Plate number 65!!!!
Friday, 30 April 2010
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Nasty Corner
Long bit ot travelling, fly - airport - long fly - airport - fly - rental car fiasco - drive to Houffalize.....arrive at house in Houffalize at 1:30 am......can't sleep for 4 hours (hear Peters watch beep on the hour 4 times.....gonna toss that out the window (sorry Peter) if it does that again).......finallly a little sleep.
I think our place is haunted, I kept hearing a baby last night...freaky. It's a little ghetto, every wall, floor and ceiling is slanted in a slightly different direction...not exactly sure how it's still standing. Tonight....gravol maybe, neeeeed to sleep.
Had to drive back into Houffalize this morning (about 2 hours each way), return our rental fiasco substitute, pick up our actual rental and all our bikes (yup, 4 bike with 4 people and luggage will not, I repeat, will not fit into a little KIA).
It was almost 5 by the time we were able to ride, not too bad considering we didn't really get out of bed until 10:30 ish. 30 min spin down to the Houffalize, then decided to do an easy lap of the course....really tough, lots of climbing....and one nasty rock corner that claimed me twice in a row.....twist the front wheel, burp front tire (loose all air once), over handle bars....I'm okay, my kneecap took the brunt of it. Haha, yup, I'm hobbling around pretty good right now. Gotta go search for a spoke wrench and maybe some more stans....and try again tomorrow.
I think our place is haunted, I kept hearing a baby last night...freaky. It's a little ghetto, every wall, floor and ceiling is slanted in a slightly different direction...not exactly sure how it's still standing. Tonight....gravol maybe, neeeeed to sleep.
Had to drive back into Houffalize this morning (about 2 hours each way), return our rental fiasco substitute, pick up our actual rental and all our bikes (yup, 4 bike with 4 people and luggage will not, I repeat, will not fit into a little KIA).
It was almost 5 by the time we were able to ride, not too bad considering we didn't really get out of bed until 10:30 ish. 30 min spin down to the Houffalize, then decided to do an easy lap of the course....really tough, lots of climbing....and one nasty rock corner that claimed me twice in a row.....twist the front wheel, burp front tire (loose all air once), over handle bars....I'm okay, my kneecap took the brunt of it. Haha, yup, I'm hobbling around pretty good right now. Gotta go search for a spoke wrench and maybe some more stans....and try again tomorrow.
Sunday, 25 April 2010
Going to Europe!!!!
Finally feeling half decent after Guatemala gut....ya, a week and a half of ...ummmmmmmm, how do I put this.....poops, and really painfull gut rot. I ended up spending a number of hows on a number of different days on the phone with Air Canada trying to sort out my plane ticket, they had me arriving into Brussels on May 1, we raced on May 2nd and then I flew home May 3....ya right. I ended up cancelling my ticket all together ( I was told that I would be recieving a refund for my unused portion of my ticket....hopefully they honor that) and it looked like I wasn't going to be making it over for either of the first 2 world cups at all. Expedia came to my rescue...hehe, after a lot of searching I found a flight, not nearly as cheap and with United Airlines (so stupid bigger bike box fees) instead of Air Canada.....but I arrive in Brussels on April 27th!!!! Going to make Houffalize.
Actually I'm not overly disappointed with having to come home, being able to work through my guts and being able to hang out at home for a couple days. Yesterday, after my long wet training ride, both Regan and I were feeling pretty tuckered, lounging around in our pj's all afternoon...haha, nothing wrong with that right. Being that I've only lived on the island now for almost 6 months, some of which I've been away for work and racing, I still have sooooo much to see and do. So after a couple hours of pjing, Regan took me out to Sandcut Creek......wow, super cool.
Actually I'm not overly disappointed with having to come home, being able to work through my guts and being able to hang out at home for a couple days. Yesterday, after my long wet training ride, both Regan and I were feeling pretty tuckered, lounging around in our pj's all afternoon...haha, nothing wrong with that right. Being that I've only lived on the island now for almost 6 months, some of which I've been away for work and racing, I still have sooooo much to see and do. So after a couple hours of pjing, Regan took me out to Sandcut Creek......wow, super cool.
Haha, yes it almost got me!!
This one's for my Guatemala experience.....actually really enjoy Plantains :)
Ingredients
2 ripe plantain, the skins must be black
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
8 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
salt & pepper (optional)
cinnamon (to garnish)
Directions
1. Peel the plantains and cut them crossways into slices 2.5cm thick.
2. Lay each plantain on a large sheet of foil, keeping the slices together so they stay in their original shape.
3. Smear each plaintain with the butter (or dot it over if it's hard) and sprinkle with the sugar.
4. Make a gondola shape round each plantain with the foil, then pour over the orange juice and grind salt and pepper on top if using.
