After spending the evening Tuesday with Dorothy Wong, learning how to "Cross it Up" CycloCross style, I just may get that 30th race in yet...
In other news, some pretty rad chicks got in print about about bike racing and our silly little antics.
Check out these links, and a huge thanks to Heidi Volpe from Team Sho-Air who is a TRUE rad chick on and off the bike! She does duo endurance races, XC, road training, nutrition stuff, and pretty much the biggest Cougar around!
Check out stories from true killers like Katie Compton, Kelli Emmit, Alison, Powers, Krista Park, Allison Mann, and well me...
Outside-Blog
Bike Rumor
This is actually a really funny topic. Us gals chat about it OFTEN especially when we have mulitple age groups on a course at one time. We LOVE the older men. They are so kind and gracious. Sometimes there is a bit of "conflict" with the middle aged Sport (cat2) rider. Not sure what thats all about, but it usually goes something like this.
We beat them. They are miffed and "upset" that a GIRL beat them. How COULD she. Well dear, I train three times as much as you, OBSESSE about food, sleep, hill climbs, chamoi cream, hydration, and did I say I ride my bike a ton. Somehow I got a pro upgrade. I better act like. Train with any of us for a month, and you will soon be dropping us. I just don't like when guys are mad that a girl beat them. Period. Train more. Stop eating wacky things like burgers. Put the beer down. OR, just have a great time competing.
Heidi brought to my attention that a reader commented on the Outside-Blog that he had raced with me! I need to do some research but for the life of me, I don't know where or when I crossed his path! Thankfully, i wasn't a biscuit that day and he had good things to say about me, like my passion for the sport. But it really makes you think. A brief momentary encounter in the woods can leave a life-long impression on someone. Don't be too quick to order directions. Who knows if that rider is coming off a crash, illness, "life" issues etc, and your tone could potentially set them off of the sport we all love.
It never hurts to encourage, and show gratitude to another rider, we all know we appreciate it when it comes our directions. Heck, sometimes that has been the only positive thing in a race for me. My encounters with other people, of the same thoughts and beliefs and motives, that take that last remaining ounce of energy and encourage me to excell at what I set out to do.
Boy or girl, rock on! Because you are riding a bike, and we do it for fun!!
Wednesday, September 30
Tuesday, September 29
30, minus 1.
I was all excited to race the season finale up in Big Bear this weekend, where Allison and I could be Unified again and pay money to race/ride against each other. But alas, I have been attacked by the illness that has gotten half the school over the last 3 weeks. If I just chopped my head off I would be fine! So I opted for sleep and more sleep over the weekend, officially starting my off season.
But before then, I did some Calculations regarding this past season.
Here are my race stats:
Mountain Bike Races: 12
Short Track Race: 1
Road Race: 5
Crit: 11
Total those up, you get 29...Sunday was supposed to be 30...I also did the math on how much I spent on entry fees....hehe....
A few more interesting things, I finished each race I started. I only had ONE mechanical and that was at Rim Nordic where my rear shifter broke 2 miles into 24. Riding a 3-speed out there was quite the workout!!
I also only had ONE flat tire! That was in a crit at Ontario, where I was able to ride/run to the pits, grab Joey's rear wheel, Brian set me up, and jumped back in on the last lap.
I was fortunate enough to NEVER race sick...in the past I have raced at least 3 MTB events sick and unable to breath out my nose!
I also realized I did one Mountain Bike stage race, and one Road stage race, and four of the crit days, I did multiple races.
On the road, I have been able to race the 4's, 3's, 1/2/3 and Men's Cat 3! That by FAR was the most fun on a road bike! Riding with 4 teammates, in a mens crit with at least 60 guys, I finally realized what crits were all about! And it was my last crit.
So basically I can look back at this stoked about getting a lot of racing experience, excited about what next year brings, and I totally understand why I am now sick. It was quite the cornacopia of racing and experiences, and I haven't yet quite decided how it will pan out for next season.
