KeleKeleBoBelly

Birthday week!

2008-09-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

Mtn bike riding, first time for a long time!! What fun!
New Cross bike!!! Thanks Mike!
Mike turns 37! Looks like he could use an extra meal!!
He gets to eat the whole thing!!

Starcrossed

2008-09-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

That's Mike...308...in the Master's 1-2 feild
Mike setting up for the muddy corner...his seat clamp bolt came loose, he was forced to the pit, but having no support, had to salvage tools on his own...then the bolt came loose again 1/2 lap later..he rode the last lap w/o a seat to sit on....ouch

Nikos Mills rode a solid, consistant race, finishing top 1/3 of a huge field of 80, even w/ a crash on the last lap.

I couldn't resist being a part of such a fun race...it's OK everybody...I was taking it easy...Phil (the ref) told me I won the tandem race!!
All smiles...mud is fun
Star studded field on 27..Wendy Simms (2nd), Sue Butler (winner), Kathy Sherwin (3rd), Josie Jacque-Maynes (4th)....local girl Kristie Berg rode a solid race, followed by Beth Lynn-Griffith...
So excited to be on my bike...

New baby bump noted.

2008-09-21T08:31:00.001-07:00

Thirteen weeks! That's the end of the first trimester! I've been doing great! No sickness, just a little tired.

I have been very busy w/ new life stuff. I am working as a Clinical Instructor overseeing students treating patients at the University of Puget Sound one day a week. That has been super fun. I also am a one on one Clinical Instructor for a blind, amputee student in the afternoons. That is a very interesting experience, I'm learning more from him than he is from me!

I signed up for a 9 week cooking class that meets on Thurs. I'm gonna learn tons!

My Mom is coming to visit next weekend! We are going to do baby shopping, and curtain shopping...I'm so excited for her to see my house!

Then we go to visit my Grandparents and brothers/sisters/stepmom's/second cousin's/father, in New Hampshire the next weekend! Yipee, New England in the fall is breathtaking!

That's about all!

Track racing

2008-08-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

most fun I've had on a track bike...the womens madison...
my teammate Anita won the race for us!!

The dream team, aka "Sluggers"...team pursuit. Christin King, Me, and Shelly Olds
I love that spot...pursuit
Team Pursuit...see to our left is Jenny Trew, Step Oruda, andCarrie Eller...I trained all winter w/ the first 2 girls in Canada...we have the same coach too

I know I look a little pudgy here...i'm so glad to know I was pregnant in this picture...and that's why (wink wink, i was like 5 days pregnant)
Great fields at FSA made the racing awesome...this was the miss N out....it's (from the right) Christin King, me, Shelly Olds, Jenny Trew, and behind her was Steph
yeah madison...wait, I think we've seen this..oh well, it's worth seeing it again....look at my face...weirdo.

Big News BABY!

2008-08-09T15:21:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness. It's happened, I'm pregnant! I can't believe it! I'm so so happy, scared, excited, nervous, and overwhelmed! The doctor said I'm 5-6 wks along. That means a late March baby!

I can't believe I'm gonna be a Mom!! Man, that just sounds weird! I better get used to it!

Family time

2008-07-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

Me and Rocky, and funny stuff.

2008-06-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

I just had to...
OUCH...what's that black strap?
goood stuff...

Nature Valley

2008-06-15T18:00:00.000-07:00

Day 1: Rainy crit, that got nullified...a million crashes...~50 women dug super deep to hang on to a very fast pace, fighting the natural urge to exit such a dangerous course....only to find out it was to NO avail! And, of course the the men didn't have to race (softies!!)

Day 2: Cannon Falls road race that was pretty mild, until the last 5 finishing circuits of ~2mi each. Of note our teammate Andrea Luebby got 2nd on a QOM!! The circuits was basically a crit, w/ sprints, and speed! About 75ppl came into the circuits, just after a dirt section followed by the worst pavement on a wet decent ever...Tina Pic took the win, closely followed by Joanne Kiesanowski, and Laura Van Gilder...followed by my ex-teammate Shelly Olds!

Day 3: TT in the AM. Mostly perfect TT course, w/ a 1K climb to finish it off. Kat Carroll smoked a 2nd place, behind Kristin Armstong. Shelly had a great TT in 6th! Chrissy w/o any TT stuff pulled of 14th!
Crit in PM: Downtown Minneapolis. This year it was dry!! It was a fun course, stayed together pretty much. There was a lot of wind on the course making it hard for any solo riders. A good real crit! Brooke Miller surprised us w/ a strong win!

Day 4: 91mi Mankato RR. Lots of wind and teams trying to attack Kristin Armstrong made it a very active race. Then came the killer finishing circuits w/ this steep climb on it we had to do 4 times...and it all shattered. And, guess who won?? Kristin Armstrong, that's who!

Day 5: Stillwater cirt. The word crit is a misnomer...it's a 12 time climb, then power course. This course has a like 45sec 18-21% climb on each lap, and the laps was 1.3mi course. A fun course, minus the hill. And Kristin was on fire again, she won by over a minute! Chrissy attached up the last climb and was perched for 2nd, then got passed close to the top..damn, I was so excited for her...nice try! Kat was in that group too!

Liberty Classic

2008-06-11T07:35:00.001-07:00

I was a day to remember. Beginning w/ the 98deg temp w/ 96% humidity. All the streets barricaded, huge screen for fans to watch the (MEN'S) race, stands, fans a plenty on both 'The Wall' and "Lemmon Hill", and ~100 women, and ~200men.

This race has such a historic feel to me. I think its due to the Philly overall feel, rich pride in their history! Our race is 4 laps, and w/ in those laps we have 2 Queen of the Mountain sprints, the Manyunk wall (800m steep climb, up to 20%), and Lemmon Hill (short, don't even know why it's considered a QOM, as far as QOMs though, it's my favorite!). These spots ramp up the pace, as well as the Start/Finish (which is about 500m from the feed zone...talk about Fast Food....hee hee)...which always seems to stretch things out. All and all this course requires you to stay attentive at all times. This year we had an additional challenge of a construction zone, where Onone Woods (ahhh, spelling??) crashed due to the slick pavement, and had black oil all down her left side.

So, major part of this race is POSITION. It's a challenge to stay up front, but well worth the effort. Lots of grates on Kelly drive, make moving up on the outside dangerous, the road goes from 4 to 1 lane, and add in an S curve...and that spells...someones-gonna-eat-it....

Luckily, our team stayed out of any mayhem. Tina Pic had her taste of it. On the first lap after the steep climb, there is a fast technical section where she hit a pot hole and lost control of her bike in a corner and slammed into a barrier. The rest of the day she rode w/ her brake lever 90deg from it's normal position. She NEVER ceases to amaze me. I heard later she had been sick all week, w/ flu like symptoms. She was dry heaving IN the race, and then CRASHED, then finished top 10! Now that's heart, and grit. And, she's so humble about the whole thing! I wish her all the best!!

Ok, so first lap Kristin Armstrong get like 2min on us after the first climb. Then another group of like 5 break off the front, then it all comes back together...then I flatted coming off Lemmon Hill and never got back on. The group stayed together for the next two laps (there was another small group that got some time on the 3rd lap, but was absorbed). Chrissy attacked on the last lap, but was caught soon after or on the last climb...good try Chris!
We had Jess, Trish, and Casey in the front group on the last lap before the climb. Then there was a crash w/ like 200m to go, but Shontell from Highroads won w/ an attack on Lemmon from a small group. Brooke Miller stole 2nd from Ina, and Ina took third. Steph Orouda (representing Jeremy Storie, and Vancouver, BC) took 9th in her first Liberty...great job Steph!

Casey won the American U23, and got money and a podium! How awesome is that? Nice work!

I'm very disappointed w/ flatting, but hey that's racing! Now I look forward to Nature Valley!

Pre Philly ridin' and R&R

2008-06-07T10:32:00.000-07:00

Hey Chrissy, what tha??? God you never cease to make me fall over laughing!! I miss you so much!!See, everybody else was paying attention to the, "Ok guys, over here"..There she is, all cleaned up!

Here's the crew! From the left...Phil (owner), Theresa (T-Bird), Jess (Rocket), Doofus, Casey (what she lacks in height, she make up for w/ volume), and Gary (manager extraordinaire)
Here's T-Bird trying out riding w/ the cast....she HAD to know it wasn't possible....she's such a trouper...but after this ride, she realized it was too risky for others around her....she, I'm sure would endure the pain, but she doesn't want to put anyone else at risk...therefore, she's chosen not to ride. A HUGE disappointment for her, this was a major race for her.

We love ya T-Bird!! Now attach your healing, like you do EVERYTHING else in your life!! And, we'll be just fine!

The rest of the kids on our ride...Phil, Jess, Theresa, and Casey...Gary got nixed out of this one...he's riding a track bike w/o breaks...

Jess and I baked banana bread, and apple crisp yesterday! Perfect for light, nimbely climbing....right??

Philly week (CSC, Allentown, Reading)

2008-06-07T10:13:00.000-07:00

This has been a week of acclimatising. A new team, house, heat, humidity, as well as the usual bike racing chaos that is standard.

And it's been good. I think I am getting used to sweating as I sleep (thank Jehovah for my fan)! The team is coming together well. It always takes a little time to familiarize yourself with a new format, and style, and we are ahead of the curve!!

CSC was down in Arlington Virgina. Whew, it was hot-o-rama. Thank Ali our race was at like 10am! I can't remember too much about the race, except the results were all screwed up. They did NOT pull lapped riders and this caused havoc at the finish. Theresa finished 7th, a good first race back. I almost took her straight into a barrier at 2 to go...as I was trying to take her to the front, and my opening suddenly closed...yeah, that was AWESOME!

Allentown, again super hot. The course had a stupid kicker hill, and was a long 1mi course. Not the best team race, but good lessons learned, to build on for Reading and Philly!!

Reading, not as hot. Team really made good adjustments from what we experienced on Tues, and rode much better. Unfortunately, Theresa crashed and sustained a spiral fracture of her 5th Metacarpal (the long bone on the side of your palm, under you pinky). She's so tough, she tried to get back in, and ride...but after near missing ANOTHER crash, she saw the writing on the wall and called it a day. She's had a hard time ever since she's got back to the states! Hang in there girl, it can ONLY get better!!

Today is the day before Philly. We rode a little this AM. Man on Man it's SOO hot. I love this race. It pushes you in so many ways...the huge number of riders, the challenge of getting good position, THE WALL, the false flat after the wall (where it's flying because the front riders are now on the decent...and this is where gaps open..), Strawberry hill burns, Lemmon is over before you know it, then you have to fight to get a bottle because NO ONE slows for the feed zone. My biggest challenge is keeping a positive head on the 3 min section of the wall and the false flat over....it's a little overwhelming...all the build up...people talk about 'the wall' and just having a name makes it more scary....but it's just power!! And that I know how to handle.

This race makes me love being a bike racer! At least today, I wonder how I'll feel tomorrow.

Home in Philly

2008-06-02T11:48:00.001-07:00

Check, Check, it out....The Verducci team house..
With a sweet custom bike rack to boot out front!
this is the MONSTER upstairs bathroom....
awesome kitchen...

the living room/dining room..that's Jess and Theresa returning from their ride....
I live in 'Heaven'...because it's on the third floor...

Gary and Theresa's suite...
Jess's bed, room....pretty much the same thing...

And that's about it....we are about 2.5mi from Center City...so close to everything! Thanks so Joe Wentzel for making this possible for us!!

Sights in Philly

2008-05-29T12:21:00.001-07:00

I remember getting stuck in an 8 (crew), under this bridge at the Schuylkill River Regatta in college.
on our ride we passed Villanova...
I was so lucky to bump into George (far left), and Sally (third from Left) and several of the Sturdy girls for a great ride.
Someday, this will be me and Mike...

oh these poor people....Shontell, Niki W, Sally, and George invited me to join their already planned ride....and I ended up getting 2 flats, then completely getting lost whilst doing some intervals....TOTALLY screwing up their ride....strange, they haven't invited me again?? Sorry guys!!
East Penn...the first Penitentiary in PA. Now it's just a museum. Beautiful building!! I hope to have time to go to the talks, and look around.
I saw this Dragon boat practicing...they have a drum on board, it was cool...it's the guy on the far Left
I just noticed this building being destroyed...right in the middle of the city...many people stood around watching. Interesting to watch.

Wenatchee wonderland!!

2008-05-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I went to Wenachee Wa to watch Mike race a 2 day 3 stage stage race. It was unique for him to be racing, and NOT me. I really enjoyed watching him, and just having time to hang out.

Mike starts his TT.
Kyle is off..
the feed zone in the road race. This race has a 12mi climb w/ avg grade of like 12%...nasty! The feed zone is only 1/2 way up. In this picture, I had totally forgotten I was supposed to feed the cat 3 field...so I was taking pictures of them instead....oops

on the drive home, I remembered I needed to send in a pic of me on the bike, in my kit to my team ....so we pulled off the hwy, I kit'ed up, jumped on my bike and snap...too bad I was in the wrong jersey, bike, and shoes...I wish it was the thought that counted....maybe A for effort???

Beaufort, SC Marine Base

2008-05-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

In Beaufort, SC my host father took me to see the Marine Base here.

