Two-Wheel Terror

Hawaiian business trips for the PROS

2010-10-03T12:59:00.008-05:00

Ignore the fact that I haven't updated you, my loyal readers, in almost 3 months. What I'm about to document is worth the wait...

Transcending time and space we find ourselves 6 and a half hours into the Pacific on the Island of Hawaii; specifically the West Coast in Kailua-Kona. Purpose: 1.)To have a vacation from what has been year of change full of surprises good and bad. 2.)To watch Katie complete the Iron Man World Championship race. 3.)To climb some amazing roads on our bicycles and rekindle a love of a pastime that's been suffering (reason 1 for the lack of updates, did I say sorry for that?). 4.)To be with FRIENDS, one of whom is embarking on a worldwide journey that will have more emphasis on her journey into knowing Self rather than her geographical coordinates.

And the final reason for visiting is business specifically promoting and announcing the launch of Thunderbird Energetica, the all-natural, organic, better-than-anything-out-there food bar founded by friends, Katie Forrest and Taylor Collins.

The place is magical. The 1984 Miami tropic print decor of a condo we are staying in is without A/C, we wake up naturally at 6 or 7am and are ready for bed at 5pm, we swim effortlessly with sea turtles...Toto, we are NOT in Texas anymore.

Other notables thus far was our run in with a Specialized rep getting ready for an expo who was kind enough to let us man handle and overdocument our presence with Fabian Cancellara's 2010 yellow jersey Tour bike. Fabian is not only Katie's absolute FAVORITE all-time pro cyclist, but he is the best Time Trialist in the world (see motivational video). We were blessed to see the bike he rode when he was the leader in the Tour. A sign of the championship to come? Perhaps. Regardless, it was special moment for all of us.

Excuse me, what did you say?

2010-07-16T22:21:00.009-05:00

The month of July has always had a certain sweet spot in my heart. I mean...not as much as March who showers me with cooler temps and the annual SXSW film fest (and now recently the death of my daddy which will always be remembered). And certainly not as much as October, which holds high ratings because it's my birth month and well...THAT's cause for celebrating. ALWAYS. No, July hasn't meant nearly as much as those other months, but it has sprinkled me with memories of awesome bike trips, European adventures, firework displays on New York rooftops, and watching the riders of the Tour de France.

Yet THIS July IS special because THIS July I was proposed to by my boyfriend-now fiance-soon-to-be husband (what?!) Jed Rogers.

Oh yeah.

Pretty much the most awesome thing ever. And don't you dare think that the story isn't blog worthy...to keep it light it will read as follows (recapped information as much as I know)

June 22nd:

My mom's birthday, and probably the most nerve-racking day of Jed's life (thus far? maybe?).

Jed "pops" in to wish mom a happy birthday (bouquet of flowers in hand cue, "awwwws")

After chit chat, he wiggles. squirms. and asks my mom formally for my hand in marriage. If it were the middle ages he would've brought a cow and a chicken, that's how much of a stand up guy he is...

June 23rd:

Jed returns to mom's office appearing before a bunch of middle-aged women grinning ear to ear because of course they've already seen the ring in which Amy's to inherit and know that HE's the one that's gonna give it to her...

but when?

(you see where I'm going with this whole "i love july" thing, right?)

fast forward (cuz you ain't got all day) to July 4th...

It was brought up in an email that since we were to be staying in Austin for the 4th instead of traveling to another race in Kansas that watching the fireworks after a picnic would be a good date...

Jed: "Hi baby!

If I can't climb the ladder to get on the roof...

Would you like to pedal down to the river Sunday night with a blanket, the flask, and some snacks?

I love you!"

me: "that sounds great, baby! I hope it doesn't rain!"

And so it was (without the flask, tho) that a blanket and snacks and two people made their way down to the river, and watched the sky light up.

There's me saying "Oo! I like that one!" after every explosion, and Jed being abnormally quiet but pleasant. There's me not noticing an abnormally quiet Jed and pointing to kids playing and saying "Oh! look at that kid, ha! How cute!" And Jed agreeing but more or less still staying quiet. And then there's Jed reaching out after the last firework went off saying, "Look! there's one more!"

