In Training

I have big plans for the 2010 season and I am starting early. Your thinking.. BURN OUT FOR SURE! No. After not being able to race like I wanted to due to an injury I had two years I have a lot of pent up racing excitement haha! Went to the doctor again.. and found out from X-RAYS $$$$ that I have a shoulder injury. I either have impinged nerves pretty sure I said that wrong anyway.. or a tear(s) in my left shoulder rotator cuff. This all might have to come to a MRI and most likely surgery sometime.. BUT FOR NOW .. that I know I am ok and its not my back/neck.. I am ready to continue forward into my cycling journey without that haning on my shoulders..even though its in my shoulder.. ANYWAY!! In a good mood now that I am not really in bad shape. And that my birthday is very soon and I GET STUFF! WOOT!

I have lots of personal goals for the season... which I think are realistic. SO I am now officially saying that 2010 season has started TODAY. :)

Bare Everything

I'm turning 22 in 10 days! November 30 th is my BDAY and I'm more excited than my 21st birthday.. DUNO WHY! I just feel more mature I guess.. FEeling the 20s I guess! I can't believe I started cycling when I was 19 ! Doesn't seem that long ago really..

I took time off the bike.. pretty much the whole month of November.. Did some other things like Canoeing/hiking/Camping. And yesterday it hit me that it was time to get ready for 2010 season. I have to go to the doctor though because having some more pain in my ribs.. Will let you know what goes down with that. I just hope its a simple fix and I go on with my life.

I have learned a lot of life lessons these past couple of months. Everything seems to go the right direction when you are true to yourself. Its really easy to get caught up in what you could have or what you want. Spending some time away from civilization and out in the outdoors changes me and brings me back down to reality.

I haven't canoed in like years so when the first set of rapids came I screamed and cried like a baby.. and soon realized how fun it is haha! Life is like a river really.. you have to go with the current or you will go nowhere or worse tip. Even though you might go with the current you must angle yourself in the right direction before rapids or you will fly out of the current into a tree/rock.. etc or flip again. Life is very similar to this.. always throwing obstacles at you even if you are on the right track. To enjoy it you must overcome. As I floated down the river with the ice cold water rushing beside me, I watched birds glide above me. Bald eagles come to arkansas this time of the year and they were just arriving and settling into their new home for the winter. I never looked at a bald eagle so closely before in my life. I understand why now they are our bird of the united states. So noble and proud and just HUGE with a straight wingspand that is amazing. They look extremely smart too! Anyway saw lots of bald eagles and hawks. They all have their own style and grace. We headed on the left side of this island in the Buffalo River and there was a young deer that raised her head up and just stared at us watching us float down the river. Even Gemma, Nate's dog, was quiet as we floated slowly past each other staring into each others eyes amazed by how different we were. The deer never ran away or snorted at us, she just watched curiously as if she had never seen a canoe before and went on eating on green grass that was unusual this time of the year. The Buffalo River as you can tell is my favorite spot to go and have fun. Its like another world with its massive limestone bluffs and secrets behind every bend. I learn a lot from nature and put that to everyday life.

The trees are bare right now and very dull, but I look at it as a fresh start. This all inspired to start trainging yesterday as my arms and legs were bare from arm warmers and other layers.. I could obviously could tell I was off the bike, but getting back into the swing of things for sure.

Thanksgiving is next week! Holidays are always nice with plenty of food.. Family! LOVE! Dogs! Its a very peaceful time of year for me right now. I'm excited about 2010 in my White and Pink VK kit, but really enjoying this down time with family and being in the outdoors.

I just can't believe what I have seen this year and the eyes I stared into.. How wild our world is... I think humans have our set ways but we crave a bit of wild too. This world is beautiful. Anyway I gotta go to work SO I can have money FOR GAS etc. HAHA! Hope everybody has a WONDERFUL fullfilling thanksgiving ! Gobble Gobble :)

solo

Took a little spin yesterday solo. I noticed now since I have a lot of time to myself I have of course a lot more time to think about things. At my job I have 6 hours to myself really.. I'm having a lottttt of ALONE TIME...

Which is probably a good thing..

I think the most while riding my bike by myself though.. I don't even really think of riding.. it just comes natural. Had an awesome tailwind on one of my fav roads to ride hit the corners 30 mph.. :) really was beautiful yesterday.. it has been beautiful lately just rainy or sunny for me.. I have noticed I am laughing more too..

I would like to announce also that I am off of my anxiety medicine. ALL THE WAY OFF! It took over a year to get off it after being on it for 6 years. I feel like I am over a lot of shit.. and moved on in my life.. enjyoing it.. kind of free.

The leaves are falling now.. winter is around the corner. I will be 22 next month.. crazy to me.. I was 19 when I started cycling.. just insane to me. Just a reminder to live laugh and love while you can..

Its not your typical day to take a stroll but I just might with Sophy.. Nothing feels more real than being in the outdoors. I have been hiking a lot lately.. MY SECOND fav thing to do after cycling. After a hard ride I like to take a hike by the buffalo river the next day. It was the first National River to be designated in the United States. It changes color in the winter to a light green blue... my favorite spot in arkansas by far.. I think sometimes wouldn't be cool to live in colorado.. or idaho..wyoming or somewhere so beautiful.. but nothing is like the boston mountains.. more like rolling hills.. with bluffs rivers and interesting rock formations.. its just my home.. can't leave it.

Anyway I'm heading out before it storms.. felt kind of bloggy so there ya go :)

2010 is gonna be hotttttT

Just got info on Vanderkitten Club 2010... ANd.............. ITS GONNA BE HOTT! Like new sexy clothing.. can't wait to race in it! I hate that Liz is not a Vanderkitten anymore.. she inpsired me and still a big fan, but I realized that it was me that got across the finish line first.. the vk kit/liz/vanderkitten didn't get me across it first.. it was me and my legs haha.. All the other stuff just makes it better. Decided that racing with Vanderkitten Racing is just my style.

Went for a ride today after a long rainy couple of weeks... just beautiful......... Also would like to mention that Nate and I have been dating officially for 2 years now. Love him... He took me out last weekend on leathwood lake and I was literally a couple feet away from wild geese and watched huge bass swim through the clear lake water.. paddled through lily pads and walked across a 90 year old hand carved limestone dam. Really was beautiful with the fall colors...good place..

FOR ALL THE WOMEN out there I'm a beauty junkie... I have a new obsession.. other than victoria secret.. I love sephora................... and I love skin products from OLE HENRIKSON . My fav products is invigorating night gel, body sleek lotion, muscles comfort, sheer transformation face moisturizer. Its all natural and organic.... speaking of organic.. I also like the new bare minerals matte foundation.. ITS BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL Foundation.. really good for oily skin... like mine.. Anyway just thought I would through that out there... cuz I have really been impressed..



Its getting cold.. seasons are changing.. blah blah blahhh but I'm getting out there and staying in shape... I want to represent vanderkitten the best I can.. plus of course get results for myself.. and prove that I was meant to be on bike.

Anyway .. going to kick ass right now... haha in my dreams that is .. goodnight :)

Follow your heart and hold your line

Lot of things have come upon me lately. I wanted to get rid of Sophy to do whats right for Sophy.. I have realized that I have a bond with Sophy and she has one with me. EVEN though she is SOoo ridiculous sometimes.. After Sarg died and Sophy came into my life.. she has a purpose just like Sarg did. I think that everything happens for a reason.. and Sophy is meant to be in my life as my dog. I have decided to not give up on her and work on her issues.. cuz she doesn't ever give up on me.

This has taught me an important lesson in life, which is obvious.. but really is often ignored.. but TO FOLLOW YOUR HEART! So easy to give up on something.. such an easy way to just run away something that is hard to handle. Easy just seems weak to me.. you just gotta stand your ground.. and not back down on whatever you believe or feel in your heart.

I feel that I was the first person who gave Sophy a chance and she loves me and I owe it to her to be responsible and give her all the love I have the rest of her life. Also what inspired me was a book.. that is called Merle's Door. A book about a man finding a lab mix dog in the wild that he took into his life. Its not just about Sophy, me, or the book. It is about following what you know whats right.

I recently read Liz Hatch's blog post on cyclingnews, and she annouced that she is no longer with Vanderkitten. I don't know what exactly happened and even if I did I don't think would even matter.. Liz and Vanderkitten means a lot to me cuz Liz and others on Vanderkitten are super strong women obviously physically, but mainly mentally strong. I am inspired by a lot with my cycling.. but something about them draws me to them. I feel like Vanderkitten represents so much more than an average team. They follow what feels right.. but something has happened and I am only a fan and have been for a while, but I feel like this is a crucial period for Vanderkitten not having Liz on the team.. and Liz not a Vanderkitten. Really seems not right to me.. but maybe it is meant to be. I don't know.. but it is really heart breaking to me. I hope both of their futures are great though! Whatever might happen! Hope everybody kicks A$$ no matter what :)

Sometimes.. its not about two wheels at all..Its about living and loving life to the fullest possible.. don't waste it.

Hope everybody has a wonderful day.. night... morning.. wherever you might be.. take care

as for me I am going to snuggle with Sophy in my bed and look forward to a wonderful tomorrow

good night :)

Everything is changing

My season is over. The season is changing... I'm getting rid of Sophy.. cuz she is going to get hurt living here with my horses and mules.. she deserves a better home..so I put her up on my work bulliten board to give away for free. I don't want money... I saved her from the pound and from being put down and put some meat on her bones. She will just fit well more into a family with kids. Now that this is going on I will be able to get a german shepherd again. Not just any german shepherd.. A sister of Sarg, my old german shepherd. Even though it will not be Sarg .. my life feels complete with a shepherd by my side. I have grown up with german shepherds. I don't have any brothers and sisters so I would play with german shepherds instead. They just have a special place in my heart. They are the closest dog that is related to the grey wolf. Anyway that is what is going to happen.. I feel bad about getting sophy and having to do this.. but then again I don't cuz I saved her from being put down.. so I saved a life in the end.

Vanderkitten kit is so hot for 2010. Made by Capoforma, it has more white on it and stands out more than EVER. Can't wait to sport the kit as a cat 3 next year!

I applied for mercy health insurance and was declined... hopefully I can get full time at my job so I can be covered.... and not have to deal with insurance companies ... God has got my back so I am not letting it bring me down. I can only do what I can do.

I read this thing in an office I was cleaning.. I think about it every now and then.. especially right now since there are so many things on my mind I almost forget to enjoy that I am on this earth.. thought you would enjoy it too.

Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is a mystery.
And today?
Today is a gift.
Thats why we call it the present.

Big Dam Bridge 100 2009

So I did it. Jordan and me finished! It was a beautiful day! A little windy ... but we pushed through!! There was some hills thats for sure wasn't all flat. I was doing just fine until mile 60.. I started feeling a little bad.. And then of course Nate explained to me about bad patches and that you need to ride through them.. so I started singing... haha! I started singing Stray Cat Strut by Stray Cats which is the first song on this playlist now. After I sang that over and over to mile 75 I FELT GREAT.. in fact.. about mile 80 when there was some hills.. I got a little crazy and attacked everybody up the hills. The people were seriously suffering while I was like WOOOHOOO !! ! I kind of felt bad for doing that but very suprised I felt so good at that point. When I read about century rides they would say like mile 80 was going to be bad bla blah blah .. Well for some reason I had energy all the way to the finish and felt like I could of done a sprint finish.. I prented I was mark cavendish trying to hold his position being really stupid.. and then I got a pin and a water and a good job. WOO! Fun century! Going over the bridge that morning was beauitful too. I felt like I could of rode over a 100 miles that day. My body suprises me sometimes. The longer I go the more ridiculous I get.. I'm sore.. but not as bad as I thought I would be. Going to keep up these long ride though.. getting stronger for sure. Thanks to everybody that encouraged me along the way. Telling me I could do it. I did it on 2 hours of sleep too. Maybe hit up some more next year for fun! haha :) For now I guess I will keep up my riding.. buy a mountain bike and hit the trails this fall/winter.

