Green Cyclists

World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) was celebrated in many cities around the world. This happened in mid June but I must have missed it. durn. GOSH.
Some ride naked to show us that we are vulnerable when we ride our bikes with cars. I think some are just there cause they want to ride around naked in front of people. Well. anyway this seems to be an annual event so. wow. maybe next year, huh?
'' This event was created to promote cycling as a real alternative to cars. As they claim "shifting on a carfree lifestyle is one of the most powerful things a person can do to make a real difference in reducing negative environmental impacts on this planet".
the main web page is here you ahve to cut and paste it...... I can't get my links to work or I am missing something to make that happen. ..
http://www.worldnakedbikeride.org

there is even a video! more european naked people on bikes! haha!http://news.bbc.co.uk/nolavconsole/ukfs_news/hi/newsid_5060000/newsid_5068400/bb_rm_5068476.stm

Cycling By The Signs

Ok. This is a redo of something I wrote a couple years ago for a news letter. Perhaps I could have titled this 'how to train based on your sign'. But its just for fun and interest.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)
THe Gemini mind wanders. They are a multitasker who needs an MP3 player or a friend to keep your brain busy while training on long miles. Mountain biking is a great sport for them. They need to avoid monotonous workouts. THey should change up their training often and use music if possible to stay motivated. Training with a partner is best for this individual. Gemini people are ingenious, quick-witted communicators. THey are often restless, easily bored and can become frustrated by things moving too slowly. Gemini needs to stay confident. Eddie Merckx is a Gemini.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Cancers are sensitive, they should pay attention to their moods when exercising. When they're calm and happy, a long bike ride session or intervals will be nice. When crabby, go for a hard interval, punching bag for core work or even a run or solo yoga session. Swimming is natural to Cancer. They might let their mood deterimine the finish of a race. Try to find something else to focus on to keep a consistancy in attitude. Cancer hates to feel confined so they probably hate skin suits and even helmets. They are extremely intuitive so it makes sense they can apply this to bike racing. Cancer is Courageous and self assertive and has as abundance of energy. THey will work from sun up to sun down, the Cancerian will run not walk. He is generally forceful by nature and very direct. As for products and food, Less is sometimes more. George Hincapie, RObbie McEwen and Andréas Kloden are Cancers.


Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

The Leo is a born leader, so classes are not for them unless they are the instructor. Their self-esteem might keep them from getting help with fitness strategy or coaching. Anytime Leo can be in the spotlight, they are in their element. They are goal setters and planners even though sometimes they might find themselves leaning too much on their own resources. Leo demonstrates the gratification of what sacrifice and hard work brings. THey tend to be very strong organizers capable of real leadership qualities. Broad minded, Leo will be willing to experiment and try new things. They are open to all kinds of suggestions and get bored rather easily. Try to find new and proven techniques from people you trust and admire. Stuart O'Grady, Ned Overend Erik Dekker, Kirsten Armstrong and Mick Jagger are Leo's. I don't know if Jagger races bikes but he got MOJO filta'.



Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Virgo's are organizers, and their preferences are clear. Avoid setting unrealistic goals because you get down on yourself when you fail. Stick to full-body conditioning that concentrates on your abs, core and relaxation. Virgoans are hard working and practical. They will stand no nonsense and deal sensibly with problems. These personalities will most likely realize their full potential. They are careful and plotting leaving nothing to chance. Lance Armstrong, 'Fast Freddy' Rodriguez, Jens Voigt, Alison Sydor and Gilberto Simoni are Virgo's. say no more


Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

LIbrans grasp concepts and ideas quickly and work through problems. But because they live in their head, they get stressed. Libran's don't like the 'boxing matches' of the sprint pack. They do not like to hurt anyone and will work as hard as they can in a diplomatic way to keep this from happening. Librans find their best work at anything creative and they don’t lack physical or emotional energy. They generally appear to be relaxed when in fact, they are constantly thinking about their next project and ready to get to it. These wonderful people loathe loneliness and are happiest when they have a companion to share in all they do. SO!! GROUP RIDE!! perfect. Librans value fairness above all else. And they expect others to feel the same way. If they have a fault or two, it could be that they give in to others too easily. They do this even when they know that they are right just to prevent upset.
Stretch and do balance work and low-impact cardio to quiet the mind and strengthen your focus and serenity. Chris Horner, Tom Boonen and Floyd Landis are Libra


Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Scorpio does not like being told what to do. Their ideal workout is anything that requires extreme effort, such as ballet, triathlons, cycling or distance running. They are alive with energy that comes from reserves within that can get really intense. The need to excel is very strong in these people and they are determined to do the best they can do. They sometimes think that what they believe is for the best of all. This can be very hard on people involved with them and upon the actual Scorpio as well. They want to leave a legacy behind and are very determined, sometimes taking years to acheive their goal If they have a mind to do it, Scorpio will do it. Scorpio's are dark and secretive and hold grudges for a LONG long time. SO . Don't curb anyone that is born a scorpion. ha!
Chris Carmicheal and Levi Leipheimer are a Scorpio.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Sagottarious are adventurous, and natural athletes. Exercise needs a point to keep them in the game. They are honest and hardworking but need a good challenge to keep them interested. They love open spaces they cannot stand to be closed in. They need challenge to keep them from becoming bored. THey are the worst candidate for a day-in-day-out routine. They love to initiate new projects and have an urge to understand concepts that are presented to them. A sagg needs to know WHY that is important and will carefully research these new concepts before implementing them into their training. They think rapidly, are intuitive and often original. They work best with colleagues of similar character. THey are perhaps the most honest and noble of all the signs. Billy Idol and Stephen Speilburg are famous sag's.I know 3 gals of this sign that are pHd's but I can't find any cyclists!!~ maybe there are some adventure racers. Hmm

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

They are about stature and physical reality, and their entire body is sensitive to stress and strain. Avoid workout plateaus. They need goals. If Capricorn is going to take on a workout buddy, he should make sure the partner is just as serious. These people are very ambitious and disciplined. They will climb the corporate ladder steadily, and with honor. You can count on them to get the job done and to go well above and beyond the call of duty. Capricorn loves endurance sports and are consistant and serious about training. Discipline goes with this sign and they excel at any event that takes long term planning, such as an Ironman. POPOVYCH Yaroslav, David Miller Paola Pezzo, and Bobby Julich are Capricorns.


Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Aquarians do not like to be fenced in and will fight it with very inventive methods. They are complex and often the last to conform. They will need LOTS of cardio to feel grounded. Aquarians are fiercely independant and don’t like changing their lives. Others see Aquarians as detached, unemotional beings, which is far from truth. Friendly and honest, these sweet people try to see the best in others and have an understanding for why others do the things they do. They crave to be in a social setting so biking fits the plan. Aquarians work great on a team, provided that they are recognized as having a leading part in the participation. They are quick, active and persevering without being self-assertive. Aquarius should have people around them who can motivate them to stay on track. Its too easy for this sign to get into a lazy streak. famous aquarian cyclists: Jan Ulrich, Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjå , and Cadel Evans .

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

When you set your mind to do something you can do almost anything as long as your efforts promise a measure of pleasure or reward. Avoid aggressive crowds and crashing music. Swimming is ideal for you. A Piscean will not often take compliments with glee. Instead, they may become a little vague and secretive, taking a backseat to their enormous accomplishments. Emotionally Pisceans can be hurt easily because of their sensitive natures, which can upset their stomachs or give them headaches. Habits are easy for them to take up and hard for them to break. I would think a Pisces is easy to train. They are good counselors, friendly and malleable. Tyler Hamilton is a pisces.



Aries (March 21-April 19)

You're a good sport about your injuries, but you don't always apologize when you cause them to others. Avoid "wussy" sports, people who complain about their injuries, slowpokes and bossy teammates. Cycling, running and hiking are right for you. You have to have the newest technology but only if its been proven and researched to be better. Patience is not an Arian strong suit. You need constant change to keep them attention. Although you loose interest quickly, you cannot stand for another to out do you. Like the racehorse that will not let another pass it, you will adjust to the situation quickly and learn to become the best at what you are doing. YOu would never do just what someone says unless you have seen the results of the plan or technique as proven. Arian’s are ambitious but half the fun of being on top is the getting there for them. Arians need plenty of exercise to stay in tiptop condition. It is as vital as breathing for them.
Mars rules Aries and is responsible for explosive power and energy, assertive behavior and aggressive actions.
Sprinter Mario Cippolinni, Marie Holden, Julia Furtado are Aries

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You're stubborn, and that means you can be stubbornly lazy. Avoid unpleasant surroundings such as smelly gyms and uber-competitive workouts such as spinning. The Taurean mind is methodical, careful and decisive. Once you have made a decision, it is rare you ever change your mind. Not looking for short cuts, you make your way down the proven path. Their desire to win can become like a possession. And you don't get between a Taurus and his/her possessions! With their natural charm, they endear others to them. Their soft voices give good advice to those who will listen. Tina Pic is a Taurus.

