tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26483293511802944132024-03-05T17:54:01.933-07:00Amy's AdventuresAmy Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01688971029944309177noreply@blogger.comBlogger224125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-3353115577479936402015-08-18T14:39:00.003-06:002018-01-27T15:36:24.353-07:00Q&A with Corey Piscopo - Race Promoter, MOOTs employee, avid cyclist/racer <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZVaJXgcb4YGO-nydFL4a8fl6yX_3IcvVl4tbYAQgu27AGCD2UyRTGm946p5cJMEwXf5loYNvQjTJLYL9CXE70Y90jShTX89LnwQLWGDStPUy4jMk7PWdt5xjYdrdbo8IOB0tcS8y9UQ/s1600/Pro+Cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZVaJXgcb4YGO-nydFL4a8fl6yX_3IcvVl4tbYAQgu27AGCD2UyRTGm946p5cJMEwXf5loYNvQjTJLYL9CXE70Y90jShTX89LnwQLWGDStPUy4jMk7PWdt5xjYdrdbo8IOB0tcS8y9UQ/s320/Pro+Cards.jpg" width="320" style="float: left;"></a><b><div style="text-align: left;"><b>CP: This year as a member of Optum and the US national team, you have stepped up to an even higher level of racing with stops at the most prestigious races in the US as well as an early European campaign with the “Block 1” National team trip. What have been a few highlights of the season so far and has it been a smooth trajectory over the past few years to the top of women’s cycling?</b></div></b></div>
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<i>AC: The experiences that I’ve had in 2015 racing for Optum Pro Cycling and the US National Team have exceeded even my wildest dreams as a cyclist. The biggest highlight of my career is Optum winning the Team Time Trial National Championship. There is nothing more satisfying than putting in endless hours of work on every detail of team time trialing from communication, to length of pulls, to gauging start effort, to suffering limits, and having it all come together with a win. Earning a national title with teammates that I’ve trained with, suffered with, roomed with, slept on airport floors with (!) is one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. </i><br>
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<i>Racing the spring classics in Europe with the US National team is another experience that I look back on almost with disbelief that I had made it to that level. I had chills on the start line of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad in Ghent (not only because it was 40 degrees and threatening to rain!) as I heard the helicopter above filming the race, looked down at the USA jersey that I was wearing, heard the loud cheers of the fans, and realized that I was touching shoulders with the best cyclists in the world. The magnitude of that experience is still sinking in. </i><br>
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<i>When dabbling in bike racing in 2011, I never anticipated that 4 years later it would be my full time job. That said, when you do something that you love so passionately, it feels like a natural progression to see how far you can take it. From Steamboat Velo, Vanderkitten, Optum and USA Cycling, I have been lucky that doors have continued to open for me as I’ve expanded my racing from a local level to a National and ultimately International level. </i><br>
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<b>CP: Optum is one of the strongest Professional women’s programs in the United States - What aspects of the team have made it successful in terms of race results as well as enjoyable for you to be a part of? Was winning the team time trial National Championships a example of the team firing on all cylinders?</b><br>
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<i>AC: Optum Pro Cycling p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies is ranked top 10 in the world for women’s professional cycling. After spending 5 months racing for Optum, it’s clear to see how the team is so successful. The high expectations of the racers and staff were established at the first team camp in January. We spent 2 weeks in Borrego Springs, CA where we met with sponsors, dialed in our equipment, and had a very specific training plan that included race simulation, lead outs, TTT practice, camp champ hill climbs, etc. My take-away from camp was that every one of my teammates was an incredibly strong rider, and our director, Pat, had selected each person based on a specific contribution that they could make to the team. </i><br>
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<i>Similarly, our staff includes a soigneur, Phoebe, who previously worked with men’s professional cycling teams and handles everything from daily massages, to water bottles, nutrition, following in team car, etc. Our mechanic, Ben, travels to every race and has all of our bike measurements (almost committed to memory) and ensures that our race bike, TT bike, spare bike and home bike are all up to par. Pat, a former World Tour Professional Cyclist, knows everything there is to know about racing tactics, training, teams, etc. He diligently selects teams and races, plans logistics and effectively communicates race tactics. </i><br>
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<i>From the racers, to staff, to equipment, to support, everything about Optum is world-class, which paves the way for success in races.</i><br>
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<b>CP: You are listed as an “all-rounder” on your team profile – What roles do you typically fill during a key race? Can you give an example of how you might work in a race to achieve team goals and tactics?</b><br>
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<i>AC: My job on the team is a support rider. The course dictates who we will work for. Leah Kirchman is a world-class sprinter, and strong enough to win regardless of the finish (bunch, hill top, etc.). </i><br>
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<i>Typically, we will work for Leah and another racer. My role is to stay near the front to cover attacks in the races. This means that if any threats go off the front, I need to chase them down and neutralize the move. Assuming I’m still in the race at the finish, my role is to lead out our GC riders. Getting a lead out right is tricky, and something that we’ve had varying degrees of success with. Every team is fighting for position and attempting to get their sprinter to the front. The timing is critical as well, since dropping a sprinter off with 500 meters to go typically isn’t going to end well. When a lead out does work, as it did in Joe Martin and Tour of CA, Optum takes a stage win, and it’s magical!</i><br>
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<b>CP: From your experience just a few years ago as a new road racer, what advice can you give to riders who are just starting out as new members of Steamboat Velo and maybe doing their first Steamboat Stage Race this year?</b><br>
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<u><b><i>AC: A few tips for new racers:</i></b></u><br>
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<i><u>It is better to go into a race under trained than tired.</u> For races that you want to do well, do not go into them over trained. 3 days before the Steamboat Stage Race is not the time to improve your climbing skills. </i><br>
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<i><u>He/she who puts out the most watts in a race does not (typically) win.</u> Racing is all about conserving energy. Broadly speaking, that means sitting on wheels whenever possible. While this is fairly obvious at a high level, the more I race, the more I learn what it really means. For example, just because you’re a faster climber than those around you, doesn’t mean that you should move up on a climb. It might be appropriate to sag the climb knowing that you can move up easily on the upcoming downhill. </i><br>
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<i><u>Eat and drink every 30 minutes. </u> Obvious again, but very easy to forget during the chaos of a race. Be diligent about a nutrition plan. I try to eat 200 calories per hour. During hectic races, I can’t bother with opening packages, so my tactic is to open everything before the race, so it’s easy to access. Finish a bottle during the first 30 minutes of the race. Take feeds whenever you can because later in the race you might not be able to (someone attacks in the feed zone, you miss the bottle, you forgot that they were only feeding for 1 lap, etc.). </i><br>
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<i><u>Know your competition.</u> Knowing who the strong racers are, and what their strengths and weaknesses are is critical. If you are in a breakaway, you need to understand if you have a shot of winning or if you are with a world-class sprinter (if that’s the case, you might want to attack early). You need to know who might attack, but doesn’t have the strength/endurance to finish the race (you might not want to be in a break with that person). Know the field, and read the signs that they give off in the race.</i><br>
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<i><u>Go hard when it matters, the pace will settle.</u> I remember starting one of the hardest races in Europe and looking down to see my watts were at VO2 Max and thinking ‘I can’t sustain this pace.’ The reality is that nobody can, but it will become tolerable. Bike racing is digging beyond levels that you ever thought imaginable when it’s hard and conserving whenever possible. </i><br>
<i>Hone in your acting skills! Never let your competition know how you’re feeling. If you’re in a break and feeling good, slouch your shoulders, exaggerate your breathing and let them think you’re suffering. If you are suffering, take a deep breath and ride by like you’re not even working. Cycling is a battle of wills and the mental game is very real. That confident smile that you give your competition as you pass them on a climb might be the final gesture that cracks them! </i><br>
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<i><u>Cliché as it sounds- maintain perspective, learn from every race, and enjoy it.</u> A few years ago I crashed in a criterium in Vail. After watching the video, I was horrified to see that I could have avoided going into the crashed riders if I had just moved to the left instead of the right. My coach helped me put it in perspective. “Next time keep your head up, be quick, stay relaxed and know that just because there is a crash near you, you can often avoid it. Most importantly, its just bike racing!!!” The best races I’ve had are the ones where I start relaxed and open to the possibility that I might win and I might not finish and either outcome is okay. </i><br>
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<b>CP: Looking from your perspective at the top of the sport in the United States, what are a few things that local race associations, race clubs, and promoters should be doing to further develop competitive cycling in the US and specifically women’s racing?</b><br>
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<i>AC: Any sort of publicity that race associations, clubs and promoters can do is helpful in developing cycling. The more people understand about racing tactics and the stories behind the racers, the more interesting the sport becomes. Simple social media plugs are great. For example, blog, tweat, facebook special interest stories on a few racers, representing all categories. </i><br>
<i>On a professional level, women’s racing seems to be on an upward trajectory. Additions to the women’s calendar such as 3 stages at Amgen Tour of CA, USA Pro Challenge in CO, and Le Course (France), show a commitment to racing opportunities for women. Although salaries, race earnings and racing opportunities are not on par with men yet, there are extensive efforts that are moving women’s racing in the right direction. </i><br>
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<i>On a local level, Colorado has a solid racing calendar that includes hill climbs, crits, stage races, one-day road races and time trials. While diverse racing opportunities exist, we need to encourage women to get out there and give it a try. Mentoring programs and clinics are a great way to get new cyclists racing. Something as simple as a friend suggesting that you drive to Golden to do a hill climb could be the catalyst that launches a career in professional racing!</i><br>
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Amy M Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10075660627187070694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-33127786162353619462015-08-13T08:44:00.002-06:002017-03-31T16:40:43.541-06:00Charity in for women's USA Pro Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchMwAqYkuoEaFj2VadoFr0MJaebw9HG2hP1fhvl9PWRjehUG6e2pqYlQZMWSSRx740AD2Kb18Ts0F-6_lsp-i-PUHllPkMiSQ8B2d4N_yOUrhFy4sqrSDUr862H3vv7t7gNmxoHjwdqk/s1600/081115_Cycling_t300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchMwAqYkuoEaFj2VadoFr0MJaebw9HG2hP1fhvl9PWRjehUG6e2pqYlQZMWSSRx740AD2Kb18Ts0F-6_lsp-i-PUHllPkMiSQ8B2d4N_yOUrhFy4sqrSDUr862H3vv7t7gNmxoHjwdqk/s1600/081115_Cycling_t300.jpg" /></a></div>
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Story by Joel Reichenberger</h4>
Monday, August 10, 2015 Steamboat Springs —<br />
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Amy Charity stood at the finish line of the 2013 USA Pro Challenge men’s finish in downtown Steamboat Springs, cheering along with thousands of others as Peter Sagan raced to the victory.<br />
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In the back of her mind she couldn’t help but think she’d like her own crack at the race.<br />
Now she’s getting it.<br />
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Charity and her Optum Pro Cycling teammates are in, along with 11 other women’s cycling teams, for this year’s USA Pro Challenge — the first time the event has included a women’s race with its traditional slate of men’s stages.<br />
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“It’s just an honor to be able to race it,” Charity said. “It’s an international event, and it’s a really big deal for women’s cycling.”<br />
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She is joined on the race’s roster by teammates Jasmin Glaesser, Lex Albrecht, Alison Tetrick and Maura Kinsella.<br />
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The field will also include Kristin Armstrong, an Olympic time trial gold medalist from the 2008 and 2012 games, and Mara Abbott, another top women’s rider.<br />
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The three-day stage race starts with Stage 5 of the men’s event in Breckenridge on Friday, Aug. 21 for a time trial that will mirror the men’s event.<br />
After that, the women’s race will keep a similar but altered path compared to the men’s seven-stage race. The women will ride from Loveland to Fort Collins on Saturday, then finish with a criterium in downtown Golden on Sunday.<br />
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Charity has actually been on the mend following a nasty mountain bike crash on Emerald Mountain in Steamboat that left her with a broken elbow. (She said, with a laugh, road riding is an entirely different sport.)<br />
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That injury didn’t keep her off the bike. She was racing again soon after and will start next week’s event hungry.<br />
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She said she’s likely to factor in as a support rider for her team, a role she’s happy to have.<br />
The announced field of athletes includes 12 teams and 67 total riders.<br />
“The team we’re bringing, we have two very strong climbers, and we have a time trial specialist,” said Charity, who classifies herself as more of an all-around rider. “We will have a lot of cards to play.”<br />
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The race won’t be the first she’s done in Colorado, not by a long shot. It will, however, be the biggest, and she said she’s been looking forward to the opportunity since the event was announced.<br />
“Racing at home to me is just exciting because it will be easy for my friends and family to watch,” she said. “It’s a couple of hours of driving compared to a long flight. Now with my teammates coming up here, I’m excited to show them where it is we ride in Colorado.”<br />
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Amy M Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10075660627187070694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-17916849278731908952015-08-04T08:48:00.000-06:002017-03-31T16:41:18.065-06:00Introduction of elite Women’s USA Pro Challenge division has female racers on a roll<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4H9IEyABo5jz6d57dBEORXF_7CuP8CwcOL-GVxXyTn5mYQ8fE2Pdq2dKEAgTrp1-FWQIXXwNkN9E2YDM9_rpFDnDzs8VaXYkcUprj_9ynRYYT830NRoMhTPOBGt5lj7hBj7f_-meP4E/s1600/Trail-Mix.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4H9IEyABo5jz6d57dBEORXF_7CuP8CwcOL-GVxXyTn5mYQ8fE2Pdq2dKEAgTrp1-FWQIXXwNkN9E2YDM9_rpFDnDzs8VaXYkcUprj_9ynRYYT830NRoMhTPOBGt5lj7hBj7f_-meP4E/s320/Trail-Mix.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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BY DENVER LIFE MAGAZINE – AUGUST 4, 2015<br />
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When the annual USA Pro Cycling Challenge whirls into Colorado August 17-23, the Centennial State will again be the center of the cycling universe. Like prior competitions since its 2011 debut, expect this year’s event to deliver plenty of drama as riders jostle in mountainous lung-searing stages from Steamboat Springs to the Front Range.<br />
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And while the men’s multi-day, professional road bicycle race will see many familiar faces, here’s something else spectators can look forward to: the introduction of an elite Women’s USA Pro Challenge division.<br />
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The new addition is getting a lot of smiles, and it carries on the state’s colorful cycling legacy first established by the 1975-1979 Red Zinger Bicycle Classic, followed by the 1980-1988 Coors Classic. Both showcased world-class men’s and women’s cycling and were ground-breaking as the biggest women’s stage races ever held.<br />
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“We wanted to honor the legacy of women’s stage racing in Colorado,” says Sean Petty, race director for the Women’s USA Pro Challenge. “This will be the first time since 1988 that some of the best men and women cyclists in the world will be sharing courses at a major international stage race.”<br />
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In conjunction with the men’s seven-stage competition, women racers—top invitationonly USA Cycling national riders and Olympians— will compete in three consecutive daily stages for the same prize money as men. “Women will bring an entirely new dynamic to the race, and the parity in prize money will help lead the way for future equality in race winnings,” Petty says. In the world of sporting competition, women’s pro cycling may not occupy the same berth as the U.S. Women’s National Soccer team. Compared to men’s road racing, many women racers feel they’re being left behind with limited budgets and fewer race opportunities. But with the evolution of events like the Pro Challenge, the wheels are turning as race organizations, athletes, sponsors, fans and the media develop an appreciation of the sometimes subtle nuances that characterize women’s elite competition.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Le4hvsaPurK9c_vtRSwTbo3t6Pl3sGpfEAljPzkrDb9wEdFbYyyEXVjgawtYeLLQ87bL2lRxk_cPAOcEVCwcpHqmsoLgCBbOx2APTd0KmxSD7Fn4pVUr_h1WKFHfCxfz0n0c6yJ1aWw/s1600/Trail-Mix2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Le4hvsaPurK9c_vtRSwTbo3t6Pl3sGpfEAljPzkrDb9wEdFbYyyEXVjgawtYeLLQ87bL2lRxk_cPAOcEVCwcpHqmsoLgCBbOx2APTd0KmxSD7Fn4pVUr_h1WKFHfCxfz0n0c6yJ1aWw/s1600/Trail-Mix2.png" /></a>“The Pro Challenge is a big development for women’s cycling, for sure,” says pro cyclist Amy Charity, among Colorado’s best homegrown hopes for a top stage race finish. “Tour of California added women’s racing in 2011 as a single race, and it’s grown to two stages this year. Tour of Utah, same thing. The sponsors were pleased. We want women’s racing to expand, and this is a start. We’d like to see multiple events that showcase our capabilities, like men’s, with hard daily road stages.” The 38-year-old Steamboat Springs native has earned a slew of racing distinctions, including a gold medal for her Optum Pro Cycling team win at the 2015 Time Trial National Championship. But aside from her natural ability and lifelong affinity for most Colorado outdoor sports, it might come as a surprise that Charity wasn’t a groomed racerin- training during her formative years.<br />
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“My parents were avid cyclists and I was exposed to that, but I spent all of my 20s and early 30s in a financial services career,” she says.<br />
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In between trail running and backcountry skiing, she developed her skills as an endurance cyclist and began doing hill climb and road races, quickly ascending the USA Cycling category ranking from Category 4 to Category 2 racer. In 2012, “everything snowballed” after competing in the Tour of the Gila, New Mexico’s premier road race. She was picked up by her main sponsor, Optum Pro Cycling, and began the serious team training regime that helps usher elite cyclists to podiums.<br />
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As an elite pro, Charity notes some of the nuances that separate the sexes when it comes to racing. “Strategy is different from women compared to men,” she advises. “Pro-level racing for women is shorter duration. That allows racing to be very dynamic from the gun.”<br />