I GOT CAT CLASS
AND I GOT CAT STYLEEE

MEOWWWWWWWWWWWWW LA LA ALALAL

One Hundred Miles

Funny how we think the number 100 is amazing... its a lot of miles sure.. but lets think of a car here.. my car has 74,000 miles.. and ITS kicking my ass.. so 100 miles shouldn't be a big deal...

I'm looking forward it. BIG DAM BRIDGE 100 ! I'm COMING!

Monsoon Rainfall

After my vacation to yellowstone it has been raining.. nonstop. SO I haven't been able to get out like I have wanted to. The century I have been training for is next Saturday. I think I can do it, however, I will be exhausted and probably in pain. I will be doing it with my good friend, Jordan. We will be each others support when we get all like.. ok I duno.. if I can finish this..

Been putting in some long rides though and can seriously tell its helping .. It is raining like nonstop .. a green swirly thing is sitting in the center of Arkansas~ CRAAzzZZzzzZy! Anyway cycling is good.. HONESTLY ready for winter and all the offseason stuff. Really had a good cycling season. Crazy that fall is 5 days away. SO READY FOR IT.. for REAL! BUt soon.. I will be like omgee.. its been cold like forever.. but anyway love the weather staying dry.. my bike too. :)

Training & a Trip to the Tetons/Yellowstone

It has been a bit of a gap since I last posted.. I finally feel like I can sit down and post even though its midnight. This week was a very fast week due to labor day this monday.. Took a little vacation to the Tetons/Yellowstone. Let me tell you.. I thought at first.. I was going to get bored or something.. that I wasn't going to be as impressed. Well .. I was blown away. When I arrived in Jackson, wyoming.. and turned a corner to face the massive jagged Teton Mountains.. All I said was WOW!! I looked at them in pics and just being there was another experience! Well Nate and I stopped to take some pics and this lady came up with her dog.. she had a huge backpack and smelled like woods.. she said something to me and then asked if we could give her a ride to Jenny Lake, which was about 2 miles away.. ANYWAY.. I looked at Nate like.. is she crazy? ( I never give anybody a ride I don't know ) BUT she explained herself and Nate asked her questions to test her and stuff and she said her camp was destroyed by a grizzly bear that it came over her head and didn't do anything but destroy her camp. So she needed a ride to report it....before it got dark.. SO we gave her a ride with her dog. I kept my eyes on her the whole time.. as she talked here and there... We got there and Nate shoved some waters in her back and some food and she went off on her merry way. Glad she wasn't crazy and VERY glad we helped her and her little dog too.

I got a ride planned in less than 5 hours.. I haven't been on my bike for a week so I am riding no matter what tomorrow haha! I am waiting for my comforter to dry so I can sleep with some covers too.. so ANYWAY....

Stayed in the tetons watched the sun fall behind the tetons.. BEAUTIFUL.. also when we arrived at the park we saw two moose in a creek.. people flocked to that area and we kept driving on cuz we knew we only had a short time to really enjoy that mountains. When we were done with the tetons we continued our drive through the park AT NIGHT! NOT THE GREATEST TIME TO DRIVE.. well I was nervous to see an animal walk in front of our BIG TANK SUV NISSAN ARMADA.. I kind of liked it though.. ANYWAY of course..... of COURSE... there was A BIG FRIGGIN BULL MOOSE AS BIG AS OUR VEHICLE OR BIGGER take its sweet time to cross the road! OMG that was the biggest animal EVER! Nate didn't see it due to the other oncoming car blinding us with its lights! OMG HUGE well it got out of the way and we went on without anymore animals. WE finally found our hotel and had to walk in the dark to the nearest resturaunt to get some lame pizza.. WELL I was pissy and fell asleep.

DAY 2 of vacation. Woke up very happy knowing I was not in my regular routine of work work work.. Went down to the same resturaunt that we ate at for dinner the night before. OMG the view from it was AWESOME sitting right one yellowstone lake.... we had a breakfast buffet and watched ducks and seagulls with awesome mountains behind the lake as a backdrop.. Almost didn't want to leave.
BUT WE DID right before we got into the car to hit the geysers... we heard elk bugling and stuff.. pretty sweet.. WELL we got at west thumb geyser basin and I checked out all the pools of hot stuff. REALLy cool cuz they were all colorful and bubbly and STINKY.. that wasn't so cool.. amazing how they don't have them protected a little better.. I duno how they even got the boardwalk built around them.. I mean you can just fall into one .. anyway pretty sweet.

Then I went to the bigger badder geysers like BADASS OLD FAITHFUL! AS I approached the real geyser area.. there was this HUGE BISON just walking beside the road.. and it blew my mind for some reason....... 2000 lb animal just roaming FREE FREAKING SWEET! well.. Faithful went off right when I showed up then this even BIGGER one Beehive went off and sprayed a bunch of people. I went across the continental divide like two times.. I kind of enjoy being at a higher elevation.. I DUNO WHY!

So we head into Hayden valley.. lots of bison and a couple of wolves and lots of people amazed by seeing the wolves as specs.. it was pretty cool. THANK goodness we had a high powered scope.. we wanted to get up super early to go to hayden valley but slep in due to the exhausting trip there. WELL THEN WE headed on to Lamar Valley later in the evening and we saw some pronghorn!!! SOME more bison. NO wolves though ... it got later and we headed to Gardiner to the Travel Lodge. They messed up something and upgraded us to a suite. We were good with that. We walked to the nearest food place ordered a pizza and had some beers.. root beers that is. We ate a pizza and we were OUT.


DAY 3 we got up at 4 and got packed and headed to Lamar Valley for some wolf watching. Well it was cold and we searched for animals.. saw some bison and then I spotted a black thing and found out it was a wolf.. so we freaked out and got our crap out to look at it. When we got the scope on it we noticed it was just looking at us as we were looking at it.. then it got up and started heading towards the road to cross to look for the rest of the pack. well we hiked up a side of this steep hill to get a better view of the valley with all these other people with their high powered scopes.. well we got next to these people who had a wolf detecter thingy to recieve a signal from their collars. Well me and Nate were talking and this older lady was like can you stop talking cuz we can't hear the wolves howling over your talking.. WELL I was like ok and just stood there quiet thinking well dang... well these people that told us to stop talking was talking like real loud well Nate was looking into the valley with his high powered scope as I was looking up the ridget behind us where nobody was looking with these regular binoculars.. ha.... WELL I was just being stupid looking that way and then this BIG BLACK WOLF comes into my view looking down on all the people with their backs turned. Well I was like OMG WOLF ! Nate and I got a great view of it while the other people who thought they were so great spotting wolves were talking away and never saw it. We we were pleased with the morning view and got ready to go on a good hike. Well we decided to hike up Mt. Washburn.. 3 miles up and down. GRIZZLY COUNTRY.. kind of freaked me out knowing I could be some bear's lunch.
Well I had this little voice in the back of my head saying DO IT! and So I was off up up up up and up.. it was very steep the whole way up to the top.. no level sections.. and we even saw 5 bighorn sheep!!! Some chipmunks and marmots.. got to the top.. the wind was blowing so hard.. like 60 to 70 mph gusts ... there was a cold front coming through right when we were heading up to the top. I almost fell mutiple times freezing.. I was kind of scared. There was a firetower you could go in and we ate a snack there and of course there was a chipmunk there to eat everybody crumbs!! It got in my backpack and tried to run up my leg! CRAZY THING! Well at the top 10,243 ft. We had 360 Degrees of the park and it pointed out the caldera of the super volcano we were on top of.. It BLEW MY MIND! Kind of scary as well.. but that is what makes the park so beautiful.. really.
We found out that a grizzly crossed the trail not too far before us.. and that a park ranger had to get the bear spray to get it to go away.. well after hearing that I wanted to get down the mountain as fast as I could.. so we headed down.
We saw three marmots and some birds, and just awesome views!! NO BEARS! YAY! I was pretty excited I made it.. kind of inspired me to hike up more mountains. I never really got why people want to climb up a mountain. Its an awesome feeling.. pushing your body to the limit .. kind of like cycling.. Well this is my new hobbie
and I am going to the Smoky Mountains this October to get some more hiking in during the rich fall colors of the south. SO ANYWAY we headed to hayden valley again for an evening view of the animals.. we saw two wolves again and some bison. Well a lot of people who come to yellowstone bring regular binoculars.. which ins't bad, but you really need a high power scoped to see animals like wolves well.. people with the high powered scopes were like COOL WOLVES why the people with regular binoculars were like WHERE?! So Nate and I let all the people look through our scope to see the wolves.. most were foreign and I think it was more entertaining to see the peoples faces when they saw their first wolves of yellowstone. Well we let that go on for about two hours and had some lunch at old faithful.. we waited in the night for faithful to erupt one last time. Had a coyote pass in front of me on faithful as the sun went down and we decided to head out of the park to idaho falls so we can get some sleep before our flight out.....

AS we headed out of the park we were kind of sad. We wanted more! MORE! We said by to the park as we exited.... and 50 ft from the park.. there was west yellowstone buildings and everything!! Seemed a little weird being around buidlings and in a town after being in the park.. Just nice to be in another world with the wild animals doing their thing. We headed back and I went to work that night sore as hell and slept the next day pretty much till work the next day! I am finally ok now after the trip.. haha .. the trip was great.. anybody who has NOT gone to yellowstone really should.. awesome can't wait to go BACK!

Well my training is going ok... been getting in some long rides with Jordan. The last long ride we did I got stung by a bee on my tongue while riding. I KNOW DOn't ride with your MOUTH Open.. heard that a million times.. well it hurt and I am ok.

I have a shorter ride planned tomorrow.. and I don't think I will feel that out of shape after a short trip to yellowstone. HOWEVER I will be tired from staying up.. my comforter is dry now and warm so I am hitting the hay!

Learn from the BEST

Just read an interview that was with Robbie McEwen www.mcewenrobbie.com and I learned a little from it.. I didn't know he started racing at age 18 and turned pro at 23! Such an inspiration to me.. even when I first started getting into cycling he has been my favorite pro cyclist ever. I think he is one of the best too! Even if he is getting older.. he is only getting better though with all the knowledge he has aquired over the racing years. Not always the strongest man wins.. even though I think he is one of the strongest considering what he has gone through and overcome. He is famous, but he still takes the time to comment a message to me on facebook. ANd me I am just a cyclist in arkansas. I am not a pro yet or anything I just live on dreams and hope.. and of course my bike. Really appreciate people like Robbie in the world.

No Mountain lions in Arkansas?

Rolled out of bed this morning to go for a ride with my buddy Jordan... talked about this and that.. got on hwy 206 and was still talking right away.. being very loud probably... and something caught my eye................ THought it was a dog coming at us so I was about to tell Jordan... but realized it wasn't a dog... it took me a second to figure it out but it was cat.. that was HUGE and tan... Then I realized I saw a mountain lion. It about 50 yards away maybe not even that super close..... and it ran out in a mowed yard.. there was woods behind this house's yard, but it didn't run into the woods.. no it ran behind their house and wasn't scared.. I was so shocked all I could think of is to turn around and go downhill.. fast......so we did... I had goosebumps and chills pretty much 10 min after that.. Regardless if it was wild or released or whatever it WAS a mountain lion and it was too close for comfort... lots of cyclist ride that road all the time.. and it needs to be reported. IT was attracted to our movement.. and thank goodness it didn't get us. It was as big as Jordan's bike... It was pretty, but I was just scared ....... I'm still kind of freaked out from it... Lots of people here if I was to tell them this they wouldn't believe me.. I don't know why the game and fish or anybody would just absolutly say there are no wild mountain lions in arkansas.. Arkansas is very wooded and wild animals will travel long distances.. They can see lines of state borders... they say that they died out by poeple hunting them, but what I saw today it doesn't matter I think it is a threat to the area cuz it wasn't a wooded area it was in area where people live kind of close together with animals. Anyway... always believed that they were here from seeing tracks at a spring that is on our property, but now I have seen one.. and doesn't matter what anybody tells me.. that was a wild animal I encoutered and it was pretty to see, but again dangerous to be that close to people and out in the open like that.

