New Year's Eve Cross Race- UPDATE

The course is almost completely set up. It should be done around 11AM tomorrow. Should be a great time, some epic conditions!!! Hope to see you tomorrow!!

New Year's Eve Cyclocross Training Race

The New year’s eve race is a go, here are the initial details. First off, how about a foolish name- Conky’s Revenge, Mister Jingle’s hot lap event or The Super Team awesome grand prix. I will post the name later, got to think on this one. It is on Friday Dec 31st , of course.

Start at 1 pm at Burgoyne woods park ( same as the cowbell race). Course will be flat and have some new features that are different from the cowbell race. The lap will be less technical than a true cross course but if there is snow then that will make up for it. I plan on staking and taping as much as possible but I do not have a lot of time so there will be some flags used to mark the straight a ways and no brainer areas. At this time I do not plan on doing any formal results but I will update the blog if this changes. The start is planned, as one start with a few waves. The waves will start slow to fast and possibly some draw prizes. We can get together at the cat’s caboose restaurant up the road after the event if there is enough interest. The focus on this event will be fun and course safety.

$15 entry or $10 for under 18
Also racers will need to have a license to race, as there will be no one day permits available.
If you plan on coming email me at row618 at hotmail.com. If enough show interest then I’ll get a big tub of tim hortons or star bucks coffee for the day.


Directions from Toronto - to Burgoyne Woods Park, St. Catharines
Take QEW towards Niagara
At exit 49, take Ramp (RIGHT) onto HWY-406
Keep RIGHT onto Ramp Westchester Avenue
Bear RIGHT (West) onto Westchester Ave
Turn LEFT (South) onto Glenridge Ave
Turn LEFT (East) onto Edgedale Rd
Arrive Burgoyne Woods Park
From Peace Bridge, Fort Erie:
Take QEW towards Niagara
At exit 49, take Ramp (RIGHT) onto HWY-406
Keep RIGHT onto Ramp Westchester Avenue
Bear RIGHT (West) onto Westchester Ave
Turn LEFT (South) onto Glenridge Ave
Turn LEFT (East) onto Edgedale Rd
Arrive Burgoyne Woods Park

New Year's Eve Cyclocross Race

The New Year's Eve Cyclocross race is on in St. Catharines. More details to follow this weekend....

Barrie Cyclocross

I went up to the Barrie Cyclocross race this past weekend. We headed up Saturday night, and stayed in a hotel. Went to the pool with the kids and enjoyed the evening. We were about 20 minutes from the course, so we arrived there with enough time to sign in, and warm-up. It was very cold - around 4-5 degrees and windy. I warmed up on the course- a flat course, with differing terrains, one hard off-camber, and one run-up (well for me, it was a run-up). I did a few laps warm-up, not feeling to great yet, but headed to the start line. Not a huge women's field, but a good women's field. We started, I got off to an okay start -- I was in a bit too big a gear, settled in around 4th or 5th... headed up to the barriers. The barriers were a bit of a disaster as there were 3 of us going over them at once. The rider ahead of me, came to a dead stop after the barriers to re-mount. I ended up continuing to run around her, and into the tape a bit to keep moving and re-mount my bike without losing the leaders. I remounted and caught up to 2nd place. I was feeling okay and getting used to the course, then the first place rider passed me. I wasn't sure, how she even got behind me but she made a bit of a wrong turn or something. Anyway, we all knew the course now, coming to the first offcamber turn, I didn't ride it too well and was passed. Came through the finish line, then closed the gap back up to second place. There was a group of 4 of us riding together for most of the race. Myself and one other rider were doing the work at the front. The last few laps, I was doing most of the work at the front. I was aware of this, and trying to play it smart with respect to that. Coming into the last lap, I thought I would try to push the pace and see if I could get a gap. I attacked through the barrier section and the power sections, got a small gap on the other riders and kept pushing the pace, yet riding the corners safe through the last lap. I ended up winning the master's womens race, and second overall for the women. Definitely happy with the day. After the race, warmed up in the car with the kids, cheered for my husband, got some hot beverages and hit the road home. We had a great weekend, although we were very sleep deprived due to the hotel with the kids- we are planning on going again next year.
Other notes of the week- CF clinic with the kids. A very long day, driving to Hamilton, getting prescriptions, see the team, waiting for the doctor, entertaining the children for 2.5 hours in a doctor's office.... Good news for my son, who is 4 and can now swallow his medications whole. He can swallow his enzymes before meals which is great, as we used to have to open them and sprinkle the capsule in applesauce. Being able to swallow 6 pills before meals is great!! I am proud of him.

The Week After ...

What a week after cyclcross nationals... I have been pretty tired, and with the time change definitely making training harder. I was thinking about ending my season a bit early, well I am glad I got a good ride in on Thursday and decided to race at Kissing Bridge Cyclocross race. I had raced this race last year, and won. I liked the course and it was similar this year. There was not as much mud this year, and the course was a bit different but not a whole lot. Anyway, I wasn't sure how I was feeling in warm-up riding the climb thinking ...uughhh. Got to the start line and lined up, I had a good start, took the whole shot and kept the pressure on from there. I felt good, and had a good rhythm of hard on the road section and the climb, recover on the downhill and the twisty stuff at the bottom. I opened up a gap on the women, and caught some of the masters men ahead of me and raced with them a bit, I would pass them on the climb, and then they would descend pretty fast to catch me. I was taking it easy on the downhill and there were a few potholes that I didn't want to hit, and wanted to ride smart and not crash taking a risk like that. I won for the women, I am happy about that. It is always nice to win a race.
The men's race was next, Nathan ended up with 2 flats, trips to the pit and coming from behind. He ended up 5th. I was running my bike over to the pit to get a rear wheel off, and thanks to the guys who were working the pits. It was a nice day and a good event.

