Amazing 1 year old climber training to scale the North West Face of Half Dome!

My little Lady Sofia is quite persistent!

Over the Hump MTB Series - Irvine Lake

Some guys decided to start a weekday race series here in Orange County and it was about time!!! I can't believe no one has done that before!

It was a huge success! The first race was at the end of August and the second was a few weeks later. Over 300 mountain bikers participated in each race and did laps around a 3.4 mile loop at Irvine Lake.

It was great to see all the different levels of riders. There were some TRUE BEGINNERS who lined up just behind some TRUE PROS! Beginners did 1 lap; Sport- 2 laps; Expert- 3 laps; & Pros- 4 laps.

Even Hans "NO WAY" Rey showed up to give his support. You may know him from this photo....


Although I haven't returned to my former fitness level, I wouldn't have felt comfortable racing anything other than the Pro category. There were 5 of us ladies in the Pro category for both races and both times I ended up in 5th place. I must say that I was very satisfied with my performances. Not only was I able to somewhat compete with these super fast ladies, but I was also able to improve my time during the second race.

Next I will be competing in a race that is more my style. It is a 50 mile sufferfest at Vail Lake. The SoCal Fat Tire Epic is on October 3 and it will be a tough one for me. I haven't had a whole lot of training time but I'm getting in rides whenever I can. I just hope to finish within the 8 hour time limit!

My Dearest Specialized,

Although it has been 8 years, I remember our first encounter like it was yesterday. Joe hooked us up together at Jax in Huntington and we took a lovely stroll down Main Street. I wasn't quite used to your stride yet and I tripped and fell to the ground. Joe rushed us back inside where I began to pass out from the pain in my hand. But I came to and was so embarrassed that I could think of nothing else but to take you home immediately. And that's how our love affair began, me & you...my beloved Specialized.


Just like any relationship, we've had our ups and downs. We've been through some very rocky paths and I've cursed in front of you more than a lady should. And you haven't always been an angel yourself. I can't begin to count the times that you have caused me much pain.



But no matter how dirty our relationship has gotten, we've always remained together.


Sure I have eyes and I've taken a peek at others here and there. But none compares to you and I can guarantee that I would never stray.


I often think of our trip to Greenland where the sun shone for 22 hours a day. We soaked up every minute of the sun riding amongst the glacier fed streams.


You've taken me to so many new places and I've especially enjoyed seeing the race podiums at Sea Otter, Old Pueblo, & Nationals.


I've been happy to carry you across exotic beaches in Brazil and "no riding zones" in Patagonia.




And no matter how many different styles or colors you take, I will always be there to love and care for you.


I would even go so far as to pad your landing with my body if you fell.



And now, that the baby is born. I need you more than ever.


I need you to support me on my way back to fitness. I need you to push me hard. I need you to perform like you're rolling with a fit athlete instead of a post-partum Mommy.


And I know you will. You and I will be together forever, my beloved Specialized.