Night Shift, team up to destroy!

Better late than ever...I am behind in writing this blog post but a mom's priorities are consistently changing.

It was that time of the year again, time to pull on my big girl panties, the nice ones, of course, not those tan ones that go up to your bellybutton.  Once a year, I race at night. If you know me, you would know my kids check on me at 9:30 pm each night to see if I have turned into a pumpkin. It is a running joke within my family, get home before Mom turns.  I am not a night time person. I never liked night shift at the hospital. All romantic evenings with Craig, end around 9:15, if things are going good..10.  So, riding from 6 pm to midnight is not exactly in my thing.

My very first mountain bike race, was SORBA Chattanooga's Pick Our Poison race at Booker T. Washington State Park in 2013...I was a nervous wreck!  The Pick Your Poison race has since faded into the undergrowth, hopefully to reemerge one day.  To keep a race at Booker T. Washington State Park, the Velo Vixen Night Shift Race was relocated. This is another Chattanooga classic race which was once run by SORBA. Now it is run by the Vixens; a women's only multi-sport club that is dear to me.  Booker T. is a perfect location with many affections; lake access, camping (special for this event), running water restrooms and fire pits.  Great place to have a good time. After a couple of turns at Enterprise South Nature Park, a change of scenery was welcomed.  

My follow Scott's Bicycle Centre Race Team mate, Beth Lofgen, had an undesirable obligation (aka...a job) which prevented her from joining me this year. I set out to find another strong woman, who would be willing to ride into the wee hours of the night. I knew who to ask, Christine Yario Warren. It took a couple times but she finally gave in. I think she agreed in order to shut me up. Christine is FAST!!! She beat me at 2016 Snake by 15 minutes! Go back and read the February 2016 blogs about The Snake, you will see her beastliness mentioned.  Now, armed with a bad-ass partner, it was time to race!

The day started with some great family time during the TYMBR (TN Youth Mountain Bike Race) event. All three of my kids decided to race. I didn't think the girls were going to commit. After days of "maybe," they finally said yes (maybe they were tired of me asking too). Nerves were high! Brady had some make up to do. He had not  been training as he should, and his race times were showing it. Wrestling season had taken a toll, and he wanted a break (a well earned and deserved break).  Athleticism only goes so far and he was learning it.  Before this race, he spent time at Booker T doing hill repeats on the dreaded Ivy Hill.  He figured out how to clear the roots on the climb which made me incredibly proud. He set a race plan: pass on the hill...on foot or in the pedals, pass!  At the start of Brady's race, he was fourth into the woods...not good at Booker.  Tight, old school, trail with more roots than dirt doesn't offer many opportunities to pass.  I hoped he would stick to his plan.  The race course took him out of our sight for a while. Inside, I was worried about him.  But, there was a sweeper and a couple course marshals...HE WILL BE OKAY, HE WILL BE OKAY.  I was on the course with Haley when the first racer emerged from the tree line.  Craig was there cheering on all the racers.  (He could be heard over the crowd, let's just call him loud.)  Brady was not in front, but he was close.  He finished a strong second.  His race plan had paid off.  He was in 4th place at the base of Ivy Hill, he passed two racers on the climb and held his position.  He is starting to race with his head and his body, not just pure muscle power.

An one mile loop was crafted for the younger age classes.  My Molly is not a podium chaser, but it does not deter her from giving 100% effort. She drives through the pain and challenge.  She is GIRL POWER!  Words cannot explain my pride for her!  Molly is starting to race, instead of riding with her friends.  If she will keep at it, her "no for an answer" attitude will pay off. She finished her race with a smile (kinda).

Haley, too, fights for each foot of trail.  At a whopping 50 lbs, her bike weighs close to 50% of her body weight.  Just has the biking industry is attempting to address the lack of women's specific bikes, it too needs to take notice of weight of youth bikes.  For what Haley lacks in size and power, she makes up for in determination and fire!  Never has a crash, race distance or finishing placement influenced her during a race.  This race was no different; except, she was racing with her BEST FRIEND FOREVER EVER.  The two of them are cut from the same fabric.  They stayed together throughout the race and shared post race woes.  Friendships forged within challenging times, are forged forever...or in their case forever ever.

