More Pics from Louisville

Our trip took us through eight states

Louisville

There were a lot of NECX friends and teammates who made the trip down to worlds.

           

Oh - there may have been some Belgians, too!

Tuesday may have been the driest day on the course, but there was still sticky, Louisville mud.

Sightseeing - from our room :)

Wet Wednesday mud vs. frozen Friday mud

These crews worked for two straight days hauling and spreading wood chips to help mitigate the over-the-ankle mud in the main spectator areas (and in front of the portos!)

On Thursday, the blurry us celebrated MKR turning his actual racing age. The banana bread pudding was no Concord Teacakes, but it sufficed in a pinch.

And on Friday, it was for all the marbles. Dave and Mike needed to clear cleats before starting the race.

After celebrating, it was time for the LONG drive home. Over the river, through the tunnels, and in 7.5 hours we were halfway home.

So, here ends the season! Congrats to MKR, and to EVERYONE who made the trek to Louisville to race.

If This Is the End of the World, It's OK!

I think the Mayans had it all wrong - the end of the world is still coming. For evidence, I present the weather from last week's adventure:

• Monday - clear and cold at 4:00 am in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York. This changed to snow, ice, and freezing rain in Pennsylvania, warmed to just rain in Ohio, and by the time we reached Kentucky in the rain, the temp was up to about 55 degrees.

• Tuesday - daytime temps managed to be quite warm, in the low 60s, and even hitting 70 degrees. In the evening, restaurants in Louisville looked like it was mid summer - windows open and seating on the patios outdoors at a premium. 
• Wednesday - at about 4:30 am, despite my thinking the hotel had hired crazy people to vacuum at that hour, the tornado sirens in the city were going off. For about 2 hours. And it was pouring. It continued to rain through the early morning, with about 2-3 inches of accumulation.
• Thursday - temperatures started dropping, and by late evening, snow was falling.
• Friday - we awoke to FRIGID temps, around 8 degrees. While the sun was definitely shining, it was COLD. Oh, and the Ohio River was rising, and 2300 sandbags were not going to hold it back from covering the Elite Worlds Cyclocross course.
• Saturday - departed just as the snow started in Louisville (around 4:00 am). Thankfully, we managed to stay mostly ahead of the front, and the driving wasn't anywhere near as white-knuckle as it had been on Monday.

So, with the exception of locusts, I'm pretty sure that the snow, ice, wind, rain, freezing and flooding are all indications that indeed, the end of the world is nigh! If that is actually the case though, at least we had a most AWESOME adventure before that happens :).

Yes, Mike and I headed down to Louisville, Kentucky last week for the Master's Worlds Cyclocross championships. After the terrific season that Mike had here, our original plan was to head out to the National Championships in Madison, WI earlier in the month. Weather and logistics had us change our minds on those plans, but regret is an awful beast. Having seen the results, photos and reports from Nationals, Mike decided that he wanted to have a go at the World Championships, and I was all in - as support.

Kirsten managing the mud

No, I didn't race. I didn't even take my bike! Yes, I could have raced - in fact, there were only 8 women who DID race in my category. Frankly, after a good season, I was done. I did have a small moment of regret myself, but it was VERY brief. When the 45-49 women's race was underway, and I was madly running around the course cheering for my friend Kirsten (who had an awesome race and finished 4th), I was just a bit sad that I wasn't out there too. Like I said, though, it was a VERY short moment.

To say that I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into is an understatement. Mike and I have been racing cross a relatively short time - since 2006 - but in that time, we have raced close to 300 races combined. I would normally say that this would qualify us as experienced cross racers who know what to expect, and how to prepare. Louisville proved that to be far from the truth, however.

With the enormity of the event came pretty close to an equal amount of stress - I wanted to be sure that Mike had the best races possible, and worried over timing, food, clothing, temperatures, weather, getting off of his feet, sleep, rest, warm ups - you name it. Yes, I've supported most all of his races to date, but this was bigger - more important, and meant more, to both of us. So, if you tried talking to me onsite before one of Mike's races, and I seemed to be out of it, please accept my apology. As one friend said to me on Friday - "I'll talk to you in about an hour when you're a normal person again."