They were chanting and marching
They were practicing fighting..
The Hiroshima statue, it was very moving.

Cool to experience the places I get to travel! Apparently, this area was one of the first settled areas in the US.

Leelanau Michigan!

2008-05-26T14:17:00.000-07:00

My first race with my team was Leelanou. It's a UCI/NRC race in northern Michigan (2hrs North of Grand Rapids). The cool part is, Theresa is from Grand Rapids, so we got to stay w/ her family!

The race was fun. A great course, rolling hills, w/ one wall, a million QOMs, four thousand Sprints, and one winner! The feild was small but strong. Cheerwine, Colavita, Tibco were all present to make things exciting.

Pretty much from the gun Anne Samplonious (oh god I have no idea how to spell that) went...ALONE ! And she stayed away all day. That's awesome. Later another break w/ Iona and 4 others got away...then the main bunch was close behind.

Theresa's family showed us a new treat. You take 2 pieces of bread, put cherry filling in the middle, put in a cast iron bread holder that goes over the fire to toast it...viola...cherry pie toasted...yummy
after the race Theresa's mom and dad had a cookout...hot dogs, smores, fruit salad, and cherry pies....it was great! Here you see Tequila and Twink (short for Twinkle toes)...Theresa much loved dogs.
Check this out, these are Theresa's world's jeresy just for like 4 years...
This is her favorite one...notice the pink band in the middle....it was a mistake...but makes is super cool and unique...this one is from Colombia
OH these? These are the ones she just hasn't gotten around to putting up...CRAZY huh. Oh, did I tell you she used to race speedskating?? Yea, she pretty much did everything you can do in that sport. She has a tatoo that has a 29 (for the # of golds) 19 (silvers) and some other number...and worlds stripes for her tally of worlds medals. She showed us a video of her racing...it was so cool! Pretty awesome stuff to see!

Thanks for showing me all that Theresa!! You have a great family, it was great to be a small part of it!!

It was great racing w/ my team. I really like the girls. Theresa, unfortunately, has been struck w/ multiple illnesses since returning to the states about 3 wks ago (strep throat, sinius infection, and food posioning) so she's was not herself. Jess and Casey rode well, happy to get the first race in the books for the season. I enjoyed the course, and riding w/ the team.

Controversial Athens

2008-04-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

so, I crashed. This is my left side. My left arm looks about the same. That's part of the deal, unfortunately.

Luckily, I was able to get back into the race. And that's where the controversy starts. I was put back into the break...but it was a different break than the one I crashed out of. Several girls, understandably, were less than thrilled to have me and 2 others join.

I chose to sit on, not contest anything, and ride it in. I was waiting for an official to come tell me to drop back....as that is the officials job, officiate! He never did, thus I decided to stay.

Up unto that point, I felt good, raced too hard...chasing everything, being over anxious, attacking ignorantly...so I'll take that lesson into tonight's race.

Jen Wilson was third in Athens, a great result for her and the team. Jenny Trew was at the front of the main pack. Melissa and Liz rolled in with the bunch. A good overall night for the team. A great way to start off the racing week!

I'm riding for Vanderkitten this week. If you're not familiar with their kits, go check out the photos from Athens....we are pretty much in every one. It's a black and white kit.

Tonight is Beaufort. Beautiful place, great southern hospitality, great food...can't wait to race!

Bikecat.blogspot.com

2008-04-16T06:48:00.000-07:00

http://bikecat.blogspot.com/

If you want MORE camp photos. Or need more information about hou YOU too can enjoy Girona like we did...check out the above site. This touring company is first rate, such a great experience. I highly recommend everyone to look into it!

"my my my Girona" (the song my Shirona tune)

2008-04-13T01:17:00.001-07:00

Can you pick which one is Theresa and which is Jessie? I can't!

dede was about to smile, I promise
the whole group...jaume (the best guide ever), puffy, jess, theresa, dede, gary, diane, phil
me and a Canola feild...there are tons around here...very pretty
Yeah, were did we ride today? Oh, just by a CASTLE!

After our awesome ride, Jaume made us a typical Catalayn dinner.we got a big kick out of Jaume, cutting the cheese for us.

there were mutliple kinds of meats, and cheeses (jamon, manchego?, chorizo) from the area. And on the far left is a tortilla...but it's make w/ potatos....eggs, cheese, and potatos.

so the tradition is take raw garlic and rub it on the toasted bread...

then do the same w/ a ripe tomato (jess really enjoy's that part). Then add salt, pepper, and olive oil...YUMMMMY!

Theresa was anxious to get started on dessert!

I'm so hungry, I could eat a HORSE!!!

2008-04-13T01:09:00.000-07:00

and I DID!! yep, no joke! It was Dede's fault. She said it was great, this horse hamburger. Very lean, mixed w/ spices and such...and hey, if Dede likes it, it must be good, right??

and?? you may ask. Well, it wasn't nasty. The flavor was good, mild...but I must say, I couldn't really ENJOY it...because they are such beautiful animals....and I couldn't get it out of my head. I don't think I'd order it again. Unlike those beef cheeks the other day!

To add insult to injury, the next day on the ride....as we approach a pasture w/ some beautiful horses...Theresa yells out, "Watch out horses, here comes Kele!!' It was quite funny....especially when later we came up on a pasture of cows, and I returned the favor by saying, 'Watch out cows here comes Theresa!'...at least it made me feel better!

Girona, Spain Verducci training camp

2008-04-11T05:21:00.000-07:00

jaume, me, jessie, theresa, dede, gary, diane, phil
sheep
medivel castle

the door to Lance's old apartment.

juame and xavi lead us on a great ride...here we are enjoying lunch. Jaume runs Bikecat, a cycling touring company that you should look into...it's awesome!! Bikecat.com

theresa and gary at dinner...I had beef cheeks, yep the ones on your face

dede berry
cool marble staircase in the hotel
the entrance to our hotel

Redlands 2008

2008-04-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

Redlands 2008
This year, I guest rode for Team Advil-Chapstick. My team, Verducci Racing, has yet to arrive in the States. Training camp is next week in Girona, Spain. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there!

I arrived to ONT on Wed, the day before the race. The Advil van (previously the Saturn, Quark, and Colavita van) and Jim Williams pick me and then Anna Milkowski up. We are staying at the Maury Mansion. A restored historical Mansion built in 1890 by an architect for his beloved wife. He traveled all over the world, and took pieces of architecture, decorating, and design from everywhere and put them into this house. He did all the wood carvings, cabinets, and carpentry himself. He dedicated it all to his wife. What an awesome story huh! I had the present day version of this in my life when Mike surprised me with an SRM last week. Not quite as time consuming, but equally heartfelt, I’m sure!!

After settling into our elegant historic room. We ride the TT course. And it hits me, "I haven’t ridden hills AT ALL’. Didn’t even dawn on me maybe that would be good prep, seeing as there are a few here! Hmmm, I guess day before will have to do.

I think this is the 5th time I’ve done Redlands. So many different memories, and perceptions of the race. I remember being SO intimidated the first year. Being in a laughing group (quite literally) with Nicole Freedman, trying to catch Megan Long on Oak Glen (I know, she’s a sprinter, does that give you a gauge on my climbing prowess), pre-riding the bike path TT course w/ Kristin Johnson, and making jokes w/ Chrissy in yet another chase group on Sunset..

Day 1, Prologue: 5k. It starts on a false flat, then a short kicker, short decent, false flat, R turn, short steepish kicker, fast decent, chicane (no idea on spelling) R then L, then long false flat and rough road, R turn into 1.5k of steep, then gradual, then steep, then gradual, then finish! Even though ½ of this race is a flatist TT course, I have never done well on it. Not sure why. Kat Carrol was the first mortal, getting 2nd behind the immortal Abbott by 25seconds. It’s so exciting to see Kat do so well, she’s such a great person, very well deserved!

Day 2, Beaumont Circuit. By car this course is ‘interesting’. It offers flats, winds, rolling hills, long false flats leading into short climb, then a moderately technical decent, followed quickly by another short climb w/ a QOM, then a long fun decent, and back to the flat headwind.
So, about 3-4mi in I hear an explosion behind me and Anna say, ‘It’s my wheel’...I didn’t realize it was Anna till I heard it in my earpiece, quickly followed by ‘Kele drop back to help’...and after an excruciatingly long wheel change (apparently her tube had exploded out of the tire, around the cassette and brake)...she found herself well back from the group. In very unorganized way I attempted to help her, but once in the caravan she was very capable of leapfrogging her way back on.

We are now on the false flat section leading into the hill..I later realized, at first I thought I must have just forgotten to train all winter because I couldn’t get my heart rate, or breathing to come down once I rejoined the pack. I was still maniacally trying to recover when the peloton hit the first of the two short steep pitches...and I couldn’t get my legs to follow their command, and almost instantly I was in the cars again. My head, and heart knew this was BAD. ‘It’s WAY too early to get dropped, think about the time cut’...keep it steady, use the cars...and I did, but was still suffering quite a bit...loosing ground, then gained some back on the decent, but the cars were quite a hinderince, then I lost them again on the QOM...and so much more on the final decent due to the cars who had grown tired of seeing me, and less apt to give me room.

From then on I was alone, for a while I had one and two riders w/ me...but I was focused on keeping a decent pace to make the time cut...so I lost my friends, then caught Megan Elliott, and 3rd time down the decent my spoke broke on my rear tire...and seeing as the wheel cars where miles ahead of me (and my wheel wouldn’t spin because it was so out of true) I had to wait ~45min for the next round of car..when the Advil car picked me up. And that was the end of my Redlands 2008.

The Crit...

first time up Sunset...yea, the hardest one!!

Unfortunate, yes. One of the realities of the sport as well. I’m disappointed. I has really wanted to gauge my fitness and training on my performance here. All that track racing, what did it do for me? How will it affect my road racing?? What will the crit be like? Do I have the staying power for long breaks still? Those were some questions I had hoped to answer. Not to happen.

The Advil team was great. Brenda Lions got 3rd in the crit. She’s a super nice, busy, well rounded person, I’m so happy for her success! Kirsten Robbins always so soft spoken, and an amazing climber, modestly did very well. Anna was her normal aggressive self, always eager to push her limits, and race her bike always! Betina Holt was guest riding as well. She’s a Canadian rider, who has ridden for several big teams and it was great to learn from her experiences. Megan Elliott joined us as well. She’s a hoot. Fun, light-hearted, smart, and savvy rider. She’s headed to law school in the fall...that’s awesome1 Tim was the quietest director I’ve ever met, and very kind-hearted. I enjoyed riding for him! Jim Williams was colorful, funny, experienced, calming, and very helpful as always! Great mix, good people, good racing...what else do you need??

I watched the first climb up Sunset before leaving for the airport to take me to Spain for camp. And you know what I noticed, they all are suffering...just like ME! Kim Anderson, Kat Carroll, all of them...had the same intensely focused look. I never get to see climbers faces when they climb (my vantage point is normally from the REARS), and for some skewed reason I thought they all just danced up the climbs laughing and joking. It’s nice to know they are human too. Make it seem more attainable.

I’m dying to hear what happened. I’m sure it shattered on the first climb. But how? Who? When? Did it stick? Who attacked it? How much time did people gain/loose? Did jerseys change hands?? Oh, it’s so exciting!!
That’s my report. Ahora mae voy

Sick daze

2008-03-15T19:04:00.001-07:00

Mike and I stayed home from racing today....we're a little under the weather!

One of the benefits of being sick, is COMFORT food. Mike just got back from the grocery store w/....strawberries, a can of whipped cream, a pint of Ben and Jerry's, a huge frosted brownie, 2 cream puffs, and an M&M cookie! I knew I married him for a reason!

Here's me on my favorite cruser EVER! In Copenhagen.

more Vacation pictures!

2008-03-03T06:43:00.000-08:00

We were able to spend an evening and morning with Kristina on our way home. Can you tell it's the last day, early in the morning? I wonder if we will get charged extra for those bags on check in?
Mike and his sis!
In Copenhagen, there was a little ice rink in the center of the city...and I touched it w/ my toe!!

Mom and I in Nyhavn (old harbor that now is a quaint shopping area now)
Posers!!!
Ohwee, enjoying a Danish in Denmark...and WOW it was SO much better than what we have in the states....
This is Copenhagen City Hall where Kristina and Vala got married this January!! I'm so happy for them both!

Hey mister, your missing something!
Mike and his favorite animals....
yet another us shot....at Mike's uncle's house....

Here we are enjoying a Kebab at a restaurant in Vaxjo, right after we visited the Sweden Immigrants museum (which gave information about Swedes who left Sweden to go to the US), and before we went to the Kosta glass factory.
From the left we have Jan-Olof (uncle), KKBB, Martin (cousin), Buggins, Kirstin (aunt), Molly (Mom)
Kirstin served a wonderful smoked salmon for dinner! Mom digs in!! And yes, that's the head.
Mom enjoyed the Moose farm too!

Grandmother and us. She made Christmas dinner for us since we missed it this year. That's Lutefisk (spelled?), and Rice Pudding...some of my favorites!!
That white stuff is the Lutefisk. Known for it's preparation in Lye as a preservative. It sounds SO much worse than it is! I had SECONDS....
Then after ~1hr of shopping we returned to Grandmothers for MORE cakes...this time cream cakes, coffee, and yes she made all those different
cookies on the tray.

