CAUTION: Donuts and cycling don't mix....well kinda

The alarm went off at 545am this morning...a Sunday, the first day of Spring. So how appropriate that today was going to be a day of first. Today I did my first gravel ride, Pastry-Brest-Pastry.  Pedal and Spoke a bike shop in North Aurora hosted this event. The draw was a 60 mile unsupported gravel ride with checkpoints fully stocked with fresh donuts. Hmmm, sounded perfect when my friend Alex sent me the Facebook link a month ago...biking and donuts.

Even though it was the first day of Spring it was 36 degrees and a cold north wind blowing at the start. There were no route markings, only a GPS file I prayed worked on my Garmin, a cue sheet with directions only for the first 37 miles (out/back course with a loop at the top) and a map printed on a bandanna. Yes, a map bandanna. Another first. I had never seen or heard of one of these. I was thinking I could pin it on my back and the guys could tell me where to go. Literally and figuratively.

My group was ready to go at 8am. We decided to head out early and not wait for the mass start of over 200 riders at 9am. The first part of the route was challenging to navigate. It was across a street, through a parking lot, hop the curb, over the grass bridge onto a single track trail which led to a grass trail which got us to a road. Okay, a few miles in and we aren't lost yet.

Soon the nice pavement ran out and we were on gravel roads.We were out in farm country so there was nothing to block the strong north winds. Did I mention it was windy?

Never thought I'd long for a paved road

We were too early for checkpoint #1, #2 and #3. Glad I always have a protein bar with me. Checkpoint #3 was at a church and we thought about praying for some tail winds, but we knew those would be few and far between. We decided to head down the road a bit and then come back to the church in hopes someone would show up. And as luck would have it, they did and with fresh bakery donuts. I consumed one chocolate glazed donut like I hadn't eaten in days. It went down easy but ohhh, did it sit in my stomach like a rock.

Checkpoint #3 - DONUTS!

For years I've wanted to try the Tour de Donuts ride but now I think it's not wise. The ride is a race and you are able to get time deducted by the number of donuts you eat along the way. Officials mark your bib with hatch marks denoting the number of donuts consumed. You are disqualified if you throw up at any time...including when you have to ride uphill past the pig farms.

Anyway, I digress. After the donut consumption was completed we headed back. I was thankful the course function on my Garmin worked like a charm. No way could I reverse the cue sheet directions while pedaling and a rock in my stomach. That requires too many brain cells for me.

The winds had picked up even more and we had a tail wind only for a short time. Lots of cross and head winds. We made it back safe and sound, finishing as we started but in reverse. Onto the grass path, then onto single track, over the grass bridge, hop the curb, through the parking lot, cross the street, and home.

In summary, my list of firsts today:
- First gravel ride
- First time seeing a map bandanna
- First time eating a donut and then biking 25 miles (Note to self. Eat after done biking)
- First time using my Garmin course map and it worked flawlessly
- First unsupported invitational ride (makes you appreciate the SAG wagons, rest stops and Port-a-potties)

It was fun to experience all these firsts and spend the day with Mitch, Kevin and Dan. As for Alex, he chose to drive south to Florida and missed out on all the fun and donuts. I think his penalty should be he having to wear the powder blue and pink event tshirt on our next ride. Insert evil laugh here.

Life is more interesting when you experience new things. So far this year I've been doing just that.

Enjoy the ride,
Sheri

You're not out of your comfort zone unless a waiver is required

Back in January I blogged about putting on my big girl shorts, getting out of my comfort zone, and signing up for a Women's MTB clinic at Ray's MTB Park. Well, this past Friday I attended the clinic. It was amazing to see over 100 women and one very young girl show up for the event.

Upon walking in the front door there definitely was a vibe, one of encouragement, respect and let's have fun. I got into the line to sign in and immediately several women turned around, one handed me her pen and said to grab the waivers to sign. Yes, multiple waivers. The first one was the standard "you wont sue them if you get injured or die, blah blah blah." The second made me chuckle. It was a combination of "you can use images of me" plus "permission to provide medical treatment." Wasn't sure if this meant I gave them permission to take pictures of me with my head split open bleeding and then call 911 or what. But I signed it, checked in and got my bike plate with my name printed on it and a set of elbow and knee pads.

Just one of the many rooms at Ray's MTB Park

From there I headed to the main meeting area where everyone was enjoying breakfast, checking out the vendor tables and getting situated. It was weird to watch people zip by on their bikes indoors. Just not used to riding my bike inside except on a trainer. But that soon would change. I also felt a little out of place being one of the older women there, plus I lacked tats. But everyone was welcoming.