With the youth race concluded, it was time for the evening of fun to start. My dad came to park and picked the kids up. They were going to spend the rest of the evening relaxing at our house while Craig and I took our bike lights into the night. YES...Craig did race! He was another one that I had to push into "saying yes to the race". We set up our staging area in a prime location amongst our friends. The night was going to be cold. Thank goodness for Eric Lee, he brought a patio heater...an oasis of warmth!  

I drew the short straw, first lap was in my hands which included the parade lap area...up the hill, around the tree and though the mud to the trailhead, we went!  At least this meant I had one good lap without lights. My strategy was to go out fast and stay up front. We had some TOUGH competition. The other women's duo was a petite and powerful combination of bad-ass mountain biking ladies.

I wiggled my way to the front of the mass start line up. I wanted to have a much room as possible in front of me. Going into the woods I had a good lead. My heart was pounding, I began to think that maybe I had pushed it too hard on that initial hill. I was still in control of my breathing, worked on bringing my heart rate down. I started to feel better after a few hundred yards of single track. Then disaster struck! In a smooth, simple turn I was suddenly on the ground!! WHAT THE.....! Not only was I on the ground, but I had another racer and his bike were laying on top of me!..WTH!  Quick systems check, everything was working. The other team went flying by...dang it! He must have scrubbed me..rubbing is racin', we all know that; however, crashing early in a race takes the wind out of the sails. I had lost our advantage, so I pulled myself together...got back into the race! As I continued on that rooty tight trail, I realized that something wasn't just right. Fellow racers...Um, either your wheel's through axle is about to fall out or your wheel is a taco salad. I replied, commonly, "thank you, just crashed." In my head I was screaming, "dammit, I did not look a the back wheel!"

Finishing that lap was not easy! Had to slow down, attempted to manage the roots and bumps while minimizing the damage. I crossed the start/finish line and got off.... holy, mother of all things wavy!..that wheel had move curves than me. Thank goodness for Erik Hunt with Owens Cyclery and Mike Skiles with Suck Creek Bicycles for the neutral pit support. A few kicks and unpleasant sounding hits to my wheel and it was in relative working order...relatively!  Plan "B" was not necessary...bike share program with my team mate...thank goodness!

The next two laps were rough but uneventful. I was able to clean Ivy Hill twice! The last lap I was just plain too whooped to power over the roots...no shame in hike-a-bike. As I came in from my third lap I was done...like not going back out, done!  My thighs were literally screaming at me.  Christine agreed, time to enjoy the evening and good food provided by the Vixens.  

Remember I convinced Craig to race? Well he had a great race! Counterclockwise at Booker is not his favorite direction, but he finishing 1st in his class.  We don't have many opportunities to race together.  I could not be more proud of him. I think he enjoyed it more than he would admit.  If it wasn't for the cramping, he might have enjoyed it more.

When I was done, Craig and I both headed up to the pavilion; there were massage therapist and food were waiting. Both, I desperately needed. My thighs were rock hard, tight from all the climbing.  After some convincing, I actually got Craig to lay still for a leg massage...he has issues with strangers touching him which I am total fine with :).  It was worth it, he could walk again. Bellies full and muscles relaxed, we loaded our gear and enjoyed the festivities.  Christine and I finished 2nd to Emily Pullen and Hannah Reed, those ladies are FAST!...Seven laps!

Thank you to SORBA Chattanooga for helping prepare the trails.  Booker is old school, it tests bike handling skills, especially at night.  Big thanks to the Velo Vixens, volunteers and fellow racers for a great race...even the guy that landed on me. I look forward to next years race.

With new XXX race wheels from the guys at Scott's Bikes and Trek, I competed at the 3/6 hour Fort Yargo race this past weekend.  Be on the look out for that blog post...soon, I hope!

Ladies, always check your back wheel.  No one wants to see your taco salad!

#MTBINPEARLS

Mountain Biking Mom

Girls Rule!

I attended a Sue Haywood Clinic...ROCKED MY WORLD! As part of the Year of Me (turning 40), Craig has been pushing me to find 12 exciting experiences before the big day. I have been wanting to attend an all women's mountain bike clinic for some time now. I jumped on the opportunity to learn from Sue Haywood with the added bonus of visiting Mulberry Gap.

