SO MANY RACES!! Part I

OK, I have been racing so much I haven't had enough time to catch on my blog! So, I don't wear you out and I'll split these up into at least two posts! Sorry but this is going to cover many races. I will try to not write too much! BUT...No Promises!

  

OKC Velo TT March 19, 2011



It was a chilly day!

So, after the Salt Creek and Talk Chief races I was preparing for my first TT of the season. I love participating in the OKC Velo TT Series. Although, I didn't post the fastest time that day I still set a personal best. Last year was this was my first TT of the season too and from that TT to this one I have taken a total of 4 minutes and 26 seconds off my time. Although I am not as fast as I want to be yet I am pleased with my progress.

  

I love my Honey Stingers!

 


Bringing it Home!

NW Arkansas Spring Classic March 27, 2011

Can you say COLD?  This was a crazy race for many reasons but I will only talk about some of it! First, a cold front came through Arkansas this weekend and temperatures dropped into the 30's and it was sleeting on us during the race. This was a 24 mile road race and it was part of the Lance Armstrong Junior Race Series. Well, it all started pretty good but I learned a valuable lesson on this day. And, that is no matter who they are or what their intentions I will NEVER let anyone work on my bike during a race again. Anyway, after this happened I was never able to get my bike to shift properly again. This was not the course to be stuck in a bad gear...Weaver Hill was looming. OK, it is a 1/2 mile climb and it's not pretty but I didn't quit! I climbed that hill...ugly...but I climbed it! I really can't remember ever being unhappy on a bike but I have to say this was my worst day ever. I just kept thinking "Lance Armstrong Never Quit" and neither would I. I got a medal but wished I'd had a better day on the bike. 

I just have to tell you it was so cold my buddy Ryan, a Cat 2 racer, lost complete feeling in his left arm. They, obviously, went longer than the Jr.s but he had to reach over his body to shift his front derailleur and he still had a great placing! Great job buddy! 

Trying to bring it

 

LAJRS Medal



Lincoln Road Race April 10, 2011

1st Place

I have one word for this race...WIND!! Wind gusts close to 50 mph is what I heard people saying! I just know it was WINDY! I left the race with a 1st place trophy and I felt strong. I was still having some gear problems but I just trying to work through them! Good day overall!

OK, I will not post anymore tonight! Stay tuned Part II will be along shortly! And, remember always LIVESTRONG.



LIVESTRONG 2011 UPDATE

I started my 2011 LIVESTRONG journey by sending out a bunch of letters and emails. I posted to my blog and signed up on Twitter. OMG...things have really been happening! I have already received many donations and it's been great to hear from so many people! One person I was very excited to hear from was a gentleman I met at last year's LIVESTRONG Challenge! We became buddies and this year he made a donation via my fundraising page. I was so excited to later receive an email from him telling me more awesome news...he works for a company who is matching his donation! I can't tell you how excited I was when I read this news and to know we are going to see each other again this year! It has been so fun watching my LIVESTRONG themometer going up and up! 

I also made a donation bucket and put it at the bicycle shop, Buchanan Bicycles, who is a sponsor of my racing team!  So, if you happen to be in Buchanan Bicycles be sure to drop your change or a dollar or ten in my bucket!

 Ok, I told you I started a Twitter page and I have met so many really neat LIVESTRONGers! I have even met a couple who were married last year in Dripping Springs, TX the weekend of LIVESTRONG 2010. Their names are Brad and Jennifer! Brad even sent me a picture of their surprise wedding cake! Check it out! We've decided we are going to meet this year in Austin! It will be lots of fun!

There is also this really neat guy, Dylan Trakas, who works for LIVESTRONG. He and I were emailing each other as he was helping me with some questions I had. I felt really special when the other day I got the mail and there was a handwritten note from Dylan! He has been really helpful! Thanks Dylan! I hope we get to meet in Austin! 

I know I set a much bigger goal this year over last year but I really feel like I can reach it! My Poppy always told me I could do anything I really wanted and this is something I really want to do! HELPING OTHERS ROCKS! Poppy, I am going to do it! OK...so drumroll please...I have raised...wait for it...$1, 640 (including the matching gift that hasn't posted yet)!!! I am really excited! I still have many different types of fundraisers planned so I'm really feeling confident that I can reach my goal! It takes all of us working together to help defeat cancer! I even saw a show today on how nano technology may one day help attack and destroy cancer! It takes research and your donation helps! If you can help please click here to go to my fundraising page! Thank you for all you do!