Ready for Another

All Smiles Before the Ride

So Scott and I returned with our friend to tackle the Mountain for our Thursday night ride. Since last week left me with only 1 Bump I set out to complete 2 Bumps this time. Still not sure why this has been named Bumps when we all know that it is a Mountain…lol.

After a short warm up to the base of the Mountain we made a turn and started the climbing. Each of us settled into our own pace and just grinded away at the road. For the most part the first side is shorter in distance but steeper in grade. Only once did I feel my heart beat in my head and ears. This side offered no break in climbing other than a few switch backs. Once at the top we rode down the back side and then turned around to head back up.

Although this side is longer in distance it is not near as steep and does offer one or two breaks in climbing. To be honest, once I reached the top I was surprised as how fast it seemed to be compared to the first side. We regrouped and headed back down just as the rain started. Perfect timing!

We all have a mental demon in whatever sport we are in. With cycling my demon is climbing. This monster is going to be hard to take down but I am working on it.

The sweet victory beer never tasted sweeter than last night. Scott and I both rode home King of the Mountain. :)))

Robin

King of the Mountain

I am here… but I am not here….

My days seem crazy and even when I have something funny, interesting, or informative to blog about I don’t seem to have a minute.

So I am still here and I am trying like crazy to make my rounds to my favorite blog crazies and see what you are all up to.

Quick Updates:

Bike –

Last Thursday I headed out with some friends to do what was called “3 Bump” which basically consists of climbing three mountains. In a nut shell I made 1 Bump and Scott made 2 Bumps. He crowned himself “King of the Mountain” so this Thursday we will head back to do a repeat. I was SO proud of him!!

This weekend, in an effort to conquer that monster mental mind game I have of climbing, we tackled a 40 mile route that provided TONS of climbing. One section climbs for a solid 10 miles with an average of 6-8%. I loved it!!

Sunday was planned to be an easy recovery ride but instead I ditched it and Scott and I found ourselves in bed and asleep well before 9pm. Yes our 15 year old teases us about how old we are but I would not have it any other way.

Now I am off to see what you all have been up to…….

Robin

Part of a TEAM

Part of the Team from our ride last Saturday.

This past weekend our team received all of the proceeds to benefit the Challenge to Conquer Cancer. Each cyclist paid $10 to ride and in the end we received over $800 towards our event. Not a week has gone by, since becoming a part of this, that I have not been blessed. Each story that is shared about cancer is truly touching. Mainly I have received the greatest gift of being a part of something that is not about me at all. It is not about how fast you are. It is not about who is the strongest. It is about working as a team and with each mile we ride, we train, we share we are hopefully coming that much closer to finding a cure for cancer.

I have been very blessed to have reached my fund raising goals very early on. Currently I have a team member who is having a harder time. If you are in the position of donating anything… $5…$10… I promise the karma that you send out will come back 10 fold!

Event Link: Challenge to Conquer Cancer (click on link and select Toby Coker)

If you have any problems with the link or any questions please feel free to contact me at gottarun472@gmail.com

Bloggers ROCK!!!

Robin

Check Yourself

True Story…

I still run. Often times I get in 2 – 3 miles ( a few 5's) before a ride or alternating days that I do not ride. Surprising my pace had held to a decent clip but my body does not always play nice for the first mile.

Still I run.. and I remember why I love it so much.

Last week I arrived home and was to quickly change so my son and I could get a short run in before my ride. If it were not for Scott I would have dashed out of the front door like this…..

Pretty funny stuff. My 15 year old even got a good kick out of it. Thanks Scott… I would have totally let you take off without correcting your shorts had things been reversed. LOL!

On the bike front:

Jumped in a different group on Tuesday with the Greenville Spinners. A ride leader stepped up and offered a bit longer route and since the pack was not too large I jumped right in. This was a fantastic route that offered a great mix with some good speed. I only had to get verbal once when I yelled at a guy and told him to “pick a line” out of fear that he was going to run my into the ditch. He said nothing.

New bike = new voice. :))

Robin

Scott and the big 40!!

What a FUN weekend!! Long ride on Friday (65 miles) to make way for Scott's 40th Birthday on Saturday. The evening was perfect and the weather was comfortable enough to enjoy the outdoors with about 25 of our closest friends.

Since I was a good girl on Saturday night I headed out for a ride on Sunday, then a run with my son, and lastly a crushing, trash your arms and back workout. If I had to do a push-up at this moment it would.... painful. Still I dare not let on to my son that his workout kicked my butt. Scott spent the day recovering on the couch.... lol!!

Off to begin a new week. Lots of rides planned for the entire week.

Robin

She Has Arrived

There are things in life that you can throw a little money at yet the benefit of it is not all that clear. Not the case when it come to bikes!

Scott and I arrived back in town Wednesday night and I returned to work on Thursday. Let me just say that it took FOREVER for 3:30pm to arrive. Go Tri Sports hooked me up with an amazing price (negotiate people) and once I was fitted I headed home to test out my sweet new ride.

Orbea Onix Dama TDF

I must admit I was nervous about this ride. Everything about the bike is different from my last. Width of the handlebars. Placement of the gear shifters. Brakes. Size. You get the picture…everything. The bike felt like a glove that was molded just for me. Light, fast, with tons of comfort. I only realize now how jacked up my fit was now that I am on something that is correct.

We headed out and with each turn I began to feel more comfortable. The shifting of gears were smooth. Climbing was smoother than ever. Do you see where I am going with this? She is a SMOOTH ROCKET. I am in love! Best part.... she fits in the back seat of my 93 Honda Civic!!! No more having to trade cars with Scott. :))

So I am ready to roll again today... right now.... well after work... just hours from now.

Will catch up on all of your post... promise :)

Robin

P.S. In the absence of my bike last week I managed some amazing runs. Made me dream a bit of the trails. Getting lost in the miles is not that hard to do. Having more than one love is not a bad thing at all.

HOT MILES and NEW WHEELS

Team arrives at the Lake follwing a 65 mile Ride

Scott drove SAG for us both days. HE ROCKS!!!

Sunday's Team just before the pulling out.

This week has zoomed by!!

Our Team did a back-to-back ride this weekend. Pulled out of Greenville at 6:30am on Saturday morning to try and beat some of the heat. Mostly country roads and LOTS of rollers until we reached the lake. Loved this ride!! I got off of the bike feeling great!! Lake time and a sleep over wrapped up a perfect day.

Sunday morning was not shaping up to be so great for me. Still not 100% sure but I believe the piece of chicken that was pretty uncooked resulted in a stomach malfunction and I spent some quality time in the bathroom before we even began our ride. Still determined to ride the 65 miles back we pulled out and began our ride. Not even a mile into the ride you have a 26% climb to get out of the subdivision. Freaking insane and my legs were pissed. I made it up just over half way and then had to dismount. Never have I climbed anything like this and my mind bailed on the thought just as my body did.

I will spare you the details but I held on until mile 30. My stomach was not good and I began to get the shakes. The heat did not help so I racked my bike. No one enjoys having to ever rack their back in the middle of the ride but it was the right thing to do.

So to fast forward….. I SOLD my bike and have now ordered my NEW WHEELS!!!! She will be in on Monday and when I return from a short vacation I will be rolling out with her on Thursday. Let me say that she is a SWEET CARBON MACHINE….. pictures to follow when she arrives :))))))))

Have a fabulous holiday! I will return next week.

Robin