent this past week at home in Wisconsin. I grew up in a suburb of Milwaukee, not too far inland from Lake Michigan. My mom lives in the same house I grew up in.

The weather during the week was colder than normal. I forgot to pack my winter riding clothes and running shoes so I only got one ride in.

Sunday and Monday though, were beautiful. Sunny and in the mid seventies. Sunday was spent with my sister and her family at Pewaukee Lake listening to a band and drinking tasty Stella Gin citrus infused shots. Hey, its Wisconsin!!

Monday my mother and I took in the Body Works exhibit at the Milwaukee Public Museum. Those not family, this shows plasticised bodies in action, and was incredibly interesting.

The rest of the week was spent catching up on my shopping and resting. Friday night the family gathered at the house and the week was over too quickly.

Home Town Racing

2008-04-14T18:38:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I gave road racing another try by participating in the Georgia Cup Chattanooga event. It was a 3 stage race, but decided to just race Saturdays events, the Crit and the TT and help with the event on Sunday. I also had teammate Beth from Nashville spend the weekend with me. Beth was an awesome house guest, a great person and tolerated my drugged out, funnel wearing, lack of bladder control dog incredibly well. She's also a very talented rider!!

Our time trial start times on Saturday morning were some of the first. Felt ok and finished in the mix. The crit was a different story. The course was .75 miles and included a jaunt between two building that created a weird wind wall. I was in a bad spot in the pack and got slammed off the back of the pack. Bummer. I was able to catch some others who were off the bad, only to find they were teammates and screwed me over! It was a great learning experience and fun. I am ready to try again!! Credit to G girl for the pic. Thanks you!

Rosie Recuperation

2008-04-11T15:58:00.000-04:00

Week two of Rosie's surgery saga brought the threat of another surgery as her right ear was swollen. Further analysis deemed it inflamed and more drugs were prescribed, along with a smaller, easier to maneuver e collar or funnel as I call it. The doctor recommended that she be sedated for the next week, and I came home with a bottle of doggie downers. Hopefully we will all sleep well this next week.

This weeks riding was shorter and more intense. Last Saturday Cathi and I road about 4 hours with two climbs. My legs were toast the next day at the crit training with the fast girls. The warm up sucked, but the training went better. Got the TT bike out in anticipation of Saturdays time trial and crit. I am nervous about my first crit...there will be about 25 in our race racing a .7 mile course zipping through downtown. Even though it is a female friendly format, that is quite group of ladies racing. Or, at least it seems to me it is.

Doggie Surgery

2008-04-04T09:43:00.001-04:00

Wednesday Rosie had surgery on her ears. Due to chronic issues, she had ruptured the blood vessels in her ears and they had to be drained and reworked. Oh, and an nodule in one removed. As you can she, she was looking ever so stylish on her return home. The incisions are on the inside of the ear and heal unsutured. X ray film is stitched to the outer ear to protect and kept weighted down. The stitches and film get removed in 3 weeks. The first evening didn't go so well, many water bowl failures as she would attempt to drink and then flip the bowel with the e collar. I removed the collar for food and sleep, and she has paid little attention to her wounds...which is good, as I gave up the fight this am to put the collar back on this morning.

No ride Wednesday eve due to above, and road the trainer last night due to rain. 7-8 hours of riding on the schedule this weekend. I'll am alreay looking forward to monday, a rest day.

I Finally Own A Camera

2008-03-29T10:10:00.000-04:00

No suprise as to my first digital picture taken.

Easter Sunday was spent riding with Kim, Mark and Mike, a 24 year old blond haired, green eyed pro rider from Fl. Sigh.......... We had a great ride, though I had balance issues with the new ride. The handle bars were way to wide and I was constantly out of whack. I could make it through the knarly rock garden but flew over the handle bars due to a sappling. Go figure. Had dinner at their house that eve with a bunch of other Easter misfits and riders. Was fun, and vegan.

This week am due for a bunch o riding at higher intensities. Should be fun.

Good Friday

2008-03-21T18:38:00.001-04:00

I FINALLY road my new bike. It is a sweeeeet ride. Very plush. I loved riding it and enjoyed my time in the saddle...looking forward to many more. Trail had some mud and downed trees from the storms earlier this week. Hopfully the bike it enjoyed its first mud as much as I did.
I am still feeling puny...could barely talk late today. Will spend the evening laying low and enjoying the soup P was kind enough to drop off. Rosemary Lentil. It was tasty.

