Ragin' in the Sage

This weekend was the 6th Annual 24 Hours in the Sage in Gunnison, Colorado. It was my second year racing it and the race marked the one year anniversary to my venture into soloing these events. As noted last week I have been not quite up to par in health and conditioning so I went to have some fun at a race for once instead of to punish myself. My best friend and teammate, Lisa, and I made a decision to ride every lap together and decided to do just 6 laps, which was one shy of what I did last year. The six laps felt great, my shakes only appeared a few times, and I had plenty of gas left in the tank for another lap or two had we chosen to do so.
This was the best time I have had at a race in a very long time. We rode a steady pace, we enjoyed the awesome sunset, the full moon, and the spectacular sunrise over Hartman Rocks and the surrounding mountains. I was surprised to learn I had more laps in me than I did last year, since I have been unable to train the last month or better, and I chalk that up to overall heightened condition from the last year of steady training.
My Partner was amazing crew for Lisa and I and helped watch Lisa's soon to be 2 year old, who is starting to learn how to help, or rather help herself, in camp. It was great to hear her say "momma, go ride your bike" and send Lisa and I out for more! And Lisa, well she's my bestest bud and one of my inspirations, so it was awesome to ride 80 miles with her. I think for both of us it was a chance to get back to why we ride, to leave the pressure of doing well at a race and the fear of not meeting goals behind. I climbed virtually everything on the course every lap for the first time and Lisa rode down decents she rarely felt comfortale on and flew down other decents that she normally kept a mere steady pace down. Lisa, thanks for the inspiration and the awesome time at the Sage! Pics to come soon.

Off to slack at the 24 Hours in the Sage

This coming weekend is the 24 Hours in the Sage. This is the first anniversary of my venture into soloing these events. Unfortunately I will not be going to compete, but just to put a few laps in to quell this nagging disappointment in me over not being able to race the schedule I had planned. I have had a hard time this summer with my overall health and conditioning. One problem was diagnosed and I have managed to adapt my diet to accomodate, but I have been unable to ride even the simplest of rides withut feeling like I am brand new to physical activity. I get the shakes shortly after starting any ride, even a slacker ride with friends. I have been losing weight all summer despite my efforts to maintain my weight or to put on a few pounds before the race (as these events always cause a loss of weight for me).
I know most people say, wish I was that lucky when I complain about losing weight, but I'm losing muscle and fatigue very easily. I have fought tiredness and lethargy all sumer. So tomorrow I'll go forthe first of a few tests to see what the deal is. I'm hoping I'm having some blood sugar problems that can easily be diagnosed and remedied with diet. I'm hoping my thyroid has not decided its fulfillled its potential. Regardless I just want to get back to being able to ride without feeling like I've spent the last ** years sitting on a couch doing nothing.

waiting, I'm just waiting

For parts to come in. Finally made all my decisions regarding components for the new Siren frame. Everything is ordered with the exception of the wheels, stem and seatpost. These three things are in process of being ordered, I hope, and then its build-up time. It's looking like the complete bike will be under 18 pounds. Thanks to everyone who spent so much time working with me on this project so far. I was hoping to have this bike ready for the 24 Hours in the Sage, but I think that's a long shot now because I have not heard if the wheels, stem, and seatpost have been ordered yet. But I'm planning to race it at the High Desert Screamer in Gallup New Mexico in September!!