Test Drive

Even though I should have been home studying for finals today, I was getting depressed that I had not been able to ride or race my mountain bike yet this season. I decided to leverage my impending final grades against competing in the Yeti Spring Series today. Since pure self enjoyment and satisfaction is few and far between in these days of grad school, my decision was thoroughly worth the gamble. (And so we'll see how I really do on the exams now!).

Chris, still being unable to ride due to his lingering injuries, put himself to work as my mechanic, chauffeur, photographer, and pack mule for the day. I am truly grateful to my husband, as he is my biggest supporter and motivator!On our drive out to Nathrop, I was a little worried seeing 10ft high snowdrifts on the side of the road, and part of the road even covered in a light dusting of snow. The weather turned out to be beautiful, albeit a cold 42F and very blustery winds. The course was the same as last year, but about 3 times as sandy. The sand and the fact that my tires sucked and basically buried me and washed out on every turn made for a tedious 3 laps. It was only the second time I've ridden my new ASR-c since I got it, so it really was a test drive of sorts. The carbon is very stiff, and I now know that I need to soften my shocks a bit, as I was nearly getting bucked off, especially on the downhill!Overall, despite the weather and minor technicalities of breaking in the bike, I am very happy with my performance. I finished 1st in Expert, with only 1 pro girl beating me!! It is an intense week coming up, but I'm looking forward to returning to Nathrop next weekend for Chalk Creek. I just need to get psyched up for 4 laps on the beach course, and get some new tires!

...On to week #2

Sometimes grad school elevates from controlling my life, to being just plain evil. Right now is such a time. This semester, a.k.a. the "semester-from-hell" has been evil all throughout, but this week and next week comprise the absolute pinnacle. It's Friday, and I can take solace in the fact that I've just completed week #1 - five days in a row of practical finals exams. But, no rest for the weary, as week #2 looms just ahead - five more consecutive days of written finals. In a perfect world, I would actually learn and understand the material (after all, that's why I'm going to school, right?), but as it stands, it is just a matter of getting by and getting through it, so that one day when I become a PT and get out in the clinic, I can go back and learn it all over again! Cheers to education that sucks the life out of you, and keeps you coming back for another pounding!!!

First Ride

I stole two hours away from studying on Saturday and got in my first ride on the ASR-c at Green Mtn. My first impressions were.... SWEET BIKE!!!! Even though me + bike are a mere 144 lbs, I immediately felt the stiffness in the frame, and the lighter back end climbing uphill. The slacker head angle is a comforting change, especially on loose, rocky downhills... in other words I hope to take fewer trips over the handlebars! I can't wait to get out and RACE!!

Getting closer to dirt

My new ASR-c is dialed-in and ready to ride! Kudos to Todd for cutting the seat mast EXACTLY to my ideal seat height!!
I'm bummed that I am missing the inaugural Rabbit Valley MSC #1 race this weekend, but I've got just 3 weeks of massive school intensity to go, and then this semester-from-hell will be over! Hopefully next weekend I can steal a couple hours away from the books, and give my new beauty a proper initiation on the trail.

Guinness' birthday bash!!

Our oldest bengal kitten, Guinness turned 1 year old today- so naturally it was a call for a celebration! She got her own German chocolate cake, and was perplexed by the burning candle! She set about blowing out the candle, while her buddy Jameson looked on. You've only got 2 more months till your 1st birthday Jameson! Guinness got plenty of treats and a new gray furry mouse!!!

Spanking new!

Here's my new steed, in all it's glory! As soon as I have my bike fit with Todd, I'll cut the steerer tube, handle bars, and seat mast. I can't wait to hit the dirt!