What a great trip!

Mom this is Sweden, Sweden this is Mom

2008-02-23T00:18:00.000-08:00

The 'City Hall' of Copenhagen.
Danishes in Denmark...yummy!
Nyhavn!

Kosta Borda glassblowing factory! 1742, man that was a while ago!
In the factory you were able to get right up next to the glassblowers to watch them work! It was amazing!
A Rune stone, and Poppy (not quite as old)
The Moose farm!

The 'School Museum' of Almhult (I couldn't resist passing secrets)
Mike in the Dunce hat in the corner!
At InvaCare (a wheelchair manufacturer in Sweden, where Gunnel works). I use these wheelchairs in my work. It was quite interesting to see the difference in quality between European and American standards.
At Invacare in Sweden, like most employers, they are required to have a place the workers can sleep. In case they are sick, or need to sleep. Hmm, can't say I can remember seeing that in the states.

Me and Poppy! Poppy is enjoying her choke hold here!
A nice old pink church in Pee-ah-tr-id. This is near where Mike's family grew up!
A graveyard with many of Mike's ancestors graves. I learned that there were several sets of twins in the family. And several people immigrated to America.
I know, I know, I know....

A Danish hot dog. All we could find to eat after my racing!
Dinner at Kristina's in Copenhagen!
Vala and Mike.
Mike and parrot at Kristina's

Pictures of Kopenhaven track stuff

2008-02-22T23:58:00.000-08:00

Pre Points race warm up. Niki and I are planning the next move....which involves NOT falling off the rollers!
SAAWWEETT! Theresa Cliff-Ryan was on this podium TWICE! Two, count them, two medals. A bronze BOTH in the scratch AND points!! It was so awesome to see her up there where she belongs!! Nice work Theresa!! Bobby Lea, in the Madison heat!! On relief! He and Colby rode to a silver in the Madison Final!! What a great ride!! Nice work both of you!
Bobby and I went for a road ride, and look what I found. A Smiling Hay Bail...cute huh!
Representin' Kenmore!!
Meatball and Meatball!
My family. From the top left: Mom, John (father in law), goober. Next row from the left: Martin (Mike's only cousin), Kerstin (Mike's Aunt), Jane-Olof (Mike's Uncle), Daniel (Mike's twin brother). This was my cheering section! Thanks to you all for coming!

Kele in Kobenhavn

2008-02-16T22:56:00.000-08:00

Oh wow, it's so much fun to make the finals! What an exciting way to finish my track season. And with my family all there to watch!

The Scratch heat was the best!! The night before my race Bobby Lea suggested that I go from the gun going into turn one! So, all night I plotted my move. And it worked like a charm! It didn't hurt that the pack didn't react, and I was able to lap the feild in 3-4 laps! Oh what fun!! All I had to do after that was avoid the pile up in the last lap....and did!

The final wasn't quite as smooth. I paid for overgearing, and suffered from slow reactions, and struggled with the speed. It was great to be in it, and watch Marianne Vos rocket by me like a bullet. She is amazing!

The points heat, guess what I did...yep, the EXACT same move...it just had worked so beautifully in the Scratch heat, why not try again! This time I had 2 ppl join me, Julia Bradley (of team Race out of Canada, who Steff Roorda also is riding for...whom I train with and is also coached by Jeremy Storie) and Aksana Papko from Belarus. We held off the field for the first sprint, I took 2nd...and made my first and classic Kele mistake...lead the ENTIRE last lap going into the sprint...WHAT WAS I THINKING?? uh, I think it was something like, 'I don't want to swing off now and have to come around 2 ppl'...after the sprint we were quickly absorbed by the pack. And, I just watched to make sure the others scoring pts weren't the ones w/ me, and kept an eye for anyone lapping (something I learned in Sydney when I had 5 pts yet missed the final because like 6 ppl lapped the field). But my 3 pts proved to be enough!

Oh the Points final was bittersweet! Andy Sparks had warned me to be very efficient in the first 20 laps because it's after that that they really lay it on. Then I just ended up in the right place at the right time and was able to hang on for 2nd in the first sprint! Then I was so nervous I was gonna blow up, I was so conservative. I learned FINALLY that I really am on par, I can keep up, I am prepared, I have what it takes...a lesson that has been hard to learn. I don't mean to sound arrogant, but it was really a surprise how comfortable I was w/ the pace, and positioning. Where the day before in the Scratch I was on the rivet, here it was fine. I so wish I could race it again, because now I know I could have been more IN the race, and I didn't need to be so afraid of being able to hang in!

Teresa Cliff-Ryan is the girl of this weekend!! She got Bronze in BOTH the Scratch AND Points!! Hells yeah girl! So excited and proud of her! She is such a strong rider, and it's so great to see her succeed! Hopefully, we all can watch her in Worlds next month! (unfortunately, that is a complicated process...but I'm keeping my hopes up for her!!).

Jennie Reed again rose to the occasion with a 4th in the Sprints! Proving yet again, that she is on track for the Olympics in Aug! It's so awesome to watch her perform, her intensity and focus are unmatched! Inspiring!!

Sarah Hammer took the Bronze in the pursuit. Barely loosing her lead in the World Cup Leader position by one point to Romero from Great Britain! But that's okay cause it's Aug that is the focus for her!!

Colby took fifth in the Men's Points final. In his race 11 ppl lapped the field. I guess w/ 120 laps, more can happen! Colby raced yet again w/ great tactical savvy, and such finesse! I love watching him race, he is such a good student of the sport and reads the race SO well. I can learn a lot from him!!

Poor Bobby Lea! He did the move he had me do...but in his race, the field reacted while he was 1/2 a lap up, prolonging his agony. He caught after a long hard struggle due to the packs blistering pace...but he had just burned too many matches and the pack laid it ON, which proved to be a deadly combination for poor Bobby! But hey, at least he raced his bike!!

Great final World Cup! Now it's vacation time for me. A week in Sweden with my in-laws and my Mom! Yeah!

Bits of Ballerup!

2008-02-13T08:59:00.000-08:00

The Ballerup Super Arena...the track is super fast, and the infield is like a running track...it's this soft foam like surface that just sucks up your speed. So, transitioning from the track surface to the infield is a dramatic difference...I have to watch myself MORE than normal.

See those white lines, that's the transition I was referring to. You can see the podium as well, and the cages we all cram into for warm-up before races. It's quite cozy!
The is the front of the track...and the USA cage is the first on on the right.
Viola, the SUPER Arena!
Oh my, the Zleep hotel. Maybe they ment to call it...Bleek hotel. For the price of a room (average $130/night), you get NO ammenties...no clothset, no fridge, no coffee maker OR kettle, no phone, internet is $15/day, breakfast is $10 and its bread, bread, and bread w/ a splash of bread (or individually wrapped cold cuts)....and unfortunatley there is no restaurant in the hotel, so no food at all after 11am. And the closest place is quite expensive italian place and McDonalds. But don't worry I found a grocery store and am making due (althogh the milk curdled today, I guess that's why is put in the fridge).

This is my humble abode! I'm very happy in this little nest. I demonstrated this by sleeping 16+ hrs the first TWO night. Yikes! Not so good for adjusting to the time zone. And, yes I payed for is last night.. I woke up at 4:30am...

I thought this was quite funny! Not a drive thru, a McDrive! He heee

LA World Cup photos...at last.

2008-02-13T08:27:00.000-08:00

I was so happy to have Mike with me for this World Cup. But, he was armed with the camera.

It was fantastic racing. Still learning, but enjoying the process!! The Proman team all shared a house in Redondo Beach which was fun. We had great meals together, it was great to get to know everyone a little better.

The Mayham of the infield!

Men's points race.

Dave edumacates me on tactics.
"Hey Kele, over here!!"....geez mike I"m supposed to be ice cold and focused!!
Bobby Lea is on relief in the Madison!

"Go away Mike....I'm trying to focus."
Phinney Jr. about to tear it UP!!
"Please STOP Mike"...

Bowling for Copenhagen

2008-01-28T17:15:00.000-08:00

Free Bowling at the Garage

Support Kenny Williams & Kele Murdin for the
Final Track World Cup
February 15-17 2008
In Copenhagen, Denmark

Saturday at the Garage in Seattle, 3-6pm
Free Bowling
Great prizes
Silent Action
Raffle
Happy Hour 3-7 PM
Drinks and Food available (must be 21)
Please RSVP at Kelejessica@hotmail.com or KWRacing@gmail.com
1134 Broadway Ave, Seattle 98122
Garage at 206-322-2296

Mom is coming to Copenhagen!

2008-01-15T17:26:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited Mom gets to come see me race. Then will spend a week with Mike's family!! She gets to see where Mike and his family grew up! I'm so thrilled! It will be quite a family affar at the last World Cup of the season!!

YEAH!!

Karioke at my place

2008-01-15T17:20:00.001-08:00

Chris (a coworker of mine) was born to rock! He brought the Karioke machine, and put it to good use.
Chatty Kathy and Sharon, my good friend and coworker.
Mike and David (Sharon's husband) try and sheepishly stay away from the microphone.
Chris and Alli, thanks for the Karioke!!

Pictures of the Burnaby 6 day!

2008-01-15T17:06:00.001-08:00

Ok, so there are not too many. But I'll give ya what I've got.

Very serious buisness! The 2K. Thanks for the helmet and front wheel, Jeff and Matt.
The infield.
Jenny Trew starts...
Jeremy yells encouragement to me during my 2K

When he wasn't on the bike, or crashing, this is what Dave McCook did all week during the 6 day. Notice the cute kitty helping him.
RoMAN, working the phone lines on Skype! Cool peeps!
Jokesters all of 'em...they looked like caged lunatics!!
I have no idea what they are talking about...looks like they are both saying.."Hmmmm", very intently!

Post Australia and Beijing Update

2008-01-11T11:47:00.001-08:00

Post Australia and Beijing Update

Wow, what an awesome experience! Thank you to each one of you who made that trip possible for me!

In Sydney we had heard there were record numbers of participants, and it was true. For the women's endurance races there were three heat, with the top eight moving on to the finals. The track can only have 24 riders at a time, so the more riders the more heats needed.

In my heats for the Scratch race, I ended up 9^th by a tire! Man oh man, so close! Then in the Points race, (where every 10 laps there are sprints and the first 4 across the line get points) I counter attacked after a sprint and got away with one other rider. Earned 5 points, and came very close to lapping the field, yet another sprint came and they all sped up, and I never caught on. I ended again ninth, tied this time on points. Therefore our finishing position decided who moved on, and the other rider was ahead of me on the final lap, so she moved on. I was very pleased with my racing, felt good about my fitness and tactics.

Beijing was a surprise, the culture and city just blew me away. I loved it, minus the horrible air quality. I so enjoyed walking the streets, perusing the shops, and using the subway or a taxi. I was the first time in all my travels I felt completely unable to communicate. With most western languages there are similar sounds, words, or I know some basic phrase. This was completely not so with Chinese. I have so much respect and admiration for all Asians in our country, which are able to learn both. The Chinese people were so helpful, and laughed kindly at my trivial attempts to communicate. I took time to briefly visit Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall. Both amazing. The wall was just astounding, a massive structure, on such rugged terrain. To imagine what the people who built it went through is mind boggling. In the US we just don't have that kind of history.

The holidays were very special, my sister Abby is staying with us. She and I re-created our family traditional dinner on Christmas. From the cornbread for the stuffing, to the candles and Gregorian chant music, it was just like when we grew up. Mike and I had a smorgasbord on Christmas Eve to honor his tradition. We had herring, Glugg, Julmust and Ris-amalta (rice pudding). My Mom sent a care package of more of our family traditional treats, and my Grandmother sent a fruitcake. I'm still a few pounds heavier, but it was all well worth it.

Last week was the Burnaby 6-day race. My first races since returning from China. I was nervous about my fitness, but soon realized I didn't need to be. I won the first race and was in the top 6 for all other for the first 2 days of racing. I felt fresh, rested, and so happy to be at my home track with all my friends around. It was a great week of racing!
I'm off to LA in 2 days. Excited, anxious, and eager to make improvements. Mike will come to support me, which will be awesome. I get to stay with my favorite LA family, the Anderson's for a few days. Then the team has rented a house, and we will all be together for the racing!

Mid February is the final World Cup, in Copenhagen. I am very excited to race there. My sister in law lives there, and Mike's parents will come. After the racing Mike and I will spend a week in Sweden with his family (it's only a 1.5hr train ride from Copenhagen to Almhult).
Thanks again for all your love and support! Life is good!

Riding in Vancouver!

2008-01-03T12:37:00.000-08:00

Here we are in Vancouver, toolin' around before our 2nd night of racing at the Burnaby 6 day. You are looking at Adam Barlev and Roman Kilun's rear ends here...
Here's a better angle of the boys...
I was there too....see the Lion's gate bridge in the background. Apparently it was built by the same person who built the Golden Gate. Interestingly it only has 3 lanes. Strange to me....why 3? So, now the center lane changes directions with traffic flow.
Ahh, Vancouver!

Skiing with Ab!

2008-01-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

Great cross training!
Ab lovin' the snow!

Me and my big Sis!! I love this picture!!

Christmas 2007!

