Donation Update

I am at $640!  I am so thankful for such wonderful friends and family.  Thanks all!

Bike Updates!

I am almost 20% of the way there!  Wahoo - thanks friends!  I have $340 towards my goal of $2000.

So my new bike will cost about $3000 - this is with a great discount.  I am actually debating between a couple different bikes.  If anyone would like to comment on my bike selections I would appreciate it.  Wilier Imperiale was my first choice for a long time - it looks to be a great racing option.  Not to mention I think it is the sexiest bike out there.  But I have been approached with another option and don't know much about this company.  Lapierre - Xelius 700.  From the reviews I can find it looks like a pretty fantastic bike - but I still am not sure - never having touched one or seen one in person.

New Bike Donations Needed

As most of you know by now – I am a bit of a cyclist as you have followed me here.  OK so maybe more like an avid cyclist that has done extremely well.  I originally started biking as a fun hobby – but decided I love it so much I want to take it to another level.  Well after almost 20 races this year, ending on the podium in at least seven – I am pretty sure it has become so much more than just a hobby.

The problem I am now facing is that I have completely outgrown my current bike – with my recent upgrade to Cat3 the ladies in this category are very competitive.  They are using every advantage at their disposal. My current bike is too heavy and to win at this level I will need the same advantages as the other ladies.  A much better bike is desperately needed and the time has come to make that big purchase.  I have had some great offers from a couple different bike companies – but I still need some cash – because these beauties are not cheap.  You can ask any of my teammates or friends that I ride with – they will all tell you I NEED a new bike – this is a real problem.

This is where you all come in….

I figure I have over 500 friends on facebook – so why not offer up a challenge… a facebook challenge.  So I blasted a post to all my friends on facebook and thought why stop there.  Why not see how many of my friends would donate a small $5?  Could I possibly get enough of them to donate to get my bike paid for?  So far I have $115 in donations – even before I have posted this on facebook – just because I have friends that care about me and know how desperate I am for a new bike.  I would even go so far as to put a sticker on my bike that says “Paid for by my favorite friends.”

I will throw in a little pity just in case you need it.  After feeding my 3 growing boys (who never get full), supporting them in their BMX racing (so not cheap either), and taking care of their other needs (trips to the doctor and such) – there is not much left over for me.  I do have a couple new t-shirts from races I did this year though so that has helped the wardrobe.  I have a great team that helps support me with race reimbursements – but that just isn’t enough to pay for a new bike.

So here I am begging and pleading with my friends and family – and I ain’t too proud to beg.  J  I have made it easy – just click on the DONATE button – click it and donate.  So easy!  Thanks for all the support you have shown me in my riding and racing endeavors – I love it!

UPGRADE!

Wahoo!  I upgraded to CAT 3.  This is such a great accomplishment for me.  My first year racing and I upgraded.  I hope to be able to continue on this great adventure.  Next my goal is to upgrade to CAT 2. 

I had my first race with the Pro CAT 1, 2, 3's last Saturday, September 24 - the Harvest Moon Crit.  I don't love crits, mostly because I have not had a lot of experience with them - I have only raced 6 crits this year.  This was my first race with Pro's and my least favorite type of race - I was SO nervous!  My goal was to finish the race and not get lapped... I did even better then that!  I had such a great finish, I was able to stay with the peloton and finish with them!  I finished strong and stayed with the group the entire time - never got dropped!  It was a wonderful day - being able to race with some of the best women racers out there and finish only seconds behind them.  This is going to be a great season as CAT 3!

LOTOJA

Well I survived!  I even did well, I had a fantastic time.  Time 10:41:26

This is me and my teammate Amber at the finish - how great do we look after 206 miles?  We have thought about next year - and are not sure if we will do a relay - or if we will ride it solo again to get an even better time and finish.  Those relay teams were having so much fun - getting to stop at the Feed Zones and have a picnic.  We will see - we may want to do a team relay and just try for the fastest relay time.

LOTOJA

The count down starts - we are just days away now.  I have to admit I am starting to get a little nervous.  I need to remember to eat and drink a lot.  Will my body start to refuse what I am trying to feed it?  Gotta pace myself - 206 miles is a LONG way.  Will I be able to nail the hills and stay with the group?  Will the feed zones go smooth?  I pray for no flats.  So much to think about.

I want to do very well and finish in under 10 hours.  I feel like my training has been great, I think I should be ready.  So I just hope that all goes smooth and I am able to stay strong.

Sanpete Classic

Well I am now convinced I am cursed with 2nd place.  I landed another 2nd in the Sanpete Classic.  I thought I had this one - but I started my sprint to the finish just a little too soon and just couldn't hold it.  Now I have the strength and abilities - I just have to work on the tactics of racing.  I am learning though.