The logistics of traveling, being in a strange place and not having access to all of the day to day things we take for granted was difficult, but I felt we were prepared. We had checked to be sure we had everything we needed - including packing down sleeping bags and a shovel in the car, just in case :). Of course, once onsite, and in the mud, we realized we should have brought more clothing, our sprayer and a few other items. We managed to make do with what we had, though it was lucky that we did over pack a couple of things.

In the past year, I have had to be ready for Mike in the pits exactly twice - once in VT for a flat, and once at NoHo for a rolled tubular. Both were good conditions and easy bike exchanges. A few years ago at Downeast, we did have some particularly nasty conditions that required a bike swap mid race, but nothing that could have prepared me for what was to come...

On the wheel of National
Champion Don Myrah

Wednesday's seeding race was actually relatively calm. Mike had randomly drawn number 72 - requiring him to start near the back of the heat. He had a terrific start and was quickly sitting near the front of the race. I cheered madly from the pits ready for him to come in, but in a two lap race, it wasn't necessary. He had a great result, finishing 6th. That meant that he would line up in the 3rd row for the finals on Friday.

Friday morning saw an exponential rise in my stress level as Mike's race drew nearer. I wanted everything to be perfect for him. The plan was for me to be in the pit during the race, and he would only come in if necessary. Mother nature had other ideas though - while the course started out snow covered and frozen, the sun and warming temps quickly turned the frozen ground to frozen mud. Air temps were still well below freezing which meant cleaning the bikes with water would be out of the question, and the bikes would need to be cleaned - often.

Cleaning the bikes and gear - Weds

Enter my Blue Steel family, particularly Jeff T. I think Jeff might have seen the "deer in the headlights" look on my face (okay - maybe it was the stress that was about to make me cry), and he just sort of took over - in the nicest way possible. He told me what the plan was, what I would do, what everyone else was going to do, an then executed it flawlessly! I've said it already, but I really had no idea what was about to happen.

Mike lined up and was off, getting a GREAT start and quickly settling in with the leaders. I made my way over to the [muddy] pit where people were lined elbow to elbow - it was mayhem, and about to get worse! One pit crew behind Jeff and I let us know "My guy is in 6th", to which Jeff calmly replied "Well my guy is in 9th, so we're just going to have to communicate!". Yup - it was tense! Mike waited a lap and a half before pitting the first time, and when he brought the bike in I took one look and thought "OMG - what are we going to do with THAT?!?!?!" Jeff and Karen quickly went to work banging off the frozen mud, and I dug in to help. It took 3 of us a full lap to get the bike to a "presentable/usable" point, and Karen went off to let Mike know his bike was ready.

Mike and Jeff post
race - who's muddier? 

Mike gratefully switched back to his race bike from his pit bike, which at that point wasn't shifting despite the sealed housings. Again we went to work to get it cleaned as best we could - spraying anti-freeze infused water on the drive train and literally chipping away at the huge globs of frozen mud. Mike was reluctant to pit again, preferring his race bike, but had to given the conditions. It got to a point where the bike was just not rideable with everything seizing and freezing up. When he brought his A bike in, I let everyone know we needed to do what we could to get it ready in half a lap - a monumental task. Now, four of us were working with brushes, screwdrivers, hands - anything we could use to get the bike workable again. We made it, and again Karen let Mike know he could get the bike.

This routine continued throughout the 5 lap race, and it wasn't just us. The pits were an area of nervous, high-paced energy. Huge pit crews were working as fast as they could to get their riders a bike that would shift, and didn't weigh 50 pounds. Officials worked over time giving warnings to crews for their positions. This was the big time, and it was serious. I was WAY over my head, and am beyond grateful to my friends and teammates for their support. Jeff, Karen and Matt - THANK YOU. Mike and I could not have done this without your help.

Mike finished in 12th place - a terrific ride in conditions like we had never seen. I am so proud of his season, and his performance at Worlds. It was awesome to watch, but even more awesome to be a part of.