The first order of business was to all meet in this large room that had crazy ramps throughout. Reminded me of a skate park on steroids. The ramps were 2 stories high and all I planned to do in that room was stay on level ground. Leigh Donovan was the head coach and she took us through what the day would be like, introduced herself, and provided a very impressive bio. All ten coaches introduced themselves and talked about the individual clinic they'd be leading. It was set up as a rotation so you went from one section of the park to the other depending on what skill you wanted to develop. There was a consistent theme from all the coaches; they grew up learning to MTB from the boys and didn't have this type of environment to learn. They are all strong athletes, business women and advocates for getting more women cycling. They were truly giving back to the sport.

I decided that Leigh's clinic would be a good place to start. Separation of body and bike. Her session was being held in that ramp room and I truly was hoping we literally weren't going to separate my body from my bike using these ramps. Luckily it was all on the flat ground and she taught us proper position standing over the saddle, and shifting our weight forward and back. All the sessions stressed not sitting on the saddle and keeping peddles in the 3/9 o'clock position. Very different from road biking.

Once I mastered Leigh's session I moved on to Karen's clinic. She was teaching cornering and "pumping". At the start of the session she had us go around the group to introduce ourselves and how long we'd been MTB. When I said I was a roadie new to MTB, you'd think I said I drown kittens for fun. I was definitely a minority, but was still the cool kid being on one of two women there on a fat tire bike. Chris made everyone smile.

Cornering and pump clinic

The section of the park we were in was set up with four "moguls" and a steep berm for practicing cornering (see image above). You'd go down this steep ramp, over two moguls and then negotiate the berm without slamming into the wall and back over two more hills. All this without pedaling, just using body position to pump up and down the hills. I struggled on the cornering because in road riding you put your outside foot down so you can corner sharper and faster. But in MTB you keep your feet parallel to the ground. Too many objects on a trail to catch your pedal. Makes total sense but try to get your brain to change what you've been doing for 30 years. On my 3rd attempt I made it and all the group applauded, encouraging me to try it again.

It was time for lunch and swapping stories with some of the other women. I wasn't sure which clinics to try after lunch so I found Leigh. I told her I was a beginner and which sessions I had taken. She said try the Sports Center next. I questioned her if I should do the foam pit room as I thought there was a beginner session there too. She laughed and said it was a vertical wall and you fly into a foam pit. Yeah, not a beginner room.

I had befriended a woman Liz during the morning sessions and we decided to ride the "yellow brick road" around the park and check out the other areas. A little recon. There's this yellow road that winds through the park and allows you to get from one place to the next easily. We followed the signs up to the second floor and located the Sports Center. At the top of the ramp all I saw were 8 jumps. Crap, Okay, I said "Shit. I'm going to die and they are going to take pictures of me before calling 911."

I looked around to see if I could ride the yellow trail safely back to the first floor. Nope. It was these 8 jumps in front of me or some even more terrifying options. I thought about walking my bike, but the ramps were so steep I wouldn't make it lugging a 30 pound bike. So I pulled up my big girl pants, secured my knee and elbow pads, and went for it. I think I was screaming in my head, but I made it down alive.

All in all, the clinic was a great experience. I picked up some valuable bike handling skills, met some awesome women, and I didn't die. I can't say enough about how great the coaches were, as well as the staff at Ray's. It's definitely a different vibe when you have all women and it provides a "safe", nurturing, and empowering atmosphere to learn.

I'm glad I did it. I really was pushed outside my comfort zone (okay way outside my comfort zone) and that's okay. If you don't have to sign a waiver, it's probably not worth doing. Right?

Enjoy the ride,
Sheri

One Inspires Many

At a recent WomenOnCall.org Meet and Match event, Madeleine Albright stated "If I could be described with one word it is grateful. And if one is grateful you want to give back." This quote resonated with me. I am grateful and I do what I can to give back.

Over a year ago, Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club came across my profile on the WomenOnCall.org web site. On paper it was a perfect fit. They needed some assistance with their marcom and my degrees are in marketing, plus I was a triathlete. It's been a great match! I've been working virtually on a project basis, a committee member for their first Evening2Inspire Gala and volunteering at different clinics and events.

This past Saturday I spent an afternoon volunteering at their annual Multisport Clinic. Athletes come for a day of functional strength training and yoga, swim, cycling and run/push clinics. This is a great opportunity to kick off the triathlon season and is open to athletes with disabilities of all ages, ability levels and experience with triathlon.