Saturday I plan to ride and Sunday will spend time with the pros. I have picked up marshmallow peeps to throw at them should they get out of hand. Behave, and we have snacks!

No Coffee???

2008-03-19T11:06:00.000-04:00

Not only is it raining today, the following sign greeted many of us as we made our way to our espresso, latte, cappuccino, coffee system. It is fabulous....vanilla latte with and extra shot every morning.....Thank you Carsten! Your the best Prez ever!

Rosie the Drama Queen

2008-03-17T21:24:00.000-04:00

I woke up this morning feeling less than great, so I spent the day at home. Rosie started off quite and well mannered, but took a turn for the worse around mid day. She wants attention and is very local in securing it. She is also very creative....

Rain Rain Go Away

2008-03-16T19:33:00.000-04:00

After 5 months I picked up my new bike. WOW. It came equipped with turquoise bling! Its hot! I was looking forward to the weekend when I could spend Saturday and Sunday getting the feel for it and what it could do. And then, it rained...and rained...and rained yet again. Bummer. So, my first ride will be Monday. Tuesday those who have helped and supported me on this quest are joining in. I predict a high entertainment value on this event.

Big Rae made it to town Saturday and was able to squeeze in a ride for 2 hours from 8 am to 10 am on Sunday. And so we went. Headed out through the valley until we hit Nick a Jack. Oh, I never get to climb the Nashvillian stated lets go up. Grrrr. Up she went with me following. Knowing that my heart had been set on mountain biking, Rae did point out the roads on the top were still wet, which meant the trails would be very muddy. Was a very strange feeling arriving home at 10:07 with my workout done. That's typically the time I start thinking about a ride.

A New Era is About To Begin

2008-03-10T19:45:00.000-04:00

My Specialized Era shipped Friday according to Noah. FINALLY!! There had been some stumbling blocks along the way but my new ride would soon be here. Even the boys at the shop are excited to see it and take it for a spin. Hopefully it should be in town Tuesday and assembled on Wednesday and ready to go for the weekend.

Snowy Saturday turned into I don't want get out of bed Saturday. Finally, at 3:30, I did. To go eat.

Sunday the weather was much nicer and I was able to complete a close to 5 hour ride which included climbs up Mowbry Mountain and Suck Creek. Was happy to run into old friend Peter and his crew along the way and share some time on the road. I have been spending my time in the saddle riding easy, spinning away the hours and building my fitness. I can see improvement and that makes me happy.

Snowflakes

2008-03-08T08:41:00.000-05:00

Woke up this morning and peeked out the window. It was snowing! The big, fluffy flakes. It rarely happens here in the south so it is a special treat for me when it does. We received about 40 inches the week in Aspen, so I did get my powder on then.

According to the text I just received from Weather.com we are under a Winter Weather Advisory. It is snowing, 30 degrees but feels like 22. BRR! This does put a kink in my workout plans, but I have had a good week. I actually planned ahead and road on Monday since it was due to rain Tues. Good call!! Carol joined me at the Bend for a ride with some short intervals. Thursday Carol, her husband Jim, PVK and I circled the stadium parking lot simulating a crit. That was great fun, even with PVK using his tough love motivation! Fortunately, I respond well to that and had some good efforts staying on his wheel. Sunday is due to be much nicer so I will get my long ride in on a hopefully sunny Sunday.

Back to today. Hmmm.....I haven't been shopping in a while.

Funk

2008-03-06T12:16:00.000-05:00

That is what my friends affectionately call the mental state that sometimes find myself in. I have been in my funk for the past couple weeks. I had been laying low over the winter , staying home in hopes of saving a bit of money and calories by avoiding the food and alcohol social thing. Didn't work so well. Found I ate way more while milling around the house and was more depressed being by myself all the time. Enough!!! I am over that and enjoying my ability to do whatever I want whenever I want. (Special thanks to Rae...love ya!) Happily, this also coincides with spring forward! Sunshine does the body and mind good!