But before then, I did some Calculations regarding this past season.
Here are my race stats:
Mountain Bike Races: 12
Short Track Race: 1
Road Race: 5
Crit: 11
Total those up, you get 29...Sunday was supposed to be 30...I also did the math on how much I spent on entry fees....hehe....
A few more interesting things, I finished each race I started. I only had ONE mechanical and that was at Rim Nordic where my rear shifter broke 2 miles into 24. Riding a 3-speed out there was quite the workout!!
I also only had ONE flat tire! That was in a crit at Ontario, where I was able to ride/run to the pits, grab Joey's rear wheel, Brian set me up, and jumped back in on the last lap.
I was fortunate enough to NEVER race sick...in the past I have raced at least 3 MTB events sick and unable to breath out my nose!
I also realized I did one Mountain Bike stage race, and one Road stage race, and four of the crit days, I did multiple races.
On the road, I have been able to race the 4's, 3's, 1/2/3 and Men's Cat 3! That by FAR was the most fun on a road bike! Riding with 4 teammates, in a mens crit with at least 60 guys, I finally realized what crits were all about! And it was my last crit.
So basically I can look back at this stoked about getting a lot of racing experience, excited about what next year brings, and I totally understand why I am now sick. It was quite the cornacopia of racing and experiences, and I haven't yet quite decided how it will pan out for next season.
Monday, September 21
That about sums it up...
Bonelli Unification Race...or something to that effect.
(Please note I am stealing pictures from Allison and random people on facebook ; )
So Allison, Krista and I became unified on Sunday. We led the race as a unified force, then, not so much. With many of our comrades hanging the jerseys for the year, oh, two months ago, the three of us keep paying our $$$ to go for rides together.
It was hot. I remember one point where I said outloud on the full exposed hot and dusty fireroad that looks down on the freeway interchange, "I'm so hot..." with the Napolean Dynamite exhale. I can't remember being that hot in a race since maybe Santa Ynez two years ago. I only wadded it up once, on a hair pin uphill turn going to the feed zone. Narrowly missed re-opening Staple and got some blood on my shoes. Cool.
High light was having BMc at the race! He flogged the Cat 2 boys, poor chaps, and finished the race with a win and a helmet full of twigs due to a crash in the last half mile that had him recounting seeing "dirt, sky, dirt, sky, dirt, sky....ground." while intergecting motorcycle sounds. "Brrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaap brrrrap...."
Brian is the best. Once my race started, which consisted of 3 laps at 12:30 start...he was at multiple points on the course giving me time gaps but more importantly, moral support. Between calling lines, to telling me to ride my pace and not to worry about the gap, he really helped me out!
The main reasons I went to the race, though, was to see my friends and support Team Big Bear and Shoair for the amazing job they have done with the series this year. Although I havent made it out of the state to race, I am very grateful to even have a series to go to! These guys have done an amazing job keeping mountain biking alive in the whole country! It's important to me to do my part to help promote, show up and have a blast at these events to do what I can to spread the MTB love!
As for the friends, got to hook up with so many cool people that I haven't seen since mid-summer! Great to see the friendly faces
Allison, Lisa, Dot, Tonya, Heidi, me!
So there was an overall to be won. I guess I didn't get the memo or have just been tied up coaching jr. high volleyball and not doing my research! This race landed the three of us, well, in the top three! Next to the Idyllwild Pavers, this award is awesome! Solid iron or something, welded together, and HEAVY!!! Pretty cool momento....although not sure what to do with it. Could maybe do Kettlebell training, or sit on it to milk a cow, or something of that nature...
(Please note I am stealing pictures from Allison and random people on facebook ; )
So Allison, Krista and I became unified on Sunday. We led the race as a unified force, then, not so much. With many of our comrades hanging the jerseys for the year, oh, two months ago, the three of us keep paying our $$$ to go for rides together.
