Fitness Training News

Sunday, September 30, 2007

In Search of Color

First there was one in search of color.

And then there were others in search of color.

They found what they were looking for.

And that, was all that was needed for the perfect ride today. Mission accomplished. # posted by Michelle Grainger @ 11:00 PM 0 Comments

Hiking, Vegas, more colors, and riding

If you squint your eyes you can almost pretend you see the great colors on the Aspen trees back home. Sure ya can.

I left the Girls behind and Steve was already there. Vegas. The end of summer ritual for a lot of cyclists industry folks. Interbike. I was only there for 3 days. Went to help Accelerade and see friends.

It's really weird. Someone asked me what the weather was like and I actually couldn't tell them. I spent so much time inside.

Best meal: Inside the secret Italy booth down the hall from the Accelerade booth. And everyone thought "secret" only was applied to trails. The chefs were flown in from Italy and it was an awesome spread. Baguette, salad, prosciutto, olives, risotto, and pasta. Yummy! Thank you Italy.

Best events: Seeing lost friends (thanks for lunch E.T. See you soon in Fruita) and old friends and the crit. Too many crashes at the crit, though.

Best other thing: Coming home. Seeing our Girls when we got home. So much tail wagging. Thanks Katherine.

Today; got up, had coffee and oatmeal, played with the Girls and then, Steve and I went for a short pre work ride. The colors are really good right now. I have seen a little better, on drier summers, but they look better then I thought. I thought I may have missed the peak going to Vegas.

Today's ride seemed to go so slow but the times to certain points were on average. There was a really cool strong wind that blew in our faces, as we made the way to the trails, and then it seemed to turn and come from the opposite way once we a little higher up in to the hills. Thought for sure we'd get rained on, but the clouds never opened up on us. My legs never quite felt very good. Kind of flat. So much standing at the show makes the legs really heavy. Not to mention the plane ride.

We could see some new snow on the mountains and will likely check it out on Sunday's ride or hike. It's be nice to get up high but I have a feeling that's what every other person with eyes and a car will be doing. So maybe we should stay closer to home and check out the good Aspen colors near the house.

The colors of red and orange in the shrubs are the best right now.

Can't wait for the day to begin tomorrow. Hear there's rain and wind possibilities.

# posted by Michelle Grainger @ 12:16 AM 0 Comments

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Giving in to fall

After the rain Sunday and Monday, and now the cold temps, I have given in to the idea it's fall. I actually really like fall. I like the cool rides, the dark blue skies but I'm just not ready quite yet.

I found out today that the local black bear has two cubs. Means more leash time for the Girls. The good news is that she and the cubs were eating the apples from an apple tree, up the street. And today was trash day. That means people leave their trash out early or even over night. Then, that means the bears come for the trash. But this bear seems to be getting her young to eat the natural food. Good thing all of my plums are picked.

The Girls and I headed up some hiking trails early this morning. Same spots as usual. Only now, usually, means watching the trail become a dirt road. I guess it's for the new home builders to be able to drive to new building sites. Three new building sites and two new owners. Kind of a bummer because I've hiked here for so long that it felt like it would stay woods and trees and hills forever. But I do have my own house. A small piece of the pie. It's not for me to ever say someone else can't have theirs.

On the trails, we found a large fox tail. Just the tail. Big and orangy-tan and bushy. Wonder if the fox made it? I'm not sure it can live without a tail. Not sure there are too many things that can catch a fox. Maybe, more things are back in the neighborhood this week. More than just the bears. # posted by Michelle Grainger @ 12:46 AM 0 Comments

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Last of the vacation days

The last day of vacation was great. Not that is was great because it was the last day. But great because the weather was warm and sunny and we did some last minute fishing. Too, the local river swans made their way to the dock to hang for a little bit.

We had seen them mid week down in the marshes when we went kayaking. We were careful not to get too close as there are 4 young ones.

Steve and I have talked about taking our own bikes to the cape next year and ride more. That would mean that there would be less fishing. Hhhhmmmm, less fishing?

Off the dock, before we left, I caught a huge Blue Fish. It was about 24 inches long and Steve thinks it was at least 10 pounds. That's big.

