tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12571267854130526792024-03-05T04:08:11.885-08:00The Sweet HammerVicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-53074682398749657762014-03-31T11:48:00.000-07:002014-03-31T11:48:09.184-07:00US Cup<div class="MsoNormal">
Race season is back, and so are my wee race stories!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I decided to race the early 2014 US Cup/ProXCT races as soon as
they were announced, because I really like having early season race goals to push me in
training during the winter months. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Texas:</b> Mellow Johnny’s is one of my favorite races, but due
to a number of mechanical issues, I was unable to finish the race (bummer!). I
was then sick for few days after the race, which was frustrating, but I decided
to be really patient and take a few days off the bike to completely recover.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>California:</b> I raced Bonelli 2 year’s ago, and I remember it
being a constant barrage of short steep climbs, followed by quick descents with
little, to no recovery. Pre-riding the course it had changed from 2
year’s ago, with even more climbing (I think one of the climbs was a 25% gradient!) and with
some technical features thrown in, which definitely added more of a fun element. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEaMtKoALmb1OroSfQ4ok8J4yZen_h9j1Er5CG0gFZbme22g7E_LTuJKHuxMzu2QLsC3CdMe26xY4ze1S936TYovVMxHrh-3tvqHJOeehsj5tI4KPk55g4Ozc4owuudfyWznINT8C5ZIO/s1600/vicki+xc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEaMtKoALmb1OroSfQ4ok8J4yZen_h9j1Er5CG0gFZbme22g7E_LTuJKHuxMzu2QLsC3CdMe26xY4ze1S936TYovVMxHrh-3tvqHJOeehsj5tI4KPk55g4Ozc4owuudfyWznINT8C5ZIO/s1600/vicki+xc.jpg" height="261" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race focus</td></tr>
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Race day was extremely hot. After the start loop, I found
myself dangling off the lead group, chasing my teammate Nina. I had avoided an
early crash, so expected some of the faster (read: Olympian) ladies to pass me
on one of the early climbs. I was still in a good position, however, when we
turned on to the 25% grade climb on the backside of the course. But as soon as the climb started to pitch up I had absolutely no power in my legs, my breathing was heavy, and I was
wheezing. UGH. About 8-10 women passed me, and there was nothing I could do. I never
recovered, and felt progressively worse as the race went on. I was pulled after
3 laps. I have never been pulled in a race before, so I was very disappointed. </div>
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On my recovery spin, I still felt my chest super tight. I have made some
headway this winter with trying to sort out my asthma/allergy problems. I feel
like they have been getting worse each year that I live in the USA. Last year I felt
like I was never 100%, with bad bursts during Whiskey 50 and TSEpic. I have
seen a sports doc about the asthma side of things, but I am eager to see an
allergy specialist. Sometimes it’s all too easy to focus on the training and numbers,
and ignore the other things that can make you a faster bike racer, like
allergy problems, or ensuring your bike is working the best it can. I am going
to try and be a better all-round athlete this year!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bonelli short track on Sunday was even hotter, but I was
determined to re-deem myself, and have a better race. This was my first short
track race, and I loved it. I finished 18<sup>th</sup>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in the mix for at least the first 5 laps,
but drifted back as the efforts went up. Boy, did my lungs hurt afterwards,
like they had been burnt!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXjA_UVVeE2iJ7fbnAz32LxYoEMLeAs9j2APLA3NIg9hNBilrNE3W__rDlWNpW4sH8hpB_9RZOfAV4o4cIUAd0F0hLeQb1kbMYeZWrE87S8AOHVXFJDvbOGT34pP_mdk1d-Elanunlvc-/s1600/vicki_st.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXjA_UVVeE2iJ7fbnAz32LxYoEMLeAs9j2APLA3NIg9hNBilrNE3W__rDlWNpW4sH8hpB_9RZOfAV4o4cIUAd0F0hLeQb1kbMYeZWrE87S8AOHVXFJDvbOGT34pP_mdk1d-Elanunlvc-/s1600/vicki_st.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving Bonelli short track</td></tr>
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I spent the following week in LA at Kenny’s dad’s house,
with Kenny and our newest team member Ben Sonntang. We took it relatively easy, with lots of coffee
shop rides, Fontana pre-rides, and a visit to Crankbrothers. The offices at
Crankbrothers at Laguna Beach are very nice; artsy yet functional. There were
dusty bikes everywhere, attesting to the fact that these guys test and ride
their products. It was very nice to see product testing going on.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9P3yJ18bK4bs66YJ-wSPye5H59hmrAcYr0Hdwz6ohzSdFQjcOEfmD0AZ51fGwrtzBxhOcY9XU-zJbOtbZQpYqZoY6dqAI3rtkXx3ANfjgy7LnSKZMf7UtMTFLzfbU9Bw4PHKBTvj1k9R/s1600/StansNoTubes_Crankbrothers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9P3yJ18bK4bs66YJ-wSPye5H59hmrAcYr0Hdwz6ohzSdFQjcOEfmD0AZ51fGwrtzBxhOcY9XU-zJbOtbZQpYqZoY6dqAI3rtkXx3ANfjgy7LnSKZMf7UtMTFLzfbU9Bw4PHKBTvj1k9R/s1600/StansNoTubes_Crankbrothers.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Kenny laughing at Crankbrothers as I accidentally pinched his bum! </div>
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Photo: Bill Freeman, Crankbrothers</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0tWITWbutOa_CnNIEetoYI9WOvzjYHjWbOVGw19rtPrP-8GlRt-tK1jzuYs2Ui_WIyqf__iBRrAuG9kiCjZySZnRr8743aKoZ_VqKqMzd_tlAjxJ9AGCY5Z3T_JDAghNMCFB6s8jdUBb/s1600/VickiBarclay_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0tWITWbutOa_CnNIEetoYI9WOvzjYHjWbOVGw19rtPrP-8GlRt-tK1jzuYs2Ui_WIyqf__iBRrAuG9kiCjZySZnRr8743aKoZ_VqKqMzd_tlAjxJ9AGCY5Z3T_JDAghNMCFB6s8jdUBb/s1600/VickiBarclay_01.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Pre-riding Fontana. Photo: Bill Freeman, Crankbrothers</td></tr>
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Cheryl arrived on Thursday. It was lovely to have her around. I was relieved the weather had cooled off some for our pre-ride, and with lower temps forecasted for the weekend.</div>
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Race day rolled around again, I got another good start, but was being so overly cautious on the climbs. I was petrified of blowing up and wheezing. I rode a pretty consistent race, but never felt like I pushed myself, which is also frustrating at the end of a race. I finished one spot behind Nina in 27<sup>th </sup>in a stellar field, but lots to work on.</div>
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Sunday short track was a very rubbly course. My start, I
have to say, was AWESOME! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqncMvLvc1_pNQDfIAmrnT4KWnMBBLp_tC01f5c_tUUwXg5iHJXSd3aJBCbXw5BzwE02Q8tA8s1eHfXvcV-mrp7Wby0nv1PZ8lhTV6DYsiY0vSrlpuCZMLepRi-Le2YEF3wRfXQ1m7SMB/s1600/IMG_0179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqncMvLvc1_pNQDfIAmrnT4KWnMBBLp_tC01f5c_tUUwXg5iHJXSd3aJBCbXw5BzwE02Q8tA8s1eHfXvcV-mrp7Wby0nv1PZ8lhTV6DYsiY0vSrlpuCZMLepRi-Le2YEF3wRfXQ1m7SMB/s1600/IMG_0179.jpg" height="278" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Short track. Yes, this was me in 4th place ahead of some very fast women! Just need to maintain it</td></tr>
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I luckily found myself behind Katerina Nash on the start line,
followed her wheel, and was in 4<sup>th</sup> place behind Nash, Gould and
Batty for the first 2 laps. I could barely contain myself. All I was thinking
was, I hope someone gets a photo of this!! I felt great for 3 laps, but then
went from the front to the back….rapidly. At least I showed to myself that I have
the potential to be up front, if I can just work on maintaining my power, and not freaking out that I am up there with the bets of them.</div>
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The trip was again another huge learning experience racing against some of the the best in the world. You have to be 100% mentally and physically ready, which is kind of difficult coming from an east coast winter.</div>
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Back home in Pennsylvania now, looking forward to spring and
the next round of races.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thanks for checking in (I know, it's been a while!)</div>
Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-85353737703906640922013-08-21T11:54:00.001-07:002013-08-21T12:00:38.688-07:00NUE Hampshire 100<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Even though it’s August, and the mountain bike season is
supposed to be winding down, I am still really, really excited about racing my
bike! Usually once the Wilderness 101 is over, I am less than excited about
racing. This year, I am trying to fit in as many races as I can before the
season officially ends. Last week I could barely sleep from excitement thinking
about the Hampshire 100. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 13.0pt;">On Friday, I drove to MA and stayed with Karen Potter (Mountain
Bike Racing News) and her adorable pug, Bruschi. I have raced Karen in a fair
few NUE races over the years. She is a super strong rider, and always had a
talent for turning it on in the last few miles (often passing me!). She was
great to race against and always had me riding scared! This year she is taking a break from the 100 milers, so
it was great to catch up since I haven’t seen her all year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Lucida Grande;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">I raced Hampshire 100 last year, so I wasn’t too stressed about pre-riding etc. The course is full of short, punchy and loose
singletrack and doubletrack climbs. Some say it’s akin to a really long
cross-country race. I have been very happy on my Scalpel for the 100 milers
this year, as the rear suspension allows me to climb singletrack using less
energy, and relax more when descending than on a </span><span style="font-size: 17px;">hard tail</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> Little did I know just how essential that would be during this race. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Come Saturday, I took my sweet little time getting up to NH. I had
arranged to stay in a cute farmhouse with Jukka, a colleague from work who won
the masters race at W101. It was actually part of a working farm, where hoards
of children were staying. We only had to go up to the main building (with all the children) for dinner,
which was animal meat and veg from the farm. It was adorable. I really like New
England. It feels familiar (like England perhaps?!), but also very foreign.
Jukka (who is from Finland) thinks it looks like Scandinavia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DlCUZSQVM5IBG5QT3BEvudoF7X_5rhNKCp0fVunwuw2aO3GSbxnItRQr8R1o5A4SntGv25V9dMrM7mZ-M4yLoGZvta3w1a9ttwrMD-H4IZXY9897gJfORxU3QxhOW7MKNfmdbiN1FxSK/s1600/Jukka_Vicki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DlCUZSQVM5IBG5QT3BEvudoF7X_5rhNKCp0fVunwuw2aO3GSbxnItRQr8R1o5A4SntGv25V9dMrM7mZ-M4yLoGZvta3w1a9ttwrMD-H4IZXY9897gJfORxU3QxhOW7MKNfmdbiN1FxSK/s320/Jukka_Vicki.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vicki and Jukka</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 13pt;">When Sunday morning rolled around, I was still excited to get
going, which is a good thing. For me, there is nothing worse than being on the
start line, minutes before the gun goes off, and the “why am I here?” thought
creeps across my mind (ok, this usually only happens at ‘cross races!).</span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 13.0pt;">The race started pretty fast as usual, and I managed to hop on
some fast wheels with a bunch of guys, including Jukka. Everything seemed to be
going well, and I was comfortably sitting in first place, until about 25 miles
in when I went to shift my rear derailleur; I was stuck in the hardest gear.
Don’t panic, right? I tried to manually move my chain up to an easier gear, and
check to see if the derailleur was actually broken. It wasn’t broken, but the
cable had snapped. After pushing my bike up some of the steeper trails (and
realizing exactly why the race is known for being un-singlespeeder friendly!),
a very nice gentleman in a Hammer Nutrition kit, and singlespeeder Scott Green,
stopped to help me loosen the bolt, move the gearing up a little, tighten the
bolt again and tie away the loose cable. This worked for a little while, and at
least I could power up most of the climbs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 13.0pt;">I kept eating and drinking, knowing that I could easily blow up later
in the race if I exerted too much energy, and didn’t keep a check on my calorie
consumption. I was taking on GU chomps and Elete electroltyes, with plenty water. This has been working really well for me this year, with little gastric distress during or after the race. I did start to feel a wee bit weary, however, just as Scott passed me again
and commented that the gearing had slipped back to the hardest gear, uggg, no wonder my legs and back were screaming! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 13.0pt;">I stopped at the aid station around the 50-mile mark, and tried again to secure an easier gearing, but even the mechanic was struggling to get the
chain to stick higher up. I usually spend <30 seconds at aid stations; today, I was off my bike, chatting with the spectators and actually ate half a
banana! By this point I realized that I was fully committed to finishing the
race with two gears: one </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 17px;">really, really hard gear (big ring up the front), or one really hard (small ring up the front). Yes, two speed for 75 miles.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Once I settled into the rhythm of the bike and what I was dealing with for the day, I actually started having a lot of fun, challenging myself up
climbs, and not being able to wuss out and spin at any point. Plus, it always helps when you are riding in first. Thom Parsons caught up to me in the singletrack towards the end of he 100K loop. He asked
why I was riding my bike like a gorilla! His interview of me can be found here: <a href="http://dirtwire.tv/2013/08/h100-vicky-barclay-hiking-and-riding-her-bike-uphill-like-a-gorilla-2/">http://dirtwire.tv/2013/08/h100-vicky-barclay-hiking-and-riding-her-bike-uphill-like-a-gorilla-2/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 13.0pt;">I know what your thinking, why didn’t I replace my cable and
housing before the race? Truthfully, it was replaced 3 weeks ago. I think it
was just bad luck (and maybe I shouldn’t have been so stubborn and ridden some
of the mud bogs, and put strain on the derailleur/cable).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Thankfully I managed to hold on to first place, and was even
more happy than usual to see the finish line. Congratulation to Liz Chabot Allen on a stellar 2nd place finish too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1BgfLtXMGsEBAuvWGUg3cGFZB1k0H-Kc8SXzoUtJtmpDLuY4-I4xe8TH2jyX8AYebhGNSRhIYPwZcGmPeVwMEwommUzbN6q3EknP4rAhxvfbt_m0ZptWpVYdg_LDjy_0ZNDGS_UQWPdg/s1600/women_s_open_podium_dsc02971_150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1BgfLtXMGsEBAuvWGUg3cGFZB1k0H-Kc8SXzoUtJtmpDLuY4-I4xe8TH2jyX8AYebhGNSRhIYPwZcGmPeVwMEwommUzbN6q3EknP4rAhxvfbt_m0ZptWpVYdg_LDjy_0ZNDGS_UQWPdg/s1600/women_s_open_podium_dsc02971_150.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women's podium Hampshire 100. Photo credit: Lowell Von Ruden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 13pt;">What I find so fulfilling from racing this year, is the number of people
that comment on how our Stan’s Women’s Elite Team are present at so many races,
across the country. Sue mentioned this recently on the twittersphere, and I
hear a lot of comments too from people like “you guys are everywhere!” Now that’s
cool!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 13.0pt;">I am hoping my burning enthusiasm keeps on burning towards
Shenandoah in 2 weeks. Before that, I plan to race Mike Kuhn’s, Stan’s NoTubes
sponsored, Rattlin’ 50 event this Saturday in PA. The course is ubber technical
(yes!), and the proceeds go towards developing PA trails. It doesn’t get much
better than that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Thanks for reading!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-68186611164346008602013-07-30T13:37:00.002-07:002013-07-30T13:37:44.227-07:00NUE Wilderness 101
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100 mile racing takes patience. Good job I am a patient
person!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Twenty miles into the Wilderness 101, I was, as they
say, contemplating life and the sanity of racing such distances. I had been
spat out the back of 2 groups on the road after the first climb, and
Kathleen Harding had managed to get away.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Luckily, Rich was riding really well, caught up, and
reminded me to eat. So I happily chewed down a packet of watermelon GU Chomps
(YUM), and bided my time until my legs came around.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbgkbCINo8T38PXK9x4S5xv4z3qPbe-iu21Q189sd2qvOMOZXPFTfmYdTUlOmaNc2fHTcMctCFqU0Sh4R9vDerBhKCekccRRIRG-jKQLVIBUihzLoKRR4pqRZbErxNPYrSnRdf4IIDQ4h/s1600/vicki_barclay_amazes_the_crowd_on_the_rocks_after_3_bridges_photo_mike_bush_stansnotubes_150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbgkbCINo8T38PXK9x4S5xv4z3qPbe-iu21Q189sd2qvOMOZXPFTfmYdTUlOmaNc2fHTcMctCFqU0Sh4R9vDerBhKCekccRRIRG-jKQLVIBUihzLoKRR4pqRZbErxNPYrSnRdf4IIDQ4h/s1600/vicki_barclay_amazes_the_crowd_on_the_rocks_after_3_bridges_photo_mike_bush_stansnotubes_150.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving the rocks as usual. Photo: Mike Bush</td></tr>
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When I got to Aid Station #2, my friend Cathy DeSanto was
there to hand me bottles (such a great benefit of a local race, thanks cathy!), but looked concerned and told me the radio had told
the aid station I had dropped out. I thought to myself, yeah, I’m feeling a
little off, but there’s no way I would drop out!! Unfortunately, Rich had come
through the aid station a minute ahead of me, had received the same
information, and told Kathleen when she passed him on the next climb. What a
palaver!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I rode steadily up the next climb. When I passed one of the
guys that had shot off ahead of me earlier, he said “consistency pays off!!”.
Yes! From there on, I felt very strong, trying my best to rip the down hills
and stay relaxed and focused on the ups. I did feel terrible when I passed
Kathleen and she was totally confused as she had thought I had dropped out.
Sorry dear friend!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The course was a little different this year for various
reasons, but I think everybody agreed, it was for the better. The rocky singletrack
was super fun (of course), and getting more of the climbing out of the way in
the middle meant we avoided the dreaded Mingle climb near the end. Thanks to all
you landowners, who opened up land for us to pass through at the end of the
race.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysOf81c6tEEwrPEFPg8ClSEmU0JhhZsRz8C7hrsG3ACrjyO1MYiXUk29_k0dUafnYaYo3jOCgMYyaN6TNgPvMGVhlLyWypmhoNGwPv8o-A4Tl9c-mai2B8qAnKfGiqdyv-72nIKMwWSvU/s1600/vicki_barclay_rolls_three_bridges_early_on_the_course_in_2nd_place_behind_kathleen_harding_team_cf_photo_bob_popovich_150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysOf81c6tEEwrPEFPg8ClSEmU0JhhZsRz8C7hrsG3ACrjyO1MYiXUk29_k0dUafnYaYo3jOCgMYyaN6TNgPvMGVhlLyWypmhoNGwPv8o-A4Tl9c-mai2B8qAnKfGiqdyv-72nIKMwWSvU/s1600/vicki_barclay_rolls_three_bridges_early_on_the_course_in_2nd_place_behind_kathleen_harding_team_cf_photo_bob_popovich_150.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding the three bridges. Photo: Bob Popovich</td></tr>
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I went on to finish in first place!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bJSQWHKduVHN7ME00uvVuJS7STmTkVbuf8g75NNHyYjzLCiHIjMljCrmDcmKraH22-zSsP4_FO_ILx7JZG7vWdH6D9TDhEKbiZ725X5yqILEXh30S3ePhfxeZdENI3dAQWN37B39uWUV/s1600/W101+Women's+Podium+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bJSQWHKduVHN7ME00uvVuJS7STmTkVbuf8g75NNHyYjzLCiHIjMljCrmDcmKraH22-zSsP4_FO_ILx7JZG7vWdH6D9TDhEKbiZ725X5yqILEXh30S3ePhfxeZdENI3dAQWN37B39uWUV/s320/W101+Women's+Podium+2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Podium! Photo: Bob Popovich</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Interview by the talented Thom Parsons from DirtWire can be found here:</span></div>
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<a href="http://dirtwire.tv/2013/07/w101-womens-winner-vicki-barclay-my-cunning-plan-came-true/">http://dirtwire.tv/2013/07/w101-womens-winner-vicki-barclay-my-cunning-plan-came-true/</a></div>
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After now attending countless 100 milers, I have to say that
Chris Scott puts on <b>the most well-run events out there</b>. That is one of the only
reasons I am again contemplating racing the Shenandoah 100 in September! I have
such a love/hate relationship with that race! I never seem to have good luck. Maybe this year will be different?!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The other reason I am contemplating the race, is that I will be
able to run the Kenda Honey Badger tire up the front!!! I have been training on
the Honey Badger on my Stan’s Crest Wheels and I am amazed at how much more
confident I am at descending and cornering on that tire. It would be the perfect tire, in my opinion, for
the Shenandoah 100. So hook ‘er up!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-21398743367852169732013-07-29T10:55:00.003-07:002013-07-29T12:14:36.736-07:00British Cross Country National Champs<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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After been married for only 3 weeks, and still not a
USA resident (which takes so much time and paper work!) I was unable to race US
cross country nationals in PA (what a bummer, love that course), so decided to take
a shot at British nationals instead. For once the race was to be held in
Scotland on the 2014 Commonwealth Games course, so it was a great chance to
stay at my parents house before racing, and enjoy having my mum and some
friends there to watch.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I was slightly apprehensive about how the race would go as I
seem to have been unlucky over the past few months with different types of
colds/chest infections. I also ended up in hospital the night after the wedding
with near-septicemia, after a bug or a thorn punctured my knee at some point
during the wedding (maybe during the photographs), which resulted in a nasty
infection with a red tracking line moving rapidly up my body towards my heart!