And as I looked to see what black spot he was pointing at in the sky I realized that he wasn't pointing at all but rather holding a ring between his thumb and forefinger.

"Will you marry me?"

My brain: Excuse me, what did he say?"

But my heart knew what he said...and I burst into tears before I got to answer but sniffled and snotted out a "yes, of course!" in time.

And THAT, my friends, is why July has not only held a sweet spot in my memory bank, but has totally robbed those other months out of any better memories for the future (thus far. maybe?)

Notes to Self : Lessons

2010-06-10T17:48:00.005-05:00

When traveling to NRC races, one Cat 4 lady racer must remember a few things:

the field size will probably be bigger than you've ever raced before, and that will FREAK YOU OUT.

the term "free lap" may or may not come into play, but if there's the option: you take it instead of chasing back on

the risk of crashing is much more likely because there are more people

evidence pictured below :

coulda been worse!

...and the final lesson:
...the amount of fun you will have will be exponentially greater!

Tulsa Tough lived up to its name and while I didn't take home any results to speak of, I certainly took home some serious lessons in how to race my bike.

Can't wait til next year!

Tough.

2010-06-04T17:18:00.001-05:00

This weekend I find myself conjuring strength from the buffalo spirits along the Oklahoma plains.

Tulsa Tough, one of the best crit races in the country, will be blessed with me on its Cat 4 lady start list. Meanwhile, my teammates ventured to see our Team Shaman, Mark White Eagle, in West Texas. Thanks guys. I'll need the extra blessings.

If you wanna be tough, you gotta act tough...which is why I've surrounded myself with the handsome gentleman of GCCA/Toyota. On a publicity ride this morning the team flexed their training secrets, doning the red and black colors of Source Endurance. There's no need to hide in hotel rooms. These guys have 'win' written right there on their jerseys.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

The sweet taste...

2010-05-28T07:54:00.004-05:00

And so as the temperatures rose close to 140 degrees in Austin, TX, the women of the Cat 4 peloton line up at the Driveway for our weekly race.

Beads of sweat drip down the cheeks of the racers.

The winds were calmed and the trees silenced in respect for the event that was about to happen...

GO!

30 minutes (yes, only 30) of hard cranking, pedal mashing, and the results threw me up on the podium with a 3rd place finish after a pack sprint! It was an awesome feeling, especially having my teammate, Bettina Hodginskya, right there at the finish leading me out!

Inspiration for this week's victory include : watching my extraordinary BF, Jed Rogers, take 1st place in the Matrix May Cup Track Omnium at the Superdrome in Frisco, TX last weekend...and then winning the sprint tournament that Sunday. All that driving and filming was well worth it!

Jed Rogers wins the CAT3 8 Lap Scratch Race at the ATRA Nationals from Toyota Cycling Team on Vimeo.

Just a taste of what's to come with Tulsa Tough weekend just a week away...

Best of times, Worst of times...

2010-05-18T09:25:00.009-05:00

Over the past two months I've withheld all the stories and happenings in my life and you've probably been asking...

Am I being selfish?
Have I given up on this whole "racer" blog thing?
Do I not care about my loyal following and tifosi?
Have I developed a successful method of avoiding the paparazzi?

Or maybe I just went on vacation...

Well, whatever I've been up to over the past 2 months, I can tell you this. I've recommited myself to creative writing to a faceless, cyber audience for awhile...

One worthy event that has taken my time recently is bloggin' about the travels of Flat Aaron. Flat Aaron came to me in a letter from my youngest nephew from the great North. It was now my responsiblity to show this young flat creation of a youthful mind the sites of Austin, and to document such adventures.

(The letter read as follows)

Dear Amy

Thank you for taking my flat person. I won my secent basketball game I really like playing with my legos have fun with flat aaron

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Really need to work on that grammatical punctuation, little one...