It took several minutes to get it onto the dock. It was such a struggle that I actually had to wrap my leg and arm around the dock pole so that I didn't fall into the water. I almost lost it but Steve got it into a net just before it let go of the hook. I kept water on it until Steve could take a photo and off it went back into the water. Bragging for a long time to come.

# posted by Michelle Grainger @ 2:04 PM 0 Comments

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Oceans, boats, fish and beer.

Finished the day yesterday in the skiff. Steve caught Dog Fish, Scups, and a Black Sea Bass (I think that's what is was). We were fishing in the boat for over 4 hours. I caught about 12 Scups. All went back in, unharmed.

The weather yesterday was very overcast and very calm. No wind at all. The water seemed very quiet and very few people are left around here. All going back to other lives off the water and getting ready for fall.

All week long we have seen the Blue Fish swimming in the water, We thought they were feeding on the little fish. When we had the skiff out yesterday, we saw the Blue Fish again. This time we went to look. There were thousands of them. Everywhere! They were not eating anything. They weren't chasing anything, either, Just swimming in schools. It was really weird to see so many.
After fishing we ate pizza, drank more beer and watched another Red Sox game. Ouch!

This morning I got up, headed out the door early (vacation early-9:20 Am) and rode the old bike to Bourne's old town center. There's a library there, and thanks to their internet access, I have been able to add in some photos.

I went in the Jonathon Bourne Historical Center. Not open so headed over to the library. Will come back to the museum later.

Heading back out on the water with Steve. perfect day today. Still and sunny and warm.

Not sure what else will be up for the last few days but likely more sightseeing, a trip over to Sandwich, more fishing, more beer, and at least one more bike ride. # posted by Michelle Grainger @ 8:20 AM 0 Comments

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Vacation day 5, I think

Day one, here in Bourne, was a day of fishing off the dock and fishing in the skiff. Steve wins the "biggest fish" award with a 15 inch Blue Fish. Nasty bugers. Lots of teeth and lots of fighting. Won't find me swimming in these waters any more.

Also went into Falmouth for shopping and hanging out. Steve's goal; the cheap t-shirt store. Steve also bought really cool shirts and seat shirts. T-shirts with Cape Cod logos go for $5-10.00 and great jackets for under 20. Good shopping this time of year. Good food, too. I had this great dish of scallops, shrimp, and white fish with a light cream and wine sauce. It had a few really tasty raviolis with it, too. Add to that a great IPA beer and life is good. Vacation is good.

Day three and four.

More fishing. Some shopping, and more yummy eating. Rode 25 year old mountain bikes to Woods Hole. There is a section of trail along the RR that part of the Centennial Trail. very nice trail and beautiful sights of the water along the way. Ate the best seafood plate, yet. More IPSs, too. Steve caught more Blue Fish and we almost fell out of the skiff when he tried to get a 20 inch Blue Fish into the boat. He had to let it go as he was trying to get it on the boat but it was way too big and heavy. No fish but one of the best sunsets I've ever seen. So pink and orange.

Day 5.
After last night's awesome orange and pink sunset,thought I'd wake up to a warm and sunny day. Nope. day five is cloudy.

Still no camera batery charger but do have a new battery. That means limited camera use until I find a charger. The charge that is on the new battery has done a good job but I am fearful that I'll drain the battery if I try to download photos. For now, no photos for you to view.

Went to Liam McGuire's last night to watch the Red Sox lose another game. Bummer! Had the best bread pudding I've ever had. Moist, yummy, and loads of raisins. Liam, famous aound the world for his folk singing was there. Nice treat.

Steve caught Dog Fish, small Blue Fish, and some tiny Black Sea Bass off the dock. We're off now to row out to open waters to catch the big blue he lost last night. # posted by Michelle Grainger @ 11:37 AM 0 Comments

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Day one and two of vacation.

Steve and I flew into Boston to visit with family. Steve's cousins,Solange, Magali, and Viviane, from France, are here. I haven't seen his family from France for several years and it's been good to visit. A reminder that I need to study my French. Too hard to figure out what everyone is saying. I can only catch words here and there. Also, it's a big difference from Colorado. the vegetation is so lush and green and there are ponds everywhere.

We went into Boston on day two. I love Boston. To visit, that is. I prefer mountains and woods but I find cities interesting with all of the different cultures, the smell of different foods, and the history.