Friday. Thank YOU!

Work work work... and play play PLAY! Training is going well. I think I'm getting more fit though.. cuz my job requires a lot of walking and sometimes with a 30 lb vaccum on my back. haha. Was working yesterday and had a guy ask for my number .. didn't know his name.. kind of shocked me at first I was like yea.. and then I was like oh wait I have a boyfriend...... I felt horrible..poor guy hopefully he gets a hottie someday. WAS a LONG week this week to me.. my parents left for vacation for a week 1/2 so I must hold the fort down. No partys and stuff.. well maybe a few. haha j/k... getting a haircut today.. THANK GOODNESS!! Its like a jungle up there. The season is coming to a close .. really just felt like spring not too long ago.. summer is really too short.. STILL HOT THOUGH! I am going to yellowstone coming up labor day weekend.. I'm going freeze my booty off.

I don't want to overtrain next season but I'm going to train hard. I'm saving my money gonna race race race... Like to also state that to anybody who doesn't like my lifestyle of working and racing all the time.. can suck it cuz I don't care if they like it or not... haha going to school is great. And I can still go and do whatever just happy and I think thats what it is about. I don't have a baby right now and a ring on my finger with tons of bills I got a bike and I love to ride. I do not fit in and thats a good thing. I've been different and always will be. People here in my "SMALL" town look at me as a failure when I gave up music as a career.. which yea had my mind set that that is what I was going to do.. and never realized I was meant to do something else. I still got it though and thats all that matters to me.. and great memories. I feel like everything I learned through music and school was more a life lesson than to stablize my life with a career. I love to inspire people and show them they can do something they never thought possible. As you can tell I learned that from very very good people that I was around in my life.

Riding a bike. Sounds so simple... so much more than it is.. I have been riding a little over two years now and I finally feel like I'm getting some legs underneath me.. really have to be patient.. LIKE hard to do thats for sure. I am excited to ride with the big girls next year as a cat 3.. I'm young I can do it. sometimes I feel like my age is slipping away fast.. going to be 22 in 3 months.. so going to enjoy this age with some good training hopefully some good wins as well. Won't hurt me to train in hills this year.. well maybe a little. Getting out on that cold day that might seem a little cold, but push through... I still plan on riding with Vanderkitten in 2010 and representing the brand.

Bought three goldfish ... still duno what to name them haha!

Anyway gotta get a trim.. my hair is ridiculous

Watch and Learn

The past week I have been pretty quiet. It really amazes me how much I have to learn in life and in cycling. And lately have been just watching things and trying to absorb everything I can. You know my favorite animal is the timber wolf or what they call a "gray" wolf. I went to the zoo the weekend before last and Nate couldn't pull me away from the wolf section. Something about them is so majestic. They never looked at me even though they knew I was three feet away from them. They just talked to each other with little wimpers. Watching the people who came by with the zoo uniforms. I think they are so smart its ridiculous. ANYWAY I was looking at the little section on my blog where it shows everybody elses blogs I follow, and one lady that rides had a picture of a couple of wolves in her latest blog. SO I clicked it and it was a cool post!!! She blogged about how wolves are organized in their packs and put that idea towards cycling.

http://propamsknittingcircle.blogspot.com/2009/07/leader-of-pack.html

Great Post. And speaking of animals.. I have decided to take a mini vacation. I have free plane tickets from last year and I have decided to use them while I can. SO I have decided to go to yellowstone national park. I want to see the teton mountains, and also some animals in the wild. I think it will blow my mind when I see what it is like there. I plan on going on labor day weekend.. so pretty pumped about that! Maybe I will see some wolves!... at a "safe" distance!

I started my training for that century in September and its going well, however, the heat suprised me. Jordan and I decided on a ride at 10 and we got so hot.. we almost felt like puking bLAH! Then yesterday I got a flat and didn't have a tube on me or a patch so she had to go get a car to come pick me up. I just stood there next to this pony. It was scared of me and only would come closer if I turned my back. Still never came up to me all the way haha! Its a hot day today as well... ugh.. but its going to storm today I think.

I have been working hard lately and hoping that it shows to my other fellow workers. :) Everyone is so nice.. really lucky to be able to work with nice people...

I have learned lately that even though it may get really hard for a moment... it will let up sometime. That goes with work.. or cycling.... It all pays off too.

Anyway have lots of little things to do today to make the rest of my week go smoothly... hope everyone has a great rest of the week.

oh and I guess I am the... lone wolf :)

*Warning* Miles AHEAD

I have been taking days off the bike now waiting for my friend Jordan to get back from Colorado. Heard she got clipless pedals now :) Will be fun haha! We planned out a 10 week workout thingy for our first century this September. I am excited about that! No competitive stuff ... just trying reach mile 100 and seeing others do the same is cool. Really excited about next season too! Long ways til racing next year... but neat to think about all the new stuff that will happen. I see young women like coryn rivera on proman thats 16 and emilia falin on team columbia that is a year younger than me .. kicking the pro womens butts! I want to be on that level someday. Or who knows race with them.. or whatever.. A friend told me that cat 3 to pro is the biggest jump. I have a lot of work ahead of me.. gotta get better experience in just riding with packs and tactics. Plus work on my attitude in the heat of things.. cuz in the end we are all there to race cuz we love it. Hopefully I will make some friends from the womens field and prove I am strong. Going to train in the hills next year. It will kill me .. but that makes me so much stronger.. maybe I will drop some pounds too and keep my power. SPEAKING OF THAT BRADLEY WIGGINS crazy man.... CRAZY what he did this year in the tour.. so impressive... GEEZ .. anyway he could possibly win the tour someday.

My mother's birthday is this sunday.. so I am going shopping today.. DUNO WHAT TO GET HER! hahah.. whats new..

Life suprises me.. which I'm glad it does cuz then I would be VERY BORED.. but anyway I think I'm mature sometimes then I realize that I can act like 10 sometimes haha ridiculous.. I am pretty young still .. no hurry to grow up really.. just change some things..

WORK. Its going good. Been vacumming with a 25 lb pack on my back for four hours with a 10 min break between. IT IS A WORKOUT geez.. I can tell my back is getting sooooo much stronger which is good. Still better than my last job thats for sure!

Wow..ok .. I'm hungry VERY HUNGRY .. I'm off to start this day! I will be riding a good long ride next monday with J so will let you know how that feels starting up the training for the century Big Dam BRIDGE 100 "BDB". Hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the week. :) Enjoy this warm weather.. OH and my boyfriend, Nate, crashed yesterday with his bike. A guy pulled out in front of him as he was going downhill 30 mph and he had to swerve crash to miss hitting the car and he slid on his back into a curb...... his legs thank goodness didn't get the impact or he would of had broke ankles, but his BUTT got the impact.. pretty sure he has a broken tailbone and he has road rash ALL ON HIM.. PLUS a good chunk out of his right butt cheek.

WHATS SAD is that the guy that pulled out in front him saw it all and drove off from it. Thank goodness he is ok. We have had our up and downs, but Nate has been there for me since day 1. He is my best friend/boyfriend. When I started the local group ride and was getting dropped he stayed behind.. he was there through all the suffering on the long climbs in the ozarks.. I can't even begin to touch the surface of bragging on him... His character is amazing... Really don't know what I would do without him. HE inspires me... probably the most to become a pro. I like to make him proud with my cycling. He really is a team player when it comes to cycling. He is like the Jens Voigt of cycling. Anyway going to spend the day with him today.

Enjoy these warm days.. cuz we all know they are coming to a close... Summer slips by so fast.. its ridiculous.. but its HOT TODaY! YEE!!

Have to Understand

I have a short temper... not like anger management type temper haha.. but I don't like getting any disrespect... My intentions are good. I was raised with people stabbing me in the back most of my life so I have a wall up and usually take offense if somebody comes onto me the wrong way. I'm getting better, due to very nice people I have met through cycling, but I take no crap from nobody. :)

Also I requested an upgrade to a cat 3 and I am officially a CAT 3 :) I have next years races planned out and I am focused.. this year I was held back due to horrible back problems. One of my comments on my last post mentioned to remove all negative stuff out of my life and stuff.. that is a good idea.. and thats what I have been trying to do by switching jobs which it is a GREAT job.. very nice people. LIKE super nice people! They all ask me how I do in my races... so sweet really.. COULdn't ask for a better job. Its like we are a little family cleaning and stuff haha :)

You know what ... I did beat that randi girl.. but I have to give her this.. she was strong.. who knows we might race on the same team someday you never know or whatever... at least we are both competitive.. I do respect her for that.. really cool to battle it out. I should of raced more classy.. it really is more my style... it was a pleasure to race around the capitol. Good Race. Hope we race again sometime :)

Anyway gotta get ready for work and make some dough for next year :) Cuz I'm Coming!

Can't win them all

Well I didn't win this time... I felt pretty tired during my races just from having a stressful first week on the job. I raced with two other ladies and got last but third.. I didn't get lapped though! We all rotated and took our turns pulling and I ended up just dropping back the final two laps. Then I entered the womens race to get a feel on what its like to race with experienced women that know how to race a bit better and that are stronger. I hung with them for three laps and I realized that was it haha! Then my boyfriend raced and he did well in the 3/4 and the 1/2/3 race ! Then it got late.. we ordered some sushi and then we crashed woke up and realized we were too tired to race sundays race.. which it didn't break my heart considering thats where I got smacked by the cat 3 field last year... So we went to the zoo.. I am backing off racing a bit for the rest of the season to do a century with my friend Jordan.

I got a comment on my "I'm a winner" post ..It is kind of hilarious being a cat 4 womens race.. I probably should ignore people like that.. check it out.


Anyway ... I achieved all my goals this year and going to upgrade and become stronger and faster for next season.. So many great ladies I want to race with.. just got to get good enough to keep up! I have learned a lot being a cat 4 woman cyclist.. but I want to race in bigger fields instead of like one or two other people all the time. It will be hard.. but thats how you get better :)

Get PAid! LETS GO RACE!

I am getting focused thinking about getting another two wins this weekend. I have been feeling strong and doing very well compared to last year. And with this new job and getting my other life in order.. that makes me mentally stronger. Hopefully my legs can do all the talking this weekend. Oh.. and my favorite sushi place is springfield.. can't wait to dig into that! Anyway will let you know how it goes! I'm off!

Part of Life

Kind of got down last night.. just not used to working I guess. Woke up this morning thinking.. this job is great.. not giving up cuz I didn't have the greatest day. I'm a perfectionist .. when I want to be.. and when I fail even when its small.. I just get upset.. KINd of ridiculous. So I realized now that with a set schedule of work times I have to write out a schedule monday through friday for my cycling. I can't get behind in sleep or I'm screwed haha! Great thing about this job is that I work later in the day and get off before midnight .. seriously its great for my cycling. Plus it keeps me from pigging out at dinner time.. :) AND I walk a LOT! So its really a low impact workout :) Plus I carry this 25 lb vacum cleaner like a backpack.. I kind of look like something off of ghostbusters haha that kind of gets painful, but HEY its great practice for backpacking in the FALL!! I have learned.. when I get down.. usually means I need to go to sleep.. cuz when I wake up I'm a brand new person hahah!

Anyway going to that state crit last weekend was a great... everyone feels like family.. except the people that called me names during my race.. those people were crazy.. haha anyway back on track here... you just feel the love even when we are all so competitive :)

I missed a ride with Jordan this morning.. it looked rainy AND icky.. plus I was toast.. the temp doesn't look that bad so I just might go by myself.. I usually don't do that.. just cuz I'm a woman and stuff but I MIGHT DO it.. might.. while everyone is working and stuff. I will just lightly spin I think just cuz I have been getting a good workout at night and stuff.

How about the tour... Contador is good.. no suprise.. he foaming at the mouth for that yellow. Shleck bros are hot.. Love their tactics... Lance suprises me... I think people underestimate him.. and his character. Good Man. Lots of drama in this tour..... miss Levi.