Cyclocross Nationals

Saturday, November 6th was the Canadian Cyclocross Nationals. I raced at 9AM- masters women, the first race of the day. Let's just say that is very early. My husband's race was the last race of the day starting at 3:30pm ( I think). Not a great schedule for us, and with my son's hockey school Saturday morning as well, we decided to take 2 cars up to the event. I left really early around 5:30am, got to the race just after 7am. I don't think I have been this early yet this year, I got a great spot in the parking lot, and prepared for the race. I think I was the second car there, it was still dark and they were still taping the course. The thermometer on the car read 4 degrees. I was trying to figure out how many layers to wear, gloves, etc. I registered at 8AM, then headed out for warmup. They were still taping the course at 8:15, and I was told I was going the wrong way.... as that section wasn't taped yet. Trying not to worry about it, I rode the other sections of the course and tried to keep warm. I felt okay after the warm-up, and decided to keep the handwarmers in my gloves for the race-- as being able to brake is important for me. Got called up 2nd row to the start. Was ready to go, and the whistle went. I didn't have a great start, missed my pedal and then got going, difficult to move up on the start. I moved up a few spots and tried to move up across the barriers, I settled to my pace with some other riders around me. After the first lap, I was around 6th or 7th with 3rd place only being 10 seconds ahead. Anyway, I was riding well, and moved up to 5th place a one point. The long climb, I was running, which was okay as I was going the same speed as the riders around me. So of the riders were riding part way up the climb, then running. With 1.5 laps to go, I couldn't clip in at the top of the climb. I managed to clip in but lost some time that I had gained on the climb. With 2 riders close behind me, then after the barriers I couldn't clip in again. This time I was scrambling to get both feet in, down the hill with no feet clipped in.... this lead to a not so great uphill and having to stop for a second at the top. The two riders behind passed me, scrambling to try and clip in. I finally got clipped in and kept going. With the race being so early, there was still frost on the ground, and with running the big hill, alot of mud was stuck in my cleats. I finished the last lap of the race, so closely on 6th place but not able to catch back up. I finished 7th, I was happy with the race, a bit disappointed with my start and not being able to clip in- but those things happen especially in cross. After my race, I watched some of the other races had a bite to eat with my husband before his race. Then I went home to pick up the kids from my parents house. Nathan had a great race and finished 8th in elite.... WOW!!!

Kelso Cross and Hillbilly Hustle

A few weekends ago, I raced the Sunday race of the Kelso weekend. I couldn't make it up for the Saturday race due to activities with the kids. Got to the Kelso race.... it was mud, mud and mud. Did one lap warm-up on the course, then the rest of the road, as I didn't want to get my bike totally full of mud. Felt alright, nothing spectacular. Lined up at the start-line, good start, and first lap. I was riding with the leader, for the first lap. We started the climb up the hill on the second lap and rode through the grass section at the top. Rode into some of the mud sections, after the second climb. Going into one of the muddy sections, the leader crashed. I got around her and was leading until this tough 180 degree turn where I slid out. I was a bit slow getting going, as I realized that my seat was loose. 1st place and 2nd place rode by, and I was still trying to figure out what to do with my seat. I got back on my bike, and rode it for another lap. Then I decided to switch bikes, and use my spare bike. I got settled back in for the last lap, and finished in 3rd place. Got a 6 pack of beer for a prize....that is a good prize!!

Went to Hillbilly Hustle on October 31, went up the night before and stayed at the Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood. It was nice to get away for a night, and go in the outdoor, heated pool and hot-tub. Got to the race, a bit late... only 20 minutes before my start. (not really sure how that happened, only one elevator working in the hotel didn't help that). I signed in to find out that I had new numbers issued to me...uggh, as I already had my numbers pinned on. I didn't ride the course, just went to the start line. It was snowing, and really muddy. My son was loving the snow, making snowballs, etc. Not sure what to think on the start line, started conservatively, as I didn't know where I was going, saw the riders ahead of me dismounting for the off-camber section and running. I dismounted and followed the riders ahead of me. Got settled in with 2 riders just ahead of me. I was gaining on the riders, then I slid out on a corner just past the start finish. I lost some time there, then I got back on my bike and kept going. I was slowly catching back up to the riders, and passed on of the riders in the running off-camber section. THen the next lap, I caught the next rider and passed her in the same section. With 1 lap to go, I just tried to ride clean and push it on the flat sections. I stayed ahead of those riders, and finished 2nd place in masters women. I was happy with the day, and enjoyed the weekend away.