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Photo By ANTON VOSDuring the typical 60-mile races, it takes about three hours to sort out the winners and attacks are more frequent and often more aggressive than men’s. “Men’s races are longer, with more consistent, calculated pacing,” says Charity, who admits she has mixed feelings about the different formats for the sexes. “At the three-hour mark I start to feel good, and that’s an advantage over younger riders who tend not to have the same endurance as older racers.”<br />
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That plays into another factor buoying her appreciation for the female physique. “Women, more than men, have an endurance boost that kicks in later,” she adds.<br />
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Charity’s advice for aspiring female racers? “A professional bike fitting helps you ride stronger, more efficient, more comfortably and can help avoid injuries,” she says. Static fits involve plugging body measurements into a mathematical formula that determines bike sizing and positioning—typically a $100 session provided by many bike shops for recreational cyclists. Serious cyclists should opt instead for a $500- plus dynamic fit in which a specialist examines a rider’s motion and makes critical adjustments to virtually all components.<br />
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“To break from the pack of serious road riding amateurs, cyclists need to find a dedicated group ride where others are better than you,” she offers. “Find one person in particular whose wheel you’ll try to follow within inches. The joy of testing your physical limit changes the game.”<br />
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Of course, coaches kick it up to the next level, and Charity pays her dues during intense eight one-minute Zone 5 intervals that push her and her fellow team riders to their maximum output.<br />
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“When a coach yells at you and you have to be accountable for yourself and your team, that makes a difference,” she says. “You have to push it 100 percent if you’re committed to win.”<br />
<br />Amy M Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10075660627187070694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-53552167751470702582015-04-25T20:58:00.002-06:002017-06-09T16:50:16.898-06:00Charity, team shine in nationals event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8At5aB5noP1W0DmEU39q5AueQC01Nd8o2WApW7o2L75qoYPNTXcrcY4IiWtbpT9_YGBgOmm8Q6SDXHQyEgA95roy-ddBRi3q-iK-GPzPlklKRyjlQrYq1oV0QuiBcISMtgUCSQP6f8e0/s1600/042615_Cycling_t670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8At5aB5noP1W0DmEU39q5AueQC01Nd8o2WApW7o2L75qoYPNTXcrcY4IiWtbpT9_YGBgOmm8Q6SDXHQyEgA95roy-ddBRi3q-iK-GPzPlklKRyjlQrYq1oV0QuiBcISMtgUCSQP6f8e0/s320/042615_Cycling_t670.jpg" width="240"></a></div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h779611-p1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="dateline" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;">By </span><a href="http://www.steamboattoday.com/staff/joel_reichenberger/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #18629d; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Joel Reichenberger</a></span></div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h779611-p1" style="border: 0px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="dateline" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Steamboat Springs</span> — It’s Arkansas this weekend, South Carolina earlier in the week, California last week and there’s been a dash of Colorado in the midst of all of that.</div>
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The race schedule has been demanding for Steamboat Springs professional cyclist Amy Charity, but its been rewarding, and earlier this week she said she accomplished one of the biggest achievements of her career.</div>
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Charity is riding with Optum Pro Cycling and was with the squad earlier this week when it won the United States Team Time Trial National Championships in South Carolina.</div>
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“This was a pretty big one. It’s been a big focus for our team,” she said. “It’s still sinking in that it actually happened. In my cycling career, this is the best moment I’ve had.”</div>
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The event sent squads of six riders onto the course to race together in a time trial.</div>
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Optum has spent several training camps working on every detail of the race, from the start to the finish. They developed a strategy and rode with radios to help communicate on the course.</div>
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“We were all on time trials bikes and all had aero bars. We were wearing speed suits and aero helmets, shoe covers and everything you could possible have to be as aero has possible,” she said. “Our average speed was just under 30 miles per hour, and it was a hilly course. We were flying.”</div>
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It paid off, and they crossed the finish line ahead of their main rivals in the event, a team from United Healthcare. They finished in 42 minutes, 35.21 seconds, nearly 35 seconds ahead of the competition.</div>
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That doesn’t change the team’s travel plans much for the season, but it does change what they’ll be packing.</div>
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Any time the team races in a team time trial from here on out, including at the world championships in Richmond in the fall, they’ll do so in United States-themed stars-and-stripes speed suits.</div>
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That’s one of the perks of winning.</div>
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“It’s pretty cool,” Charity said. “It gives me chills just to think about that.”</div>
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It’s not just that one race that’s been strong for her and her team, either. Charity is in 11th place overall this weekend in a race in an international Arkansas and was 10th overall in at the Redlands Bicycle Classic last week in California.</div>
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“Three of us were in the top 10 there, which was really good,” Charity said. “For a race that size and with that caliber of riders, we were really pleased. Everyone’s strong. Everyone at some point delivers. It’s pretty cool to be a part of it.”</div>
Amy M Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10075660627187070694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-52328765798892686402015-02-25T11:31:00.000-07:002015-05-18T23:13:00.105-06:00Euro Racing with the National Team<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5BeGG3OAtrG0cbLJQzhmIECGPhem7a4NyNYonQBmgO69Gyy7KwtIH8zqE-lNHiNboD6OoSjSCxWAoEteY7-vr5k8Mm6mGqIRRHB08Kn8wP9MMOqpLfE6IWoYRimwUdkxNzKkuEjDYNk/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5BeGG3OAtrG0cbLJQzhmIECGPhem7a4NyNYonQBmgO69Gyy7KwtIH8zqE-lNHiNboD6OoSjSCxWAoEteY7-vr5k8Mm6mGqIRRHB08Kn8wP9MMOqpLfE6IWoYRimwUdkxNzKkuEjDYNk/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" width="320" /></a>One week into Optum team camp in Borrego Springs, CA, I
received an email from Jack (USA National Team Women’s Coach) asking what I
would think about racing the Spring Classics in Europe with the National
Team. It meant that I would fly home for 1 day
after camp, say hello to my husband, unpack, repack, and then fly to
Europe. Essentially 7 weeks on the
road. Um...yes! </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The infamous Block 1 with USA Cycling might be considered
the most challenging trip that the National Team takes to Europe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Block 1 Spring Classics are notorious for
cobbles, high winds, enormous field sizes, narrow roads, heavy rain, crashes,
road furniture, and feisty Euros ready to display their early season fitness and aggression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps I am focusing
on the negative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another way to describe
the Spring Classics is that they include some of the most prestigious races in
Europe, where only the top teams in the world are invited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Large crowds of spectators fill the towns to cheer
on their cycling heroes and enjoy the most popular sport in Holland. Helicopters
fly above to capture television footage of the racing, and fans swarm the cyclists
before and after the races hoping to capture a picture, an autograph or an
esteemed used water bottle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless
of how I looked at it, the experience would be challenging, character building
and one that I would never forget.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Arrival in Sittard & USA Cycling Home</b> (for 3 weeks)<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFZI5eyoHzjdW23wbQF9ucQa5ilS56Tc-0z9-G2bHm_V1W5CMQF5DFy4ihtzVsYLcnflCUw6bx8zzXASXu4Iax1wrSwF4fQbVtt-FK_qmm2W7bPI2tojh7R-y6rH-1EEuW1OLguI2DGQ/s1600/IMG_3459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFZI5eyoHzjdW23wbQF9ucQa5ilS56Tc-0z9-G2bHm_V1W5CMQF5DFy4ihtzVsYLcnflCUw6bx8zzXASXu4Iax1wrSwF4fQbVtt-FK_qmm2W7bPI2tojh7R-y6rH-1EEuW1OLguI2DGQ/s1600/IMG_3459.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-uUmygdlbvk788pdZFziwY9mCbKT9e8oIpxGU4ant0WB7wB_PQSkcMRpDvkSAB-IV6nG02tmrF1sZaVXWIc2E4nzVkPx9os36SN934LYbbFLsqskjRw2r4K2g-KSMBnhq0IbcrSK3nM/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-uUmygdlbvk788pdZFziwY9mCbKT9e8oIpxGU4ant0WB7wB_PQSkcMRpDvkSAB-IV6nG02tmrF1sZaVXWIc2E4nzVkPx9os36SN934LYbbFLsqskjRw2r4K2g-KSMBnhq0IbcrSK3nM/s1600/unnamed.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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Greeted at the Brussels airport by smiling American cyclists, Coryn Rivera, Heather Fisher, Evelyn Stevens, Alexis and Kendall Ryan, and Laura Jorgensen, we grabbed our bikes and luggage and drove to Sittard, Netherlands, the USA Cycling headquarters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throwing travel wariness out the window, we dropped off our bikes at the service course for the highly skilled and competent (at times grumpy) mechanic Mirek to build. We ate lunch, and headed out the door for our first ride around Sittard.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Block 1 Races</b>:<o:p></o:p></div>
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(High level notes/memories)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe79DcGmzSENOZgF36LVe6Y7GMsdgZ5fBhKl7o0EfaMm4t-DfvTlllUpG5F1OrECG2-QLNbJPBUn_oo0411HiZ5sH634OnhIVAEvTxmigVuUcmbDeNcphtTgkUDLoQy1rQ3ENDjZ7myZo/s1600/11034055_10206167839301781_467781050859118349_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe79DcGmzSENOZgF36LVe6Y7GMsdgZ5fBhKl7o0EfaMm4t-DfvTlllUpG5F1OrECG2-QLNbJPBUn_oo0411HiZ5sH634OnhIVAEvTxmigVuUcmbDeNcphtTgkUDLoQy1rQ3ENDjZ7myZo/s200/11034055_10206167839301781_467781050859118349_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPYSd_4Pt3IkojWje1ccsJEamo2NidlnVroH_B5KvlwFC8ZvAcF_BzexfwSZPvVpWuZD0vnIX-GnPQLfg3NF3F9s0cwHGrJrVJUKiYu-PiJ-XwAHxalJpaGFDASzsaW5ptqzqsSviUkE/s1600/B-9K6ldUsAA_ctV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPYSd_4Pt3IkojWje1ccsJEamo2NidlnVroH_B5KvlwFC8ZvAcF_BzexfwSZPvVpWuZD0vnIX-GnPQLfg3NF3F9s0cwHGrJrVJUKiYu-PiJ-XwAHxalJpaGFDASzsaW5ptqzqsSviUkE/s1600/B-9K6ldUsAA_ctV.jpg" width="161" /></a><u>Omloop Het Nieuwsblad</u> Feb 28, 2015<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ghent, Belgium, 124.3Km<o:p></o:p><br />
Hard. <br />
I finished somewhere in the 40s (was happy to finish the race - over half were pulled)<br />
Endless cobbles<br />
Wow, not the easiest first race of the season. European racing is insane!</div>
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<u>Le Samyn des Dames</u> March 4, 2015<o:p></o:p></div>
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Quaregnon, Belgium, 112km<o:p></o:p><br />
Finished in the 40s again<br />
We saw the sun, in Belgium, in early March!</div>
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<u>Omloop Het Hageland</u> March 8, 2015<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tielt-Winge, Belgium, 122.3km<o:p></o:p></div>
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Belgian death cracks<br />
Crash*, DNF (*see '...Get Up' below)<br />
Coryn 4<sup>th - </sup><o:p></o:p>Yeah team USA!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiynI3fMNFKypCTOoBoJp2ZcKQM7w_zDEwKeMsNE9Cjaap0ihfDlT_5Jk9P4rpe-WmM1VKUmztrzulCZJCfpWQMJMhhJ4NiSP1W2s04Q7dx_66mhTTPTwrpgACTWBnrW_HK0Q2SJtwvXk/s1600/11069364_10152657850891507_634512180_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiynI3fMNFKypCTOoBoJp2ZcKQM7w_zDEwKeMsNE9Cjaap0ihfDlT_5Jk9P4rpe-WmM1VKUmztrzulCZJCfpWQMJMhhJ4NiSP1W2s04Q7dx_66mhTTPTwrpgACTWBnrW_HK0Q2SJtwvXk/s1600/11069364_10152657850891507_634512180_o.jpg" width="133" /></a><u><br /></u>
<u>Molecaten Drentse Acht van Westerveld</u> March 12, 2015<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dwingeloo, Netherlands, 136.7km<o:p></o:p></div>
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Highest TSS…EVER!<br />
Heather 5<sup>th</sup>- woohoo Team USA, again!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0UjmkqDceznwpn_lrPHaTfro9z6KvYydB6yF-OS9QVQ6OOzHx3KI5LiheeR5acyfDfhtYkROUArL3MA9xy8dBhLsmhrtoHLlsuyZFJBbxlsnGMZE3rubGNIpHDZHiMPMyVrg8wXWhTc/s1600/IMG_3499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0UjmkqDceznwpn_lrPHaTfro9z6KvYydB6yF-OS9QVQ6OOzHx3KI5LiheeR5acyfDfhtYkROUArL3MA9xy8dBhLsmhrtoHLlsuyZFJBbxlsnGMZE3rubGNIpHDZHiMPMyVrg8wXWhTc/s1600/IMG_3499.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<u>Ronde van Drenth, World Cup</u> March 14, 2015<o:p></o:p></div>
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Drenthe, Netherlands, 132.8km<o:p></o:p><br />
Bad sign that my race number included '86'? In the restaurant industry, 86 always meant 'we're out!'<br />
Used Race Radios** (**see race radio usefulness below)</div>
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<u>Novilon Cup</u> March 15, 2015<o:p></o:p></div>
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Drenthe, Netherlands, 138km<o:p></o:p><br />
Cross winds, attack from the gun<br />
Laughing bunch*** (***see Laughing Bunch lessons below)</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Lessons from Ina</u><o:p></o:p></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0npA1c8hGrxPstf7bN_rlDbDU9mkR5zp9t9fAUyYiraWiKt8CgmO3Q6jZkKD7Gz1d4BzqkIocCRMqJfTitOV87JPB8Ftq_SPZt-wmieMwF_YqP3ZM-7t9YXIohV4mQ5bJexQnHqVBBBk/s1600/image-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0npA1c8hGrxPstf7bN_rlDbDU9mkR5zp9t9fAUyYiraWiKt8CgmO3Q6jZkKD7Gz1d4BzqkIocCRMqJfTitOV87JPB8Ftq_SPZt-wmieMwF_YqP3ZM-7t9YXIohV4mQ5bJexQnHqVBBBk/s1600/image-1.jpg" width="320" /></a>Racing under the guidance of legendary Ina Yoko Tuetenberg
is nothing short of an honor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ina’s
palmares prove that she was one of the most talented and successful female
cyclists over the past 2 decades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is
an Olympian and the champion of some of the most prestigious races in the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With her extensive and successful
cycling history, Ina knows just about everything there is to know about races,
racers, tactics, suffering, etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew
that she would have a great deal to offer, and I suspected that she would be
tough.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">***The Laughing Bunch<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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If you happen to find yourself in
the ‘laughing bunch’ (i.e. the group off the back of the race, no longer in
contention), there is etiquette to follow, Ina explained to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Most importantly, don’t attack or
even ride hard</i>, she told us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Your race is over</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Save
yourself for the next day or the next race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Say hello, make friends</i>, Ina told us, laughing, <i>So</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me of my good friends came from the
laughing bunch</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, I did find
myself in the laughing bunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most
notably, I saw the seemingly small gap begin to grow at the <u>Novilion Cup</u>,
the final race of the my European racing adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Attacks just
after the neutral rollout, echelons caused by strong winds, and less than ideal
positioning all contributed to >100 of us in the laughing bunch early in the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I was in no mood to chitchat with
fellow dropped racers, it wasn’t a complete loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw Bronzini next to me and observed her
smooth, flawless style, noting that even the best cyclists have days in back.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*So you crashed at 30mph, get up and race your bike! <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Another valuable lesson from Ina is
post crash protocol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">#1 check your body, check your head, check
your bike #2 Get back on your bike and ride like hell.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, that wasn’t exactly my reaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Historically, my crashes have resulted in up
to 6 weeks off the bike, broken bones, torn ligaments, and cracked
helmets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A high speed crash with no real
injury was a whole new world to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
series of events went something along the lines of #1 Lay in the road and think,
I’m on the ground, but I’m not dead, phew! #2 Get up #3 Note that chain is off
and slowly put it back on #4 Note that jersey is torn and my bum is hanging out
of torn shorts #5 get back on bike and see that most of the caravan has passed
#6 start chasing after caravan, in vain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My race, <u>Omloop Het Hageland Tielt-Winge</u>, was over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">**Race radios…a nice idea<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I was excited to race with
radios for my first European World Cup race, <u>Ronde Van Drenthe</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had visions of everything being so clear
with Ina giving the team instructions throughout the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ina chuckled, reminding us not to rely too
much on the radios.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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We eased pre-race nerves testing
the radios and calling each other using our radio names, <i>Fish Sticks</i> (Heather
Fisher) <i>calling Charita</i> (me).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>W<i>here are
you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you in the bathroom?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How’s it going? </i>We laughed, amusing ourselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I heard from Ina for the first 40km
of the race, informing us how far we had until the first cobbled section of the
race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as took a sharp right into
the cobbles there was a big pile up and Heather’s bike was tangled with another
racer's bike. I stopped and help her untangle her bike and we chased back to the main
group together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ina congratulated us over the radio for getting back in the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brilliant, I
thought, love the radios.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately,
that was the last that we heard from Ina (radio malfunction for the rest of the
race – d’oh).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Ina clearly warned us,
they are a nice idea, but don’t rely on them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be on Time. <o:p></o:p></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Toughen up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></div>
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There is no doubt that Ina is tough
(obviously…she’s a cyclist!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although
she may have softened since retiring from bike racing, she is still
appropriately a stickler for punctuality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although none of us had to take a taxi or train to any of the races, it
was touch and go a couple of times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
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I'll never forget Ina patting my left arm regularly, whether it was for a congratulations, how are you, good luck. Every time I cringed, feeling my road rash from my crash. <i>Why is it always my left arm?</i>, I asked Gino (USA Cycling supporter) as he witnessed my pained expression. <i>Win a bike race, Amy, and she'll pat your right arm! </i> I laughed. Yep, Ina's tough!</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">General Memories
& Highlights<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Belting out, in undeniable harmony, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Just Thinking Out Loud</i>, with our swannie, Yuri, driving home from La Samyn.</li>
<li>Sitting outside Café Mundo in Sittard’s town
center, drinking a perfectly crafted Flat White soaking up the
uncharacteristically warm sun.</li>
<li>Planning menus and cooking creative meals (cauliflower mashed potatoes, a highlight) in our Sittard house</li>
<li>Coryn talking us into one more episode of Gossip
Girl before going to bed (Alexis reminding us that we had to get up early the next day)</li>