We walked and read about the memorial for the Holocaust. (See photo above). Saw great architecture, walked all over the city and parks and took the subway back to the car

As we drove the country roads, I kept imagining what it must have been like for the first settlers to come here. The woods are so thick with ferns, bushes, and trees, it would be difficult to get through them very quickly, if at all. Colorado and other states out west are so different with the open pine forests, meadows, and mountain vista.

The big mistake this vacation, was to forget my camera battery. Next thing to do is to go try to find another battery.

Monday we'll be with my Aunt and Uncle near the Cape.

# posted by Michelle Grainger @ 1:27 PM 0 Comments

Friday, September 14, 2007

Fast commute and slow to home

Nope. Nothing to do with my commute today. He/she has been hanging out in the yard eating rodents this summer. About 5 1/2 feet long and gets really pissy if you mess with it. Tried to act like a rattle snake. Wasn't, just a huge Gopher snake. Really huge. Just beofre I took the photo he/she had a neighbor's cat in the corner.

My commute was hard and fast. Got to work in under 30 today. Not the fastest but good enough.

Good fun games on the way down. No DQs today. Makes up for yesterday when I went over the 4-Mile yellow line twice.

If ya get DQed you have to let up and go slow. So it pays not to DQ or I become late for work.

It was also cold on the way down and the way back up. Still, it beats the car on most days. # posted by Michelle Grainger @ 12:24 AM 0 Comments

Thursday, September 13, 2007

The best thing about fall.

The best thing about fall is the weather. You can still ride in shorts and short sleeve jerseys on most days and other days you have to get out the arm warmers and leg warmers. The days are just long enough to cram in a hike with the Girls and a ride before or after work. The wind isn't very strong on most days and the sun hits low enough to give a nice golden glow.

I think the aspens near us will be turning in a couple of weeks. That's when fall riding is incredible. I miss the red colors of the east coast in fall but our mountains more than make up for it.

I had enough time today to ride twice and hike with the Girls. The rides were two commutes to town and the hike was the usual trail to the apple tree. The Girls ran off, without me, for a little bit today. Not a good thing as there are rather large kitties in the woods.

Saw this kitty poop and only thought to take the photo after I kicked is around a little. You get the ides of the size. HHHmmmm. A lot larger than my cats produce. I've seen 9 and Steve is on his 14th sighting. Not poop, kitties in the woods.

Quite a difference from these little ones.

# posted by Michelle Grainger @ 1:09 AM 1 Comments

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

What's in a pot of gold?

I imagine it's different for everyone. A race win, to be more fit, to be rich, to know the meaning of life?

For me? That one day, the world , including friends and family, be content. For people to share roads, to share trails, to share knowledge, to to share language, and yup, to share a moment to look at a rainbow.

# posted by Michelle Grainger @ 12:04 AM 0 Comments

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Nice and cool hiking and riding weather.

What a great day for a ride. After hiking the girls, I headed out for a quick mountain bike ride before work. It was just warm enough to wear shorts and a short sleeve top. No arm warmers or jackets today.

It's the end of summer so I'm back to weight lifting in the gym 4 days a week. Easy pattern of chest/ back on Monday and Thursday and lower body/arms on Tuesday and Friday. Nothing heavy, just getting the balance back and getting the ligaments and tendons ready for the new workouts to come.

# posted by Michelle Grainger @ 2:08 PM 0 Comments

Sunday, September 9, 2007

2 hikes, a mountain ride, and a BBQ. The perfect Sunday.

Steve wanted to do a road century. I wanted to ride my mountain bike. Haven't been on it since coming home from Alaska. The pending snow was also a reason to want to ride in the mountains. Lots of time for road riding all winter.

That left me with the Girls. So, off on our usual red shack trail we went. Only this hike was special. Lucie was filled with more excitement than usual. She's pretty stoic most of the time. This morning she was running and goofing off with Kayla, more than I have seen in a long time. The weather?

So, today I got great photos of her. Kayla, too, but that's nothing new. We had a blast. Running around, checking under logs, around rocks, looking up trees for chipmunks and squirrels. A blast by all involved.

