Hartford Downtown Criterium

Sunday, May 28, 2006 - Hartford Downtown Criterium

A very fast one! 50 laps, around a .7 mile loop, with no actual corners...a real "loop", around Bushnell Park in Hartford, Connecticut. The weather was about as perfect as it's been since we arrived out East. I woke up early and rode out to Concord before we left---and even early in the morning it was shorts/jersey weather with NO WIND! Also NO CARS! Perfect!

Mike and I got on the road and headed West and South on the Mass turnpike. Today's adventure would take us to a new State (to us, an "old State" in the union) in New England---LOVELY Connecticut, Surely the greenest State thus far in our NorEast exploration. Downtown's always look so nice when it's a holiday weekend, and this was no exception. A beautiful capitol building and the grounds were green and clean.

Mike suited up while the Scrapper and I did our normal routine...check out the competition. The Nerac Team was hosting the race, and so they were out in numbers...as was the Fiordi Fruitti Team. And Colavita's Italian Stallion---Davide Frattini (whom I did not recognize at first...the blonde bombshell is no longer blonde!) 110 guys lined the start of the Men's P1/2 race. Luckily the streets were wide and the pavement was smooth!

"Race rules read" and they're off! Taylor got a good start near the front of the massive peloton, while the Scrapper and I found a nice resting spot in the shade. (Syd forgot her sun-screen!) About 7 laps later, my "Seven" rider comes hammering off the front at turn one, leading the way. Suddenly a Colavita guy flies past! The Italian lead the way into turn two with Taylor on his wheel...but soon with 108 guys chasing, the field was quickly back together.

The field was very attentive and while many rider's attempted to escape---no one ever got more than 15 seconds off the front. Right around lap 48, the Fiordi Fruitti, 8+ man train took their turn at the front. Taylor quickly took his position behind the train with Frattini right on his wheel and some Target Training riders in close proximity. The storming peloton was strung out like a snake---and the only guys who weren't on the train were the ones who got crashed out by what was later known as the "Litespeed guy", who must have had a mix up when the schmack went down.

As they turned the last corner, I could see Taylor in the distance...too excited to see him in the front of the race, I closed my eyes. So I missed the "amateur moves" of one of the "Red men" zig-zagging his bike dangerously across the road in the sprint. Mike finished strong though---5th place and in the dough!

We celebrated a fine Sunday with a plethora of sushi and beer---and toasted our sponsor/employer (Seven Cycles) for the lovely day!

Saturday Spin

Working in the bike business AND having weekends and holidays off (and paid!)---is very cool. Another cool thing is that so many folks took off for "the Cape" or other places for the long weekend and so I had a nice reprieve on my ride today from all the traffic. A creature of habit, I always head West and today was no different. What was different is the warmth. Shorts and Jersey weather at last.

As I passed Walden Pond, I realized how quickly the thrill wears off. Only two months ago, I was "Wow! Walden Pond!" Not really "wears off"...but rather I expect to see it. Even as I head passed the historic sites in Concord and the Minutemen Trail, I am still impressed...but I don't always "look" like I did when I moved here.

Oh, don't get me wrong, there's always something new and interesting---and when there are less cars, it is so much easier to see the beauty of this area. The flora and fauna of New England still amazes me. There are these pale pink and bright yellow trees, amongst all the green, green pastures. And the organic farms are regal...just like the horses and their owner's I pass along my route.

And then there's Carlisle. I love it there, and it isn't just the ice cream. It's the way that every home (mansion) is different and unique---no two alike. There's standing water all over Great Brook Farm---no mosquitos yet, but I am sure they're on the way. It was humid today---I like it that way when I'm riding though.

Mike and I are headed to Hartford, Connecticut tomorrow for a race...I hope you enjoyed a lovely first day of the long weekend. Nothing like a Saturday Spin in the morning (followed by a downpour after I returned home)...but the sun's out now and no rain in the forecast for awhile!

Go Sunny!

(I have a really cute picture of the small hound in her purple Sunny's Team Tshirt and baseball cap...but I can't figure out how to get it up on this site...so you're stuck imaging a really cute Jack Russell all dressed up in her purple kit looking cuter than ought to be legal, wishing her Grandma a good day today!)

Go Grandma!