<li>Heather’s attack that stuck for 2 laps and
earned her the sprinters and climbers jersey at <u>Hageland</u></li>
<li>Field Trip to Dusseldorf (Ina's hometown) that included a traditional meal of beer, fries and sausage; Pedicures & bonding with Heather, a day of #happinesswatts</li>
<li>Arriving home from ride to Yuri, our swannie, making crepes with nutella for us</li>
<li>Dance lessons from Kendall in the kitchen while making dinner</li>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I certainly experienced my share of highs and lows on the
racing block.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some aspects are
challenging, to put it mildly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, it is an incredible opportunity to race some of the most prestigious races in the world, against the strongest cyclists in the female peloton. Even more meaningful is the chance to race for the National Team (there is nothing more motivating than putting on a stars and stripes jersey), and sharing the experience with some of the the most talented (and hilarious and entertaining) US racers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Amy M Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10075660627187070694noreply@blogger.com0Sittard, Netherlands51.0006238 5.886478799999963550.9206868 5.7251172999999635 51.0805608 6.0478402999999634tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-24157221292040377952015-02-19T22:54:00.000-07:002015-02-19T22:54:50.608-07:00Optum Team Camp - The Lowdown<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XI4tTO6hravQ7PWCHAGQFvfE0gIgUIWHMdxDsKATouQfzS5dutKOByolQKvNJd8eqPMJo4jKBfXyaNBJSXlF8k991L6jNqq24oYL1xkH1u4CreNppGWzZtQhXD-Qz5qO_Cw96uKmeVc/s1600/2A0A3176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XI4tTO6hravQ7PWCHAGQFvfE0gIgUIWHMdxDsKATouQfzS5dutKOByolQKvNJd8eqPMJo4jKBfXyaNBJSXlF8k991L6jNqq24oYL1xkH1u4CreNppGWzZtQhXD-Qz5qO_Cw96uKmeVc/s1600/2A0A3176.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The team descending Montezuma</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Borrego Springs, CA might not be the typical cycling camp location, but after spending 10 days here, it makes perfect sense. We are northeast of San Diego and south of Palm Springs, basically in the middle of nowhere. This quaint desert town leaves a bit to be desired for coffee shops, but makes up for it with burrito shops. We are here for cycling, and there is no shortage of options for roads. Pat, our Director, diligently scouted out routes for our daily rides, and ensures that there is no slacking, talking, singing when it's time to go hard (which is pretty much anytime that he's on the ride with us).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irvine Research Institute (our home for camp)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I'm halfway through a 2.5 week team camp and I must say that it is as great as it sounds to attend cycling camp with a top notch professional cycling team. It's just as one might remember from childhood. We're staying in a dorm, sleeping in bunk beds, bonding, cooking group dinners, listening to great music, painting nails, recovering with our Compex machines, meeting with incredible people from companies who are making all of this possible (SRAM, DiamondBack, ISM, Compex, Lezyne, etc.)...oh, and riding our bikes 50-100 miles everyday! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Janel and I testing out the equipment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The most interesting part of camp, of course, is the team, which includes 8 racers, a Director (Pat), a Soigneur (Phoebe), and a Mechanic (Ben) for the duration of our stay. A full media crew, Charles (the generous owner of Optum), a team Doctor, and an additional mechanic joined us for the first half to help get everything off the ground smoothly. Essentially, the Irvine Research Institute (our dorm) is always buzzing with activity and there is an entire crew that makes this team come together.<br />
<br />
<b>The Team:</b><br />
<br />
<b>Pat - </b>Laid back (unless we're on the bike, then definitely NOT laid back), funny - dry humor, fair, grill master, former Pro, clear, concise, knowledgeable, effective<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Phoebe - </b>Tireless, fun, upbeat, positive, massage master<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Ben - </b>Hard working, chill, kind, excellent mechanic<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front Row: Brie, Annie (standing), Lex<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Back Row: Alison, Janel, Ariane, me, Leah</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Brianna Walle</b><br />
<u>On the bike:</u> Watt maker. Killer at TTs, and can sprint...and climb...<br />
<br />
<u>Off the bike:</u> Comedian, gets into contagious giggling fits that result in the entire team with sore bellies and tears from laughing so hard. TMI Brie - always up for a chat about BMs! Peace keeper, encouraging, enthusiastic, fun.<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Annie Ewart</b><br />
<u>On the bike:</u> Smooth, consistent, all-rounder, great wheel to follow.<br />
<br />
<u>Off the bike:</u> Good natured, T Swift fan, easy going, family oriented, inquisitive, chill, fun, with a few hidden talents up her sleeve - e.g. synchronized swimming. Straight shooter, well beyond her years.<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Lex Albrect</b><br />
<u>On the bike:</u> Climber, snappy.<br />
<br />
<u>Off the bike:</u> Fiesty, joker (it gets even better when she's cracked), confident. Known to break out her French upon request. Knows what she wants and goes after it - from food preferences, to making her way through closed roads and construction traffic. She's been known to use traffic cones as megaphones to get things moving.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Alison Tetrick</b><br />
<u>On the bike:</u> TT machine. Tough as nails.<br />
<br />
<u>Off the bike:</u> Super model, social media extraordinaire, fine wine connoisseur, well-connected - I get the impression that we're one text away from getting Obama on the phone. Cat lover...at least focused on ensuring the cat has appropriate outfits for all occasions. Generous - happy to bring in a case of wine to camp and share with everyone.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Janel Holcolm</b><br />
<u>On the bike:</u> Leader, knowledgeable, powerhouse climber who gracefully leads the charge up climbs making it look effortless.<br />
<br />
<u>Off the bike</u>: Natural leader, straight-forward, engaging, conversationalist (after her morning cup of coffee), inclusive, great laugh, fair, fellow Pi Phi (!).<br />
<br />
<b>Ariane Horbach</b><br />
<u>On the bike:</u> Skills machine. Known to descend at high speeds on the top tube. Loves to bump around on the bike. Youth with no fear.<br />
<br />
<u>Off the bike:</u> German college student in Grand Junction, CO (Mesa State). Business Major (hard to believe she just recently learned English). Eager to learn, loves to laugh, interested in others. Fun fact: attended boarding school for cyclists in Germany. Appreciative.<br />
<br />
<b>Leah Kirchman</b><br />
<u>On the bike:</u> Our star - she can do everything<br />
<br />
<u>Off the bike:</u> Graceful, composed, refined, focused, humble. The kind of girl that you catch quietly doing other people's dishes without saying a word. The kind of girl that you want to completely slay yourself for because you know she is strong, competent and will deliver.<br />
<br />
<b>Jasmin Glaesser</b> (not pictured) - Currently at Track Worlds. Obviously, an uber athlete.<br />
<br />
<b>Maura Kinsella</b> (not pictured) Broke her ribs in Katar crash and couldn't make it to camp. From what I understand, hilarious and obviously an incredible bike racer.<br />
<br />
Riding with the team is ideal - everyone is fast, everyone works hard, everyone is fit, there is no fluff. When Pat says we're riding 5 hours (again!) nobody complains. We all realize how lucky we are to be here. I wouldn't change it for the world. Humbled, motivated and grateful, I am having the time of my life!Amy M Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10075660627187070694noreply@blogger.com0Borrego Springs, CA, USA33.2558717 -116.3750119999999733.0434182 -116.69773549999996 33.4683252 -116.05228849999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-57840239232692484202015-02-18T18:09:00.000-07:002015-02-24T21:51:41.596-07:00Knock, knock - "Good Morning" USADA, 6am, Borrego Springs, CASwish, swish, swish, I heard the sound of pants swishing together walking into the common area of our dorm. The swishing sound was getting louder until I could hear that it was just a few feet away from me followed by a loud knock on the door. In a slumbered and confused state, I groggily said 'hello?'. Realizing that it was the crack of dawn, I knew Pat wouldn't be awake or anywhere near this area of the dorm. <br />
"What's your name?" the female voice asked me, "We're USADA and here to test the team." <br />
<br />
I fumbled around in the dark attempting to find my glasses and bring myself to a state of consciousness. My roommate Brie was slowly waking up too. The woman started firing questions about the whereabouts of our teammates, both those next door, those not at camp, and those who were no longer on Optum. I must say that a wave of excitement rushed through me. I've always said that I would feel that I had officially 'made it,' i.e. become a true pro when I was drug tested. <br />
<br />
Unfamiliar with the routine, I was surprised to have a shadow with me for the following 30 minutes. They informed us that they required both blood and urine samples. I had already had my morning wee about 30 minutes earlier, so I knew that my first challenge of the day would be mustering up the need to pee again. The woman followed me into the bathroom with the stall open and I managed to fill the cup...halfway. <br />
<br />
"We need it to be at 90ml," she stated, "you're at 45ml". I sat in an awkward and uncomfortable silence with my new friend in the bathroom stall for what seemed like 20 minutes. <br />
<br />
"I'm not sure if I can do more," I told her. "We'll have to file a partial sample then," she replied. I don't know much about testing, but the partial sample didn't sound good to me, so I persevered. "I'm sure I can manage more," I told her, determined. <br />
<br />
"Do you want me to use the 'Make Me Pee' App?," she asked me, deadpan. It took all that I had not to bust into uncontrollable laughter at that point, but I didn't think that we were quite on those terms yet. Surely, USADA doesn't joke around, especially given our respective positions. The next thing I knew, a very loud pee sound (a horse, perhaps) came through her phone speaker. Who knew?! <br />
<br />
Eventually, I managed 90ml. I politely asked if I could wash my hands, almost in jest. "Not with soap," she replied. Wow, they sure meant business. <br />
<br />
Next up were questions about anything to declare - "Um, I drank a cliff recovery drink yesterday," I answered, not exactly sure what counted. "Oh, and lots of chamois cream, and some cream for nappy rash, and lots of coffee," I rambled. <br />
<br />
After the questions, they drew blood and I was done. Phew! Thorough, awkward and about as seamless as possible, I'm quite impressed with the USADA process. Now I've officially made it!Amy M Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10075660627187070694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-80908850943236240422015-01-24T21:03:00.000-07:002015-02-01T18:54:28.859-07:00Everything Works Out in the End<div class="MsoNormal">
My good friend Susan Mead has a quotation at the bottom of
her email that states, “Everything works out in the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it’s not working out, it’s not the end” (a
take from John Lennon, I believe).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
kept that idea in my back pocket throughout the 2014-racing season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many ups and downs with pro
cycling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were days when I felt
like I was the most fortunate person on the planet to have raced on the
National Team, to be a member of a strong trade team (sporting the most stylish
kit in the peloton – thanks to brand genius, Dave Verrechia), to have traveled throughout
the US, Central America and Europe, to have raced with tough, hilarious and strong teammates, to become friends with generous and selfless host families (Lauren Roos, Kris and Kelly, Lynda and Eric, Gayle, Spencer and Ali, the Smolkos), and to have the unconditional support
of my family who can name every woman in the pro peloton and were physically present at almost every race.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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There were also days when I questioned what I had done. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had what could be considered one of the best
jobs in Colorado.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were days when I
pulled my suitcase out of the closet and Lucy’s wiggle turned into a sigh, a
stare, and a sprawled out frog position with her head down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just slightly less obvious in his non-verbal
communication, Matt would give me a hug and say ‘Give ‘em hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get mean!’ in his supportive, loving tone as
I left for the next race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were
certainly points in the season when I was self described as ‘cracked’, and determined
that this would be the final year racing at a pro level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This picture captures one of those
moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m pretty sure I was somewhere
on the spectrum of dead, or dying, or at a minimum, on the wrong side of
comfortable.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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Evaluating the highs and the lows of the year, my advancing
age, my waning finances, and the fact that I spent over half of the year away
from my lovely Steamboat home, sleeping in more than 40 ‘beds’ (i.e. couches,
aerobeds, floors, etc.), I came to the conclusion that I couldn’t possibly stop
racing now!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite all of the
challenges, I loved racing and I still had a few untapped results to
accomplish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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With this in mind, I headed back to Tucson to kick off 2015
training (Nordic skiing in Steamboat can only take me so far).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stayed with Lynda and Eric, who have not
only become my go to Tucson housing, but also nutritionists, chefs, racing
and training psychologists, and very close friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gathering my kit, with the excitement of climbing Mt. Lemmon in 70
degree weather, I heard my phone beep with a text, and saw Pat McCarty’s name. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heart rate jumping to Z4+ levels, I glanced at
my phone and saw one of the best texts I had ever received – “Hi Amy, I’ve emailed
you a contract. Please review and let me know if you have any questions.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jumping, screaming, hugging Lynda, dancing, kissing
the dogs, it’s safe to say that I was pleased to have a contract racing for
Optum Pro Cycing for the 2015 season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
of the best teams in the country (and world), Optum is nothing short of my
dream team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The quality of riders and
management, the race schedule, the partners/sponsors are world class. Needless
to say, I am motivated, humbled and honored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m so pleased that those low points weren’t the end, just necessary
steps along the way to one of the best opportunities in my life. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwLkoqLLOshIDN5-pKVJrrCvqiqDPrx0gbbhNBMJSa0bGy9M9WbnSRYStMxv1TOclXP51ekyLt7bZkUtrrUAiDhpqqSRiAS-RwrnhQzB_d6-G2bdbf6JMaJWdViGf4UcGg-OYLFFFHnw/s1600/IMG_4295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwLkoqLLOshIDN5-pKVJrrCvqiqDPrx0gbbhNBMJSa0bGy9M9WbnSRYStMxv1TOclXP51ekyLt7bZkUtrrUAiDhpqqSRiAS-RwrnhQzB_d6-G2bdbf6JMaJWdViGf4UcGg-OYLFFFHnw/s1600/IMG_4295.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Amy Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01688971029944309177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-76979243600547580672014-09-12T22:20:00.000-06:002015-01-31T22:05:21.550-07:00Tour of Tuscany<div class="MsoNormal">
Cycling season was over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had just wrapped up the Steamboat Stage race, the Labor Day weekend
stage race that bookends the cycling season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My season kicked off in El Salvador 7 months earlier, so I was ready for
a break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, I couldn’t resist
the temptation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The email arrived from
Jono – ‘Ladies, we’ve been invited to race the Tour of Tuscany…this would be an
incredible opportunity to do a UCI race in Europe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No pressure, but it would be great if we
could get a team to compete…” An international race, an Italian race- how could
I possibly say no?!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Before I knew it, I was heading back to Europe to compete
with my trade team, Vanderkitten, a couple of guest riders from our sister
team, DNA, and a strong racer from Switzerland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It happened quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From email,
to decision, to arrival in Florence, I had pushed my bookend race out a few
weeks. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqyxsqJomMQaiQtfETRlHMehpdQ0gj2vl5K6FZS8dergzDvK44MXxHnA6R6_A4WItLomUgyPvj0FkZteskVnV5Q22ai3NrFMRFwbVbJsRlr9jjJodcOUvtMAOjWxe2Hau_mcFIesTGOE/s1600/10612904_871490619542551_6519541358043769007_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqyxsqJomMQaiQtfETRlHMehpdQ0gj2vl5K6FZS8dergzDvK44MXxHnA6R6_A4WItLomUgyPvj0FkZteskVnV5Q22ai3NrFMRFwbVbJsRlr9jjJodcOUvtMAOjWxe2Hau_mcFIesTGOE/s1600/10612904_871490619542551_6519541358043769007_n.jpg" height="171" width="200" /></a></div>
Italians, and specifically the Fanini family that puts on
the race, have their special way of doing things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did our best to embrace the culture, as
appropriate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 2km prolog featured a
pre-race celebratory lunch serving vats of pasta with marinara and Parmesan,
white bread, and naturally, bottles of red and white wine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t exactly the pre-race meal of beet
salad and Osmo pre-load that American cyclists might have opted for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as I enjoy a glass of wine with
pasta, I was well aware that the upcoming 3 minutes of prolog agony would not
improve with such a beverage choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The other unique feature of the race was the 30-minute
ceremony after the neutral rollout during both road stages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ceremony honored Michaela Fanini, daughter
of the Race Director, and a young racing cyclist who passed away tragically in
a training accident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My pre-race nerves
ebbed and flowed during the hurrying and waiting periods that were exaggerate
in this race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The extravagant team presentation
featured mixed English and Italian introductions, and Enrique Iglesias’s <i>Bailando,</i>
blaring in the background (I’ve just recently been able to get the song out of
my head). The presentations were followed by a short rollout to the ceremony
location where we would spend the next half hour, and finally the racing would
begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Our team had mixed results and overcame a few challenges
that are part of racing abroad and not having the ideal infrastructure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The quality of racers and racing was
incredibly high, representing Russia, Italy, Israel, Mexico, Columbia, and
Great Britain, Belgium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was another
international race under my belt where I walked away a better cyclist and
motivated for the next race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Continuing the theme of unbelievable support from my family,
my dad flew out to watch the race and travel around Tuscany afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent a few days touring around Lucca,
Pisa, Cinque Terra and Florence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
couldn’t think of a better way to finish off the season than recovering with
the best food in the world and spending time with my dad debriefing my first
year as a full time Professional Cyclist.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnR_OTvre1Y7nDUPuUA9ABigopAmEDM5N1CzbqbR2bkM7F0WgOIfoDv2iotXYuwqGv8BpwGEkxFmExaj5fH50dFnavhuJx7ENmjcbrmDmNVRQmILB_aJy0clQqvMq77zoiRxeT0AVdpM/s1600/IMG_3059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnR_OTvre1Y7nDUPuUA9ABigopAmEDM5N1CzbqbR2bkM7F0WgOIfoDv2iotXYuwqGv8BpwGEkxFmExaj5fH50dFnavhuJx7ENmjcbrmDmNVRQmILB_aJy0clQqvMq77zoiRxeT0AVdpM/s1600/IMG_3059.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Amy Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01688971029944309177noreply@blogger.com0Lucca LU, Italy43.8376211 10.49506089999999943.6544041 10.172337399999998 44.0208381 10.817784399999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-21847674566975694312014-08-31T21:01:00.000-06:002015-02-01T08:53:38.800-07:00Steamboat Stage Race <a href="http://www.steamboattoday.com/news/2014/sep/01/charity-grabs-championship-steamboat-stage-race/" target="_blank">Steamboat Pilot article</a><br />