A couple of days on IV antibiotics followed by a week of oral antibiotics were
not doing my system any favors.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I arrived in Scotland on Thursday before Sunday’s race. Once
I had recovered from the jet lag, I made the short trip from Edinburgh through
to Glasgow to check out the course. It was nothing like the trails I was
previously used to riding in Scotland before I moved to the US, and a far cry
from my natural habitat amongst the rocks in PA: it was smooth gravel trail
with the odd drop worked into a “A” line route. Despite it being completely
different and my pre-race nerves, I was super excited to be racing in the
national championships!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lsT_Gv9H4HLuSowFduHIl7reixBN437PuR7RAiVwQCWOu372KXuI1xDXPqLtYA-ZNJHvcYlux3LmxeQ1I68YY0ei7JjHVBtPiSZ4999or_wFqDfiWRj3_nOuALAeI-xFrwn6tPOzE1Iw/s1600/DSC_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lsT_Gv9H4HLuSowFduHIl7reixBN437PuR7RAiVwQCWOu372KXuI1xDXPqLtYA-ZNJHvcYlux3LmxeQ1I68YY0ei7JjHVBtPiSZ4999or_wFqDfiWRj3_nOuALAeI-xFrwn6tPOzE1Iw/s320/DSC_0129.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "double dipper"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 Commonwealth Games course</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
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Scotland has been experiencing a heat wave this summer (even
I had to admit it was warm), but I prefer to race in warmer temperatures so was
pleased to see the temps in the 20’s (<sup>o</sup>C) on Sunday. The race
started at a blistering pace, and I managed to stick with a group of three
other girls for a short while. They actually gaped me on a downhill section
called the “double dipper”, which was a long section of steep berms with two
lanes. The trick to going fast, I noted, was to launch the jumps. I was on
the brakes too much, and would definitely love to go back and spend more time
practicing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64psHSXd5wlqd2kqx4XZ0geFvOLcFJw443Bu0zgv7b5gdYshxYhK-_ukThgzPHhVD0Hmjc7Yx3IAotI-O0W8-IvAWW_SuudzMpfI-qy2YTDkAXeZ55-m5Dh9D77ThaoPNQXY3GjTuq1F8/s1600/DSC_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64psHSXd5wlqd2kqx4XZ0geFvOLcFJw443Bu0zgv7b5gdYshxYhK-_ukThgzPHhVD0Hmjc7Yx3IAotI-O0W8-IvAWW_SuudzMpfI-qy2YTDkAXeZ55-m5Dh9D77ThaoPNQXY3GjTuq1F8/s320/DSC_0126.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Team!</td></tr>
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I had great support at the race with my mum and friend Katie
Logan there waving Scottish flags and honking a big horn. It made me laugh
every time I passed them! Mum’s friend Roger was there to take photos, and my
sister’s neighbor who also races, fed me at the feed zone. What a team!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I was happy to cross the line in 9<sup>th</sup> place at
nationals! Being in the top 10 means that I will also get some UCI points,
which is always nice for future races.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuJrpG4eWKTer1b5mZuvwcI8Zjk1KH_y-YGjUNVq_bF7IspvBFECfEN2-vfSfreqh-bHuXwKXreYSl-W1uon3dxS5y98Bu3xoQexcF0iWSOgXo3sBv6m4CHFcykM679qLyivefqj0BCDn/s1600/DSC_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuJrpG4eWKTer1b5mZuvwcI8Zjk1KH_y-YGjUNVq_bF7IspvBFECfEN2-vfSfreqh-bHuXwKXreYSl-W1uon3dxS5y98Bu3xoQexcF0iWSOgXo3sBv6m4CHFcykM679qLyivefqj0BCDn/s320/DSC_0125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a few days in Scotland doing some work and catching up
with friends, I flew back to the USA on Wednesday, in time to race the National
Ultra Endurance (NUE) Wilderness 101 on my home turf on Saturday.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-87791893733920195682013-05-14T09:53:00.001-07:002013-05-14T09:55:04.119-07:00Wildcat Epic NUE<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a day of cat and mouse at the Wildcat 100 NUE #3. I
would feel strong, pass a bunch of riders, only to go off course, and have to start
the charge again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The point in the day that I almost completely lost it was 1
mile from the finish area, where the poor course markings had yet again sent me
off course. This time it was a 3- mile descent, where myself and another rider
ended up having to wave down a passing car that's driver told us we were over
the other side of the hill from the venue. That added on 20 minutes to an
already long day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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You know that way where you are so close to the end (we had
actually ridden past our parked car’s where the race started!), you can’t force
any more sugar in your body, your fuse is on the edge, it’s been almost nine
hours and you just want to get off your bike?! I had been in second place the
entire day, and was gutted to think I may have lost my placing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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To add insult to injury, when we arrived at the finish line,
the organizers told us we still had another 2 miles of up-to-your-knees, soupy,
thick muddy trails to complete. My face was a picture I am sure! Thankfully
Cindy Koziatek, co-owner of Stan’s NoTubes, was at the finish area and cheered
me on, giving me at least some motivation. She also settled my nerves (and a
bit of whining!) that I had lost 2<sup>nd</sup> place during my 20-minute
detour. It turned out I got lucky, and had held my place. Cindy had attempted
the 100K and had also ended up riding completely off course and was forced to
pull out. It’s disappointing to see so many people turn up to a race, eager,
ready, only to be prevented from finishing due to forces out with their
control.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMCFN9HCrZeQasgfQK7fpIRzN_He9TIPIRX2OnQeiwoZq8cRTeTwGTPXs_DeFSFzw9UVJgdyxix9e27m8EqcpNAiW-6MHOZSmSuWKT2Br4A37-r0rQv1sDB70TrpzFOF-pHhBf56vy9EC/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-14+at+12.49.37+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMCFN9HCrZeQasgfQK7fpIRzN_He9TIPIRX2OnQeiwoZq8cRTeTwGTPXs_DeFSFzw9UVJgdyxix9e27m8EqcpNAiW-6MHOZSmSuWKT2Br4A37-r0rQv1sDB70TrpzFOF-pHhBf56vy9EC/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-05-14+at+12.49.37+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NUE podium: Kathleen Harding, Cheryl Sornson, Vicki Barclay (Photo: John Tikla for Cycling News)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The race could be amazing if they drastically improved their
course markings (read: actually have course markings!). The scenery was
stunning: a huge waterfall, mountain top lake with scarp rock we rode across, fun
singletrack. But all those positives were completely marred by poor race
management and guidance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So what’s next? Well, after 6 straight weekends of non-stop
racing, I am looking forward to a weekend off before TSE starts. The Stan’s
NoTubes crew (Cindy, Rich, Richie, Mike, Sue, myself etc.) will be at Dirt Fest
this weekend, so you should definitely stop by and chat to our lovely folks and
test some wheels (May 17-19 at Raystown Lake ). Sarah and Amanda will be
arriving next Tuesday, so they can get used to the sweaty rocks of PA before TSE!
See you all out there!<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--></span><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-52274597806028509272013-04-30T20:14:00.000-07:002013-04-30T20:14:11.334-07:00Whiskey 50 – Died a 1000 times
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<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I know – no matter how hard you train and prepare for a
race, it means zip if you can’t ride at altitude. Altitude? Yes, I was in shock
too! How did I manage in my race preparations to neglect to look at elevation
of Prescott, AZ, the starting town of the Whiskey 50! Of course, right now I
want to bury my entire body in the sand and hide from my almost DFL placement,
you know, one of those races when you wish Cycling News didn’t exist. But
friends/teammates have suggested I share my troubles, so that other people
don’t make the same mistake I did, and be ill prepared for the rough ride at Lady Elevation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My racing and training had been going well the week’s prior to the race.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVQNhXsNDRFAbkAKmrPKpCXqg35R9n9cFa00ugvpWFh064ECwEwAKBwXd_DkzxwTGAGZ6-4hwTyGPDYPOWj-lvr5EhhUUaBdgm3b6IhcW5NlacqDQiBAohTQb2e-NV1OdG7r-BkV3E3P9/s1600/Greenbriar_Vickitrail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVQNhXsNDRFAbkAKmrPKpCXqg35R9n9cFa00ugvpWFh064ECwEwAKBwXd_DkzxwTGAGZ6-4hwTyGPDYPOWj-lvr5EhhUUaBdgm3b6IhcW5NlacqDQiBAohTQb2e-NV1OdG7r-BkV3E3P9/s320/Greenbriar_Vickitrail.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There had been lots of this (Greenbriar Maryland State Champs)</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJY9ojDfvE5Hhgk_xKADbKrzfPWCoSy268Dzump0syf13l-YJVBawBwtbW9anVMzSDu38ucRolKi_yDsNv6QYacH3BSQEOsbJkbCK07PeAZAsxn_Nu8zN9vgGHjYXizB1Aa51rdcOVL4CV/s1600/vicki_Cheryl_Michaux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJY9ojDfvE5Hhgk_xKADbKrzfPWCoSy268Dzump0syf13l-YJVBawBwtbW9anVMzSDu38ucRolKi_yDsNv6QYacH3BSQEOsbJkbCK07PeAZAsxn_Nu8zN9vgGHjYXizB1Aa51rdcOVL4CV/s320/vicki_Cheryl_Michaux.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this (Michaux, photo Zack Adams)</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignqMELWu6JIYCTkCfZjzmc-WMV4nLNAjrZFmsaL1QPnzsSbeeoV3gnbObQa02UHpvFcW2Fu0lqtk9b4SsVAu_q_wF_tjEnAtzdQ1HW-0V-PNEjovLmPfMOqIYmOC_sXbALlBXOthL3WNC/s320/Greenbriar.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this (Greenbriar podium)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignqMELWu6JIYCTkCfZjzmc-WMV4nLNAjrZFmsaL1QPnzsSbeeoV3gnbObQa02UHpvFcW2Fu0lqtk9b4SsVAu_q_wF_tjEnAtzdQ1HW-0V-PNEjovLmPfMOqIYmOC_sXbALlBXOthL3WNC/s1600/Greenbriar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignqMELWu6JIYCTkCfZjzmc-WMV4nLNAjrZFmsaL1QPnzsSbeeoV3gnbObQa02UHpvFcW2Fu0lqtk9b4SsVAu_q_wF_tjEnAtzdQ1HW-0V-PNEjovLmPfMOqIYmOC_sXbALlBXOthL3WNC/s1600/Greenbriar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
I arrived in Prescott on Thursday, met my wonderful team,
roomed with Mrs Carey, enjoyed some podium leg time, and pre-riding with Mical and
Nina. Prescott is a well cool town, hosting the biggest mountain bike festival I have
ever seen.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg607MiOqMZiXClTgk3-4VZNyimQiM7mcBW8H89A53Qe8F35ae-Vxbb7JhiQfskEona_4aAPeHR0bqInScnz1pO5eXg4dDQnmrN6fIvQPIQWHmarW4zsvRFqxbPITYhkR3WQH8KQ3nvMGVI/s1600/whiskey_50_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg607MiOqMZiXClTgk3-4VZNyimQiM7mcBW8H89A53Qe8F35ae-Vxbb7JhiQfskEona_4aAPeHR0bqInScnz1pO5eXg4dDQnmrN6fIvQPIQWHmarW4zsvRFqxbPITYhkR3WQH8KQ3nvMGVI/s320/whiskey_50_1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nina, me, Mical, Stan's!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday evening was the fat tire crit. Amanda had warned me
that I shouldn’t go too hard at the beginning of either the crit or the 50
milers since we were at altitude. Altitude?! I have to admit, inside I was
thinking, I am going to be totally fine with altitude, I’m pretty tough, how
bad can it be? Plus, I thought the crit course suited me, as it basically consisted of 2 really
tough climbs and a hair-raising, ripping descent (no power flats). Nina charged up the first
climb, we all followed and I was feeling pretty good the first 2 laps. Then
BOOM. I felt like someone was holding elastic bands round my arms and legs,
restricting blood flow. I think I saw a few planets and stars, I crawled up the climbs for
a few more laps and went from top to bottom of the field in a few seconds.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzB9VZ3yJLM2bXdNcRPrHjinBYwA0hefFwdt4DvgQzDxgCUOTHKBbPwnWhRq5rX3CW2n3iT0-4u1DkJJaNaSQ81K6Abg85u6HHyatqkEYSQGBNSkierQPTZMX6Iszio8Rgu8D9D_wWP11K/s1600/Whiskey_crit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzB9VZ3yJLM2bXdNcRPrHjinBYwA0hefFwdt4DvgQzDxgCUOTHKBbPwnWhRq5rX3CW2n3iT0-4u1DkJJaNaSQ81K6Abg85u6HHyatqkEYSQGBNSkierQPTZMX6Iszio8Rgu8D9D_wWP11K/s320/Whiskey_crit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nina killing it in the Whiskey. Me feeling good at this point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The rest of the girls did awesome, so recovering from
hypoxia I cheered their feats. It was a good wake-up call, I had to moderate my
efforts on Sunday. Friday evening, whatever pollen was in the air in AZ started
to really aggravate my allergies, I had crackly lung, a horrid cough and a slightly
bleeding nose. I still didn’t panic as I had at least 24 hours to take
anti-histamines and rest before the 50.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday morning greeted us with pleasant temps that were set
to rise and rise all day. Fortunately, the pro women’s field was led by the
motto almost the entire way up the first 4 - mile climb. It was perfect, there
were no surges and I could control my heart rate. At the very top of the
pavement there were 2 steep pitches before we hit the dirt. I literally tried a
little harder than on the gradual climb when BOOM my heart rate shot up to 192!
The feelings of restriction across my whole body came back. I felt like no
blood and oxygen were feeding my muscles. We were 5 miles in! I drifted further
and further back. Sonya Looney tried to encourage me “hup hup Vicki”. No use.
Other ladies passed me and commented on how thin the air was getting.
Psychologically that probably put me in an even worse place! I crawled onto the
singletack, barely turning the pedals, still at HR 192. Shannon caught me; I
was pedaling in squares. If I had taken my glasses off I am sure I would have
been cross-eyed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing Dave McElwaine (photo) telling him I couldn't breathe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course I wanted to quit. Not because I was last, but
because I didn’t think I was actually going to be able to make it to the end! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The descent into Skull Valley revived me a bit, because I
got to see how awesome the rest of the field were doing coming back up the 12 mile climb. Bike racing is such a
wonderful experience, you are competitive to the core, but the support the
women have for one another is phenomenal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By the bottom of Skull Valley I had practiced my bail out
speech (including my resignation speech to the team). But when I got there, and
was greeted by the most amazing support from Kenny, Chris, and the NoTubes Master’s
Team, there was no way I was giving up. They had a their system of water-
bottle- handing-ice down-our- backs, dialed. Aaagh, relief. After that, it was
just me and the Arizona dessert. How do people live here, (?) I thought as I
wheezed my way up the 12 - mile climb. Then the cramps greeted me. Oh the
cramps! After 1.5 hours of climbing on exposed desert roads, I finally made it
to the turn into the singletrack. I tried to put in an effort, but the whole
right side of my body cramped. A lovely wee mountain rescue man tried to help
but of course there was nothing he could do (except comment on the state of my
calf!). My body was not enjoying this experience at all.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I crawled to the finish line (and had a little sprint (hahaha
a sprint!) with Bryna Blanchford, who had worried that she was going the wrong
way and turned back up the hill.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If death appears, she will look like this (photo Kenny Wehn)</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The rest of the team did amazing with both Mical and Nina in the top 10! I was so proud to be a
part of their awesomeness, and trying not to wallow in self-pity. I still had
some major allergies going on, relentless sneezing. Boy was I happy to see the
low altitude, wet, greenness of PA when I got back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am glad that I did the Whiskey 50, if nothing it made me
realize that I could not do Leadville 100 without some serious time at altitude
acclimatizing (which is kind of difficult with a full-time job). I would highly recommend that anyone else who is considering
making a big trip to do a big race take the same precaution. Yes, I know you all
know that, but I thought I knew that too! Unfortunately, there’s no escaping your
natural physiology, no matter how fit you are, or what you believe in your head.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As always, thanks to the support from all our wonderful
sponsors and support crew!<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-26831540560316091372013-03-28T03:40:00.000-07:002013-03-28T03:45:25.922-07:00British Cross Country Race 1<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s always easier to write about the good races than the
bad. But I feel it is important to identify why things have gone wrong, and learn from
them, so that you can develop as a bike racer. Also, the effort it took from so
many different people to actually get me to the first race of the British cross
country series was huge, and I want all those people to be recognized and
thanked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPp2fVGXlygESnHRMAR8ynrPga637L9BrpUJdHS20ONC_3_m-473zFcP2_lGaW5bj23vtnV7Kay7ZNkkqfutC-Ejrug6Etn3u24FgbvWIL3_J0Zzn2mJ_GAXCU61ZgF1qiAjANSp78mB3/s1600/IMG_1294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPp2fVGXlygESnHRMAR8ynrPga637L9BrpUJdHS20ONC_3_m-473zFcP2_lGaW5bj23vtnV7Kay7ZNkkqfutC-Ejrug6Etn3u24FgbvWIL3_J0Zzn2mJ_GAXCU61ZgF1qiAjANSp78mB3/s320/IMG_1294.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding from near my parents house before the snow hit, again</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Prior to the race I had spent the best part of 10 days: in
London getting a new USA visa; attending countless meetings to arrange our wedding
(which was actually really enjoyable, though time consuming); attending my hen
party; while also trying to squeeze in as many training rides as possible in my
frigid, wind swept, darling Scotland. The word I use to describe riding in
Scotland is gritty, in all senses of the word. On top of that, I probably
consumed my weight in cups of tea; tea always seems to taste better back home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jP6G2ricCwWI1ccpFkdj8HZEC3qj2iJ_UmluZxCSMRHUyccZtwEek1kNtcNOAqgFwySJFD6eIrDBiDSy2IB4XVix4pjXuw44D3uAoetKjNe5mrsZiEdmMyWp4Z8Mh8Lamarq5sE_91lE/s1600/IMG_1293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jP6G2ricCwWI1ccpFkdj8HZEC3qj2iJ_UmluZxCSMRHUyccZtwEek1kNtcNOAqgFwySJFD6eIrDBiDSy2IB4XVix4pjXuw44D3uAoetKjNe5mrsZiEdmMyWp4Z8Mh8Lamarq5sE_91lE/s320/IMG_1293.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even back in my 26 inch wheel days, I rode Stan's (bike I use while visiting parents)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6SYTLZud8HUzFgT4dFWVsPPP-Zt_akKovyiQBH4Egz56dPKqTkGRZ_CIgty0mVUBDTUEnPMqd2HMaVmVfSOiKdtJI-osr-uqqb8GawgjhNyaMJhErToMxynmg4_rF1WuzwNTxwrPCv9F/s1600/scottish_snowy_singletrack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6SYTLZud8HUzFgT4dFWVsPPP-Zt_akKovyiQBH4Egz56dPKqTkGRZ_CIgty0mVUBDTUEnPMqd2HMaVmVfSOiKdtJI-osr-uqqb8GawgjhNyaMJhErToMxynmg4_rF1WuzwNTxwrPCv9F/s320/scottish_snowy_singletrack.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowy Scottish singletrack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
England was being hit by the coldest winter (or technically
spring?) they have experienced in 50 years. The days leading up to the race
meant that the course was being hammered with snow (that’s right north east
American’s, northern Europe is also being plagued with eternal Narnia!).