After the hike, I headed out on the easy Business Loop, with a few other side trips. Wanted to make sure the aspens were not turning, yet. They weren't. Still green. I'm happy. It was an interesting ride as every half hour the weather changed from foggy cold back to sunny and warmer. Fun to take photos in, especially when no one is waiting around for me.

Met up with a couple of Forest Service Rangers. Asked them what hunting is going on right now. A lot of times I bring the Girls up there to run. Only bow and arrow. Safe from guns for another month. Actually think they aren't supposed to shoot in this area because it's so close to multi use recreation. But I see hunters each fall. In the fall, I make the Girls wear funny orange coats I sewed from hunter's vests. At least they won't look like deer.

As I got closer to home, the fog really started to move in and I thought I'd get rained on before getting home. The fog was coming from the north and the wind started to kick up. Thought the snow was coming but as I got closer to the house the sky opened up for another round of sun.

By the time I was done with my ride, and Steve was done with his ride, it was time for another romp in the woods. Another hike. Never get tired of that activity. Great was to stay in shape, have fun with the Girls and have time with Steve.

By dark we had a house full of dogs and people. Some from town and others, mountain neighbors. Everyone talking about what they'd done for the day. Just plain good noise. Dogs playing, salmon and steak on the grill, a full kitchen of bread, potato salad, rice, corn on the cob and wine and beer. Just friends getting together before the season slips away. # posted by Michelle Grainger @ 11:34 PM 4 Comments

OK, I'll admit it, fall is here.

I don't think I'm like most people. People who are anxious to get the snow here. To go skiing, to bundle up, and to ride in the snow. I like the end of summer and I like a really long fall.

If fall comes too quickly, I feel like I have too much to do. Pick the plums, chop and saw the wood, get the yard ready for winter, trim trees back, put the storm windows on, find the Girl's winter jackets, and pull out my own winter clothing. After so much snow last winter, I could use a really long fall this year. I shoveled over 50 hours last year. Good for fitness and great strong abs but I'm not ready to shovel just yet.

When I got up this morning, it was so foggy that I couldn't see the hills behind the ridge. Very pretty but I thought it was going to be sunny this morning. After a cup of coffee and a hike with the Girls, the sun came out. Yeah! Summer for a few hours longer, until tonight. We are supposed to get a rain snow mix tonight.

I've still got a little bit of time to go ride and enjoy the colors on the trails. # posted by Michelle Grainger @ 10:11 AM 0 Comments

Friday, September 7, 2007

Another fine day with The Girls and hiking

No, I didn't walk the dogs in water today. Only on the hills near the house. "Booger Head", AKA Kayla, ran after something with a bushy tail over a ridge. Had to take Lucie home and go back for Kayla. She came back pretty fast. Booger head!

They got another hike mid day and something was following us in the woods. When we got to our usual hiking trail, it smelled so much like cat (lion) pee. The Girls were spooked and I could here snapping of branches and Lucie was worried. Had to leave that area and go somewhere else.

Tonight, I signed the Girls up for the Canine Good Citizen Award. Yup, my Girls and god knows how many other RRs. Should be good blog material. Also a few good laughs.
You can read about it below.
___________________________________________________
The AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program Sponsored by K9 Advantix®. Started in 1989, CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen training as the first step in training their dogs. The Canine Good Citizen Program lays the foundation for other AKC activities such as obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events. As you work with your dog to teach the CGC skills, you'll discover the many benefits and joys of training your dog. Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with-they respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to provide training, intellectual stimulation, and a high quality life. We sincerely hope that CGC will be only a beginning for you and your dog and that after passing the CGC test, you'll continue training in obedience, agility, tracking, or performance events.

AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program Sponsored by K9 Advantix® is one of the most rapidly growing programs in the American Kennel Club. There are many exciting applications of this wonderful, entry level that go beyond the testing and certifying of dogs.

Many other countries (including England, Australia, Japan, Hungary, Denmark, Sweden, Canada, and Finland) have developed CGC programs based on the AKC's CGC Program. A CGC Neighborhood Model has been established, police and animal control agencies use CGC for dealing with dog problems in communities, some therapy dog groups use the CGC as a partial screening tool, and some 4-H groups around the country have been using the CGC as a beginning dog training program for children.