<br />
What could be better than a hometown race? A hometown race in the best town in the world with friends and family cheering, and of course a win (finally!). <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.steamboattoday.com/news/2014/sep/01/charity-grabs-championship-steamboat-stage-race/" target="_blank"></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3WFil-JXsPrZDevwHKsQ6y1lrKGHhseJliGtM7Tu3-44EdyEx2u1IW2YuAFg3eqGuGwF-yoxeCCkVP7uSk0tnBrCA-jqdcWvGs3RsYzudb_s64x09oLkj4uB1Q6p6pLCE2hG05hAicQ/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3WFil-JXsPrZDevwHKsQ6y1lrKGHhseJliGtM7Tu3-44EdyEx2u1IW2YuAFg3eqGuGwF-yoxeCCkVP7uSk0tnBrCA-jqdcWvGs3RsYzudb_s64x09oLkj4uB1Q6p6pLCE2hG05hAicQ/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time Trial on River Road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB218GsAChHYadGALzZ4sx9xnC4gDOrG_6PEp5IbUNnnVV4Um0TdfG3hHQgwzfVpPHQ6YNfUucMZ7t3n0ncLH9J3yt8j11r4cdTxYDMRJIgfx0yPxXxxWbDx9y4sOETelAUYE1Hb9_Ruk/s1600/gaf_028600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB218GsAChHYadGALzZ4sx9xnC4gDOrG_6PEp5IbUNnnVV4Um0TdfG3hHQgwzfVpPHQ6YNfUucMZ7t3n0ncLH9J3yt8j11r4cdTxYDMRJIgfx0yPxXxxWbDx9y4sOETelAUYE1Hb9_Ruk/s1600/gaf_028600.jpg" height="293" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Race Director in the country- Corey Piscopo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zuRHpxEKoYpIce8x14d6Yo9H7CXmzXKxn_TwmLexGaFgIAlU6YKdHuJo6TNfPn3ZB1ImB5uYLbe0JK-hZ_FiJQVBnX1qSOM7o_bcVcNB4G1t3yrPXKMztUrSp992eFTBW-gX2iBYk3M/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zuRHpxEKoYpIce8x14d6Yo9H7CXmzXKxn_TwmLexGaFgIAlU6YKdHuJo6TNfPn3ZB1ImB5uYLbe0JK-hZ_FiJQVBnX1qSOM7o_bcVcNB4G1t3yrPXKMztUrSp992eFTBW-gX2iBYk3M/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breanne Nalder, me, Abby Mickey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Amy Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01688971029944309177noreply@blogger.com0Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, USA40.4849769 -106.8317157999999840.3883599 -106.99307729999998 40.5815939 -106.67035429999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-4925176375647547502014-07-19T16:26:00.000-06:002014-07-24T07:12:59.488-06:00BeNe Ladies Tour<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmaPw1VypCappDqB029pMWAEEatmlFidpFgI_CJmGGcBujWLktNvLix_xvV9aFpZErCNnACGpuySIXNEJwtK3h0xi1Tnj2KqVpDlJUsjFObg_0Del60NWTufVpr8wiaNBLCO4sW8M7v8/s1600/156668011.JUohI5ek.sized_BLD_6346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmaPw1VypCappDqB029pMWAEEatmlFidpFgI_CJmGGcBujWLktNvLix_xvV9aFpZErCNnACGpuySIXNEJwtK3h0xi1Tnj2KqVpDlJUsjFObg_0Del60NWTufVpr8wiaNBLCO4sW8M7v8/s1600/156668011.JUohI5ek.sized_BLD_6346.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team USA Presentation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">The BeNe Tour is a completely different style of racing than what I just experienced in the Czech Republic. While some of the same European teams are here, the field is larger (over 130 starters today), there are no climbs, and there are multiple cobbled sections that Belgium is so famous for. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Stage I - 105 km Road Race</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our team started in a good position at the front about 25 minutes before race start. Megan Guarnier, Lauren and I did a morning spin in an attempt to get our legs ready for the day. Megan is our GC rider and she races for Boels Dolmans, a top European team, based in the Netherlands. She just finished the Giro on Sunday, and proved to be a strong and savvy racer, with the jump, skill, and legs to take her to the front group for a top 10 finish. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The race started fast and aggressive. After the first cobbled section there was a gap and I was in the second group. I was able to bridge up to the front group, but certainly burned some matches. Kendall, Heather and Megan were well positioned near the front and I did my best to get up to them. About 50 km into the race Heather was pushed off the road and wasn't able to get back with our group. The cross winds created a separation and ~15 got away. Megan was not with the front group. I saw Megan on the front chasing and I was able to make my way up to the front and help her (Kendall had also done a massive pull earlier - putting the field in the gutter during some serious cross winds). Once we reached the next 1.5 km cobbled section, Leah (Optum) attacked into the cobbles and created a 4 person separation that included Megan. At that point, Kendall and I were the only USA Team racers left in the main group. Our group sat up for the final 20 km as we all had teammates up the road. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQJJvVC1QIKjUTKXwXUeQtMVts8NHXdOQ4L8lVb_kRLAWJSHPeb8YQQdyceVVNQihunOn4E8f2F_4-7ZmBeLh4OlqttM3HH0SMg1hyphenhyphenyjUkWLrvr_22RhNZ_V4PS-zbvIKjXjsJ0xnaZQ/s1600/IMG_2829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQJJvVC1QIKjUTKXwXUeQtMVts8NHXdOQ4L8lVb_kRLAWJSHPeb8YQQdyceVVNQihunOn4E8f2F_4-7ZmBeLh4OlqttM3HH0SMg1hyphenhyphenyjUkWLrvr_22RhNZ_V4PS-zbvIKjXjsJ0xnaZQ/s1600/IMG_2829.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Our race accommodation in Belgium</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life in general</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9wziyAkZ0BoPvxMVTdQqA5Vc9NZc_ycJYUZuRezly822H_KMMixSPtBPSrddAa6Tu7JAheHqC1qKU8myOG4WYtoy-w1K72yRf00QIvp07U3Lf4FDlpg8ZfUoHunD854cw7Hc8IqJ0iE/s1600/IMG_2826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9wziyAkZ0BoPvxMVTdQqA5Vc9NZc_ycJYUZuRezly822H_KMMixSPtBPSrddAa6Tu7JAheHqC1qKU8myOG4WYtoy-w1K72yRf00QIvp07U3Lf4FDlpg8ZfUoHunD854cw7Hc8IqJ0iE/s1600/IMG_2826.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">We're staying in a lovely hotel called Amaryllis. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">We enjoyed a nice meal last night of salmon, salad, fries (they seem to be served with every meal here), and gallons of sparkling water (my favorite cocktail!). Jamis is here to take care of all of our needs, primarily fueling and massages. Mirek continues to have our bikes in perfect working order. </span></span><br />
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<b>Stage II a - Time Trial</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoaAnhyphenhyphene8pJIrYQXnK_iWn4tAlAFR37l5vIT1qy4lS6PJj83O8eHWZIObfhNo3TfE9uWsNaME1wLd0da5Qj76kT8V7ebdA7BwlvDkFCdVzBT2LLvRZVzEfifByIPMuUiIlYOgABNpnQk/s1600/IMG_2833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoaAnhyphenhyphene8pJIrYQXnK_iWn4tAlAFR37l5vIT1qy4lS6PJj83O8eHWZIObfhNo3TfE9uWsNaME1wLd0da5Qj76kT8V7ebdA7BwlvDkFCdVzBT2LLvRZVzEfifByIPMuUiIlYOgABNpnQk/s1600/IMG_2833.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>We left our lovely hotel at 8am to drive to the start of the 2 remaining stages, a morning time trial and an afternoon road race. I was once again one of the later starters in the day, which meant that I would have a time to aim for after some of the early starters finished their races. Continuing with the USA Cycling preparation, I had flawless equipment for the race. I rode the race course on my TT bike, returned to the team area to hop on the trainer to continue my warmup. </div>
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The timing worked out that I could have Jack in a follow car for the race. He told me to aim for a sub 13 minute race. The time trial went okay, I finished in 13 minutes 10 seconds, losing a few seconds to sitting up on the turns. I finished 25th out of 130, respectable, but I'm capable of better...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not to be confused with a happy face</td></tr>
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<b>Stage II b, 83 km road race - cobbles, cobbles, cobbles</b></div>
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We had over 4 hours to kill before the start of the second race. We relaxed at the camper van replacing all of our lost calories and attempting to stay calm before the final race of the day. Jamis kept us fed, Jack helped us remain calm, Lauren kept us entertained with HipHop music. We studied the race profile and made notes of the cobbled sections. There were so many (10 sections, one over 2 km!) that I decided I didn't need to write the last several sections because my notes would no longer fit on my stem.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren Hall seems much happier about the cobbles than I do</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mild section of cobbles</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caravan on the dusty cobbles</td></tr>
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<br />Once again the race was fast and aggressive. None of the attacks were sticking. The field stayed together until the last circuit. I was on the wrong side of the split and did not finish with the front group. I found myself again with Brie (although she was racing for Optum). We chased hard in an attempt to minimize our losses. Overall, it was a good day for Team USA. Megan managed a 4th in the GC in a hard fought battle, and Kendall and Heather rode strong all day helping deliver her to the finish line. <br />
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Now I can safely say that I've experienced true European racing. The close proximity of the racers, the size of the racers (Dutch women are enormous!), the physical contact, and constant verbal attacking is a whole new world of cycling for me...and I loved it.<br />
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Racing for the National Team was undoubtedly one of the best experiences of my life. I've never felt more proud on my bike than wearing the USA jersey.<br />
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<br />Amy Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01688971029944309177noreply@blogger.com0Maldegem, Belgium51.209070200000014 3.448679999999967551.049912700000014 3.1259564999999676 51.368227700000013 3.7714034999999675tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-86410355492309500392014-07-14T16:00:00.000-06:002014-07-24T07:18:07.799-06:00Fitland - Sittard, NetherlandsSittard is where the US National Team is based for European racing. Located in the Netherlands on the border of Germany and Belgium, Sittard is centrally located for relatively easy access to most European races. Although an industrial town, Sittard has European charm of a quaint downtown, narrow farm roads, and endless bike paths.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our transportation fleet</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fitland has townie bikes for commutes to the coffee shop</td></tr>
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Our first day at Fitland (housing for USA Cycling) was filled with all of the classic rest and recovery activities for cyclists including the obligatory townie ride to the coffee shop, NormaTec/space legs, TdF viewing, and 3 proper meals.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rest day in Sittard - Coffee Mundo<br />
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As if our day wasn't complete, we rode to the USA Cycling Service Course...pretty much the most incredible place I've ever been...endless bikes, wheels, cycling equipment, cycling clothing, and a coffee bar. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of the USA bikes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcffJwDkHExUbyvuiHJLj7ugbt3Nab5SYqLmDHVcL274XBbCrDz0IJh4dfZA1P0fScsMd7PSej6MH2SHCkH0C4UqHXqq5NiSDvauilpqaa3-UwvpWbd2WzMOVJNTN_RlONOasqLm61Sk/s1600/sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcffJwDkHExUbyvuiHJLj7ugbt3Nab5SYqLmDHVcL274XBbCrDz0IJh4dfZA1P0fScsMd7PSej6MH2SHCkH0C4UqHXqq5NiSDvauilpqaa3-UwvpWbd2WzMOVJNTN_RlONOasqLm61Sk/s1600/sleeping.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Watching' TdF at USA Cycling Service Course</td></tr>
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After our relaxing day, we decided to hit the wild town of Sittard for the night. No trip to the Netherlands is complete without a few dance moves, frites and mayo, and endless laughter with teammates (I'm learning so much from these 20-somethings!).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Townie ride to Sittard Centro</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cycling gang signs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brie and Lauren, Fries and mayo..mmm..?</td></tr>
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After our day of relaxation, we were ready for an easy spin and to explore some of the lanes around Netherlands and Germany.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saying hello to the wildlife</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun's out guns out</td></tr>
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Amy Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01688971029944309177noreply@blogger.com0Sittard, The Netherlands51.0006238 5.886478799999963550.9206868 5.7251172999999635 51.0805608 6.0478402999999634tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-52859352804478063302014-07-13T08:00:00.000-06:002014-07-24T07:20:47.428-06:00Tour de Feminin - Czech Republic<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our accommodation in Doubice, Czech Republic</td></tr>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">It is unbelievable how well looked after we have been since arriving in the Czech Republic. We're staying in a Euro style pension (boarding house) in a tiny village called Doubice. We're served 3 meals a day and the food has been great. More importantly, the breakfasts are large, the coffee is strong, and we get dessert after every meal. Upon arriving, I received a laundry bag filled with USA kit - my life is pretty much complete! The girls are great - non-stop laughter. They are keeping me young (I am by far the oldest) with talk of Dubstep, watching Wally Word Twerking videos, etc. Kids these days... ! </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The soigneur, Jamis, is thorough, kind and takes care of our every </span>need. We were <span class="Apple-style-span">spoiled by lengthy massages yesterday and today. He prepared race bottles and race food bags with the correct number of calories that we would need for the race. On the finish line we were greeted with cans of coke, recovery drink, delicious turkey sandwiches and comfy chairs. The mechanic, Mirek, is a sarcastic Pole who is anal with details. He had our bikes immaculate and in perfect working order. </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Stage I - 116 km</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Selfie</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Today's race was a blast! Jack had a very specific plan for us and we were able to follow most/some of it. We set a fast pace on the first climb and the 6 of us rode in front. Brie is our GC rider and I was shooting for some QOM points - I managed to get a couple of points on the 2nd QOM. I sprinted for the QOM line with Martina (an incredible climber who won the overall QOM jersey), who ended up taking it - barely. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting in 3rd position</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Brie went down in a roundabout early in the race and Abby and I sat up to help her get back to the field. Kendall and Heather went ahead with the group. Luckily Brie wasn't injured and we all managed to get back in the main pack fairly quickly. Our team rode aggressively the entire race, covering attacks and often setting the pace. With 15km to go, Heather covered an attack that stayed. Heather popped on the final climb (after a huge effort) and Brie was attempting to bridge up to the 2 girls who were away. I was able to catch Brie and lead her out up the final climb and through the finishing stretch. It was amazing having someone on my wheel who I was pacing (I think I found my calling!). I forgot all about my suffering (turns out my HR was 198!!) and was just encouraging her to stay on my wheel. There were 2 girls from the original attack that stayed away. Brie and I had another girl (Henriette) on our wheel, but we were able to get away from the field. Henriette outsprinted Brie and took 3rd, Brie was 4th and I was 5th. Because of time bonuses Brie is 4th in GC and I am 6th. It was great racing with the team and everyone rode strong. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Stage II - 100km</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Brie, Lauren, Heather and Jamis</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEu7bgZZzgf2q1OQziFTg7jIq4Gxd6skT37Ic74P8uDNvU68gvByLWYkViZ1-05ucqFjz6cbI5Kxf4LcT3RhwjXWwu2ZwVlDFxA3eoadWsVvFIct7-f9bBmDT1UuS2bILvz0iWjVscO8/s1600/photo-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>In our team meeting last night Jack explained the plan. "Amy, how's your sprint?" he asks. Gulp. "Uh, okay", I answered, refusing to elaborate, and under my breath saying "...it's okay as long as it's on a climb". The idea was for Brie and I to go for the one sprint that had a time bonus at 30 km. The sprint was after a 3 km fast and windy descent. FML. The saving grace was that the descent was after a fairly challenging climb. Brie, Heather and I followed the front few riders up the climb. At the top Heather drilled it, and the 3 of us got a small gap on the field. Brie took the sprint win and I miraculously got 2nd! Job done. Unfortunately, it was only for 2 seconds, so it didn't have a major impact on the overall. The plan for the rest of the day was to conserve energy and follow wheels. Today's downpour held out until about 10km from the finish. Despite the conditions, Brie managed a beautifully executed, aggressive sprint and pulled off 2nd place, getting a time bonus, a podium and moving up on GC. As expected, there was a pile up in the last corner, which our entire team managed to avoid. I crossed the finish line in 5th.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yours truly leading the charge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kendall & me - post race </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Brie is now 3rd in the GC with the sprinters jersey and I'm still 6th, 32 seconds down. </span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Stage III - TT, Poland - 17.8 km<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serious focus </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Up at 5:45 am today. A quick breakfast of oatmeal, yogurt, granola, cheese sandwiches (Euro style) and coffee, and we were out the door on our way to Poland. Despite the aggressively early start to the day, spirits and enthusiasm were high, as was the volume of dance music. We arrived at the start of the TT with plenty of time to check out our bikes (I was riding mine for the first time) and recon the course. I practiced the turnaround with Brie a couple of times to ensure that I didn't lose too much time. The course was an out and back with rolling hills. The start order was reverse GC, so I was able to start 5th from last. I managed to keep my thoughts positive the entire race and might have just kicked my 2014 TT curse...I came in 4th! Brie had a great race (she is a TT specialist) and got second just 12 seconds off of the winning time. We hung out at the race finish for lunch and then drove back to the Czech Republic for the 2nd race of the day.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Stage 4 - 92 km<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTr2UbZUm_QGR2nTtoSz8DtsDeXXgP0qNpiZg76gRGKwpxboq3w6k-tmBiVb8r9eJPCCshal9ncKk8QSNySFxB8S8slhpMGSxnYcKWIP6XF6PSLbGlSC7MA_rttOo80dyApF5MfWeGHCo/s1600/10403201_1473576876216090_5012296642170296459_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTr2UbZUm_QGR2nTtoSz8DtsDeXXgP0qNpiZg76gRGKwpxboq3w6k-tmBiVb8r9eJPCCshal9ncKk8QSNySFxB8S8slhpMGSxnYcKWIP6XF6PSLbGlSC7MA_rttOo80dyApF5MfWeGHCo/s1600/10403201_1473576876216090_5012296642170296459_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The 2nd race started at 4pm. After the TT, Brie was in 2nd place in GC, 2 seconds down and I moved up to 4th place, just over 1 min down from the leader. Our plan was to ride fairly conservatively, knowing that tomorrow will be a very challenging stage. A few girls who were not in contention for GC attacked and Lauren covered. The main pack let the group stay away for the rest of the race and our team sat in and tried to conserve. I finished with the bunch, but was too far back and lost 9 seconds (I had assumed that we would all get the same time as we rolled in on the cobble). GC standings remained the same for the top 5.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsP-5LduDydBz_HuVndEoXFllIAnky3MnGkQNBkRrzHu2tuEYwgkL7Z2JrEmSbXoovia0-6YmMX5uHLDludKbC18pS1tViM3QUj43p_LVf5HxObkiwg-6gCCoAj7Y4-qCslhO73Fod1k/s1600/IMG_2730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsP-5LduDydBz_HuVndEoXFllIAnky3MnGkQNBkRrzHu2tuEYwgkL7Z2JrEmSbXoovia0-6YmMX5uHLDludKbC18pS1tViM3QUj43p_LVf5HxObkiwg-6gCCoAj7Y4-qCslhO73Fod1k/s1600/IMG_2730.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Jamis - final prep for Kendall</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We continue to be spoiled to no end with Jamis feeding us regularly, preparing bottles, rubbing down our legs before races, doing our laundry and massaging us every evening. Mirick is an unbelievable mechanic and I haven't had to give my road or TT bike or wheels a second thought. The team chemistry has been great both durning and between the races, and this is hands down the best race experience I have ever had.</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Stage V - 99 km</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top Secret Meeting</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">What a day!