I have to admit, I was a little nervous at first. No one else from Chattanooga was attending...flying solo. As a closet introvert with tendencies of nervous talking and uncomfortable giggling (official diagnosis), I flashed back to high school...the new girl...strangers...which lunch table...oh no, am I one of the cool kids...FREAKING OUT!  It is the Year of Me...new experiences...stuck my neck out there, registered for the group cabin.  Doin' this!

Did I mention...I was going to Mulberry Gap!!! One of my most favoritest get-a-way locations!  Getting to hang out with women who are as crazy about mountain biking as I am...could not wait! Still nervous, but at least we all speak the common language of bikes.

The packing started on the Tuesday before, everyone I know takes 3 days to pack, don't you...I blame the Eagle Scout in the house..."are you packed yet?"  Gear bag checked, riding clothes were washed, everything was going smooth until...THE WEATHER CHANNEL!..Rain, damn it! No this cannot be! I convinced myself to sleep in the same room with strangers...rain, rain, go away!  Alright...breathe, we live in the South and weathermen are 20% right, 20% of the time.  I'll gave it until Friday, the forecast was going to change!  It did...kinda!

As always, the guys at Scott's Bicycle Centre had my bike ready to roll.  Never a worry with Doug and the gang.  It needed a good comb over after the Velo Vixens' Night Shift Race (blog post pending, just so excited to tell y'all about the clinic).  An advanced camp, required an advanced bike.  My Trek Top Fuel 9.8(.5) handled the trails like a champ!

Friday came, weather was looking better-ish. Rain might hold off for at least one day. "Just give me enough time to learn how to wheelie!"  On my way down to Mulberry Gap, I was pondering what the other women would be like, where they traveled from, will there be a loud snorer in the cabin (I had my hammock and a rain fly, just in case I needed to bail).  Upon arriving, I saw a few other women filing in...just stay cool and don't look them in the eyes!  At check in I got a key, a key?...WAIT A DANG SECOND...a small cabin?!  You mean, no scary Orange is the New Black moments over who gets the top bunk..the weekend was awesome!  A group of guys from Missouri had rented out the bunkhouse!  Awe...privacy, no children, badass women screaming into camp after afternoon rides on the Pinhoti's...Let me say it again, this weekend was awesome!

No time to ride that evening.. :(  BUT, it was dinner time!  Never arrive at Mulberry Gap with a full belly, amazing home cooked meals and plenty of it. I met several of the ladies at dinner...lunch room table fear concurred!  Atlanta was the most popular hometown, one from Nashville, another from Asheville and I finally met Shanna, THE Endless Bike Girl!  I always see crazy pictures of her fairy wings, cool socks and all, on social media.  Single speeders rave over her bike cogs. Celebrity moment for sure!  We got a tentative schedule from Sue after dinner and everyone headed back to there cabins. WAIT...no group socialization? No camp fire shenanigans? I guess I was not the only one nervous about meeting new people.

My roommate arrived after dinner. We hit it off from the start!  She, too, was a medical professional.  We spent the evening nerding out on medical industry conversation, but not too deeply, we had mountain bikes to ride in the morning.

Saturday morning breakfast was Aaaamazing (I seem to be talking about food a lot)! Good nutrition for a day on the bike, a must! Water bottles were filled, crafty name tags made (of course I wrote my name really small and stuck it on my helmet, just like a good introvert would do), we are ready for some schoolin'. Scott's Bike Shop did a great job setting my bike up. I passed bike check with flying colors. Levers and shifter were all well placed, no adjustments needed.  Ready to shred!

Next, ride position check:  Lesson #1 - I do not hold my arms the right way. Elbows out! (crap,...shhh, he has been right the whole time, no one tell "him"). 

Onto riding: Ready position, moving around in the cockpit of the bike (that's right, biking is so cool we get to sit in a cockpit just like a fighter pilot...minus the wings, missiles, plane and engines...but it is still a cockpit!), braking (for weenies), and leaning the bike. Oh, leaning the bike. I have been working on that technique for a while . It has been my Achilles heel. Stop turning and start leaning! So much to work on at home. Note to self, buy small cones for home practice. Plus it will be a great way to get the kids working on skills too!

