Ride Rock Hill

Well, we arrived in fashion. 5 bikes, 12 wheels, and lots of other "stuff" that was either shipped or flown.  Our hosts didn't know that we would take over their garage.

The new velodrome in Rock Hill, SC is such a beautiful facility.  Owned, built, and operated by the city of Rock Hill.  We were told that they have around 410 people that have taken the certification classes in just the couple months they have been open.

 I guess they will be building a YMCA next door- talk about grass roots cycling!  Oh, and, there will be retail shops and restaurants  that will have patios that overlook the backside of the track.  Cool!

 After flying into ATL late on Monday night, driving to CLT super early on Tuesday morning, we arrived at the velodrome to build bikes and take a spin.  Greg is working overtime this week as husband, chef, mechanic, and bike racer.  Yes!  He is racing too.

 This is a shot of Greg on the home straight.  Thanks to Giordana for sponsoring this velodrome... and Greg's team Rocky Mounts/IZZE!

 How lucky are we?  Our hosts this week happen to be our great friends- Stratos, Margarita, Christiana, and Dino.  We have known Stratos for years and he was the chef at our wedding.  He now owns 5 restaurants in Charlotte that happen to be delicious!

So, Tuesday we were exhausted but managed to 1-drive to CLT, 2- build bikes, 3- ride the velodrome, 4- get settled at host house, 5- build more bikes/wheels, 6- eat at Ilios Noche, and 7-fall asleep quickly!

Wednesday we had an early track training session and then headed up to Lake Norman to celebrate Greg's dad's birthday with him.  Home cooked meal on the lake with Rosemary and Vennie... and cake... yes please!  We also managed to avoid getting mugged when I accidentally stopped in the hood for gas on the way home. I need to remind myself that I have left the bubble of Boulder and need to be slightly more aware of my surroundings.  :)

Today has been chill since we needed to catch up on sleep.  After meeting one of my favorite non-Exergy juniors (Addy Albershardt) for coffee, we will head to Giordana HQ to say hi to some folks, pick up Mark Tyson (our coach for the weekend) at the airport, we will have another awesome dinner at Ilios Noche tonight and we will be ready to go fast tomorrow!

Ready?

What has five bikes and twelve wheels?  A trip with Greg to the new Giordana Velodrome in Rock Hill, SC for US Track Omnium Nationals!

But first- NoBo Crit!  I revised my travel plans to make sure I didn't miss the classic North Boulder Criterium.  One of my favorites of the seasons and definitely the most professional run race in Colorado.  As always, the women's field showed up in numbers and in talent.  Several of the top US teams were represented- Exergy (of course!), TIBCO, NOW/Novartis, Kenda, Vanderkitten, etc.  With a slightly disappointing finish, I ended in 2nd to Alison Powers of NOW/Novartis after she put in the major solo attack with 1.5 laps to go.  After a quick dip in the creek to cool down the legs, it was time to head home and continue packing.  

The professional pictures of the race can be found HERE.  Thanks Dejan for all the great photos!

P.S.- thanks to all my friends and neighbors who showed up to cheers!  That was so cool!

So, back to track racing: The revised schedule puts Omnium Nationals a few weeks before Track Nationals in LA...more racing equals more fun and a test of the legs.  Unlike many cyclists, I have the chance to race my bike year round with the International calendar of track racing.  It is tough to not get much of a break...but I just really love to race.  The Omnium is six races in two days.  A nice way to start my long track season that will include Elite Nationals, World Cups, Six Days in the Netherlands, and the World Championships.

Well, walking out the door for my first flight of track season with my Felt TK1 Endurance, Zipp 808s and Super Nine disc, Speedplay Track specific Zeros, Catlike helmets, Oakleys...and lots of Pearl Izumi kits...what more could a girl want!  Getting my sprint back and looking forward to using it!

If any of my friends/family are around, we will be racing Friday/Saturday of this week at the www.giordanavelodrome.com (Rock Hill, SC just south of Charlottte, NC) and then Sunday at Grant Park (Atlanta, GA).  Come say hi!

Cheers!
Cari