Well.. better get this day going.. guess I will go out and spin a bit then maybe spend time with SOphy

byes

Off to the QUEEN

Well work is going well. Everyone is super nice and its laid back. I have never worked monday through friday .. so that will be different.. but it will keep me busy. Now that I won the biggest thing I wanted this season.. I guess I will do some more local races here and there. I got hit by that bike last year at Queen City Crits...... SO.. I'm not scared of it.. well sort of.. I just won't stand in the same spot next time :) haha! Well the Queen City Crits are in Springfield, MO on this coming saturday and sunday. My favorite of course is the Saturday one .. being more technical... of course.. AND More of a downtown feel. Plus I didn't get smacked on that one. I am going to try to get a win or two there and then do my upgrade or something. I want to upgrade to a 3 at the end of this season and just race that category to make me stronger.

You know .. I have to brag more about Vanderkitten and Liz Hatch. Showing up to races in the Vanderkitten kit..... is an awesome feeling.. When I'm racing... I know I look damn good... its great :) This wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for Liz seeing something in me. I love winning in a VK kit and making her proud. Winning is like me giving back.

I dream big. I have learned to talk with my legs.. its about results... yea I have a firecracker attitude.. but thats what gives me edge. I look at cyclists like Mark Cavendish.. and Robbie McEwen.. and look at there results.. I want to be like that... and I feel like I have that in me. I am not for sure yet really what I am better at.. but from my winnings so far.. I'm a sprinter. I want to beat the best .. but first I must beat my local competition and move up...

But anyway before I dream too big.. and ground myself here.. like I said I'm preparing myself for this weekend for another win or two and then an upgrade is in order...

Watch out.. I'm coming for YOU! yea you...

I'm a WINNER

SO I worked my butt off the night before on my first job and it was great. I was tired went straight to Little rock got there at 2 a.m.. It took me a little bit to go to sleep with a stomach, but soon fell asleep. Woke up 2 hours later.. shoved some food into me.. even though I wasn't hungry at all. I was disgusting.. put my hair in a ponytail put on my kit and headed down to the car. Was pretty quiet to the Capitol and got my bike out .... put my helmet on..... snapped up my shoes... got my vanderkitten water bottle and rolled out onto the course.................. I had some stares.. I just stayed focused on the course.. I LOVED IT. THANKS RHONDA SYLER FOR PUTTING THIS ON!HUGE HIT! anyway.. like I said I loved it.. sharp corners... a little power climb.. some people might think its a climb though :) AND SUper rough at the top... like really rough! There was a lot of those sewer things and just rough road surfaces as well. SO they delayed our race just a bit cuz they needed to block off the course some more. SOOOoo I sat down in my foldy chair alone watching people walk around me.. gathering my thoughts. And all of sudden I started thinking about when I started riding my mountain bike getting into riding again with my dog that passed away, Sarg, running beside me. Then in front of me ... I swear I saw him just sitting in front of me.. wagging his tail with his tongue out like he used to and I blinked and of course he wasn't there... Then I knew.. he was here... with me..

I got my bike took one more lap and lined up. Listened to the rules... READY SET GO.. I clipped in relaxed.. looked at my competition to see who the strongest was. WHO wanted it the most and got behind. turned into the first left corner with a little dip and it had water in it and we all were splashed with water... took another left into the wind as we accelerated downhill...potholes..bumps..you name it.. this was crit racing downtown! Then we hit the first hill I stayed in the big ring the whole time.. got out of the saddle and danced on my bike like I was light as a feather dropping the other girls like flies. Then it was just me and another girl on the first lap... we climbed another short hill and took a right then a left then another left... and then a right to a downhill straight away with a brutal headwind... and then a hard left corner ..that she braked so hard in I almost went down...... I handled it well took a final right turn then a slight uphill to the finish line.. and the race seemed on after the first lap! I stayed on her wheel as she killed herself.... Anytime I tried to come around her she would accelerate so I wouldn't.. so I let her pull. Everytime at the finish she had some fans there telling her for me to pull... then calling out my number and calling me names... no kidding.. was kind of ridiculous being a cat 4 womens race. I just blocked it out and focused on getting the win.... the third lap I could sense she was weak..... She tried to drop me several times.. but failed... I thought in my head with two laps to go.. what was I going to do now.......... where was I going to attack? WHAT was her weakness.. IT was cornering that second to last corner where she about wrecked. SOOOOOOOOO I was on the final lap.. the pace was up considerably with like I said a brutal headwind... tunneling through the buildings and alley ways....... I then went to thinking about my dog Sarg how we would race each other on a straight away in my field how fast we would go. AND thats when we came to the downhill straight away before the corner she was weak at. I shifted up got out of the saddle and went around the corner full blast.. accelerated out of that and turned right sprinting for the finish. I didn't have time to look back to see if she was gaining on me.. I gave it my all and could see the line. I WON. Raised up one of my arms pointing towards the sky........ I won. I couldn't believe and I loved the feeling. I felt like a beast.... I had gapped my competition and she couldn't touch me. Am I bragging... maybe a little, but I felt like I deserved it. I had people notice me and ask me about Vanderkitten. It was an awesome win. I now have the state jersey a gold medal and cool little goodies :) I EVEN GOT free pave tifosi sunglasses! I had people boo me at the finish because there person they were cheering for of course lost. Its a race and I crossed the finish line first. I want to be able to be more of a classy rider someday, but I want to win... always..

I got to the car with my new state jersey on.. and told nate about sarg and everything.. and just started crying.... just knew he was there with me. I won that in memory of him.

This win makes me want to achieve great things. I want it now.. more than ever.. I am going to work harder and continue with my winnings and become something great. This only the start.. I have so much to learn and a long ways to go.. but its about the journey. It still blows my mind I won my first really big win. For other rider out there that just started out.. don't give up keep trying cuz if you want it bad enough you will win or achieve your goals... like I always have said cycling is about overcoming.

My boyfriend Nate is a cat 3 and he was combined with the cat 12 field... and he beat good sprinters in the higher categories with good tactics. HE also won the state crit champ jersey for his field. So we are twinkies ;)

My cousin almost won if it wasn't for a guy hopping the last corner.. he ended up finishing 3rd and won the bronze. Good job guys... but I'm the winner here.. HAHAHAA

Anyway with all this stuff being said.. I'm only a cat 4 and now need to work harder to upgrade and accomplish smaller goals to get to bigger ones... little steps.. thats how I have gotten this far.. GOTTA STAY ON TRACK!

Hope you enjoyed the post "Britt Style" See you on the road.

Good Stuff

So tomorrow is my race at 7:25 in the morning in front of the Arkansas State Capitol. Good news is that I got a call yesterday that I got my job!!! Woot! The catch is ... that I go in today at 3 p.m. and work for 8 hours. Then I leave for little rock cuz I already booked a hotel that night.. so sleep for me will be limited. I went ahead and decided to work cuz you don't tell your boss that just hired you.. that you can't work right off the bat. I want a good impression so I am going to suffer a bit at tomorrows race. It will kind of suck.. but I have a big drive to win.. so we will see how far that will take me. Getting this job is very good for me though. Fedex is the best company to work for in this town. It will support my cycling.. even my boss really likes that I ride. I think I really deserve this position cuz I busted my butt at my other job dealing with stuff you usually deal with jobs, but also with stuff that was very uncalled for as we all know this. hehe :) Yesterday I dropped off Nate at the group ride and everyone was asking why I wasn't in my lycra gear! AND I was like well resting up cuz I got a race... AND I got to work tomorrow at my new job at FEDEX. Yea I was totally bragging :) And of course I love to see a certain someones mouth drop. Tomorrow I am going to try to rock it. I don't know how I really will perform with this dang swollen knee and then standing on it for 8 hours.. but I think everything will be cool. It could be a lot worse! Seriously ... really worse. Everything is going as planned though....

I have heard from lots of people lately that you can't have a full time job and become a pro cyclist.. well I totally disagree... I think it actually keeps you more on a schedule and you make more money for it... obviously you have to pick a job that works well cuz even a part time job and screw up your cycling as it did mine a little bit. ANYWAY plus with a full time job.. most of the races are on weekends.. take a vacation day .. personal.. or a sick day if you need a day to add on to the weekend for the races.. anyway... my point here is very proven. no excuses :)

Heinrich Haussler's finish today in Stage 13 Tour de France was so great. He cried out of joy of winning... and I must admit it was very emotional and I cried as well. I usually don't cry even in movies.. I did cry while watching Marley & Me though..

Well I have lots to do today before I leave for work to prepare for the race. I hope everyone is enjoying their weather.. and getting out! Hope everyone has a nice weekend! I will post about the race and of course first day of the job :) haha! TIME TO KICK SOME ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! VK~~~~

Too bad we can't hear time

Today is a quiet day. I am just sitting here watching the trees outside sway back and forth with no cloud in the sky. I have a couple of days until my race. These kind of days really let me think and relax before the storm. I have a ride later today with Jordan. We have decided to make a goal and finish our first century ride. It is the Big Dam Bridge 100 in Little Rock, Arkansas on September 26th. So last night I stayed up and planned out a 10 week plan for her and I to follow to be prepared for the mileage. Yea.. its not a race, but I believe that I need to become a rider first before I become a racer. So I think doing this will not only build my base as a cyclist, but it will make me understand how I function. It will be pushing me to my limits... and I think I am ready for that. Seems like time has come to a stand still right now, but as soon as I type this .. I will be standing at the start line with the Capitol at my back wondering how I will perform.

HEART OF CYCLING

Seems like when the Tour starts its the middle of the season :) I am also following Liz Hatch in the GIRO DONNE! Womens giro.. SHE IS SO KICK ASS! LOVE HER! She even made a blog post on cyclingnews.com go check that out. I hope to one day be able do the womens giro and tour de france one day :) ANYWAY Todays stage in the tour was very interesting with the yellow not being on contador or lance's back. First real mountain stage today. I duno if I am a climber yet.. but I sure do love watching haha! I haven't heard anything about the job I have interviewed for... but I heard good news that the lady is out for a couple of days so... she might contact me next week. I hope so.. it will be nice to work for a well known company and get paid to get really cool euro bike stuff! SO I haven't lost hope yet. I rode 50 miles this past monday with my friend Jordan. I felt very good that day and even met up with an old school friend that started riding. I rode the next day on the group ride.. and didn't have ANYTHING IN MY LEGS.. no suprise.. that was a real big mistake. I rode kind of angry during that ride cuz somebody.. not naming her name was flirting with my boyfriend.... big time.. asking where he LIVED.. ugh.. I am supportive of women cycling, but not of women who just go out and ride for social SLUTTY purposes EW! ANYWAY enough about that crap gross. SO I rode up to where I used to live before my parents got divorced and it bothered me really bad and had to quit the ride. Just was really emotional that day. Went camping the next day on the buffalo river and end up having my left leg get really really SORE! SO I took a couple of days off and its almost healed now.

You know sometimes stupid things get to me.. it really sucks sometimes.. my mom let me know something which was cool while we were sitting at the chinese resturaunt drive thru.. hehe.. that when people try to bring you down.. you have to reflect right back how you handle the situation with your character.. like not bother you and stuff. CAn't really remember how she said it.. but it was cool! ANYWAY it hit me even though I already knew that inside.. and I am not letting stupid things get to me like that anymore! Cuz seriously I could possibly go pro someday and ride in a big womens tour or something who knows.. No need to have some woman bring me down with stupidity. JUST RIDE YOUR DANG BIKE :)

And if I get this job I will not be able to go on the local group rides anymore.. which is probably a good thing cuz I can focus on what I need to do more and stuff. I know how hard I need to go to race.. and get faster.. just takes time :)

SO I might go for a light spin if it doesn't rain tomorrow.. just to see how my leg is doing.. I am going for the State Jersey not this weekend but next weekend. I'm foaming at the mouth to win another win :) hehe no rabies :D or wait that could be my strategy.. don't get close to her.. she has rabies haha and I WILL WIN!

SOOOOOO My friend ZACH mentioned me in his blog to follow me cuz I'm a winner.. well.. he is a winner too!!!! follow his blog !! http://zach-cyclist.blogspot.com/2009/07/jbn-criterium-race.html cool kid :)

I am taking it easy.. realizing I have a lot going for me and that everything is gonna be ok... its only going to get better from here.