Toronto UCI races

Well headed up to Toronto for the UCI races last weekend. Although, I decided to switch my license to masters from elite. So the masters women had a different race time from the elite women. I thought it is about time that I switched to masters, and with Nationals in Toronto I would like to race masters.
Arrived for Day 1 - during warmup, I felt good, loved the course...well most of the course... kindof worried if I would be able to ride this one steep climb, as I knew that would make a big difference in the race if I was able to ride it or not. We got called up to the line, not really sure how they decided the call up order. As it was different Saturday, and Sunday?? Didn't really matter with the field size, and I was front row. I was focusing on having a good start, and I did. Clipped in right away, and got the hole-shot. I rode well during the first section of the course, I managed to ride the steep hill I was worried about, riding the off-cambers turns okay, and the run-up...well that felt slow everytime. I settled into 2nd place. I managed to stay with 1st place through the first lap... she opened a small gap on me, which I managed to close up on the road/open grassy sections. I stayed in 2nd place for the next few laps. Coming through the finish line after completing 3 laps, we had the sign indicate 3 or 4 laps to go??!! In my head, I am thinking WTH... we have to go 6 or 7 laps...but then I have to calculate we will probably be lapped by the men, which it is hard to actually calculate in your head when you can barely breath... this usually happens at most of the races though. It just makes it a bit hard to focus when you are hoping not to 'blow-up' and lose a few spots. Anyway the last two laps of my race were good, 3rd place was gaining on me. I felt like I was at my limit, and hoping I didn't make a mistake soon as that would be enough to cost me. On the last lap, although I wasn't sure it was the last lap, I biked into a stake on one of the turns... I had to unclip to get by it. 3rd place passed me, and in trying not to panic... I got going again. I closed up the gap a bit, but was unable to catch her. I finished in 3rd place. I was happy with the race, even with the mistake an the end I felt strong and overall rode well.
On to Sunday's race, I was feeling the race in my legs from Saturday. Pre-rode the course, didn't like it as much as Saturday. 'The downhill chute' was making me nervous, I wanted to pre-ride it... but the ammouncers were calling us to the line, which added more pressure... so I didn't ride it in warmup, and hoped for the best in the race. Not the greatest race strategy though :). Got to the start and called up. We started, I had a good start and got the hold shot again, headed through the first off-camber section and got passed. I was with the lead group for a bit longer, and then kindof messed up a climb--was in too big a gear...and they opened up a gap. I managed to use up a few matches closing that gap. Also we climbed the hill to the down-hill chute, well I rode it fine. Just a bit slower, antoher small gap formed, that I was unable to close. I rode the remaining of the race with another local rider for 4th and 5th position. We were taking turns at the front, pushing the pace at different spots. I knew the climbing was catching up to me, and I had to unclip a few times on one of the turns... 4th place got a bit of a gap and I was forced to chase. I was maintaining the gap coming into the last lap, just before the start of the last lap- I got passed my the top junior racers who were finishing. I ended up finishing a lap down, and didn't have to ride the last lap. A bit of a surprise that I was finished, but glad that I was done. Ended up in 5th place... pretty good effort. Watched some my husband's races he didn't have a great weekend of racing- got crashed in front of on Saturday but finished 13th. Sunday crashed and DNFed... now he has a cold..uughh. Back training this week, and getting ready for this weekend of racing.

Turkey Cross

Headed up to Toronto yesterday a great day of cross racing. The 'turkey cross' race--this year the race was at a new park, so didn't know what to expect with the course. We were running a bit late in the morning, so that ate into my warm-up, and I only ended up doing like 1/2 lap before the race. Oh well, I figured I would get a good starting position, and start well but a bit conservative since I didn't know the course very well. I had a pretty good start, followed some wheels, moved up a bit. Got through the first few turns and the off-camber leading into the barriers. The leaders started to open up a bit of a gap through this section, and being behind a few other riders- we just ended up riding in a small group of 4 or so. We got to the big off-camber section, and the first ride through wasn't great... no one crashed but we lost alot of speed as we all unclipped a bit. Hit the fast downhill and the run-ups and was kindof getting used to the course. I wanted to move to the front of the group before the big off camber section, so I could lead through there. I made it past a few girls before there, but was second leading into that section. The rider leading crashed, and slid out... I managed to unclip and get around her and settle in to a good pace. I was riding well, hit a steak in the ground but that was it. I was racing my new kona major jake, this is my first race on it...I love it!! Anyway, one of the other riders caught me, and we were together for most of the race. I managed to get a small gap on the last 1.5 laps or so --on the big off-camber section (which I could actually ride pretty good by the end of the race). The first place M2 rider was passing us, then he slid out and I managed to get around him and got a bit of a gap. I kept the gap at 10 seconds or so for the rest of the race. I was happy with the race, and finished 3rd in Senior women. The rest of the day, I was at the playground with the kids and watched Nathan's race. Unfortunately, Nathan didn't have a great day, as he was in the pits twice in the first 3 laps of the race with rolled tubulars. I guess he hit a pretty big rut on the course for one of them. But he stuck it out, and kept racing and rode well- everything considered. The kids enjoyed the park, then we stopped and had a nice Thanksgiving meal with family. Wow, I can't believe it is already Thanksgiving, this fall is going fast.

The Weekend!