Mom called last night after her first chemo treatment. She sounded good. It's that chemo-wonder-woman feeling!

Ya'll are wonderful. Not sure what I'd do without your encouraging email. Here's the Scrapper in her purple Sunny's Team outfit. We should all look so good in this "get-up"!

Tuesday morning ride...

So, all those months of Mike complaining to me about the "working full time---no time to ride" syndrome are sinking in. If I even open my mouth to complain he quickly quashes any further words by saying, "See---now you understand!" Sigh. It's not really all that bad. I just like to have something unimportant to complain about sometimes.

Luckily I am a morning person. It happened late in life (I used to like to "party all the time" and sleep until 10am!) Now I am up around 5 or 5:30 and if I'm not in bed by 9:30pm it's what I consider a late night. Sigh.

This morning I was out of the house and on my bike before Mike even woke up. You have to get up early to avoid the chaotic morning rush. In any case---I was pedaling along, minding my own business and didn't even realize it was near the end of May---I'm still wearing my lobster claw gloves on my rides in the morning. Can you believe it? I can't.

Before the traffic kicks in, you have time to admire all the colors and greenery of Spring. New England is "seasons to the nth degree". Never have I seen anything quite like it. And the houses are cool---no two are quite the same. And they're old for the most part. So old that the horse/animal barns are connected to the home (so that you didn't have to wander out into the weather to tend to your livestock, no doubt).

I was rolling along, realizing that what I like the most about riding my bike---or at least one of the things, is that it is my time. I'm nobody's wife, friend, employee, sister, daughter, etc. I'm just me. It's my time. It's self-indulgent. And I don't know if it is the exercise or the "time" that I need, but whatever it is, it sure does make the rest of the day easier.

...so this morning, just as I was thinking about my Mom while rolling along in the "suddenly getting more populated with smelly old cars" roads, I suddenly found myself barely avoiding a pot-hole the size of a small state (let's say the size of Delaware). It reminded me that no matter what is going on around you or inside you---you've got to pay attention. And enjoy every minute and moment that you have. Otherwise, you might fall into a pot-hole or something. Silly thoughts for a Tuesday.

Happy Birthday Chris Insinger!

Lake Sunapee Bike Race- Newbury, New Hampshire

Saturday, May 20, 2006 - Newbury, New Hampshire

69 miles; 3 times around a 23 mile circuit over very rolling terrain with 1300 ft of climbing per lap. No feedzone. And while it was very chilly (Is it May---really?), Mike said it best when he said, "...at least it isn't raining!" The fields in the races [all over New England] are now full, so Mike headed to a near 100 guy start line in the Pro 1/2 race, while I headed off right behind them solo. The nice thing about "no feed zone" is that I get to head out and explore on roads that have the rolling closure, policeman marshaling at all the places where there is a turn, and even SAG/wheel vehicles that pass me when the different categories of races go by, should I need one!

A few Colavita guys, The NERAC team, a few Canadian Teams were there in force, along with some of the local hot-shot teams (CBC, Fiordi Fruitta, Garneau, Cyclemainia/VW and others). These teams have like 8-15 guys...(think Alto Velo!). I was so busy piling on the clothes that I missed the start. The weather, at this point, is making me weary. This is the second year where I really had to dig deep to deal with the external weather patterns. Sigh. (Quit complaining Joni!)

I have to say that despite the chill, this part of New England is absolutely magnificent! New Hampshire is spectacular...in the spring. I can only imagine what it must be like in the fall. In New Hampshire, the roads are pristine! Clean, smooth pavement---nary a pothole. Massachusetts, even when you get out of Boston proper has so many potholed roads!

I'd be reaching if I said that these were "climbs", still, it felt good to "climb" again (the whole circuit was like climbing Old La Honda, plus 100 feet---and you had 23 miles instead of 3.5 miles to do it), and yet...it felt more similar to my old jaunts than anything I've encountered in going on two years. When the pace cars would approach I would pull over and cheer the racers on! Two other Seven guys were there---Scott Rosenthal and Seth were both joining in the sufferfest in their respective fields.