If I get this job there are so many things I want.. its ridiculous........................................ but don't we all want.. EVERYTHING :)

My car still works so I think I should just keep driving the wheels off of it. I need a new bike rack.. might get that.. but I have one.. kind of sucks though might get a new one. BUT I kind of want to move out as well.... just cuz it will be indepent freedom. BUT HAVE TO WAIT to see if I get the job cuz.. yea.. got to wait !

I'm starving.

I guess I will throw some short hard workouts here and there to keep that suffer feeling in me but back off so I have some BRITTNEY POWER FOR THE RACE! .. haa... anyway I'm ready to rip everyones legs off.. Life is good. You know lance and contador are going for yellow and stuff but what about LEVI he totally crashed and finished with the front group! WHAT A GUY! anyway.. would be even cooler to see him win :) LEVISTRONG!

Anyway I feel like something is going to change... we will see.. I really hope I win.. cuz if so it will just top off the season for me and boost my confidence. IF NOT I will only try harder .. keep my head up ... I might go race the gateway cup this year.. AND MIGHT go watch womens crit in missouri.. BUT duno if Tour of Missouri is a go.. THEY froze their funds... we will see how that will unfold. I feel like I have a future in cycling. I really am impressed with my drive sometimes cuz I have never been so driven to do something really in my LIFE.. Maybe if I get this job I can get a coach :) anyway have to wait to see how that happens.................................... like I said I'm starving.. time to feed my quadrisurous rex hehe !

haha.. yea wish I was eating this ....

ANOTHER WIN! I wonder if its the VK kit? :)

Well.... what can I say... I won again. :D:D:D:D:D Had a girl beat me that I didn't know did at the second crit series... so this time since she showed up for the last crit .. I got on her wheel and stayed on it and jumped on whoever attacked. I never pulled.. not the greatest tactics, but I wanted to win ... and so I did. :) With a sprint finish.
Around the last corner I just thought ohh I am going to get out sprinted by the girl who beat me before, but it was so strange.. I just was like I'm going to win no matter what. SO of course she got out of the saddle.. and started her jump.. I was in the big ring ready to rock... uphill. I got out of the saddle and just surged towards the finish. Only took a second and I gapped them by a lot.. They were not even in the picture when I was finishing. It was a long uphill.. I just sprinted up the whole thing since they sprinted at the bottom. I have never sprinted that fast either.. I didn't even think. I could of even gone faster! I even looked back at the finish. :) So that gave me a lot of confidence. Winning is great! IT MUST BE THIS VANDERKITTEN KIT that is making win all the time :) You can get yours at vanderkitten.com :)


After the race I felt very dizzy.. had to sit down and it went away haha! I usually don't hold my breathe when I do a hard effort. And I don't remember actually holding my breath but I am guessing I did cuz I never get dizzy like that and I probably needed to pedal a little bit more instead of celebrating right after! I blame all the blood in my legs.. you know not thinking straight. I talked with RickieRainwater at the race, good guy! Nice to see locals! I told all the ladies good job and was supportive of the people I came over with. I had a good pasta meal afterwards. I think I will call that a success. AND WITH that said.. there will be many more to come. All my focus now is on the State Crit Championship. I really want one of those state jerseys :)

See you at the races. ... Y'ALL!

Going for Gold this week

ANOTHER NEW WEEK! Going to be a great week I have a good feeling.. Hopefully I can rack up my first gold medal.. and another first place in my category. It may be small, but it is going to boost my confidence as it already has to make me stronger for bigger wins in the future. :) LIKE the arkansas state crit championship in Little Rock, Arkansas around the the capitol building! Going to be great! My race is 7:30 a.m. sooooo that means I have to go down and get a hotel the night before. And that is July 18th. I think I might go down and swim at the buffalo River.. for fun.. seems like the only thing to do lately other than ride my bike. Then I will ride my bike... I'm very excited about tomorrows crit. CUZ its the last :( and my cousin is going .. like everyone is going this time! A lot funner when people show up!!! :D Plus I have learned to like the hill in the course haha! I look forward to suffering on it now ! Plus it will NOT be 100 degrees ... maybe 90 but thats a big difference haha! This time I plan on doing two races this tuesday cuz I really love to race! Its funny how I remember people in the beginning telling me that I will not like it... BOY did I prove them wrong.. I love to see their faces when I show up to racing events and on top of that in a Vanderkitten kit. I'm not here for show.. I told everyone I loved it from the first and that I will be a pro with hard work.

Unexpected news

So got up this morning fixed a big breakfast... stuffed blueberry french toast with scrambled eggs..yummy! Then got around and took off with Nate to the Buffalo River to go swimming! Get down there swim about 30 min and we here some rumbling .. it was thunder.. then the clouds came in.. so we had to leave! We still got about an hour of swimming! Then we drove back into town into a downpour! I sat at home.. eating and stuff and got a phone call from Fedex! A lady said I have an interview at 9 tomorrow morning! Very excited about that because those jobs don't come often. A little nervous about it thats for sure......................fingers crossed. Be very good with my cycling. ANYWAY..we will see what happens..

SO I got my kit on for tonights local group ride. This time it was going to be a little different. We decided to ride the new highway they have paid that was not opened up yet! So smooooooth and rollyyyy.. well we took off .. of course like semi hard.. then of course there was a front group that was going a little bit harder than I wanted so I fell off to the second group. Well we saw them in our sites for a while and the plan was (so we thought) was to go on the newly paved road,springfield rd.. off of the old 65 or something anyway.. so I guess the group just turned around at the missouri arkansas border and went back which was a good 30 miles.. well me nate and two other guys go on this other road.. which was nice.. but they were killing it, and suprisingly I HAD THE LEGS! My average was 18mph.. and let me tell ya it wasn't that flat.. What killed me the most was win the guys would just surge up hills.. alllll the time................... ugh... That will make me stronger though..

MISSED riding with all the other people.. wish the communication was a little bit better in the beginning. So I did 40 miles just under 2 1/2 hours.. I don't think I have ever sweated that much in my life either. I rode very well.. and didn't feel like I was going to bonk either from riding so hard with nothing to eat. Would of planned that one a little bit better if I knew it was going to be that hard of a ride. Its just really suprising how much better my fitness has become since april of this year. Plus another reason why I think I might be doing better is because I have changed my diet as well. I have started logging everything thing I eat on livestrong.com its called "my plate". ITS very good just to keep a food diary and to lose weight a healthy way. It gives me kind of a daily recommended amount of calories I should eat. Obviously add more if I workout and stuff, but its great cuz it helps me stay on track. I even got my mother doing it .. she has already lost 3 lbs. PLUS her friends at work has gotten into it .. and even her sister has thought about it! I started a chain reaction! The only reason why it looked good to me is cuz it has charts along with everything you eat in front of you. I am just too busy to sit and write down every single thing I eat and percentages and stuff.. it already has everything to go ! If anybody wants to lose weight I highly recommend My Plate found on livestrong.com :)

So today was a good day other than hearing that two celebritys passed away today. Rest in peace...

But on a good note everything is looking ok for now... trying to just keep focused and not let my nerves get to me too bad. Anyway got an interview tomorrow.. and I rode like a crazy woman tonight.... time to rest.... goodnight

Also just noticed I totally put in words that sounded kind of like what I meant to put throughout this post.. too tired to go back and change it.. haha night again..

First Win Ever

well found out that I actually got second last tuesday... cuz I'm not scored with the junior girls so that was cool to find out even though I raced with them. So I recieved 14 points for that crit. I have raced all three so far. The first one I pulled out ... got dropped big time on that one in the womens open. Then I raced the cat 4 women last tuesday and go second like I said recieved 14 points for that then did the womens open race right after that and got 4th which I think I got 12 points for that and of course yesterday...... I WON MY RACE! So therefore I got 15 points. AND I am in the overall lead in my category and it looks like I am going to get a gold medal this next tuesday. GOLD.

So about my race yesterday.. It was the hottest race ever. Heat index had to be 100 or above.. no wind... humid... just dang hot. I hydrated myself all day .. and the day before.. cuz I knew this was coming. I warmed up before my race and when I came to line up at the finish I just felt so hot.. and kind of dizzy.. was a little worried with the heat. The official was like.. we may cuz this race a little short cuz of the heat.. if you feel sick .. do not race anymore. SO I was just like ok.. I really don't want to pull out. So the race is off my water is really hot.. I was hanging with the junior girls. One girl which is bigger than me is 17 .. pretty strong got on her wheel then after about four laps she pulled out so I chased on to the other junior girls. I then I had to back off a bit or I was going to either one .. puke..or pass out.. well I knew my competition was back behind me. One lap to go there was nobody behind me that I saw turned in the final corner and of course one girl I was racing with was on my wheel. I gave her one look.. like are you crazy enough sprint in the heat to finish... (it was an uphill finish too).. Well didn't wait long to see if she was going to sprint me so.. clickclickclickclickclick...and I took off not looking back.. had some people screaming and stuff and I finished first! I was excited.. but about 5 seconds after finishing I felt really really bad......................................................... went to my car poored water on me .. drank lots of water... sat in a little chair forever.. then I was ok! really wanted to race the womens open after that.. but I was just too hot.

Next tuesday which is the last crit of the series.... the weather is looking good for now.. you never know though .. it could change.. BUT I'm going for gold in my category. And as of right now I have it :) Even though this is a crit series it has boosted my confidence big time! I want to win everything! YAY! The biggest thing I am going for after that is the Arkansas STate Crit Championship! found out the location has changed from conway to downtown Little Rock! We are racing around the capital.. also heard its not flat! I am pretty excited about it really. I heard Rhonda Syler from Carve is putting it on! Glad she is doing that!

Hey Summer whats up!?!

Well its summer and the days are now getting shorter. Its been in the 90's everyday this past week and only going to get hotter this week. SO of course I have been going down to the Buffalo River and getting in some swimming and relaxationnnnn timeeeeee... good recovery thats for sure!

This week seems to be starting off really well. I got good sleep and I am motivated. I think finally I have caught up with my sleeping and I am thinking more clearly. I rested all last week after my two races last tuesday. WHY? Cuz I needed a rest week.. I started seeing the signs of overtraining and backed off a bit. So I thought of other things to do like ... start a food diary. Its called my plate on the internet.. it is now located on livestrong.com. IT seems pretty cool, and since I am on the computer a bit I thought why not make it even more useful. I have tried to keep up with my food by logging it into notebooks etc. BUT this is just the way to go for me.. I want to get a little bit thinner to get up those hills a little faster. Plus keep myself as healthy as I can by monitering my fuel. hehe

Had a ride called the Summer Solstice Ride. It is a 3 mile ride for everyone to the airport. Pretty fun ride this year! We rode real easy and casually.. chatting about this and that..enjoying the nice evening. When we arrived at the airport we entered a code and rode our bikes onto the airport to the hanger where we had our party. We flew little airplanes by remote and ate hotdogs and beans and of course a watermelon. It was nice watching the sun go down.. just enjoying life. Good ride.

I read meriders blog today and I saw that she had a motorist almost hit her and she was upset. WELL I must mention about a couple weeks ago I was travelling through the park on the way out for a ride with my friend with Jordan. well these teenagers were lined in the way on the purpose.. Jordan asked if they would move.. they didn't and laughed almost caused Jordan to wreck and myself.. well of course after I pass I get pretty upset yell words and sprint back to them to ask them camly why did you do that? You could of hurt somebody. And I asked them to apologize to Jordan which they did.. and they were scared.. they knew better than that crap. I usually don't even give people like that the time of the day.. just recently happened after I knew two cyclists passed away from annoying accident plus I was pms"ing" .. bad combo.. so I just left after that and two of the guys later came up and apologized to me after my ride, however, I found that my car was keyed after all that happened not sure if it was them or not.. but still not cool. I can't change everybody on what they think of cyclists. And some people will never change. I just have a fire in me that thinks that I can sometimes.. its kind of annoying sometimes cuz its hard to shut it off. It was just simply young adults thinking it was cool to get in the way of the cyclists and see if they will wreck... but still.. no excuses for picking on cyclists. So stupid they did it in a park like that.. punk kids haha ! Glad I finally vented about that one.