2008-01-02T11:52:00.000-08:00

Santa stopped by w/ treats for Mike on Christmas Eve!!
Turkey time! Ab and I went to town, put her in the bag! The turkey that is!!

The spread. We made the stuffing and cranberry sauce from scratch!

Honing my skill of pie crusts!

Glugg for all!

Mike in India!

2008-01-02T11:29:00.000-08:00

Mike got to got to India, New Dheli for a day for a delivery of a new plane. It was a work trip, but he made time to take some shots during his 12hr time off!

Sydney and Beijing repors

2007-12-17T08:45:00.000-08:00

Australia and china trip update:
First, I want to thank each of those who have donated and made this trip possible! It was such an amazing trip. The racing was the best I've ever seen (and those that have been in this sport much longer agreed). I learned so much, and am eager to take those lessons to create better results in the future. Having the World Champion, Olympic Champion, and World Cup Leader all right next to you in a race, is a pretty awesome experience!

I think I've put on a few pounds, due to all the HUMBLE pie I've been eating! One of my biggest lessons was to respect the level of racing I am participating in. The riders who are consistently successful have been racing and training at this level for years.

On the track, things happen so quickly, there is such a small margin for error. Positioning is so crucial, and it takes constant jostling to keep your position. Two times I was close to making the cut for the finals. Lack of experience, and knowledge of the race that held me back. I am confident that I have it physically, thanks to my coach Jeremy Storie. I need to utilize my strengths and race with confidence in order to make that next step.

My team was great! It was quite a whirlwind in Sydney. We rented a car, and had minimum of one-hour drive to the track everyday. We struggled with the map, and driving on the left side of the road (Dave McCook was the only one willing to drive, and did like a madman). The host family we stayed with showed us huge generosity, and hospitality, really making the trip much more enjoyable!

In Beijing, we stayed at the host hotel, so meals and transportation were taken care of, which was perfect. I had been so worried about the food quality, but we were at the nicest Holiday Inn I've ever seen, and the food was great. The track was amazing so smooth, and quiet. You could smell, and see the dust from the newly constructed building. It was pretty cool to ride such a new track. The stand up toilets offered great conversation topics throughout the racing!

Thanks so much to Nicola Cranmer, the Proman team manager for both Sydney and Beijing. She had the busiest jobs of all of us, and did it with finesse. Especially because it was her first World Cup level track race, she did an amazing job! I can't tell you what a huge relief it is to have someone organized, and on top of things helping out! Thanks Niki!!

Back at home, after a week of trying to get back on this time zone. Training has begun again. I've gone back to a little endurance riding, and will hit the track probably later this week. The Burnaby six-day starts December 31^st, and that's my next adventure! My teammates Dave McCook and Roman are coming, I'm really looking forward to it!

Off the bike in Beijing!

2007-12-12T18:09:00.000-08:00

Our Beijing home! This was our waitress staff all week. Everyday they dressed like this. I think they escaped from Santa's Sweat Shop....the working conditions here are much better!
Christine corners one of the characters that were the 'entertainment' all weekend. Where they came up w/ this, who knows. It was pretty entertaining!!

It's so much wider than I expected. In Italy this would be considered a major interstate!
What a background! I think I see a Mongolian invader!!

We had a great day bartering together and gawking at the enormity of it all!!
The Great Wall was overwhelmingly huge, and beautiful, and full of history....and of course, merchants!At the base of the wall!
The steps were super steep. It's amazing someone carried all these stones up here!

The crew gathered around, we heard there was a great show on tonight...
And Boy were we right...Meatball gave us a show we'll never forget! He won the scratch race!! Biggest of congrats to you Mike. And thanks for the victory dance!!

Adam always an eye for the camera....or anyone who will pay attention! This was our last night, chillin' enjoying the relief of being finished!

More tidbits...

2007-12-12T18:00:00.000-08:00

These were the containers every team kept their bikes in.
Look how many teams, and containers...I wonder how many millions of dollars are stored in these containers??
Man love!

Sightseeing in Sydney!

2007-12-12T17:43:00.000-08:00

This was the view from a bluff in Manly, where we stayed for the Sydney World Cup! This is the Sydney harbor (I think).
This is Manly Beach. And all those people in red shirts are in high school gym class. Not quite what my gym class was like.
We enjoyed lunch by the beach, with our host mother Sue!

Another great view. This is further in the harbor from a ferry we took on the last day!
Same shot just further away.
The Proman squad. I'm lookin' a little gruff, I know. I was in these clothes for 3+ days because my bags didn't arrive.

Ni How....chinese for Hello..spelled wrong

2007-12-06T03:23:00.000-08:00

We had a serious welcoming committee when we arrived to the Beijing airport. Straight off the plane, through customs, every step of the way were these super nice volunteers trying to make us feel welcomed. It was very sweet.
OH MY GOD, I wish they made a small model of this, it would look so good on a shelf in my living room!! Cool huh!!

Beijing has it's fair amount of smog. Many of us have carbon filtered masks worn at all times outside. It is truly amazing how bad it is. On a bad day, you can almost taste a gas like flavor in the air.

Oh goodie, here we go. A brand new track, an Olympic track!!

A beautiful 250 wooden track. In a huge venue, with heated infield (the floor). It's SOO smooth, and quiet. That normal rumble of bikes on wood is absent, it's crazy. But there is a bit of dust, because it's so new. It just adds to the stellar air quality!

More awesomeness!
Dotsie is SO PRO, blending right in on her trainer with the Russian National team!! Whoa, no one warned me about the stand up toilets! And what's the hose on the wall for??? And anyone heard of TOILET PAPER?? This should be interesting!
Adam is the only one to brave the 'Pork Trotter' from the buffet (as in feet)

"God I hope I don't regret this"....

I asked to go to a traditional Chinese market to shop. And the first thing I see is.....STARBUCKS....yeah, that's historic!
But, of course, I had to try it! It was amazingly similar. But they wouldn't let me take picture of the menu...communist!
Dostie, Sarah, and I went to Tian Amin Square (yeah, I know that's SO wrong, spell check isn't helping).

Sarah, putting the HAM in Hammer!!
Dotsie, is such a natural!
So, on the way home, we decide to take the Subway! Yeah, that sounds fun, cheap, and easy. At first we though it was! We laughed and laughed when we first got on because it was SOOO crowded, it was ridiculous!!
10 min later, joke was over...it was so stuffy, tight, and took forever!! Our chipper moods quickly changed to...."How much longer!!!!"

So, that's a taste of my Beijing adventures so far. Racing starts tomorrow!

Fun shots Sydney!

2007-12-04T18:24:00.001-08:00

Mandy Poitras warms up!

'No, no, no Brad...you ride BEHIND everyone else till the last 100m!!!' says Becky. Lettin' Brad in on some tried and true racing secrets. She is getting ready to take 6th in the Scratch final, and 4th in the Points! Awesome work. The highest finish of all the American Endurance riders!! (Jennie Reed scored a smokin' Silver medal in the Kerin!! and 6th in the Sprints!!)

Check out the guy in the middle w/ the black shirt...its Cadel Evans. He was promoting a charity event involving scooters!

Meatball is ALL BUSINESS!!

Here Dave, Shelley, and Niki all prep for the Point/Scratch heats.

BoBelly get's her engine rollin!

Antonio, gets some shut eye before his riders show up. He's helping the South Bay Wheelman team, and it's amazing how much work it does take to keep up w/ 3 riders! He is greatly appreciated!

Bobby Lea in his new Rite Aide kit, warming up! He kinda' looks like he's blowing kisses in this shot....

Here's Zack Bell of Canada! Holy Smokes, he raced an Awesome race, in the Points final! It was so fun to watch. Nice work Zack!!

Gary Ryan of the Verducci team give me the ol' thumbs up. He's such a nice guy, always in a good mood, positive, and fun to be around. He's married to the speed demon Teresa Cliff-Ryan, another super cool person!

Anyone know the comedian Greg Giraldo? He does a great skit about this line!!

The morning we flew to Beijing we first took a ferry to the Opera house, a beautiful park, and a little craft show! Here we are barely squeaking onto the ferry.

Here we are on the ferry, you can see the Opera House and Sydney Bridge (I think that's what it's called) behind us.

A few Aboriginals entertain us with music, and traditional dress!

Look at the birds just eating out of hands at the beautiful park!This was a great park, just nestled into the city, allowing for a great ride right by the water. Lots of unique trees, plants, and animals!

And, OH YEAH, crafts!! A weakness! But I love the local feel of such small events, I feel like they give a more true representation of the culture.

The Sydney Opera House. I learned that a distant relative of my husband helped design this roof top. It was breath taking!

Next we sped off to the airport...quite literally!

Sydney Race Report....finally.

2007-12-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

So, how was the racing?? You may ask.

Fast, aggressive, and super fun! The fields here are the deepest anyone has seen ever. Never can anyone remember 3 heats for the women. So, I know this is the best of the best in the world. Everyone is here!! (Isn't that awesome!)

My Pursuit....hmmm, what can I say that is positive? What did I do well? My first Kilo was right on schedule for me (my goal was 3:50). What can I improve on? I have not focused on my pursuit in training really at all, so I struggle with pushing myself through the pain that is required to maintain these speeds. You must ignore you brain, that is giving 1001 reasons to quit, and trust that you body can do it. What did I learn? I need to practice that level of intensity in training, so I have the experience and confidence in racing to push on. I am also learning to see the small improvements, and let go of self criticism, and judgement. I am very humbled, and grateful for this experience!

Then the Scratch Heat. This is only a 5k race (3 mi). It went by so fast. It was only 20 laps, and the first 9 were very uneventful. With 11 to go we finally go in the pole, but still were 3-4 wide until like 2 to go. What did I do well? Moved up, made a big effort to get to the front, and did. Did not allow myself to get squeezed at the rail. I was more calm than in the past in the middle of the pack that was very tight. What can I improve on? I made a few mistakes...first when I made the move to come to the front I did not go all the way to the pole, leaving myself too high and I quickly was swarmed. I also spent too much time at THE front, in the wind. And I hesitated twice when people surged, that killed me. Once you hesitate, you loose tons of positions. What did I learn? I need to use my size, be BIG. Remember that I know how to move in a pack, I love it on the road...the chess match of positioning....it's the same here, embrace the chaos...I need to be more intimidating, NOT intimidated! NO hesitations...fight for every inch!

My Points heat. My best race to date for sure! I went in with the attitude, "I have NOTHING to loose". I wanted to BE in the race. My Scratch heat happened around me, I took no chances....and walked away feeling timid, I allowed the other riders to dictate MY race, YUCK! So, before the first sprint Chatherine Cheatly went, and I got on her....we were off shortly, but were reeled in with the first sprint. Then I tried again to make a move, I quickly found myself w/ one other rider off the front. And I knew it was ON! This was my race. I was giving it all I had, we were working well together! Then Christine King and another rider came rocketing over me as I was pulling...and I just couldn't (didn't) get on the wheel, and I watched as all 3 riders rode away...and then I saw the pack....'oh my god, we're so close to taking a lap'....then I saw it was 2 laps to the sprint, I was loosing ground both to the other 3 riders, and to the pack....after the sprint I was more than 1/2 lap down...but I got 5 points for the sprint....but soon knew I needed to sit up and wait for the pack. So I did. And, went to the front, found a solid wheel and tried to conserve. Just before the final sprint, I heard Dave yell, "you need points". And I was not prepared mentally to sprint. So I worked to move up. But now the pace was high, it was 2 laps to go....I moved into the pole hoping the Cuba would make a move and open something up....that wasn't to be....I ended 11th....tied for 8th w/ 2 other riders....and one of them was 3rd in the final sprint (the tie breaker is each riders' position in the final sprint, so she got 8th)....I didn't make the finals. But I was happy....I knew that was a step up for me...I raced my race, took risks, was part of the race! It was so hard, so fast, so scary, and I loved it!!

And that's that from my vantage point! I'll take my lessons and hope to build on them in Beijing!

Shelley's Points Heat!

2007-12-04T17:51:00.001-08:00

My points heat....to be continued..

2007-12-03T05:31:00.000-08:00

Dave McCook's Scratch race!

2007-12-03T05:20:00.000-08:00

Meet the Robinsons!

2007-11-30T16:05:00.001-08:00

We've had a great host family! They have shown us great generosity, hospitality, and the comforts of a beautiful home! It has really made all the difference in the world! Unfortunately, I cannot download the pictures we have of dinner, and sight seeing!

But, we did see a Opossum. Which are like the Aussie's version of raccoon. But, oh so cute! Look at her little tongue! She was nibbling on some fruit with us at dinner!

This is my bedroom. Wrapped in pink, I have had great sleep. I haven't struggled sleeping at all!

This is Milley, their awesome cat! She get's on well with the Opossums!

Race ON!

2007-11-30T14:55:00.000-08:00

Let's get it on! Here is the infeild! Remember there are record numbers here in Sydney. It's so awesome to see all the teams from around the world!

Here are the girls in Heat 3 of the Scratch race. In yellow is Neva Day behind Cheatley of New Zealand, then 3 riders back is Shelley!

Niki gives Shelley her last sip of water before race time!
Here's Viggo refreshing Neva too!
And it's on!! There were 18 riders in each heat!

G'day Mate!

2007-11-27T14:21:00.000-08:00

We made it, it was quite an adventure for all, but we made it!