Never ceasing to capture a creative opportunity, created the blog FLAT AARON TAKES AUSTIN...

It's not like I was cheating or anything, think of it like when a musician collaborates with others outside his band to create a new sound for a new crowd. (This one consists of 4th graders)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other events include the unexpected death of my dad, Fred. It's been difficult but with my family and friends close we are working through it

Trying times and trials...

2010-03-11T12:52:00.004-06:00

There's a point in an athlete's training that you never want to encounter...

Over-reaching (also related to, but not quite as bad as: Overtraining).

It is in this condition that what once was a normal, happy go-lucky girl on bike turns into without notice a lackadaisical, whiny baby, that could be clinically diagnosed as bi-polar, but won't be because a day or two off the routine or maybe some chocolate would fix the problem.

While I don't feel as if I reached the point of over-reaching, my body did say "no" to the whining and complaining this week by acting out and slapping me with a bladder infection. Looking for comfort in a blog entry is what I've resorted to, understanding that no amount of support from friends, hugs from lovers, or antibiotics from the team doctor are going to turn my mood around. I've made the conscious choice to say "yes" to some tender loving care...

What does that look like?

Let me illustrate...

I don't who coined this phrase, but "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em"

Introducing the newest of quad powered machines to my arsenal. The Time Trial bike.

This extremely fast, well fashioned apparatus will assist me in my goal of top 10 finishes in the mid-Spring stage races. Not only does it look bad ass, but I look TOTALLY bad ass riding it.

Who's got time to be a big whiny baby when there's new bikes to tinker with in the evenings??

Definitely not this happy go lucky girl...

TWM Ladies Quad Squad Dominate!

2010-02-24T08:56:00.009-06:00

Decorated with medals of glory, quads of steel, and hearts of gold the members of Team Wooly Mammoth's womens squad dominated this past weekend's annual Pace Bend Road Race.

Because of its crowd pleasing race course and ample availability of sand volleyball courts this event brings out the most fierce competitors. As you can imagine the Wooly Ladies are of no exception.

After a brief warmup on the sand volleyball courts, the ladies staged on a slick and rainy course :

Katiki Forrest
Bettina Hodges
Jessica "Der Hammer" Russellini
and myself.

Grueling attacks and counterattacks resulted in a strong 1st place finish and automatic upgrade to Katiki Forrest. The rest of the ladies won't be far behind with Bettina placing 4th, and myself placing 9th and Jessica 10th. As we accepted are medals we were escorted to an impromptu "warm down/photo op" next to the finish line. (pictured below)

There are already rumors of a TWM calendar coming out. With ladies like this....who wouldn't want one??

Crashes, Champions, and Competitors...it must be racing season

2010-02-22T08:11:00.005-06:00

The guns have been fired, the wheels are turning, and legs are being blown apart. My first official racing season started with a crash at the Tour of New Braunfels at the end of the month...crashing is one of those things that comes with racing your bike and it's best to get it out of the way first thing. It's the most ultra way to compete. My teammate, Katie Forrest, came back from the peloton and we worked hard to complete course. Success.

The injuries were minor and gave me the opportunity to try a different role as podium girl in the following week's race, the 138th Edizione of Belterra's Romantico Classico. The Wooly Mammoth women took 2 podium spots in both races this weekend, so even from the sidelines...I was a WINNER.

With a little help from our sponsor's at Austin Manual Therapy, I was able to get my shoulder and hip up and running to participate in another romantic event, the Valentine's Day University Oaks Criterium in San Antonio. Rubbing tires with the pavement and coming out incident free were the goals. Seeing Prancine and hearing my love, Jed, cheer me on each lap helped pushed me to the podium with a 3rd place finish.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

MOST INITIMIDATING NEWS OF THE WEEK!
Jessica Russell, the final member of our quad exploding ladies team, is back and ready to thrash up some hills and destroy the flats. More on the outcome of this past weekend's races as soon as the photos and autographs subside...

What are Champions Made Of?

