Karen is:

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!

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

Sunday Bloody Sunday

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

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

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

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

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.