Very happy that the long weekend is finally here. I definitely can't wait for a good turkey dinner too. Last weekend was my first double race weekend for this cross season. I raced Saturday in Buffalo, at Romp in the Swamp. A nice race right in the university campus. I got there with enough time to get in a few warm-up laps, I enjoyed the course and started to feel a bit more confident on my bike again-- after the rolled-tubular the week before. Got to the start-line, a decent size women's field, I switched back to sidi shoes and my eggbeater pedals. I am happy already, I can clip in so much easier. I had a good start around 3rd wheel or so, rode the technical parts okay and settled in a small group with 3 or 4 riders. There were 2 riders off the front, and then my small group. After the second lap, we pushed the pace on the technical section, and we broke the group up. Then there were two riders- myself and another rider who were riding together for the rest of the race. We were riding well, and stayed together for the rest of the race. I figured, I would try and go for third. So after the long power section, I attacked with about 1/3 of a lap to go. I got a small gap, and was able to hold it through the final twists and turns and ended up with 3rd place. It was nice to have a good race, after the slow start to the season I have had.
Sunday, we headed up to Toronto for the Oktoberfest cyclocross race. I did a lap or so of the course for warm-up, still a but tired from the day before, and there was alot of running on Sunday.... well at least for me there was. After talking with my husband after his race, most of the elite men could ride half of the stuff I had to run....uggh. I made my way to the start line to see a big women's field, unfortunately I should have been there a bit earlier as I was starting near the back. We started, I don't remember much as it was up a big hill... I think I did okay, made up a few spots. Over the barriers, around a crashed rider, for the short climbs, not feeling too great on all the climbs but did okay. I settled in by the end of the first lap. I rode a few laps, with a few riders just ahead of me. I seemed to be riding a few parts, slower than they were, and expended alot of energy to catch up on the run-ups and flat sections. After a few laps, I lost contact with that group, and rode the rest of the race on my own. I started to ride some of the technical sections a bit better by the end, and felt like I was handling my bike a bit better. I ended up 4th in senior women overall. I was happy with the effort, and definitely got a good workout in!!!
This week has been crazy. Two sick kids, a trip to the CF clinic for them. 3 new medications for my son, and one for my daughter. A new schedule of trying to remember when to give the meds, extra masks, etc. My daughters first trip to the dentist, as she managed to chip her two front teeth...after only having them for like 5 months??!! I have been working a bit extra for the past few weeks, as my co-worker is on her honeymoon! But I have my new cross bike now together, and I have got on it 3 times this week. I am starting to love it!! I will have to get some pics of it.

Rochester UCI Race by Full Moon Vista

Let's just say- what a day?! Looking back maybe I should have noticed some of the early signs that it might be a long day, but I guess I didn't notice them??
We packed up the minivan and headed down to Ellison Park, this was a great venue. Although we spent most of the time not racing at the playground with the kids. I did manage to watch some of the men's race which was great.
A bit of an early wake-up for me - 4:30am start courtsey of a teething toddler. That wasn't a huge deal, and nothing an xl timmy's coffee couldn't help. Got to the park, biked over to registration went to un-clip and had some problems with one of my pedals... I figured out the cleat was loose. I just left my shoe on the pedal with my bike and registered with one shoe... Got back to the van, got my cleats tightened and skinsuit ready, and headed over to the course. I didn't get a big warmup in, only 1 lap of the course.... realizing that I need a bit more warmup than that. Went to the start grid, saw two other riders from Team CF, which was great. I was happy to meet some other riders on the team. We got lined up for the start, I had a good start, clipped in right away and in around 10th or so. I took a few bad lines on this one section, but still kept going. I had a good few laps, then I dropped my chain. Not just the 'quick' chain drop, this was the full panic, off the bike, getting your hand greasy putting the chain back on.... got it back on and got past by another rider. I got on my bike and got back into a bit of a rhythm and tried to catch back up, I had caught up a bit and then hit the big descent. I rode the descent okay, then went to 'rail' the corner and the bottom to try and keep in contact with the rider ahead of me. Before I even knew it, I was on the ground.... uggh. Well, I had rolled the front tubular tire. I got up slowly, listened to the fans gasp, pulled out the grass from my tire and put it back on. Trying to decide what to do, as I don't have wheels in the pit or my spare bike going yet, I was feeling a bit sore.... so I swallowed my last bit of pride and kept going. In the back of my mind, I was thinking well I have other people from my team here --I want to finish, and remembering my husband telling me to finish as I would get prize money because it was a UCI race and there wasn't more than 15 riders entered. (as prize money goes 15 deep in a UCI race for women). So I finished the last few laps of the race, figured I needed to get the riding in, and went at a moderate pace as I knew my front tubular wasn't fully glued. I was happy to finish that race... I ended up 12th, as I checked the UCI website today.
Next off was my husband's race, we made it over to watch the last 1/2 of the race. As the few km walk was long with a 4 year old on a bike with training wheels, and a toddler who didn't want to go in the stroller. It was a good race to watch, and I was happy to cheer Nathan on to a 5th place finish!! Very happy for him, to continue to get some UCI points for this season :) He had a solid race and in the running for 3rd place for a while, he hit his knee on the barrier though, and it is pretty swollen today. Continuing with the ice and anti-inflammatories for that, and it should be ready for this weekend.
I am going to our local cross practice tomorrow night, should be a good workout!