Whether the Sunday’s race was actually <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>going to go ahead was unclear; Saturday’s
races were cancelled, but the organizers were holding out until the last minute
to decide on the rest of the weekend races.<br />
<br />
I had prepped the best I could for the race, so was keen to make the journey south in the hopes of racing. Queue lesson number 1: I had brought a pair of pedals from the US to use on an old bike that I store at my parents house. I couldn’t get left the pedal off and asked my dad if he could help while I packed up my stuff. “Turn it left to get it off”, I instructed. Dad struggled too, so gave the pedal a good smack with a hammer. Long story short, the pedal was well and truly welded to the crank. What’s the lesson? Always carry a spare pair of pedals when possible! I decided not to panic, however, as I had an old pair of shoes and pedals at my parents. Not ideal, and not what a sponsored rider should do, but I had little choice.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum, sister Claire and niece Georgia</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfP1qrfVLe-v-v-Nnhj1RMaw8kLPfRtpxLGNUjb3lUbNknSIWCQU5UrJijiE37kENJg2eop7KGRFEaTcvXWLRWW2vxYv8mf9XtLJQ9d5lkHg57w2CVwube8A41APBbkAE80CKDxLtOX5yW/s1600/IMG_1320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfP1qrfVLe-v-v-Nnhj1RMaw8kLPfRtpxLGNUjb3lUbNknSIWCQU5UrJijiE37kENJg2eop7KGRFEaTcvXWLRWW2vxYv8mf9XtLJQ9d5lkHg57w2CVwube8A41APBbkAE80CKDxLtOX5yW/s320/IMG_1320.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner out with family</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So after an emotional farewell to my beloved family, I set
off on an early Saturday train to England (I appreciate UK public transport so
much more after living in the USA). I stayed with my friend Will in a small
village about 25 miles south of the race. My bike had been safely delivered in
a nifty bike box supplied by Bike Flights.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike flights delivery, very compact box by Serfas</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I woke early on Sunday, another 3 inches of snow had
fallen. This was going to make for tricky driving conditions in a small Corsa
car, with skinny tires and unplowed icy roads. After some slipping and sliding for
an hour and a half, I made it to the venue, and headed down to some of the
tents, as I needed some help with the poplock for my shock. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XzllO9Fq9KHfwphcjqpaCCrY0nBmBUdzI5wEl_pbsgiSS3KMeidDc4aGWfAk-5CgmTTEMdXop6Y2Gh7_UtQoQ5UXApPgTcNY3cLBLbzyvflkYeKgUkIvXJYLgFtI761HRNTZK7DuV1d6/s1600/IMG_1327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XzllO9Fq9KHfwphcjqpaCCrY0nBmBUdzI5wEl_pbsgiSS3KMeidDc4aGWfAk-5CgmTTEMdXop6Y2Gh7_UtQoQ5UXApPgTcNY3cLBLbzyvflkYeKgUkIvXJYLgFtI761HRNTZK7DuV1d6/s320/IMG_1327.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race Venue!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDQw_SUyaW8PSE-rJhBGNHajGvb26iys2tspGhFaChQ5unaljw_G-BcPoCVFAE8e2KNijOFSwSaNMWpdPO97qjWtfcatNiI7kXyWD5A2lW2sv3ekkfcLESkql3bPUWeamQpGsgk05feA2/s1600/IMG_1326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDQw_SUyaW8PSE-rJhBGNHajGvb26iys2tspGhFaChQ5unaljw_G-BcPoCVFAE8e2KNijOFSwSaNMWpdPO97qjWtfcatNiI7kXyWD5A2lW2sv3ekkfcLESkql3bPUWeamQpGsgk05feA2/s320/IMG_1326.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not the best snow car, but it got me there!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The guys at WXC
World Racing were the only tent open, and were really kind at helping me out;
they let me shelter under their tent while they sourced someone to help with my
poplock. Queue lesson number 2: The guys told me to keep warm, and had a
generator sized heater blowing hot air on me. After my poplock was fixed,
and a quick warm up, it was time to race. At the start line the ground was
muddy ice. I made sure I could clip in, left and right. Right clipped in, but
left wouldn’t. There was nobody I could shout to for an ice axe, so I knew I
was going to be in trouble. What's the lesson? Never stand in front of a heater
on a cold day; your cleats will freeze and clog with ice as soon as you step back on snow!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Wq1DCvf4TUB74itwRegRjN7DmTP3PDwiopsR9QCKs7ZD_rAsk4eLzGnpJXEu1dEutMqlzF2oC7PLDswcn-TgVKD8JTfeAKfud2exPUki65-5I6t16_9UFGSPcBIAFLmf4kKKfkik1NJ4/s1600/british+xc+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Wq1DCvf4TUB74itwRegRjN7DmTP3PDwiopsR9QCKs7ZD_rAsk4eLzGnpJXEu1dEutMqlzF2oC7PLDswcn-TgVKD8JTfeAKfud2exPUki65-5I6t16_9UFGSPcBIAFLmf4kKKfkik1NJ4/s320/british+xc+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evidence I actually raced (but you can tell how unimpressed I am!). Photo: Andy Whitehouse for British Cycling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEbxRZFJT5ymc_dmaTdMWbpJPP35tpe79EO9BRfF2RaDk4SGnlxZj1rHAx667nVD2OWvqf6mvV2fawSWMtZWOmTNGJwZQrH733AS4Zf-K43ZXHNK4mcRXAB8Hb0h5GHs1VOXHci_ULuH4/s1600/IMG_1333+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEbxRZFJT5ymc_dmaTdMWbpJPP35tpe79EO9BRfF2RaDk4SGnlxZj1rHAx667nVD2OWvqf6mvV2fawSWMtZWOmTNGJwZQrH733AS4Zf-K43ZXHNK4mcRXAB8Hb0h5GHs1VOXHci_ULuH4/s320/IMG_1333+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice-caked frozen pedal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The start was chaos, although I was sitting in about 5<sup>th</sup> entering single track, despite not being able to </div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
get my left foot clipped in. Someone crashed in front of me, and I ended up having to put my right foot down. Race over: both my cleats were frozen solid and I couldn’t clip in. After a lap I knew it was pointless to go on, as my legs were like bamby on ice trying to find any place on my pedals were I could actually turn the cranks. I hate having to quit, and this is only my second time since starting racing; the other time was when my back seized up during the Shenandoah in 2011. It crossed my mind that maybe I should just give up on bike
racing, and focus on running or something. That lasted about 10 seconds when I
remembered how boring running can be, compared to tearing down a trail on your
mountain bike!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiih1XLwnvQzYyS4z6yzyffvCGsD4cH1i9PfowV43i1ZTbjZvGrCbtunGPrwOlPkS2VbZirujDL8wDh-4whk_CR2VALIaq43kWCtxA2vNivYxyoCtyGqNlkkCc4xXrfcV0-8YoCr0nKhh3n/s1600/IMG_1335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiih1XLwnvQzYyS4z6yzyffvCGsD4cH1i9PfowV43i1ZTbjZvGrCbtunGPrwOlPkS2VbZirujDL8wDh-4whk_CR2VALIaq43kWCtxA2vNivYxyoCtyGqNlkkCc4xXrfcV0-8YoCr0nKhh3n/s320/IMG_1335.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least I got to hang out with this chap, who even made me flapjacks for the journey back to USA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I spoke to Shannon briefly and explained my sorrows; I was
feeling terribly guilty at making such a mistake, when we have a great sponsor
in Crank Brother pedals (which I know would not have clogged up the way my
SPD’s did). I was grateful for her support on the matter, that we all suffer
mishaps, and to move onward. It makes me really appreciate the strong support I
have on the Stan’s Team. Women have a tendency to worry about things more than
men, and it’s good to have women to talk to!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So thanks go out to: Rich for packing and sending my
bike to the UK after I left, Will Chadwick for the endless cups of tea,
flapjacks, and a cosy house to stay in, Bike Flights for the timely shipment
and super cool bike case, and of course the support of Stan’s NoTubes Elite
Women’s Team. What’s the final lesson? Despite the outcome, be grateful for
what you have, and use it to learn from and build on for success at future races. Thanks for reading!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-67796523764931972422013-03-11T11:24:00.000-07:002013-03-11T11:34:50.038-07:00Mellow Johnny's<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I remember when even April racing used to feel early. Winter
is usually long and arduous in PA, and the month of April is when race
promoters can safely put on a race without the risk of a foot of snow falling
the night before. So, to be racing cross-country in early March (which was
really February in my books) was definitely going to be a shock to the system.
What is ironic, is that I remember a couple of years ago looking at the Melllow
Johnny’s in Texas results, under a blanket of snow in State College, and being amazed
that people were ready to race at that pace so early. Fast forward: here I am
packing up my bike for a trip south.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Shannon and Kenny did the long drive from Durango to Austin (16
hours) in the NoTubes sprinter (thanks guys!) and picked Nina and I up at the
airport on Thursday. We stayed with Kenny’s sister in Austin about an hour from
the venue (and close to lots of yummy Mexican eateries!). Unfortunately,
there was a bug circulating through the NoTubes team (perhaps from Old Pueblo),
and poor Kenny was the latest victim. I was pretty confident I would be safe
from catching anything, as I had already been sick 3 times this winter (oh why
was I so smug?!). Despite his weariness, Kenny did a brilliant job as usual
getting the machines out of their boxes and up and rolling.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Nina and I hadn’t really had the chance to hangout before
Texas, so we had a blast getting to know each other over numerous cups of
coffee (Shannon and Nina can drink, really drink coffee). Nina is a great
teammate to have around, she is funny and keeps the atmosphere light and
spirited!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Friday we headed out to the venue and did a couple of laps
on the course. I was in heaven; the weather was sunny and pleasant, the course
was rocky and technical, and I was getting a real chance to test out my new
Scalpel 29er. I was hooting and hollering when I first got going! I have never
ridden a 29er full suspension before, and I am truly amazed and how much less
energy it takes to ride over rocks. I am so excited for the snow to finally
melt at home so I can take my new rig out in Rothrock. I have been jealous of
Rich floating over our rocky ridge lines since he got his Scalpel last year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vRt0cxFIQn8JkQFEfPphY5XVfBTf9dz35otlqh-Vn5P7tXefFAz05ekSlYlmxDYXz6jZFQ3hc7JCY2kg37hCILMxmjZeGAFS7WMLcREd1TGc4SmVanb052frt6bHpHNS9vevr_eCfiB3/s1600/photo4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vRt0cxFIQn8JkQFEfPphY5XVfBTf9dz35otlqh-Vn5P7tXefFAz05ekSlYlmxDYXz6jZFQ3hc7JCY2kg37hCILMxmjZeGAFS7WMLcREd1TGc4SmVanb052frt6bHpHNS9vevr_eCfiB3/s320/photo4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp NoTubes. Cool to be next to Magura and Cannondale</td></tr>
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A good number of our sponsors were at the venue, flying
their flags in the welcomed, warm Texan breeze. It was nice to put some faces
to names. Amanda from Crank Brothers was very nice, and is generous to be
providing so many pairs of awesome pedals to our women. Jude from Magura hooked
my bike up with some new sweet brakes. He was telling me how long he has known
Shannon, and how professional she has always been in her approach towards
racing and sponsorship. It was very sweet. Kenda were also there, and it was super
to see so many Kenda tires attached to Stan’s wheels.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jude from Magura hooking up the brakes</td></tr>
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All of these elements, however, mean that the pro
cross-country scene is completely different to the endurance scene. I find it
really hard not to giggle at the start line, when dudes with paparazzi sized
cameras are shooting pictures of your face at every which angle. So much more
to think about (should I smile? put on a game face? can I eat a GU without
looking sticky?!). I must admit though, it was pretty sweet to have Shannon at
my side to take my warm layers before the race started, instead of randomly
throwing them in a bush, hoping I would remember to retrieve them in my post
100 mile race state (do you know how many pairs of arm warmers I have lost by
following this routine?!).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There were also lots of tanned bodies on the start line
indicating warm winter training. Too late to worry whether killing myself on the
trainer all winter was enough; the gun went off. I got a good start, but got
knocked sideways just before the single track started and lost about 3 spots. I
was still sitting in 10 or 11<sup>th</sup> place though, and grinning from ear
to ear to be back racing my mountain bike. I slipped back a few places as the
race progressed. Nina went charging past on an uphill (she said she wasn’t
charging, but she looked strong to me!), and went on to finish 11, with me in
14<sup>th</sup> place.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Cycling dirt video here: <a href="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/250535-Mellow-Johnnys-Classic-Pro-XCT/video/698335-Vicki-Barclay-No-Tubes-for-2013">http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/250535-Mellow-Johnnys-Classic-Pro-XCT/video/698335-Vicki-Barclay-No-Tubes-for-2013</a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nina. Photo MTBMike.com</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vicki. Photo MTBMike.com</td></tr>
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Other thoughts from the weekend: Nutrition. I feel like I
have nailed my 100 mile routine. It has taken a few years, but I know what
needs to go my bottle, and in my body, and at what mile. With cross country racing in
such a short lap format I waste a lot of mentally energy debating whether I actually
needed a bottle. All things to perfect, and I love the challenge.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Unfortunately, on Sunday’s travels home I started sneezing
and coughing. I put it down to “race cough” and allergies, but on Monday Rich
finally made me admit that I had a cold. I don’t understand why I have been so
sick this winter, nothing serious, but lots of throat and chest infections? I
welcomed the arrival of spring this weekend, and I was well enough to celebrate
Rich’s birthday with 105 mile on the road, and a fast paced 3.5 hour mountain
bike ride on Sunday in Southernish PA.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I am off to the UK now to visit family, plan our wedding and
race in the first British XC race of the season in England. Cross-country
racing is not slowing down in any way, shape or form in the UK, and the female field
is looking strong and large, with a few big names. Wish me luck!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-57750877944431273982012-09-05T14:53:00.000-07:002012-09-05T15:12:09.131-07:00Shenandoah 100: mechanicals, sickness but still a whole lot of fun.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First off, can I say just how amazing it was to see almost 60, yes S.I.X.T.Y, women lined up for the NUE Shenandoah 100 on Sunday! I couldn’t
believe my eyes when I looked at the <b><a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/national-ultra-endurance-nue-series-shenandoah-mountain-100-2012/results">results.</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thom Parson’s interview shares the flavor of my whole
Shenandoah experience. You can view it here:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bigbikesmedia.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249703-2012-Shenandoah-Mountain-100-NUE/video/655076-Vicki-Barclay-Scottish-interview-Wanted-more-of-a-lie-in">http://bigbikesmedia.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249703-2012-Shenandoah-Mountain-100-NUE/video/655076-Vicki-Barclay-Scottish-interview-Wanted-more-of-a-lie-in</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But if you want to know more about my SM100 adventure, keep reading…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Richie Rich, Aaron Synder and I headed down to Virginia on Friday. We were privileged enough to stay at Chris Scott’s Stokesville
Lodge, and Matt Ferrari and Mark Drogalis joined us on Saturday. If you ever want to spend sometime in the Shenandoah Valley doing active
stuff, I would recommend spending some time there, it is amazing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPwVW6K_sdB-yDTBZUsivzOS_AeP59m30hqkKdrLSIl9LvfUq6g2xdFOyBikjFXw0FBSctjcdDc8FlG9-s8-UDboVCx-0cAmMAZ_s8eE1YdZwYD2LZF2UQzOwOknzoUy3NHGfhI-Euee1/s1600/stokesville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPwVW6K_sdB-yDTBZUsivzOS_AeP59m30hqkKdrLSIl9LvfUq6g2xdFOyBikjFXw0FBSctjcdDc8FlG9-s8-UDboVCx-0cAmMAZ_s8eE1YdZwYD2LZF2UQzOwOknzoUy3NHGfhI-Euee1/s320/stokesville.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our home for the weekend. Thanks Chris and Misty!</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During our warm up on Saturday, I could immediately tell that something wasn’t quite right: my heart rate felt faster than usual, like I was
fighting an infection. It was no big surprise as there had been a bug going
round my office last week, and when I got news of the little pox, I knew I was
doomed. September racing:: Body on the edge of breakdown::High chance of
infection.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I woke countless times during Saturday night with a scratchy
throat. I wasn’t sweating or feverish, so I prayed my body would hold out
enough to get me through 100 miles of racing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8fwOFh-z7Bz3mVleVBLts3XSH5AyRCYltn9kp8J5j9sq5MI7bciaxP1tfD2-Txech_pb5Bpjo2oCMaDSDIiQ7JDePWmsFcmPjSZlkMXJP1FyQvDyZtawPlGcpFx4dMHP-Z4IyRROzirr/s1600/richie+ready+to+race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8fwOFh-z7Bz3mVleVBLts3XSH5AyRCYltn9kp8J5j9sq5MI7bciaxP1tfD2-Txech_pb5Bpjo2oCMaDSDIiQ7JDePWmsFcmPjSZlkMXJP1FyQvDyZtawPlGcpFx4dMHP-Z4IyRROzirr/s320/richie+ready+to+race.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Richie Rich was so pumped to race at 5am on Sunday! Photo: Thom Parsons</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the morning I mentioned my sore throat to the lads. Of
course they said I would be fine. Thom offered me a can of Coors Light and a
couple of Advil. I necked them down and was good to go (!).</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My coors light and advil at 5am. What could go wrong? Photo: Thom Parsons</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKgYTvOpr4ynueNAQv09zT-67sXwMkx2wzbu0oDkyR4rlQ3EJSPeTQ7wKrQ5aeGJqj6co_uFktdkeFAHJcJn1Qfe-I2YWvSj987WDErpBcpThEjPrtBANNJmwuvFB3YEe6Os5NPZd-XaN/s320/necking+coors.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="212" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Necking a can of coors light as I head out the door (!). Photo: Thom Parsons</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the start line I cuddled close to Sue. We climbed the first climb together along with Kathleen. I reached the top without having overexerted myself, one rider back from Kathleen and in a good position for the subsequent road section. However, we hit the first piece of gnarly singletrack and my day was over. Bike mechanical fail. I watched half of the race ride past until the super domestique Richie Rich came passed. I waved him down, and then watched the other half of the field ride past (you think I’m joking!) while he helped fix my issues.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By this point, I was stuck at the back which made the singletrack slow going. There was not much I could do; it wasn't the other riders fault that they positioned themselves in the correct order of the race, and now they had a girl charging them down! Richie gave me a monstrous pull on the first road section, which helped immensely and moved me up the race a bit. I started picking off female riders and talking positively to myself: don’t give up!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day passed with peaks and troughs of soaring heat and
torrential rain. My throat started to get scratchy again. All I wanted at the
aid stations was more advil!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I passed the point on death climb where I had to abandon
last year due to severe back spasms. My goal for the day was completed: defeat those DNF demons! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At Aid station #5 I caught up with Brenda and Lee Simril. I
considered finishing the race out with them, but the conditions were getting so
miserable I just wanted to finish as quickly as possible. And finish I did. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 4<sup>th</sup> place, way slower than I
expected, but still happy to have completed the adventure as always. People speculated that I had dropped out due to such bad luck early on. There was no way that I was going to quit after Richie practically abandoned his race to help me out. Thanks a million Richie! Sue finished 1st, she had an outstanding race. So happy for her and the team!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK-A71k6ozxBsgRnruJmYkPMZjAUgf4QZSjEM9nLKRmnEM1hdsmOQQ7TfCquhmvA7Pa92YfpRiOLzbOC5Y-lZxK0AJmPUPNusxF0ZahYmfN7XtjuDGWv3hBobbvoYKVyW_6VBrnBr7hT3/s1600/dirty+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK-A71k6ozxBsgRnruJmYkPMZjAUgf4QZSjEM9nLKRmnEM1hdsmOQQ7TfCquhmvA7Pa92YfpRiOLzbOC5Y-lZxK0AJmPUPNusxF0ZahYmfN7XtjuDGWv3hBobbvoYKVyW_6VBrnBr7hT3/s320/dirty+me.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More than muddy at the finish. Photo: Thom Parsons</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the finish, Aaron told me he had managed to finish 5th in his first NUE race, despite saying he was only going to ride not race! We were all really happy for him. As someone once told me, people who can ride fast for 2 hours, can ride fast for 8 hours. True statement.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SM100 Women's Podium. Photo: Cycling News</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So my sickness? In full flight now. This means that I will not be making the trip
to Georgia to try and get 3<sup>rd</sup> place in the NUE series this weekend (not
that it was my intention anyway). It’s a hot tea and honey week!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In general, I find the work, train and race balance totally
manageable. Rich and I know what the other has to do in order for everything to
fall in to place. But, when one side of the equilibrium goes skewwhiff, the
balance is totally lost. That loss of equilibrium is exactly what happened the
weekend after the W101; Rich had a bad crash and broke his right collarbone and
left hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBi0UtoBi8Z4OUSxfaDgyZbI3Acr6gID8azT-Js9MnBqohxkD49jpsG0N4RA0oeybT4Y74ghd15Oa03Rw3t0oFHpz8Xi0ozahgPqfypntuTGwQAthaS0PbMhddZQFEDwubIxBFh-Y-WCMp/s1600/Rich_broken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBi0UtoBi8Z4OUSxfaDgyZbI3Acr6gID8azT-Js9MnBqohxkD49jpsG0N4RA0oeybT4Y74ghd15Oa03Rw3t0oFHpz8Xi0ozahgPqfypntuTGwQAthaS0PbMhddZQFEDwubIxBFh-Y-WCMp/s320/Rich_broken.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I agree. How can someone look so handsome when they have just broken their collarbone?</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the first few days he could do nothing. Absolutely
nothing. The break was pretty bad, and it felt like forever that he just lay in
pain. My heart wept. Realistically, it was 3 days (thanks to our
surgeon friend Joel), and he was booked into the hospital and received
excellent surgical care. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the couch, Rich encouraged me to still get out and
train for the rest of the NUE race season. His mum helped out a lot by
dropping-off homemade dinners (thanks Vivian!), so although I felt like
sometimes I was teetering on the edge of exhaustion, it could have been worse
without any help. I was trying to work out if the experience was (1) training
for when I might have a baby, (2) when we become geriatrics, or (3) simply a
pre-marital test. Whatever, I think I passed!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took Rich's advice: I raced at a local xc race the weekend prior to the
Hampshire 100. Again it was refreshing to race locally and not travel. I
finished the day off with a ride home from the race, at Black Moshannon State Park, which tagged on another 2 hilly
hours. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5adtfdB0sTOs_wE0cdhM16974XdcXIfJ4DEKTGOWCHkSvIvFHsitl3bHtLnKo-zSGYlXqBaG4gIqOVsvEgbFbrpobixq8He4Z6b6KNsTsQTgVrAi3xmrRllvNfzA9RB-wA7aM19Zf1uJ/s1600/MoValley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5adtfdB0sTOs_wE0cdhM16974XdcXIfJ4DEKTGOWCHkSvIvFHsitl3bHtLnKo-zSGYlXqBaG4gIqOVsvEgbFbrpobixq8He4Z6b6KNsTsQTgVrAi3xmrRllvNfzA9RB-wA7aM19Zf1uJ/s320/MoValley.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MoValley XC race</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That same weekend, we also shot a Stan’s video for Interbike. It is
going to be a brilliant video. I was yet again blown away by Stan’s technology.