2010-01-29T16:53:00.005-06:00

This past week Katiki Forrest and myself underwent scientific lab tests just to find out what a champion is made of. Administering the tests with only the Mammoth, doctor, and lab assistant, we've broken it down to this :

1. a Champion takes every opportunity to "work" a camera when presented with one.

2. a Champion takes a bite out of every medal of honor...strictly to display their inherent strength and to be intimidating...

3. a Champion can ignore the paparrazi with such unwaivering focus even under the most stressful conditions...as viewed above...

1st race of the season tomorrow. let the angels sing...

Romantic training in the South of France

2010-01-27T12:25:00.005-06:00

Keeping with yearly tradition, the Wooly Mammoth squads met briefly by private jet in the south of France (somewhere near Fayetteville, TX) for a secret training camp and round of "supplement" dosing before the early season races begin.

Here: dressed in our handmade kits, the women's team awaits for another brisk morning of leg shredding and general conversations of the size of our quads and the relative diameter of our glutes compared to that of our handsome male racing companions. Quite a romantic setting, no?

The training camp routes brought us to many small villages and rural areas where we as a team were able to meet our fans face to face. Until this point we have only been a beakon of light and motivation for this simple folk. The tears and hugs were endless, and the cheers from the valley farmers will be cherished by all the Mammoths...

It's going to be a great season...

When the training gets tough, the tough get training

2010-01-08T09:18:00.003-06:00

Doing an interval workout is one thing...

Doing an interval workout in 20 degree weather with 18 mph winds is another...

Which is why the Wooly Women chose a crotch killing, 2hr indoor workout yesterday...

Don't let the coy looks lure you to thinking we're not working hard. It's a known fact that the Wooly Woman's suffering goes undetected and is often disguised by bright smiles and laughter.

You know when the jokes start rolling the hammer is just about to drop...

You've been advised.

Climbing to 2010 - New Year's in Leakey, TX

2010-01-04T12:27:00.006-06:00

To close out 2009 and reintroduce climbing into the quads, some friends and I visited the nearby woodland area of Leakey, TX over New Year's.

2hrs southwest of Kerrville, Leakey boasts deserted roads and long, sometimes steep hills and the perfect addition to any winter training program.

Day 1 I climbed around 1,800 ft in a 60 mile loop out from Leakey through the towns of Utopia and Vanderpool keeping cadence high and paced by BF Jed Rogers (GCCA/Toyota). Our legs were much in need of a cold dip in a Frio River fed pool after that!

Day 2 still met us with gradual grades and around 1500 ft of climbing with cool switchback descents and a need for more winter gear ordered from DeFeet. Temperature at roll out was 25 degrees! This is Texas, y'all. Bring on the sunshine!

Incognito Winter Training Tactics....

2009-12-16T08:45:00.000-06:00

Take some advice from Katie "katiki" Forrest: When base training begins, let the passersby think you're nothing but a touring enthusiast out enjoying the weather...

This usually works if the weather is sunny, clear, and around 65. Unfortunately for the ladies of Team Wooly Mammoth, we did not encounter such favorable conditions on our training ride yesterday...

Participants :

Betty "Bettina" Hodges

Katie "Katiki" Forrest

Amy "Mickey" McNair

Conditions :

49 degrees and dropping w/a north wind gusting against our faces

The weather caused for remininscing of our days as Eastern European racers, conversations about our new Defeet sponsor and their fabulous, Ukrainian grade shoe covers, and general banter of the condition of our toes and fingers...

A romantic ride indeed...

Final Stage: Dipping into my bag of courage!

2009-07-25T13:04:00.000-05:00

Last day from Bodega Bay to Sausalito met us with climbs are quads could barely overcome. From steep and short with little descending in between to long and gradual that forced you to find your tempo and maintain it. I had the honor of leading the group into the city with my GPS2009 navigation system (aka writing all the turns on a strip of paper and then taping it to my top tube) with no wrong turns along the way! Some pretty attractive bike paths along the way, but none too attractive than the riders on them. Welcome to San Francisco!!