After cleaning up, we returned to the venue with a more relaxed attitude. Our work was done, and now it was time to celebrate. We hung out with friends, celebrating victories, podiums, terrific races and experiences, and the end of a very long season. Watching Kathy don the world championship jersey, and seeing Karen on the podium was just as awe inspiring as the whole experience. 

Kathy Sarvary - Women's 55+ World Champion

Karen Tripp - Women's 50-54 Bronze Medal

We learned a lot this past week. We learned about preparing for a race of this caliber  in these types of conditions (important to note that the leaders in Mike's race actually had THREE bikes in the pit, allowing them to change bikes every half lap). We learned that this really was the next level of racing. We learned how lucky we are to have a community of friends, teammates and fellow NECX riders to support us. Most of all, I learned how lucky I am to have been able to share this experience with Mike. And now, if the world DOES end, I think I will be prepared!

Time to Reflect

We're in between holidays, and quickly approaching the end of the year. Seems to me like an appropriate time to reflect, once again, on the year gone by. And it's been a doozy!

Notchfest 1 - March

While early 2011 saw us spending a lot of quality time out on the skinny skis in the snow, 2012 wasn't kind to us in the snowfall category. In fact, the brand new snowblower, generator and skate skis sat dormant all winter long. Season passes to Weston went virtually unused (we did get out twice). So, instead we rode. A lot. In fact, Mike started a streak of riding that has continued through the year - every day on the bike. We're about to bid adieu to 2012, and he's still on the bike daily, even in a foot of snow. I'm proud of him for that accomplishment, his dedication and drive! And me? More miles this year than in any so far. Not too shabby.

There was also a lot of change at our house this past year. Mike won the work lottery in January, and was laid off from his long time position working for "the man". He took some much needed time off, and spent it working around the house on various projects that had taken a backseat to working, riding and racing - a new mantle for the fireplace, all new cabinets in the workshop, a new leaf for the dining room table, painting, installing a chimney cap, and LOTS of outdoor work as well as all of the regular household chores (yup - groceries, cleaning and laundry!). The house and yard look fantastic. In June that came to an end when he took a new job. The good news is that it is in Bedford. The bad news is that it is a job. I miss my happy house husband - maybe 2013 will bring him back :).

I also made a job change this year. Early in the year I recognized that while I had learned a significant amount in my time at Harvard, the job wasn't really what I wanted to do. I woke up one morning and realized that I had become a Software Development Project Manager - not something I know much about, nor had a passion to continue doing. I have since returned to a contracting company I used to work for, and am contracted back to the Learning and Development group at HP - it's like putting on a comfortable pair of old slippers going back, working with the same people and processes. Working from home 100% is also a huge benefit - I don't think that I could ever return to having a commute. Plus, where would Opie and Ellie sit?

As I think about how quickly the time has gone by this year, I am reminded of my beloved grandma, whom I lost in May. It was a running joke with us about where the time went. I have missed her a lot this year, and will continue to. She was a very special person in my life, and I am very lucky to have such a well of fond memories on which to draw. This was the first holiday season without her, and I missed her terribly.




We did get to spend some quality time with our families this year as well. In January, I visited my mom and dad in Florida for a few days of warm and sun. My mom turned 65 this year, and I went up to Canada for a surprise visit (all planned by my dad and I). Somehow, we even managed a complete surprise party for her! Then, in the summer, my mom and dad and niece came to visit us for the better part of the week. We had a great time seeing the sights and just enjoying each other's company. I don't get to see my niece as often as I would like, so our time together is always special. Mom and dad came to visit again at Thanksgiving - celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary by staying at the Governor Bradford in Plymouth where they honeymooned! We also celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas before they left again for the warmer climate of Florida for the winter.

Grafton MTB Race

The road and MTB race seasons for me were pretty short and non-descript. I only competed in two road races - Battenkill and Sunapee. I haven't decided yet if I will do ANY road racing next season - I really didn't miss it. I did do a few more MTB races, and had a great time. The competition in the W Cat 1 35+ category has become pretty stiff, and I'm going to have to up my game some for next season, especially with Nationals coming to Pennsylvania...

