More Estrogen Please!

Let me start by saying, those of us who live in CO are truly blessed!!  We're blessed in that we're surrounded by (what I consider to be) the most amazingly beautiful scenery in the world, unbelievably great weather, and the most talented women in the cycling world!!  

I have never felt so welcomed than when showing up to a ladies event and talking to some of the nicest ladies on the planet!!  And the best part is, it's not discipline specific!  It doesn't matter if it's the BRAC's women's road clinic, Beti Bike Bash MTB race, VIDA MTB camp, BRAC women's CX camp or (the most recent) the Boulder Valley Velodrome's ladies taste tester, the women are all super nice and extremely helpful! No matter where you go, you're surrounded by gifted, friendly and amazing women!  And don't get me started on the endless happy hours, women's bike maintenance clinics, and ladies' nights at numerous bike shops.  As I said..we're truly blessed (ok...maybe even a little spoiled).  :-)  

As a woman, some times, trying something new can be super scary, let alone trying something new in the cycling world.  We constantly see national champions, Olympians, and world-renown cyclists all over the place out here, so yes, when it comes to trying a new sport/discipline, some of us are little bit timid.  I've found over my years of cycling that riding and training with women is a whole new experience and I find it's the most comfortable atmosphere in which to learn a new skill.  Don't get me wrong fellas, I enjoy trying to keep your wheel on a hammerfest training ride or while doing hot laps at the track, but there's something about being surrounded by my lady-friends that just makes it more fun and less....well...testosterone driven.  And WAY less intimidating!  

I find that the majority of women in the cycling arena naturally support each other and want to help one another learn and grow and this is exactly what I found last year at the Boulder Valley Velodrome.  I was so blown away by the community that the BVV had created in it's first year of operation, that I volunteered to help with Monday's women's event.  Being totally new to track cycling myself last year, I knew EXACTLY what the women on Monday felt when they walked up the ramp and looked at the track....sheer panic and fear!  

After some opening comments and ground rules by the coaches, I spent some time helping a few ladies get acquainted with their track bike and reassured them that having no brakes on a fixed gear bike was completely ok.  Then we divided into small groups and slowly worked our way around the apron (flat part of the track....for those who haven't yet experienced the awesomeness of the BVV).  After a few laps and some pep-talking, we started making our way onto the track and before I knew it, the 3 ladies on my wheel were all smiling, laughing and pleading not to stop!  It was amazing!!!  The same 3 women who walked in that night, scared to death and never having ridden a fixie before, were now begging to go back out and ride higher on the track and faster!!!!  Who would've thought!?!?  If I'm being honest.....me.  :-)  The safe and comfortable atmosphere that the coaches and other experienced riders created that night made it possible for those 30 women to overcome some major fears and to do something that they never expected!  It was just a joy to see everyone leave that evening more confident, proud and smiling ear to ear!  

I'm convinced that as long as we continue to work together, open our hearts to those trying something new, check our egos, and embrace this sense of community, that women's cycling will continue to flourish here in CO. 

Back in the Saddle

Ahh...spring is in the air (well...despite a few lingering snow clouds) and what better time to get back into the swing of things and spend more quality time on 2 wheels!  Over the last year, commuting for me was put on the back-burner due to a job change, buying a home and moving further from work and not being familiar with my local roads and trails.  Fortunately, the warm weather, great friends and a potential job relocation have all renewed my commuting and adventurous spirit!  I think it was the perfect storm of good mojo, which was exactly what I needed to get out of the fast lane and into the bike lane!  

Admittedly, it wasn't an easy transition and excuses flowed like wine, but with the support of my teammates and a few close friends, my sense of excitement has returned and I've been pedaling my way around ever since.  In preparation for my new job, I convinced my fiance and our friend Gary to go with me as I explored the trails between home and work.  Having seen my future commute, I was so excited that I wanted to start the new job NOW!  I want to cruise along the 36 bike path with everyone else!!  However, corporate America doesn't move as fast as I'd like, but I didn't let that discourage me.  I decided that the best way to get in the habit of commuting wasn't to wait until the stars aligned and everything was perfect and easy.  (If you know me, I don't do easy!  It's not my style!)  Instead, Gary and I worked out a buddy system where I drive part way, meet him and we bike to work together!  Brilliant!!  Not only do I have someone who can show me the safest routes to work, but I also have someone to hold me accountable!  No more "ehh...I'm just too tired" or "I'll ride in tomorrow."  Nope!  I know he's waiting, so you can bet, I'm getting my tail up and out the door.  Funny because there hasn't been a single day where I've arrived at work on my bike and thought "ya know, I really wish I would've driven my car today".  Not...ONCE!  