Each athlete comes with their own unique story and one is more inspiring than the next. But Saturday I was touched by one athlete in particular. He was hiking with 5 friends in Colorado and the group was up at 11,000 ft in a snow storm when he fell landing on his head. As a result he suffered a spinal cord injury and was paralyzed. He couldn't be airlifted off the mountain due the poor weather conditions. So two of his buddies hiked down the mountain to get help. Rescue teams in that area are all volunteers and quickly 9 men and 1 woman were hiking up the mountain. He described how they got him off the mountain and saved his life. He's grateful every day and knows to make the most of his life.

 
This guy is a real fighter. He's walking and making amazing progress. Saturday was his first time he was able to ride an upright bike since it was secured on a trainer and his stability wasn't an issue. The hour session brought a wide smile to his face. Just as cycling brings us such enjoy, he was able to experience that joy again.

As he continued to tell me his story, I got chills when as he described that his ultimate goal is to return to Colorado, climb that mountain with the same 5 buddies, and stand at the point where he fell. Remember that's 11,000 ft., a challenge for even an able body person. I have no doubt he will accomplish his goal. After the climb he will return to the hospital to thank the wonderful folks that helped him as well as the rescue team. This tragic event will come full circle with a happy ending.

Dare2tri's tag line is One Inspires Many. The statement is just three short words but are so powerful. Whenever I meet the Dare2tri athletes I'm inspired by them. I honestly think I get more out of volunteering than the athletes.

If you are interested in volunteering with Dare2tri or know someone who could benefit from their services, check out their web site. Also, WomenOnCall.org is an amazing organization that matches non-profits with volunteers. They have opportunities for virtual and on-site openings.

I am truly grateful to be able to give back.

Enjoy the ride,
Sheri

Can you truly have it all?

It's the age old question most women face. Can you have it all? The question is even tougher when you throw in working out or training for competition. Between family, work, relationships, and other commitments, something has to give. Unfortunately, I see that all too often women tend to give up their workout time first before sacrificing family time. That's why when I came across this event, I thought I'd share it with you.

Can you truly have it all?

On March 3rd, FlexJobs.com is hosting a FREE online documentary "HAVING IT ALL" followed by a special online panel with leading experts. They want to facilitate a discussion about the challenges for career-focused women who also want a family, the common misunderstandings, and changes that need to happen to improve the landscape for parents in the workplace.

HAVING IT ALL is a documentary about three professional women who set out to live their dreams of balancing career, marriage, and children. Director Vlada Knowlton follows each of their lives for two trying years, through unanticipated trade-offs, painful sacrifices, and routinely overlooked yet ubiquitously endured experiences of today's working parents. The documentary examines how each woman finds herself with a changed life and a changed idea of what HAVING IT ALL really means.

For more information and to register for the movie and/or the online panel discussion go to this link. The film will be available for online viewing on March 3rd from 5am-4pm ET and the panel discussion is from 4-5pm ET. Both events are FREE, but you must register and there's limited attendance for the panel discussion.

If you are looking for cycling related resources for women, TheChainlink has added a Women's Cycling Resource Center. Check it out for a variety of topics and links from advocacy to blogs, to event/rides to gear and bikes. Also Wisconsin Women Cycling and Women Bike Chicago.  Feel free to share some other great women's cycling resources.

By nature women try to juggle a lot every day. I'm divorced and no kids, but still find it hard to balance training, relationships, family, work, volunteering and maintaining a home. But I try very hard to not give up my training time, because it is my therapy, too. It's okay to be a little selfish and take some time for yourself and workout. In the long run it will make you a happier person.

Enjoy the ride,
Sheri

When push comes to shove, pick the right race for you.

I've always kept it real with you in my blogs when talking about my own issues with body image, fears, successes and failures. Well today's blog is no different.

Yesterday I competed in my first fat tire race. I thought it would be more of a "fun" race since it was called the Fat Cupid and there were couples and junior divisions in addition to the women's and men's categories. I opted for the couples category thinking what a great way to spend Valentines Day. We only had to start and finish together, allowing each of us to ride our own pace. Perfect...so I thought.

From the very start, the event reminded me why I stay away from group races and gravitate towards triathlons and time trials. No one can touch me while I'm on the bike!!! It's not in my DNA to be aggressive and push my way to the front of the pack. Just don't want anyone pushing me when I'm on my bike. Period!!

For the start of the race, they let the long course (8 laps) competitors off first with about a 5 minute delay for the short course (4 laps) riders. The course was a combination of single and double track with great snow conditions.