Basically Robyn (the director) got us to stab the s**t out of our tires with
needles, and then go and ride over rocks. My tires sealed up instantly
after the piercing, and I even raced the same tires without any problems at the
NH100! I am a believer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, on to the Hampshire 100. Cheryl and I traveled north on
Friday morning and arrived in Hancock NH that evening to the most adorable
B&B/Hotel. It dated back to the 1700’s and was run by a very sweet couple.
The atmosphere was very relaxing (though I am sure we were the youngest people
in the entire place), the breakfast was delish and for once I felt like a race weekend was actually a holiday from work! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xHv0WwXKaYNevr47_qiCmjrHsu5ld0jhPZNQk7oNslmP0FT9YshbGxMrZrLUovdnM_2MsRT-qD_EGQUFHpV9KZUCqZ38Iq0KirBBLQpQoJ902vvQZqWnyokw2ogE-A90ALHlYfMZNbNA/s1600/HancockInn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xHv0WwXKaYNevr47_qiCmjrHsu5ld0jhPZNQk7oNslmP0FT9YshbGxMrZrLUovdnM_2MsRT-qD_EGQUFHpV9KZUCqZ38Iq0KirBBLQpQoJ902vvQZqWnyokw2ogE-A90ALHlYfMZNbNA/s320/HancockInn.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hancock Inn. New Hampshire. Beautiful<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We met up with Team CF’s manager Jim on Saturday and
pre-rode the last 5 miles of the course. It reminded me a lot of Scotland; Fir
tree needles all over the ground, rocks, roots, man-made bridges. I loved it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The race started in an uncharacteristic fashion for an NUE
race with waves of riders, open men being first. Bother, there goes our fast
train. Cheryl said not to worry; at least we would have the mighty masters to
pull us on the first part of flat road. I tried to hang with Cheryl for the
early part of the race, but lost contact on one of the climbs. Karen and Kathleen soon caught up with me, and at that point I was concerned there was something wrong
with my shifting, so I hung behind and followed their lines until I worked it
out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Karen and I came into the first drop station together. I was
fast getting my bottles and back out and onto the next climb. From then on I
just tried to keep a steady strong pace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The course was definitely tough, with relentless semi-to
technical climbs, some being completely un-rideable due to their steep gradient.
Starting out on my 2<sup>nd</sup> lap, I was lucky to catch a draft from Dan
Kotwicki on the road section starting. Kelly Klett looked relieved to jump on
our train and give his singlespeeding legs a break. For a short time it felt
like we were on a leisurely ride; I was definitely talking and laughing too
much! The group soon split up on one of the climbs, but I managed to hop on
Noah Mabry’s wheel for the next flat section. Noah bonked at about mile 90, but
managed to muster up some energy to pass me on the final section of singletrack
(…something about Manny Caliz never letting him live it down if I beat him…).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally the finish line was in sight, and another 2<sup>nd</sup>
place. Yippee! Cheryl finished strong in 1st place and will head to Fool's Gold next for the NUE final against Amanda.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXos_L8HLhMXHVh-jWbW6RAQMYIYSug9f0FvU73GjvQotGuwr2LzGmUK9uNSidNYdNLVfiKOylJxwiKm64CdBhKlGaItWXHh6LbLXJJluB-qbcBzixAs4Refvr7nb6HNU-PengHTizAVpy/s1600/women_s_NH100_open_podium_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXos_L8HLhMXHVh-jWbW6RAQMYIYSug9f0FvU73GjvQotGuwr2LzGmUK9uNSidNYdNLVfiKOylJxwiKm64CdBhKlGaItWXHh6LbLXJJluB-qbcBzixAs4Refvr7nb6HNU-PengHTizAVpy/s320/women_s_NH100_open_podium_600.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women's NUE hampshire podium. Photo: cycling news</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Cycling Dirt Video can be found here:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bigbikesmedia.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249677-Hampshire-100-NUE-Series-Race-9/video/653958-Vicki-Barclay-2nd-Pronounces-Karen-Potters-name-awesomely">http://bigbikesmedia.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249677-Hampshire-100-NUE-Series-Race-9/video/653958-Vicki-Barclay-2nd-Pronounces-Karen-Potters-name-awesomely</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cheryl and I had a wonderfully relaxing dinner the night
after the race, complete with red wine and salmon. It was delish and the
perfect end to our really long bike ride.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rich is now off to Eurobike, and I will start preparing for
Shenandoah 100. Although I don’t like when the equilibrium is lost, I still
don’t want him to leave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, I am looking forward to the SM100, and thoroughly
enjoying this part of the season. Hope to see you there!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-1854307143005419742012-07-31T09:06:00.000-07:002012-07-31T11:39:26.499-07:00The meditative state of mind during 100 mile bike racing: W101<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFIqJbp76rqcp4s08TmBhU4MbaRj39KslI5wq_fKQF6gBFAulRim7B9wFSgURN1uwAofsGwN7WtDpVl_mZb9bV_NCfCpnZofpx-Nh5wo7e6d_Opbhnk5VxU8IOVemq1mXPszADAku46uA/s1600/wilderness+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFIqJbp76rqcp4s08TmBhU4MbaRj39KslI5wq_fKQF6gBFAulRim7B9wFSgURN1uwAofsGwN7WtDpVl_mZb9bV_NCfCpnZofpx-Nh5wo7e6d_Opbhnk5VxU8IOVemq1mXPszADAku46uA/s320/wilderness+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best number plate ever!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">On Friday,
a guy at work started quizzing me on the mental state of someone who chooses to
race 100 miles on a mountain bike. The guy is really smart, and was genuinely
intrigued by the state of the mind during such a processes. He asked me if it
was meditative. I wasn’t entirely sure how to answer him. It’s certainly not
meditative in the sense that you are breathing slowly, deeply and relaxed, I
replied. He then asked me if I could perform my everyday mental work tasks as
soon as I got off my bike. I hesitantly said yes (not really sure what the
right answer was), and with that he said, well it’s not meditative then.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">So there I
am 5 or 6 hours into the Wilderness 101, the hours whittling away as I thought
about nothing more than my smooth pedal stroke and nutritional intake, thought
after thought. As soon as my mind drifted towards anything less primitive than
pedaling and drinking (like work or life in general), my meditative state
repelled it quickly, and brought me right back to thinking about the job at
task, smooth pedal stroke, take a drink. Could I perform a mental task if I
jumped off my bike at that minute? Most certainly not!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUToggSJbVYD7622dyOo6SEHTmOpjkK6KSj8c8OBgJfcEs1p3wJjbG-9VnfEskNw2vnsKI6ghXRqJOHWS-ABa_-YokS6BesD29b6ds4yWyitoTvbJjp85sd_KTg2ZNysp0D1go4XjXDNq3/s1600/wilderness+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUToggSJbVYD7622dyOo6SEHTmOpjkK6KSj8c8OBgJfcEs1p3wJjbG-9VnfEskNw2vnsKI6ghXRqJOHWS-ABa_-YokS6BesD29b6ds4yWyitoTvbJjp85sd_KTg2ZNysp0D1go4XjXDNq3/s320/wilderness+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike meditation. Photo: Scott Knouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px;">OK OK, so for the
whole 100 miles, the mind is not in such a meditative state. The W101 starts
with a fast uphill climb for a couple of miles, where people are scrambling for
position, the legs start whimpering and the mind says stop this nonsense at 7am
on a Saturday. There is a danger of pushing too hard, and paying for it later,
so I started conservatively and judged how my legs felt. I could see Cheryl, 50
feet ahead of me at the crest of the climb. Do I push hard to catch her train,
or sit up and wait for Rich and Tim to come by? I chose the latter, but
panicked that even they were moving too fast. With hindsight I should have
pushed harder as Rich told me he had caught Cheryl soon after. Instead, I
jumped on the train from behind, with Kristin Gavin, Karen Potter and Mark
Drogalis who were pushing a manageable pace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">I pulled
away from Kristin and Karen about 20 miles into the race. I felt it was time,
as I knew I was feeling really good. Cathy De Santo was my heroine and fed and
cheered me at Aid #2 (and 4!). Eventually I caught Rich and Geronimo at Aid #3.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Sassy Pig
and Sassafras trails greeted us with greasy rocks, but my Kenda Klimax and
Kozmik lite II tires attached to my Stan’s Race Golds gripped the trails nicely
and were the perfect choice for the race. I soon passed Rich, who had eased up
for a bit (we’re not so secret about wanting to beat each other, but that’s
healthy!), and Erik Scott (owner of the local Bicycle Shop). Poor Erik,
everyone wants to beat him (because he is really fit and trains consistently). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">I
rode with Erik for a short while, then another local Vanya (who kindly picked
up my sunglasses and bottles when I was going through a buttery-fingers moment)
before pushing on to finish. I crossed the line in 7.55, 13 minutes slower than
last year, but equally happy. Rich also snuck in under the 8-hour mark and was
first ‘un-official clydesdale’! Cheryl had indeed gained a minute on me every
10 miles, and finished with a solid win (congrats!). Kristin finished behind
me, followed by Brenda and then Karen. I was also so happy to see Richie Rich
cross the line, less than 6 months after back surgery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aNYsfWVBBiY8t6HFVjNq8niGaYewDk_B8KS89b0mWWw6tBnTWHss3llDDM4J8RthhOQErbafpW-AyR8WZ9sN8zTr2lJkozIoSOBJ0VjnUv6dY41RkKXDqPq4HAYnTjoyxNEiN722Jv5V/s1600/wilderness+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aNYsfWVBBiY8t6HFVjNq8niGaYewDk_B8KS89b0mWWw6tBnTWHss3llDDM4J8RthhOQErbafpW-AyR8WZ9sN8zTr2lJkozIoSOBJ0VjnUv6dY41RkKXDqPq4HAYnTjoyxNEiN722Jv5V/s320/wilderness+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On my way to the finish. Photo: Roel Fleuren</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5djV8BZ4l7DuWn0CUWkLro8GhsjKWN_nH5RNmaxq_S-12cVX_uH4xtT8Q-VYUlbMokCWDTqzOvtbyaQO9wlJCiwNRZj1c3t1xvNliy8d_S_0YF_4WoCo9KECndY2rg-CixcYniM7eLZt/s1600/wilderness+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5djV8BZ4l7DuWn0CUWkLro8GhsjKWN_nH5RNmaxq_S-12cVX_uH4xtT8Q-VYUlbMokCWDTqzOvtbyaQO9wlJCiwNRZj1c3t1xvNliy8d_S_0YF_4WoCo9KECndY2rg-CixcYniM7eLZt/s320/wilderness+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women's podium. Photo: Rich Straub</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px;">Chris Scott
puts on the best events that I race, with good food, beer and equal pay-out for
men and women. The W101 is many people’s favorite NUE race, often because it
was there first 100-miler. We like to think of it as the original! I have
enjoyed seeing all the positive comments of people’s race experiences on FB.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Although I
took the “w” at the W101 last year, I enjoyed the race even more this year.
There is nothing quite like an injury or illness to make you appreciate what
you love doing. All the parts of the race that I normally dread seemed
effortless (Greenlee, No Name trail and ‘the tunnel’). Yes, I was probably
riding well within myself, and maybe should have been riding harder to catch
Cheryl, but I was comfortable in 2<sup>nd</sup>, riding strong and feeling a
sense of zen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Not all 100
milers gift me with such a sense of well-being and contentment, there are often
demons chattering in my ear to quit or stop trying. But for some reason I got
lucky this past Saturday. My sense of zen was of course still with me on
Monday, and I was sure to report to the guy at work that of course endurance
mountain biking induces a meditative state of mind! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The feeling of contentment
is now starting to fade, which means it must almost be time to start planning
for the next big race, the NUE New Hampshire 100. I can only hope to feel the way I
did last Saturday. Even if I don’t, I will appreciate being back out there
doing what I love. A big thanks to all of my sponsors for all of the support.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-86567460638590641882012-07-20T16:20:00.000-07:002012-07-23T14:11:57.591-07:00Hot Summer Racing<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Rothrock Trail Mix, State College PA</b> – a 30-mile loop across some of the best and rockiest
trails this side of State College. Organized by Terri and David Pontzer (NMBA),
it was set to be a success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRIwZb9miialWKhLV1YFi9EhF-I9tee2edf4eB5gmJCg8lW0__z8pgQk-2YC5dFQo4lwX0bfez3JmM__Xr4yFVo4faRN-Qrujm6BWqMTy_IArMOeV9t0Rpxr2tvxEiIeW2VrH5kEDujpT/s1600/rothrock+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRIwZb9miialWKhLV1YFi9EhF-I9tee2edf4eB5gmJCg8lW0__z8pgQk-2YC5dFQo4lwX0bfez3JmM__Xr4yFVo4faRN-Qrujm6BWqMTy_IArMOeV9t0Rpxr2tvxEiIeW2VrH5kEDujpT/s320/rothrock+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Race start: Rothrock trail mix</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Forty five minutes before the
race started I realized I forgot my kit (Nice one Vicki!), so time that should
have been spent warming up was spent driving home to retrieve it, and my race
warm up turned out to be a ride from the port-a-potties to the start line. Nevertheless,
my start was pretty decent; I sucked wheels up the climb and entered the single
track with a clear run at the rocks. I felt strong but was running out of
gears. Some guy behind me was singing to his ipod as I picked the lines (who is
this guy?!). Then after, oh, about 10 miles of single
track I realized I had been in my big ring the entire time! Eek. That was the
last I saw of Rich, as he peddled to a strong 3<sup>rd</sup> place finish while
I slowly recovered from my big ring efforts.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was dang hot, with
temperatures approaching 100<sup>o</sup>F. I really appreciated Aaron Ho and
Ryan Leech pouring water on my head at various points during the race. I chased
Chip, but eventually finished a couple of minutes back, as 1<sup>st</sup>
female and 8<sup>th</sup> overall. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhP9OjjanLxHzLziinhI7pNj44VAuCrX_CBsQ5CwmAqUw_1ZBf7nNsabYXnlfgZ94alyz9snh16ZKV3Um7G6cMDpHg3FrrXHEBXih0zvk3vKwhmY33gxKv9JaYYrP6jIWe8dGLGmnf7Jb9/s1600/Rothrock+trail+mix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhP9OjjanLxHzLziinhI7pNj44VAuCrX_CBsQ5CwmAqUw_1ZBf7nNsabYXnlfgZ94alyz9snh16ZKV3Um7G6cMDpHg3FrrXHEBXih0zvk3vKwhmY33gxKv9JaYYrP6jIWe8dGLGmnf7Jb9/s320/Rothrock+trail+mix.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rothrock podium: L-R Jess, Vicki, Carol (yeah Carol!)</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://heartrateup.com/6hoursofpower71512.html">6 hours of Power, Ellicotiviile NY</a>-</b> a series of 10-mile loops, with lots of rooty single
track.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Race morning brought the first
rain I have seen in weeks and a le mans start; organized chaos as both solo competitors
and teams fought for the hole shot. The rain made the trails really slick; it
was dangerous to be on or off the breaks too much - tricky!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I set out on my 3<sup>rd</sup>
lap, with shoots of lightening dancing around me, I was puzzled that the race
organizer didn’t pulled me (he said this would be the case). Ten minutes later I
could barely see through the rain and copious amount of dirt in my eyes. An hour later I rolled through the finish to
set out on my 4th lap and was told the race had been neutralized while the
organizer decided what to do (at this point it was dry and almost sunny). The result – another mass start, and everyone
would complete 2 more laps. Solo competitors were groaning (30 miles was enough
for me to get my race fix, plus I had dirt and grit on every part of my body),
but the teams were eager to set out again, all clean and charged after only doing one
lap each. What a carry-on! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dejay wisely bagged the
carnage as his experience was that these things never work out.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjWCmL8AagX_758XygbfhFVDO8P8Qag7MnvqcQ8Mjj-uPNdDHljxroX9kyDsgFCVGoqurwahjOWIWniChBjzEViz6XSyCk-anbAySub6AmZiJDRBeAAoq3f6yoiwMcsqRA75qubeqBpAs/s1600/6hours+of+power.+dirty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjWCmL8AagX_758XygbfhFVDO8P8Qag7MnvqcQ8Mjj-uPNdDHljxroX9kyDsgFCVGoqurwahjOWIWniChBjzEViz6XSyCk-anbAySub6AmZiJDRBeAAoq3f6yoiwMcsqRA75qubeqBpAs/s320/6hours+of+power.+dirty.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">6 HOP finish - muddy (Dejay forced me to put my hands up!)</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, after a 30-mile an endurance
race, followed by a cross-country race, I finished as 1<sup>st</sup> place woman. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another win and a sweet trophy!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XRZC4KeODQiNFwyqmu0-fqM9yaEgLRt_rr-PduQSBK-J8gS2hvVOLRBrpIJfXP9gFb5uiAZ0sH6a3Auvc-WsZ4zeVW73Ism0PL1poDaXxiwNhuwTXMxznlppJWFPYUBA4hod0l0YZYA1/s1600/6+hours+power+trophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XRZC4KeODQiNFwyqmu0-fqM9yaEgLRt_rr-PduQSBK-J8gS2hvVOLRBrpIJfXP9gFb5uiAZ0sH6a3Auvc-WsZ4zeVW73Ism0PL1poDaXxiwNhuwTXMxznlppJWFPYUBA4hod0l0YZYA1/s320/6+hours+power+trophy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JeUF9wwIZ04t6ueFzyL7h4PCuhecvbyJ5AZrrSP2WKflyqWnx0J2ldwjyhTcFFKn1qdQg6ZPFPgkMhoXRPOvdU83WnEQNZSMJpgkE05mby0YniNXuPH-L55ymIjCxrO9gEZkT_FzZ2Bs/s1600/van" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JeUF9wwIZ04t6ueFzyL7h4PCuhecvbyJ5AZrrSP2WKflyqWnx0J2ldwjyhTcFFKn1qdQg6ZPFPgkMhoXRPOvdU83WnEQNZSMJpgkE05mby0YniNXuPH-L55ymIjCxrO9gEZkT_FzZ2Bs/s320/van" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rich finished 3<sup>rd</sup>
male in his category, and Matt won the singlespeed so a good day. Dejay provided us with
non-stop humor (the guy cracks me up!). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuVFgdf915upLXUFiLdmsiSnTK2rTJ3KPlh6VIVioCChBGC2M1sWIzjvPcFr1cEFhLb_ZrMXUJ6w5mObsN951ilbOJuglvuih7RzWyaivSG-z-afD73YOBOFaKJX_f5MqHhYdFiUwV6zD/s1600/dejay,rich,matt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuVFgdf915upLXUFiLdmsiSnTK2rTJ3KPlh6VIVioCChBGC2M1sWIzjvPcFr1cEFhLb_ZrMXUJ6w5mObsN951ilbOJuglvuih7RzWyaivSG-z-afD73YOBOFaKJX_f5MqHhYdFiUwV6zD/s320/dejay,rich,matt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Post race beer at EBC</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next up NUE Wilderness 101.