Moral of the story...the best way to create is a habit is to start TODAY!  Even if you're unsure or slightly afraid of trying a new route, ask around!!  With so many cyclists out there, there's sure to be someone who knows how to get to where you need to be safety.  I'm willing to bet there are more "Gary's" out there who'd love to have you tag along on a ride!  :-)

Buff Classic TT

It wasn't my first bike race. It wasn't even my first bike race of this season, but I felt like a total beginner at the Buff classic TT last weekend. I was riding a new Cannondale Slice TT bike, I had a super cool new Kask bambino aero helmet and some pretty fast Zipp wheels. Although I definitely had the gear to ride fast, I proved just how slow you can go even with all the fastest gear.

The course was a 12 mile straight stretch from Lyons to Boulder. There were some rolling hills and some fast straightaways.  My start was slow. I always start slow and figure no big deal because I would make up time on the hills. The first hill came and I was really excited, until I realized I was moving at tortoise pace. Two ladies flew by me and I started to panic. They were at least 30 seconds ahead of me and we were only at mile 3.  I got out  of my aero bars and sat-up. I thought maybe I could pedal harder if I was in a more upright position. My mind was racing at this point and I was willing to try anything. When I sat-up I went a bit faster, but didn't gain enough speed to catch anyone. I couldn't figure out what was wrong. I was pedaling as hard and as fast as my legs would allow and I wasn't breathing hard. Clearly something was amiss.  I really started to think, and when I really started to think,  I realized that my legs were crunched up and I wasn't getting the benefit of my entire pedal stroke. I might as well have been riding my old pink Barbie bike with glitter paint and metallic streamers blowing in the wind. I begrudgingly grew out of that bike in 5th grade. After my realization my goals changed significantly. I went into the race hoping to finish well. I ended the race hoping to beat someone- anyone. I came up the last hill  and saw Cheryl and Rhonda at the finish. Their cheering gave me a burst of renewed resolve. I finished - and I didn't come in last. Goal complete.

I explained my seat issue to Rhonda and a very nice man at the finish. They confirmed that my seat was too low. I felt like a total beginner. I came home and my very mechanically inclined husband  re-fit my bike. He moved a bunch of parts and adjusted a bunch of pieces. Hopefully my next TT is a better success. I don't want to just look fast, I want to ride fast too.

Bluebonnet XTerra

First race/event of the season in the books...

A friend talked my husband and me into heading down to Austin to do an XTerra triathlon a few months ago... And, as I always say when it comes to "Kris adventures," it seemed like a good idea at the time. What could be better than heading down to Texas in April, where it would be nice and warm, for my first tri in about 8 years?? Ha.

After shoving four of us, three bikes, and all the necessary gear in the Element, we took off. We were driving about 28 hours for a 3-hour race. Great idea! Good thing we had two whole days in Austin to enjoy!

Friday way rainy and cold. So much for warm, sunny Texas. The boys pre-rode the course and I ran it. I figured if I was going to crash on my mountain bike, I'd leave it for race day. It was gorgeous, if slippery on all the exposed granite... 

I only fell once. It's not a trail run if I don't fall flat on my ass.... The views (and wildflowers!) were gorgeous. Glad I got to see it before I raced, when I could stop every five minutes to take pictures.

Race day dawned beautiful and sunny. Cold, though. The car was reading 37 degrees when we arrived at the park... Nice and warm for the swim! Luckily, the water was a balmy 67, which felt fabulous compared to the air temp. 

I was pleasantly surprised by the whole experience. I loved every second, to be honest. After 10 meters of the swim, I settled in and relaxed and enjoyed it, the bike portion was wonderfully ridable (which is rare, for me- I'm a terrible mountain biker), and I managed to pass a few people on the run...

In the end,there was still beer left when I finished.  I came on second in my age group. And there were more than two of us...