Lake Sunapee is below Mount Sunapee---one of the ripples of the White Mountains (think Mount Washington), and the Appalachia Ranges. The air is clean, the roads are clean and the people are friendly. Me and my tangents. That's why Mike races and I explore. I'm supposed to be writing about the race and I can't shut up about the overwhelming "Loveliness" of this area. But after 5 years or so, you're used to it! (They didn't call me Joni "Mail-er" for nothing! Even if I am a Taylor now).

I finally got lapped by the Pro guys...and I spotted my favorite Seven guy (my favorite person for that matter) sitting comfortably in the pack, looking like he was on a club ride...when he can breathe, smile and say "hey" to me, I know he's feeling pretty good! I jumped on with some girls who were off the back on the steepest part of one of the climbs...hung with them going uphill, but I always get dropped on the descent.

Two guys had escaped off the front [of the P1/2 race], on the first lap. No one chased and there went the race. Without any team tactics to bring back the two leaders, it was a race for third. A single guy (unless you're Eric Wohlberg!) can't bring back a 3 minute lead solo-style. Frustrated, but willing to take over, Mike worked his way to the front of the peloton and lead them uphill to the finish. Two guys jumped on his wheel...one guy was barely able to go around him for the finish...but Mike finished strong! Second on the sprint and 4th overall!

We celebrated his prize with some sushi and Belgian Beer. The best news is that he said he felt better after the race than he feels on some of his weekend training rides. No aches. No pains. Not bad for a working stiff!

Foresee the Four Seas and 4 C's!

What in the world am I talking about now? I wish it was good stuff. Cancer, chemo, caring and courage...all in the foreseeable future, (and I'd like to run away from it all by sailing away on the four seas).

We've been dealing with the potential of my Mom's Cancer returning. And it appears to have come back. Not in the pancreas this time---but right behind the pancreas a tumor has been growing. Sigh. Sigh again. Ugh!! (If I were talking instead of writing I'd be making these noises as opposed to writing them---but you get the gist) It's been two and a half years.

So, now what? I'm still feeling sorry for myself---and am not sure what. I am trying to get a grip. But I know this much. With the same amount of care and courage, we're gonna take it on. Hearts full of love and hope and prayers. A part of me says, "Oh, not again!" (A big part of me).

The other part ( a small part) is saying, "all right...let's get to it...we can do this again!"

I feel more like wallowing away in my depression about this, but there's so much love and hope and answered prayers in my life. So many blessings. My Mom is the most courageous woman I know. Even when she didn't know what she was doing (like raising three kids when she was barely in her 20's!), she did it with so much love and strength. She always saw the bright side. A different perspective. The good and the beautiful parts of all people. Music and laughter, Joy and Humor. And chocolate! (The good C).

Anyway---I've been not wanting to mention it....but I write. It's what I do....ride and write. And with all the crummy rain...I've been writing more than writing.

The other good C in my future will be a trip to CALIFORNIA. Looking like June. I need a movie night (or three) with Mom.

Sigh....All the prayers and concerns and loving thoughts are welcome. You all made a very difficult time so rich. I will keep you posted.

So much love---Joni

May flowers...Mayflowers!

Now that I've lived in so many different parts of the country, some things that have been mentioned to me, off and on, throughout my life have begun to mean something. Like I used to remember how people used to wonder how come Californians are always walking around with a smile on their face. The small talk is happy talk---not in a proper or congenial sense---just "happy".

Somewhat similar to the Southern-hospitality type thing. It is that "being warm and lovely to strangers" (or in reference to California---to and by people who are down right strange). These two places formed my upbringing---and I went through life thinking folks were just that way everywhere. Now I understand a little better and I believe that the reason folks are so darn happy all the time is because the weather is so nice all the time---or at least most of the time.

I'm no scientist, but sunshine does make it easy to smile alot. What I learned in Minnesota, is that the weather is such an after thought and each and every glorious day is one to celebrate. But even when it was -10 degrees, most Minnesotans found a way to think that it was just a great day. And even I would find joy in the frozen walks through Camden, and the simple lifestyle. The fact that things were easy, there was no traffic, and people were "nice", made all the crummy weather (I know, I know...to every season turn turn turn...but you know what I mean) days (and there were alot of them!) a little easier to deal with.