Nervous much?</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-83362069509008711002012-06-28T16:42:00.002-07:002012-06-28T16:42:50.235-07:00Back racing!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have to admit, I was
nervous to start racing again after my road crash, but 2 weeks ago I felt like
I was recovered enough from my <b><a href="http://www.dirtragmag.com/webrag/tse-hardest-part-racing-not-racing-vicki-barclay"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">concussion</span></a></b> to make the move back into the race scene.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAaUKZ33zw-6OrZn7vGnv2jAzamh_adXe9z-txkXuzot-y0d2RQaA4__mBx1wiV4SXfT03xSQlPpG6GgghVi6PjVaDx5va4x9Y9gtKdUwLlFTWEwHWxelrkkMYBByaUX03cvTYWYcbOUr/s1600/stoopid+50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAaUKZ33zw-6OrZn7vGnv2jAzamh_adXe9z-txkXuzot-y0d2RQaA4__mBx1wiV4SXfT03xSQlPpG6GgghVi6PjVaDx5va4x9Y9gtKdUwLlFTWEwHWxelrkkMYBByaUX03cvTYWYcbOUr/s320/stoopid+50.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I really hadn’t ridden my
bike for more than 20 miles in 6 weeks. All of my miles had been on trails mind
you (despite my neurologist saying the road was ‘safer’), so I felt confortable
enough on my mountain bike to begin the racing process. I was originally
supposed to race in the Whiteface 100K Leadville Qualifier in NY, but the
prospect of driving 8 hours alone for my first race back was making me feel
uneasy. A great conversation with Geronimo K confirmed my fears. He queried why
I wanted to put myself through that stress, and suggested a better option would
be to race the local Stoopid 50. I immediately felt a weight lifted from my
shoulders. What a great idea!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I rode super conservatively
at the start of the Stoopid 50. So conservatively, that I came to a standstill
at the entry onto the first piece of single track. As Nikki T put it, ‘we could
have had an egg sandwich as we waited to ride that section’! Anyway I rode the
trails smoothly, paced myself on the road sections, and generally tried to have
a good time and enjoy being back in the scene. That Mantra got me 3<sup>rd</sup>
so I can’t complain considering it was my first race back. I must also apologize to Karen Potter for standing on the 2nd step of the podium! I blame the concussion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIysXSd010XEOxI_RvRKTqxLb4_F5Xf-dzlTwtE2cnbJO2u_iEOWiM_OY_OneJ_gySrSPKgl90ijnXOnXqqWMHIKreu8cnUHP9vd0G633ALNzQaGDdW5ZbcEfCh2c56JvnMX173mD5DEm/s1600/stoopid+50+podium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIysXSd010XEOxI_RvRKTqxLb4_F5Xf-dzlTwtE2cnbJO2u_iEOWiM_OY_OneJ_gySrSPKgl90ijnXOnXqqWMHIKreu8cnUHP9vd0G633ALNzQaGDdW5ZbcEfCh2c56JvnMX173mD5DEm/s320/stoopid+50+podium.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stoopid 50 podium</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Motivated by my ability to
race again, I signed up for the Hilly Billy Roubaix in good ol’ West Virginia
this past weekend. I have won Iron Cross a couple of times, so I thought why the
heck not go and race the Hilly Billy. Also, it would force me to do a hard 72
miles. It was HARD!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH476-XsVi-hjJO863yYBSfcnUL3a71lUGx6E21T2NCyKfZpkkN7BdkT4CHhurOlpyimLIgiYCx7hxDrOY6JVR8XRqWYTAA9jS8gJHgBe5_q-K6RbAvCPOL1B5eAK-6HfYknvH67BL0tog/s1600/hilly+billy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH476-XsVi-hjJO863yYBSfcnUL3a71lUGx6E21T2NCyKfZpkkN7BdkT4CHhurOlpyimLIgiYCx7hxDrOY6JVR8XRqWYTAA9jS8gJHgBe5_q-K6RbAvCPOL1B5eAK-6HfYknvH67BL0tog/s320/hilly+billy.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suffering in Hilly Billy with a mangled derailleur. Photo: Fred Jordan</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Added to the hard factor, the
race played out to be a series of unlucky but humorous events. Here is how it all went down:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Arrived at the race,
realized my back brake was locked to my wheel. Panicked. Badgered Zack Adams to
help me (Thanks a million Zack and Dan Repp!).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Had another mechanical 15 mins before race start. Panicked.
Badgered Nathan Annon and his friend Travis to help me. So kind! (I should have put Kenda tires on). Breathed. I was going to make it to the
start of the race!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Started race. Was
extremely concerned that I could hear my back breaks squeaking (were they
rubbing?), and that I was suddenly in a very fast road race. Why was this
a good idea again? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Began to settle in. Positioned
my self reasonably well in the field, hoping to get in a group for a draft on
the road sections. Passed a zillion people who had flatted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Approached a car sized pothole, front tire went into pot hole. I went over pot hole. Severely bent derailleur
hanger and couldn't bend it back. Couldn’t pedal bike. Panicked. Stood at side of trail looking helpless. Nobody to
badger! Kind guy stopped and helped me bend derailleur back (strength!). He
didn’t want to bend it too much in case it broke. Tried to pedal. Derailleur
made chain rub against spokes. Considered dropping out. Thought, I can make it!
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Rode on my own for 60
miles (only got one draft!). Remembered how much I love the dirt (here I mean the dirt roads, so much more interesting), and dislike
the road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Went back and forth at the
end with a guy who was only able to climb the hills by swerving across the road
due to cramps. Eventually had to say “Dude” (not vocabulary I usually use) to
be able to ride in a straight line and not follow his pattern.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Crawled to the finish,
wondered why people I normally finish around the same time as were already
changed and eating pizza/drinking beer?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Tried to escape Cycling
Dirt – unsuccessful<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Cycling Dirt Video here!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249501-Hilly-Billy-Roubaix/video/643993-Vicki-Barclay-Bugger"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249501-Hilly-Billy-Roubaix/video/643993-Vicki-Barclay-Bugger</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Funny part of this whole
scenario is that all of the guys who helped me out my misfortunes were friends. A
recent conversation on FB went something along the lines of…we helped Vicki do
this. Oh we helped Vicki with this. I nearly knocked Vicki off her bike.
Cracked. Me Up!!! Thanks to everyone for the help! I do recommend this race despite my own misfortunes. Best
marshaled course I have ever raced on. However, I think at this point in the season I would race my mountain bike. Three out of the top 5 guys to finish were on mountain bikes. Also, put fresh tires on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In over news, if you want to know what the
rest of the Stan’s ladies have been up to, <b><a href="http://www.mtbracenews.com/news/stans-notubes-elite-womens-mountain-bike-team-update-number-2-mountain-bike-racing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">check out this great piece written by Shannon Gibson</span></a></b>. I am honestly touched by the kind words from Shannon on my
recovery. It means so much to me to know I have such a supportive. Great team. Great product.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Until next time…hammer on!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-5042537360561694002012-05-01T13:01:00.001-07:002012-05-01T13:01:49.551-07:00NUE # 1 Cohutta 100 - Lowdown<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And then there were 2</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In previous years there have literally been truckloads of
the State College crew heading down to the Cohutta 100. I would say out of all
the NUE’s, this is the race we talk about the most: ‘remember the year of the
storm, where we all thought we were going to be killed by lightening’;
‘remember the year when Jeremiah Bishop stayed with us and got food
poisoning’; ‘remember the year when we
all fought about the best warm up lap (actually, nothing new there)’. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have gotten into the habit of making a holiday out of the
Cohuuta 100. We travel to Asheville Thursday and stay with friends and eat a
yummy dinner, have another delicious breakfast in Asheville Friday morning, drive the remaining few hours and pre-ride
the course Friday afternoon. We also try and stay at the same sweet cabin every year,
tucked away 5 miles from the race. I love traveling with the guys because they make
it so relaxed; they drink beer before the race and there’s not a compression sock
in sight (well, except me). These factors all keep the race nerves at bay and remind me why I
love to race – the people I meet and the places I get to go. This year, the
crew diminished to only Matt Ferrari and I, but we kept the traditions going.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirq40JVvKh-WxuGlwAzST8D_CdTT3IevtDIKnB-DfDiRCwIMnFN6YXnbOcoKVCWW7hXNavt6PNtsOWX6eog0Tz2lOwamCSNi-ZTuB8B1l2XzDj5h8fkMfrc_Pw6gDPMEHpsROCUb6Oi48/s1600/Asheville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirq40JVvKh-WxuGlwAzST8D_CdTT3IevtDIKnB-DfDiRCwIMnFN6YXnbOcoKVCWW7hXNavt6PNtsOWX6eog0Tz2lOwamCSNi-ZTuB8B1l2XzDj5h8fkMfrc_Pw6gDPMEHpsROCUb6Oi48/s320/Asheville.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asheville eating</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The 2012 cabin crew</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeremiah Bishop was back with us this year (and we didn’t
give him food poisoning), entertaining us with World Cup stories and showing us
the secrets to recovery (lots and lots of ice-cream!). Chris Michaels was also
there representing the Harrisonburg racers. We had Morgen Olsen, a Swede who
lives in Greensborough, Clay Chiles (ex-State College) and Jimbo Malta
(Genuine Innovations - another team sponsor). What a great group of people to share a space with!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bkrGSfe1LVKfNMlsyboqh7IxCLLKth42bQHRvup8NUNWUrLQx8aT9YNNgzCYh86EmjVnpksryj9r2mHbxO-7y59x6goV0zJzhFobJFEsi6jD4g2ZKeZbh5A20JEzctZsMadecuksjGff/s1600/cabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bkrGSfe1LVKfNMlsyboqh7IxCLLKth42bQHRvup8NUNWUrLQx8aT9YNNgzCYh86EmjVnpksryj9r2mHbxO-7y59x6goV0zJzhFobJFEsi6jD4g2ZKeZbh5A20JEzctZsMadecuksjGff/s320/cabin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our lovely home, almost year after year</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvlt0TvIhyQvvlzAbdsfB4pyViU5o5L-y6Zd8vLZ7aQXwkCq6j42uCQaeVpSXrHAMHw-f22eWp6_LoFx26gmROuHBnUbtzlw_PVQmTKoGmoSSNdymkssPMzmDBNaKzByNUv5GZdOVS6qD/s1600/cabin+crew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvlt0TvIhyQvvlzAbdsfB4pyViU5o5L-y6Zd8vLZ7aQXwkCq6j42uCQaeVpSXrHAMHw-f22eWp6_LoFx26gmROuHBnUbtzlw_PVQmTKoGmoSSNdymkssPMzmDBNaKzByNUv5GZdOVS6qD/s320/cabin+crew.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cabin crew: Matt F. Morgen, JB (holding the recovery ice cream cones!), Chris Michaels, Jimbo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZN5GIDKvmU89yEsgNVRTShq8L8KkwXDZcVuxBV2FivbyXiVI8ndVm8bsJ_cOVkAk1fwDPxMDyyn5XpUyz5vuuhntWG6SPsMutyRTayscChu0Mho9CzLQNgSNOk4yL0V_qK2iCQyOGO_66/s1600/clay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZN5GIDKvmU89yEsgNVRTShq8L8KkwXDZcVuxBV2FivbyXiVI8ndVm8bsJ_cOVkAk1fwDPxMDyyn5XpUyz5vuuhntWG6SPsMutyRTayscChu0Mho9CzLQNgSNOk4yL0V_qK2iCQyOGO_66/s320/clay.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clay Chiles. Gearing up for a TSE appearance this year</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The race</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Cohutta 100. Traditionally known as one of the easier
NUE courses. This year, however, they turned it into a treacherous beast. The
new race organizers gave us a lot more singletrack than previous years, but we
paid the price: 14,000ft of climbing, which included a steep 9 mile climb
somewhere close to the half way point. This race had the potential to take you
to the deepest of dark race thoughts.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xyPZHI2UlCUJ8C9gkB6t-ZHWlLqd7JpZQ88FDqNff-A0aaLUkvDa2Bzf9h00Og1S9PYOGB4QyYh7t9Nn0gwyIBP2BdAC61cWV8vNVu5aowTjJPvkxzzjFAlftYfJBBcf2MmTCqorgWRD/s1600/Cohutta+race+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xyPZHI2UlCUJ8C9gkB6t-ZHWlLqd7JpZQ88FDqNff-A0aaLUkvDa2Bzf9h00Og1S9PYOGB4QyYh7t9Nn0gwyIBP2BdAC61cWV8vNVu5aowTjJPvkxzzjFAlftYfJBBcf2MmTCqorgWRD/s320/Cohutta+race+start.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, 3 weeks out from the race I woke in the night
with severe back spasms, similar to the one’s last year but this time on the
opposite side. There were tears, and ibuprofen and the usual ’why me’s?’. They
went on for about a week, bang in the middle of the night I would feel like
contractions were moving through my back. This limited my ability to focus on
intensity when I had wanted to. They also meant I would miss some important training
races (Dragon’s Tale and Michaux). However, the most important thing was that I
made it to Cohutta. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I felt reasonably good lining up. I was trying not to focus
on my back giving up (as the week before I was literally crawling home from a
ride where I had pushed myself). I got a good start and was sitting in 3rd, but
got boxed in on the road before the singletrack started. The singletrack went
ok, but I could feel that my legs were sluggish. This became really
apparent when we hit the fire roads; no power and erratic heart rate. In the
midst of wheezing, I heard someone ask ‘Are you from Costa Rica? Well, welcome
to the USA!’. For some absurd reason, I thought he was talking to me (Scottish
and very un-south American looking). I turned around and said ‘I’m not
from…..’DUH. But at least he warned me of her presence on my wheel!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, the Costa Rican (with some hefty race titles under her belt) soon nipped past, then Kristin Gavin
(who I could tell was riding very comfortably), then Nikki Thiemann (‘what’s up
little vic?’), then a Specialized racer. Pull IT together Vicki. I was riding
with Chad from Moots. I thought I heard him say ‘stop riding so offensively’. Whether
he said this or not, I gave myself a talking to. Stop letting these women ride
away. As soon as the real climbing started I settled in. I passed the Specialized
racer from Florida (the knowledge of which state she had come from, fed to me
by another guy racer, definitely helped!), I then picked off Nikki, then the Costa
Rican. Back in 4<sup>th</sup> and climbing reasonably well. Keep it going.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The new piece of course took us down 9 miles of a screaming
fast fire road, followed by more descending in singletrack. By jing, I
thought, this is going to hurt. As I climbed to the aid station after the
single track loop I saw Kristin. She said nothing but her eyes popped out of
her head, and with that she was gone. “There’s you girl” said another guy I was
riding with, so off I went, following/chasing her up the long climb. Sip sip
sipping on my carb and Elete mix. By this point the sun really started beating
down, I felt like I wasn’t consuming enough calories. I pulled out a Gu Roctane
and started to feel better again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Slowly but surely, however, on the next round of assents and descents, I lost sight of Kristin and 3</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup>rd</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">place.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I finally crossed the line in 4</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup>th</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, 9hours 5mins, the longest it has taken me to finish a hundie in a few years. I was happy to have pulled it back together when things got rough and tough, but knowing deep down that I had under-performed due to my lack of specificity just a few weeks out from the race.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cheryl’s husband Lee came to talk to me, I was so happy when he told me she had won. I have spent some time with Cheryl this winter and I could tell her attitude has changed somehow. She truly deserved the win.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6xSGVTxm1_TFBTEcw_nbpiKpHyz7UDGKoal3R1IO4L-LY2AR94u14qUAkvcRvq2n4m_tMyNmzm8ZVggc4jIrFZGcsOVx8IqDDzIl03YQuGDTU0dE9dnmrCSpriNxU1q5LVokXD-oXErw/s1600/cohutta+podium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6xSGVTxm1_TFBTEcw_nbpiKpHyz7UDGKoal3R1IO4L-LY2AR94u14qUAkvcRvq2n4m_tMyNmzm8ZVggc4jIrFZGcsOVx8IqDDzIl03YQuGDTU0dE9dnmrCSpriNxU1q5LVokXD-oXErw/s320/cohutta+podium.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cohutta 100 podium L-R: me, Amanda Carey, Cheryl Sorenson, Kristin Gavin, Nikki Thiemann</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My interview skills were stellar as usual. At least everyone
got a good shot of my swanky pink and black addidas glasses. Thanks to Sammy
Bryant for continuously providing the team with cool looks.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><a href="http://bigbikesmedia.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249277-Cohutta-100-Kenda-NUE-1/video/631997-Nikki-And-Vicki-4th-and-5th"><b>http://bigbikesmedia.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249277-Cohutta-100-Kenda-NUE-1/video/631997-Nikki-And-Vicki-4th-and-5th</b></a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Next</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now it’s on with the rest of the season . This week will be
filled with mostly easy spins. I plan on racing in the Mid-Atlantic at Iron
Hill XC on Sunday. This will be a test to see if I can recover within 7 days of
a 100 miler to race at a faster pace i.e., can I race Sylmano’s Revenge and
start TSE, 7 days later? Hammer on.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-91519888123207479422012-04-10T13:22:00.000-07:002012-04-10T13:22:25.253-07:00More than just racing<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Any event that is promoted by<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"> <a href="http://highspeedcycling.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Mike Kuhn</span></a> </span>and the ‘family’ (TSE, Iron Cross, Rattlin’ 50) and sponsored by our very own <a href="http://www.notubes.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Stan’s NoTubes</span></a> is a recipe for success. The first of these yearly events commenced this past weekend with the Marysville Relays. As much as everyone declares that it’s ‘just for fun’, there always seem to be an awfully large number of people hovering around the results board comparing lap times!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfkGs6S6zA1htr2D7ZU03OT07w1Iciu5N1qWT4-IClk0V08oRqpA2-yLDeX_nnbzTqOM-r8uzH-AwcQQ6KYOPwlmS_YmRaFxDxEHN6OMNS_HPQdGUKMskjK71Q41vC4MsUXmf4r6N8GGL/s1600/results+at+Marys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfkGs6S6zA1htr2D7ZU03OT07w1Iciu5N1qWT4-IClk0V08oRqpA2-yLDeX_nnbzTqOM-r8uzH-AwcQQ6KYOPwlmS_YmRaFxDxEHN6OMNS_HPQdGUKMskjK71Q41vC4MsUXmf4r6N8GGL/s320/results+at+Marys.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The result board hovering. ok ok, I was there too!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We (Rich, Matt F and Manny) whipped out some fast laps and enjoyed basking in the April sun with friends. My lungs hurt from pushing myself hard. Those relays are the best-disguised training around.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Racing aside, my favorite part of the day was taking Jim Glover’s 12 year-old daughter Callan out for a lap of the course when the race had finished. The girl can ride; I mean, she can really ride. She stuck on my wheel going through the technical sections, and only got off for the big logs that I saw many a guy dismount/crash at during the race. Any girl who rides behind you, repeatedly declares how much they love the dirt, twisty single track, their brand new 29er, and is desperate for clipless pedals so they can hop over logs without slipping out, is destined for good things. Maybe we can convince her to be on our team next year….<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The rest of the afternoon was spent spreading the Stan’s love, with talk of sealant and rims. <o:p></o:p></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouARPeHrAsAuBVAwYi7az0qNzGyW-3Ru_6VC7frPvkyltm87Qf-A84vjE2SAyqPWDaIUvjg4YjJ3KkKWGl_qa9P-S3S33zr7QqIW1P9f-Q2cn6zTgXXWscRZ65wiRgyYFpLTrbzChC-ht/s1600/stans+van.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouARPeHrAsAuBVAwYi7az0qNzGyW-3Ru_6VC7frPvkyltm87Qf-A84vjE2SAyqPWDaIUvjg4YjJ3KkKWGl_qa9P-S3S33zr7QqIW1P9f-Q2cn6zTgXXWscRZ65wiRgyYFpLTrbzChC-ht/s320/stans+van.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spreading the love</span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sunday was spent executing a mock 100-mile mountain race. Rich, Matt, Aaron Snyder and myself headed out on a 115-mile loop. Aaron has sense, and headed homeward after 40 miles; us three loonies kept going. I like to do these extra-long rides to remind myself of the suffering that begins to insure after 6 hours on the bike; the niggling neck pains, tight back, mind games. It was Easter Sunday, so we feared all the back-of-beyond tiny shops we usually stop at would be closed. Luckily between miles 80-90 the uni-mart was open. I had forgotten to put <a href="http://new.eletewater.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Elete</span></a> in my bottles, so I scoffed down some peanuts. Climbing the last 1000ft of the 8000ft ride, I began to feel twinges in my calf. Again I was reminded of the benefits of including high quality and easily absorbable electrolytes in my race diet. Peanuts don’t quite cut it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The weekend was topped of by spending Easter Sunday evening at Rich’s parents. His mum had made ham. I used to be vegetarian. I shoveled it down to the delight of his dad. Slowly but surely they are sucking me into eating like a Pennsylvanian. Please stop me if I ever suggest sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top. Hammer on.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-61133201594024161392012-03-13T06:13:00.002-07:002012-03-13T09:16:04.380-07:00Start of the season: Speed play<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The 2012 race season has started. The Sweet Hammer is racing once again. It must be time for some sweet blogging!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Having spent most of the winter working and living in Northern California it seemed appropriate to spend a weekend racing and representing my <a href="http://notubesracing.com/womenselite"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">new team</span></b></a> at the ProXCT #2 in southern California. When else would I luck out and be able to drive myself to a race near L.A (albeit terrified driving in tinsel town)? With my bike tuned up by the amazing<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"> <a href="http://www.christopherscc.webs.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Chris Iles</span></a></span></b> in Los Gatos, I was all set for my first race of the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Riding in Northern California</span></td></tr>