Presidents Day

2008-02-20T10:12:00.000-05:00

Is the politically correct holiday that we get off instead of a nice day in spring, like Good Friday. It was a day off nonetheless which meant time on the bike for me. Endurance Ride with Sprints. Not so bad, I rather enjoy intervals, and at least it was light out. They make you work hard and the time goes by quicker. Sounded good until line two...On a Climb. Wooo. That sucks. So, while heading up the Suck I would stand a sprint for 15 seconds every minute for 2o minutes. It did, however beat the previous day which was two hours on a spin bike at the Y. The redemption of that workout was new spin room has a DVD player so I watched the movie Secret Garden with Johnny Depp. He's quite easy on the eyes and certainly made the time fly. Enjoyed the ride Johnny!

The End of a Long Week

2008-02-17T21:23:00.000-05:00

It was a really long week. It was one of those weeks were there just wasn't any down time, which I need to function sainly, and I was still feeling the repercussions of Sundays stop, drop and roll off the bike. To top it off Saturday was spend in Nashville attending the Tennesse Bike Racing Associations annual meeting. It was a long day discussing the state of of racing in Tenenssee and ways to improve it. I did find I learned quite a bit there, and in the car ride to and from.
I have officially withdrawn from the half ironman I was scheduled to do and will instead head up to Mt Snow, VT in July for Mountain Bike Nationals, which according to the email from US Cycling, I have qualified for. The V girls will be heading up there and Kim is excited that I will be joining them, as they are "so much fun." Let the fun begin!!!

And I Came Crashing Down....

2008-02-11T11:18:00.000-05:00

head first. Ouch.

The day had started out well enough...went and met The Bill for a 2-3 ride on the trails at Raccoon Mtn. It takes awhile to get out of the parking lot some days as there are so many friends and aquaintances there at times. No surprise on that for most of you....

The ride was jamming along nicely and Bill was interested in seeing me hit the log on the small intestine trail. I had road it for the first time a couple weeks ago and he was anxious to see me do it, as I had been told I had made it look easy and effortless. I actually thought it was no longer there, as several trees had been removed from the trail and thought it was one of them. No so, as Bill pointed out , there was the log. I came around the bend and pedaled fast towards it. Up I went, and unfortunately, I had stayed seated and didn't shift my weight back and I came crashing down wheel, head and shoulder first. Bummer....that hurt. A few minutes later a man came through..he walked it. A few more minutes, two more men and no real attempts. Perhaps that should be a sign.

I finished the trail and headed back to the car where Bill was kind enough to help me get myself organized...The shoulder was making it difficult to dress...and proved to make it difficult to undress once home. I pretty much called it a day and Rosie and I proceeded to take a 2 hour nap. I am glad this weeekend is behind me......

Back the Bike

2008-02-09T19:21:00.000-05:00

So, after two weeks off I joined my team mates Cat and Dreama to ride down to Georgia for our inter squad time trial. I spend much time riding on my own so I was happy to ride with my friends, but they are stronger riders, and its always a bit tough for me mentally, as I realize that they are still stronger and then I proceed to get depressed. Though I know they ride much more than I do, and I am focusing on mountain biking, I just wish one day they would not have wait for me. Perhaps one day I will surprise them.

I passed on the 8 mile TT and instead helped the guys with logistics as a good team president should. The after ride food stop was Mudpie where Beth, Christie, Cat and Dreama enjoyed some good female bounding and I showed up later for coffee from hottie barrister Brandon. Sigh.........

What Would Jesus Do?

2008-02-07T19:10:00.000-05:00

Last evening will perusing the online version of the local news a headline jumped out at me...Bookkeeper Arrested in Theft from Local Company. Hmmm...sounded intrigueing enough to click open and see what it was all about. Low and behold, up popped the mug shot of a former coworker. She had left our company to go to work a friends business and in the process stole appoximately $100,000. It made me very sad to think that someone felt they had no other recourse than to take from those who trusted her. She had wore a bracelet that had inscribed WWJD? Its sad to think that when she looked down on her wrist, that was the answer she came up with.

Learning to Climb

2007-09-21T11:44:00.000-04:00

I finally got to try climbing, on real rock...on a real mountain. Kevin, one of our Engineers took some of the staff to Sunset Rock on Lookout Mountain in Georgia after work. It was one of the hardest things that I have ever done. It's difficult to mentally process that you can step backwards and not fall. I found the menatl aspect more of a challange than the physical aspects, though a couple more inches of reach would sure have been sweet.