can't breeeve

still sickish. My head is full of snot and I can only breath out of one nostril. It switches back and forth. But no fever so that means I can get back on my bike. Nyquil is pretty good stuff.

my new helmet

Hank got this for himself but they only make one size. Spiuk Kronos.
His head is too big so he gave it to me. It fits nice. Not as tight as I like but I can snug the straps on nicely. It doesn't move around. Its kind of swoopy and terribly sexy. haha

Ok data. There is some data on the aero properties. Its supposed to be as aero as 'just a bare head'. But I read a fellow's report on NYvelocity that says to not let your head drop when wearing the helmet because it must stay flush to the back the whole time. Thereby he entitled the research 'Spuik hate". which was a fun read. But since I didn't have to pay full price for a discarded helmet, I am happy. Besides I think it looks perfect for a wacky aquarius girl. :) wish I could wear it to the crits. haha!
http://www.velocitynation.com/article.aspx?ID=1255&CID=54

Track Circus

Saturday morning, we went to the track and brought my training buddy, Marie with us. It was her first time at the track and we were on our road bikes. Hank taught her track ettiquette and we began an easy warm up. Marie is doing the two man TT on sunday on her road bike ( no aero stuffs) !!
Being away from a pack and no cars and NO traffic was refreshing for her. ((and me!)) This was good. There were a couple people there on real track bikes so we told Marie to be especially careful. Track bikes don't have brakes or coaster ability so to share the track we need to be sure to hold our lines and be where we are supposed to be in the stages of our workouts. Communicate to the other riders what you are going to be doing. Good ettiquete puts everyone at ease. We began to warm up. Gorgeous sunny day. early morning.

ALL of a sudden.
( insert circus music here for full effect)

THE GOOFY BIKES CAME OUT!!!!!!!!

Dang I wish I had pictures. Recumbants. Lots of recumbants....((already you know they are nutty people)) haha

Crazy bikes, recliners, funnel shaped, LONG long low bikes with plastic coverings , clothe covered, wooden frames, laminated frames, this that and double cranks. Mile long chains and VERY friendly people.
They came in groups, they came with friends. They carried the equipment into the center ring .........what the heck is going on?? tents popped up on the grass, people brought music and began to sit easily on the bleachers as if in anticipation of something big about to happen.
I went to the Northbrook Velodrome website to search the event. It is not even listed. It must be some Cult bike thing. HPRV bikes come up when I searched.

Here are some links to Human Powered Vehicle sites: http://www.recumbents.com/wisil/coslinger/coslinger_special.htm
http://www.recumbents.com/wisil/bythefoot/bythefoot.htm

It was a Human Powered Vehicle Race.
The guys that were riding these bikes, some of them looked like classic Retro. Long beards, crit bellys, (big crit bellys on some of them) crazy jerseys.
A few were serious. some had on USA jerseys. THey were their to race their goofy bikes and they were having fun!.
But it was the bikes that were so interesting. A few were these Bullet shaped covered up bikes. One , the guy slipped into the cloth covering and his head stuck out. Some when they got all incased, I was wondering how they could even see!

Fortunately they did not get on the track for an hour or so. We got in our workout and was finishing up just as they started to warm up .
When they did one of them was on a long low aerodynamic bullet looking bike. He wheedled in around us. I could hear this thing coming and suddenly this low rider goes past me and up around the track bikes ahead of me. His bike was about ten feet long. It looked more like a canoe than a bike.

Wish I took pictures! :)

Proctor Classic Omnium Event

Editted. please see below


Prologue:
The race starts on a friday evening . It was a pleasant evening and very low key. The prologue was a short 5 K time trial. I heard it was uphill so I didn't bother to bring any aero equipment. Just the road bike. I saw some really nice bikes there, though. As it ended up, the aero equipment would have been nice and would have helped to shave time. It was not too steep and there was a slight cross breeze coming up behind you. The 'hill' was a 2% gradual incline that evolved into a 4-5% grade at the top. Just a constant suffering with no let up to the top. I rode with my power tap which helped me stay constant.
I got , I think the 3rd fastest time of the day coming in behind Susan Peithman, Queen of the indoor TT and who did really well at a similar event in the Nature Valley's Stage race. She won the pro-1.2 category and I got 2nd. Hank placed 3rd in the 45+

