Mountain Bike Adventures with Rebecca

"Every time I see your feet aren't level
and your butt isn't out of the seat,
I'm going to shout 'bananas'.

There may come a time when I will be able to fly over roots, stumps and boulders on a rock-strewn downhill descent without crashing. Right now, though, I'm still landing hard on my ass almost every time.

Just adding to my collection of bruises.

MTB and CX pro Rebecca Gross was in the house for two weeks giving me as much guidance and coaching as she could possibly cram into me. OK. Got it. "Feet level on the pedals. Weight off the saddle. Look ahead to a happy spot. Keep those elbows bent. Don't look down. Don't brake. Really! DON'T BRAKE..."

That one is tough for me. As I forget to look ahead to a happy spot, and look down and see the massive rocks ahead of me on the trail, I tend to put the brakes on and down I go. Eeeesh. It's not easy.

"Every time you say 'I can't' or 'that's too hard',
I'm going to shout 'ketchup'."

I keep trying.

I get up.

I keep going.

But I have #bruisesonbruisesonbruises.

It was a bananas and ketchup kind of day.

End of Summer/Fall Arrives

Sunset behind the clouds at Coquina Beach, Florida

Beach walk, Coquina Beach, Florida

Wow. Is it really OCTOBER?? Hard to believe how quickly the last month has flown -- although so much has happened in the last 4 weeks, it's easy to see how I lost track of time. I headed down to Bradenton, Florida in mid-September to hang out with my father-in-law, Fred, recovering from heart surgery. We spent our days being active and walking, as he worked to rebuild his strength for the upcoming winter softball league. (Go, Fred!) I managed a few interval runs while I was there, although the heat and humidity killed me.

Rebecca Gross, Day One of KMC Cross Fest

Ben Gomez Villafane, Day Two KMC Cross Fest

Returning home for the first weekend in October, I discovered Fall had arrived while I was gone (!), and cyclocross season was upon us!! We were set to host former Vanderkitten CX racer Rebecca Gross for KMC Cross Fest, and made arrangements for Caro's younger brother, Ben Gomez Villafane (racing as a UCI Elite Junior) to stay with friends for the weekend. Plans shifted a bit when I returned from Florida -- with Rebecca opting to stay closer to the venue, and Ben needing transportation to Connecticut each day -- but it all worked out perfectly and I got to spend the weekend watching both of them race. Really fun! It was awesome to see Rebecca again, (she is returning to stay with us for GP Gloucester), as well as spend some time with Ben as we drove to/from the Thompson Motor Speedway each day. (Love him. Such a terrific young man.)

Fall has arrived!

Finally, this past weekend I was able to take advantage of my first free Saturday in a month to get out for a Cyclopath ride with the breakfast gang! There were only four of us for the ride on Saturday -- a consistent turnout this year. Our rides this season are coming to an end, the leaves are just starting to change and the air is crisp and cold -- my favorite time of year, although that sentiment is not shared on a chilly morning. Hopefully we'll squeeze in one or two more breakfast rides before wrapping up for the year.

Andddd.... Coffeeneuring started this weekend! If I get out there today, I'M IN for 5-7 more weeks. Better get on that.

24HOP, Many Thanks, Great Team

VK Team 2016 (missing a few)
Sandrine, Lisa, Ami, Tam, Lynda, Addie, Michelle & Jennifer

Of course I have mega love for my incredible teammates... riders Sandrine McFadden, Addie Teo, Michelle French, Shannon Hogan, Jennifer Hanson, Wil Matthews, and Eric Alikpala...

...But also for our amazing support crew; Ami Weiss, Lynda Edoff, Colin Hennesey and Dan Lysak; (Plus VK Lisa Mach and Anthony V.). All were a crucial part of this team effort. The Taj Mahal tent, air mattress, fire pit, disco lights, Bloody Marys, bike mechanic services, and so much more... and OMG camp set-up and breakdown... It was all so immensely appreciated. Thank you, VK Crew, so very, very much!

Thank you Ami Weiss (in blue VK) for the amazing crew support!!