Next, bunny hops, wheel lifts (both front and back)...super fun.  On to WHEELIES...oh, no wheelies, but I want to learn how to wheelie! A few pointers were given for practicing a wheelie but we ran out of time. What a fun filled morning. Great instruction and support was handed out. I felt so inspired as I started to see some of these women feel more comfortable with their bike.

After lunch we headed to some of my most favorite, yet rarely, visited trails; Bear Creek, Pinhoti 1 and Pinhoti 2. During previous visits to Mulbarry Gap, I have always ridden the 5 mile climb to the top of Bear Creek. Not this time, we had a shuttle! Catch ya next time CLIMB. 

We started on the Bear Creek Spur. Practice time on gnarly switchbacks. I have not been able to clear the two on Bear Creek. Hike-a-bike in shame, but no more, time to clean them.  After watching Sue and two others, ride clear the first one, I took a deep breath and pedaled down. Eyes up, looked ahead, leaned the bike, butt was back, heels were down, used both brakes. I started into the righthand turn feeling balanced, under control, but then I felt my back wheel start to slide. Okay...no biggie! Kept looking up, looked where I was going. UMPH, my back wheel bucked up right in the apex of the turn, threw me slightly off line, but kept looking up resisting the urge to bail...ahhh TREE! Brake, gain control!  Letting the training take over.  I found myself leaning against a tree at the bottom of the switchback. I made it! A little out of control, but I made it. Sue chimes in "Great job! Remember to breath." Need to add breath to my prep list.

Several women were not quite sure if they wanted to attempt the tight off camber turn. One young lady, who was obviously a little intimidated, decided to put her fears aside and go for it. I was so proud of her!! She went into the right hand turn very well balance. Then, at the same place I had lost control, she starts to slide, ugh, she hit her brakes, gained some control and then, in slow motion, her back wheel started to buck up, she leans forward, BAM, just like that she was tumbling down the side of the hill. Shoot, I thought she was going to recover. Within seconds, several ladies were at her side, helping her up, collecting her bike and gear. She was quick to her feet and looking good. Phew, no need for nursing skills....Oh wait..."um, Noel, could you please come check out this cut?" Alright, taking off my helmet and putting the nursing hat on. I approached the group on the ground. Oh damn! Is that fatty tissue pocking out??? Yep, that was one deep "scratch."  That was going to leave a mark!  After flushing out the wound, we apply a wet to dry bandage with bits and pieces from the first aid kit in Shana's never ending supply pack. Moved to triage and insure she didn't have any other unnoticed injuries. She checks out otherwise unscathed. Alright back to biking for the rest of us...she was heading to the Ellijay hospital.  Mountain biking isn't for wimps!

The rest of the ride is fairly uneventful; seriously fun singletrack! Fast down hills with roots and rocks, creek crossings, uphill ascents with punchy climbs. What a BLAST! Re-energized and feeling the smooth movements of my bike as I LEANed into the turns, I found a new groove. It was all about flow. We headed back to camp for shower and dinner.

Sunday proved to be a little different than planned. A downpour had started Saturday night and didn't let up. :( No riding on Sunday. We set up shop in the Gathering Barn to turn lemons into lemonade.   With all the bikes gathered we set to taking wheels off and on, playing with suspension presser and rebound adjustments. The most impressive item on the docket was Shanna's pack, the woman carries literally everything in the pack. I swear she could survive the end of the world with that thing.  Who needs an American Express, when you have a pack like that...NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT.

I left the weekend feeling pumped, enlightened and ready to get more women educated on the basics of mountain biking. I really want to share the joy of freedom, accomplishment and independence the bike provides to us. I wish my personality allowed me the luxury of being unpredictable and spontaneous. If it did, I would quit my job tomorrow and start helping fellow female mountain bikers become more comfortable with a bike. Thank you Sue and Shanna! You are two very inspiring women who know how to pass on the inspiration to SHRED LIKE A GIRL!

Stay tuned in for my next blog post...going retro.  Well not really, just writing about my last race before my next race which is coming up this week.