In the Northeast---folks have a much more reserved way of being. (I am generalizing again...and I need to not do that.) Folks aren't just so happy to see you all the time...not me personally, but in general. Like when you're walking down the street---or running at the track---or riding your bike and they don't always participate in the "biker's wave". Much of this is likely do to the fact that there are SO many people here. Lots of people. Lots of cars. Lots of rain.

...and lots of US History, lots of beautiful places, and lots of things on your mind so you don't have time to take time to smile alot. I guess. Once it's summer time you have to cram in all the things you like to do when it's nice out into a few months I guess. Who knew there were so many different cultures living and thriving in the good old USA? It is kind of awe-inspiring, no?

And as my friend Ralph put it, "If April showers bring May flowers...what do Mayflowers bring? Pilgrims!" So there you have it!

The worms are drowning!

Getting out for a breath of air, I hit the track this weekend. No use trying to ride my bike unless my wheels could also be used as flotation devices---which they couldn't. On Sunday, Mike and I went to Lexington to visit Peet's. We bought enough [coffee] to qualify for two free cups of Java, and then some. And there is nothing like Peet's, from the source. Not sure what they do differently from me---but it is high-octane at it's finest!

Fully caffeinated, we proceeded to do a little cleaning up in the basement, and watch the rain. It didn't stop. I kept waiting for the customary break that in-evidently occurs but it wasn't happening. I called my Mom and chatted away for an hour or so. Another Mother's Day away from my Mom. The call made my day, and when I mentioned that I was sorry to have missed being with her for Mother's Day another year, she told me that I treat her like everyday is Mother's Day and not to worry!

Once I realized that there wasn't going to be a break in the rain, I suited up in my rain gear, and headed to the track. I love to run, I just can't seem to avoid injuring my hip flexor's or I cramp in my calf. But the last couple of days (and a switch of running shoes), had been pretty good, so I took my chances again.

I had the track all to myself. Not too many nuts in New England I guess. Lots of smart folks in this neck of the woods. Actually though, I wasn't alone. There were earthworms all over the place. They were trying to escape the deluge and head for higher and drier ground, of which there was none. At first it freaked me out. But after my runner's buzz kicked in, I just ran carefully around them. It reminded me of when I was a kid and all the worms would be on the sidewalk when I'd walk to school in the rain.

I hope you enjoyed a lovely Mom's day weekend---Happy Monday!

Rain, rain and more rain...

Can you believe it? It's May for crying out loud and we're getting dumped on out here in New England. Yeah yeah yeah----I've heard all about the showers and the flowers and all that stuff that's supposed to make you feel great about crummy weather. It isn't working though. The only person not having some serious issues about the weather these days, is "yours truly" pictured above in all her loveliness. She might smell bad (nothing like a wet dog smell), but her attitude about the dreary day(s) must be applauded. Sigh...

The plan was a race today----but who wants to get all wet, dirty and expose yourself to crashes. We're too old for that cr_p! A very nice surprise just the other day was a visit to the Seven Factory from a Minnesota friend, Jim Bell. He is on the team that Mike was planning to race with (until we moved), and he regularly visits Boston. I gave him a grand tour and sent him on his way with some Seven Schwag.

It's been non-stop raining for hours. No wind, or "drastic" weather patterns...just a constant rain. In Minnesota you get about 12 different kinds of weather a day because the wind blows it through. Here---no wind...just rain. It's green green green---If only it were dry dry dry.

I've got a plethora of things to do with unboxing/re-boxing (stuff I don't or won't need)...so it sounds like a day in the basement is what I'll be doing. Sounds like a good day to go running as well.

Don't forget to call your MOM tomorrow!

120 miles!

Now that's what I call a weekend! I won't even talk about the miles Mike did this weekend because I'll feel like a wimp! I never made it to Wachussetts---didn't even try. I got lost in the historic, affluent communities of Carlisle, Groten---wow! every few miles or so there are these special ice cream places where you can buy homemade ice cream. Liken it to a Ben & Jerry's type and you'll get the picture. Good, creamy fresh and "full of fat" ice cream. You undo your bike ride with each stop. But worth it! Yum!

We enjoyed a perfect Saturday---after our respective rides, we met up at home and ate some food. Then we headed out to this fish-shack, it's called a fish market...but it's a shack, across from Fresh Pond in Cambridge. They've got the wooden fish crates out front and live lobsters and crabs swimming around containers on the inside. We opted for some fresh Salmon and it was the best Salmon I've had since we moved from California. Then it was off to find some beer.