Spectating at Gran Prix of Gloucester

On the heels of hosting Tiffany Pezzulo over the weekend, we had planned to have VKCX rider Caro Gomez-Villafane, (now with Specialized/Muscle Milk), move in during the Holy Week of Cross, but last minute funding issues forced her to pull out. I didn't tell the boys she wasn't coming until the last minute... because I wanted them to keep their bathroom clean for her visit, (hahaha)... and I'm sad she couldn't make it out here. Hopefully it will work out another time.

Still, there was a lot of racing to catch at Gran Prix Gloucester this year! Chip's friend, George Piepgras, is doing terrific in the U14 junior category, so we went up to Gloucester to watch him race. Chip is still intent on becoming a road pro -- (and thank you Tiffany, AKA "If you're going to go pro, you're going to need pro socks", for giving him your DNA racing socks! He looooves them!) -- George and Chip are good training buddies for their pro ambitions, and George did great in Gloucester.

Other people to watch in Gloucester included VKVIP teammie Olivia Lord and her young daughter Poppy, Strava friend Karen Lynn, some of the girls from NEBC, and of course my coach, Shayne Gaffney. Shayne had a horrific injury this summer and was off the bike for a long time -- so it's really inspiring to watch his comeback.

Caro, Rebecca, and Zane were missed a ton -- but it was a fun weekend of spectating in Gloucester.

Weekend Championship Fun

It's World Championship weekend, with both CX Worlds and the Super Bowl. Yesterday I watched our girl Carolina Gomez Villafane race for her home country Argentina in the Cyclocross World Championships in Tabor. We were thrilled to be one of Caro's sponsors as she headed to Tabor, and sooooo proud of her finish. World Cup points placement put her at the back of the pack to start, but she moved up to 25th place during the race until another rider's crash held her back. She finished the race in 39th place -- sooooo happy for her! (Also competing at the World Cup was Vanderkitten's Elle Anderson (now on the BMW p/b Happy Tooth Dental Group team) finishing 40th, (I could hear Jono cheering from California); and local racer Crystal Anthony placing 25th. (GREAT finish for her. She should be thrilled.)

The women's race was really exciting. Edge-of-your-seat racing. OMG. Pauline Ferrand-Prevot getting past Sanne Cant for the win. OMG. Really exciting race. Why women's cycling doesn't get more attention is a mystery. It's so rad.

The men's race earlier today was not nearly as exciting to watch. Perhaps because I have a less vested interest in the men? Let's face it, women rock. But I was cheering for Jonathan Page today, and felt a tug in my heart seeing him cross the finish line at 23rd. He had a heartbreaking week.

We're on to the Super Bowl. Cheering for the New England Patriots, of course. I bundled up for my ride in Patriots gear today, (nineteen degrees), and set off to look for the Snowy owls down at Goldthwaite Reservation. Sadly I didn't find any... but I'll keep looking.

Go Patriots!

Vanderkitten VIP 2015

Phew. I made it. I came up short with a few of my goals in 2014 and didn't think I'd make the team this year. Thank you, Dave Verrecchia, for having faith in me and keeping me on for 2015. I love the girls... we've bonded... and I would have been so sad to miss the cut. Sooo happy today!!!

Strava - Prove it

A bunch of weeks ago, at the Rapha Supercross in Gloucester, I was sitting next to a lovely lady and her husband, while waiting for the next race to start. Caro and Rebecca had just finished their Elite Women's race, and the Elite Men were soon to follow. Pro racer Ted King walked by and stopped to say hello to the woman beside me -- and when he left a few minutes later, I mentioned I had a friend who had a mad crush on him. She chuckled and said, "Who doesn't?" Hahaha. She was great!

We chatted for a bit before the race started, and I asked if she was cheering for anyone in particular. She replied, "Tim. I'm his mom." She was quite proud -- you could hear it in her voice -- and I knew just how she felt. I love watching my boys play their sports as well. I didn't know who "Tim" was... and asked "Tim who?",  and she politely answered, "Tim Johnson."