It was hot. I remember one point where I said outloud on the full exposed hot and dusty fireroad that looks down on the freeway interchange, "I'm so hot..." with the Napolean Dynamite exhale. I can't remember being that hot in a race since maybe Santa Ynez two years ago. I only wadded it up once, on a hair pin uphill turn going to the feed zone. Narrowly missed re-opening Staple and got some blood on my shoes. Cool.
High light was having BMc at the race! He flogged the Cat 2 boys, poor chaps, and finished the race with a win and a helmet full of twigs due to a crash in the last half mile that had him recounting seeing "dirt, sky, dirt, sky, dirt, sky....ground." while intergecting motorcycle sounds. "Brrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaap brrrrap...."
Brian is the best. Once my race started, which consisted of 3 laps at 12:30 start...he was at multiple points on the course giving me time gaps but more importantly, moral support. Between calling lines, to telling me to ride my pace and not to worry about the gap, he really helped me out!
The main reasons I went to the race, though, was to see my friends and support Team Big Bear and Shoair for the amazing job they have done with the series this year. Although I havent made it out of the state to race, I am very grateful to even have a series to go to! These guys have done an amazing job keeping mountain biking alive in the whole country! It's important to me to do my part to help promote, show up and have a blast at these events to do what I can to spread the MTB love!
As for the friends, got to hook up with so many cool people that I haven't seen since mid-summer! Great to see the friendly faces
Allison, Lisa, Dot, Tonya, Heidi, me!
So there was an overall to be won. I guess I didn't get the memo or have just been tied up coaching jr. high volleyball and not doing my research! This race landed the three of us, well, in the top three! Next to the Idyllwild Pavers, this award is awesome! Solid iron or something, welded together, and HEAVY!!! Pretty cool momento....although not sure what to do with it. Could maybe do Kettlebell training, or sit on it to milk a cow, or something of that nature...
The week is flooded with volleyball games and practices, some teaching and grading, tack on some baby visiting and cuddling, then perhaps a bike ride or five topped off with a touch of pilates. All in 100 degree heat.
Tomorrow is the Autumnal Equinox. What gives? Where is fall?!....
Friday, September 11
Is it nap time yet?
Here we are, day three of that race in Costa Rica, completely wiped out, but ready to rock. Somehow (ie the couple from Mexico had their clocks set to Mexico time, where there was a time change) we got up at 4 am for the race. Never have I gotten ready to race so quickly!! Once we realized the issue, back to bed I went in full kit, spooning my gear bag.
Most people say its time to rest, relax, gain some weight, or pick up bowling. I just can't do it. So here I am, ready to go full-force into a weekend of solid riding and fun with friends! Although I may FEEL like the Joy above...I put on a good Poker Face. Season ain't over yet folks....come to think of it, when will it be over?!?!
Wednesday, September 9
Well when you put it that way...
I have been receiving a lot of flack for my absurd tan-lines, specifically those on my legs. Late-summer, an intervention was set to get me into more "feminine" shorts, in the attempt to make me not look like a "Fit Boy." Cute. I purchased a slew of 5" inseam shorts from Marshalls and Ross (Under $7 a piece FYI) and by my calculations, that inseam is about 0.5" ABOVE my Champ Sys cycling shorts.
It has gotten to the point that if another person scoffs at my tan by saying something witty like "Hey, can't you get shorts to match your tan?" or "Did the tanning bed mess up?" Or "Nice tan lines" i may just have to pop them in the jaw or better yet comment on their "Nice Muffin Top." But that wouldn't be nice.
Upon lamenting my persecution, I received this poignant email from BMc, just another reason why I keep him close by:
It's like this; some people get tattoos because it means something special to them, some people have scars that reveal traumatic experiences they've been through. We have pale kit covered skin and borderline obscene tan lines from spending as much of our time in the saddle as possible. It's a sign of our commitment and shows our perseverance. Other folks just won't and can't understand. Don't take it to heart, wear it like a badge of pride because to those that understand, they know what those tan-lines mean and what it takes to earn'em. 
Wednesday, September 2
It's my birthday, I am allowed to whine. I mean Shine...