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I arrived at Bonelli Park to meet my teammates and reccy the course. There were four of us racing for Stan’s during this hot March weekend: myself, Kaila Hart, Jenny Smith and Sarah Kaufmann. I had spent time with Kaila at the Windham World Cup last year. Kaila is an extremely strong U23 rider, with a brilliant eye for a good pair of jeans. I quickly got to business with her recommendations on this season’s hottest pair. This was my first time meeting Sarah and Jenny and they were as lovely as the rumors heard. They both have a laid back manner but an attention to detail when it comes to racing; I can learn a lot from all of these girls. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHAnost-6jbvF5qBKyo6uaHFUOjLXRDkPFriuwsRpLGpz0-ycX4uxSpNHzVgvxePJGzz-BqgChHzpSD00Mn0kVB1qQrxe7SqPQO1jbURMQxcr8sKpthK1PSr8dy5qO8JGT_R-w-fjdpqW/s1600/NoTubes+4+women.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHAnost-6jbvF5qBKyo6uaHFUOjLXRDkPFriuwsRpLGpz0-ycX4uxSpNHzVgvxePJGzz-BqgChHzpSD00Mn0kVB1qQrxe7SqPQO1jbURMQxcr8sKpthK1PSr8dy5qO8JGT_R-w-fjdpqW/s320/NoTubes+4+women.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Team L-R: Kaila, Jenny, Vicki, Sarah</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cycling News had described the race course as follows: <i>“</i></span><span style="color: #191718; font-family: Arial;"><i>The 3.1-mile, UCI regulation pro cross country course is a mixture of fast rolling fire road, short punchy climbs and steep twisting descents with four hundred feet of climbing per lap that will challenge riders to their limit. Natural and manmade obstacles have been strategically selected to elevate the difficulty of the course”.</i> Horror.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #191718; font-family: Arial;">We headed out on the course and the description was as accurate as in print. It was a roller coaster of short hard climbs, with fast sandy descents (with the odd ‘rock’ feature). No recovery. I looked at my HR warming up. Eeeek. This was going to be fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191718;">I could tell my approach to the race was totally different to normal. I had been nervous mid-week, but felt remarkably chill the night before. I did things I would never do, like changed my tires and added a new electrolyte solution, </span><a href="http://new.eletewater.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><b>Elete Electrolytes</b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191718;">, to my feed bottles. I barely like to ride with different socks on from race to race with 100 milers in case it changes my performance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191718;">We were extremely lucky to have Jimmy Deaton as our race mechanic, the wonderful Joan and Matt Wehn as our hosts and </span><b><a href="http://bikes.progoldmfr.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">ProGold Lubricants</span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191718;"> very own Bruce Dickman parked next to us (another fantastic sponsor of the team). All of these extra bonuses of being on an elite team take some of the stress out of racing (‘Vicki let me wash and lube your bike for you’ wow!).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #191718; font-family: Arial;">On race day I had 2<sup>nd</sup> to last call up. No excuse though, as the field was smaller than usual (potential Olympians are racing in South Africa). When the whistle went off I nearly laughed out loud; at one point I think I was DFL. Focus Vicki. I stayed calm, and began picking my way through the field. My only real game plan was not to blow up, to stay positive and enjoy the race. I achieved all my goals. Even though I was technically racing mid pack I was enjoying every minute of it, re-affirming my love for bike racing and building my excitement for this year’s races.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #191718; font-family: Arial;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSX6S9bCFS-yrN1YUnLCoU3axHHbQMnNvMdJlf3EsIYS1STn4QgWxaCmnHMPLVwVk5iFaeuUGoCsMxdgoEIuP5ypn1_8hZYXNC3KEI3TV0gKlzD28qQcGhYNKrBLol3_nhFW1n1Ybyd87F/s1600/game+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSX6S9bCFS-yrN1YUnLCoU3axHHbQMnNvMdJlf3EsIYS1STn4QgWxaCmnHMPLVwVk5iFaeuUGoCsMxdgoEIuP5ypn1_8hZYXNC3KEI3TV0gKlzD28qQcGhYNKrBLol3_nhFW1n1Ybyd87F/s320/game+face.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jenny S called this my game face. True. I love bike racing :0)</span></td></tr>
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191718;">I also thoroughly enjoyed being fed bottles every lap by Jimmy and Matt. The </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://new.eletewater.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Elete Electrolytes</span></a> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191718;">worked a treat and I will definitely be topping off my bottles with their products this year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #191718; font-family: Arial;">By the time the engine was finally fired up it was all over. I crossed the line in 12<sup>th</sup>. Not a stellar performance, but not a disaster either considering it was my first ProXCT. Even better, Stan’s NoTubes Elite Women’s team were strewn all over the results page, with Jenny in 7<sup>th</sup>, Sarah in 8<sup>th</sup> and Kaila in 17<sup>th</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191718;">As usual I spent the rest of the weekend dreaming of racing more ProXCT’s (I tend to do this whatever the discipline of bike race I have just finished). But really, this playing in the park at speed on Saturday afternoon was just a great excuse to race hard, hang out with wonderful folks and test all of the products from our amazing </span><a href="http://notubesracing.com/womenselite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><b>sponsors</b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191718;"> this year. Now it’s back to building towards NUE #1. I sure will miss the big mountains of California and the friends (really family) I have met here, but I sure am looking forward to my own house, Rich and the pooch. Hammer on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #191718; font-family: Arial;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVdDtC7CinMJpfEaE3gulCwGSDC6FrBGvDBlBIorjJWl280BNj0InL4GqN7NNfG9DzUDzqsynK7O3oc24dccICLgGxmwXx-Gxp131RcT5QyZAIpl_E0xPiqsP-6IvCiWWqrdAEc5m0j1e/s1600/back+of+me+golden+gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVdDtC7CinMJpfEaE3gulCwGSDC6FrBGvDBlBIorjJWl280BNj0InL4GqN7NNfG9DzUDzqsynK7O3oc24dccICLgGxmwXx-Gxp131RcT5QyZAIpl_E0xPiqsP-6IvCiWWqrdAEc5m0j1e/s320/back+of+me+golden+gate.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So long California</span></td></tr>
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</div>Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-44664321789870893502011-10-20T13:32:00.000-07:002011-10-21T09:35:48.375-07:00Granogue cross = No legs or lungs (or head actually...)!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well the race report can be relatively short as I felt so terrible all weekend! I was really hoping to have recovered from Iron Cross in time for Granogue, but my body just wouldn't agree. I guess I was asking a bit much going from an endurance race, to racing all out for 40 minutes, 6 days later. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The people I had managed to hang with during WhirlyBird a couple of weeks ago rode away from me like I was standing still at Granogue (and they went on to finish in the top 10). I knew I was in trouble when the spectators starting shouting 'come on the back of the pack'.....!!!!! I was humbled. I also learned not to ask my body to make such huge changes in terms of race intensity over such a short space of time (some folks can do it, some cannot).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thom from Cycling Dirt was at the race capturing some great interviews</b>. He was eager to hear how I felt (as he probably watched me suffer through 5 laps!). Check out the hilarity here:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/240328-Granogue-Cross-2011/video/510394-Vicki-Barclay-Iron-CX-Vs-Granogue">http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/240328-Granogue-Cross-2011/video/510394-Vicki-Barclay-Iron-CX-Vs-Granogue</a></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can hear Thom trying not to laugh and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">me trying to be serious </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">during the interview. That's the great thing about Cycling Dirt, it aims to catch people when they are in their most glycogen depleted, non comprehendible, post-race, um...euphoria?!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Someone asked me what my strength/weaknesses are with cross racing, what I need to work on. The run down of my general performance is this: good start (as it can be from the back!), ride aggressively, corner well, techy stuff (roots etc) fine, atrocious at dis-mount but ESPECIAlLY re-mout, die halfway through, approach barriers and realize they are half my size, fumble over, feel like quitting, finish, want to do it all again!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcG5PUIwTCjp4vzsNfH66OhcJYcfUv6d33VQv9MSN_eBpDthXQoZRrC5_8ifDwFHU8en-hcMZuIObMPgQzDz2yfrY4pFEr6l4zq768-v_qlnICAINHZu8EHbazHGuhZOeQy1V4EGTLirw/s1600/33131234-2011-Granogue-D1-UCI-Women_072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcG5PUIwTCjp4vzsNfH66OhcJYcfUv6d33VQv9MSN_eBpDthXQoZRrC5_8ifDwFHU8en-hcMZuIObMPgQzDz2yfrY4pFEr6l4zq768-v_qlnICAINHZu8EHbazHGuhZOeQy1V4EGTLirw/s320/33131234-2011-Granogue-D1-UCI-Women_072.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Look at my awesome technique as I whack my front wheel on the step!</span></i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, yes, lots to work on with cross. But I love it, and it's addictive, and it's the off -season and it's meant to be fun. But really, who wants to be at the back of the pack? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recovery will help. I shall embrace the challenges of my weaknesses and remember this was my 1st UCI race. We all start somewhere. When's the next one?</span>Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-47573867646305857942011-10-13T10:29:00.000-07:002011-10-14T06:31:23.654-07:00Cross racing and other good stuff!<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blog writing has been a little sparse of late, but it’s not from a lack of racing or riding, just a lack of time!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQCEXid-Rd93A3OayfEJqncfNXLsR8VVR9WrN8653nunglLZKng8KGhGhB-jjVx7P4jJySYvUzg7WfJ-K4FWeUKEIbPxYwvoSCWqNdqBbbgx7IdzScRPfOXlXAg6fS4L9O_rN9G05M7_W/s1600/293465_10150309915571938_502126937_8399087_600793388_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQCEXid-Rd93A3OayfEJqncfNXLsR8VVR9WrN8653nunglLZKng8KGhGhB-jjVx7P4jJySYvUzg7WfJ-K4FWeUKEIbPxYwvoSCWqNdqBbbgx7IdzScRPfOXlXAg6fS4L9O_rN9G05M7_W/s320/293465_10150309915571938_502126937_8399087_600793388_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Riding In Moab</b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since Shenandoah 100 I have: recovered from my awful back spasms (doctors and physio’s helped); visited Las Vegas and InterBike; raced Cross Vegas (industry race); ridden in Moab and a couple of other places in Utah/Colorado; driven (well I didn’t drive but I was in the van!) across the USA; raced in a MAC series cyclocross race; started running and swimming; raced Iron Cross and started a new job!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In brief, InterBike and Vegas were a blast and it was so nice to hang out with the NoTubes gang at their booth. Cross Vegas was frightening….but fun (think stampede). I won the woman’s industry race, but I couldn’t take it too seriously (gin and heels night before didn’t help). Eric Sorensen from Las Vegas TV interviewed me before the race. I was kind of like errrr maybe you should be interviewing Kelli Emmet in the tent next door! Eric did a great job of capturing the spirit of cross. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Check it out here:<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJya1aFPzKs&feature=share"> </a></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJya1aFPzKs&feature=share"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJya1aFPzKs&feature=share</span></b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After Interbike, Rich, Richie Rich and I headed in the NoTubes sprinter (that van attracts so much attention, lots of questions on how the technology works from the public at petrol stations!) to Moab, Utah, to meet Mike Bush and his girlfriend Amanda. Mike arranged for us to take a shuttle up and descend ‘the whole enchilada’ on big hit bikes. The pictures speak louder than words; it was EPIC!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The MAC series race, WhirlyBird, reminded me how much fun and ADDICTIVE cross racing is.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is so nice to go hard for a short time (as apposed to going hard for 8 hours!). At Whirly, I was pleasantly surprised to immediately break away with the top 5 woman. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love the tactical side of cross racing, though my tactics (according to Rich) need some work!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am running the<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> <a href="http://www.notubes.com/Alpha-Road-Wheels-C58.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Stan's Alpha wheel set</span></a></span>,</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> with a tire pressure of around 30 psi.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far so good; not a glitch of a problem.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past Sunday was <b><a href="http://www.ironcrossrace.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Iron Cross</span></a></b>. Prior to the race, I had to shift my body and mind back to some sort of endurance racing strategy. I tried my hardest to rest, fuel and prep as if I would for a 100 miler, but it was a battle as I am doing a ton of different sports, and not worrying as much about being specific. Before the race, my legs were sluggish; very UN-snappy!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luckily when the whistle went off I didn’t feel too bad. Betsy Shogren (one of the sweetest and fastest woman on the East coast) was also racing. Betsy has countless huge wins under her belt, so I knew it was important to get a good start and try and suck as many of the guy’s wheels as I could.<b> <a href="http://www.bikereg.com/Results/2011/10/09-Iron-Cross-IX.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">My strategy worked; I got an early lead and never saw another woman all day. </span></a></b>Thanks to Richie Rich for driving me to the race and working with me a bit during the early stages, and Cheryl Sorenson for letting us stay in her beautiful house!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Giving a wave on the way to my second Iron Cross victory (photo: Zach Repp)</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>L to R: Jane Pearson, Betsy Shogren, me, Katrina Dowidchuk </b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I highly recommend Iron Cross, it’s one of the best ways to spend an Autumn day in PA. But come prepared, remember this is like no other cross races, and there are moments when you think your legs are going to explode (like the ‘run up’ which is basically a steep cliff you have to climb). </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks Mike Kuhn and the IC gang for such a great day in the woods.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can watch my Cycling Dirt interview by Thom Parsons below. I really need to work on not getting caught talking about embarrassing stuff like my hair on camera!! I am not even a hair-fussy person (I have to drag myself to the hairdresser once a year!) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Check it out here:</span></b></span><br />
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</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/240312-NoTubes-Iron-Cross-2011/video/509690-Iron-Cross-Vicki-Barclay-1st">http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/240312-NoTubes-Iron-Cross-2011/video/509690-Iron-Cross-Vicki-Barclay-1st</a></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Also check out the tunes and race drama here:</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/240312-NoTubes-Iron-Cross-2011/video/509803-Iron-Cross-Highlights-2011"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/240312-NoTubes-Iron-Cross-2011/video/509803-Iron-Cross-Highlights-2011</b></span></a></span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next up? I am going to race some more cross, a mix of big girl races and some smaller ones. First up is Granogue this weekend, where, I will most likely spend the whole weekend trying to move up few spots from the back of the pack as I have zilch in terms of UCI points so it will be a back row start. I also have a strong feeling that my legs may not have recovered from Iron Cross, or recovered enough to race at high end, we'll see. Stay tuned!</span><o:p></o:p></div>Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-51404526298425474602011-09-07T11:47:00.000-07:002011-09-07T11:51:22.448-07:00Shenandoah 100<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">I’ll keep it reasonably short. The week leading up to the <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/national-ultra-endurance-nue-series-shenandoah-mountain-100-ne/photos/189685"><b>SM100</b></a> I woke every single night/early morning (after my evening dose of pain killers wore off) with an aching spine and spasms down the right side of my body. It was pretty miserable. I tried sleeping in a different bed, getting massage, taking very strong pain killers and muscle relaxants, visiting my chiropractor 3 times in that week, but nothing worked. I rode once for 45 mins on Thursday evening. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">I decided to try and race; maybe I would feel at my best on my bike? On Saturday morning I headed down to VA with Richie Rich and Matt Ferrari. Rich was working Eurobike with NoTubes so couldn't make it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">On our warm up I bumped a tree on the trail and was attacked by hornets! They were everywhere and stung me through my gloves, up my arms, across my shoulders and around my ears. Matt said the noise of my screaming was piercing! I was so busy protecting my face that I didn’t move and continued to be stung. Something deep inside was telling me that this race was not a good idea. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Now I was full of pain killers and anti-histamines, awesome. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">I felt ok as we headed up the first climb at day break Sunday. I was leading the other ladies up the climb, but felt comfortable. Cheryl soon caught me on some steeper pitches of single track. I stayed with her in a pace line to the next climb where Karen also caught us. During the long single track climb I started to feel bad. My back was aching from pushing my bike and the spasms I had been suffering from starting creeping in. On the next section of fire road Brenda her husband Lee caught me. I decided to let them do the work, following Brenda’s wheel up the next climb. We passed Karen, but I felt unmotivated. The climbing pace was slower that I would have liked, but at the same time I had no fire in me to try and drop Brenda.