The final count: 786 miles for me (about 820 for Gia b/c she didn't have to sag,wah)

Quad measurement : 21" even (somehow I lost a 1/4 in, probably on the climb above)

Things I've learned from road signage:

"Passing lane 1 mile" means you are starting a climb

"Vista point 1/2 mile" means you are almost done with the climb

"20 mph slow w/curve symbol" means sweet descent ahead, don't hit your brakes

7% grade with semi-truck symbol sloping down means "yeah! I just did that!"

Things I've learned from Paolo:

"I'm feeling mellow today" means he's going to hammer

"My sleep was marginal last night" means he's going to hammer

"I'm going to take it easy today" means he's going to hammer

But what can I say? HIS quads are huge and he's yet again conquered another ride on his fixed gear. A reminder that age doesn't mean you have to get older.

It was a great journey with unforgettable terrain, beautiful views, and refreshing company. Riding your bike for this long is kinda like the road of life itself: sometimes it sucks, sometimes it's exciting, scary, frustrating, but at the end of the day it's just a blessing to be alive to do it all over again.

A slight setback turns to conquering switchbacks!

2009-07-23T11:29:00.000-05:00

Day 9-10-and 11: from Scotia to Bodega Bay...

There were 4 mile climbs, hairpin turns, sweeping descents, and a whole lot of chamois butter over the last 3 days.

Entering California brought steeper climbs like the Leggett hill. On day 9 I completed the route but with wincing knee cap pain caused from all the cumulative riding.

Day 10 we awoke in Leggett to tackle it's fabled "hill". I slammed some ibuprofen and enjoyed the climb over 1800 feet. It was spectacular. However, the pain didn't stop so I sagged the rest of the way in the mothership motorhome that's been following us all this time. Out of all the terrain, hills, and weather, choosing to rest was the hardest thing.

Day 11 was a spicy 99 miles from Mendecino to Bodega Bay, CA. I can't upload pictures right now because of no service, but this was the most beautiful coastline vistas of the entire trip. So beautiful that tears came to my eyes not from the grade of the pavement but from the no shoulder "I'm on the edge of the world" winding road we were riding. It was stunning. Took my breath away but not enough for me not to finish. A great comeback.

Day 12 (today) knee is feeling great and we have a 64 mile route to our final destination Sausalito, CA.

More soon! Particularly pics from the GG bridge!

A big man meets big quads in the Redwood Forest..

2009-07-20T00:03:00.000-05:00

Current mileage : 540

Quad measurement (above the tan-line, mid quad) : 21.25 in

# of huge, lumberjacks welcoming us to the forest with blue bull : 1

Day 7 had us traveling 62 miles from Crescent City to the Inn at Trinidad. Like Joseph and Mary of biblical stories past, we rolled in to the completely full Inn tired and hungry. However, our version found us with room reservations, a roll away bed, and complete coverage of the Tour de France. Excellent. After a quick in house bib cleaning (where are the soigneurs!?) Seeing the Spaniard Alberto Contador dance his way thru the Alps to secure the yellow jersey was just what we needed on our ride today.

Day 8 (today) Trinidad to Scotia Inn, most haunted and creepy place in Humboldt County. We're the only guests and I KNOW there are friggin' ghosts here. Way to many mysterious sounds that I'm not going to explore (that's how horror movies start!). My legs are getting sore, like REALLY sore, and there's much more climbing to be had tomorrow. Word on the Round Table the climbs are gradual but long. Which suits me better than the steep quad busting crap we climbed today.

What would Paolo do when faced with 7 sharp climbs of about 100-300ft each? Take the alternate route on 101. Proving that he DOES have some common sense left, but he's still on the fixed gear plus he's already done the needles I did on a fixed gear (and a tandem) with not so pleasant results. Live and learn.

DOWN the OR coast and UP the stairs in style

2009-07-17T23:46:00.000-05:00

Day 4, 5, and 6 have been beautiful at times, difficult at others, and epic in every way.