Road Race: 51 hilly miles. 3 laps , 17 miles each. beautiful sunny day. 85 degrees.
The Road race was LONG and Brutal. I won the first QOM hill and came out of the hill hard but I got caught right away. We had a great deal of counter attacks from mostly the cat 1, 2 women and a few cat 3's went at it. I stayed off the front but drilled the hills when I could.
The tail wind section is mostly flat, it turns into a 'roller coaster' of a street with about three good climbs on it. The finish line is just past the last hill which seems to sap the last bit of anaerobic power you have out of your legs. On the second lap I was stuck in the pack and could not climb the QOM hill the way I wanted. I did not position myself well in that situation. With a strict double yellow line ruling we had to adhere to and with such a large field bunching up, it made for difficult passing. We were riding rather slow to the hill , too.
I saw the winners of the QOM just stop pedalling at the top of the hill so I blasted thru totally hot at the top. I soared past them and they did not respond quickly and I took off in the cross wind and just made good seperation fast. I took the hills calmly so I wouldnt blow up..then powered it hard when I got to the flat sections.
Susan P., a long time friend in the peleton, told the girls to let me sit in the wind. They listened to her. Soon Susan jumped away then bridged up to me in the tail wind section. I saw her coming and knew it was her so I sat up just a little bit and gave her a little rest when she made contact. I was in my rythm at that point and holding onto my gap . Then we dove into the hilly section. A Get a Grip girl, Melanie, had taken a ride on Susan's wheel up to me. I foolishly didn't think she was anything to worry about. Besides, three is better than two in this situation. We still had nearly 3o miles to do. I kept up words of encouragement to keep going.
We started a rolling pace line. The pack seemed to be gaining on us but it was an optical illusion in the 'roller coaster' section. We drove on hill after hill and as we started the 3rd lap , the peleton dropped even further behind. We rolled thru the feed zone and that really cemented it for us . I got to the QOM and the Get a grip girl really went for it. I should have seen that I can't take her for granted. She was stronger than I thought.

We lost Susan after the second QOM when Melanie and me went at it. I thought I topped first but I am not sure. It was close. Susan soldiered on behind us and never got caught by the pack.
After a brief wait, I started drilling it. I was a bit scared the peleton would drive hard in the tail wind section so I wanted to keep my pace high. I took a corner hard and gapped the other rider in the last corner and ...should have gunned it there. I thought it was too early so I held back. She caught me quickly and we rode up the hills. We were nearly side by side every hill trying to make each other hurt. I saw she was taking the hills in her big chain ring. I figured I would have a better sprint if I used my small. Three hills, then the last one came up , huge and looming.
I made a big move on the last hill but it was matched equally by Melanie. I could not seperate her now. She was stubborn and wanted to win.
After the last hill, we were side by side. I jumped too early. She passed me at the line.
I talked to Hank after and realized that there were many other things I coulda should done.
The finish line is deceptively far away but I was also anxious to end the race. She came around behind me. Then she went hard to take the win. I just ran out of power and felt the win slip from my fingers.. .
It was frustrating looking back on that race. I really wish I just attacked somewhere in the last lap. Oh well. such is bike racing... My calves were hovering with pain about to cramp up on the last section. That feeling was with me till the last. I know it was from the hard effort because I was drinking plenty and had Elete.
I think it might have effected my end. But I tried to ignore the 'about to cramp' feeling.
No excuses! I lost for being stupid and ....She was strong and patient.
Melanie was a very gracious and a grateful winner.
I tried to not pout and flail and whine too much. :) haha.

Hank had a 30+ and 40+ race which he said was the 'Who's Who of the Midwest'. His race was attack after attack. He found passing impossible except when the pack strung out. He had to pass during high speed, just a few at a time. He tried to go with every attack he could. Many of the bigger teams were there. Proctor, Pyoc, Druber's team, Colavita, Met Life, Mack, Iowa teams and a team from California that I can't recall. Huge names and big legs. There were many TOP riders falling out of the race. It was a hot day and the race was in the heat of the day. In my own race many women cramped up and it was the same thing for the men. Hank seems to excel in long endurance events like road races. I keep telling him to do a stage race. I think he would rock.
Hank came across the line in 3rd. The announcers said that he won the Illinois jersey. He was so excited he could have pee'd his pants if he had any hydration left in him to do so. When we came up to collect his medal and jersey, we discovered that the winner of the entire race, D. Stone, was actually from Illinois. The officials had made an error and thought he was from Missouri. He was a long time resident of Illinois. Hank was dissappointed to say the least but very gracious and nodded his head. He said "well, its always something'. and laughed. The guy that won was one of the winningest men in the area , David Stone. (( But Hank later told me in private that if he found out the guy was lying he was going to break both his arms..ha!))
:).. j/k
Hank got second in the Illinois Championship RR> I got second in the RR, too>

The criterium.
Well. I had no intentions of winning at this point, just beating Susan, my dear friend. We were neck and neck in the Ominium and had I won yesterday, I would have lost the eye of the tiger to win ...maybe...I dont know. I was hungry to win something and a little frustrated about getting second the day before.
I wanted the Omnium too..... as much as I wished Susan could win, I wanted to win too.
PLus I have not won any races this season and just wanted to try to win SOMETHING.
Tricky to race with a friend for something you both want. We shook hands and said "good luck".