We stopped into this liquor store that looked inviting and it was indeed. Belgian Beer! Yes! We grabbed some Leffe Blonde and some Hoegaarten, but when we went to pay, they asked for ID. I didn't have my wallet with me, but Mike showed his. The guy said if I didn't have my ID, he wouldn't sell us beer. Mike, on the verge of being angry said, "hey man, she's 43 years old!" The guy said, "Yeah right---sorry man!"

Can you believe it? I pretended to be annoyed about it but I have to say---as inconvenient as it turned out to be (we never found the right liquor store that also had Leffe), I thought it was pretty funny. Mike said that he was never going there again because they were expensive anyway. I may go back though. We ended up getting lost looking for the beer place in Sommerville. No surprise really. This is a very difficult place to find your way around. No grids. All circles and unmarked streets. Sigh.

We are about 15 miles east from where the REALLY good riding starts. I've never seen so many organic gardens and mansions. Makes the Atherton/Woodside area homes look like chump-change. Not really---but close. The Minuteman trail ends around Concord and from Concord - West it's great rolling roads. It's amazing to me how many people out there ride bikes that don't fit them. I can't help wanting to mention that it might be a good idea to raise your saddle about 2 inches, or (gulp!) lower your saddle about 4 inches---but I mind my own business.

I'm off to shop. Mike will be EXTRA hungry today---he rode out to the climb---and is hitching a ride home with friends. I like exploring at my own pace, and if I can avoid putting my bike in a car, I will...plus I like to stop and read about all the historical landmarks.

Funny thing, everyone complained about the wind when I passed them on the road. After living in Minnesota's prairie, I must have toughened up a bit to "wind"---I thought it was a glorious day. What wind?

Come Saturday morning...

My Mom used to play guitar and sing that song to me. No matter where I live---I miss home. Don't get me wrong. I like it here. I like the history and there is something to be said for living in a part of the country so often visited as a destination place. Lots to do. Lots to learn. I've spent much of my life living in a destination place. But there is no place like the San Francisco Bay Area. It's still home for me ---no matter where I go.

We had a diverse weather week with rain, cold spells followed by a lovely spring 80 degree Friday. I'm used to crazy weather patterns by now. And even though I know we made the right choice to move here...there are bits and pieces of Minnesota that I miss now and again. The riding might have been boring---but I LOVED the lack of traffic. And now I am stuck missing both my families. Always a trade-off. Do I sound like the ubiquitous complainer?

I hope not. I just got email from the promoter of the Minnesota race though and I got a little homesick for my newly attained Mid-western roots. Sigh...

Today is lovely and I am off to ride towards Wachussetts (God Bless you!)---either that or Harvardtown (not Harvard---but Harvardtown). Riding to Harvard is like riding around downtown San Francisco with even narrower streets and more (yes more) people. But Harvardtown is lovely with rolling countryside (for around here). Wachussetts is also a Mountain Range (for around here), and Mike and a couple of guys from work are riding there tomorrow. It's 110 miles round trip and of course Taylor is riding there and back. The other guys are driving there and gonna do a 40 mile ride. I might practice riding there today and see if I can do it. Ha!

I hope you have a lovely day!

Palmer Road Race

Sunday, April 30, 2006 - Palmer Road Race

80 miles---4 times around 20 mile rolling course with an uphill finish! The last 7 miles were pretty much into a 15-20 mph headwind. That said, I think today is the most beautiful (weather-wise) day we've had since we moved here. It probably got into the low 70's, not a cloud in the sky and bright, crisp and clear sunshine! To top it off, I had my eye's out for my Oakley's that blew off my head on the freeway yesterday, and sure enough, there they were. Mike pulled off to the side of the turnpike and I ran out to get them. Not a scratch! Can you believe it?

Anyway---nice way to start the day! And we packed the car with all our good wheel-sets today, so of course we didn't need them and of course that's why we did it!