Our gracious host, Doug Robinson, met us at the airport and escorted us to his home. Met his beautiful wife and daughter, Sue and Victoria. We freshened up, and hit the track.

Wow, the track is great. A great spacious building, with toilets inside. The straights are a little shorter, and the corners are taller. It's always awesome to see the other national teams. Today China, New Zealand, Netherlands, Philippians, Italy, and of course multiple US Pro teams. It was so exciting to see everyone!

Of the Americans, I saw Teresa Cliff-Ryan, and her teammate Jess, and husband. Dotsie is sporting a new Momentum kit. Liz Reep and Becky Quinn sporting the national team garb. Sarah Hammer looked splendid in her Ouch kit. SWV has Christen King and Neva Day here! Cody Racing had Backford and Kenny Williams on deck. Des and Vigo are here w/ the national team.

The adventuer begins!

2007-11-25T16:28:00.001-08:00

yeah, I finally tracked down my Proman package! Look at my new kit!! Not at my awkward pose!

Jeremy told me I need to find that animal hunger for the sprints. Here I am working on it! Not as good as Shontell's tiger, more like a blinded Wombat (are they fast?)...dork!
So, today's the day. We got the car pack early, so Mike suggested we have breakfast at Panera. A place we frequented in College in Wichita, Kansas.
I had to get a shot of our matching sweatshirts from the Wichita State Rowing team, 1996. I think it's hilarious we both still wear them!

Killin' time in the airport in Seattle

Bye Babe! I'll miss you! Thanks for hanging out with me in the airport!

Now I"m sitting in the Van cover, BC airport awaiting my flight to Honolulu, then on to Sydney. It was a very convoluted process of customs, because I came from the US, and I"m going to the US (Honolulu)...but I'm in Canada...crazy!

Have you ridden a Kona lately??

2007-11-21T18:38:00.000-08:00

Check out my sweet new ride! I love Kona's. The ride, the feel, the look. And such an awesome group of guys (and gals) that run the company!

They have ALL kinds bikes, from full Carbon fiber road, cross bikes, to tricked out Mtn cross country and Downhill, to BMX, to single speeds. Anything your addicted little heart desires.

Check them out: Konaworld.com

I love new Kona bikes!

Isn't there an easier way??

2007-11-21T18:37:00.001-08:00

The Traveling Blues
In preparation for my upcoming trip to Sydney and Beijing, I have once again been faced with the never-ending struggle of traveling with all this equipment. The list of gear necessary for track racing is insane. Check it out:
Two bikes. A road bike for warm up and cool down on the rollers (because track bike gears doesn't allow for that light spin we need pre/post racing).
Four to six wheels. One set for that road bike, one set of race wheels, then possibly a front disc (if riding Pursuit, or team Pursuit), and possibly a spare track wheel just in case.
Rollers, regular helmet, TT helmet, tools, track sack spare parts.
Cycling clothing. Multiple long and short sleeve skinsuits for racing. A jersey and shorts for training. All the accessories; arm warmers, leg warmers, jacket, long/short fingered gloves, glasses, shoe covers, HR monitor, & undershirts.

Oh, and what about street clothes. For the upcoming Sydney and Beijing trip we get the experience of the Southern Hemisphere who are enjoying early summer heat. Then we go directly to the Northern Hemisphere of early winter in China. So, the key here is to pack versatile clothes sparsely.

Keeping in mind all this must be packed into bags that may not exceed fifty pounds each. And yes, that includes the bike bag or bags. Which brings up the points, 'How the heck can I pack 2 bikes and wheels under 50 pounds'. As I began this dreaded process, I wondered how others dealt with the same issues. So, I asked around to others in the same situation, in hopes someone had discovered some great system that makes traveling easy, simple, and quick.
Probably the most common bag used in my survey (8-10 riders headed to Sydney, or other international track races) was the double Bike Pro bag. The nice thing about that bag is you can usually fit wheels in it. But, with two bikes, and wheels, this bag is dangerously heavy, so one rider took the metal frame out because it apparently weights 17 pounds.

Others use two smaller soft bags (like Pica, Sci Con, Blue, etc), with one bike and a set of wheels in both. With two bags, riders run the risk of getting charged twice for oversized baggage (seeing as several airlines no longer offer the free international oversized baggage anymore).

A final option is cardboard. The beauty of cardboard is the weight, very light. With lightweight comes a lack of protection for the bikes, and if left in the rain can be destroyed. Often when using cardboard, the rider must pack the wheels in a separate bag due to lack of space.

The Tri All hard shell wheel bag is commonly used for wheels (it holds 3). Of note, Iona Winters had a heart-wrenching story involving the hard-shelled wheel bag. She borrowed a hard-shelled wheel bag and a disc for Continental Championships one year. And when she arrived she found a hole in each disc. She was not aware of the need to remove the axles of each wheel, to avoid puncturing the discs. Now, you have been warned.

Other companies offer a soft case for wheels (Zipp, Sci Con, Trek, all make ones). These bags must be checked, and this can be problematic because now you only have one other bag to check.
Basically, the answer is, 'There is no easy way!'

My decision is to use a wide cardboard back that fits two bikes. I recently purchased a hard-shelled wheel bag (and am taking the wheels in today to learn how to remove/replace the axle's) for the wheels. I built up a single speed bike from my old track bike (cause it's really light, and this way there's no derailures, cassette, and I can use the wheels as a spare track wheel if needed).

Next time you are sighing as you are faced with packing up bikes for a trip. Take comfort in the fact we ALL deal with the same frustrations. It's just a part of this great sport we all can't get away from!

You keep typing, we keep giving. Download Messenger and join the i'm Initiative now. Join in!

Silliness again!

2007-11-18T11:02:00.000-08:00

Still awaiting my new Proman kit, I decided to ride incognito in the Gargage kit....see, you'd never know it was me.....

Until I step outside...but still it's hard to make out my face w/ those HUGE glasses, and sweet cap.
I feel so disguised I can act a fool and no one will know it's me!! TeeHeeHee.

This is Mike at a Cross race. He's been doing the local series all fall. He's tearin' it up on the dirt! He got a new cross bike and is all jazzed!

Pictures from Burnaby Track race

2007-11-18T10:43:00.000-08:00

This is the bubble! Which encloses' the beloved track!

This is what's inside the bubble...Look at all the riders. Remember it's beginning of November. Who's fit in early November? Well, we're about to find out!! If you look closely, you'll see Rachael Canning on her rollers and just to the right of her is the circle of Seattlites. Annette, Kenny, Iona, Iona's husband...they've high jacked an ottoman and created a nice cosy area for the weekend.
Here's Steff Rouda (aahh, I know that's wrong, but she's the one standing) the current reigning Canadian Points Race National Champion. And on the TRAINER, is the lovely Jenelle Casserly, the World Class Downhill Mtn biker who I have come to know very well over the last few months. Watch out, she's got the drive and determination, and years of bike racing in her legs!!

We need your help! (an article from Proman's Blog)

2007-11-18T10:39:00.001-08:00

We need your help!The Proman UCI Track Racing Team is set to embark on it's first journey overseas to enter into international competition! As we continue to finalize our travel arrangements and accomodations for this two week journey, we are faced with the inevitable challenge of racing abroad - financial support. Recently we were dealt a blow, finding out that we would not be able to stay in the athlete housing facility in Beijing, as expected. We were able to secure a hotel room, but as one can imagine, this greatly increases the cost of our stay in Beijing. Needless to say, we are extremely grateful for the host housing we will have in Sydney! We have been so fortunate to have already received generous donations from our supporters, which have covered our flight expenses, but PROMAN still needs of your help! The team is doing everything we can to work within our budget and keep costs down. Donations are greatly and thankfully accepted. We are excited to announce a fundraising event as well, to take place at the Hellyer Velodrome - food, drinks, and fun racing for all! For details, please visit our website at http://www.ridetheworldcups.com/
It is overwhelming and exciting to think that we will be racing in Australia and China in less than 2 weeks! This maiden voyage is one that we will never forget, one that we are approaching with great humility, respect, and passion. On behalf of the PROMAN Track Racing Team, we would like to thank everyone who has supported us thus far. Over the next 2 weeks we hope to see continued support of our journey.

Burnaby Velodrome Challenge Race Report

2007-11-16T10:31:00.001-08:00

Burnaby Velodrome Challenge Nov 9-11 2007:
"Hold on to your hat's boys, this is gonna be a wild ride!!"

That's what they should have said. Cause it was fast and furious all weekend. And I mean all weekend. The weekend began on Fri for an evening session, with three races each. Then Sat morning session was sprints and C racers each riding three races. Saturday afternoon offered a Madison Cup (for the B's we did multiple Points races and Elimination), and Women's races. Saturday evening we had another three races each. Sunday morning again gave us three opportunities to race our brains out! Whew, and Ahhh…great racing, great prep for the upcoming World Cup races!!

The racing drew a strong field in all categories (A, B, C, New Racer, Women, and New Women Racer).
In the A's, among others, there was Kirk Obee, Kenny Williams, Dan Harm, Cody Cambell, Jeff Ain, Mike McCorkell. The As field had a total of 21 riders, not bad for a mid-November race, with a UCI track limit on a 200 of 20!! They raced 3 Points races, Scratch race, Snowball, Tempo, Unknown Distance, Miss N Out, 200, 3 Madison, Kerin, and Sprints.

In the B's, we had Steff Roorda (Current Canadian National Point Champ), Iona Lavern Winter Parks (racing for Jamaica for the Sydney and Beijing), Mandy Poitras (also going to Sydney an Beijing for the Canadian national team), Tara Whitten (who also is going to Sydney and Beijing for the Canadian National team, focusing on the Pursuit), and Jason Manning (made us hurt all weekend, damn junior rode AWESOME, got second in Omnium even though he crashed and missed all races on Sunday). We had 25 riders in our field. Our races included 3 Points races, 2 Scratch race, Snowball, Tempo, Unknown Distance, 2 Miss N Out, 200, Kerin, and Sprints.

The Cs shined with the likes of Jenelle Cassely (good friend, 2x top 20 World Downhill Championships, and BMX punk extrordonaire, and designer of the Burnaby Velodrome Club November Challenge Championship Jerseys, provided by ATAC.), Curtis Jung, and Mike Sidick also were in attendance. They had 20 riders in their field! Their races included 2 Scratch races, Points race, Miss N Out, Unknown Distance, Tempo, and 200.

The Women only field drew Jennifer Tripplett and Annette Hansen from Seattle. As well as many other women from the B, and Cs field. We had 13 women in our field. We had a Scratch, Miss N Out, and Points race.

THEN, there was a New Racer category with 17 riders, they had Points, Scratch, Snowball, Miss N Out, and 200. And a New Women Racer category with 8 women, they had a Points race and a Snowball.
That's 104 riders! WOW!! That's awesome! And the racing was superb!! Just what I needed to sharpen up my skills for Sydney!

you heard it first

2007-11-04T22:01:00.001-08:00

(we put the MAN in PROMAN - just for UCI track team!)

PROMAN Racing Team UCI

PROMAN racing is proud to announce their 2007/2008 UCI Track Team. The roster is headed by current National Scratch Race Champion David McCook. McCook has been racing on the professional circuit since 1993 and has consistently been one of the most dominant field sprinters in the U.S for the last fifteen years, riding most recently for Kelly Benefit Strategies.

Representing the women's team will be 2007 breakout rider Shelley Olds who recently achieved 2 podium spots at U.S Track Nationals including bronze in the team pursuit and fifth place in the points race. She was also awarded Fixed Gear Fever's 'Most Exciting Rider to Watch', Olds is one of the founding members of the PROMAN Women's Team and is noted for her sprinting abilites on the road and has gone from a beginner road racer to a World Cup competitor in less than three years she intends to focus on track racing in pursuit of her Olympic dream.

Shelley will be joined by time trial/endurance specialist Kele Murdin. (Ultralink) Kele scored a bronze medal in the team pursuit along with Olds and Heather Albert and finished a stellar 5th place in the individual pursuit at Track Nationals. Murdin's focus will be the Individual pursuit and will also compete in points and scratch race. Kele recently attended a training camp at Burnaby, British Columbia as part of her preparation for Sydney. Olds and Murdin will both race with the PROMAN road squad.

Roman Kilun (Healthnet) will primarily focus on individual pursuit but will also be compete in both the points and scratch race in L.A New to track racing, Roman posted a silver medal in the team pursuit with a composite team consisting of McCook, Jacques Maynes & Danesh and and a ninth place in the Individual pursuit.

Both McCook and Murdin have been National Team members and will offer experience to the newer riders. McCook is a natural at coaching and is working closely with Roman and Shelley with their World Cup preparation which includes 3 weekly training sessions at the recently revamped Hellyer Velodrome in San Jose. McCook says 'I am extremely happy to be racing for the PROMAN team and to have the opportunity to compete in World Cup events, I am also enjoying coaching my team mates for international racing'
David McCook, one of the most consistant sprinters in the US is looking to sign with a road team for the 2008 season.