5. Wrap the foil completely round the plantains so they're securely sealed inside. (You can prepare to this stage up to 24 hours ahead.).
6. Put the foil parcels on the barbecue rack and cook for 30 minutes until the plantains are softened (to check if they're ready, open a parcel and test with the point of a knife).
7. Sprikle with salt, pepper and cinnamon.
Yup! I burnt it good.....tops tasted awesome
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
Sweet And Savory Kale
I was inspired by an appetizer side dish from local Spinnakers pub.....soooo good. I never think to purchase kale, but every time I eat it I rather enjoy it. So I quick trip to my favorite Red Barn Market to stock up on fruit and veggies, and what do I find.....Kale.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
4 teaspoons white sugar
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
4 cups stemmed, torn and rinsed kale
1/4 cup dried cranberries
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic; cook and stir until the onion softens and turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the mustard, sugar, vinegar, and chicken stock, and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the kale, cover, and cook 5 minutes until wilted.
Stir in the dried cranberries, and continue boiling, uncovered, until the liquid has reduced by about half, and the cranberries have softened, about 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with sliced almonds before serving.
Hehehe, sorry Regan.....I'm back....it's greens time again :)
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
4 teaspoons white sugar
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
4 cups stemmed, torn and rinsed kale
1/4 cup dried cranberries
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic; cook and stir until the onion softens and turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the mustard, sugar, vinegar, and chicken stock, and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the kale, cover, and cook 5 minutes until wilted.
Stir in the dried cranberries, and continue boiling, uncovered, until the liquid has reduced by about half, and the cranberries have softened, about 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with sliced almonds before serving.
Hehehe, sorry Regan.....I'm back....it's greens time again :)
And my luck keeps getting worse
Sooo, my Europe plans have taken a turn for the worse. My ticket to UK has been cancelled, with the only possibility to get there potentially after the World Cup. Air Canada has rebooked me on a pretty ridiculous flight to make the second world cup in Houffalize. Fly into Brussels on May 1 , race May 2, fly home May 3....right. I'm going to spend the week trying to call them and get that sorted out because I wouldn't even make it in time for registration.. I'll keep you posted.
I was supposed to be stuck in San Fran, but Air Canada did do something really nice for me and re-routed me through Vancouver....with an extended (week long) layover. So I am home right now....
Which is good, because I'll be able to go to the dr's and hopefully get my guts sorted out. I was actually pretty excited about going to Sea Otter, I had a great feeling that it was going to be a good race for me. But tuesday I ended up getting a really bad case of gut rot (from the sounds of it a lot of people are in the same boat as me, and some have actually ended up on antibiotics)....and was not feeling very good.
Short track was surprisingly good for how I felt...though I think I used up any energy stores I had left in my body and the XC on Sunday was killer. I spent up until 45 mins before the race either in the bathroom or curled up in the fetal position on the bed. Rick Batty ended up driving me up to the start and I got in a short warm up. Off the start, I actually didn't feel too bad, but half way through the second lap every muscle in my body started to seize up and I had to soft pedal into the start finish.....and sadly I pulled out of my first race ever :(
I was supposed to be stuck in San Fran, but Air Canada did do something really nice for me and re-routed me through Vancouver....with an extended (week long) layover. So I am home right now....
Which is good, because I'll be able to go to the dr's and hopefully get my guts sorted out. I was actually pretty excited about going to Sea Otter, I had a great feeling that it was going to be a good race for me. But tuesday I ended up getting a really bad case of gut rot (from the sounds of it a lot of people are in the same boat as me, and some have actually ended up on antibiotics)....and was not feeling very good.
Short track was surprisingly good for how I felt...though I think I used up any energy stores I had left in my body and the XC on Sunday was killer. I spent up until 45 mins before the race either in the bathroom or curled up in the fetal position on the bed. Rick Batty ended up driving me up to the start and I got in a short warm up. Off the start, I actually didn't feel too bad, but half way through the second lap every muscle in my body started to seize up and I had to soft pedal into the start finish.....and sadly I pulled out of my first race ever :(
Friday, 16 April 2010
The Otter yet again
This week has been a whirl wind of activity. Two days of travel coming home from Guatemala really kicked my butt...not to mention getting the travellers bug gut tuesday morning before getting on the roughest plane ride ever home from Toronto. It's funny too when I asked for a seat close to the bathroom, they ended up putting me in the farthest possible seat...haha, in the middle. I was the worst middle seat passenger ever.