"Oh." I laughed, "He's a big deal, isn't he?" She laughed with me -- and what a great smile she had. She was just as sweet as can be.

I thought of her today when I read the above quote from her son -- part of the Strava Prove It campaign. Those words actually hit home for me. Maybe this past year fell flat for lack of a true goal.

I've met several pro riders, (a few through Vanderkitten, of course), but Tim Johnson isn't one of them. (He's actually from nearby Middleton). I have to say, with a mom like his, though, he must be a terrific guy. So, three cheers to Tim Johnson's mom and well-thought-out goals.

Trails, Ponds, Swamps, and more Trails

Hahahaha... crazy pic.

This photo was taken at Foster's Pond by my friend Paula -- which is crazy because I don't recall her taking it! What was I looking at?!?! I love riding the trails lately, although my tires are not happy. And geesh... the MUD! I was spoiled when VK pro mechanic Zane Free cleaned my bike so thoroughly last month -- though now it's a wreck. He'd be happy to hear that I've discovered some new trails since he left, and checked out Steer Swamp. (Thanks Zane! Fun stuff!)

I soooo dread cleaning my bike before P2 tomorrow night. Muddy mess.

Trails and Mud, Before the Storm

Weather guy Matt Noyes' warning of "Four days of junk" pushed me to head out for a trail ride early Tuesday morning before the rain arrived. I actually didn't beat the rain, and ended up getting soaked, but it was "New Kit Day", so all was good. (My new VKCX jersey arrived earlier in the week. Thank you, Ian Richards!) My friend Paula happened to be on the trails as well, (running), and dared me to ride down a rocky descent. What am I? 12? 

Ya. I rode it. Hahaha. She was sure I'd fall on my ass -- and I almost did. Great pic of me thinking, "What the hell am I doing?" Hahahaha. Love it.

Missing the VKCX Fam

We had such a low key weekend after saying goodbye to Caro, Rebecca and Zane mid week. No bike races to get ready for... no lazy mornings and laughs over coffee... no long conversations over all-things cycling. I learned so much while they were here and had a blast -- and missed the three of them the minute they left for Rochester. I know we will keep in touch as they continue chasing UCI points this season, and sent them a text on Friday to wish them luck at Ellison Park. Rebecca texted back, "So when is your first race?"

Hahaha... OK... so, I'm working on that. I loved learning about cyclocross and taking my bike on some off-road adventures. I've had a few "No Garmin No Rules" days lately, just exploring and riding and checking out trails. My bike isn't really made for that sort of thing, so I've had to be smart about it. Rebecca invited me out to Boulder for a mountain biking camp in June that sounded cool, (hmmm... maybe...).

Mountain biking... cyclocross... so much to think about!

Bike to School Day with Vanderkitten CX

How cool is it to have two pro cyclists join you for Bike to School Day? Rebecca and Caro joined Chip for the ride to the Nahant circle Wednesday morning, where they met up with a group of kids, (plus a few parents and teachers), riding to the Swampscott Middle School. Fun! Sadly, the girls and Zane packed up the van and headed for Rochester shortly after. I miss them already!

Easy Spin with the VKCX Team

Just another day left before the VKCX gang departs for Rochester, (so sad). After the weekend's challenging races in Providence, (and a late night on Sunday), Monday was a low key day for all of us. Rebecca and Caro had a hard weekend of racing, and an easy recovery spin was on the day's agenda. The four of us took a casual ride through Marblehead, down the streets I grew up on, stopping along the way at Old Burial Hill, (where Zane looked for the oldest gravestone), and Grace Oliver's Beach, (to check out the rocks and seaweed?).

Riding with the three of them was fun, as they each took turns riding the gnarly sidewalks down West Shore Drive, jumping the curbs and tree roots bulging up through the asphalt. Zane took a bloody wipeout on one of the jumps, which wasn't much fun, though he brushed it off. (His arm is sporting some gross road rash today.) We took the trail home, where Caro spotted a large PVC drainage pipe to ride through. (Wish I got a photo of that!)