Nicola Cranmer, founder/manager of the PROMAN Team, will oversee logistics and will travel with the team to the World Cup events. Cranmer intends to gain valuable experience so she can ensure the longevity of the UCI track team.It is exciting to see fixed gear riding is a rapidly growing segment of the bike industry and there has been a significant increase in participation in beginner classes, clinics and races at the teams local velodrome. Many road specific athletes are realizing the value of training on the track to compliment road racing, its great training for power and bike handling skills. As a beginner, track racing is a relatively inexpensive sport to participate it, most velodromes rent bikes and offer clinics. Cranmer was introduced to track racing by her team mate, multi time State Champion Lorraine Jarvis who will lead the Masters Division of the PROMAN Women's Team to Nationals and Worlds in 2008 where she will be joined by Emily Zell, Tracey Ford, Kelly Barthlomew, Helene Drumm and Nicola Cranmer.

The PROMAN Racing Team will begin competing next month at the first World Cup race in Sydney, Australia followed by the Official Olympic Test Event, Beijing China, L.A in January and in February, Denmark. The World Championships will be held in Manchester UK in March
The squad will also be heading to 6 day racing at Burnaby in December. http://www.burnabyvelodrome.ca/
Training camps will be held both at Hellyer Velodrome, San Jose, CA and Home Depot Velodrome, Carson, CA.

PROMAN Racing Team is looking forward to gaining international exposure for its sponsors.
Including race clothing by Voler and casual clothing by Capo Forma
The team is finalizing equipment sponsors.

Roster
David McCook (USA)
Shelley Olds (USA)
Roman Kilun (USA)
Kele Murdin (USA)

Team manager - Nicola Cranmer (GBR)

News on the exciting new PROMAN womens road team program is pending release.

Nicola Cranmer - Manager
PROMAN Professional Track Team - UCI
PROMAN Women's Cycling Team
http://www.promanracing.com/
http://www.proman-paradigm.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/promanracing

November Fundraising update

2007-11-02T11:12:00.001-07:00

17917 80^th Ave NE, #B-5
Kenmore, WA 98028
November 1, 2007

Dear Friends,
I wanted to send everyone an update to my fundraising efforts. I have been so overwhelmed by everyone's generosity! Thank you to everyone for your donations. I have raised $2955 thus far! I am so grateful for everyone's support.
With these funds I have purchased my ticket to Sydney and Beijing ($2500), and covered my expenses accrued at Nationals (ticket for coach $406, rental car $200, hotel $140, bike fee $160, my ticket $275). It's amazing how fast the money is spent. Today is the beginning of a new month, I hope to reach my goal of $3000* again this month.

I'm so excited to share with you all that I recently signed Proman, a Professional UCI Track Team. They have given me the opportunity to attend all four World Cup races (Sydney Australia, Nov 30-Dec2, Beijing, China, Dec 7-9, LA, US, Jan 18-20, Copenhagen, Denmark, Feb 15-17). Isn't that awesome!
So, what have I been doing? How's training going? Well, here's what I'm doing this week:
Monday: AM trainer wkt. Flew back from Flagstaff after visiting my sister
Tues: Worked, Lifted at the Y, and went to Yoga, rode the rollers
Wed: Drove up to Burnaby, B.C. (3-4hr drive) to train from 1-4pm (did 3x 10 min behind the electric bike, then 3-4x take a lap) with my coach Jeremy Storie, and several other riders. I will stay in Fort Langely, B.C. at my coaches' house until Sat.
Thurs: AM track session (6 laps on 6 laps off, x6, x3), afternoon lift at gym, PM rollers
Fri: 1-4 track session (working on pacing), 7-9pm Friday Night Racing at Burnaby.
Sat: 3hr Road ride, PM track session working on skills (riding a line, how slow can you go, being comfortable riding close to people, etc). Drive back to Seattle
Sunday: 2 hr road ride, lift at Y. Work 1/2 day.

That's my life in a nutshell. Sydney is only four weeks away! Thank you all for the means to get there! This is my dream, without your help, it would not be possible!

Kele Murdin

Help yourself to FREE treats served up daily at the Messenger Café. Stop by today!

Training Camp in Burnaby!

2007-10-19T10:56:00.000-07:00

So, I chucked when I saw "Training Camp"on my training plan.....because I knew I was the sole participant of said camp. I'm not laughing any more. It's only been 2 days, and lot's of great work.

Have I mentioned what an awesome coach Jeremy Storie is? Good, cause he is! He's put together a great training group that meets Wed and Fri, then there is racing every Fri night. There is also a weekend race Nov 8th (I think, whatever the second week of Nov is). So, lots of great training!!

Here's Claire between sets...
Iona has joined us, she is a new transplant to Seattle. YEAH, I'm so excited, more strong women in the area. And she's awesome to boot!
Have you ever been to the Burnaby, B.C. track? It's the ONLY indoor velodrome, other than LA, for 3000 miles (which would be Forest City Velodrome in London, Ontario, a 138m wooden indoor track).
The Burnaby Velodrome, located inside the Harry Jerome sports center, in Burnaby, BC. It’s a 200m wooden track, with 47-degree banking, it’s a blast. It’s inside a bubble, one of those pressurized inflatable domes. It’s what allows us to train all through the dismal winters that we have in this area.

There is the crazy ass electric Beach Cruiser that is ‘the motor’ here at Burnaby. Which has an AWESOME front fairing to keep the bugs out Jeremy’s eye’s at the indoor velodrome. And don’t forget your full on thermal tights, double layer jersey’s cause it’s sub-arctic temperatures inside the velodrome, but I have no idea what the ACTUAL temperature cause it’s in CELSIUS! And, damn those Kilometers, I always think I’m going so fast because the numbers are bigger, until I do the math! Now, I’m just in denial, cause I’ve just switched over my computer to Kilometers.

That's what's going on in my life for now.

Bake Sale!

2007-10-19T10:42:00.001-07:00

I've been trying to do fundraising to help me be able to train as I need to to reach my goals. You may have read the Proposal letter on this blog, or received an email from me, or a hard copy in the mail, or seen a brochure. Next, I decided to have a bake sale at work (actually a coworker, Kate, gave me the idea). All the therapist, and Amy ARNP brought in their baked goods to donate, Ellen/Habib also made a large donation of baked goods as well. I accepted donations for each item!
I tried to make it eye catching. Notice the speakers? Mike made a CD of great tunes, ie "Eye of the Tiger", "Rocky Theme", "Bicycle" by Queen, "We are the Champions", and "Chariots of Fire"....it was great.
I brought in helpers to solicit for me. Here's B yelling "Bake Sale, come and get some!!". She was so cute, and very effective!

I raised over $400! I am so touched by every one's generosity. Thank you to everyone who donated either goods, or money! It means so much!

Bunco or Bust

2007-10-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

The other day we had a Bunco party at a coworker, and friend's house, Sharon Ceaser! It was sooo much fun. If you've never played, you need 16 people, and a bunch of dice, and 4 tables. It's a very social, fun, fast moving game. Try it, it's great.

Mike and I ham it up for a shot!! Damn, I love him!!
Here's Ron and Chris talking about thier favorite Sponge Bob episode...

Here are 2 of the four tables needed, see you keep switching every few minutes....
On the far left, we have MaryBeth (black) and Kathleen (blue), taking a moment for the camera...next to them is Terry, and again Ron, and Chris
Happy Birthday! What a way to spend your birthday, you wife has 16 people over, how romantic. But, MAN was that cake good!!

Sponsorship Proposal

2007-10-07T21:34:00.000-07:00

October, 7 2007

Dear Friends,

One of the expected joys of being a professional cyclist is meeting many generous people around the country who are making a contribution to American women’s cycling through host housing. Having their homes opened to me makes it clear that women’s cycling does have support in this country at the grassroots level.

My professional cycling career began with Team Basis in 2003, which became Ford-Basis in 2005. In 2006 I moved to Velo Bella-Kona, and in 2007 I was proud to be riding for Team UltraLink. In early 2007, I qualified to represent the National Track Team in the Points, and Scratch races. I am currently training to prepare for Nationals, and another opportunity to join the National Track Team for the World Cup Track season of 2008.
Attending the USA Cycling Track Camp in January 2006, I had the opportunity for the first time to dedicate myself wholly to cycling for a period of time. This focused training allowed me to really tap into my potential. My performance improved by leaps and bounds. This focused training allowed me to reach a skill level that qualified me to travel with the National team to the Track International World Cup competition in Manchester, UK. Due to my quick progression in track racing, I feel I have good potential for continued improvement, opening the door for a higher level of success.

I am deeply passionate about bicycle racing – I love this sport – and I aspire to reach the following racing goals this season; 1) attend two World Cup Track races, 2) participate in International track races in Australia in December, 3) qualify for the Worlds team to represent the US at World Championships, and ultimately, 4) to be a part of the 2008 Olympic Track Team.

Full-time training is what it takes to become a world-class athlete. I have come to the realization that in order to reach my goals I need to spend less time working as a Physical Therapist and more time training. To cover my expenses I need other sources of funding. I am inviting you to take part in the development of an eager, dedicated, and talented female athlete. By supporting me, you can take part in world level and Olympic competition.
In exchange for your financial support, I will not only pledge my full dedication, complete focus, and highest performance, but I will also offer the following benefits:

Bi-monthly progress report: I will keep you informed about my training and competitions, and results. I will also keep you apprised of any changes in my rankings and of my efforts to become the best cyclist I can be. Your name will also be displayed on my personal web page to demonstrate the support you have given me.

Free consultations: I also run a coaching business. For Gold sponsors, I am offering the initial setup of a three-month training plan. You can be a strong participant in this sport too, and hopefully fall in love with it as I have!
As we approach an Olympic year, I am in a position, with adequate training, to qualify for the Olympics. I have experienced my highest level of success both on the track and on the road this year. With your support, I will be able to sustain the training I need to---’Go for the Gold’.
Please consider this proposal as your opportunity to help me reach for my dreams.
The Sponsorship packages are:

Gold $500 and up

Silver $250 - $499

Bronze $100 - $249

Friend $25 - $99
Thank you for whatever support you are able to provide. If you are interested please email me at Kelekelebobelly@comcast.net.

Sincerely,
Kele Murdin
Professional Road Cyclist National Track Team Member 2007

A more positive twist!

2007-10-07T16:12:00.000-07:00

Ah Nationals. The one track race in the year, where everyone in the track scene convenes. You get to see so many people you haven't seen for months, since you were on their side of the country. Everyone is nervous, and excited. Some just want to make the finals, others want to make a certain time standard, others yet are looking for a PR. One thing in common, we are all trying to do our best on the day!

Jeremy was ridiculously helpful. I almost felt guilty for all the work he did.
People hangin out.

Abby gets on line at the track
Mike goes for a ride around Palos Verdes...
Individual Pursuit Podium...Dotsie 1st, Christen 2nd, Angie Coggan 3rd, Neva Day 4th, and me 5th.
Team Pursuit time...let's have some fun! Me, Heather Albert, and Shelly Olds...the Underdogs!!
Everyone loves their TT helmets...
Bronze Medals will do...yea team.
The first Woman's' Team Pursuit Podium EVER!!
Me and Abby! We went to dinner at Kincades, yum!
The morning after! Mr. Anderson made 'the BEST French Toast ever'...This is Mike and Terry.
Gail and Kelsey Anderson share breakfast stories!

Nationals

2007-10-06T10:19:00.000-07:00

After four days of racing. I've learned a lot. I am so grateful to my coach, Jeremy Storie, for all his support, encouragement, and good humor this week. I was disappointed with each performance, yet was able to keep my head up. Well, until the Points race last night. I pretty much had the worst race ever on the track, as in legs, and mostly in my head.

Dealing with such big disappointments, teaches me more than any win! Now, today we have a team pursuit....and you better bet your bottom dollar....I'm gonna have FUN with it!! Somewhere this week, I've forgotten to have fun on my bike...creating too much pressure. But today, I'm riding w/ Heather Albert, and Shelly Olds...we've never ridden together...so this will be a hoot!!

Pictures soon

Facebook

2007-09-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I'm such a dork. I pretty much spent all day yesterday uploading pictures to my new fan dangled facebook. I really don't understand how to utilize all the intricacies....but I do know one thing...It's easy to upload tons of pictures!! So, if you'd like....check it out. Be forewarned, lots of the pics were on my blog as well.

I put up Race Season 2007, Off the bike 2007, and Sweden Vay-k 2007. Maybe today I can put up years past racing pics, and maybe even wedding pictures....woohoo, now I'm getting excited!!

I'm back in Palos Verdes, w/ the most awesome family ever...the Anderson's. Prepin' for Nationals. Workin' harder on NOT stressing out, than anything else. All the build up is tough, it's so easy to get caught up in all the "what if's". But all I can do is give my best performance, and the rest will work itself out (yea, I"ve been saying that 4 bazillion times to myself).

I have had the goal of doing more World Cup events since Feb, and this is my first opportunity to make that happen. I want it bad, so that makes me nervous. But, it's pretty fun to be here a part this process. It's so fun to see riders I don't see that often, and reconnect.

My coach, Jeremy Storie, is coming next week. That's a first, having a coach here just to support me and help me have my best performance. Also, my husband will be here, and my sister. So, we'll have a possie! Hopefully they can all pitch in to keep me relaxed and focused...cause that's a full time job.

Ok, it's roller time!

Treboom!