The primary racing focus for both of us this year, though, was on cross. And what a season it was! Reducing the amount of racing we did early in the year meant that we went into the cross season fresh, and looking forward to racing. I finished up the season with 29 races (Mike had 33) - a personal record. The best news was that I didn't burn out this year. Typically, I get to early November and am tired. Not this year! I was still excited about racing just the week before Christmas!

Green Mountain Race Leaders
Photo: Vicki Thomas

Thinking back on my season, it's hard to pinpoint specific highlights - there were so many! I finally found my way well into the top 10 of the big (Verge and Shimano) races this season. Though I saw mixed results, racing with the leaders (and, in the case of NoHo, actually LEADING the race) was a huge improvement for me over years past. I gained a lot of confidence through the season, and realized that I DID deserve to be there, and had what it took. The support of the other women was tremendous, but the support from Mike was really key. It took some stern comments from him for me to see myself as a top level racer.

Velocross

Together, Mike and I raced the entire Zanconato SSCX series, with the exception of only two last minute additions that conflicted with the Downeast Verge weekend. While the competition is equally as fierce in these races as in the bigger series races, the atmosphere is also more low key and friendly. For me, there was also some tough competition this year - Katina W from NY came out and did all of the races, winning all but one. Kerry L took up racing SSCX this season, and we went back and forth in several races. I also managed to convince Allison S to race SSCX on more than one occasion, and hooked yet another competitor into the field. It's awesome to see this series growing. At the end of the series, Mike and I both ended up in second place overall, with spiffy trophies to show for our efforts.

A win at Providence

We also raced the entire Verge and Shimano series. Mike had a stellar year with multiple wins and podiums throughout the season. In some cases, I think I was more excited and emotional than he was! I cried tears of joy at Gloucester when he finished 2nd on the first day, and was over-joyed when he WON the second day. Watching him was inspiring, but also induced some pretty good heart palpitations on occasion :). I am so excited that all of his hard work and dedication paid off, and am very proud of his accomplishments.

Keeping good company at Regionals

If I had to pinpoint one highlight race of the season for me, it would have to be the New England Regionals. I registered for the Women's 45+ race alongside a field of elite racers, world champions and national champions. Looking at the start list of 8, I figured that I would finish about 6th (and, in fact, that's where the Race Predictor had me finishing). After a stern lecture from Mike about my attitude and him telling me that I COULD, in fact, beat some of the people in my field, I lined up ready to race. It was a good course for me - lots of power sections and not too technical, but just enough to keep everyone on their toes. I started well, and found myself in a small group, having caught both my teammate Kathy, and Katina (my nemesis on the SSCX scene). Soon, I couldn't see Kathy, but could see my good friend Michele and my other teammate Karen ahead of me. I worked on making time wherever I could, eventually passing Karen, and Michele (she bobbled in the sand, and I got around her). In the final lap, I knew that I was sitting solidly in 3rd place, and could still see Katina just ahead of me. Unlike other races, I never looked back (knowing full well that Michele was close behind), but focused instead on closing the gap in front. The finish came down to a sprint between Michele and I, but I was determined not to lose my podium spot, and Mike was yelling like crazy for me to keep going. For the first time in a couple of years, I finished ahead of Michele. I also finished ahead of my teammates (something that hasn't happened since at least 2009), and only 9 seconds behind Katina. It was a good day - no, a GREAT day for me on the bike, and the highlight of my season.

I would be remiss in mentioning that I couldn't do ANY of what I do without Mike. He is my fellow adventurer, cheerleader, motivator, coach, mechanic, soigneur and most importantly, my best friend. Thank you for all that you do, and for sharing this year with me.

Now, we're enjoying some down time after the busy holiday rush. There is snow up in Bethel, and we are taking advantage - snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling. Mike is still out on his bike - today marks his 366th straight day of riding.  My bike is here, but I'm taking a bit of a break for now.








It's definitely been a full year, and I'm looking forward to the year ahead and what adventures it will bring our way. I hope that you and your families have also had a good year, and that the year ahead brings much joy and happiness to all.

Farewell, 2012, and Happy New Year!