A number of specialty (one breed only) clubs give the CGC at their annual national dog show. Dog clubs have discovered that the CGC is an event that allows everyone to go home a winner. Veterinarians have recognized the benefits of well-trained dogs and there are some CGC programs in place in veterinary hospitals. State legislatures began recognizing the CGC program as a means of advocating responsible dog ownership and 17 states now have Canine Good Citizen resolutions.

In a little over one decade, the Canine Good Citizen Program has begun to have an extremely positive impact in many of our communities. This is a program that can help us assure that the dogs we love will always be welcomed and well-respected members of our communities.

All dogs, including both purebred and mixed breed dogs are welcome to participate in the AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program Sponsored by K9 Advantix®. Dogs must be old enough to have received necessary immunizations such as rabies vaccines. Owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge attesting to having the dog under the routine care of a veterinarian who will work with the owner to determine an appropriate plan and schedule for vaccines and other health care procedures.

There is no age limit for the CGC test. A dog is never too old to be a good citizen. Puppies who have completed all immunizations and boosters may be tested, however, because we know that behavior and temperament can change over time, when puppies pass the CGC test, owners should have them re-tested as adults. # posted by Michelle Grainger @ 9:37 PM 0 Comments

Thursday, September 6, 2007

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCIE!

Three years ago a little bundle of fun was born. I waited 20 years for this little soul to be mine. Well, as much mine as any Rhodesian Ridgeback could be mine. Thanks to Melissa and Akina my-our wait was finally over.

Why 20 years? I waited until my lifestyle fit being the owner (called a guardian in Boulder ) of a dog. Needed to make more time to hike every day and not just ride my bike.

Now, we have two RRs. Lucie is 3 and Kayla, a bit over a year. I call them, "The Girls". They are my companions, my hiking mates, my comedians, and sometimes my headaches. We love them as if they were our kids. I'm sure, much to the amusement of others, we treat them like kids.

Life would not be the same without them.

I go to my mailbox for 10 minutes and they act like I've been gone for a year. The greeting I get upon my return, has no word to describe it. When I go to work for the day they give me the same enthusiastic doggie bow, tail wagging, wiggling body, greeting. Yup, life is more enriched, more enthusiastic, and more joyful because I have my Girls.

We hike them no less than 7 hours every week and usually up to 10 hours. An hour a day of hiking is enough for most humans to stay in pretty good shape, let alone keep the dogs happy. It becomes more fun every week to run, hide, romp, and watch them on these hikes. It's allowed us to meet more people and understand more about life.

Thanks Lucie for being such a great friend. If you had not been the best in the world, we may not have brought you home Kayla.

The three cats (Sophie, Nina, and Izzie), also great companions, may not totally agree with me about the joy and fun you bring to the house. But, I'll guess in their own feline life of contentment, they too, love having the household mixed up a bit.

Here's to life never being boring.

Happy Birthday Lucie and many many more. # posted by Michelle Grainger @ 1:02 PM 0 Comments

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Soggy Bottom 100 Photos Sites By the way. Forgot to mention that there are several places you can go to see more photos of the Soggy Bottom 100. They are:

http://picasaweb.google.com/julie.perilla/SoggyBottom100

http://picasaweb.google.com/mjshea1/SoggyBottom9107

http://photos.mombok.com/gallery/3405124

I would be the rider in the blue and yellow KHS team get up. Yup, still in my usual racing uniform. Dorky, but I like to able able to thank my old sponsors that still help me out. That would be KHS, Rudy Project, Clif Bar, Accelerade, and SRAM. Thanks to them I can still jump into awesome events like this.

I also got to see my cousin, Doug, in Girdwood. He let me stash my huge hard case bike box at his place. In return he got all leftover groceries. Thanks Dougie. Remember this? "Jeremiah was a bullfrog, na na na?" # posted by Michelle Grainger @ 9:09 PM 0 Comments

2007 Soggy Bottom 100

Looking across the Turnagain Arm from the ski area in Girdwood. Below shows you just where Hope Alaska is and how to get there. Options to get there include but are not limited to: rent a car in Anchorage and drive there, take the train to the turn off for Whittier and then ride there or hope someone comes a long that will drive you there, and you can always ride the whole way to Hope on your bike from the airport.

It's been two days since I returned from the 2007 Soggy Bottom 100. It was awesome! Carlos and the volunteers put on a wonderful race and the views were some of the best I've ever seen.