Day 4: Florence to Bandon : 75 miles, one long bridge, and about 5K of climbing...

Umm most memorable: the climbing road was called 7 Devils and it took me climbing up Devil #4 to realize why they called it that...With our fearless fixed gear leader still out with fever and stomach cramps I paid homage to him and did long pulls and climbs in the big ring.

Day 5: Bandon to Gold Beach : 56 miles and one fantastic burger.

Well, I paid for ridiculous climbing techniques, and am dealing with a sore knee and Gia pulled her achilles. However, the quad bulging properties make it all worth it.

We stayed at the posh and secluded Tu Tu Tun lodge, posed for the paparazzi before relaxing poolside in an unsuccessful effort to even out the tan lines.

Day 6 (today): 66.5 miles from Gold Beach and into sunny Crescent City, CA! Less climbing than expected and practically no sun except for when we took the picture below. We refueled in Brookings at a fantastic coffee shop that was on top of an art gallery, fully equipped with a handicap chair/stair climber as seen in the popular Pixar movie "UP". A quick ride and a quick 30 miles later we found ourselves in the Pacific ocean, getting a much needed ice bath from it's dark and churning waters.

What would Paolo do? Swim about 25 yards out, screaming that he needs a blog photo taken and when it's not happening come inside with seaweed draped all over his body before depositing it on the sauna rocks and before he was physically removed from the sauna by fellow traveler, Joey. Who stated, "He acts like a damn 2 year old!"

Whining in haiku:

knee pain go away!

friggin' big climbs are ahead

dude! check out the seals

Pressing the limits of digestion

2009-07-15T00:37:00.000-05:00

Day 2: Tillamook to Otter Rock, suggested mileage 61, actual mileage 84...5000ft climbing and yes my legs were feeling it. A late start had us missing the rain and a couple of scenic loops added on miles and centimeters to my quads. We encountered a 4 mile climb that brought us to cloud level and whales escorted us to our lodging at Otter Rock.

Day 3; mileage was less only 59 and climbing that was gradual and views that were stunning. We caught a tailwind that was successful in bringing up the avg speed and a little bit of breakfast in the paceline.

Again, the 'mammoths of the sea' were escorting us. Also took some well deserved stretches viewing the huge sanddunes below.

My stomach is still gurgling thinking about it,but we also enjoyed a buggy ride in the dunes.

Arrived in Florence 59miles later, Paolo special ordered off the menu and apparently pissed the cook off in the process...

Recap in Haiku:
Climbing legs turned on
Saw the Devil's punch bowl
Stuck on toilet bowl

day 1-0: thor god of thunder welcomes us to oregon

2009-07-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

Day 0: Astoria, OR. Hometown of of travelmate and yogi badass, Gioconda. After an espresso and quick spin around the ol' 'hood, we climbed to the Astoria Column. Pictured here and the highest point in the town.

What would Paolo do? Climb it in his Chaco's

Day 1: to Tillamook, OR. 66 miles, 5486ft of climbing.it was a downpoar for about 60 of it.

What would Paolo do/say? "I need to check my derailleur, my bikes not shifting right"

More soon! Typing by blackberry

A champion is born...

2009-07-09T08:03:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, I leave at a painfully early hour to travel to Astoria, OR to embark on an epic journey of suffering, accomplishment, and quad-building cycling down the west coast...

OUR end point: San Francisco, CA
Total days: 12
Total miles covered: 778
Total elevation climbed: 76,435 ft

The characters: me, Paolo (owner of Castle Hill), Gia (yoga instructor), Tom Green (friend to all)

Stay updated by subscribing and you'll get a taste of my experience with:
pictures!
videos!
quad measurements & tanline progression!
tales of courage!
maps!
whining in haiku!

Not to mention a "what would Paolo do?" commentary to educate us all on how to be authentically "euro". And while I might not be a champion like this guy I'll at least come away with some amazing stories.

"WHAT WOULD PAOLO DO?" do this ride on his fixed gear