Regan went in super early tuesday morning so he could take a couple hours off to come pick me up, and took all of wednesday off so we could hang out together as it's my only full day home until May 3rd....Thank You!!! and thanks to Pro City Cycle for letting me keep him for the day.
In amoungst my frequent trips to the loo, wew managed a great 3 hour easy spin at the dump, or as easy as you can go there.
Thursday morning bright and early I took off again flying directly from Victoria to San Fran....the direct flight is awesome, 2 and a half hours....uber short. Just sitting outside geeking out on my blog enjoying the really nice California weather getting ready for a spin on the bike. Tomorrow is the short track and sunday is the XC. The XC this year is interesting...not too sure how I feel about it. It's a really short course, only about 20 mins long, and all compressed into a little area (only for the pros, all other categories still get to do the fun long loop). It's a great spectator course, you can see almost the entire race from one spot, but it's really not very fun at all. Someone should smack me....I'm complaining about getting to ride my bike in the sun in California...hehe.
Regan went in super early tuesday morning so he could take a couple hours off to come pick me up, and took all of wednesday off so we could hang out together as it's my only full day home until May 3rd....Thank You!!! and thanks to Pro City Cycle for letting me keep him for the day.
In amoungst my frequent trips to the loo, wew managed a great 3 hour easy spin at the dump, or as easy as you can go there.
Thursday morning bright and early I took off again flying directly from Victoria to San Fran....the direct flight is awesome, 2 and a half hours....uber short. Just sitting outside geeking out on my blog enjoying the really nice California weather getting ready for a spin on the bike. Tomorrow is the short track and sunday is the XC. The XC this year is interesting...not too sure how I feel about it. It's a really short course, only about 20 mins long, and all compressed into a little area (only for the pros, all other categories still get to do the fun long loop). It's a great spectator course, you can see almost the entire race from one spot, but it's really not very fun at all. Someone should smack me....I'm complaining about getting to ride my bike in the sun in California...hehe.
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Saturday, 10 April 2010
Guatemala
So far so good :) Never been south of North America (Australia doesn't count) so I was pretty excited about being able to finally participate in the Pan Ams (no more final exams to contend with). Unfortunately, for reasons beyond my control and that don't seem to make much sense to me, I had to fly from Victoria to Toronto on one day and then from Toronto to Guatemala on the second day. 2 days of travel to get here was really tough on the system...and my posture. We arrived in Guatemala City on wednesday afternoon...and everyone on team Canada was missing one or two bags of luggage...they seemed to be taking a holiday in Miami. In my brilliant thinking, or lack of thinking, my bike shoes and clothes were in the bag that I decided at last minute to check instead of carrying on....and of course it didn't come, but I guess I was lucky to at least have my bike arrive. By the time we got to the hotel, settled in, built bikes, found a grocery store (2 hour walking in circles with bad directions) it was too dark to go for a spin. I guess it's not the best neighborhood to be out after dark :( Fortunately our bags arrived 10pm that night...yippeeee.
Course is pretty fun and fast, not very technical, but really really rough. The crazy thunder and rain storm we had thursday night did wonders for the course (though it cut out the internet and power :) You learn really fast that things work on Spanish time here, no one really knows whats going on, and when people start flocking to the buses or to food.....you should follow. It's a pretty neat set up, all the cyclists are staying at the same hotel (except the Americans), and all meals are provided and buses too and from the venue....there seems to be no rhyme or reason to how things happen sometimes but everything seems to get done. The meals have been great, a little on the small side and lacking a lot of color (very very very few vegies).....I do have to say that Guatemalans do know how to cook chicken.
So just sitting in our highly air conditioned hotel room, legs up, relaxing, recovering....waiting for supper. Tomorrow morning, we race at 8am...yikes.
Course is pretty fun and fast, not very technical, but really really rough. The crazy thunder and rain storm we had thursday night did wonders for the course (though it cut out the internet and power :) You learn really fast that things work on Spanish time here, no one really knows whats going on, and when people start flocking to the buses or to food.....you should follow. It's a pretty neat set up, all the cyclists are staying at the same hotel (except the Americans), and all meals are provided and buses too and from the venue....there seems to be no rhyme or reason to how things happen sometimes but everything seems to get done. The meals have been great, a little on the small side and lacking a lot of color (very very very few vegies).....I do have to say that Guatemalans do know how to cook chicken.
So just sitting in our highly air conditioned hotel room, legs up, relaxing, recovering....waiting for supper. Tomorrow morning, we race at 8am...yikes.