I have also been looking at women pro teams... I have noticed a lot of italian women are pros! And that there are a few italian teams tooo.. And I have also noticed that Liz Hatch is in Italy racing there! Italy has got it going on obviously haha :)

I have an italian language thingy that I guess I will start learning sometime.. I guess with this heat outside in the middle of the day.. I guess I can start learning or something.. just to know. Maybe it will come in handy someday!I want to learn languages on the side.. like I said may come in good use.. if not cool to know.

So this week.... I am going to see what that rest week will do to my legs. I plan on doing the crit #3 ... both races... D & C .. cat 4 women then womens open.

Just plan on going on a regular ride today to wake myself after the week of rest..I have been kind of serious lately.. just trying to stay focused on whats good for me.. and not let random people or things get to me over silly crap. Going back to the basic things that started my love of riding. Really amazing what has all happened I tear up everytime I think back.. to my simple mountain bike ride with my dog.. Wore Sarg's dog tag during the state rr.. that second hill I was so hot had to unzip my jersey and it clanged against my zipper made me get up that hill..

anyway hope everyone has a great week as there is a lot on my mind and lots to do.

Resting plus some shopping

Tried to go on a hard ride thursday and my body said no. So I have put my focus on resting and shopping. Bought a new swimsuit yesterday.. decided to go with a bright yellow bikini. I tried it on and I thought great.. I'm going to look so crappy in this.. but I actually looked good in it! I forgot duhhh I lost 50 lbs.. ! I was just overweight for so long.. I just kind of stay in that mindset sometimes.. I'm not super skinny right now, but I'm healthy and proud of that. You see the models for Victoria Secret.. they have amazing bodies, but those women also have their confidence set sooo high! Thats what gives them that special look to them.. Every woman is so different.. and you just gotta love what you got! Work with what you GOT! Seriously.. I just thought.. omg don't want someone looking at my butt.. or be that revealing or whatever.. but in that changing room.. I JUST THOUGHT.. I'm 21 freaking years old. I'm not going to be young forever.. and my outlook totally changed.. and just decided to do it with cycling tans and all! As you know Adriana Lima is my favorite victoria secret angel! WELL I decided to take her advice and be confident and do whatever I feel cuz its not about anybody else its about being happy and loving your own body!

I get these kicks..

Preparing myself today for a hard ride. I don't like to do the route very often because it has a lot of short steep climbs... hhaha.. but I know it makes me a lot stronger riding on that stuff so thats what I am going to do in about an hour. This morning I woke up early.. to go to the Fenton Berry Farm to pick berries! First time I actually went. SO we got our buckets and I just stood in a field of blueberry bushes. I was staving at the time.. so I ate a few going down the rows, filling up my bucket. It was really peaceful out there with the sun on my face with a nice cool breeze. Blueberries are my favorite fruit. In fact I made myself a tad sick on them today.. not unusual. I ate them on the way home.. while Nate was getting some pancake ingredients.. and while I was fixing breakfast.. THEN I ATE THEM for breakfast.. with blueberry syrup :) I'm still full from it all too.. haha.. well wait now that I have typed that I'm hungry now. ANYWAY picking berries in the morning was awesome first thing in the morning.. I felt very healthy bahhaaa!

I also like to share something I think is super cool! I know its facebook, but I saw Robbie McEwen's fb (yes his is real) status say that he is back on the road after his crash! and I was like.. glad your back on the road! and he responded back :Thanks Brittney! Sounds like you're doing well, keep it up. R

That made my day yesterday :) cuz he was one of the first cyclists I looked up to just cuz he is a sprinter and the fact his attitude is sort of like mine. ANYWAY SO COOL! He randomly started chatting to me on facebook one day.. didn't believe it was him.. and it was bahhaa !

Plus I have now been named FIRECRACKER KOLB .. I like it.. it suits me lol

I also love the new oakley jawbones.. they are for men, but I am going to make them for me.. duno what they will look like on me but I need some new shades.. good way to stand out I think :) duno which color to get they have them available in Retina again like my other oakley radars... BUT I might do something different this time.. duno yet ... still thinking.. getting later in the season though.. oh well..


well I am going to change and go for the local group ride.. maybe I can put a hurt on the men tonight :)

Tyson Crit Series #2

WOW OWWO OWWOWOWOWOWOWOWWOOW

SO I finally rode like so awesome! I ACTUALLY did my first yesterday without getting DROPPED! IN FACT I SPRINTED TO THIRD!!! THEN AFTER THAT RODE WITH CAT 123'S AND GOT 4TH !!!!!! I had people cheering for me and telling me good job and stuff! I duno what happened I just felt so FAST all of a sudden.. finally.. !!!!!!! I LOVE RACING OMGee! I want to win everything now with no MERCY .. hehe :) KICK ASS!!! WOOT! Check out these pics of yesterdays races! I rode down with PAul and Nate in a huge VAN and we listened to loud music and laughed the whole time lol.. loved iT! Can't wait til next weeks crit! 5348317336449506834" />

New week!

Well its a new week~

I am proud of my placing at last weeks race! I am going to do the practice crit this tuesday again for sure! I can tell I have gotten a lot better this year than last year.. The next biggest thing I want to win badly is the Arkansas State Crit in Conway,AR.. maybe I can get my jersey there.. haha! It is not technical..at all really....... its for a powerhouse! Not that I am.. but it has two slight rises. One of those I guess I could call a hill.. sort of.. You feel it about half way through thats for sure haha .......................

I took a rest day yesterday .. since I was pretty beat after being beat down by the suns RAYS! It was super hot saturday.

Its a new week this week like I said.. I am focusing on my fitness more and my sleep .. I think I will have great results to come this year and so on! I met a lot of nice tyson women at last tuesday's crit and at the state rr! I will see them tuesday! They will soon know I am a big cycling dork hahaha..

anyway duno what I will do today except go ride the beginner group ride.. wake up my legs a little.. chit chatttttttt the normal.. maybe some more laundry.. hang with sophy.. kind of laid back day for me yet again! I'm good with this though haha!

OH want to know a secret?????? Well duno if it works yet really.. but.. I read that brazillian women like to eat carrots and beets to make their tans a deeper bronze.. I think that might just make the perfect cycling tan! Latin Women drink carrot juice to darken their tan as well.. so.. I am going to try it.. not like over do it just eat some carrots and beets here and there bahahaha ANYWAY I am going to take a shower.. waiting for Nate to get off work.. so hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather.. I will take 100 degree heat with humidity than a cold day! HAVE A GREAT DAY!

3rd place Arkansas State RR 2009!

I GOT 3rd omg! AND I GOT A MEDAL! Hardest race I ever have done in my life.. climbs were ridiculous.. I mean ridiculous.. but I did a good job! I met RickieRainwater himself.. he handed me a book thought it was nate that was handing me the book .. I WAS LIKE why are you giving me this.. looked up and saw it was somebody I have never met! THANKS SO MUCH for the Andy Pruitt complete medical guide for cyclists BOOK! LOVE IT! My friend Jordan did awesome as well! SHE FINISHED HER FIRST RACE EVER! WAY TO GO! There was a big climb towards the end of the race and on it in chalk it said Christa Voss and Matt Edmond RIDE ON! When I rode over it I pointed to the sky, and rode like hell up a very steep climb. I also wore my dog, Sarg's Tag.. in memory of him as well. I have ridiculous tanlines and a happy feeling inside.. I felt like I accomplished a big thing.. CYCLING IS ABOUT OVERCOMING! I felt like a winner today even if I didn't finish first! I wore my bronze medal very proudly around and told everyone good job!! I LOVE CYCLING! WOOT! OH YEA And thank you to everyone who wished me good luck !!!!!!!! Loved seeing all the support before my race! YAY! I think I actually "kicked ASS"! YEEE!

Sleeeeep and more sleeeeepp

Loving all this sleep I have been getting. Tomorrow is the Arkansas State Road Race Championship.. Of course I am wanting to win it very badly cuz I want to show off a championship jersey, but we will see! I didn't do very well at the practice crit of course cuz I tried the womens open and totally got dropped very fast hah.ahaa.. It was fun though easy course for me .. I will be doing it the next three tuesdays. My friend Jordan that has started riding is racing her first race tomorrow with me! So proud of her having the courage to get out there with all the other women! I hope its a good one for her! I am also racing in memory of Christa Voss tomorrow.. just cuz she was a great person and I feel like that is something I can think of while pushing it hard or when it gets tuff. I am going to go to bed early tonight and try to get some good sleep then get up and eat a big breakfast with my friends and cousin chad! Yea thats right! Its going to be like the old times all traveling together in my little sunfire with three bikes on the bike~ OH YEAA! I missed that actually haven't done that this year! pumped! I didn't ride today cuz I have felt kind of sluggy.. haha I want to win so bad tomorrow its ridiculous.. I have been dropped from everything I have done.. but I know I am fast cyclist maybe my will to win will drive me to the finish line first :) WISH ME LUCK! I am off to pack and snuggle with Sophy!

and here is the state rr course

Drunk Driving

Woke up this morning to horrible news. Got a text from Nate telling me that two cyclists were killed by a drunk driver. It was Matt Edmonds and Christa Voss on Bicycles of Tulsa.. I didn't know them personally, but I raced with Christa in every race I did.. In fact, she was the only girl that would talk to me at my first race.. She even won Tour de Hills this year and I talked with her there.. and raced with her at tulsa tough. She is also in my main photo up above. The tall one on the far right turning her head in front. I didn't have the chance to really get to know her, but I could tell she was an amazing rider with awesome power.. with good character. I really respected her as a person and as a cyclist. My boyfriend, Nate, raced and knew Matt.. he is torn up about it all also. I really don't know how to handle that.. That could really happen to anyone.. It really just makes me sick to my stomach. They were on the shoulder as a drunk driver struck them.. This is really a sad day.. all the cyclists in this region will mourn over this.. Cycling is so widespread.. They will be missed forever.

muscles be pop'n!

I'm starting to feel like a real cyclist now.I can't stand riding in shorts.. I LOVE BIBS.. kind of sucks when you have to go pee though.. BUT I rode 50 miles today.. climbed the local little mountain and everything! My friend, Jordan, never has gone 50 miles and it was awesome seeing how excited she was going that far!!! And last thursday at the group ride I rode the Jasper & Back route which is a hilly 40 miles! I did that 2:30 and pretty dang proud of that! This is a lot for me right now so I am going to back off a little so I won't burn myself out, but I am starting to get some LEGS thats for sure! I made a new goal! WHICH IS.... to do the century ride thats called the big dam bridge in Little Rock, Arkansas. I have never done a 100 mile ride so I thought that would be fun to do with my friend Jordan and stuff! So pumped about that! :D I have crit practice tuesday in Fayetteville so I am excited about that one too! They have a beginner one for women and then a womens open thinking about doing both!! lol why not! well.. unless I feel like poo!!! Going for it though! I even talked Jordan into doing the state road race with me! She hasn't raced and its only 23 miles.. it can be done.. hehe I'm pumped about that too! CUz I'm gonna bring it!!!

So I found a job that pays so much more than my last job and I would only have to work a couple of hours :) I applied haven't got it yet, but super pumped about it cuz I would get sleep and its super easy! I applied for a housekeeping job at fedex. My mother works there and they pay well! So I thought well a job thats not hard works with cycling that pays my bills ! I still plan on looking into that massage school in Fayetteville so I can eventually do that with cycling. Seriously though lol.. housekeeping.. bahahahaha hey it pays! We will see what happens there with that :)

I have a lot free time lately so I thought I would blog a little bit more than I have been since I have been getting more sleep ......................................... and I am more with it now hehe! Plus I had a request on Twitter to blog more so here ya go :D

June is my favorite month of the year.. for sure.. I used to love winter... BUT ITS NOW SUMMER.