2007-09-24T08:31:00.000-07:00

This weekend featured Star Cross and Stelicom (sp?) UCI cross races.
Although I was out of town, my favorite and current national champ cyclocross rider, THE Ryan Trebone was tearin' it up!

Hot stuff, that Ryan!

All together now, Sprint!!!

Damn Swiss!! Nice euro white shorts! Ryan took 2nd both at Star Cross and here. Barry was third both days (I think)...I'm sure sad I missed all this great racing! Thanks Mike for taking these great pictures, of my favorite rider!!

Wendy Simms was in town as well. She took 3rd on both days, after a crash on Sunday! Christy Berg took a top spot at Star Cross, nice work!! She's got a great attitude! I heard Josie Jaque-Maine (aghhh spell that how??) formerly Beggs was racing as well!

Fun times!

2007-09-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

Mike shrunk!!
The N is silent:~)- Tee hee hee

Space was limited, so Mike slept on the edge of the bed!
Me and Mike at dinner!

Hello from Canada!

2007-09-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys! It's been a while. Last time I wrote I was in Sweden. Now I'm in BC, Burnaby (well, actually Fort Langley)...staying with Jeremy Storie (coach) and Jenelle Cassidy for a five day training block!

Life is good. Training is going well. Since Sweden, I've been training and working. Mike has been timing me on my workouts, it's been really cool to have him help me. That's really about all that has happened in my life.

That's why I haven't written much. Not much to tell.

I'm going to LA on tues to prep for Nationals that start Oct 3-7. I'll try to give you updates from there!

Hope everyone out there is doing well, and having fun, hopefully riding just for fun!!

This and that

2007-08-22T00:36:00.000-07:00

Mike imitates the poet, Lins Ferlin's statue. They look quite similar!

Beautiful Swedish countryside

The house Mike's Grandmother grew up in!

Cute pigs at Linne's estate. Carl Linne, the person who gave all the Latin names to plants. He was born in this area, and there is a museum like place at his birth place.

This is the house he grew up in...one room.

Extra Curricular Activities!

2007-08-20T23:18:00.000-07:00

My coach, Jeremy Storie, told me to do some cross training on my vacation, and this is what I came up with...

"Oh thank God, I made it up"....
"Aggg, what happened to the other ski!"... Mike looks like he's about to drown....
I think Mike's enjoying himself!

Next, Mike and I rode to a Moose Park. There are 3 families of Moose you can feed, pet, and take pictures of....
Can you pick out the Moose?
Oh, and I got the Birthday treatment too...Breakfast in bed, singing, and gifts! I like this tradition!!

Swedish Cooking!

2007-08-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

One of my objective, and yes I had vacation objectives, was to learn some authentic Swedish cooking from Mormor and Gunnel.

For years, I have been trying to re-create Mike's birthday cake from his memory. It was great to learn the REAL recipe.
First, you cut the cake into 3 layers..
Then you add the smashed bananas..
To the other layer you add the fruit sauce (like a creamy jello)...

Cover with whipped cream (that has NO sugar in it)...

Add whatever fruit you like....and tadaa...

My next Swedish Cooking lesson, was in Bulle. A very common cinnamon bread roll served at coffee (which is pretty much every time you visit someone. I've learned the women in Mike's family always have some in the freezer in case of unexpected company). And being as it's so tasty, and common, I thought it a must to learn.

After rising the dough, we roll it out into a rectangle, spread w/ butter and cinnamon.

The using scissors, cut the rolls.

Add egg to the top for a nice brown finish (thanks Mike)....

And bake! Look how nice they look. Notice the size difference. Can you tell which ones the American made?

The Murdin twins Celebrate 36!

2007-08-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you....
The way you celebrate birthdays here, is you bring breakfast in bed, singing 'Happy Birthday', and give gifts. This is Daniel. As the Murdin family, we had to divide an conquer...3 went up to Michael's room, 3 to Daniel's.
Mike's struggling to get his eyes open. But he's showing off a awesome cycling tan! No he does NOT have a white shirt on. And that's Kristina w/ him.

Later that evening we had a big celebration. Mike's Uncle and Cousin (Jan-Olof and Martin) both had birthdays recently too, so we had a big party for everyone. Although I think I heard Mike grumble, "Just feels like a watered down Birthday Party".

It take the full concentration of Mike's two remaining brain cells to fly the radio controlled airplane (that is his cousin Martin giggling next to him).
The whole family gets into watching the plane fly. Kerstin (on the far right, Mike's Aunt, Martin's mother) has recently recovered from a near head on w/ the out of control plane, flown by Kristina.

One for each of the twins. I made the one for Mike, Kristina made Daniels.
Mormor (Grandmother) had told Mike and Daniel they were too old for having their own cakes...but she was just kidding, and we surprised them w/ the SECOND cake!

a few extra pictures...

Mike's absolutely favorite place to eat breakfast. And now I know why. So relaxing, and comfortable!

My daily Swedish lesson. Trying to learn the new sounds that are in the Swedish language...this will be a long lesson!

My birthday tea party. That's Gunnel, me, and Mormor. Who brought me a surprise cake as well! What you see on the table is Bulle (like cinn buns) and Chocolate balls (both traditional Swedish cakes....only they are severed BEFORE the cake)...a tradition I'm thinking of taking on!

Poppy the puppy!

2007-08-15T11:15:00.000-07:00

We arrive in Almhult to Mike's parents' home, to meet 'Poppy', the 8wk old Black Lab puppy. And it was love at first sight! Isn't she cute!

A week later she looks much older, to me. But still so precious!

A little 'Friskis och Svettis' Frisky and Sweaty...the swedish term for general gyms that have all kind of exercise classes...and I, of couse, LOVE that name....So Poppy joined in my Friskis and Sweaty class!
She's learning to retrive, kind of. She's not the biggest fan of giving it back!

Finally, we wore her out!

Kopenham highlights

2007-08-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

Since I have not been good about keeping up daily, a summary will have to suffice.
This small trip to pick up Kristina's bike made me so sore, holding my legs up, and not being able to sit straight made it like one long sit up...and check out that tire pressure on the back wheel...
Next we went on a tour on a boat around Copenhagen's shores
This is the famous mermaid, from "The Little Mermaid" story...
Here is Nyhavn (I think) a popular shopping area for tourists.

Damn Tourists! Mike is so funny, he always get embarrassed when I pull out my camera, 'We look like Tourists' he always says...well Mike, WE ARE!!

What you see over my right shoulder is a Bike stop light...and yellow AND red means 'almost green'

Now we go...neat huh!

I don't speak Danish, so this sign really made me chuckle (yes, I am still 12)

Ok, so we went for the famous HUGE ice creams of Denmark. And boy oh boy did they live up to their names. We did have to wait in line for 1/2 hr. These kids got the biggest ones...what you cannot see is there are 6 scoops of normal ice cream UNDER the mound of soft ice cream...

I decided to go w/ 2 scoops plus soft ice cream, whipped cream, and strawberry sauce...cause I'm on a DIET. Mike went for 3, what a pig!
Next we went to Tivoli, the oldest working amusement park in the world. Since most the cool rides were closed (because we got there at 10pm), we settled on playing a friendly tournament of carnival games. Here Mike shows his skill at frog catapulting...but Kristina was the winner of the tournament...I was 3rd (yea, of 3).
This is a electric massaging wooden chair thing...what I'm sitting on rotates, and I hold on...it was so funny, but pretty effective. This was at Kristina's work...that is like a dance studio, we took a 1hr 50min Yoga class I talked about before.
We also saw the last stage of the Tour of Denmark. They did 10 finishing laps in town...it was awesome!

VaaaaCation Time

2007-08-07T14:04:00.001-07:00

Day 1 Thursday Aug 2nd:
Here we go...the Shuttle at 3:30pm Seattle time...

A 9.5hr plane ride...two meals, one movie, 4hrs of sleep...and lots of great company, and cuddles...
Not what I expected to see first thing off the plane in Copenhagen...about 1:30pm the following day (Aug 3rd)...
Because Denmark is one of very few countries that will not allow Starbucks to infiltrate them...and I love it. But apparently this is the ONLY one, seeing as it's an international airport. Stay strong Denmark!!!

'If Homer Simpson were here I'd hug him like this'...says Mike
"Ok Kele, this is how you stand in the queue in Danish, for the train to Kristina's house from the airport. Pay close attention"....says Mike

Soon after we arrive, it's time to go out to see the city a little with Kristina, Mike's little sister, and my one and only Sister-in-law! See the blue bike lane ahead of Kristina? That's how it works here in Copenhagen...Kopenham...something like that
Commuting, Mike and Kristina...this is what traffic is like here

Mike and Kristina enjoy a photo opt...
The walking street where all the shops are...I'm sure it has a name, but no one is around me at the moment to ask...sorry
Awesome shot. The architecture here is amazing. I wish my Dad was here to explain it all to me. For now, I will just admire it...
Can your see the sign, this building was made in 1694....WOW!

Whew, that was a long day! But so exciting, I wonder what tomorrow will hold?

End of UltraLink

2007-08-07T14:02:00.001-07:00

Damn, not again!

Got an email Tuesday after Toona that UltraLink will not be returning as a sponsor. That means no more team. I hate this feeling.

I do want to thank Julia Farrell, Allen and Libby Sung, and everyone at Cervelo for giving me this opportunity this year to again do what I love so much! Thank you all for your hard work, support, and doing what you can to promote women's cycling!

But I am now open to new exciting opportunities....I wonder what will happen?

Finish off Toona

2007-08-07T13:52:00.000-07:00

Lets see...Saturday was a Ninety something mile race...the first 25 miles were the hardest of the race. More so, because mentally you knew how long this day was and you (I) were scared to put out so much effort so early...but I made it....then we did the same climb we did on Wed...I didn't do as well..ended in the laughing group (yet again, someday man I will race a hilly stage ALL the way to the finish!). The main pack was like 30min ahead of us. (did I already blog about this?? hmm, maybe)

Sunday was the Crit. Great course, lots of corners, fun, fast, w/ a small hill to sting even more...Jen rode great..stayed in and finished well.

Another great race! So full of everything, stamina, speed, climbs, long days, many days, team time trial, rain, heat, sweat, mental fatigue, and teamwork! I love it!

Pretty sure Armstrong won, and Chrissy was top 10...she's riding great. Kat finished well in the crit!

That about does it for me for 2007 road season! It's been grand!

Yet again I get to travel in style...

With my HUGE bike case, we had to fold both seats down, so I got to snuggle up for the 2.5hr drive to the airport 11hrs early for my flight...another day in paradise!

The longest stage!

2007-07-28T17:22:00.000-07:00

Today was 98.6mi, 3 QOMs (Queen of the Mountain...a climb that awards points to the top 5 riders at the top....which makes them go fastER), 2 Sprints (same thing top 5 get points, and in the end a special jeresy and, of course MONEY), and 3 Feed Zones.

The first 'event' was a sprint 22mi in....so, I guessed it would be fairly tame until then seeing the length and such...WRONGO! I don't know why or who or what...but it was blazin fast out of the gates...there was this hilly loop we did in the first 10-15 miles. I'd swear they were givin' out $1000 prizes, cause we were racing like we stole somethin!!

Man I barely survived these climbs...and what was hardest was knowing that you had all these miles, and super hard climbs coming, and sprints...so I had to really fight not to panic, and just focus on the one hill or section I was on...So finally we made it through all the Sprints...now we are at mile 30, and I am dying. I figured, 'now it will slow down' ...wrong again...now a break tried to get going...

Somewhere around mile 40ish we got a pee break, and then right before the first major climb of the day, at mile 60, it calmed down....but there were like 10 girls up the road w/ like 1 min at the base of the climb.

Ohh, that climb. It's the same one we did wed. And it's not too horrible, as in, not too steep. But that just means it's faster. It just seemed to go on forever today. Again there are the 6-8times I had to re-convince myself that I had more in me, and I could keep pushing. It's such a fine line of pushing hard, or standing around a hairpin turn that puts you over the edge....or not going all out for fear of going over the edge...I had to keep asking myself, "Is this the best you can do??", sometimes the answer was Yes, sometime it would make me dig again....So, I was with a group over the top, and then down the decent we picked up more and more...and through a flat section we caught more, then some caught us...and it was Groupetto at it's best....

Where people yell at the lead riders if they go to fast up climbs, and people are discouraged from pacelining....funny huh, how 5min ago we were all totally on the rivet...and now it's the opposite.

I enjoyed the ride home a 40mi venture. I imagined what it would be like in the front group I so long to be a part of. Probably don't get yelled at for going hard up the climbs.

Jen Stevenson, my teammate made that front group. She rode like herself today, I'm so happy for her. The group was about 30 riders. Armstrong and Amara Abbott were off, and Armstrong won by like 2 min was the rumor I heard.

My group finished at LEAST 25min behind. All smiling!

Crit tomorrow, YIKES. I always think everyone will be tired, and that will keep the pace down! And it's always the hardest crit of the season! I'll let ya know tomorrow.

Martinsburg

2007-07-28T17:16:00.001-07:00

This stage was 19.6mi loops and we got to do 4. This course had NO QOMs, hallehulah!! But Sprints each lap at the S/F. It was a rolling course w/ no significant hills....so you know what that means....FAST!

And it was...I tried to get in a few early moves....then tried to go w/ THE move that stuck...and just didn't quite make it....man that burns to be so close!