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJ-OlUlUEcIT7wLl9xI-0ACK2xHZQYqoWHmUImr6yjk3Pa9CeST_8XgyDUq-21jpKFcsAG3POTvrrMHGtH_EEC_6l-fFEggV-yDKYz1iNTa3Q_xYWm6B8VwvGwIWuy84CM0BwW37vlLGK/s1600/318462_147996318623819_100002403544367_264593_2533362_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJ-OlUlUEcIT7wLl9xI-0ACK2xHZQYqoWHmUImr6yjk3Pa9CeST_8XgyDUq-21jpKFcsAG3POTvrrMHGtH_EEC_6l-fFEggV-yDKYz1iNTa3Q_xYWm6B8VwvGwIWuy84CM0BwW37vlLGK/s320/318462_147996318623819_100002403544367_264593_2533362_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"> <i>Early race with myself, Cheryl and Karen</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Aid 3 to 4 is a death march; lots of off-camber single track climbing. This involved pushing/hanging over my bike. As I dropped into aid 4 I was crying out to the volunteers for some pain killers. My back and psoas muscles were weary. I started up the climb to aid 5 but my mind and body said no. For once don’t push through this pain. There will be more races. I needed form for one extra week, but my body went into hibernation early and there was no coaxing it out! As I rode down the road, I saw Richie Rich. Of course I burst into tears! He kindly (and with hindsight, unnecessarily) also dropped out to help me get back to camp. That guy has the biggest heart. Thank you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Do I feel disappointed to have experienced my first DNF? No. Deep inside I know it was the right decision; I am still suffering this week from the same pain. My plan is to get healthy in the next few weeks. Take a little break, rest, eat good food and (all being well) start preparing for cross season. I am excited by the coming change in season, training and racing. </span></div>Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-34382796531497251852011-08-24T08:45:00.000-07:002011-08-24T12:25:39.688-07:00Rattlin' 50 Marathon<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">I decided not to make the trip down to Fool’s Gold 100 in GA on Saturday, and instead opted to race in<a href="http://highspeedcycling.com/"><b> Mike Kuhn’s </b></a>Rattlin 50 marathon in Lykens PA. Yes, maybe I should have traveled to GA chasing </span><span lang="EN-GB">NUE</span><span lang="EN-GB"> points, but at this stage I don’t really mind whether I am 3<sup>rd</sup> or 5<sup>th </sup>in the series. I would rather be able to put in some constructive training and race well in the remaining few weeks (like the Shenandoah 100 in 2 weeks), than force myself to travel and race when my heart (and body and mind!) might not be in it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Plus there was a party at home on Friday night that I didn’t want to miss out on! Bill Alcorn from <a href="http://www.bikeflights.com/?gclid=CMaM89ad6KoCFQHf4Aodsj-08g"><b>BikeFlights.com </b></a>(‘the dude’) is moving himself, lovely wife and baby to Portland, OR. It’s a very sad time, but I am sure they will set up a lovely life in </span><span lang="EN-GB">Portland</span><span lang="EN-GB">. I will definitely still use <a href="http://www.bikeflights.com/?gclid=CMaM89ad6KoCFQHf4Aodsj-08g"><b>BikeFlights</b></a> for all my bike travel needs (like my up and coming trip to Las Vegas…more on that in a later blog).</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Billy (<a href="http://bikeflights.com/"><b>BikeFlights.com</b></a><a href="http://www.bikeflights.com/?gclid=CMaM89ad6KoCFQHf4Aodsj-08g"></a>) showing myself and Rachel how to pack a bike last year!</span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">The party at our place on Friday night was most certainly not going to help with a peak race performance on Sunday, but since I was essentially training through the race (I put in a number of consecutively hard days of training during the week) I decided it was ok to kick back and relax this weekend. Good job I had that perspective as I didn’t get to sleep until </span><span lang="EN-GB">4am</span><span lang="EN-GB"> on Saturday morning!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">I had ridden at Lykens before so I knew I was in for a bumpy ride (with little chance to take on fluids) on some super fun trails. The race starts with a 2 mile climb on double track which is pretty steep in spots. After that it was a mixture of technical rocky sections (including some super fun high rock ledges/piles) and fast smoother single track…perfect. Mike Kuhn really puts a lot of thought into how his race flows; he aims to please the masses. I would say Rattlin’ 50 was 80% single track, a mountain biker’s race!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"> On the long single track climb (about 10 miles) before returning to the double track decent to the finish I began to pass a few guys (despite my soft rear tire) who had over-heated. I am not surprised, it was grossly hot and close; there were rumblings from the sky but rain did not grace us while we raced. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">We had only been finished 20 minutes or so when the heavens opened and chucked rain down on us. All the racers were huddled under a tent, trying to avoid being struck by lightening; it was actually kind of fun. Needless to say, it was a quick awards ceremony with no podium moments (sorry no photos). I was happy to take 1<sup>st</sup>, even though I was using it as a training race. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Mike gives out some super sweet prizes at his races (At Iron Cross I got a pretty bracelet). At this race, I got an adorable bike shaped flower pot holder; very very cute. Thanks Mike! The Rattlin’ 50 is definitely something you should put on your calendar for next year, my favorite 50 miler thus far.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Since I have no photos from racing this week I thought this would be a good chance to show some of <a href="http://aelandesphotography.com/"><b>Abe Landes </b></a>and <a href="http://zacharyrepp.com/"><b>Zach Repp</b></a> photography from the Trans Epic...thanks guys!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
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</span></div>Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-91582470956540029892011-08-15T15:13:00.000-07:002011-08-17T11:19:44.402-07:00PA State Champs at Bear Creek<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">On Sunday I decided to race the PA State Champs at Bear Creek Mountain Resort. In a nutshell, it was muuuudddddyyyyy!!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">We headed down to </span><span lang="EN-GB">Philadelphia</span><span lang="EN-GB"> on Saturday evening to stay at one of our friend’s house. The plan for Sunday was for Rich to go and watch the Phillies, while I went to race. However, the weather on Sunday was truly horrific and the baseball was cancelled. I was secretly pleased as it meant (a) I didn’t have to drive in an area which was under flash flood alert, (b) Rich is my superfan and I always try even harder when he is watching, and (c) he is always good fun to eat and drink with after a race!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">I have raced Bear Creek before, and I remember it being very technical, probably the most technical cross country course I have raced. So when we were driving to the race and literally could not see a foot in front of us because of the rain, it would have been really easy to pull the plug on even showing up (I hadn’t pre-reg’d so nobody would have even known, right?!). Deep down I knew I would have regretted that decision and I wanted to get a hard race in. So I kitted and warmed up and got myself mentally prepared to push hard for 2 hours.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">The field was pretty small; there was only one other pro female, and 5 cat 1’s. The race went off reasonably fast; part way up a ski slope, some paved road before hitting the singletrack. I was happy to sit in 3<sup>rd</sup> for the first 10 minutes, letting the other two females pick the lines and battle it out. As the race got really technical I saw the other pro female bobble and slip, so took my chance and attacked.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">From then on I just kept the gas on, and did my best to clean the exceptionally slick and endlessly rocky sections. My superfan was there after each lap hooting and hollering! I rode faster.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">I was really impressed with how my new <a href="http://www.hopetech.com/"><b>Hope</b></a> brakes worked in the mud. I was even more impressed with the performance of my <a href="http://www.notubes.com/The-Raven-Tire-29x20-P160.aspx"><b>Stan’s NoTubes Raven rear tire</b></a>. I have raced the Raven in both the Wilderness 101 and now an exceptionally muddy, slippery and rocky course, and it has met both the challenges. It may look like a fire road tire, but it performs fabulously in the mud. Check it out!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSMdRKmCx_2CxszCxM-I1Z2mvuW9ksJHpcjKg7gnIW1jFZbuLKMt13QPCXRTgU3gjnQxlhkddDBnoRUD5Xatd0DFOsIdhR2y2fOtx5bRBTpvY4J64x4z0MSoBCDK60o0Eon6BAj0Ao5V4/s1600/291273_2368485698294_1434997708_32696839_3705869_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSMdRKmCx_2CxszCxM-I1Z2mvuW9ksJHpcjKg7gnIW1jFZbuLKMt13QPCXRTgU3gjnQxlhkddDBnoRUD5Xatd0DFOsIdhR2y2fOtx5bRBTpvY4J64x4z0MSoBCDK60o0Eon6BAj0Ao5V4/s320/291273_2368485698294_1434997708_32696839_3705869_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">So, winning the race means I am the PA State champion, which is fun, but I feel not necessarily deserved as the field was so small. But, I guess you’ve got to be in it to win it, and it would have been so easy not to have gotten out of the car during those flash floods on Sunday afternoon. But I did and it was worth it. The payout was very generous too (definitely covered food and beer afterwards!) so I want to say a huge thanks to the organizers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div>Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-84540282270940415552011-08-05T08:16:00.000-07:002011-08-05T08:37:01.191-07:00Wilderness 101<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">No lead in sentences or suspense stories for this blog entry! I am unbelievably happy and astonished to have won the <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/national-ultra-endurance-nue-series-wilderness-101-ne/preview"><b>Wilderness 101</b></a> this past weekend, my first NUE top step appearance.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-d0DzAwRtk8ebg4vAeKvWink1jEGQOYYlQ1s3ZWwjpH8B7aFBUJJ55N-Q003CdXjC0nwoJDMK_nqbkXAaKguaOph1Q8r3uwdtQLufJI0Wz_JcjZwCI-7LrzfoXF0L3VE1gO1cXPD44frO/s1600/282436_131266003630184_100002403544367_209331_6783163_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-d0DzAwRtk8ebg4vAeKvWink1jEGQOYYlQ1s3ZWwjpH8B7aFBUJJ55N-Q003CdXjC0nwoJDMK_nqbkXAaKguaOph1Q8r3uwdtQLufJI0Wz_JcjZwCI-7LrzfoXF0L3VE1gO1cXPD44frO/s320/282436_131266003630184_100002403544367_209331_6783163_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">In my last blog, I mentioned that I had taken a different approach towards the 101 this year. Namely, that I wasn’t going to put in long races or training rides 2 weeks prior to the event, but instead rely on my winter endurance base and the boosts I attained from racing Trans Epic and other 100 milers. Instead I decided on keeping my legs fast and fresh: it worked.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">The week leading up to the race I felt really positive. I had the same mental and physical sensations before I won Iron Cross 2010. I really could envisage winning the race. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">The race starts with a rude awakening hill climb, which usually gives you a sense of how the body is feeling. I started near the front and kept <b><a href="http://churtle.blogspot.com/">Cheryl</a> </b>in sight who was charging with the lead men. I saw her fall off the pace a little, so I steadily worked my way up to her group before the climb crested. I felt great and couldn’t believe we had reached the top so quickly. As we moved along the undulating fire roads I tucked in behind Cheryl and the guys pace lining. I made no accelerations; I drank, ate a little and remained calm. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">In this group of about 6 was <a href="http://geronimok.wordpress.com/"><b>Stephan Kincaid</b></a>, a friend of Rich’s who I had met for the first time the previous night. I knew he was an exceptionally strong road cyclist (understatement!) and adorably friendly, so I stuck on his wheel. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">As we passed through aid #1, I grabbed a fresh water bottle and stuck like glue to Cheryl’s wheel. I felt really comfortable climbing out of Penn Rosevelt but thought it was too early to put in any attacks. On Detweiller decent, Rich flew past Cheryl, Stephan and I. As we climbed Bear Meadows we closed in on Rich and by the time we hit Longberger Path we were all in a tight group again. Over the three bridges we paraded. My sister and her family were watching us all fumble over the rocks after the bridges. I gave a quick smile and was quickly off again.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkHUTYijLFd7c4RAFaNLtkOd9MxKp0COF6-p_x9GhB7su8REXGXnfcig4cSZwd_2Z-Rf1sZE8V4r_EaD3f37SDsrGDXDbmMnMNSvRRFo0rkB5utWe3c1zMjvK8D5QqbKSRiTSQzOa81Wn/s1600/184023_131265276963590_100002403544367_209290_7268823_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkHUTYijLFd7c4RAFaNLtkOd9MxKp0COF6-p_x9GhB7su8REXGXnfcig4cSZwd_2Z-Rf1sZE8V4r_EaD3f37SDsrGDXDbmMnMNSvRRFo0rkB5utWe3c1zMjvK8D5QqbKSRiTSQzOa81Wn/s320/184023_131265276963590_100002403544367_209290_7268823_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxXJu8YDft4vXz4ehHW36YXNYOCRe_xK4xdBu6u7gEVOfuwDwMnAHRZVuWaYngI7-bF3QSEuvERv8qKKveFbi_Rly5pdC9J8vJxpfRCGnqheM_qUDo1w6YVKoktqaDjhhB3sc54vYFxpA/s1600/284437_10150256521155749_747590748_7697390_6339891_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxXJu8YDft4vXz4ehHW36YXNYOCRe_xK4xdBu6u7gEVOfuwDwMnAHRZVuWaYngI7-bF3QSEuvERv8qKKveFbi_Rly5pdC9J8vJxpfRCGnqheM_qUDo1w6YVKoktqaDjhhB3sc54vYFxpA/s320/284437_10150256521155749_747590748_7697390_6339891_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"> Cheryl, Myself and Stephan Kincaid</span></b></div><b> </b><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">As we climbed up Laurel Run, I started to feel even stronger. I decided that I wanted to move faster than we currently were. Perhaps I was scared Karen Potter was fast approaching from behind!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">I was first of our group to hit Little Shingletown Trail. Soon Rich, Stephan and <a href="http://29ercrew.com/author/rmasse"><b>Roger Masse </b></a>passed me and I grabbed their wheels and we pace lined towards aid #2 without Cheryl. I was in and out of aid #2 fast, Stephan was close behind. He caught up to me and asked about the climb (Greenlee). I told him it was really long and got my head down and legs a pedalling! As the climb went on and on I heard Stephan saying ‘this climb sucks..’. Yes it does! I climbed solo to the top and to my surprise and delight my sister and the family were ringing cowbells! That made my day! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIVswQvKMneXb57uhvee_qTGx2D1EmQrsTP8HVTwhWUSfeoH4Zbesq5irCnQSI7-gY6a7Nc8akFaGFlXa9ZEmTra1_5L_4qLFAXof8rcyHc4R0JhMRLBZn2XnIIvjt-1TkjtfTWwMv6ID/s1600/253379_10150252699038995_284057648994_7646734_7162481_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIVswQvKMneXb57uhvee_qTGx2D1EmQrsTP8HVTwhWUSfeoH4Zbesq5irCnQSI7-gY6a7Nc8akFaGFlXa9ZEmTra1_5L_4qLFAXof8rcyHc4R0JhMRLBZn2XnIIvjt-1TkjtfTWwMv6ID/s320/253379_10150252699038995_284057648994_7646734_7162481_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">I descended Croyle first passing Chris Beck who was fixing a flat. I hit the road at the bottom, shifted up to the big ring and powered as best I could towards the base of the next climb. Soon Stephan and another guy passed me. Again, I hopped on the wheels. A pattern was emerging which suited me fine.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">This was where the first route changed occurred. Normally we climb Seager and then descend Telephone trail. This year we kept climbing Seager up to </span><span lang="EN-GB">Broad Mountain Road</span><span lang="EN-GB"> to aid #3. At this point it was only Stephan and I. David Walrath who was on the moto then rode with us to make sure we made the left turn onto the connector trail to Sassy Pig. I lead the way, and eventually picked off at least 2 guys. The inside of my legs started to twinge with cramps. Horror! I never cramp. I assured myself it was just the transition from really only being on fire road climbs until this point, to having to power through the rocky trails. I sipped some electrolytes and the warnings soon left my body.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Descending Sassafrass trail to Lewistown Contingent trails felt great. Sometimes I lose it in Lewistown as fatigue sets in. I only went off the trails once but no crashes!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">As we hit the climb up towards Beautiful trail I heard some folks coming fast out of the woods behind me. I prayed it wasn’t Cheryl or Karen. Later I was to learn that it was Roger Masse.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqkcpbrPX-5bu27evSIRYD0uYCwXaTleanZGl6gAUcEF5EdNJGKqTVArnMQC44K_K4Qqw3JeUo9zpfaqP209YPZG8nWRifVitPNqmlMcUCsltgM3HMtZdMkZvX4wdKt6Cug5Ya0fI9Mzg/s1600/262940_131265540296897_100002403544367_209307_1388476_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqkcpbrPX-5bu27evSIRYD0uYCwXaTleanZGl6gAUcEF5EdNJGKqTVArnMQC44K_K4Qqw3JeUo9zpfaqP209YPZG8nWRifVitPNqmlMcUCsltgM3HMtZdMkZvX4wdKt6Cug5Ya0fI9Mzg/s320/262940_131265540296897_100002403544367_209307_1388476_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">I took the lead again along Beautiful and down No Name trail. I am always relieved when No Name is over! The folks at aid #4 were so helpful and I was in and out once again in no time. I pulled away from Stephan on Still House climb. I could hear him starting to struggle and I couldn’t risk slowing down. David soon came up beside me on the moto to tell me I had at least 7 minutes on 2<sup>nd</sup> place. I thought 7 minutes is nothing! Brenda was 8 minutes back on me at this point last year and still caught me at the end. So I put in some harder peddle strokes (sorry Stephan!).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">After Still House (and the trails after the climb) the course changed for the second time. Instead of descending down through Poe Paddy trail, we climbed up </span><span lang="EN-GB">Sand</span><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span lang="EN-GB">Mountain</span><span lang="EN-GB">. It did add a lot more time climbing, but I was reasonably happy as I had been up this climb during Trans Epic, and my body was responding well to fire road climbs today. Eventually we made our way onto Pather Run trail, a very lose sketchy double track with big rocks and huge potential to really injure yourself. However, I had to keep the gas on in case someone was catching from behind. I hopped a rattlesnake and feared for my life (hate snakes!).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Soon after Panther Run was aid #5. I usually don’t stop but I have learned the hard way in previous years that the last climb can suck all remaining energy, energy that is required to lug one’s bike through Fisherman’s path! So I gulped down some coke (thanks Grant and Denny!) and promptly left. Soon after, Stephan caught me again along with another geared rider and eventually Jorden Wakeley (who was having an astonishingly good ride in the SS class). We paced lined to the last climb.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">After the climb, I ran most of Fisherman’s path, took my mandatory fall in the last tunnel (thanks for picking me up Jorden!), smiled to Abe Landes photography, and before I knew it I was on the final home stretch with Chris Scott riding beside me taking photos. I was knackered at this point. Chris was asking me all sorts of questions and I was barely able to speak (sorry Chris!).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPYhAMtS3StrWM23tHrF0RIJVywyOep-TZlPY3dCIkp4ipHwACnscCJkOGETGQKb2IQ1mvAh-yAry8CAugk3tQUZJ7Aw3QkKED8iRso0BlEVy8N1HqnQsrDky4kW5GmTAWOkp4GJsr0VY/s1600/263253_131265893630195_100002403544367_209325_5733248_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPYhAMtS3StrWM23tHrF0RIJVywyOep-TZlPY3dCIkp4ipHwACnscCJkOGETGQKb2IQ1mvAh-yAry8CAugk3tQUZJ7Aw3QkKED8iRso0BlEVy8N1HqnQsrDky4kW5GmTAWOkp4GJsr0VY/s320/263253_131265893630195_100002403544367_209325_5733248_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1092568910"><span lang="EN-GB"></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"><b><a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/national-ultra-endurance-nue-series-wilderness-101-ne/results">I turned into Coburn Park and was astonished when I crossed the line and the timer read 7hours 42 mins!!!</a> </b> I purposely hadn’t looked at my watch all day, and nearly fell off my bike when I saw the time! Rich’s mum and dad were there waving Scottish tea towels (this is what my own mother does when I race!). I was delighted to see them. I hugged Stephan, we had had such a great day riding, despite never having met each other before. He seemed psyched to have finished in such a great time. I was psyched when I discovered I was in the top 20 men!</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjGxfsocYF_WMz0PITGHXtx_Q5mUYEFLld8GUGhF47_Gz-wE_m13OdWmO7Ky-WmhldQDknhbFUYORrPHE1kAFUWHoyxdg8PrmKul0-G7WD4PGta7vz8oHD5TGNuBMC2Jmo2QuKbnGEdUL/s1600/285289_131265926963525_100002403544367_209326_7308079_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjGxfsocYF_WMz0PITGHXtx_Q5mUYEFLld8GUGhF47_Gz-wE_m13OdWmO7Ky-WmhldQDknhbFUYORrPHE1kAFUWHoyxdg8PrmKul0-G7WD4PGta7vz8oHD5TGNuBMC2Jmo2QuKbnGEdUL/s320/285289_131265926963525_100002403544367_209326_7308079_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Matt Ferrari and <a href="http://pfunwithpflug.blogspot.com/"><b>Gerry Pflug</b></a> were hanging out at the finish. I didn’t realise I was only a two minutes behind Matt, if I had known I would have tried harder NOT to lie in the last tunnel for so long!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">As I crawled into the Stan’s van to change, I discovered I had a text message from Cheryl. She had dropped out at aid #2 due to illness which totally sucks. I hope you feel better Cheryl!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">In the end, Brenda finished 2<sup>nd</sup> with<b> <a href="http://karenpotterbikeracing.blogspot.com/">Karen</a> </b>in 3<sup>rd</sup>. I was also really really happy to see that Jess Kutz, a young Freeze Thaw rider had managed to get 4<sup>th</sup> on the day. Awesome job Jess! Now, if I can just convince her to do some more 100 milers!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Rich didn’t have such a good day because of the extreme heat and humidity. I am sure he will be back another day to show me who is really boss, but until then I will quickly revel in beating him!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">This week has been manic with the family visiting and trying to work, so I have taken a break from any serious training and will get back on it next week. The mental and physical break has been welcomed, but I am excited to ramp it up again in the following weeks. Question is: should I race Fool’s Gold in </span><span lang="EN-GB">Georgia</span><span lang="EN-GB"> in 2 weeks?</span></div>Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-62064461036768588932011-07-18T14:27:00.000-07:002011-07-19T09:34:43.854-07:00Heat at H2H (Hudson to Highland)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Rzk21uXS6cod01mpnU9H6r0pPcQeRAAQjWVhIzP2hkcBoHDfF4JZMGVnA4RZIiUWTHTUEWOm7S2U8eK9lIPON61e3TQ7t-ITxjJoE4HBJFErDiRvy86TdEzap7qkB-h94jha3RJbO7LD/s1600/IMG_1071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Rzk21uXS6cod01mpnU9H6r0pPcQeRAAQjWVhIzP2hkcBoHDfF4JZMGVnA4RZIiUWTHTUEWOm7S2U8eK9lIPON61e3TQ7t-ITxjJoE4HBJFErDiRvy86TdEzap7qkB-h94jha3RJbO7LD/s320/IMG_1071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i><b>Taking 1st in the Pro/Cat 1 H2H race in NJ</b></i></div><br />