Sprague Brook Cyclocross

Well I headed down to this race last Saturday, just outside of Buffalo near Kissing Bridge. My husband, my kids and I went down for a great race. There were alot of other riders from Niagara down at the race as well.
I did a few laps of warmup on the course, I have to get used to finding myway through miles of tape again. Got off to an okay start, missed my pedal a few times. Got in with a small group of women, definitely a tough course to pass people. I settled in around 5th place or so. I got used to the course after a few laps, and started to make up a bit of time on the 2 riders ahead of me. At one point, there was 3 or 4 of us, within 20-30 seconds. I found the technical parts of the course a bit challenging, as I haven't been riding much of that terrain. I ended up in 5th place, a solid effort, and definitely happy to finish race. After last weekend's mechanical.
Got changed after the race, and watched the men's race. Nathan had a good, close race and won. Nice job, definitely always nice to win a race!!
This week has been a busy one, and tomorrow we are heading down to the Full Moon Vista UCI cross race in Rochester. I am feeling a little in over my head, but it should be a fun day anyway!!

It's cyclocross season!!

Well this weekend was the first cyclocross race of the season. It is the local race organized by my husband, with lots of help from myself and other volunteers. This was our 4th year for putting on the race-- More Cowbell, Jump the Cheeseburger. As my husband loves the showcase show 'Trailor Park Boys' the cheeseburger is in reference to that.
This year, the race ran really smooth... the weather was great, and a bit of a new course. The course is fully staked and taped which is an event in its self to get ready, but the crew had it looking great!!
I raced in the women's race, got off to a decent start. Settled in, during the first lap. I was racing well with a small group of riders, one rider was ahead, then we were in the next bunch. On the second lap, a heard a noise that sounded like I skipped a gear, but then it got worse. I look down, and I had torn off my rear derailler....uggh. That was the end of my day, kindof disappointed as I was just getting into the race. But oh well, hopefully the next race goes better.
My husband raced the 1pm race- senior men, and master 1 men. He loves to race on the course that he designed and put together, I don't know how he had the energy after the day?? He ended up riding with another guy in the lead, they both looked very solid, attacking out of the corners, etc,etc. It came down to a sprint, which was really close and you couldn't even tell from watching it...There was a camera-man there, who helped the commissaire come up with the decision of Nathan second place and the other rider won. It had to do with how the line was spray-painted in the grass... too funny. The guys were happy with a solid race and everything.
The other exciting part of the day, was a bakesale to raise money for CF, and also a ' Team CF' kids race. The kids race was great, a good turnout and the kids had fun. The bakesale was held by one of my friends, who is an excellent baker/cook and once you have sampled the food you can't say 'no'. A couple of my other friends contributed to the bake sale as well. The final numbers are still being worked out, and then the proceeds will be donated to Cystic Fibrosis research. I was touched with all the effort and hard-work that was put into the bakesale.

On a different note, my son started junior kindergarden this year. With the staggered entry, he has only gone twice so far, next week it will be everyday. That has been interesting for me, and I am not so much worried about the school part, more about his digestive enzymes/etc. I am also appreciating each moment, as 40 years ago- children with CF rarely even lived long-enough to go to school. It definitely make me appreciate these moments, and am happy with all the research that has happened with CF, and that will continue to happen.

Muddy...we made it!

I have been busy, but 2 weekends ago I completed the ride out to the Dunnville - mudcat. A few of my friends and I cycled out to Dunnville- took a few pictures with the mudcat, enjoyed an iced coffee then biked home. It was a total of 130km ride, great day, sunny not alot of wind, etc. Earlier this summer, we had tried the ride in some pretty horrible weather conditions-- ie. very windy. We had to turn around after a few hours as we were going to run out of daylight. A few of us were worried going into this ride, which we really shouldn't have been since the regular weekend ride are around 100km or so, some people go longer. But since that first ride left us tired, exhausted, wet, and one girl crashed at the end...we were all a bit weary.

But the second attempt at muddy was great. A new route, great weather, and everyone riding well. Nice to get a good long ride in, enjoy an iced coffee, and have fun with friends... one of the best rides of the summer.

The Boxes!

Well, those boxes are the kids medications. I took them to the CF clinic this week, as they both are sick and thought it would be better to get them checked out by the doctor. Anyway, so after the appointment- I went to the pharmacy to pick up the medications and they handed me a box. I thought, oh that is better than the shopping bags we usually get. Then I was checking through the prescription labels, and realized those were only the medications for my daughter. They then brought out the other box for my son. The pharmacist asked, 'how are you going to carry them?' I said, 'i have the babystroller to put them in. I usually carry my daughter, and we put our stuff in the stroller.' So I packed up the stroller and was off. Thankfully my dad was able to come to the appointment with me, for an extra set of hands with the kids, and Nathan didn't have to take time off work.
The appointment was good. Some medication changes, and they both were put on antibiotics. Hopefully they will be sounding great again in a few more days.

Well the ontario cyclocross calendar is now posted. I am getting excited for cyclocross. I have a new bike for this season, and I can't wait to try it out. I will post some pics once it is fully built.

Team CF

Well my Team CF clothing has arrived!! Yeah. I was pretty happy about that, as it took a bit longer than I had thought because of a package getting lost, etc,etc. Here is a quick shot of the jersey, I will have to take some more pictures (action shots on the bike) and post them soon.

The other picture is of 2 boxes...... I will write tomorrow about what is inside the boxes.

It has been a busy few weeks for me-- everyone was or is sick in my house-- my husband, son and daughter. (cross my fingers... I haven't been sick yet).

Just a quick post, I need some sleep.

Road Trip!!!