The race starts in the town of Hope just over an hours drive from Anchorage. In Hope, there are a several houses, several camping areas, and a great bar and cafe, called the The Sea View Bar and Grill. That's where the race starts and ends. There is also camping just across the street from the start.

The Soggy Bottom 100 is actually 108 miles with 8 miles on a dirt road getting to and from the Resurrection Trail. From this trail head, the trail follows Resurrection creek in the Chugach National Forrest to the Sterling highway. Many creeks run through this trail with names like, Wildhorse, Cannonball, Moose, Hungry, and Abernathy creek.

The race starts at a very leisurely time of 9 AM at the Sea View Bar and Grill. Not like the 100 mile races I used to do starting at 6 AM.

From the start we headed up the dirt road towards the bridge that put us onto the trail. Once on the trail, we followed the undulating single and double track along the river, through the woods and thick brush, while making our way up to Resurrection Pass. The trail was a mix of tacky dark dirt, criss-crossing roots, and rocks scattered here and there. Not bad for the beginning of a long day.

After a bit of riding, we leave the low river bed area and start to head for the wide open tundra. Here the trees are not as dense and the brush not as thick. In fact, it looks like Colorado tundra at about 11,000 feet. Here, we're at about 3,000 feet with rich black dirt and jagged rocks and it's a pretty easy trail to ride on. The trail was just technical enough to have to pay attention and I couldn't take my hands off the bars very often so I would stop and take photos along the way. Early on I decided that this would be a reconnaissance race for me and I really wanted to take my time and look at the views and bring back photos to share with Steve and my friends.

In this awesome wide open section of open tundra and small alpine lakes I saw a few FS cabins. Something I'd like to look into for future back-packing trips in the area.

Leaving this area, we start to drop down through this very thick brush and weeds. I think some of the weeds are called Cow Parsley. It looked like the weeds we ride through in Crested Butte, Colorado. Whatever the names of this thick stuff, it was incredible to ride through. The trail was about as wide as the handle bars and you couldn't see anything, except what was right in front of you. Kind of like riding through a corn field. This is where I was wondering if I would see a bear or a moose. Ha! Unlikely, as I was making so much noise with bear bells and grunts, as I made my way over the slippery rocks, roots, and black slick mud. Several times I got up enough speed to actually have a load of fun but I'd always get myself into a bit of trouble. I would almost endo off the edge of the trail or miss a 90 degree turn onto a bridge. It looked like a few other racers may have crashed off into these bushes, so I decided safety was better than not finishing and slowed down. With sections like this, I'm glad we have technical riding on the Colorado mountain trails. I never thought these trails were too technical, but I wouldn't recommend the riding for beginners.

Juneau Lake

After the weedy section, we came to the lower elevations of Juneau and Trout Lakes. Here the trail had a few rooty sections. For the most part, the riding was pretty easy with a lot of gravel surface, most likely to aid people getting to the lakes to fish.

Throughout the whole day there were well built bridges over the creeks of various widths and lengths. The bridge in the photo below crosses Juneau Creek, just before our first aid station into Cooper Creek parking area. I have to thank Curt Harris for this photo, as I have very few of me on my bike.

The volunteers at the aid stations were so wonderful. Carlos asked several of the volunteers to help the out-of -owners or unsupported racers. They did an incredible job. having volunteers at the stations help the racers save time. I hope they didn't mid my procrastination in the pit areas. The volunteers went and got water and Gatorade (provided by Carlos) and even cleaned off my chain several times. I had Accel Gels, Clif Bars, Endurox R4, and Apple pies in my drop bag. Good thing , as I was taking forever to race and found I was eating very little on the trails but a lot at the aid stations.

The race is an out and back on the Resurrection Trail with a 20 mile detour onto and back up the Devils Pass Trail. I found the Devils Pass Trail to be a lot like the mining trails of Colorado. Mostly tight double track, stream crossings, rocky sections, and a moderate descent and climb in and out of the second and last aid station.