The town of Palmer is located in Central Massachusetts (near Amherst), about 15-20 miles further West from yesterday's race. And there was a rolling start down a hill from a less spectacular [than yesterday's] High-School, although, I have to say that the schools out here are like something from a storybook. I love how they're all nestled into the geography of the area. They "blend" in a regal way, as opposed to an "in your face" kind of thing.

And given the course, and the fact that I only have to support one guy, I brought my bike today and set out ahead of the Pro 1/2 race (80 riders strong!), missing the start perhaps, but they caught me going up this pretty steep incline (still neutral). Mike rode by, smiled and said "hey!" I love it when he does that!

This was certainly a nice place to go for a bike ride---especially with a rolling closure and plenty of other races to clear the roads of cars. It also helped me stay on course---as each race passed me by I was able to see where to turn. I even hopped on the back of one of the fields (of the old guys!) until a race marshall said (nicely) that I wasn't supposed to do that, which was OK by me since I miss all the cool scenery when I'm trying to hold a wheel.

I made it to the feed-zone with time to spare (I so hoped to not get lapped by the Pro 1/2 guys!). Mike came by looking like he does when he's out on a club ride. Weird. I gave him a bottle and cheered him up the road. He didn't need a bottle on the last lap. No breaks to talk about---but I loved listening to the Massachusetts accent when the race director was yelling for folks to "move yer cahs...off the wroad please!"

I watched the guys come up the hill for the finish and one of Mike's new riding buddies, Joe took the honors for the win. Mike rolled in for 12th place. I wish I looked as good as he does after racing (or even riding for that matter) 80 miles. We rolled the few miles back to the car together. Another great racing weekend!

Thanks for reading....

Sturbridge Road Race

Saturday, April 29, 2006 - Sturbridge Road Race

Western Massachusetts is lovely. The day started off on the chilly side, but warmed up nicely. It's just the opposite out here though, and when the wind blows from the East, what I keep thinking of as "off-shore" breezes (translates to the warmest riding and killer surfing conditions in California), are actually the on-shore breezy kind of days---with some cooler sea air in the mix. It's still a little confusing for this NorCal girl.

While driving to the race, on the Mass Turnpike, we hear this POP! Like a bonehead, I stick my head out of the sun-roof to see if the back tire popped, and I had my usual cap with sunglasses on top. Duh...we were going 65 mph...and off flew my Oakleys. Not a good way to start the day. (Horstmann...I may be calling you for a new pair!) It was the front wheel anyway, as we learned when we arrived at the amazingly architected High-school. Wow! I never went to school in this kind of a place.

A few pops later and Mike decided to ride his training wheels instead. Less risky. Mattison Crowe...a co-worker at Seven, who raced much earlier than we did walked by the car. It's always nice running into folks at a race. It's odd to be in such a familiar scene without a ton of familiar faces. But already there are a few folks here and there. (It's a pretty small scene in the big picture.)

And while you NorCal guys are whining about Levi showing up at your local jaunts, how about having none other than Mark McCormick showing up at our local races to add a little excitement and flavor to the day, along with a field of an upwards of 80 other fun-seekers. Sigh. I always hope for less competition...Mike always loves the challenge. Which is why he's the racer, and I'm the poser.

And off the went....8 laps around a rolling and twisty "just under" 7 mile loop, with a fast and furious slightly downhill finish. Perfect for a bunch sprint crash fest. Great. Mattison, Sydney and I got comfortable on the grass. It is so darn beautiful this time of year. I guess I now understand what folks mean by seasons. Having lived in "Pleasantville" most of my life---where it is generally 75 degrees and sunny, I guess I really had no idea about seasons.

Mike's front tire popped on the 4th lap and we watched him hammer past the start/finish to chase back on with a new Zipp 404 wheel. (Eat your heart out Karl!) Thank heavens for race support. Then on the sixth lap things looked interesting when Mike was joined with 5 other guys about a minute off the front. Too soon though. Round and round they went. McCormick was watching Taylor. Taylor was watching McCormick (as was everyone else in the field!) McCormick took a monster pull in his 53x12, and as everyone tried to hold on and recover, three guys snuck away. And there went the race!

Mike was second in the bunch sprint at the finish..but another small group of rider's had already snuck off the front...so he was just outside the money in 11th place. And Mark was right on his wheel in 13th place. Go figure! Hope we got our flat tire luck out of the way!