I made it home from vacation. A drive out to Eastern Canada- New Brunswick. 1500km each way in the van with 2 kids.... need I say more. We were visiting some of my husband's family for 2 weeks. Overall, a good trip-- we visited with family, trips to the beach, and around town. I also managed to get some cycling in.
Upon arriving home, I felt exhausted from the travel, lack of sleep (my daughter cut two teeth) and being out of routine. I was thinking, aren't you supposed to feel rested after vacation? Not more tired?? I think we realized how all the little things are harder not in your own place, stopping at hotels, staying with family (doing the kids therapy in the hotel/others houses, after a long day in the car, or just a long day, not getting a full nights sleep, etc). Eventhough going away is hard, I still really enjoy it. We had lots of fun, and after being home for a few days, I am feeling more rested.
The cycling in New Brunswick is great. It is all rolling hills, with some bigger climbs too. After riding out in NB the hills here seem easier. I did a few bigger rides, 'the hampton loop' - a we call it. Across a short ferry, the a beautiful ride along the river into the town of Hampton. An optional Tim Horton's stop (for coffee- of course) and then continue back where we were staying. There are alot of covered bridges in New Brunswick, which add to the beauty. It was nice to get in some different rides, and scenery.
Overall a good time, but it is always nice to be home!

Club Ride and Beach Day!

Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks that lay before you.
Denis Waitley

Well, I haven't raced in the past few weeks, yet I have been to a couple of racing supporting my husband and got in some good training rides. I have done the SCCC club ride the past two Saturdays, and that has been a great workout. I don't get out on the club rides too much anymore, due to scheduling. But they are a solid 80-100km ride, with a few hill climbs and some intestiny throughout. Usually a very good group of riders, who all like to get in a good workout. My friends have nick-named the ride 'smack-down' or 'beat-down' as after the ride, usually you want to eat then go and lay-down for a while/have a nap. Riding in a group, and having that comfort level and trust of the other riders around me --is always a challenge. This past Saturday, I was feeling better and held in with the group at a solid pace in the rain. I plan on continuing with these great rides, and trying to get out for another club ride this weekend.

Race Support -

Lake to Lake Race - when out and cheered for my husband at this great local event. He had a solid finish of 2nd overall on his cross bike! Here is an article that was published on the event and Nathan's efforts.

http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=2631759

Racoon Rally - this past weekend, my family headed down to this great event. My husband raced the cross country mountain bike race (on his cross bike)-- and won. A good ride for him, and then we spend the rest of the day at the Allegany state park and enjoyed the beach. The beach was about 700meters from the event start, what a great venue.

Hamburg Crit and the Mudcat

Last weekend, my family and I headed down to Hamburg, New York just outside of Buffalo for the Hamburg Criterium. My son entered the kids bike race. This was his first race, and he was excited to be a part of it. Although he was hoping to be in more of the races... got to love a 3 years old's logic. He was happy to ride his bike around after his race on the sidewalks. My husband raced in the Masters 35+ and won the race. This was his warm-up race before the cat 1,2,3 race. Which turned out not too bad, except when someone almost crashed him out at the end of the race. He kept his bike up, yet a bit of damage was done to his rear wheel. I went in the women's race, which was a bit disappointing. There wasn't a big field, so they changed the start of the race, and combined us with the cat. 4/5 men. Yet, we had a separate start but were allowed to race together once the race started....what?? Anyway we started our race, and the race was going well until we were going to be lapped by the men. Then the women's field all tried to jump into the men's pack. Some women were in the pack, and some didn't make it. I was on the back on the pack for a while. Then after a few corners, I decided to drop out of the race. There were a few reasons for dropping out- the combined fields, being mentally tired, etc, etc. Anyway I hate dropping out of races, but sometimes it just happens. I was going to post some photos of my team kit, but I don't have it yet. So there is a photo of the mudcat instead.

The Mudcat.... what is that. Well some of my friends wanted to ride out to Dunnville, to see the course for their triathlon in a few weeks, and get a long ride in. So I decided to get a long ride in with them. We were hoping to make it, and take our picture with the Dunnville Mudcat. So we were unsure if the weather would hold-up as it rained all morning. We left around 2pm, the rain had stopped yet the wind was really strong. With a strong head, cross wind the whole way there. We were going a bit slower, than planned. We managed to get chased by 3 dogs on the way there. Those dogs apparently aren't used to cyclists, or have no fear-- as they ran onto the highway a few times in front of a car.

We didn't make it to the mudcat or the Tim Horton's in Dunnville-- as we had to turn around before we made it the whole way. With the head wind, and the black clouds near us-- we thought we better head for home. We lucked out with the weather, and didn't get rained on... only a few drops, and found a Tim Horton's in Welland. Great ride- epic conditions -- 120km or so.

What is a positive attitude??

"Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary result."---Anon.

http://www.niagarathisweek.com/community/article/822539--walk-makes-great-strides-for-cf

http://www.niagarathisweek.com/news/article/818292--breathing-as-a-family

We have all heard about having a positive attitude and how that affects our life so significantly. I do try to have a positive attitude about things, yet sometimes I like to be realistic about things as well. In reading some of the recent articles posted in the newspaper about the Great Strides walk, I had alot of different feelings. I have anxiety around having 2 kids with cystic fibrosis--the thoughts, the struggles and wondering about the future. I know we have adapted to the daily therapy routines, the digestive enzymes for the kids, vitamins, chest physiotherapy... and this is when they are healthy. Throw in an extra antibiotic or two..and it is a whole new ball-game.
I know, my family has come a long way -- having my 3 year old remember that he needs digestive enzymes before he eats or drinks something, having my 17 month old grab to put her mask on her face when she is tired (as she sometimes sleeps during her therapy) allows me to enjoy the small gains we have made. I have thought about all the 'what if's' with CF for my daughter, and then when through them all for my son.
Right now, my positive attitude is thinking about all the gains that have been made with cystic fibrosis over the recent years, and how much more will be made in the future. Also thinking about trying to enjoy the moment, and live in the moment. No one knows what the future entails exactly, so there is no point dwelling on it-- I am trying my best today to make sure that the future is a good one!!

Great Strides Walk

Sunday, May 30th was the Great Strides Walk for CF. Thanks to all our sponsors and support for this event. My parents came with us, and we enjoyed a great day at Zooz/ Safari Niagara. The weather was great, and the kids had a blast.

Some of the preliminary numbers:

Total money raised for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation = $1,743,943+

Total money raised for the Niagara-Hamilton Great Strides Walk = $82,359

Total money raised by my family = $880

Thanks for the support!!

Niagara Classic Road Race

The Niagara Classic Road Race, a.k.a. effingham. The cyclists in niagara all know this famous climb-- saylor's hill. This top of this hill is the killer part of the course each lap and also the top is the finish of the road race. What a great race, close to home, local training areas, but one big hill!
As I was packing up my car early in the morning for my 8:30 start, a stopped got my large tim horton's coffee and headed to the race. I completed my usual race warm-up, legs felt a bit heavy and headed to the start. On the start line, then we all peddled off down Tice Road. I was very nervous at the start, yet stayed at the front of the group, where I wanted to be. We settled into a rhythm, then the base settled down. I placed an attack, and got a good gap off the front. I was wishing someone might bridge up to me, but the group just chased me down. I settled back in, and felt comfortable as we got onto effingham street. I moved up to the front of the group for the climb up saylor's hill. I had a good climb, I wasn't going for the 'queen of the mountain' points, just a good race. Started down Tice Road on lap 2- the fast section, one main group still. Some riders who were dropped on the climb bridge back on. We settled in as a group, and turned onto effingham road. Then as we approached the bottom of the climb, all the riders were trying to move-up before the start of the climb. The rider beside me, got crashed out. She fell onto me, but I managed to push her off me. Then ride into the gravel and grass, back onto the road- and start the climb. Unfortunately, I lost a bit of ground going into the start of the climb. I managed to get on to the back of the pack, but a few smaller groups had formed up front. As we headed down Tice Road, I bridged up to the next group- after a few minutes of solid work. Then I joined into a group of 6 or so riders. We headed up saylor's for the 3rd time... my legs were really feeling the efforts. Then started the last lap, we could see the first group in front of us -- but our group could never close the gap down. I tried to bridge across the gap, but didn't make it. I knew that would have been my big effort, and the race up the hill for the final sprint would be tough. I managed up the last climb, near the back of my group. Overall, pleased with the day - 10th in the category 3/master women's race. And 4th in category 3. I had some good efforts, and with road racing-- the more you race, the more you learn!

Windwarning and 70% chance of thunderstorms...

weather from my last bike race. Saturday, May 8th-- my friend Barb and I packed up the car and headed down to the Bristol Mountain Road Race just outside of Rochester, New York. This being my Mother's Day outing- a bike race! Too funny, no spa-day, pedicure, etc - a road race in horrible weather conditions. Some how I convinced Barb to race as well- with this being her first road race. Barb being a seasoned triathlete and running racer, she was not new to racing though.

I raced in the cat 4 women's race, which they combined with the cat 1,2,3 women's race. Cat 4 women did 2 laps of the 17 mile course, and cat 1,2,3 women were doing 3 laps. I was pretty happy that it wasn't raining or thunderstorming when the race started. I had packed extra honey stinger energy chews -just in case. (my new favourite race/riding food). We headed out on the flat section of the course with a strong head wind. As we turned the corner the wind finally shifted, we were all welcoming the hills just to get out of the wind. The pace picked up on the first climb, and didn't let up after that. I made it up the first climb with the main group, then some fast windy turns. When we started the second climb, I felt okay on the steep pitch, but the group then split on the rest of the climb. As I was dropped from the leaders, but kept them in sight at the top of the climb. I found myself in a group with two other riders. We descended well, and could see some other riders up the road, but couldn't close the gap up. As we ended lap 1, and hit the head-wind section again for the second lap. We worked together well as a group. As we hit the last climb of the day, the rain started!! ughh. I tried to push the pace on the climb, we all stayed together though. (I need to work on road race strategies!!). Then we hit the descents together, I wasn't feeling as comfortable as the other riders on the descents, but I could keep in contact. The rain continued, and a few wind gusts on the final descent into the finish. I finished at the end of my group, the down hill finish-- not my strength. I was 8th overall in the cat. 4 women. I had a great day, got a good ride in, and had alot of fun. Also, Barb finished her first road race ever in epic conditions.

Barb- finishing Bristol Mountain Road Race

Note to self: I should have printed off reverse directions home from the race. We did manage to get lost, on the way home from the race. We were in desperate need of coffee and made a few wrong turns!