Coconut water is supposed to be great for electrolytes, which is essential down here. And it just looks cool drinking straight outta a huge fresh coconut.
Monday, 5 April 2010
Cyclingmagazine.ca
http://cyclingmagazine.ca/2010/03/sections/news/us-cup-racing-starts-this-weekend-in-fontana/
Interview going into Fontana :)
Interview going into Fontana :)
Friday, 2 April 2010
Oakley Rocks
Just wanted to say a big thanks to Steve Blick and Oakley for some wicked new glasses.
I've always loved my Radars and the women's version Endure, so I've never tried the jawbones out....but wow, they are pretty comfortable.....and the ability to completely customize it pretty cool too!!!! They make me feel fast !!!!
I've always loved my Radars and the women's version Endure, so I've never tried the jawbones out....but wow, they are pretty comfortable.....and the ability to completely customize it pretty cool too!!!! They make me feel fast !!!!
Oakley has some pretty cool casual women's glasses out this year too, super excited to sport the new Discreet (shown in the geeky pic below) and Deception this summer too.
Thursday, 1 April 2010
First big weekend of racing
Ya I know, I'm a little slow on the ST post. It's been a busy week, but I'm mutli-tasking very well right now.....drinking coffee, making super, doing laundry....so I thougt I'd do some blogging as well. Short track on sunday went surprisingly well especially considering our morning ride to the dissappointing Coffee Klatch I really didn't want to race...I totally would have been okay just hanging out in my pj's all day. Short track is definitely a good event for me, short and painful, and this course was well suited to me....not a lot of climbing. I got a second row call up, but had a great start and found myself in the top 6, which quickly split from the rest of the race. I found myself moving back and fourth in this group from 6th to 4th to 3rd to 5th....constantly changing. Halfway through Gary Fisher riders Willow and Heather split off the front and did a great job of team tactics pulling away from the chase group. In the final couple laps Kelly Emmett and I found ourselves in 5th and 6th, just out of reach of Georgia Gould and XC winner Lene Byberg. Kelly lead through the second last lap and I pulled out a head of her going through the start finish. Here I decided was going to be my only chance of stealing 5th place...so I hammered down, pushing the pace on the final lap. Beyond the first km it's a really difficult course to pass on, so I knew I had the upper hand against Kelly, but decided not to tempt fate and kept pushing myself....and was able to open up a small gap taking 5th place :)
Little disapppointed after the race, I hung around in my chamois (a clean one) for almost 4 hours waiting for podium (always excited for a US Cup podium)...only to find out after all events were finished and all podiums were done (ST men's being the last)....that Willow, Heather and Georgia had done their own podium right after the race (Lene had headed out right away and missed it regardless). Oh well, chamois time is training time right..hehe.
Huge, huge thanks again to Barry Near for everything he has done with the team, Trek Canada, this year. Love the kit, love the bikes, love the team...if you're ever in Toronto be sure to check out Trek Bicycle Store of Toronto on Yonge Street...it's pretty cool.
This past fall I did more mountain biking then I think I had done in the past 3 years, and super fun mountian biking...it's been great living and training in Victoria. After spending a couple months working in camp (gotta support my cycling addiction somehow), trying to get in any training time I possibly could (lots of trainer time), I've started working more closely with coach Steve Neal again and I'm really excited for the season. Thanks Steve for putting up with me all winter...I know my schedule is definitely a challenge :)
Next race...Pan Ams...Guatemala......sweeeet :)
Little disapppointed after the race, I hung around in my chamois (a clean one) for almost 4 hours waiting for podium (always excited for a US Cup podium)...only to find out after all events were finished and all podiums were done (ST men's being the last)....that Willow, Heather and Georgia had done their own podium right after the race (Lene had headed out right away and missed it regardless). Oh well, chamois time is training time right..hehe.
Huge, huge thanks again to Barry Near for everything he has done with the team, Trek Canada, this year. Love the kit, love the bikes, love the team...if you're ever in Toronto be sure to check out Trek Bicycle Store of Toronto on Yonge Street...it's pretty cool.
This past fall I did more mountain biking then I think I had done in the past 3 years, and super fun mountian biking...it's been great living and training in Victoria. After spending a couple months working in camp (gotta support my cycling addiction somehow), trying to get in any training time I possibly could (lots of trainer time), I've started working more closely with coach Steve Neal again and I'm really excited for the season. Thanks Steve for putting up with me all winter...I know my schedule is definitely a challenge :)
Next race...Pan Ams...Guatemala......sweeeet :)
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