Racing in the Rain! Belterra Road Race

I actually don't mind the wet conditions for a road race. I do however feel the urge to give a last minute prep course on wet conditions 101

Well, we had several "breaks" that just would not stay away, due to the fast descents . So, it came down to the Sprint finish. I was a bit unlucky for my position. As Natalie Klemko jumped, Shontell was to the left of me I had to go right, and ran out of room, literally. I found myself sprinting alongside the curb, not even on the pavement, you know the concrete that is only a foot wide from the curb, yeah, that is where I was . I just didn't have enough room to really get my sprint going. So, managed to get 3rd place. Kim Coilli came around at the end for the win, Shontell 2nd. Not so happy with 3rd .



Cat 4 race-Bibi decided to chase down the unfortunate break that didn't quite make it. (Big Girls can Descend with very little effort) So, ended up getting swallowed up by the field and took 7th overall. Not bad for the effort and the conditions.


On The Home Front
Team mate Tracie A. went out for the Aledo Rally, The first Women to cross the finish line for a 150. bucks..But, what was more impressive she tied for 3rd overall. That girl is Smokin' Fast!
Team Mate Becky Reilly went out for some Friday Night Lights, thats Track Racing, Becky finished 4th place. Way To Go Becky!

Waco-Bicycles Outback Presents Outback Blowout

This years race course added a long climb before finishing the 7.7 mile loop with 864 feet of elevation gain, that makes just under 3,000 feet of climbing. The Expert Women ages 19-39 did 2 1/2 laps. We all lined up for a fast road start around the big median, a crowd pleasing start. I like to start hard and sprint from the gun. No drafting off this Wheel.
I actually was not feeling so great for this race, so luckily for me the race course suited me pretty well. Pro Kim Jennings was behind me, followed on her wheel Bibi Martinez. Yee Haw! Bibi eventually would get passed by Leslie Reuter, whom is a very strong all around mtb'er. Though, managed to have a 3rd place finish for the 30-39 age group. And Kim Jennings won the 19-29 age group. The carbon Absalon Alma hardtail helped me win the Race. I would like to congratulate Steve Innes for getting 3rd in his category and Mike Norman who placed 7th in his category. And congrats to Kim Colli for winning her age category in the Sport Class.

Photo Shoot www.gotstrong.com

I did a photo shoot last year for a bike messenger company. T. Strong transportation service. Again, this year Torrance (the president of T. Strong) asked if I would do the photo shoot for their web site. So, check it out at www.gotstrong.com

LSW-PreRide Waco

At Least once a month, I host a ride/ Clinic for LoneStarWork Clients.
We decided to go to Waco the day after Smithville... Because I didn't get enough riding in the day before?? I know I am Crazy! And I was to Hit the Hills Hard ! (thanks Coach!) I actually Love To Climb , Especially Power Climbs. Cameron Park is one of my favorite Trails, it is a Must See 'N Do trail. Bicycles Outback in Waco and the City of Waco do a great Job keeping this trail Fantastic. And team mate Kim Jennings or Ranger Kim works here at the Park. The race is this coming weekend March 15 &16th. So, You Betta Go Get Your Massage from Rudy, You will need it before this race.

Smithville Marathon

5 Hours and 27 Minutes of riding Smithville Backwards, a grueling 20 mile loop. The first lap was a bit Harsh to say the least. I lined up on the front row along with the Open Men's class. It was bitter Cold, an 8:30a.m start. I was doing laps around the entrance to try to warm up, it was the only spot where the Sun was shining . Since I didn't get a great warm up, I was ready to go from the gun. In fact, I was the only one ready to go from the gun. The first lap was brutel, my ribs are still very sore from pace bend a few weeks ago, so it took a while before the ribs would feel no pain. After the first lap, I was able to find my rhythm and began catching guys. I finished strong, however, I asked myself... Now Why did My Coach Have me do this race??? That was Not Fun. But, I guess.. No Pain, No Gain!!! It was in deed a good training Ride. And the promoters gave a 150.00 for the fastest Women. So, not bad for a days work. Great Job goes out to Tanya Woody, she had the second fastest time.

Today, playing in the snow.. March-
And a photo of my Fabulous bike!

Bar H, Mountain Biking

The Breaks at Bar H, located in St. Jo , Texas a small community east of Gainsville, Texas. They put this one on the Texas Mountain Bike Series as Cross Country race #2.

Many thanks to all who are responsible for making this event possible, The D.O.R.B.A. (Dallas Off Road Bicycling Association) Mad Duck and Yeti who are the main sponsors for this event. A Big thanks to to these great people for such an Awesome Event, Tobin and Jennifer Behling, Cap Carter , Judy, Yurgen, Bill(president of Dorba) , Cindy Bradly , and tons of great Sponsors, and Volunteers. Free beer, Great Swag for the Sport and Beginner racers compliments of DFW Local Bike shops. Yes Free Beer is not unusual for a mountain bike event

Toby and I lead the Lone Star Works pre ride Clinics Friday & Saturday. This is just a bonus for those that are coached under Lone Star Works. So, if you are ever interested in a Skills Clinic or Private Lessons, Email me. This is not just for mountain biking, but for cycle cross training and handling skills are always needed on the road too!

The Course was super fast, more of a power course, fast flowing turns, plenty of power climbs and one long false flat. This was great for my Special Edition Carbon Orbea. Boy, this bike is something else. Remember if you want a fast Bike, Check out Orbea's web site, this bike can be purchased from Austin Bikes. I was also running on the super Light Stan's No Tube wheels and Kenda's Nevegal tire in front with the Karma in back.

The women unfortunately only had 2. 5 laps, where as the Expert Men had 3.5 laps. I finished my laps in 1.25 minutes, I did manage to get a great work out in, but had to go out for another lap since I wanted a bit more time on the bike. I loved the stagger for this race, I was able to catch a lot of other groups, which kept my mind in the race.

Kim Jennings Won the 19-29 Expert Women Category, (just a couple minutes behind Leslie Reuter)Go Kim!! I won the 30-39 Expert Category and Bibi (after just starting up this week to her training due to having the Flu) placed 4th just a couple minutes behind Kim J. Man, that girl is getting Fast!