CF

I haven't raced in the past few weeks. Just have been doing some training rides. I watched my husband race the Paris to Ancaster bike race last weekend, then I did a nice ride home from the race. My husband finished 6th overall, even feeling 'under the weather'. One day I will race this race! No babysitter available this year, so I sat this one out.



Anyway, so I thought that I would add a few things about cystic fibrosis.

What is cystic fibrosis??

Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. There is no cure for CF. Cystic fibrosis causes a build-up of thick mucus in the lungs leading to severe respiratory problems. Meanwhile, mucus and protein build-up in the digestive tract results in extreme difficulty in digesting and absorbing adequate nutrients from food.



The most exciting news is that the median age of survival has increased substantially in the last five years. Today, half of all Canadians with cystic fibrosis are expected to live into their 40s
and beyond, making the median age of survival one of the highest reported in the world!

Information courtesy of: http://www.cysticfibrosis.ca/en/index.php

Link to Team CF blog: http://www.teamcf.org/

Tour of Bronte

Yesterday, we packed up the minivan for a great bike race at Bronte Creek Provincial Park in Oakville. My husband and I both raced in this inaugural race. The road race was a mix of smooth and not so smooth paved and unpaved winding roads-- and of course a few potholes thrown in there. The women's race started with the masters 2 men and junior men--which always makes for a different type of race for the women. The women's field had some very good riders --Helen Wyman -5 time national British cyclocross champion, Sue Palmer-Komar- semi-retired Olympian and commonwealth games medalist, and Leigh Hobson-Olympian. As the raced started, we headed out down the paved road--not too bad until the right turn onto the gravel section--then there were bumps, and potholes. I held my position through this section on the first lap, riding through the gravel well. Up through the registration area and across the narrow bridge still with the pack. Once back on the road section, I settled in and started to feel more comfortable in the pack. Then we hit the start of the gravel section, one rider took the corner too fast and slid out in the gravel. Myself and a few riders got stuck behind him, we got around the rider, but not quickly enough as the pack had got a bit of a gap. We all chased but with the head wind, we were unable to get back on with the pack. I rode with a small group that grew to 5 by the end of the race. We worked together through the sections of the course, and I was feeling more comfortable with all the gravel turns. I was really happy with the tubular wheels that my husband set-up for me, the wheels were solid and held-up well with the few potholes I didn't manage to avoid! My group came down to 4 of us on the final lap, a few small attacks on the last lap but nothing stuck. I did an attack on the road in the last kilometer, but didn't manage to get away. One of the guys did a counter attack- I attempted to go with this- but got outsprinted at the line --by the other women in my pack. I was 5th in the women's field. I really enjoyed the race course and the race. It was a great venue, after the races we went over the children's park, petting zoo and barn with the kids. Hopefully this race is on the race calendar next year because I would love to go back!!

Good Friday Road Race

The weather was great - beautiful, sunny, not too windy for my first road race in a long time. Actually, it has been probably 4 years or so since before I was pregnany with my son. I have raced cyclocross throughout the years after having my kids but not road. My race was the first start of the day 9AM- packed the car, and headed up solo. My husband was racing in the afternoon, so he came up later with the kids. I arrived at the race with plenty of time to sign-in,warm-up, etc. My race was the elite 3 women/master and junior women--had a good size field. We started a few minutes late due to a crash in the M3 mens/Elite 4 men's race that left a few minutes before us, we passed two crashes in the first lap--of a three lap race. My race had a solo rider break away and manage to stay away. There were a few other attempts at getting breaks away, but nothing stuck. Our race came down to a group sprint-were I was 5th overall in my category. I was satisfied with the finish, and will continue to work on feeling comfortable racing in a pack. Wow, now to get ready for the race this weekend --Tour of Bronte!!

South Carolina

Just survived a 1300km drive home from South Carolina...one minivan, 3 adults, 2 kids, 4 bikes, gravol (for the adults) and lots of cartoons- Backyardigans, Dora, Diego, etc. The trip was good-- two weeks of cycling, spring weather, having fun with the kids and friends.

The cycling was a great start to the season, completed some epic rides. A few good climbs up Ceasar's head-- a climb that is 6 miles or so. Some longer rides out to Clemson, the Bob's grill loop and of course a few coffee stops along the way. I must admit that I do enjoy a stop for coffee either during or at the end of most of my rides. Although in Pickens, South Carolina coffee stops are alot harder than the multitude of Tim Horton's in the Niagara Region. That is why those coffee stops in SC were pretty good! Highlights for the kids include- throwing rocks/sticks in the river, riding bikes, climbing in the cupboards. Overall we had a great trip and looking forward to some early season cycling races!

Team CF

Just returned home a few days ago from a great vacation in South Carolina...with lots of cycling. I have recently become part of the club team-for Team CF... (standing for Cystic Fibrosis). A few months ago, my husband eagerly told me about a post he saw on a cycling website. The post was about Team CF, and how they were accepting resumes for the team. We were both very excited to hear about the team, and now I am part of it. Cystic fibrosis has become a big part of our lives with my 2 children having CF. It has been a whirl-wind of a year with the 2 CF diagnoses, and learning/completing about neublizers, chest physiotherapy, digestive enzymes, trips to the CF clinic etc, etc for the kids. So I have started this blog, to give a bit of insight into my world and some of my adventures.