Lance has a baby now MAX! Pretty sweet name I think his middle name should be Power..... Max Power Armstrong.. anyway that was lame haha

ok.. Sophy is telling me she wants to go to the park lol.. she has taken over my life and rules ! Love her though..

SO here is my game plan.. taking off tomorrow off the bike.. then riding the easy group ride monday .. then going full out crit racing tuesday ..

Well gotta spend time with my "child" Sophy .. (my boxer/lab mix thing)

check out this video of Tulsa Tough one of my favorite races ever and my first race of the season this year!

http://vimeo.com/4980568

New chapter

I officially quit my job today by not giving the company a notice and just not showing up. Not the best way to quit a job, but I felt as if they hated me. :) So now I feel like I have started a new chapter in my life.

Went for a group ride last night to get in a hard effort. So all the guys were talking about a crit series starting up next week in Fayettville, which is about an hour away. So I have decided to go on that next week to get good practice in racing. Then I found out this one chic that gets on my nerves has decided she is going to race.. like I want women to get involved, but she is mean to me in a "nice way", and super nice to the guys if you know what I mean .. and likes a lot of attention. When the attention was off her cuz I raced at tulsa tough she has gotten into racing and crap. SO when I found this out on the group ride I came up beside her and asked her about it... she acted dumb of course and I was like yea I will be racing against you. Then she was like don't be hard on me in her immature little voice (shes 24..and married) and of course being my competitive self I was like I will be. :) She asked for it.. Finally I get to battle and take out all the times she has flirted with my boyfriend and stuff. Anyway enough of her..

I rode the group ride and suffered but rode very strong. I had all the guys tell me I'm getting faster and stronger and it made me feel really good cuz I look up to those riders. I rode 30 miles as hard as I could ride.. great training for racing, but today I'm resting!! Thursday I will be doing the group ride again. The route will be Jasper & Back.. Kills me everytime but it will make me stronger as well.. of course Kristen (that girl) asked me if I was riding.. lol.. whatever.. sucks she can't be cool and just ride.

I'm really loving being 21 right now! AFter the group ride last night we all went to the new bar in town.. we are a dry county so its like the only bar haha! very classy though I'm not a bar type of girl! everyone had a beer and I ordered a huge BURGER the John Paul burger.. my favorite EVERRRrr. Anyway Had a great time came home slep for a LONG TIME! First time in forever since I have slep in..FELT GREAAATTT!Glad I have that part of my life out of it.. I am so much better than that.

Since I have decided I am better than those crappy jobs.. I have decided I am going to try to go to a massage school in Fayetteville. I am looking into it right now and I thought it would be nice thing to do on the side as pursuing my career in cycling. Plus it has interested me ever since I have had weird pains and stuff in my neck and back. It would take a couple of years I think, but it seems more like me to be a massage therapist than working like a dog around a hot oven sweating to death hardly making anything. SO I'm pretty excited about it all.. It really helps my stress level thats for sure.. and my overall health. I'm just glad I am moving forward even after quitting my job :)

TULSA TOUGH 09

Worked like a dog last wed as it was my last day to work before Tulsa Tough and I felt free............ So I packed thursday ..shopped etc then fell asleep! FRIDAY woke up got ready went straight to tulsa checked in my hotel with Nate.. got ready for Nate's race.. I was so nervous being there and knowing I was going to see Liz and Vanderkitten Team. I went around looking for them and found all them. I just stood there very shy not knowing what to say really. Then I saw Liz and she gave me a big hug!! And I was introduced to the team! They were all very friendly to me and talked here and there. Dave was hilarious as usual! Nate was racing while this was all happening and he crashed so I had to go off and see how he was then the pros started racing and their were sooooo many crashes ... in fact Vanderkitten had like 5 girls crash ................ like everyone crashed except Liz pretty much!!! SO I watched a little bit and was soooo tired went to the hotel and crashed.

I woke up a zillion times in the night not being able to sleep. When I finally woke up I was so nervous since it was my first race of the season .. I was racing with the cat 3s.. and the fact that Vanderkitten was going to be there cheering me on..

WELL of course on the way there was road work being done on the exit WE had to get off on to get to my race.. I WAS LATE didn't get much of any warm up .. didn't even get to on the course one time.. so I lined up and was just thinking CRAP! Even though this was all happening to me and I was totally stressed out.. I just thought well... I am here I am in a nice kit right now lol VANDERKITTEn I have a pimped out bike.. I'm ready to rock! SO They counted us down I tried to clip in.. of course my foot came back out and I was automatically in the back of the field a BIG NO NO! I was trying to get on a wheel and my lungs were just on fire.. I fell off the back one lap into the race.. I was just thinking SHIT! so .. I just pushed really hard and did the race pretty much by myself.. I never pulled out and Vanderkitten showed up kind of towards the end of my race. IT was awesome to here them cheering for me, but I felt like a failure sort of.. not being able to keep up and having goals of becoming a pro.. I aim so high.. and not focus on little things.. just a lot of pressure on myself. I gave it my all and just kind of set to the side not very happy.. I duno what my deal was but I wasn't very pumped about being there and doubting myself really just SUCKED..

PLUS my shoulder kicked in killing me after that race.. watched Nate race again and he crashed.. again on the same leg.. he was hurting pretty bad but stayed in the race they pulled him one lap to go. Vanderkitten showed up and I went to go say hi and one of them told me I needed to draft that it would made my race better.. I just thought.. if you only knew.. but I just took what she had to tell me cuz I respect them all. They told me I did a good job for my first race back in.. and I was so happy when they just even talked to me ! haha It was so damn hot saturday one of the women pros had a heat stroke and I just had to leave cuz I was tired after my race and Nate was bleeding everywhere.. I was invited to go eat some BBQ with Vanderkitten but just couldn't go I regretted that.. but a lot was going on... I ended up only getting three hours of sleep
saturday night.

Sunday Morning I was like no way in hell can I race this course feeling like this.. well I wasn't planning on it.. cuz of my shoulder and crap BUT I thought no I am here I am not giving up so I lined up with no warm up fixing to go on a very hard crit course with a very steep climb and a wicked descent. So I stood there ready to go this time not very nervous cuz the worse already has happened and I can't be even more embarrased so they counted me down again and we were off. OF course I get to the hill just thinking great.. this is going to be horrible, but I actually climbed better than half the field and stayed with them until the descent.. one girl slid out and crashed going down and corning it a little fast.. its so easy to do that so I just kept pushing on and went about 6 laps of total pain by myself again.. god.. and had to pull out.. I just sat there pissed and upset. I did way better than I thought really.. I was just upset cuz the trip isn't what I wanted. Nate ended up not racing cuz he just felt soo bad. He wanted to leave... so I did and I never got to watch Vanderkitten and it was a long drive home.

After I got a nap when I got home I thought about the positives of it all. I met liz and the team.. I raced and gave it my all.. its a start. I want to just try harder and get better.

I went back to sleep got up super early to go to my stupid job.. I had a feeling my boss was going to be the biggest ass.. about something of course he was the first thing he says to me and Nate is that he had a few issues with us.. first it was that we argued one day and an employee called and bitched about it to the main owner.. called his house to complain about me and him.. when all those bitches yell at each other in front of the customers.. we even kept it on the down low when we had a problem one day.. like someone had to really be paying attention to of noticed it anyway.. it went from that to Nate couldn't help me lift things anymore and that my shoulder hurting like it has doesn't matter that he couldn't help me that I have to lift things like a man pretty much. BUT he can help all the other ladies lift their heavy stuff!!!!!!! And then my boss said that its just weird cuz we are not even engaged or married he made that kind of comment which pissed me off!! my mouth dropped open .. really did. I said I work over nine hours standing on concrete doing my job without a break and this is what I get? and then I was like sounds like I am a problem.. he never said anything..

Well I almost walked out right there.. suprised me I didn't I tried to hold back my tears and I spilled a bucket of cheese by running into it. ..and started crying then my boss felt bad and asked how was your race. I gave him the go to hell look and told him it sucked.

So I worked the rest of the day thinking I can't believe I work like this and lowered myself to this cuz I'm better than this. SO I have decided to screw it and move on.. god had better plans for me they don't deserve me. I am going to keep my head up and stand up tall. Life isn't perfect, but you have to make the best of it. It is about making yourself happy.

Really sucked a lot of crap got in the way but life goes on and it wasn't that bad really haha! I think I learned a lot to know how to deal with future situations.. Time to better myself even more.

MY NEXT RACE is The Champion State Road race next week.

oh yea and...

Just hit me.. ..


DAMN I HAVE COME A LONG WAYS! .. seriously I have been packing today.. and I know this is my second post.. woke up with liz texting me.. and it literally just hit me this all happening to me.. I NEVER THOUGHT I would be able to race.. I had no support.. and now look at this.. I have LIZ HATCH one of the most famous cyclist in the usa.. rooting for me along with vanderkitten team .. wow.. I'm only a beginner.. I am so happy its ridiculous right now.. wow.. I duno what to say really but thanks to anybody that takes to time to read my blog.. life is good no matter what is thrown in your path. I just can't believe it really.. wow

Off for tulsa!

Well I have survived and it looks like I will be able to go to Tulsa Tough. As you know I am very excited cuz its my first race of the season. I looked at the weather.. and its supposed to be very hot no suprise there... the only bad thing is that it has turned off very cold here I'm only next door to TULSA seriously.. and its like below 70 degrees.. so strange.. so I will not be used to it. I don't really care though.. cuz I haven't been able to anything and I am happy with anything :) I will get lots of pictures .. I'm so ready to kick some ass..

I'm back! kind of :)

I feel like I'm kind of making a comeback from a lot of crap finally! Even though I don't have my pinched nerve or ruptured disc fixed yet due to the long process of health insurance to be approved I have done things on my own to help it from people who has had the same problem before. Anyway its been working along with taking some pain killers to reduce inflamation.. so its kind of on hold and not bothering me as bad as usual so THEREFORe I have been able to get on my bicycle.. a bit :) IN FACT I must say I did 60 miles yesterday.. and not just any 60 miles .. a hard hilly 60 miles! Farthest I have ever gone in my life so far haha! I did the local Jasper Disaster route.. its a killer it has three long climbs in it and not counting all the little short steep hills in between.. I finished it under 5 hours.. a lot better than last year I tried to attempt the ride.. which I didn't finish last year.. I had 20 miles left of it and I bonked BIG TIME! but.. yea ATE when I was supposed stay hydrated and I died but I ended being ok. I even finished with a sprint at the end like I was doing the actual race that is held every year on that course :) so maybe I can start practicing to race next year :) :) :)


So I have been getting out to the local group rides lately and they have been kicking my butt for sure, but I am getting so much stronger its ridiculous actually! I am very happy I am finally showing some improvement. OH and I got my new bicycle built up with my new kit.. all I need is to go to tulsa and show what I got. I am a little nervous about it being my first race of the season.. A CRIT.. not the greatest idea haha, but Vanderkitten is going to be there and I am going for it. I am very confident in my bike handling skills Cuz thats one of the best things I am good at :) But this new bike is a dream.. I bought it not even knowing how it felt or anything which I do not recommend doing EVER.. but I got lucky and it fits better than my previous bicycle. I can accelerate so much better and kill it on the hills. I even have all the local awesome riders tell me I ride so much better now :) SO I have been pretty happy about it.

I have been thinking about Tulsa Tough a lot lately and I am just going to give it my all and hope for the best. I have only done what I can do.. and we will see what I will do there. I am so excited to see the Vanderkitten team and Crew. It has been a year since then. Unfortunately I found out like a week before that they were going to tulsa tough and I was sick with the flu and still went lol.. wasn't really myself. Liz Hatch is like a big sister to me helping me out when I need something or whatever and I just want to tell her thank you when I see her for everything. Such an amazing person and cyclist. Plus hopefully I see Mary on the team that sold me the bike :D she was cool about it all. And the others on the team seem AWESOME can't wait to meet them and make new friends who kick Ass!

