2012 had a smaller number of women participating with a field of only 87 to start, but, we had the amazing pleasure of housing the SC Velo Empower Team and really enjoyed getting to know everyone. As usual, I hosted most of the team for dinner on Friday night with all my neighbors contributing food,  super fun. The best part of this event is the amount of community support the racers get in this town. Everyone donates their time, money to supporting this event which is why it is such a good one!

Back in 1998, I had the amazing opportunity to attend a women’s bicycling camp hosted by none other than Davis Phinney and Connie Carpenter. Between these two incredibly experienced and humble Olympic medalists, I had the chance to learn cycling techniques from the best. Today, Davis Phinney was here in our town to accept an award, and Paul was on hand to get his autograph.

My kids, well, they collected “Bam Bams”, Benjamin raced with a smile on his face in my jersey this year,  rode scooters through Bogart Park, we had snow cones and collected Navy gear, basically did lots of kids stuff mixed in with lots of bike stuff.  I truly feel that having them meet, greet, and give up their beds for the racers for a few nights gives them a new perspective on what it’s like to be an athlete.  Also, with the new and improved system for the kids’ races at the Redlands Classic, I think the overall experience for them has been a positive one.

For full race results, please check out the Redlands Classic. 

Tonight, I’m a little teary eyed. Yesterday, I slammed my head into a pull-up so hard that I fell off the rings and still have a massive bump on my head…which I am attributing the tears to.

However, I am super thrilled to see that there is one fantastic women’s cycling team that has been formed for this years cycling season. If you’ve been around cycling enough, you know that professional women cyclists are 1) constantly searching for sponsorship 2) are paid very little 3) have more education than most of us 4) are some of the smartest and most dedicated people I’ve ever met. Many of them have been racing for years and are still performing at the top levels, age is irrelevant. Whether your 20, 30 or a mother of 2, bike racing is about skill, talent and dedication (among other things..).

As always, I’m a huge supporter/fan of cycling and want to give two thumbs up to this newly formed team! Good luck and I hope you all make it to the 2012 Olympics. Also, hoping you’ll be in town for the Redlands Classic!

Long ago, I met Abbie at the Sea Otter Classic and have since purchased her bloomers. I also adore her new line and hope to see her get it in the retail markets. You can support her, here, using the KickStarter Program.

Friend says, to get 1 pull-up.

Another one says, to just get to workout 3-5 times a week.

Another one says, to get a double under…

The list goes on and on…what’s mine? It changes every week!!!! This week it’s to get a muscle up, but in reality, after I get that muscle up, what will be next? I am NOT motivated to get 330 marathon I blew that chance with tendinitis in 2008, and I’ve never wanted to try that again. [To learn more about me and last marathon experience click here}. Since 2008, I’ve earned both a 200 hour yoga training certificate as well as a CrossFit Level 1 certificate. And, as of this writing, my only goals are to see small improvements in my lifts regularly. I don’t really have any long term “Pie in the Sky” goals, really. If I were to truly say something Out Loud, it would be to qualify for the women’s masters division in CrossFit in 2016, but, I’m not even sure that I want that. Right Now, tomorrow, I just want to be a happy mommy with energy to PLAY with My Kids outside everyday. Being the P.E. teacher that is my day job, I just want to sit at the end of the day. Which is kind of sad, I think. I want to have the energy to really play hard with my kids each and everyday. They will remember the play more than the “let me sit here, while you go play”.

As I close this post, I’d like to ask you, what truly motivates you? I can tell you that I get really excited with 5 pound PR’s. I get really excited when I hit a new plateau and when I have time, energy and motivation to ride for 2 hours and then plant new veggies with the boys as our afternoon activity.

Go Read the Entire Article HERE.

You can read more about The Deadly Nightshades here!

Very excited to be sporting a new kit from Team Redlands this year. Also, adding that riding 2 + hours at least once a week is one of my 2012 goals, because it’s FUN, not really for exercise!

Read a great cycling story, here.

Read more about women cycling and their huge lack of salary and how some women are trying to change it here.

Get a bike and ride in style with mi alibi, clothing for women cyclists.