The race started with a memorial neutral lap for a fallen rider. A horrible tragedy had occurred in the women's cat 4 race the day before. A car had struck and killed a young woman. It was an accident and a very freakish accident at that. I do not know the details entirely but it was not anyone's 'fault' at all.

The XXX team was up front leading us as we rode around the course slowly. Susan and me rode side by side and said nothing. No one talked as we sadly remembered the young girl, Elizabeth Kobeszka, age 24 that was struck and killed by a car in the cat 4 RR Saturday.
I was very saddened and I do think this effected many riders today in the crits.
The race started in still silence, we lined up, no announcements made..... Just a short whistle burst.

Just hours before, The cat 4 field was smaller than usual and only 15 girls seemed to be ''racing''. It seemed to be two groups and the second group just disintegrated. One girl, Bri, from team Kenda that had witnessed the event dropped out of the race, unable to focus, and came up to talk to me and Hank. She told me her story and was sadly crying as she recalled the event. She had held the girl's hands while the ambulance was coming. My eyes are watering as I type this. It is truly a horrible tragedy. This will effect us all for a long time and she will be remembered even by those of us who did not know her well.

Well. I will continue with my blog of my race.

They combined the 1, 2 's with the 3's to make a larger peleton. LAST year they cut our race short by ten minutes because 'we were riding too slow' or were boring or something of that nature. WHATEVER.
about 15 minutes into the race, a woman jumped ....a cat 3 from Morris Trucking, broke away with nearly 30 minute to go. No one chased her at first. Then we realized she was not coming back. ((Susan called this later an 'apathy break')) The cat 1, 2's were not going to chase and the cat 3's were not working together. This is where having a good team helps.
Once we saw she was away, I was getting ready to jump just as Susan attacked. I went after her. I caught her after the hill after a huge effort to connect to her wheel. I forced myself ahead of her to keep her momentum up and to give her a tiny rest. She came around only a few seconds later and we worked together. Then a Mack rider came up to us. She could not help us and it got a bit confusing in the corners. "We're caught' the Mack rider said. I looked back and heard Hank's voice scream "attack!' SO I buried it in the corner and attacked. I got away just as the group made contact and sat up. It was a good place to get away as there were still 4 corners to navigate.

I didn't think about the pack behind me but looked ahead at the cat 3 rider in front of me. I chased as hard as I could. The pack was close behind me for a while. I kept my eye on the target and kept hammering hard. Finally behind me, XXX, the largest team contingency there, moved to the front. They were after the cat 3 girl and Hank said they were all up front working and hammering hard behind me. My head was in a good place but my legs were not at my best. I never caught the girl up ahead , Kelli, I got as close as 8 seconds but then I started to fade a bit. I got away from the peleton and stayed away. The announcer kept saying I looked tired. I could hear him telling the group that they were gaining on me. I was pretty angry and annoyed with him. I have never heard such drivel coming out of someone's mouth before. It only made me dig deeper. I let that anger fuel my legs and I went even harder. There was a lot of emotion in me from the weekend and I put it all in my legs. I think last year that the same announcer had declared that 'that grass grew faster than the women raced". or maybe that was the Wisconsin State Championships. I get them confused. GRRR

When I hit lap 1 to go, after 20 minutes of TT, I had a burst of energy and did it as best I could. I crossed the line and couldnt believe I did it. I took the win for the pro,1,2. ((second in the combined bunch to the cat 3 over all).
Susan broke away with 2 laps to go and held her position and took 2nd.
My first win of the season. The Illnois State Criterium Championship. and the Omnium.

Hank's race was not his best. His was very fast and strung out often. He hung in there well and I saw his last lap. He was lined up in the front beautifully positioned. But he got nipped in a corner when someone swerved into him.
He placed 20th and just rode in. He thinks that the excitement of doing so well the day before took away his adreniline and his "eye of the tiger' .

I told him it does help to race 'hungry'.

NOTE: I have finally been able to insert the editted parts I took out. BK's fall had effected me very much. It is christmas and I want BK to be remembered by myself and others. It is her due.