Mid-week fatigue, burning quads, extreme heat? must be July!!<br />
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Now that I have lived in the US for a few years, I can safely say that every July I start to feel fatigued. My power goes down a little, I am struggling to hang on at speed rides, and seeing stars only a few minutes into a hard workout.<br />
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It's a tricky spot to be in. It's mid-season, there are a lot of races, thus finding the fine balance between maintaining race pace fitness or over-doing it can be difficult.<br />
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Take last year for instance, this past weekend a year ago (2 weeks before Wilderness 101) I did 6 Hours of Power in NY. I thought it would be perfect to do just before W101: long race but enough time to recover and reap the benefits. But at the start of W10 I felt done in. I hadn't recovered from 6HOP, my body was sore in odd places, and I solidly regretted having done such a long race 2 weeks before an important race.<br />
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So this year I am trying a different strategy. I put in some longer aerobic miles 2 weeks ago, and since then my rides have either been short and intense (speed ride) or easy. This has allowed me to be fresh enough (just) to race cross country at the weekends. <br />
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Sunday I headed to NJ to race. I was on my own so it meant I could cruise the whole way listening to my own cheesy British music without Rich RAPIDLY turning it off!<br />
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It was a hot hot day. I arrived in plenty of time so rode a full lap of the 7 mile course (we were to race a total of 3). I loved the course: it was technical, but fast technical. Towards the end of the lap there were at least 3 steepish single track climbs (one I admit slipping into the granny gear on my last race lap!). I had nobody to feed me, and no cooler, so I left a bottle near the feed zone for self collection, and had two bottles on me: one with water and the other with carbo+electrolytes. I also carried some gels.<br />
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The race went off around 1 (mid-day extreme heat). We started in a open field and had to sprint to the single track for 400m or so. I took the hole shot immediately. There was one other lady who pressed me for a bit, but I managed to lose her as soon as we hit some more technical sections. I finished my bottles pretty quickly. I felt like my head was going to explode, and often thought how the hell road racers survive on the open road in this heat!!<br />
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Thankfully one of the other racer's (Cati) husband had some spare water in the feed zone and helped me out. Thank you so much! Towards the end of the last lap I was really starting to tire. The aim of my race was to push myself as hard as possible to get the best training out of it. I new I had attained my goals when my arms started really hurting (not just the usual legs!). I could see 2nd place on one of the out and backs and she looked strong, perhaps only a couple of minutes back. I beetled as fast as I could to the finish and took 1st place.<br />
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I was so happy the race was near a lake. It was just a small one so wasn't that cold, but good enough to freshen me up!<br />
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The race was a different scene to the Mid-Atlantic races, and it was great to see some of the100 mile racers there. They were a friendly bunch! After the awards, as I stood chatting, I began to feel really nauseus. I realized I really needed to get a recovery drink in me and get into the shade. I honestly thought I was going to start puking as I put my bike on the roof. Thankfully a guy stopped to chat to me in his car and offered me some watermelon.....life saver!<br />
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It took me a while to recover on the car driving home. I just made sure to sip some recoverite and to keep the air con on. Eventually I came round, ate a PB + jam sandwich, switched on my cheesy music again and blissfully drove back to State College.<br />
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Other exciting news, after Stan came to watch me race at Windham he sent me some Race Gold wheels for the rest of the season (with awesome pink stickers!). Thanks NoTubes!Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-83974191668854854022011-07-12T15:39:00.000-07:002011-07-12T15:39:29.932-07:00A couple of weeks off racing and Windham XCThe past few weeks have been super fun. After Lumberjack 100 I didn't race for two weekends in a row. This meant I could put some longer aerobic miles in on the bike, my last chance to get that in before Wilderness 101. I have also started back up with some intensity training, my legs have cried a little, but I need speed back in them again. The rest from racing also got me psyched to get back to it.<br />
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This past weekend I headed up to Windham for the world cup XC races, of which NoTubes were a main sponsor. The world cup races were on Saturday, and the 'Citizens' races were on Sunday. It made me laugh that I was racing in the citizens race when I am not a citizen! Anyway, I have decided to make a push to get my pro xc racing license, so I have that under my belt as well as my continued competition in the endurance events.<br />
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Rich had headed up on Thursday as he was on duty to pick up some of the NoTubes elite ladies race team from the airport Friday morning. I made the journey up on Friday (long drive). The cabin we rented was huge and we were still packed in like sardines! Lots of what I would consider awesome racers were staying with us including Mike and Mary and Krista Park. Great to meet them.<br />
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On Saturday I helped out with the feed zone for the Stan's woman team. It was very exciting to watch the race so closely and see some pretty amazing female mountain bikers. It really made me want to focus on xc racing again, but we'll see. I did a lap of the course around 7pm (late for pre-ride but no choice). I was feeling tired with all the training the past couple of weeks, but I reminded myself that I could easily push myself hard for a 1.5hour xc race<br />
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On Saturday night I had to head to bed early as my race was at 8am on Sunday. Krista Park and her hubby Todd kindly let me sleep in their room with bunk beds so I could escape the after-race party going on upstairs. I hated missing out, but I knew I had a job to do the next day. Krista slept in the bunk below me and gave me some really good advice on how to tackle the course: 3 minute up-hill intervals followed by recovery in the single track. Got it!<br />
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On Sunday morning I lined up with the other Cat 1 ladies, 4 minues behind the pro woman start, and behind all the single speed and master men groups. Rich told me my goal was to beat the pro woman. So I set that in mind. As soon as the gun went off I went out hard, passed a bunch of the older dudes, and eventually passed both the pro woman who were racing. It was so awesome to have Stan there watching me race as well. He was very encouraging and I am proud to race on his engineered wheels. The course was a series of climbs up a ski hill, followed by a decent. Not an ideal course but fun nonetheless.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9a68Fk4S00CoqZNJUXxbvlHIxVcoNmfFW65KXMapvUx37yN59B99w3IxTqCQv0mBu_UPQ4zWiZTzNs1SXJcxGU5lPjrIl5mBJ4rrj5CgFLsxLefj2K1PLIXJMVVGccySg5W5dq3jLZxz/s1600/280928_2278555530096_1434997708_32583534_5417232_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9a68Fk4S00CoqZNJUXxbvlHIxVcoNmfFW65KXMapvUx37yN59B99w3IxTqCQv0mBu_UPQ4zWiZTzNs1SXJcxGU5lPjrIl5mBJ4rrj5CgFLsxLefj2K1PLIXJMVVGccySg5W5dq3jLZxz/s320/280928_2278555530096_1434997708_32583534_5417232_o.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwx-STjqvM41cgj_TJLbSeNfVsjVdd9HhTPd9C16Hb42i-XlbISMWq4oXusQOowKe_sjVKL8E66QMZaWe3vpxo86jyomSK9c7X2_ltSAYlfq0CWoDuHMplR5UoB1vI38xZWMtJv2qCLpJ/s1600/272383_2278550289965_1434997708_32583527_2777110_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwx-STjqvM41cgj_TJLbSeNfVsjVdd9HhTPd9C16Hb42i-XlbISMWq4oXusQOowKe_sjVKL8E66QMZaWe3vpxo86jyomSK9c7X2_ltSAYlfq0CWoDuHMplR5UoB1vI38xZWMtJv2qCLpJ/s320/272383_2278550289965_1434997708_32583527_2777110_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><i><b> </b></i><br />
<i><b>Me coming through the feed zone and then crossing the finish line</b></i><br />
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I did manage to miss the podium however! They presented earlier than announced. Rich insisted I stood on the top step though- hugely embarrassing!!! But there was absolutely NO getting out of it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOp2VCD0VlZ4EguaWSUYVMyttX6W3RvtGGkWvoWPZn_PnnHyvqM3HiD2UD9nTDM0qvR8ytpcqCtwLr8oAoLsNquaaHlGHLcgI0KmG_p46Pkui-y9L5O5QTkPY-1Qi6aNbLygunrEfpw0e/s1600/271799_2278554650074_1434997708_32583533_2581650_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOp2VCD0VlZ4EguaWSUYVMyttX6W3RvtGGkWvoWPZn_PnnHyvqM3HiD2UD9nTDM0qvR8ytpcqCtwLr8oAoLsNquaaHlGHLcgI0KmG_p46Pkui-y9L5O5QTkPY-1Qi6aNbLygunrEfpw0e/s320/271799_2278554650074_1434997708_32583533_2581650_o.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i><b>BEAMER!</b></i></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2xqaNAgPNzJNJLcgQQy-mFYzsr4Dq_jQg8r9ZMrgSg2gl24XBWm3f6nynBlJuYzuLYZpDiD5E1oWb1hn_suXDwINlaKbeaL3gFp5OrZJhYABW78g1J4BFvQpyoplJ1_w9C1I7oucZxCh/s1600/271680_2278525049334_1434997708_32583485_2802898_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2xqaNAgPNzJNJLcgQQy-mFYzsr4Dq_jQg8r9ZMrgSg2gl24XBWm3f6nynBlJuYzuLYZpDiD5E1oWb1hn_suXDwINlaKbeaL3gFp5OrZJhYABW78g1J4BFvQpyoplJ1_w9C1I7oucZxCh/s320/271680_2278525049334_1434997708_32583485_2802898_o.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><i><b>The rest of the afternoon we went up the mountain and watched the down hill races. SCARY!</b></i><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The weekend as a whole was such good fun. The area was beautiful, I got to hang out with the NoTubes crew, we had great dinners and good laughs. There was a hot tub at the cabin. Always a plus!<br />
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Up next, another USAC xc race in NJ on Sunday to try and get some more points for my pro license. Nationals are going on in ID so the competition might not be too strong. Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1257126785413052679.post-64406911577631906602011-06-24T21:20:00.000-07:002011-06-26T08:36:16.263-07:00Lumberjack 100<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Race nutrition is one of the most important factors in endurance mountain bike racing. It can seriously make or break your race. Once you have your nutrition on the bike dialed, everything else can fall into place. At the Lumberjack 100 I seriously botched up my nutrition and the consequences were not good!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Rich, Matt Ferrari and I left </span><span lang="EN-GB">State College</span><span lang="EN-GB"> on Thursday evening. We drove to </span><span lang="EN-GB">Cleveland</span><span lang="EN-GB">, </span><span lang="EN-GB">Ohio</span><span lang="EN-GB">, and stayed with <b><a href="http://sologoat.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-lumberjack-100-10th-place.html">Ernie</a></b> and his wife Jennifer. On Friday morning we made our way up through Michigan with a quick stop at Detroit airport to pick up a rental car: Matt and I needed to escape from the race quickly on Saturday to make a flight from Detroit to L.A for a conference which was to start on Sunday (to be continued below!).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">We arrived at our cabin on Friday afternoon, made a quick change and headed to the start area to do some openers. We met up with some of the guys from </span><span lang="EN-GB">Pittsburgh</span><span lang="EN-GB"> and did a brief 6 miles. The course was similar to trails we have in </span><span lang="EN-GB">State College</span><span lang="EN-GB"> called </span><span lang="EN-GB">Scotia</span><span lang="EN-GB">: super buff and twisty single track (but with significantly more punchy climbs). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">We headed to one of the only bars nearby (the race really is in the middle of nowhere) for some dinner. After dinner, we fixed our bottles and got ready for bed. This is when alarms bells should have started ringing! Although I was preparing my personal magic mix of carbo and electrolytes, I didn’t even think about filling a gel flask or preparing emergency chew sweets for my pockets.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">I didn’t have a great night sleep. I felt like I was constantly turning and not resting. My left ribs still really hurt to sleep and the result is the right side of my back is compensating. The 'rustic' cabin beds were not helping! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span lang="EN-GB">The format of the race is a 33 mile lap which you complete 3 times passing through a feed zone after each lap. People leave coolers with bottles etc to pick up on the way past (this is the only lap race of the </span><span lang="EN-GB">NUE</span><span lang="EN-GB"> series). There is a water station half-way round the lap which I had planned to stop at least after the 1<sup>st</sup> lap as I could only carry 2 bottles. Rich and Matt told me where the cooler was so I went to check it out ‘down the path, 2<sup>nd</sup> white tent on the left’. I rode down and saw where it was but didn’t go and look inside the cooler to make sure it was ours. I should have checked! Suddenly (and thankfully) I remembered I didn’t actually have a gel flask with me. Rich filled one up for me. However, I didn’t take any extra food. Looking back, I think I was still in Trans Epic racing mode, where I was only racing for a maximum of 5 hours, not 8+ hours.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The race started fast on a paved road before we hit the single track. I stuck near Cheryl and Amanda but soon let them go as I settled into a more comfortable pace in 3rd position. The first lap went well; I felt good and was not fazed by any of the single track. As I came through the feed zone I rode to where I thought the cooler was located. I ran up to it, looked in, and to my absolute horror the contents did not belong to me! I panicked but there was nothing I could do. I nearly set off on the lap with literally nothing, but thankfully a voice of reason shouted in my head to ask some spectators for water. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCc_Q_VnJ4Tb6f1-ldY2YarUzxrFbryPOqCpUK5mIfZIM1SCcJw5-6XyDRaM6824Hf10abuv0eZGr8Het-jxVbMTJQLTNHy7wPeMryKAhYxVVaEwk_jESHfGV0bmwegxOMSmiVD4-Ikfn2/s1600/ZF-0199-97286-1-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCc_Q_VnJ4Tb6f1-ldY2YarUzxrFbryPOqCpUK5mIfZIM1SCcJw5-6XyDRaM6824Hf10abuv0eZGr8Het-jxVbMTJQLTNHy7wPeMryKAhYxVVaEwk_jESHfGV0bmwegxOMSmiVD4-Ikfn2/s320/ZF-0199-97286-1-002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN-GB"><b><i>There were a few hike a bikes. It was not as much fun as I am making out here. I don't remember smiling at all. I was hurting, really!!!!</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">So I set off on my 2<sup>nd</sup> lap with only water as I had already finished my gel flask. My plan was to ask every person that I passed or passed me if they had any gels. I managed to snag a few different sorts from people, which at least kept the flavors interesting! However, I was very worried that I didn’t have my bottle mixture as that is my main source of nutrition and electrolytes. The only solution I had to get salt back in my body was to pour water over my head and lick all around my lips and face for the salty sweat that came off with the water. I know it sounds disgusting and might not even work, but at least I could taste salt!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">To my surprise, I actually felt really good throughout the 2<sup>nd</sup> lap and was still sitting in 3<sup>rd</sup> place. I was worried that Karen would catch me as she is a very strong finisher. Thankfully as I came through the feed zone I spotted Janet who was letting us share her tent space (her husband was racing). She had my bottles. They were so cold and felt wonderful. </span><span lang="EN-GB">I was clutching them and drinking like a baby with its bottle.</span><span lang="EN-GB"> I started to hear that Cheryl was only 5 minutes ahead and not feeling good. I was excited as thought I could catch her, and more confident now I had my bottles. I started to try and push a little more and my legs literally stopped. I have only felt like this a couple of times (like the time we threw a party for Rich, I had a few hours sleep, skipped breakfast and rode 120 miles???!!! Yes, that feeling!).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">It was too late. I had dug too deep with too few calories or salt during 2<sup>nd</sup> lap. I was severely depleted and it was going to be some time before my nutrition caught up. I snagged more gels from people. This time around they tasted awful and made me want to vomit. Whereas during the 2<sup>nd</sup> lap it had seemed effortless to get to the half-way point water station, during 3<sup>rd</sup> lap I was crawling. Karen caught me and I couldn’t put up a fight as she sailed away. She looked strong. At that point I really didn’t care, I was just starving. In fact, I have never felt so hungry on the bike. I felt like my stomach was eating itself. I made it to the water station and ate half a banana. I left quickly and the wondered why the heck I hadn’t eaten more! With about an hour to go I started to perk up a bit and was so relieved my bottles were beginning to work their magic.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">I held onto 4<sup>th</sup> place and crossed the line in 8h13mins. It was a fast time, but I knew I could have done much better. Really though, I only have myself to blame.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kvbHL89l-wsnFtvABca5k461x_l3FjFqLcJejqwGysCC5391h_2lQ-8vX_iGxZqxsKQHupMO-a32HJjyMSyETzawmyca5J03Cxj_warczXwzDENNrY_RBSTZOzIBDp8o6is9dN6gOJNC/s1600/ZF-0199-97286-1-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kvbHL89l-wsnFtvABca5k461x_l3FjFqLcJejqwGysCC5391h_2lQ-8vX_iGxZqxsKQHupMO-a32HJjyMSyETzawmyca5J03Cxj_warczXwzDENNrY_RBSTZOzIBDp8o6is9dN6gOJNC/s320/ZF-0199-97286-1-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN-GB"><i><b>I did hang out with <a href="http://daniellemusto.blogspot.com/">Danielle Musto</a> briefly. She is a HOOT! Made me laugh, even in a nutritionally depleted state</b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">I missed the race after party and awards as I crossed the line at 3.13pm, and Matt and I had to make it to Detroit airport (4 hour drive away) by 8pm. We were both attending a wonderful conference held in different locations every year on the Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases. I certainly didn’t want to miss out on this year’s as it was being held in </span><span lang="EN-GB">Santa Barbara</span><span lang="EN-GB">!</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB">However, after fantasizing so much about food I didn’t even get the chance to really eat! I must have been confused as I was even looking at Taco Bell billboards from the car thinking I could eat their food (I am practically a vegetarian!!) We made the 5h flight to </span><span lang="EN-GB">L.A.</span><span lang="EN-GB"> I slept a little in my cramped chair. Poor Matt then had to drive from L.A to </span><span lang="EN-GB">Santa Barbara</span><span lang="EN-GB">. We arrived at </span><span lang="EN-GB">3.30am</span><span lang="EN-GB">. I got to bed at </span><span lang="EN-GB">4am</span><span lang="EN-GB"> and had to be up and ready by </span><span lang="EN-GB">8am</span><span lang="EN-GB">. Thankfully we went for breakfast; it felt so good to finally get something in my stomach. Lumberjack 100 goes down as my worst race and post race nutrition schedule. I can’t/won't make that mistake again!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">That was my first trip to CA and I was impressed despite the June Gloom (it was so cold compared to the heat and humidity of PA!). The food at the conference was great, although I did laugh at how organic obsessed the CA folks are. On the final day of the conference we always go on a group hike to foster scientific conversation and collaborations. This year we did a beach walk. It was fun, although I missed the train of fast walkers and ended up with the bird watchers. At least I learned a lot!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The next week is going to consist of an endurance block in prep for the good old Wilderness 101 (or 103 this year!). I also plan on doing some of the Tour Da Burg (Virginia) and a few XC races to get some speed back in my legs. I will report (no doubt late!) on anything exciting. One thing is for sure, I will double triple check my bottles and gel flasks.</span></div>Vicki Barclayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08469285992405575631noreply@blogger.com0