Anyway the biggest thing I have noticed that I have gained as a cyclist is this new ability to suffer through things a little better.. if that makes sense.. like yesterday I felt like I couldn't pedal anymore and that I just wanted to shut my eyes.. but something in me made me push on.. in a headwind.. ugh! haha! It is amazing how mental cycling is really.. wow. I am progressing slowly but very strong.. I know have a very positive outlook on my cycling future. I'm only a cat 4 right now, but I'm showing signs to be something great someday !

Today I might take a recovery ride on the local begginer ride here.. maybe there are a few new people that started I can get to know :) who knows !

lol check this out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybLck728YuE

Tour de Hills 2009

Did my first cycling event of the season. I didn't race it, but did what I said I was going to do which was the 26 mile tour loop. Suprisingly I rode most of the tour by myself.. kind of glad it was that way really.. I thought a lot while riding how I need to just ride more and quit putting pressures on being so great someday. Like just focus on whats going on right now.

I had a brutal headwind with rain at one point and mist the rest .......... It was the local orange loop here and it is kind of difficult but not bad.. I need to do that route more though.. I don't like it but I do... hard to explain haha! The finish of tour de hills is awesome because you climb a hill that overlooks the ozark mountains and you can see the finish. Its a downhills finish.. kind of like roller coaster... of course even though I was doing the tour I pretended like I was finishing a race with a breakaway haha except I didn't even begin to sprint.. my speed crossing the finish line in the saddle was 35 mph. I heard some clapping lol.. and I smiled at one of the officials which was Hector Mendoza from Mercy cycling while crossing the finish. I got in my car and watched my boyfriend, Nate, finish which was only 30 min after I did and he did the 58 mile course! INSANE! anyway.. he did well!

I got to see people I haven't seen in forever and it was great to see cyclists!!! And suprisingly a lot them remember when I got squashed by a bike last year.. cuz I had to explain why I wasn't racing it and they were like WOW now I understand when I told them I was the girl who got squashed!!! Anyway it made me feel better to see people and meet new people!!! I had a great time.

The next event I plan to do is Tulsa Tough at the end of this month. I will not be in great shape for it, but Vanderkitten will be there and I want to be there.. DUH.. SO I am going no matter what. I had awesome goals set for this time of the year, but due to my STUPID INJURY I have been held back A LOT! SO I am dealing with what I can and doing what is possible. STILL SO EXCITED! I am going to get my sexy little work horse of a bike probably THIS WEEK! OMGEEE!!!!!!!!

I HAVE ALSO made a new goal to lose about 15 lbs.. well I have been wanting to do it.. but now I am for sure. my goal is to get down to 130 lbs by june something.. forgot the date I set it but I am going to try to lose 2 lbs a week and see how thin I can get.. while staying healthy.. I just feel a little heavy going up some hills so maybe losing some more weight plus a lighter bike might feel a little different haha! Plus I want to look real good in my new vanderkitten KIT! Everyone thought it was super cute at Tour de Hills which was funny! And someone was like HOLY CRAP there is a vanderkitten! pretty cool to hear that !!!!

I am only 21 and have cycling future in front of me.. I seriously need to not stress myself out with this injury cuz I'm going to get BETTEr and so much faster!

I felt like Tour de hills was the beginning of my 2009 season and that now I am on my way to a great season!!!!!!!

And thank you so much for all the responses I got on twitter about doing the 26 mile loop at tour de hills! That made me feel awesome knowing that you don't really know me in like person, but you can say such nice things ! THANKS!!!!!!!!!

For now I am going start riding a little bit more and get myself fixed as soon as my health insurance is aproved which should be pretty quick now! And then I will continue pictures of my tanline.. OH and I planted a garden cuz I think it was something to do since I am injured and its SO MUCH cheaper and healthier to grow your own plants. Its raining so hopefully they will grow and I can eat them and I will be stronger lol!

Well I have tons of laundry to do today.... and have to work tomorrow so I must continue to do the basics .. haha hope everyone elses season is going well WITHOUT injuries ! GEEEZZzzzZzzzzZzzzZZZzzz

Bad Luck maybe? nah.

Well I had plans to start racing in march, but that was not going to happen.. I am finally getting myself fixed the fist of may........... why may cuz thats when my health insurance goes into play. I have been struggling a lot lately..... due to getting off very addictive anxiety medicine I should of never been put on in junior high.. and this pain I have in my neck/shoulder and now back. Pain everyday plus withdrawl bad combo. So This is teaching me a lesson for sure though.. This is all negative crap that has come upon me, but I am learning to be a positive good person through other things than just riding my bike. I feel like I am growing up a little.. I believe that God only gives you what you can handle too. This will not last for long thats for sure. The people I really look to is people who fight with diseases and cancers that has a hold of their life, but they don't let it take it from them. With their amazing willpower... For example everyone knows Lance Armstrong.. I mean thats enough right there.. It literally makes me tear up thinking about those people.. Those people are the real heros.

Read today that one of my fav cyclists Tyler Hamilton retired. Why is he one of my favorite cyclists? Even though he struggles with depression and other personal things.. you can still tell he is an awesome person. Everyone had issues.. I think he is a great cyclist and always will be. Nobody is freaking perfect and I am glad he puts himself first. Sometimes its not about the bike and that is what makes cycling so great.

The local race/ride tour de hills is next saturday I can't ride the full ride so I have decided to do the 26 miles cuz I don't want to get out in the middle of no where on a hill and my pain kick in.. cuz that would be an aweful experience. The first real race I will race will be Tulsa Tough because Vanderkitten will be there! Hopefull there I will be fixed ready to race with my new bike I will get soon and be wearing the new vanderkitten jersey. That is what I see right now that keeps me going. Wouldn't that be awesome.. If that happens there is so going to be pictures!!! I don't care what I get at tulsa tough even though it would be nice to win something but not planning on it coming back from all this. My cousin might go and Nate plans on racing as well with me so I am hoping I will be ok to do it.

Next week is when my bike might be shipped or the next so I am pretty excited about that :) I have lessons with Sophy at Petco tonight she is doing ok.. haha crazy dog LOVE HER THOUGH! but she is crazy hyper ! I'm kind of like that sometimes too though.

Well I better get going. Got to drive to Branson for her lessons.. just so glad I don't have work tomorrow.. EASTER was insane! I made so many egg shaped icing cookies.. but everyone loved them cuz they were pretty unique haha! That was cuz I was sleeping while doing them pretty much anyway hope everyone is having good weather and if your not hopefully you will get some soon.. bhahahaha anyway.. blog ya later

testing

Trying out a post from the blackberry in bed lol..... Well pain has been going on in my shoulder/back/neck area still and going to get that fixed as son as possible. The knee pain is going away almost completely. It took about 2 months for it to which is a long time for me! Well today since this pinched nerve or slipped disc is limiting what I do I wanted to go on a hike but everytime I go I miss sargy .. So I have decided to get another dog.... From the same people I got sarg from... I love sophy but I always will have a German Shepherd by my side great dogs.... I had no idea though that sargs dad was a champion ! That explains where he got the looks from. Anyway this is a test post from my phone and I hope it goes through if not I guess I wasted my time updating myself lol thanks rickierainwater for listening to my music ! :)

check this out!

turn off my music if you don't already do and watch this! I worked so hard.. lol

I feel it

I am in the process of getting off of anxiety medicine I had to take in high school. The problem is that it is addictive.. and its really hard to get off cuz it messes with you.. I am doing pretty good, but its probably the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with. It could be a perfect day and some days I just wonder why I am not happy and don't feel like doing anything. The positive thing is that I am getting off of it and should be completely off of it this year. I noticed I am nicer to people.. and just don't take things as hard. Plus I used to get so nervous when I travelled anywhere.. like I almost would puke. Now after travelling to races and focusing on riding my bike I channel my nerves through riding and I don't really worry about it anymore. I am just so glad I have got to this point to my life..

So I have been working through that and the two new pains that have come up this year in my training. Which is the pain in my neck and the one in my knee. The one in my knee is due to a tight IT band. I have been stretching everyday with some self massage/heat. I have also been getting advice from the Vanderkitten pros about what I should do about it and they really helped. My neck "I think" I have Kyphosis. Anyway I plan on getting on a good insurance that covers specialist visits and the chiro and stuff with a little copay to help with some of this if it has not gone away but I still plan on getting on it regardless with racing and all.

I have also decided to buy a new bicycle. Found a good deal and hopefully it will go through its a vk bh connect full carbon frame and fork.

I am a little upset that I am not racing the end of this month.. cuz I am not in shape for it due to my injuries I have been dealing with. So my first race will be April 25th at Tour de Hills. I duno if I will race or ride it but I am going to do that for sure.
Group rides have started. I didn't ride any last week on them cuz it was like we had an artic hurricane.. seriously blast of very cold air came down but now it will be 80degrees today and it will be the official first group ride for me. Yesterday I took my little cousin that just recently started riding to the beginner group ride and I had to encourage him a lot to make it up the hills, but he made it. I think it is the coolest thing to see someone accomplish a goal wether it is big or small. To see a face of no limits is really amazing.
I plan to ride tonight and I am looking forward to just getting out and getting my legs moving.. geez.. I should get my jersey this week.. and bibs next week .. but will see I know it will be soon. I am very excited about that because I duno what I will look like IN IT! I can only imagine that kit with a matching new bike... MEOW! I think joining the VAnderkitten Cycling Club is the best thing I have ever done in cycling! Love the variety of people who are in it! I feel like I am not so isolated out here in ARkansas.. seriously .. I can only imagine what kind of ridiculous style I will bring to the races this year with all this euroness.. omg I am in a good mood no matter what today. I love you all.
Sophy is doing well! She is Crazy insane excited all the time and happy :)My cousin did his first race of the season. Hell's Kitchen and he did pretty good of for the first of the season. He didn't win... but he is pure sprinter .. he can climb but it just wasn't suited for him. Wouldn't of been a suprise to me though if he did win it though he is really getting into shape!

Get your cycling tans on seriously I will have pics of my tan throughout the season. :)

Breaky & A ride

Today is offically the start of spring for me. I don't care when it actually is. Today it will be 70 degrees and plus my hibiscuis plant popped out a bright red bloom. It is Spring. I was going to ride yesterday, but I worked like a dog because some breads messed up and we had to make them again so I stayed a good hour 1/2 longer than usual. BUT TODAY MY FRIENDS is the day I will be getting out and enjoying myself back in the saddle.. kind of a lame break of not riding, but I feel no pressure just have to stay consistent and have fun with it. Group rides start up next week and yea.. it is a group ride and people say to stay away from them.. bad for training but I feel like it helps me a lot with just pack skills and stuff.. Kind of gets me ready for racing and I make myself learn not to blow up because I used to have a HUGE problem with that by getting too excited and just go really hard at first..... So I am excited for those to start up to see everyone. Another positive thing is just knowing I will be racing in THE Vanderkitten Kit this year. The Team presented it at the Tour of California womens criterium! Even though it rained that kit stood out and was so cool. I can't wait to get mine in the mail thats for sure!Pictures are by Kurt Harvey, AWESOME photographer! He is my friend on Facebook! Maybe someday he will be snapping some pics of me :)

Waiting for some warm weather..

I feel like time has stopped and I am stuck in a cold WORLD! Good thing it is supposed to warm up tomorrow.. I didn't think I could wait any longer.. I haven't been riding that much lately which is bad. I want to go to this race by the end of this month. I am still going to go.. I just been having some problems with my knee still.. which it is getting better due to some advice. The other problem is that I have pinched nerve in my left shoulder.. and I am going to have to go to the doctor about it .. and that means lots of money.. really annoying I thought the pain would just go away. SO ANYWAY nothing really new has happened other than lots of sleep. It snowed this past weekend....................................... I live in the south shouldn't be getting snow this late, but sometimes it happens.. I REALLY can't wait till its so hot you can barely breathe because of the humidity CUZ I REALLY CAN'T STAND COLD WEATHER!!!! Anyway positive thing.. the sun is out and I KNOW it is going to warm up in the future... THE FUTURE!!!!!!!!! Its coming.. I hope