It was a short ride, but a typical recovery spin for them. Lots of fun.

Caro loves the GoPro

Stopping at Old Burial Hill, Marblehead, during our ride.

(Caro's GoPro pics)

KMC Cyclocross Festival, Providence

Cold, rainy, muddy Saturday.

I'm told it was perfect cyclocross weather for

Rebecca, Caro and Zane. Brrrrrr.....

Day 30: 30 Days of Biking, P2

We had a long week of cold, wet weather and my final day of 30 Days of Biking fell on the same day the Fall session of P2, (the training program Shayne runs at B&S Fitness), begins. I considered heading out in the rain for a quick ride, but knew I had some testing to do at P2, so decided my 30th ride of September would be that hour+ time spent on the trainer.

OK... so P2 is never fun... (ouch)... but I had a sweet surprise as I was wheeling my bike to the back of the fitness facilities. I noticed my bar tape was new!! The dirty white loose bar tape I've had all summer was brilliant black, tight and so pro. OMG!! And, as I set my bike up on the trainer, I noticed my bike was shiny!! AND MY CHAIN AND CASSETTE were CLEAN!!!

Wow. Thank you, Zane Free!! My bike felt ahhh-maaaa-zing and it was such a lovely, sweet gesture for you to take care of it like that. I was totally surprised.

(I later learned that Zane, (who is the mechanic on the VKCX team staying with us),  also fixed a bent derraileur hanger and replaced my worn brake pads. He's such a sweetheart!!!)

So, despite a week of grayness that put me in a crappy mood, Zane's thoughtfulness just warmed my heart, and I had fun at P2. (If you can ever call it "fun".) There is a terrific new coach running the Thursday night program -- Jen McCarthy -- who I think is fabulous, and I'm kinda-sorta looking forward to a fresh start. P2 is on!

Catching up. Is it Tuesday already?

The past few days have gone quickly as the Vanderkitten CX team has settled in. The weekend's cyclocross races at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester were a blast, and now I'm totally itching to try cyclocross. Being a VanderkittenVIP has opened up so many new opportunities for me in such a short year -- first RAAM and now cyclocross! I love, love, love having Rebecca, Caro and Zane in the house. It's been ah-maaaa-zing.

The Rapha Super Cross Gloucester was... WOW. I don't think I'll ever look at Stage Fort Park the same way again. It was actually a little overwhelming to watch all of the races, (though I missed Shayne's early race as the girls didn't need to be up in Gloucester so early. It's a long day.) I saw and met riders I've only read about and admired but never met before, and that was kinda cool -- (Rebecca and Caro are my faves, though) -- and ran into a few friends while I was there, but missed a bunch, too. It was a lot to take in. Mostly I just chilled out and absorbed it all -- which means it will all hit me later like a shot of adrenaline. Ohmigosh, I need a cross bike!

Up next is the KMC Cyclo-Cross Festival in Providence this weekend. Yaaay! The fun continues!

Rapha Super Cross Gloucester

Great weekend of cyclocross in Gloucester!

Vanderkitten CX

An active weekend of cyclocross as the Vanderkitten CX team competes at the Rapha Super Cross Gloucester. Next mission: Add cyclocross to my 2015 goals. (Thanks, Rebecca, Caro, and Zane for the endless advice and encouragement!)

Day 24: 30 Days of Biking, VKCX

Another short ride today as I had some last minute house prep to do before the Vanderkitten pro team arrived. (Excuses, excuses... I know). It's been hard getting in miles lately, and I've resigned myself to knowing that September is a low mileage month -- but at least I'm still riding! P2 (or Pure Power Cycling, the indoor training program at B&S Fitness) starts next week, (alas, without Shayne), so I'll kick it up a notch and get a head start on a winter training plan.

Mondo kudos go out to #30DaysOfBiking (and Strava) pal John Phillips, who completed 365 Days of Biking tonight. So amazing. Congrats, John!

And welcome to the VKCX gang!! We're so excited you're here!

The last time Caro was in my hood