Twice, I encountered the same two horses and riders. Twice, one of the horses stood perpendicular to the trail as I was about to walk pass. The owner apologized and seemed a little embarrassed because her horse seemed not to want me to pass. She told me to try passing behind the horse on the outside of the trail. This would require that I step off the trail into the weeds and off the edge of the trail where I couldn't see if the trail dropped into the ravine. Waiting for the horse to allow me to pass seemed like a better option. I wasn't in that much of a hurry. Coming up to the horse the first time took 15 minutes for the horse to move. I just stood and ate a Clif Bar while the rider tried to get her horse to turn parallel to the trail. It actually became amusing because here I was in a race, where I was more likely to encounter a bear or moose and and I couldn't pass a domesticated horse. It was even funnier when I came back up the trail and saw the horse again. Again, the horse seemed to know me and again, stood perpendicular to the trail. This time I could pass on the up hill side and carefully walked my bike around the horse, while talking to the horse, around it's hind end. I was contemplating taking a photo of the horse but it seemed like it may spook the horse.

Back onto the open tundra of the upper sections of Devils Pass Trail, it began to mist and fog rolled in. It was really beautiful. I couldn't see the lakes I'd seen on the way down but it really made for a peaceful ride. Almost like I was out there all alone.

After riding through the fog, the trail continued on ,connecting back to the Resurrection Trail.

I thought that if I would ever see a bear or a moose, it would be here, near the lakes in the fog. Again, my bells more then likely scared off anything, long before I got close. I did, however, see many hikers, their dogs, and a few hunters.

When I reached Resurrection Pass I took a few photos. It's funny to be at a pass at 2600 feet and not the usual of Colorado passes at 11,000 feet and higher.

Once reaching the pass, I knew it was mostly downhill back to the finish. I was only partially correct. I forgot about the constant rolling the trail took, while slowly descending back to the river.

I did make up some time. I had wasted quite a bit of time at the aid stations and along the way taking photos. The goal was to make it to the finish before dark. Something Carlos kept reminding me of at the Devils Pass aid station. He also told me to stop taking so many breaks and get done by dark. I assured him I had my helmet light but in my foggy state of mind didn't think to take the Cateye handle bar lights. Good incentive to end the race before dark.

The last 15-20 miles seemed to go on for ever and ever. My bear bells were constantly ringing in my ears for the last 12 hours, I had that alone feeling when you ride a 100 mile race with only 20 other racers. To top that off, I couldn't exactly remember the trail. The situation could make a good purgatory or a good Stephen King novel. It was actually funny because I was making so much noise that I knew I'd never see any wild life. In fact, I told a few hunters on the way down the trail, that they would most likely never see wild life in the area ever again. I'm sure they muttered something like "darn tourists". Carlos would be really proud. No hikers, equestrians, or politicians would ever be startled by me. Not exactly the "be quiet in the woods so you can see the wild life" saying that our parents used to tell us growing up.

I made my way to the finish line just before dark and finished just around 12 hours. Never had to turn on my lights. I think my finish was 8th place. The two single speeders made it in before me, as did a few others. I was very proud of Dan, my friend, as he did a great time of 11:36.

Here are the results, thanks to Carlos.

Darren Mattingly, 9h 30m
Chuck DiMarzio, 10h 12m
Dale Plant, 10h:18m, Bellingham,Wa. ( Single Speed )
Jason Hill, 10h 37m
Joe " broken toe Joe " Pollock, 11h37m
Paul Cyr, 11h 38m
Michelle Grainger, 12h 5m ( new holder of the female record by 7 mins.) , Boulder, Co.
Tim " grill meister " Kelly , 12h 26m
Mark Davis, 12h 26m
Adam Bartlett, 12h 32m
Dave Hart, 12 37
Greg McDuffie, 12h 43m
Brian Garcia, 13h 16m
Ted Cahalane, 13h 30m
Jeff "swami " Swanstrum 14h 4m
Bill Rice, 14h 25m
The Sog Bot Leonardo ( aka, akdeluxe ) Award is about the rider who displays the heart, the grit and the will to finish what you started spirit, the will to succeed despite the exhaustion and pain, the 2007 Leonardo Award goes to Mr. Bill Rice !

I loved this race and really wanted to ejoy the whole event from start to finish. That I did!

I will come back and race it again. I want Steve to come back with me and maybe even talk some of my friends into coming up.

Now it's back into racing retirement. At least until the next adventure presents itself.

# posted by Michelle Grainger @ 11:53 AM 2 Comments

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