We had a plan, executed it and walked away with the yellow jersey and
overall team win. It was exhilarating.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">There were
two time bonus and point sprints early in the race. We hoped to take both
of them since Brie was 4 seconds down in GC. The team led her out and
Brie won with Abby coming in 3rd. Immediately after the first sprint Brie
got a flat, and of course the yellow jersey (Vera, 2nd place at Ghent) attacked
and got away. We quickly communicated the plan for Abby and I to continue
with the bunch and for Kendall, Lauren and Heather to wait with Brie and pull
her back to the field. Vera put over a minute into us. With the
help of the 3 riders who stayed back and the quick wheel change, Brie was able
to get back on the bunch just in time to sprint for the 2nd time bonus for 2nd
(yellow jersey off the front). After the sprint, we were able to keep
Brie protected and gain time on Vera. At 42 km we had our longest and
most challenging climb of the day. The yellow jersey was in sight and at
that point just Abby and I were left to rotate on the front chasing. That
was the point that I was closest to cracking all day. I could hear myself
wheezing and knew that my HR must have been in the 190s and it was about to be
lights out for me. "Abby....I
...need....to....rest...I'm...fad..ing". Abby was able to take a
longer pull, just enough for me to stay on her wheel. We caught Vera in
the middle of the climb and then picked up the pace. 5 of us got away,
including Brie and me, the girl in 3rd (Czech Olympic speed skater) and two of
Vera's teammates. We ultimately stayed away from the bunch for the rest
of the race. Those final 60km were grueling. Given the riders in
our group, it was appropriate for me to do the most work. On the last climb,
the girl in 3rd attacked and put a few seconds on Brie and me. Brie did a
beastly pull over the crest of the hill and I stayed on her wheel. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USA goes 1, 2 in stage!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> I came
around her and chased, completely seeing stars and not sure if I could endure
another minute without collapsing. Brie took over at 1km to go passing
the girl in front, and led us through the final fast corners. I stayed on
her wheel and we finished 1 and 2. It was an amazing experience to ride
with such a strong and savvy rider and with a team that works so cohesively.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEu7bgZZzgf2q1OQziFTg7jIq4Gxd6skT37Ic74P8uDNvU68gvByLWYkViZ1-05ucqFjz6cbI5Kxf4LcT3RhwjXWwu2ZwVlDFxA3eoadWsVvFIct7-f9bBmDT1UuS2bILvz0iWjVscO8/s1600/photo-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEu7bgZZzgf2q1OQziFTg7jIq4Gxd6skT37Ic74P8uDNvU68gvByLWYkViZ1-05ucqFjz6cbI5Kxf4LcT3RhwjXWwu2ZwVlDFxA3eoadWsVvFIct7-f9bBmDT1UuS2bILvz0iWjVscO8/s1600/photo-31.jpg" height="320" width="314" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best feeling- tired & satisfied</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">With huge
crowds and cheers we celebrated on the podium and went back to our hotel for
the final lunch in Doubice. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Final lunch at our BedandBreakfast and watching TdF</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We hit the Autobaun and drove at incredibly high speeds (it became clear that Jack still had a racing mindset) through Germany to our next destination, the Netherlands.</span><br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisx9C1iJV9RQrsFD-oewEhkgw1oPs5Qli8dNgL88HxbwtxeekJwMQvtDH3AlicSXBy7eXqFo6qCVzk2G5k2nnMb4wkjDMjbcbUSrSMBG0ZsyMfhBi13TVCRy6H207EnHDfzp2DfbsSRsg/s1600/IMG_2647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisx9C1iJV9RQrsFD-oewEhkgw1oPs5Qli8dNgL88HxbwtxeekJwMQvtDH3AlicSXBy7eXqFo6qCVzk2G5k2nnMb4wkjDMjbcbUSrSMBG0ZsyMfhBi13TVCRy6H207EnHDfzp2DfbsSRsg/s1600/IMG_2647.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from behind our house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMO1AujO5H2xtl4pkqB_pYfd4rmO9vXy629KdmYllM7AyZywRAuwE7FUjDzN3DJMzWQNQtKG7dxOoXzeF2vZpR7EKBRAgKHHuKt0EawSsZ5wtjyhBQMpdOxv3D5x7OKgzn6nGOf1Q_m7Q/s1600/IMG_2654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMO1AujO5H2xtl4pkqB_pYfd4rmO9vXy629KdmYllM7AyZywRAuwE7FUjDzN3DJMzWQNQtKG7dxOoXzeF2vZpR7EKBRAgKHHuKt0EawSsZ5wtjyhBQMpdOxv3D5x7OKgzn6nGOf1Q_m7Q/s1600/IMG_2654.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucy's favorite lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Amy Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01688971029944309177noreply@blogger.com0Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, USA40.4849769 -106.8317157999999840.3883599 -106.99307729999998 40.5815939 -106.67035429999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-33888360387452112112014-06-01T07:43:00.000-06:002014-07-23T14:36:04.853-06:00Philadelphia Cycling Classic<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgi_FE4-LRvakLDBrZb02ZHDrPLmXxmDbsl32xkFKGtOYjhQodb9KPgVtix5mqpgdCyg1jFsI5CptjLPD_44DY2d2sy95e5MxKGQtpgbLGEm_k0wXmkNnMLIKZTXPg26SEJhZHEEHl3A/s1600/IMG_2581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgi_FE4-LRvakLDBrZb02ZHDrPLmXxmDbsl32xkFKGtOYjhQodb9KPgVtix5mqpgdCyg1jFsI5CptjLPD_44DY2d2sy95e5MxKGQtpgbLGEm_k0wXmkNnMLIKZTXPg26SEJhZHEEHl3A/s1600/IMG_2581.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>We arrived at Bob’s house in Kutztown to meet the newest member of the VK family, Lizzie, and to see the ever smiling Vanderkittens, Kate and Miranda. We spent 2 nights in Kutztown and then headed to Wilmington, DE where close friends of my sister offered their home to the VK team (perhaps not knowing fully what they were getting themselves into). 6 racers, Jono and 15+ bikes appeared at their door. They were gracious, generous and a blast to hang out with. Mark showed us all of the best roads to ride and the great coffee shops. Jenn moved the dining room table so we could store all of our bikes and wheels indoors. We overtook their kitchen to create massive feasts for the team. My dad joined us offering support, food and great conversation. </div>
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Philly Summary:</div>
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The race begins at the top of The Wall. We ultimately climb the wall 5 times in the race. The course has a bit of everything from fast descents on roads filled with potholes to long straight stretches along the river. My fateful crash the previous year occurred before climbing the wall the first time, so I had a mental and physical challenge for the day, but I was up for it. The pace was aggressive from the start and didn’t let up much the entire 60 miles. With 1 lap to go, there was a crash just before the sharp right turn that leads to the Manyunk climb. I was caught behind the crash and had to chase for about 5 miles. Luckily Kate and Miranda were both with me (and not involved in the crash) and we were able to get back onto the main field. With approximately 5 miles to go, I launched and attack and was followed by one of the Tibcos. I knew that we didn’t have a chance of making it to the top first, but I thought it would be ideal to get through the final corner in front of the group. Our attack didn’t stick long and I did my best to recover and stay well positioned for the final climb. I started the last climb near the back of the front group and killed myself to finish 18<sup>th</sup>. With over 120 starters, I was okay with the result. Lizzy, competing in her first race for Vanderkitten, finished an impressive 6<sup>th</sup>. Gillian had done a monster pull earlier in the race and finished just behind the main bunch. It was a good day for VK racing.</div>
</div>
Amy Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01688971029944309177noreply@blogger.com0Philadelphia, PA, USA39.952335 -75.16378900000000839.563109499999996 -75.809236000000013 40.3415605 -74.518342tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-54862247842010022882014-05-23T05:49:00.000-06:002014-07-23T21:39:22.106-06:00Nationals - Chattanooga, TN<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b>Lewisburg, TN</b></div>
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My second year racing Nationals, I arrived in Nashville with
an excitement and confidence from having raced it the previous year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I once again treated myself to a stop
with my Soulmate/high school roommate, Catherine, in Lewisburg TN.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In typical Southern and Catherine
fashion, I arrived at her house greeted by all of my favorite appetizers,
dinner in the oven, a glass of Napa Cabernet and hilarious recounts of recent
life events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She somehow figured
out every food that a cyclist might want and purchased enough to keep me fed
for the week (despite the fact that I was spending approximately 15 hours at
her house).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Walking through her very grown up home (when did we become
adults…?), I noted how our lives had taken different paths as symbolized by
our respective purse/handbag collections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
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My relatively new purse ‘collection’ consists of the
following:<br />
1 tiny black bag</div>
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Purchase location: Jax Outdoor Goods, Ft. Collins, CO</div>
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Price: $30<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpox97Hacc94vm-ohWIgguE-JYzB-1I0ev8joaKhxEq0xekNs48qjZPhkfNdWgTK49uq4PgdzjaJ9HQcxFuU-yhZND-wQn_juYlplNdKroQmBrhFXxmpCpomkeqY_2v83vXGQOyCcu_c/s1600/IMG_2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpox97Hacc94vm-ohWIgguE-JYzB-1I0ev8joaKhxEq0xekNs48qjZPhkfNdWgTK49uq4PgdzjaJ9HQcxFuU-yhZND-wQn_juYlplNdKroQmBrhFXxmpCpomkeqY_2v83vXGQOyCcu_c/s1600/IMG_2577.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>Catherine’s purse/handbag collection:</div>
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~50 multi-colored handbags<br />
Purchase location: top designer stores<br />
Price: unknown - closer to the price of my race wheels!</div>
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<br />
Her talents extend beyond being a fashion
expert, a home decorator, a Judge, she even helped me build my bike before I
set out for the drive to Chattanooga.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> As always, our time together was</span> enriching, soul warming, but way too
short.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I drove down to Chattanooga, with the brilliant idea of acclimatizing
to the heat and humidity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opted
not to turn on the air conditioning and to enjoy the outdoor breeze with open
windows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I last about 10
minutes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the pools of
sweat began to form, I decided I had plenty of time to acclimatize to the humid 90 degree weather once I arrived in Chattanooga.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
<b>Cohutta, GA</b></div>
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Arriving<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in
Cohutta, GA at the Whittiers, I knew that I was once again in good hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met Spencer and Ali the previous year
at Nationals at a gathering put on by the local bike shop, Hub Endurance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered their names and how
nice they were and pretty much stalked them on social media to see if they had
ideas on host housing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They kindly
offered their home to me, and any teammates that might be interested in staying
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvxmDBLI1SmZYJcu1IK11iF51zaYuTJRG1DHTJUKB0cj70aNHbEEA2Ze5XBIFR3sG6vA37K2v2w6vw01mlr1q63c6ZdjXUGd2zBGVzE66uKScmJ5D2DJLNaFd1jhKloT-bZAktzKlcAQ/s1600/10338846_10102196067689689_6772598901121447813_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvxmDBLI1SmZYJcu1IK11iF51zaYuTJRG1DHTJUKB0cj70aNHbEEA2Ze5XBIFR3sG6vA37K2v2w6vw01mlr1q63c6ZdjXUGd2zBGVzE66uKScmJ5D2DJLNaFd1jhKloT-bZAktzKlcAQ/s1600/10338846_10102196067689689_6772598901121447813_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spencer and I near the top of Lookout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ali and Spencer continued the theme of southern hospitality
that TN is known for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had
both taken the day off of work on Friday to help with anything that I might
need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They followed me to return
the rental car and drove me to Hub to take care of last minute details on my
bike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
They agreed to show me
around the Nationals circuit and joined me for my course recon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My training for the day included
3 laps of Lookout Mountain and Spencer ensured that I suffered sufficiently
each time up the climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
returned to their house for the first of many healthy, delicious meals as we
had perfectly aligned eating habits and they filled their fridge knowing the
volume that a cyclist can consume. <br />
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuqRH_M974A8PO-cgzCEsG_xPqJVqPsh2Cx_HOdyXntjLdh4in7N84_FUdEaBrm6sSle5s9BUnT-3EOLAzTM5tj2pdEyG1hi5A4fqrd0XCYEM4gJsBvuE-jitGnX93nUHrZf0Ax8ZXx8/s1600/IMG_2578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuqRH_M974A8PO-cgzCEsG_xPqJVqPsh2Cx_HOdyXntjLdh4in7N84_FUdEaBrm6sSle5s9BUnT-3EOLAzTM5tj2pdEyG1hi5A4fqrd0XCYEM4gJsBvuE-jitGnX93nUHrZf0Ax8ZXx8/s1600/IMG_2578.JPG" height="298" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freddie, Ali and me heading out for course recon</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
The following day, after a huge American style breakfast consisting of pancakes, granola, fruit yogurt, and an bottomless cup of coffee, Spencer, Ali and I headed back to
downtown Chattanooga to recon the downtown portion of the course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Freddie Rodriguez (last year’s National
Champion) happened to be at Hub and was getting ready to do the same
thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It certainly doesn’t hurt
to ride the course with the guy who figured out how to beat all of the fastest
men in the country the previous year. I took it as a very good omen!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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The 20% grade climb up Kent Street, a new addition to this
year’s route, did not disappoint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was questioning my gear choice and almost wishing that I rode a
compact.</div>
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<br />
<br />
The pleasant lead up to Nationals continued as both my dad
and Jono arrived to support me and cheer me on for the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dad ensured that I was aptly fed and
relaxed, Jono ensured that my bike was ready for the upcoming race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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Race day I woke up at 5:00am to find Ali already cooking oatmeal for me and Spencer prepping their Subaru, which would be used in the convoy to
follow me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ali prepped bottles to
take up to the top of Lookout Mountain for the feed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite the time of day, Spencer and Ali were their normal
upbeat, enthusiastic selves, selflessly helping me with every need I had.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Nationals - Chattanooga, TN</b><br />
Brief summary:</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlqkgy6ugbY_ZyTMTWAqWYvulLMkvmPyD6oQ_985C5LH6ZszmrSWGYptcgqfLEvPX6wL58qecUTK3d_PdItAOTNiJrBXhXHGAcOPvQUc_XYegu9CwOQ68A9E2kY57La9XDoNY8eTUIZ4/s1600/10337752_812306648794282_7981837737120575745_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlqkgy6ugbY_ZyTMTWAqWYvulLMkvmPyD6oQ_985C5LH6ZszmrSWGYptcgqfLEvPX6wL58qecUTK3d_PdItAOTNiJrBXhXHGAcOPvQUc_XYegu9CwOQ68A9E2kY57La9XDoNY8eTUIZ4/s1600/10337752_812306648794282_7981837737120575745_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
The course loops around downtown Chattanooga for 3 laps and
then continues out to Lookout Mountain for a 15ish minute, climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some unknown reason, I was not able
to stay with the top 20 on the climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was hopeful that my race destiny was not determined on that
climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year, my chase group
caught the lead group before returning to Lookout for the second time up the
hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, that didn’t
happen this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was with a
couple of Twenty16s and Tibcos who I thought would work to
chase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our group worked for
several miles but we weren’t making gains on the front group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually the pace mellowed and I
realized that it wasn’t likely that I would be sporting the stars and stripes
this year despite my recon with Fast Freddie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finished 22<sup>nd</sup>
overall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not exactly where I
wanted to finish, but not the worst result either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My dad treated Ali, Spencer, Jono, Breanne (DNA) and me to a
great celebratory meal in Chattanooga after watching the men’s race, which
happened to be one of the best race finishes I have ever witnessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Early the next morning Jono and I
packed up Shazza and headed north to PA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With the exception of the wild thunderstorms that we encountered, the killer Amish deli that we stumbled upon for lunch, and the sign ‘Welcome to
Shartsville’ (hahahahahahaha – giddy, sleep deprived Jono and I laughed until we cried), the
trip was uneventful. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