I stayed up until midnight last night to see if in fact I would turn into a pumpkin upon turning the dreaded, dirty, thirty. I certainly did not morph into holiday decor nor did I audibly hear my metabolism hit the wall and slow down. But I am convinced I felt it. Just as convinced as the time i saw the Jackalope in Yosemite. It was there.
In this new wacky era of the interwebs and texting, I have been inundated with birthday cheer. None of it is unwanted, and definately not unwarrented. However, it has come at the strangest of times, modes, and well from some pretty strange people.
99% of people really did not know it was my birthday, had it not been for Face Book. They were then posed with a few options: text, wall post, IM, weird birthday cake for homepage wall etc. Many of the cheer-sharers I have not seen, heard from, nor would recognize if I was staring at them at Stell Coffee house.
Here are some of my favorites:
* Happy Birthday, Joy. You're probably going to take a birthday bike ride, in that case, don't get hurt.
*Happy Birthday you wackado!!!!!
*Happy Birthday, Joy!!! Hope it is wonderful and you get to do a good ride :)
*Happy Birthday Joy Bell. 30 huh! Enjoy it to the MAX. Skip school.
*Hippy Bathday!
*hb!
*Happy birthday Joy! I will ride my bike to work tomorrow in your honor.
*JOY to the World!! Have a Happy Happy day & eat tons of good stuff...then ride it off.
*Happy Birthday silly Joy!! ;)
*Happy Birthday Joy! Already making 30 look fun!!
I also am the proud recipient of multiple eCards. One had a rainbow that would fill in each color at a time, another had an animated kitten that got stuck in a ball of yarn, and yet another had a pink girl walking through a field. I sure hope Halmark has dibs on some ecards, or they are going to go out of business. The ecard is amazing because you can remember at 4:52pm a loved ones birthday, shoot that email out and be within the safe confines of the work day. Some of the cards i received were preselected and scheduled to be "released" today. Im not knocking them. They did make me chuckle a bit, and everyone knows I sure don't own stamps either.
I have received a litany of text messages. Rad...I have unlimited now. Whew.
Thank you for the well-wishes and laughs! The good times are just beginning!
In this new wacky era of the interwebs and texting, I have been inundated with birthday cheer. None of it is unwanted, and definately not unwarrented. However, it has come at the strangest of times, modes, and well from some pretty strange people.
99% of people really did not know it was my birthday, had it not been for Face Book. They were then posed with a few options: text, wall post, IM, weird birthday cake for homepage wall etc. Many of the cheer-sharers I have not seen, heard from, nor would recognize if I was staring at them at Stell Coffee house.
Here are some of my favorites:
* Happy Birthday, Joy. You're probably going to take a birthday bike ride, in that case, don't get hurt.
*Happy Birthday you wackado!!!!!
*Happy Birthday, Joy!!! Hope it is wonderful and you get to do a good ride :)
*Happy Birthday Joy Bell. 30 huh! Enjoy it to the MAX. Skip school.
*Hippy Bathday!
*hb!
*Happy birthday Joy! I will ride my bike to work tomorrow in your honor.
*JOY to the World!! Have a Happy Happy day & eat tons of good stuff...then ride it off.
*Happy Birthday silly Joy!! ;)
*Happy Birthday Joy! Already making 30 look fun!!
I also am the proud recipient of multiple eCards. One had a rainbow that would fill in each color at a time, another had an animated kitten that got stuck in a ball of yarn, and yet another had a pink girl walking through a field. I sure hope Halmark has dibs on some ecards, or they are going to go out of business. The ecard is amazing because you can remember at 4:52pm a loved ones birthday, shoot that email out and be within the safe confines of the work day. Some of the cards i received were preselected and scheduled to be "released" today. Im not knocking them. They did make me chuckle a bit, and everyone knows I sure don't own stamps either.
I have received a litany of text messages. Rad...I have unlimited now. Whew.
Thank you for the well-wishes and laughs! The good times are just beginning!
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