After the break of like 10 went (w/ riders from all teams represented), we pretty much just rolled it in.

Lauren Faranges (sorry, I know that is WAY wrong), won! Catherine Cheatly (Cheerwine) 2nd...

Our group decided to sprint for 13th in the rain and therefore in overcooking the 2nd to last corner Brooke Miller went down directly in front of me, and instead of looking where I wanted to go...I just stared at her head I was so worried I was about to hit....but I didn't instead hit a telephone pole and someone ran in to me.....Physically I was perfectly fine, but my bike didn't like it....Since it was in the last 1K we all get the same time....Jen and Shontell finished safely in our group.

Hollidaysburg

2007-07-28T17:07:00.000-07:00

Let's see...3 laps about 20 mi each. LOTS of rollers. QOM was tough, actually the climb wasn't too bad...but it was followed by a screemin decent, railroad tracks, and an uphill 200m to the finish. There were multiple attempts to get way, but naught to be had!!

Once again, it was just fast fast fast...all day. But great racing! Such a great field and everyone brought their A game...it's fun.

Laura Van Gilder won, and that's all I remember.

Chrissy is leading her team in 6th (I think), Kat Carroll is riding awesome as well! Lynn Bessette is here wreaking havoc, and she's just here for training! Training for WHAT?? What event takes a 7 day stage race to prepair for?

I'm training for my Vacation in Sweden!

the big TUNA!

2007-07-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

Toona a seven day extravaganza of the hardest courses all year:

Stage I: TTT it was 17k, highway, rolling terrain, two u-turns
So fun, and different. We were the smallest team, w/ the biggest heart. Two of our girls had zero TT equipment, no one had disc’s, and only 1 had TT helmets. But we gave it 100%. Here’s what happened:
Webcore: 24.29
TEAm Lipton: 24.37
Colavita/ Sutter Home: 25.04
Aaron’s: 25.45
Team Expresscopy: 25.46
Cherrwine: 26.03
Bike Hugger: 26.12
Advil: 26.17
Team TIBCO: 26.19
and more

Stage II: new stage 48.6m, one HANEOUS climb no one expected at 10mi in.
Field split into groups (the front group of 45, our group of 35, 15min back).
Allison Powers WON!! Yea Allison such a great girl. Allison Testarosa 2nd Express Copy, 3rd Kori Seahafer.
I climbed so hard I peed my pants, and still lost 15min.

Stage III: 97mi big climb came at mi 70.
There was a break of like 12 off for most the early race. Riders from all major teams were represented. Not much chasing, everyone waiting for ‘the climb’. Again, the climbers surged away from me fairly quickly. At the top I found myself w/ Shontell chasing to get onto a group, with which we finished. Kori Seahaefer won, Felica Gomez got second, Chrissy got 6th, and that’s all I know for now.
It was such a hard day, OMG! Not so much the first 70, but man those 70mi really haunt you for the next 27. My legs were cramping on both sides (hamstrings and quads) on the last stretch into town. I can see why it’s important to climb in training, to give those muscle groups a chance! But, we lost like 10 min today, less than some, more than many! But again, that’s all I had today, and that’s all I can ask!

Stage IV: 60mi, 4 loops, Holidaysburg

Mary and Jason Fisher got married in Dallas

2007-07-15T23:28:00.000-07:00

This is the clan....after the fact...but it give an idea of who was here!

Mike and I enjoying the scene...

Sister!!
Aunt Molly (my Mom, SINGLE), cousin Sarah, and cousin Carolina...
Cousin Anna, Aunt Sally, cousin Carolina, Aunt Joni...
This is what I was doing during Mass....oops....Mike doesn't approve..
Mrs. Fisher....

Taboo at the Pruit/Cook/Hulser/Murdin/Traffas's
Uncle Dan tries to get his point across...
Next day we helped Uncle Tom, and the bride to be in the black shirt smiling, put the programs together....
True love!
I love my Mom!! She's SINGLE!!

Abby and I all cleaned up.

My NUclear family

Mom and Aunt Sally...

The boquet toss...Anna got it

Me and my lil' bro Sam...man do I look tired...

Home for a day

2007-07-15T23:25:00.000-07:00

Here, somewhere, I am racing w/ the Master Men on Wed last week...
Damn I think I'm cool...
Here's the one race I did (and thought I was getting a point, but forgot there was a guy off the front). I quickly coughed up a lung, and decided to call it a day!

Alpenrose Challenge

2007-07-15T23:16:00.000-07:00

I'll add narration later....

My trip back to the West Coast...

2007-07-13T22:53:00.000-07:00

I know what you are think, 'My Kele you really travel in STYLE'...
I took 2 of these
And 3 of these....
One of these...
And 2 of these...

Independance GP, Colorado Springs

2007-07-09T22:11:00.002-07:00

My trip to Colorado Springs proved to be memorable!

At the airport I realized I had left my purse in the taxi...that contained my phone, all forms of identification and money....hmmm. Terry just happens to know this cab driver by name (and number) called her and had her bring me my purse!! Whew!

So, Sarah Uhl picks me up and we go watch Junior Track Nationals. Which was so much fun!

Next day, I had a Kerin and a Points race. The points race was great. Sarah and I were close in points the entire race, which made it fun! But my lungs were about to fall out by the end, w/ the altitude.

Jennie and Kenny chat it up before race time...

That's what racing is all about, nice work ladies!

Adam D drives it to the line in his 200m TT...

Kerin time...Here is the finals round...notice I'm taking pictures....

This is when it gets good!

On the fourth, Sarah and Benjamin, and Moonlie watched the fireworks and enjoyed watching the Madison! Moolie is their dog who was less than thrilled about the fireworks.

I had such a great time! Racing was good, the weather was crazy, my company was awesome! A huge Thank you to Sarah and Ben for letting me into their home! I fell in love w/ their dog Moonlie! Ben Sharp and Sarah Uhl are both great people!! It was fun to see Jennie again, and get one short girls night!! I wish I could do that more!

Off to Portland, OR for the Alpenrose Challenge.

Independance

2007-07-09T22:11:00.001-07:00

Racing at home!

2007-07-03T20:47:00.000-07:00

My baby is on the track now...

In the heat of the moment...

Mike sprints to the end!

Me and my tounge out...lovin the bike!!

Manhattan Beach

2007-07-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

So, I went to Ca for Manhattan Beach! It gave me an opportunity to see my friends Terry, Gale, Kyle, Katlynn, Teddy, and Cumin Anderson of Palos Verde Estates.

I got to go for a nice spin when I got in on Sat. Here's what I did...

A little self portrait on a great view spot

Beautiful huh!

I love California

T-Town Hodge Podge

2007-07-03T14:31:00.000-07:00

I think this was the Scratch race....That's Kim Giest next to me, and Christine Mucce below me....
I think this is the Preme race (spelling?)...it was a 2k sprint..That's Jennie Reed behind me...and Liz Reap coming up
A good shot of the womens peloton...prob in the Scratch

I think this is going into the bell lap of the Scratch...I only move backwards from here...That's Jennie Reed throw'n down the heat, with Becky Quinn glued to her wheel, then I think it's Kim, then Liz...

Fun times

Let's rehash Liberty Classic one more time

2007-06-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

Lemon Hill..Laura Van Gilder, Rachael Heal, and Moa (that's french)
Whats her name, I'm awful w/ names...oh yea, INA Toot-in-berg, and Brooke Miller. Ina took the triple crown by in-eye-a-lating everyone in all three races, Lancaster, Reading, and Philly! That's awesome!
Shontell, shouldering Meridith Miller up Lemon!
This was my least favorite corner...getting back onto Kelly drive...the road went from wide to narrow, to hard L turn, to FAST!

Liberty was great....

More Summerville shots from Sally P

2007-06-28T21:53:00.000-07:00

"This is very serious at the start line"
Cool shot, huh! The Kele and Shontell show!
In the pack...
Gege Gagnon, our awesome French Canadian!!

Kira Baird came to watch!!

2007-06-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

I was blessed by my Aunt Kathleen, and cousin Kira, who drove down from New York City. It was great to see my family. I really appreciated all the effort and finagling they had to do to make it down!!
Beautiful Kira!
Cousinly love!!
Auntie Kathy love!!
Carrie Cheadle, my sports Psychologist was there too, it was great to see her!!

Fastest Man on Wheels Shots

2007-06-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

Jennie winds it up for her 200m TT....
One lap to go, it's Giddy-on, Tim Felt, Adam D, and Aussie
Match Sprinting with Josiah Ng, and Roberto Chiappa...
Jennie finishes her 200m...

Fastest man (or woman) on Wheels

2007-06-23T06:42:00.000-07:00

Ok. so I haven't done such a great job of race reporting. I think it's because I'm working so hard to learn from each ride...it's hard to process it all and come out w/ a story.

I just finished two weeks of training and racing here at T-Town. It was great great great. There were good fields, lots of international riders, good weather (for the most part), great road riding, and good friends!!

Mon was a road ride, so spin out the legs from Liberty Classic the day before. There were Tues night races where I could race w/ the Cat 2 men, but it was cancelled due to rain. I drove home where it was still sunny and went on a nice road ride. Elite training was 9-12 daily, so Wed I did some motorpacing w/ Teresa Cliff-Ryan and Jess Mclaine (spelled?). Then there was the 'Derby' group ride Wed night. Of like 50ppl, at a leisurely pace which was fun!

Thursday, my track workout consisted of a few short efforts to try to get open for Friday night racing. My legs were feeling horrible, like cynder blocks, uh oh not a good sign!

Friday night was the Kerin Cup. I had a 2k preme race. This is $50/$25 ea lap...so it was super fast the entire time...I just held on, and finally all the sprinters died and I ended 3rd on the last lap. I saw how little top end speed I have compared to these girls. I would be 'sprinting' and girls would just come blowing over me, 'hmm, that's interesting, how do they go so fast??'...

Then there was a 10k Scratch race. It was more fun, there were several jumps, people trying to get the race going. Nothing stayed away...Rebecca Larson and I made one final attempt off the front, but were reeled in w/ 2 to go...and that was that for me....I was so far out of the money it was comical!

I raced the Kerin, that was super fun. Again I really struggled with the top end...what was needed in the last 2 laps. Jennie rode awesome, and Christin Muche from Gremany barely took the win. Followed by Becky Quinn then Anna Lang.

On the men's side:
Men's Keirin Final 1-8
1 Roberto Chiappo (Ita)
2 Leandro Bottaso (Arg) Argentina
3 Andy Lakatosh (USA) T-Town Express
4 Josiah Ng (Mas) Momentum
5 Maximilian Levy (Ger) Brandenburg
6 Ben Barczewski (USA) T-Town Express
7 Haseem Maclean (Tri) Trinidad
8 Ryan Nelman (USA) T-Town Express

and that was that, cat in the hat

Racing T-Town

2007-06-21T15:00:00.001-07:00

Men's Endurance, FINALLY a real race!! Just kidding!!
Somethin' is about to hit....check out the wind!
Yep, that's not good!
But it make for time for photos...here's Ryan Nelson, Travis Smith, Jennie Reed, and Adam Duvendeck

This is how we chill between efforts (this was a non race day). We are hiding under the tent...It's Teresa Cliff-Ryan, Jess (her teammate and Junior world champ in the Pursuit), Carrie Higgins in the chair slouching...and I cannot make out the others
Here Adam is in front, and Josiah is in the REAR!
This was a contraversial ride, Ryan here in the front w/ Giddieon Massey on the inside...Ryan would be relegated later for overtaking too quickly...a rule that is new to me...interesting...

Here is Teresa warming up for a work out, in a sea of plastic chairs...

So, that's what I've been doing all week!

This and that

2007-06-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

Meet Travis (sitting w/ Black glasses), Josiah w/ the the hat, Adam next, and Jennie is standing!

And again, kinda blurry...it's Jennie, Adam up front, then behind Jennie is Mark (from New Zealand) and Travis the Canadian...on a easy ride.

I guess I won't ask where the nearest Starbuck's is...

Help I'm MELTing

2007-06-18T18:04:00.000-07:00

Saturday, we spent all afternoon at CVS (a drugstore) trying to figure out what Lip Plumper was, and decipher blush, bronzer, concealer, foundation, liquid vs pencil liners....man, you need a PhD in Cosmopology to know what to put where...and Jennie and I were useless for each other...neither of us had a clue, but it sure was funny. We left w/ new bigger lips, less wrinkles, and a hope that maybe these product would help transform us from hard core athlete's to beautiful, young, feminine women...

Unfortunately, we both felt awkward and uncomfortable as we left for dinner. This is a familiar process for me....the hope that accenting this, or covering that will make me feel more acceptable...yet it never works...

But we're tryin'...Pretty Girlified eh?

Now, we're REALLY gettin' into it!

We had a nice dinner at a place called 'Melt', where Andy Lackintosh (spelled not sure) works...he is a sprinter that lives in this area and friend of Jennie, Adam, Travis, and Jo...

From the left by me is Kevin and Tac (Angelo actualy) they are from San Diego...then it's Travis, Andy, 'Lacky', Ryan, Mark from New Zealand, Josiah is hidden behind Jennie's head, and Jennie.

This is Ryan Nelman's nostral...

Then we moved upstairs to the 'Lounge'...

Now it's time to go home!