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<!--EndFragment-->Amy Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01688971029944309177noreply@blogger.com0Chattanooga, TN, USA35.0456297 -85.3096800999999834.8377672 -85.632403599999975 35.2534922 -84.986956599999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-61501116230787862512014-04-30T17:16:00.000-06:002014-05-19T17:26:12.906-06:00Gila - Round 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They say that 3s a charm. Sadly, my Gila race results, my third year of racing, didn't pan out that way. I had an ambitious goal of finishing top 10 GC. In 2013, I was 14 in the GC and given my complete focus on racing this year, I thought moving up a couple of spots would be attainable. Although my final GC result was a disappointing 25, the race was by no means a disaster. I had a respectable Stage 2 result, an ambitious bridge attempt in the crit and a couple of digs on the last day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsVY6ayTDDoYt0RMa4r0tLD1v5sreYctN_AbRmkAfx1kU_d96liUplMSi7Q5icjwPHbdpcd4bJ_XT2CiGpUYKst2J3wG9A_qbesJC0cBghS50w9TBiojiMayKJxSrCxNAvBWbICFlfbI/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsVY6ayTDDoYt0RMa4r0tLD1v5sreYctN_AbRmkAfx1kU_d96liUplMSi7Q5icjwPHbdpcd4bJ_XT2CiGpUYKst2J3wG9A_qbesJC0cBghS50w9TBiojiMayKJxSrCxNAvBWbICFlfbI/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqS3QgfasrNLtsi9wcwmesEnbuhgJb6XJxCZfmw3zyv8hOr5XPmg8e64fogDHURe6vBtxn5QIu_Tjg6EWMtTFL43rlbI-x95xbEJA_whYrdaQnF9Gp94CVeNuKFGhd6FKRwansk6zdWHU/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqS3QgfasrNLtsi9wcwmesEnbuhgJb6XJxCZfmw3zyv8hOr5XPmg8e64fogDHURe6vBtxn5QIu_Tjg6EWMtTFL43rlbI-x95xbEJA_whYrdaQnF9Gp94CVeNuKFGhd6FKRwansk6zdWHU/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Drive from Steamboat, CO to Silver City, NM</b><br />
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No trip to Gila is complete without an adventure driving down there. This year, the Outback made it's third trip to Gila, and arguably the most packed (odd, considering there were only 2 of us this year and there were 3 people in 2012 and 2013). I picked Lucy up just outside of Denver and we traveled down to Albuquerque. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucy- saving the TT bike</td></tr>
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Although wind is common on that lovely stretch of I25 between Raton and Santa Fe, we, or I should say my 1990s bike rack, was not prepared for 50 mile per hour winds! Driving along, deep in conversation about life, food, boys, racing, Gila, careers, family, etc. we heard a loud clank on the roof of the car. I pulled over to the shoulder. The speed limit was 75mph, so I was likely going 84mph. Uh-oh, Lucy exclaims looking at her TT bike laying sideways on top of the car. Somehow it survived with no apparent damage. We rearranged the car and found the few inches of available space to load the bike into the car (wheels basically on our heads at this point). We headed straight to Performance Bicycle and pleaded with the mechanics to help us with the bike rack. An hour later, a bottle of lube, a shim and some other bike part love, we once again had a functioning bike rack (at no charge...we must have looked very desperate). Thank you Performance Bicycle!</div>
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I stayed with Mike and Becca in Albuquerque, who treated me to a delicious chicken curry dinner with homemade naan...mmmmm. The English (Mike) certainly know their curries. Relaxing in their home, catching up and playing with their son, Charlie is always a pleasure. My couch surfing life continues, and I am fortunate to have friends who live across the US who open their homes to me. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAWnuCAJTfULBTI52qa9q44u9MuNkoyzRuY-Ve-fOIOJ6R6KnD2MSmhVq9v_br0_HhkndcKGl3l5QgeUTDRJk1-JHDqhsFYd2ea-YwdWN0KZzEtHPfg_H-Kh9o9eZEL4L-Xk7Tt9cxVo/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAWnuCAJTfULBTI52qa9q44u9MuNkoyzRuY-Ve-fOIOJ6R6KnD2MSmhVq9v_br0_HhkndcKGl3l5QgeUTDRJk1-JHDqhsFYd2ea-YwdWN0KZzEtHPfg_H-Kh9o9eZEL4L-Xk7Tt9cxVo/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>Early Monday morning, Lucy and I picked up Julie from the airport and completed the drive to Silver City, NM where we would spend the following week.</div>
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<b><u>Race Summary</u></b><br />
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<b>Stage 1 - Mogollon</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlji2IrOPC7S2i4kSPl2geeDsAp4jCHroI2CqoGDaJCL1hZWEuMH2GwAr4Ku9DHDrMMojopXUVvaqe7RHDr2bOZmgxm6MQQIvzm5xu4kM8uXhlE1pukQPLSlRe_GHpvnLhywDKAs7crcs/s1600/mjc2014_04_30_11-18-02-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlji2IrOPC7S2i4kSPl2geeDsAp4jCHroI2CqoGDaJCL1hZWEuMH2GwAr4Ku9DHDrMMojopXUVvaqe7RHDr2bOZmgxm6MQQIvzm5xu4kM8uXhlE1pukQPLSlRe_GHpvnLhywDKAs7crcs/s1600/mjc2014_04_30_11-18-02-2.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
I did okay with positioning the entire race. We had a cross/tail wind that made for a very fast beginning (51.1 mph...in a pack of 60+ riders!). 3 were off the front, but the consensus was that we would catch them on the climb. UHC did some work in front, but there wasn't an attempt to bring the front 3 back. The entire field was together at the right hand turn for the final climb. I was somewhere around 20th at that point and made it over the first steep pitch in the same position. The climb mellows for a couple of miles and I was still with the front pack, but in the back. As soon as it kicked up again I was losing wheels. Over the next 4 miles I had 6 pass me. I can't point to any issues, I was working as hard as I could, I was completely at my max. Not sure where my climbing legs were...I finished 27th in the stage that likely decides the GC. Ugggghhh.<br />
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<b>Stage 2 - Inner Loop</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9atOh7BT9vlDgJo0KwXM-I5MVmCLZaJo8HH93Dnk2aQqzxL5AjT-kvOK21B4BKrb_gbSaAHkM3eosFMnThBqqN2EGGF4HCPXS5ht_pvmfOAcrK1vivFLJo0LPOrZVfInEK0R57zCbaLM/s1600/mjc2014_05_01_13-50-08-150x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9atOh7BT9vlDgJo0KwXM-I5MVmCLZaJo8HH93Dnk2aQqzxL5AjT-kvOK21B4BKrb_gbSaAHkM3eosFMnThBqqN2EGGF4HCPXS5ht_pvmfOAcrK1vivFLJo0LPOrZVfInEK0R57zCbaLM/s1600/mjc2014_05_01_13-50-08-150x150.jpg" /></a>Today went much better than yesterday. It felt hard for the first 20 miles with all of the climbing, but I was never worried about getting dropped on the climbs. The pace was very steady the entire way through the valley (those that were dropped on the climb & descent ultimately caught us). There were a few attempted attacks, but they didn't go anywhere. We had a fairly serious headwind. After the final QOM, there were continuous attacks and the pace remained high on the rollers back to town. I finished 12th, but didn't gain much in GC...25th<br />
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<b>Time Trial</b><br />
The TT went about as well as it could- I finished MOP - 25th, 42:15. I stayed within my limit the entire time. I typically start TTs way too fast and I'm suffocating about 10 minutes into the race. That didn't happen at all today. I focused on rhythmic breathing and going at a pace that I could sustain (perhaps too conservatively - no drooling, no foaming at the mouth, no track hack afterwards). <br />
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I arrived at the race location ridiculously early because I wasn't sure if my bike would meet UCI regulations (I swapped out my stem last week to the shortest stem sold in Steamboat, but feared that the bike would still not meet the 75 cm rule). Of course I was still 1 cm off, which meant that I had the choice of moving my saddle back or chopping my bars (they are the type that can't be adjusted). I went to SRAM and they agreed to cut my bars down for me. I remained calm and went to warm up on my road bike. I trusted that they could pull it off in time and that the bike would fit and work okay. It was good to go (a few minutes before my start!) and I beelined my way to the final UCI check and to the start line. Obviously, that wasn't ideal, but I didn't let it faze me or impact my race. I am well aware that I owe the SRAM guys at least a 6 pack of beer...they have been instrumental in making this race possible for me. I am also aware that riding a TT bike before the race can be beneficial!<br />
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<b>Criterium</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUt5EJSQaNEGFLpH4Dn8ASjCI3lmmBqws5tH1TbeZZOBmJhyphenhyphen_W55-Uk0AdLzPhgcV_DYIlgYmf21Hc86Lc5ikWoIu_eImKvJPOAqYgvmMgM1nx2rfIp2yfk0jNuu9LC2fDcL24Fj6jjkI/s1600/mjc2014_05_03_15-22-03-150x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUt5EJSQaNEGFLpH4Dn8ASjCI3lmmBqws5tH1TbeZZOBmJhyphenhyphen_W55-Uk0AdLzPhgcV_DYIlgYmf21Hc86Lc5ikWoIu_eImKvJPOAqYgvmMgM1nx2rfIp2yfk0jNuu9LC2fDcL24Fj6jjkI/s1600/mjc2014_05_03_15-22-03-150x150.jpg" /></a>I finished the crit in the bunch, but would actually say that it was one of the best NRC crits that I have raced. Alison Powers (UHC), Carmen Small (guest riding for DNA), Joanne Kiesanowski (Tibco) & Jessica Cerra (FCS) were in a break in the first couple of laps that stuck for the entire race. I was not positioned well enough to join them. About halfway through the race Olivia Dillon attacked from the main bunch. When the group caught her I attacked and got away! All of the major teams were represented in the 4 man break up the road, except for Twenty16. I really did have a shot at making it to the front 4. I got within 13 seconds, and the pack was further behind me. I survived for 2 laps and realized that I was just at my limit and couldn't sustain the solo effort much longer. I sat up and the field caught me. I was worked, but able to sit in for the rest of the race and finish with the main group. I'm psyched that I at least tried something. One of these races it's going to work!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylyVEphQxulENpHRfSh5zPezlSiuP4o3b7TQPMz5VvgvFNmpMRzCx5LlfEVPWNxKD8KUrOf1jwR0-51bvGqRPL5OxcSgMuf4ShgFkFoSkWJVhdpt8pfSMc-8NVQKJA9OCghA4QiXvBlw/s1600/140504-TourGila-157lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylyVEphQxulENpHRfSh5zPezlSiuP4o3b7TQPMz5VvgvFNmpMRzCx5LlfEVPWNxKD8KUrOf1jwR0-51bvGqRPL5OxcSgMuf4ShgFkFoSkWJVhdpt8pfSMc-8NVQKJA9OCghA4QiXvBlw/s1600/140504-TourGila-157lr.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Studying stage notes</td></tr>
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Today's result didn't pan out how I'd hoped (again!), but I raced to my ability and I took a risk (albeit somewhat small). Going into the final stage over 7 minutes down on GC, I didn't have much to lose. I attacked early on. My attack stuck for about 3 minutes (at best). I had one FCS girl come with me. The field didn't let us stay away long. Just after the sprint at mile 9, there was another attack that I went with. It didn't stick long either. Just after we were absorbed, there was a counter attack that stuck. There were 8 (I think) girls who eventually got 90 seconds on the main field. I did see that attack go, and didn't go with it. As I looked around the field, all of the GC contenders were still in the main pack. The only exception was Sharon Laws (UHC). The field stuck together and rode a fairly conservative pace until the climb. I did everything possible to conserve energy. I stayed fueled (I went back to the SRAM car for a feed...I can't say enough for how helpful they were for the entire stage race). At the base of the climb we caught the break and the fast climbers were gone. I was with a group that I think I should be able to climb with. I was reaching my limit (wheezing, seeing stars, etc.), and backed it off. That was the race moment. I don't know that if I had dug deeper I would have been able to stay with them and the pace would have eased. I saw the small pack gain time on me. I was with Julie and Tetrick and we were working hard, but losing time. Eventually we were caught by Powers and Rushlee (UHC). Several others caught us by the final climb. I finished the stage 19th.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOF8Mj6syKJIFqIrDMKgpdtWx6UE-qE4Nil2QeNVxcSBiQWjxpWI9jvZsLXl5RUFDSgVB8QAGZyRuNn_y4NdaZX0FipGrCl3UlJr9M7PQ4SC5gNkTKB3mmzjLd4jAuSziyG3Lc6UVv4qk/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOF8Mj6syKJIFqIrDMKgpdtWx6UE-qE4Nil2QeNVxcSBiQWjxpWI9jvZsLXl5RUFDSgVB8QAGZyRuNn_y4NdaZX0FipGrCl3UlJr9M7PQ4SC5gNkTKB3mmzjLd4jAuSziyG3Lc6UVv4qk/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skees - Jim and Gail</td></tr>
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Although my Gila results were nowhere near my expectations, I couldn't be happier that I raced. I thoroughly enjoyed my week in Silver City. The Skees were kind enough to open their home to Julie and me once again this year. Racing aside, it feels like a vacation on a secluded New Mexico ranch (is that a stretch?!). Gail has a zen-like, calming nature. She helps me keep all of the racing in perspective as we chat about her daily challenges training dogs and horses over nice meals in their home. <br />
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The other highlight of my week in Silver City was having my mom and Dave drive all the way from Scottsdale to watch me race. It is amazing to have the support from my family as I continue down this non-traditional career path. <br />
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Gila was once again an incredible experience, and I was reminded how much I love stage racing. There is something very addicting about the suffering intermixed with moments of happiness. There is a feeling of accomplishment and relief rolling onto the finish line of the the Gila Monster Stage. I will be back next year for more! <br />
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Amy Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01688971029944309177noreply@blogger.com0Silver City, NM 88061, USA32.770075 -108.28032632.663266 -108.4416875 32.876884 -108.1189645tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-42002889671924055892014-04-14T09:14:00.000-06:002014-05-16T21:21:42.880-06:00Now we're really out of our comfort zones<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt and Henry - picking up William at the JCC</td></tr>
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I just finished a 5 day grueling stage race in Redlands, CA followed by a 400 mile drive to Carmel, followed by a crit, road race and circuit race at Sea Otter. Now for the hard part…3 days and 2 nights of babysitting 3 children aged 2, 4 and 6. Testing out a new skill set!<br />
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My sister and Sam both had out of town work conferences the exact same week. It just so happened that Matt and I would be in California already. What a perfect opportunity to help out Carrie and Sam, spend time with our niece and nephews, and give parenting a whirl for a couple of days. What could possibly go wrong…?!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKLU8eSfUY5pFAl3KfqvU6k3ZvbDQAJgl7sAJrvrLE16gy3CeyxZQ3oFo0FkKV5oZInegvPPA_KTc1A1HCBzaz4wphmgIGvs9YEdfoE9WJZrU0VurzPuCmwU2US2_vnTxbqtzAflt9kk/s1600/IMG_2509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKLU8eSfUY5pFAl3KfqvU6k3ZvbDQAJgl7sAJrvrLE16gy3CeyxZQ3oFo0FkKV5oZInegvPPA_KTc1A1HCBzaz4wphmgIGvs9YEdfoE9WJZrU0VurzPuCmwU2US2_vnTxbqtzAflt9kk/s1600/IMG_2509.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walk to Kung Fu</td></tr>
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Turns out that Carrie and Sam understood our, let’s call it, lack of experience. I have looked after kids one time since I was about 15 (Lea’s girls – and that’s a whole different chapter!). Matt has even less experience than me. We are skilled parents in raising dogs. Evidently children have different needs and challenges than puppies.<br />
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Carrie and Sam’s organization and preparation was invaluable. We arrived to a stocked refrigerator, including a homemade quiche with baking instructions. They left us an instruction manual with everything from activity and school schedules, meal ideas, lunch box do’s and don’ts, activity ideas, etc. etc. Not to mention, they have a nanny who would help us out with Henry, aged 2, during the day.<br />
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Somehow Matt and I pulled it off in the end. The children remained unharmed, fed, sheltered and content. Not only did we have a blast, I walked away with a few key learnings:<br />
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<b>1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don’t be surprised if your husband’s dog raising tactics are also used on children</b><br />
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We had just finished dinner and a special treat of brownies for dessert. It was bedtime and I was attempting to round up the troops for baths, pajamas, storytime and bed. I walked into the kitchen to find all 3 kids with their mouths full and huge grins on their faces. I gave Matt a stern look and asked why he thought it was a good idea to feed them cookies now. “They were still hungry,” Matt exclaims. A response to which I'm quite accustomed as Matt uses it regularly as he feeds Lucy eggs, yogurt, pumpkin puree etc. after she finishes her meal.<br />
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<b>2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sometimes it’s okay to tell a little fib in the name of sleep</b><br />
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After Henry woke up the first night unconsolably screaming for his mommy, I tried something a little different the second night. At 2 am I heard him call for his mom. I grabbed him from his crib and brought him to our bed. “Are you my mommy?” he asks. Quickly evaluating the moral repercussions of fibbing and the physical and mental repercussions of not sleeping, I covered my face with my hair, knowing that I do in fact have a strong resemblance to my sister, and mumbled “uh huh”. To my utter shock, he curls up next to me and says “okay mommy”. Auntie Amy sleeps and Henry sleeps - wins all around.<br />
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<b>3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Kids tell all…</b><br />
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The last night Matt and I decided to prepare one of our favorite meals for the kids- Cobb Salad. It’s a staple in our house (we aren’t delusional that it’s a low fat or necessarily healthy choice). We figured that every kid likes bacon, eggs, avocado and cheese, so we wouldn’t leave the kids malnourished. We bought a loaf of bread to supplement the salad. Sam called just as we finished eating. “Daddy, they fed us bread and salad for dinner!” William explains, throwing us under the bus. I grab for the phone to attempt to further explain that we don’t have his children on some strange cyclist diet. <br />
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<b>4. Kids can help with errands</b><br />
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Who knew...you can put kids to work?!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William helping with errand</td></tr>