We headed out of the start shoot on double track and immediately headed down a hill. The guys were so aggressive to get to the front, that I got pushed into deep snow. Immediately I went down. (I guess they call that "making snow angels") I checked to make sure nothing was broken, brushed myself off and continued the race. Soon the double track turned to single track. Since I fell I was now at the back of the pack with some slower riders. This gave the fast guys finishing their first lap time to catch up. It was crazy having to pull over and let faster riders go by while trying not to get too far behind. The majority of folks would yell rider back so you could get out of the way. But there was one guy who actually swore at me. Instead of yelling some profanity back at him, I just yelled "Thank you and have a nice day." Silly me, I had no idea the 1st place was a million dollars and that you need to run over everyone. What an ass.

On the second lap a guy went to pass me on the double track. Now I was all the way to the right so riders could pass. There's room on this section for 3-4 bikes abreast to get by. But he came so close to me he hooked my handle bars and took me down hard. Okay I'm not even two laps into this "fun" race and I've been taken down twice!! Or should I say I made two snow angels? Well at least I'll be sore evenly since I've now fallen on my left and my right. (Cup half full)

By the third lap I was pretty tired. Racing in snow is a lot tougher than road riding. And maneuvering on the trails is tiring both physically and mentally. It requires upper and lower body strength and 100% concentration. I was pretty frustrated and thought briefly about a DNF. But I owed it to my partner to finish. As I started my 4th lap Mitch was already done waiting to cross the finish line with me. So instead of just hanging out, he came along for my last lap and encouraged me along the way. It felt good to cross the finish line and not get a DNF. But it definitely reminded me why I don't do group races!!

How I felt when it was all over!

I am glad we went. It allowed me to have a new experience as well as spend Valentines with my honey. But my bike racing will be limited to time trials and tris. As I was racing I thought about the 2 person 50K time trial we did last year and how that was way better. No one pushed me over.


When you are picking the type of race(s) you want to do this year, think about you're comfort zone. It's okay to challenge yourself and try something outside your "box". Like a longer distance or a hilly course. But at the end of the day, make sure you are still having fun.

If you are doing your very first triathlon this year, consider one of the many women's only races. There's a drastic difference between a coed and an all women's race. The lack of testosterone in the mix makes for a much more civilized swim, as well as more encouragement from fellow athletes. I'm not saying women aren't competitive, but they are competitive in a different way.

I'm done making snow angels and looking forward to races where they don't say "Are you ready to rumble?"

Enjoy the ride,
Sheri

For the love of your bike - Happy Velo-tines Day!

As cyclists we have a love for our bike(s). I found this poem in one of my eNewsletters and written by Anne-Marije :: Editor, Ella CyclingTips. Thought I'd share it with you on this Valentines Day.

There is nothing in the world that brings me more joy
You’re my transportation, my recreation and my favourite toy
Whether we’re among friends or enjoying some solitude
You always know how to put me in a better mood
Together we can travel to any place we should choose
You’re my ticket to freedom and my way of letting loose
You offer me release and peace of mind
A way to escape from the daily grind
You’re my biggest challenge
But also the thing that keeps my life in balance
You’re my therapy and my favourite endorphin high
My church, my comfort, the apple of my eye
A life without you simply won’t do
Dear bike, I am so madly in love with you!

I'm up in Appleton WI today "competing" in the Fat Cupid Fat Tire race. I'll fill you in when I'm back. Should be good for a few laughs.

Hubs and Kisses

Enjoy the ride,
Sheri

Women empowering women

The majority of my posts are strictly about cycling or fitness, but bare with me today there are synergies with today's post. I wanted to share with you a company that was recently featured on Shark Tank. R. Riveter handbags is a company started by two military wives. They chose Rosie the Riveter, the WWII icon, because she embodies everything they stand for. Rosie's spirit and her 'we can do it' attitude definitely applies here.

Athletes need the same mantra as Rosie

Many people aren't aware of the sacrifices military personnel and their families make. Frequent moves are the norm, with the average enlisted soldier relocating every 2-3 years. This in turn makes it difficult for military spouses to pursue or maintain a single career path. So founders Lisa Bradley and Caneron Cruse (both military spouses) created R. Riveter.

Leveraging a mobile workforce across the country, military spouses fabricate various parts of the handbags in their own homes and then ship them to Georgia for assembly. Each handbag features durable materials including uniforms, tents and blankets. Materials are sourced from government surplus or when possible, directly from service members.

I recently ordered my bag (Signature Patton) not only because it looks great, but for what it symbolizes. It arrives in April as the company saw a huge spike in business after their segment aired. But I feel it is worth the investment and wait.

Just as R. Riveter strives to inspire, engage, and empower, I hope you find a bit of Rosie in yourself. It's the 'we can do it' attitude that each of us as athletes must believe in order to be successful. No self doubting or negativity allowed here.


Enjoy the ride,
Sheri

P.S. A shout out to all the current and former military personnel and their families. Thank you for your service.