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<b>5. Sometimes it's best to embrace the chaos and relish the moments of serenity...</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A moment of calm in the aquarium</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storytime - yep...Henry in a dress on a scooter, William in a shopping cart</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many trips to Starbucks</td></tr>
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<br />Amy Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01688971029944309177noreply@blogger.com0San Francisco, CA, USA37.7749295 -122.4194155000000137.373502 -123.06486250000002 38.176356999999996 -121.77396850000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-31248038816930069272014-04-12T09:44:00.000-06:002014-05-16T20:58:31.840-06:00Family arrives in Carmel<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jono Henry and dad</td></tr>
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As if life in Carmel couldn't get any better, my family planned a vacation to come and watch Sea Otter. Matt, my dad, sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephews all spent the weekend hanging out and supporting Team Vanderkitten. I couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable few days...teammates, family, good food, racing, 2 podiums (!!)...it was pretty much ideal.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carmel Valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastries and Coffee with Carrie, William, Anna, Henry, dad, Matt </td></tr>
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Life is always easier and more enjoyable when my dad is around. With aligned interests, there was no shortage of great meals and daily visits to the Carmel bakery. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt - Carmel beach</td></tr>
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Amy Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01688971029944309177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-30140944881451005182014-04-10T21:01:00.000-06:002014-05-16T21:08:48.544-06:00Sea Otter - family, teammates, podiums<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8bl3CYSfVgPITuG6hUGkAbVdhnus8nIQky9p-GT8mLrVmv5eFLQ8uqTEsbp82KbDqrSII7QFoocSQfPgYGB4vB2WdyTBo2EekA_bNENPBdPH6QsjZf8kxB9UZrJtm77XHUsmPpS9yM4/s1600/IMG_2440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8bl3CYSfVgPITuG6hUGkAbVdhnus8nIQky9p-GT8mLrVmv5eFLQ8uqTEsbp82KbDqrSII7QFoocSQfPgYGB4vB2WdyTBo2EekA_bNENPBdPH6QsjZf8kxB9UZrJtm77XHUsmPpS9yM4/s1600/IMG_2440.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>Sea Otter quickly became one of my favorite cycling events. It's essentially a big expo representing all things cycling, thousands of cycling enthusiasts, races on Laguna Seca, all in one of the most scenic places in the country.<br />
The fact that Vanderkitten represented quite well and Matt Charity raced made it all the better.<br />
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I had been to the event 4 years previously when I worked for MOOTs, but my time was spent working the expo, and I didn't watch or participate in any of the races. 2014 was different. <br />
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<u><b>Crit on the famous Laguna Seca:</b></u><br />
After a series of attacks (teammate Miranda instigating many of them), I was able to get into a 4 man break. Representing all of the big teams (VK, Optum, Twenty 16 and Tibco), we were able to stay away from the field. I finished the race 4th and was psyched to have my first podium in a national level race. More importantly, it was an example of just how effective good team tactics can be. Miranda's efforts early in the race completely paved the way for the result!<br />
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<b><u>Road Race:</u></b><br />
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Another great day for Vanderkitten. Elle had a flat early on in the<br />
race. Kate gave Elle her bike to ensure that she could stay in contention. There was an attack from Twenty16, and Fiona and Elle chased tirelessly attempting to bring it back. Miranda spent much of the day covering attacks. The hilltop finish meant that Miranda and I had a good chance of doing well if we rode smart. She was the first to attack up the climb. I countered, she countered and I finished 3rd...on the line. It was great to see the teamwork once again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me, Carrie, William, dad</td></tr>
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<b><u>Circuit Race:</u></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drilling it!</td></tr>
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Although the circuit race is pretty much my favorite course of all time, and we buried ourselves to be in contention for the win, we were out-sprinted on the line to take 6th (Miranda) and 7th (me). <br />
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It was amazing to have the fan support on the course. Sam, Carrie, William, Henry, dad and Matt were all on the hill screaming their lungs out for us. Dave V (Mr. Vanderkitten) and Jono were at the bottom of the hill cheering for us as well. There is nothing more motivating than the impassioned encouragement from family and friends.<br />
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Amy Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01688971029944309177noreply@blogger.com0Carmel, CA, USA36.5552386 -121.9232878999999936.5297276 -121.96362839999999 36.580749600000004 -121.88294739999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-79933917153248193982014-04-07T17:01:00.000-06:002014-05-16T21:10:55.342-06:00Carmel...some chill time<b><u>Redlands to Carmel - 7 hour transfer via Shazza (VK Van)</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXXSvzyJu83W7mFhG0O8jcVaHGyowDmPzeB1DNBN5NDp4WysQeSgoLSX4nT_pQgN7i7BMKdWbHyf-H-8ikeYqxidH-DuZopGUO9Hsdp5KA7tiLVDlY1aJBVt-2BFhV-WjJ2Hd7z5T_HM/s1600/IMG_2414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXXSvzyJu83W7mFhG0O8jcVaHGyowDmPzeB1DNBN5NDp4WysQeSgoLSX4nT_pQgN7i7BMKdWbHyf-H-8ikeYqxidH-DuZopGUO9Hsdp5KA7tiLVDlY1aJBVt-2BFhV-WjJ2Hd7z5T_HM/s1600/IMG_2414.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>Some of the best experiences racing on a pro team are recognized after the fact. The day Jono, Miranda, Korina, Kate, Jeannie and I spent traveling the length of California was one of those experiences. The conversations of cyclists representing Australia, New Zealand, and the US with age ranges spanning almost 20 years, can be comical, to say the least. Playing <i>20 Questions, Marry-Murder-Mate,</i> and <i>Would You Rather</i> all shed light on some hilarious insights into my teammates' personalities...none of which am I allowed to share on a public forum.<br />
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<b><u>Recovery and VK Bonding in Carmel</u></b><br />
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Our team had the luxury of 3 full days without racing to spend relaxing in Carmel. We stayed in a lovely house on Ocean Avenue 5 minutes walking distance from downtown Carmel. The first night Korina, Kate, Miranda, Jeannie and I discovered a quaint Mediterranean restaurant. We reveled in the rare occasion to simply be a group of friends out to dinner, as opposed to racing cyclists determining the best choice of food for race results. Although clad in matching VK hoodies and a few of us in compression tights, I suppose we didn't exactly resemble a 'normal' group of girls. Regardless, we steered clear of all cycling topics for the evening (per the request of Kate).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHYn8PmtCeUjQRuSAtt90bxiWiYUu9tqD_BbGHh7_e-RUnZgJNl4PgFMAOUexJqHd91FMcYlAqti53k07u-PqqSuucXKmsuE5i8Qe38gq56TPKv2U7YgJZaXhua1tsTh_WOorRrZaW58/s1600/IMG_2426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHYn8PmtCeUjQRuSAtt90bxiWiYUu9tqD_BbGHh7_e-RUnZgJNl4PgFMAOUexJqHd91FMcYlAqti53k07u-PqqSuucXKmsuE5i8Qe38gq56TPKv2U7YgJZaXhua1tsTh_WOorRrZaW58/s1600/IMG_2426.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcS2Oc9saukNRuSvm5A3FgjIrS0ZCRquy-Q3HHKVI7zqA56z5DPD9KmxceR0W4aUhpNgsang-IywIeOHQggd0mLx6tCPeVJjRzrWAJhkYyO96J-_8W6eimpGxL4QqHFIfk9szibJKbLs/s1600/IMG_2422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcS2Oc9saukNRuSvm5A3FgjIrS0ZCRquy-Q3HHKVI7zqA56z5DPD9KmxceR0W4aUhpNgsang-IywIeOHQggd0mLx6tCPeVJjRzrWAJhkYyO96J-_8W6eimpGxL4QqHFIfk9szibJKbLs/s1600/IMG_2422.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
The following 3 days were the type of day that some must envision are typical of a pro cyclist. We slept in (until 8am), had large healthy breakfasts consisting of oatmeal, smoothies, coffee, baked goods, etc. We kitted up and rode along one of the world's most scenic roads - 17 Mile Drive. We chatted the entire way on the ride and stopped for pictures. We hit up Carmel's Coffee shop on the way home for Americanos and scones. Returning back to our house, we relaxed outside in the sun, checked email, played a mean game of cards (where my competitive spirit ensured lots of laughing, yelling, face pulling, etc.). We planned our next meals and rode our bikes to the grocery store to stock up on everything we needed. Agggghhhh...yeah. That was the life...Amy Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01688971029944309177noreply@blogger.com0Carmel, CA, USA36.5552386 -121.9232878999999936.5297276 -121.96362839999999 36.580749600000004 -121.88294739999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-34058762368774772812014-04-02T21:09:00.000-06:002014-05-16T21:36:42.159-06:00Redlands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZBU8yL7fHIZHV1xoJJwnQOefHCrHBsgJqGdFeJ0i87Fst5iAGG-a5XgPvmS48UVywMCAyaUpSMH0ebbCVjJPgtgSJRYeEi54w7SHYS_jqZgOjt9Ce6foUgIlIo_GzZnWBnF7vnHNVt4/s1600/IMG_2390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZBU8yL7fHIZHV1xoJJwnQOefHCrHBsgJqGdFeJ0i87Fst5iAGG-a5XgPvmS48UVywMCAyaUpSMH0ebbCVjJPgtgSJRYeEi54w7SHYS_jqZgOjt9Ce6foUgIlIo_GzZnWBnF7vnHNVt4/s1600/IMG_2390.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arriving at a race that I've previously done, to the warm greetings of our team Director, Jono, and teammates that I know well, is a luxury. Kate and I were fortunate enough to once again be placed with Lauren, our host mom from last year. Lauren is the ideal host - her charming home is in downtown Redlands and walking distance to restaurants and coffee shops (although we cyclists refuse to walk if it can be avoided). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Upon arrival, my room was filled with a welcome bag of all things Redlands from Orange Wheat beer, to chocolate caramels with sea salt, honey, coffee, oranges, lemons, etc. </span><br />
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Continuing with traditions and good food, Lauren treated us to her famous 'Yum Bowls' (rice, veggies, beans, cheese, cilantro and Yumm sauce) that I had been craving since our 2013 visit. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yep, Kate is going to kill me for this one!</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoying what had become our favorite Redlands meal, Kate, Lauren and I settled into a relaxing movie night with the first of many Romcoms. Kate and I forever ruined Lauren's Netflix recommendations based on the absurd number of romantic comedies that we watched over the next 5 days at Redlands. We ensured that each movie met our rigorous selection criteria, i.e. mindless, entertaining, non stressful, non disturbing and feel good. Incidentally, after Stage 1, Jono kindly suggested that we might want to consider watching Rocky...on repeat.</span><br />
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<b><u>The Race (Cliff Note version)</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Relative to the challenges that we faced racing El Salvador, Redlands was logistically a piece of cake...ample water bottles and race food, trustworthy water, no restrictions on fruit, vegetables or meat, etc. Despite the logistical ease, sometimes racing results don't align to expectations or effort.</span><br />
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<b><u>Stage 1 - Highland, April 2, 2014</u></b> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: 300; line-height: 20px;"><em style="font-style: italic;">14 laps, 41.9 miles</em></span><span class="content" style="display: block; font-weight: 300; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 20px; margin-top: 9px; padding-right: 40px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7oIgydyrjf6T6asyrC8DyDh_OpAVI8x2WKZXnKEYkYbybBn151UhmEcYdxtc74_fkC6hCJlR28M0w0811ma0592z1NMjz6nYTBdxnB2FZuhiCnRDDSn-EK6rTvH7wBRApDgm-S8DH670/s1600/1970596_10152080760650838_1756622452_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7oIgydyrjf6T6asyrC8DyDh_OpAVI8x2WKZXnKEYkYbybBn151UhmEcYdxtc74_fkC6hCJlR28M0w0811ma0592z1NMjz6nYTBdxnB2FZuhiCnRDDSn-EK6rTvH7wBRApDgm-S8DH670/s1600/1970596_10152080760650838_1756622452_n.jpg" height="139" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The City of Highland Circuit Race was a new stage added for Redlands 30th anniversary. It was a 2.8 mile loop with a sharp climb up Baseline street each lap that we would repeat 14 times.</span></span><span class="content" style="display: block; font-weight: 300; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 20px; margin-top: 9px; padding-right: 40px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did not put myself in the optimal position on the final lap to ensure a top finish on the climb. I clawed my way from the high 20s to 14th place on the finish line, which would be my best result at Redlands.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Stages 2 - Big Bear Time Trial</u></b><b><u>, April 3, 2014</u></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: 300; line-height: 20px;">Not my best. Arguably my worst. Ever. Warm up okay, bike worked fine, elevation not typically my issue, not too hot. A few adjustments to bike just before start (UCI regulations), lack of TT specific training and lack of time on that particular TT bike might have contributed to my suboptimal result.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><u><b>Stage 3 - Beaumont Road Race, April 4, 2014</b></u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: 300; line-height: 20px;"><i>A long (72.3 mile), challenging road race around and through beautiful Beaumont</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: 300; line-height: 20px;">Flat tire just before hill on last lap. Chased back on. Legs cooked. Finished with main pack (behind break) and tried out sprinting legs (for fun!) for 4th among my group.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><u><b>Stage 4 - Criterium, April 5, 2014</b></u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: 300; line-height: 20px;"><i>America's toughest criterium! A fast, technical 60 minute race in downtown Redlands</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKcuX0AGXXLTxpHBdhdenimQesQdHCspyawfW4F3a67C_YuYUtXXAsYCs11XYNqLGqxO9aH4lwvdyLP9eH_LAPQri0Y8AizXirQjVAovcXzuJ0D3UkRLVjZSzbF1a3Ao9tZGYwBMqhis/s1600/10245390_10152074710090749_1650440332_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKcuX0AGXXLTxpHBdhdenimQesQdHCspyawfW4F3a67C_YuYUtXXAsYCs11XYNqLGqxO9aH4lwvdyLP9eH_LAPQri0Y8AizXirQjVAovcXzuJ0D3UkRLVjZSzbF1a3Ao9tZGYwBMqhis/s1600/10245390_10152074710090749_1650440332_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: 300; line-height: 20px;">Similar to last year, my goal in the crit was not to lose time and not to expend too much energy. Similar to last year, I didn't lose time, but worked fairly hard just to finish middle of the pack. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><b><u>Stage 5 - Sunset Loop, April 6, 2014</u></b> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: 300; line-height: 20px;"><i>9 laps, 68.1 miles</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: 300; line-height: 20px;">The pace was aggressive from the start. Even the neutral rollout to the base of the climb was challenging. Barely hanging onto the top 20ish at the start of climb, I was losing wheels and couldn't keep up the pace. Eventually the front group pulled away and I rode with Athena, who is strong and was happy to do the work on the climbs. "Sit on my wheel, Amy. I can do this all day," she said. Wow, was that ever music to my ears?! Not often someone (not a teammate) says that to you...I almost thought I had redlined too hard and was hallucinating! Despite her encouragement and our determination, we continued to lose time. On lap 6 out of 9 we were caught by a group of about 30. After one additional lap and we were pulled from the race. Ugghhh - haven't had that happen since my first NRC race as a Cat 2 two years previously.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWgxrY2kvGmx-7vLRFsmD5pyuO0BPi4qrxJz5NXVnc0PLiwbBTBnaC2bJjckyoOJmslqsGdSaJVSFg7UzHbFlePr7Jd8vtHw9MHX_jYR7ladPzmiqcAyWLGS_kjp1mVUsf86dr1opzfQ/s1600/IMG_2405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWgxrY2kvGmx-7vLRFsmD5pyuO0BPi4qrxJz5NXVnc0PLiwbBTBnaC2bJjckyoOJmslqsGdSaJVSFg7UzHbFlePr7Jd8vtHw9MHX_jYR7ladPzmiqcAyWLGS_kjp1mVUsf86dr1opzfQ/s1600/IMG_2405.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Despite the less than stellar results, there were many highlights to the week in Redlands. Spending time with our host mom, Lauren. The generous hospitality of Korina and Miranda's host family (Roger and Tamara), ice cream from A La Minute, the complete stranger who invited the entire team to his house for dinner so his children could spend time with professional cyclists! Unconditional support from my family who texted, called and emailed daily. Also, for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"> the second year in a row, my mom and Dave made the trek from Scottsdale to watch the race. They treated me to a healthy, fresh dinner at a trendy restaurant called The Farm. Not only did a enjoy portabella wellington, I was able to have a few hours outside of the all encompassing stage race all things cycling zombie mode and catch up with my parents.</span></span></div>
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Amy Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01688971029944309177noreply@blogger.com0Redlands, CA, USA34.0555693 -117.1825380999999933.9503228 -117.34389959999999 34.1608158 -117.02117659999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-73760402085130127602014-03-18T15:05:00.000-06:002014-05-19T17:35:57.489-06:00Vuelta El Salvador Recap (Stages II - V)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6rw0ibXAUI0YmKZU5sJFkselBcurNuCSY7r0rZJhypGSugrNGZ1XaOtqrN8xX8Pak3Rb5YoVD8o-uf-uqySDZumHMzNKikrSXV934Fs_WLyY6eE353tr0csTJzBm9zXNG-PzID-AwSg/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6rw0ibXAUI0YmKZU5sJFkselBcurNuCSY7r0rZJhypGSugrNGZ1XaOtqrN8xX8Pak3Rb5YoVD8o-uf-uqySDZumHMzNKikrSXV934Fs_WLyY6eE353tr0csTJzBm9zXNG-PzID-AwSg/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" height="320" width="314" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Stage II</span></u></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">March 13, 2014</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">San Marcos to Zacatecoluca - San Marcos</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">108.5 Km, elevation gain 4,606 ft.</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSRvyiDcyGgZtf-C5hxEqIsL-D0DDd98Op2P-EtSXYf1gwBfs9mVbXjClJZRn8PRwfs50K7FjQ77m88YJYhHoIk45HO2rZBJmGGPqMFYZm4W5XHmLFMIgP3M8toERvwzjiWoNAnCxXII/s1600/1794538_830204610326948_1570186276_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSRvyiDcyGgZtf-C5hxEqIsL-D0DDd98Op2P-EtSXYf1gwBfs9mVbXjClJZRn8PRwfs50K7FjQ77m88YJYhHoIk45HO2rZBJmGGPqMFYZm4W5XHmLFMIgP3M8toERvwzjiWoNAnCxXII/s1600/1794538_830204610326948_1570186276_n-1.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Summary: The race, which previous felt dangerous, almost felt unmanageable today. Rhae was having mechanical issues, Miranda had crashed and chased to get back to the group and got stuck behind traffic on the descent. Kate & Liza went up the climb together, but weren't with the front group. I stayed with a split until the very end and was tailed off the back with 4 others. We also were caught behind traffic, dogs and people in the road on a screaming descent.</span><br />
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Stage III</span></u></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">March 14, 2014</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Nueva Conception - Santa Ana</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">90 Km, elevation gain 5,407 ft</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jgtmxuW-Mj87RWwW1hBeWm79uUpzdFYbBvP5nubg_OG3lIxtICsQlM7LfRpoHp0pzHMWZ3SsnoBOAe0Iuy6n0h5kzkcmt8gpwBrcz-b8BhkGSqp-tcIZbSWfMwX52lOm-jW00i6c9_o/s1600/60262_10151941634156689_1905214219_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jgtmxuW-Mj87RWwW1hBeWm79uUpzdFYbBvP5nubg_OG3lIxtICsQlM7LfRpoHp0pzHMWZ3SsnoBOAe0Iuy6n0h5kzkcmt8gpwBrcz-b8BhkGSqp-tcIZbSWfMwX52lOm-jW00i6c9_o/s1600/60262_10151941634156689_1905214219_n.jpg" height="148" width="200" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Summary: Based on the danger of the previous days stage, and the fact that the helicopter co-pilot died in a crash the day before, the race director decided to neutralize the first 20 km of the race (i.e. the first climb and the first descent). After the neutral section we stopped for a moment of silence and then the race began. Miranda opted to pull out of the race at that point. She had been crashed out 3 times since arriving in El Salvador by unskilled riders and (appropriately) decided that it didn't make sense to continue racing. None of us felt great at that point. Even the neutral was a challenge, we all discussed after the stage. The race split and I managed to stay with the front group. Rhae worked on her own and eventually caught up to us. Liza also made her way back to the front group, so the three of us sat in until the final climb. Both Rhae and I were off the front riders just after the climb began. We tried to get the group we were with to work (i.e. a couple of RusVelos and a DNA). The Russians didn't have incentive to help us since they had riders ahead. Rhae looked and me and said 'you and me' and she bolted. I stayed on her wheel and we escaped the small group we were working with. The convey was just in sight ahead of us. Rhae and I took turns drilling it. I was slowly fading and finally told her to continue on. It was a good effort in teamwork and we finished just behind the top riders.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VBZZLTD-pv6Ti20rEkZrFcTIrh0rChX9Kn6vOxEz8yOIbfPC7udH3kGonelTjRnJ7YKBkxFj9KLwJ5lZ0G23Vrb1a3pI-0yf76cQFDC-QRtJVVVqy_mLSxtLl2OB6Py4M_1mqiEPh2E/s1600/1079159_689023561141337_2026933238_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VBZZLTD-pv6Ti20rEkZrFcTIrh0rChX9Kn6vOxEz8yOIbfPC7udH3kGonelTjRnJ7YKBkxFj9KLwJ5lZ0G23Vrb1a3pI-0yf76cQFDC-QRtJVVVqy_mLSxtLl2OB6Py4M_1mqiEPh2E/s1600/1079159_689023561141337_2026933238_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Stage IV - the Volcano - Queen Stage</span></u></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">March 15, 2014</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Paseo del Carmen to El Boqueron</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">43.8 Km, elevation gain 4,039 ft</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Summary: Our spirits were fading. With the exception of Rhae, every person on the team was sick. Not starting the stage didn’t feel like an option for me. I convinced myself that I
had “pollution lung” (self diagnosis of a made up ailment that wouldn’t
significantly impact my performance).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Turns out that I didn’t have pollution lung and I was legitimately sick. The first 20 km of the stage was a fast descent. There was a sharp right turn and then the climb began. I wasn't in a good position on the turn and found myself just behind the lead climbers. Liza made a valiant effort to deliver me to the front group, but just sitting on her wheel felt hard. I knew I was stuffed. As soon as she delivered me to the main group, I was off the back of them. Nothing in me could change the way I rode up the climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jono described me as a zombie later
that evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the team car
passed and handed me a coke (usually my favorite treat during a race), I couldn’t
respond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I slogged myself to the
top, luckily getting cheers and doused with water along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my worst result of the tour (28<sup>th</sup>)
on the stage that likely suited me the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bigger bummer<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was the fact that Miranda, one of the strongest climbers
that I’ve ever ridden with, wasn’t there to contest the climb with some of the best. Rhae finished the stage well a couple minutes ahead of me. Mara Abbott dominated the stage, which would secure her final GC win.</span><br />
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Stage V</span></u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>March 16, 2014</b><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Santa Tecla to San Luis Talpa</b><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>83.1 Km, elevation gain 1,407 ft</b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRDWa7T0X-vFHAwTzmUIFzyVGLCU3IqMikWaqh7H7fKIiuba2x4Gl7qDy9PmDvhMpcaDsAkLWpOdrysN4SCI90usq3bSNJCyMJVYp8KIEcXN3dyIhA41KIHidbBP_9vehiJfMlevjz9o/s1600/1969315_832184416795634_291946258_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRDWa7T0X-vFHAwTzmUIFzyVGLCU3IqMikWaqh7H7fKIiuba2x4Gl7qDy9PmDvhMpcaDsAkLWpOdrysN4SCI90usq3bSNJCyMJVYp8KIEcXN3dyIhA41KIHidbBP_9vehiJfMlevjz9o/s1600/1969315_832184416795634_291946258_n.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Summary: The race was essentially decided by this stage with Mara's 2 minute + lead. I had a full fledged head cold and hoped I had the strength to finish. Despite the fact that there weren't time cuts in the race, the size of the field had shrunk considerably. It was our 9th day racing together, but the field still felt squirrely. Even I launched one of my massive gatorade bottles, rugby style, swerving with weakness and fatigue (luckily already out of the way of the peloton). Liza, Rhae and I were the only 3 Vanderkittens to start the stage. The 3 of us finished together with the bunch to finalize our first Vuelta El Salvador experience. </span><br />
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Amy Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01688971029944309177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-1765031819374663572014-03-12T12:09:00.000-06:002014-03-18T15:06:02.615-06:00Stage 1 - Tunnels, mechanicals, chase & pain caveStage I - March 12, 2014<br />
95Km, elevation gain 4,682ft<br />
La Libertad to Nahuizalco<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64z7CRJNLfl3XMp9Jhrhe1G2tYFM-e_p-x2ekO71n-3s5tmEYrguD0iZZYlMY-5DrldWsXml8bR1wVsKhLL18DrFU0GBpVb9a1YZs7fdCjKk2a_ZXh8Nozvqdxou89nAQEIGD3V0gmpk/s1600/1654121_768991703125777_109614513_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64z7CRJNLfl3XMp9Jhrhe1G2tYFM-e_p-x2ekO71n-3s5tmEYrguD0iZZYlMY-5DrldWsXml8bR1wVsKhLL18DrFU0GBpVb9a1YZs7fdCjKk2a_ZXh8Nozvqdxou89nAQEIGD3V0gmpk/s1600/1654121_768991703125777_109614513_n.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a>I'm not sure that 2 hands would be enough to count the times that I felt like I was putting my life at serious risk in today's stage. The first was the first of 5 tunnels at km 20. The tunnel was long and pitch black. In the middle, where it was the darkest, a girl hit my front wheel. My spoke broke and my tire exploded. I knew that there were at least 30 girls behind me who likely coulndn't see me. I was yelling and waving my arms and rolling (on a carbon rim) to the side of the tunnel as quickly as possible. I got to the point where I couldn't roll anymore and the medical van eventually approached me. A minute later Jono was there and changing out my front wheel. From that point forward, I had no front brake pad (it came out when the girl hit my wheel) and I was no longer with the peloton. Jono helped me get closer, which was another unnerving experience. To say that there were potholes is an understatement. The speed that we were traveling and the condition of the road required a great deal of trust and faith. I survived and got up to one of the chase groups with Liza, Jeannie and Kate. I was completely stuffed at that point and attempted to recover. Eventually I felt good enough to attempt to bridge to the main peloton. About 20 seconds away, I felt my front tire go soft. I knew Jono and Willy were on the side of the road and wouldn't be able to get to me for a few minutes. I continued to roll watching the 20 second gap increase to 30, 40 seconds and out of sight. Neutral wheel support rolled up to me, changed my front wheel and gave me a push. I was on my own again. I continued to chase. At kilometer 45, I eventually was back with the peloton, after having put in one of the biggest efforts that I can remember.<br />
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The race was less eventful for the next 20km. I did my best to drink, eat and recover. When we reached the climb I only managed to stay with the group for a few minutes. I didn't have it. I slowly lost a few positions and was eventually off the back of the top racers.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzroTx7aDtR5SkkXYxY6EmkYraoFsaz21kNMm1wc9x7H2K23yzoVB1xH3UKl1xLPH2_mil6wM9RqPi14Z9sVHVwqJw8NoBVJ16F3xrccP0zgRgqDNx3LzU7bbClsUYOQsUvXPkcu0_vw/s1600/1798536_689024541141239_1186334124_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzroTx7aDtR5SkkXYxY6EmkYraoFsaz21kNMm1wc9x7H2K23yzoVB1xH3UKl1xLPH2_mil6wM9RqPi14Z9sVHVwqJw8NoBVJ16F3xrccP0zgRgqDNx3LzU7bbClsUYOQsUvXPkcu0_vw/s1600/1798536_689024541141239_1186334124_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liza, Kate and Rhae</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Prior to racing in El Salvador, I would have said that the only activity that I would do prior to an afternoon race is sit with my feet up out of the sun. Not in El Salvador where all of the norms have changed. We left for the beach 3 hours before the race would begin to enjoy a lasagna lunch (which I only saw the Russians eating). The beach restaurant would have been great on a non-racing day. That said, the team's spirits were high and we relaxed before jumping into Stage I.Amy Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01688971029944309177noreply@blogger.com0La Libertad, El Salvador13.6817661 -89.3606297999999712.6946686 -90.651523299999965 14.668863600000002 -88.069736299999974tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648329351180294413.post-8459759520270687662014-03-12T09:57:00.000-06:002014-03-12T09:57:12.525-06:002 Rest Days and a Prolog<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8UhFFDvICrI-8e3yt56izQEuURYVFoUXznQxylomBHdNoLjWzrW4i89dn86et1EkDtzzwZffgWAr4hQfsXY9LNLaLCt_jKOVV7dawF_gITJHoPWnAGu-5WlkSayPZqZsVf6w672-UoE/s1600/1798320_687708727939487_1180076177_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8UhFFDvICrI-8e3yt56izQEuURYVFoUXznQxylomBHdNoLjWzrW4i89dn86et1EkDtzzwZffgWAr4hQfsXY9LNLaLCt_jKOVV7dawF_gITJHoPWnAGu-5WlkSayPZqZsVf6w672-UoE/s1600/1798320_687708727939487_1180076177_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the challenging 3 1-day races, I welcomed 2 days of
rest before the stage race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Keeping activities to a minimum, we still managed to keep ourselves
entertained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finding a good
training road near where we’re staying is challenging, to say the least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuOet4fVeWYe9Dg7p4J0o1ww1jlf77uCLl8KoZQvVESDGM52YJuC0qAENdJS1rTtU_n9d0ghPPBLECrUm003A0_c0b8IiYdfSCOm1A75MF8wNspcFdO3wpcYxTx9ZJVGcWUlw8ske5Mw/s1600/72973_686901141353579_950825542_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuOet4fVeWYe9Dg7p4J0o1ww1jlf77uCLl8KoZQvVESDGM52YJuC0qAENdJS1rTtU_n9d0ghPPBLECrUm003A0_c0b8IiYdfSCOm1A75MF8wNspcFdO3wpcYxTx9ZJVGcWUlw8ske5Mw/s1600/72973_686901141353579_950825542_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeannie and me - post ride</td></tr>
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<br />
Our driver Willy, in good spirits as always, picked us up to take a to a nearby park that boasted mountain and road riding. We found a 2km paved
bike path that worked fairly well as a place to spin out our legs. It met the
criteria of not being dangerous or overloaded with traffic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
We’re staying at the El Salvadorian equivalent of an Olympic
Training center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it’s not
the Four Seasons, there are a few highlights. One is the availability of WiFi (although sporadic),
the other is the Olympic sized pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I took a dip on the second rest day and the clean (chlorinated) cold
water felt amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7nA1b-vtas6-eL62r-2C06UYGkY2-7a1UaxDQ6GqKSLZbmHrlzpMQOQr1ayAQbIrtKE4TWejPQTkMx1ihjZK7YW35_3RIJtcxUp73NnHNCuxvB1PU7BGSA5g_Lg0D8dXC3asg3b7p4M/s1600/photo-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7nA1b-vtas6-eL62r-2C06UYGkY2-7a1UaxDQ6GqKSLZbmHrlzpMQOQr1ayAQbIrtKE4TWejPQTkMx1ihjZK7YW35_3RIJtcxUp73NnHNCuxvB1PU7BGSA5g_Lg0D8dXC3asg3b7p4M/s1600/photo-23.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We purchased rice cookers and frying pans and eat almost all
of our meals as a team in the lobby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lucky for me I love rice and beans, quinoa and oatmeal, because those
have been my staples for the past week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’re avoiding all uncooked veggies and all fruits without a peel as a result of the team's gastro issues last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeannie and I have been very brave cooking mushrooms,
zucchini and eggplant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b>The Prolog</b></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74reCETfeMUtAfe2wSVGgTT7JZy6NC4fOoJkLdPa79jqBxxVELBQjvM3593mRrPL9P6CrSlyzKwYgCdL7js2e2NH5TcCDLWs7Y45HF_LzlVRARyeDwb9nPnrtXDgmP38NaUGXGwoHl_M/s1600/1907561_10151899991037273_1723926175_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74reCETfeMUtAfe2wSVGgTT7JZy6NC4fOoJkLdPa79jqBxxVELBQjvM3593mRrPL9P6CrSlyzKwYgCdL7js2e2NH5TcCDLWs7Y45HF_LzlVRARyeDwb9nPnrtXDgmP38NaUGXGwoHl_M/s1600/1907561_10151899991037273_1723926175_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me on the starting ramp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OFvtKGeHtGxlvUZQp_gAcggJn3fP4ca_3i_L1bV38_NNZwd5FAYxkVU6AQS3XN__MfircPR1geZ6Xt93VCpitkfGu7Szp_Q2Gj9s-QBxwBZwE4c-HN9RjfAoQkgj30OB2IfpvbQG3DA/s1600/1239576_687816491262044_66573625_n.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre prolog (that's ice in the sports bra, by the way!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnNtM8l5s7mBdq0tkY5xS2NhoWrpZ302uVXpVoGJNnrAR2W88Pg6zJ-cu90P4kUiuzWUlxW-9_r63z9gPbm30dSREr6_OqcLVC6e4_wDgVMRkl-dstgSSO6wDeN2UzKFFOMsWoMKuA6Q/s1600/1925140_687816197928740_1302463705_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Today's prolog was the shortest I've ever raced at a whopping 4km (and turned out to be even shorter). Of course, the shorter the race, the more painful it can be. The course was great with a big climb at the beginning, which meant a screaming fast descent on the way back. Much to my surprise, they eliminated the final descent before the turnaround, so the course was 1km shorter than I had expected. The race went okay for me - I got 23rd overall. There were 75 starters and many with advanced equipment. I didn't lose much time, so I'm good with where I stand. Rhae managed an excellent 8th place and Miranda 16th, so Vanderkitten is sitting 4th place for teams.<br />
<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnNtM8l5s7mBdq0tkY5xS2NhoWrpZ302uVXpVoGJNnrAR2W88Pg6zJ-cu90P4kUiuzWUlxW-9_r63z9gPbm30dSREr6_OqcLVC6e4_wDgVMRkl-dstgSSO6wDeN2UzKFFOMsWoMKuA6Q/s1600/1925140_687816197928740_1302463705_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnNtM8l5s7mBdq0tkY5xS2NhoWrpZ302uVXpVoGJNnrAR2W88Pg6zJ-cu90P4kUiuzWUlxW-9_r63z9gPbm30dSREr6_OqcLVC6e4_wDgVMRkl-dstgSSO6wDeN2UzKFFOMsWoMKuA6Q/s1600/1925140_687816197928740_1302463705_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLX77vejdyPr0zmELtr37Zi8GAQGHrwOYoLlBYGvKbeFxbIimaJvKahlidsVqrRZ7tpBKxjk7UJxapdkd-nMnRjYj-ppaHHApzpSU-tUT54bmu3_LXnrdGTkATCqXFOTuOPN3sUw7U0M/s1600/1970639_687697907940569_1625577254_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLX77vejdyPr0zmELtr37Zi8GAQGHrwOYoLlBYGvKbeFxbIimaJvKahlidsVqrRZ7tpBKxjk7UJxapdkd-nMnRjYj-ppaHHApzpSU-tUT54bmu3_LXnrdGTkATCqXFOTuOPN3sUw7U0M/s1600/1970639_687697907940569_1625577254_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate on podium for 'La Feminina'</td></tr>
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Equally interesting is the award for La Feminina, which is the 'prettiest girl in the peloton'. My teammate Kate (Kiwi) won the award and will be sporting the white La Feminina jersey. A little bit hilarious and a little bit wrong...we're rolling with it!<br />
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<!--EndFragment-->
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