Last Week...

Well, a couple weeks off the bike doesn't mean I stop traveling. Quite the opposite actually! Right now I am sitting in Carmel, CA but that blog post comes later.

Last week, I traveled with Pearlizumi to:

After flying into Houston, we had 2 hour car ride to College Station. Lunch anyone? Yes, we ate here and yes, it was good.

In the 48 hours that we were here, we had some true Texas culinary choices. It took my stomach some time to recover from this trip.

Interesting facts about the prop used in the wind tunnel.

Getting everything ready!
The machine!
I can't tell you how much more respect I have for Pearlizumi knowing how much research they put into their products. What I learned was pretty impressive. I loved the quality of their products before and now that I know the thought that goes into making their athletes the fastest in the world... I'm a believer!

That's all she wrote! What an awesome couple days with Pearlizumi. Thanks guys!

So close, yet...

My immediate reaction was to tear up. It only lasted about 3 seconds. No, it wasn't because I was so excited. It was because I was so close. So freaking close to taking a step on the podium at the Track World Championships. Yet, the reality is that I was 5th place in the Scratch race and I am fired up for more. I want it bad.

After the Points Race, I regrouped and reminded myself that the physical part was, for the most part, there. Now, I had one race in me and had the race brain activated.

It wasn't a fluke or lucky. I deserved to be in the top 5 tonight. I raced smart... was active enough to be where I needed to be... but also knew when to stop panicking and not waste energy I didn't need to.

I can't wait to see the video. There was plenty of bumping and a couple "I need a new chamois" moments. I owe the girl from Lithuania or beer/coffee/or whatever they drink there... she saved something major in the last lap (or 2 to go, I can't remember now). All I know is she was next to me sprinting, she got knocked, and then she had both feet unclipped and just hanging there. I don't know how she didn't go down but I do know I took a quick dive under her and then opened my eyes again.

The end was a like a keirin and I got a bit boxed in... didn't panic but couldn't make it out until the home straight. At this point, it was a bit late. 10 more meters and I am confident I would have been on the podium... don't know that I would be wearing rainbows but it's all hindsight anyway.

It's good ending to a long winter. I say it again... I am a bike racer and I thrive off that adrenalin. But, for now, the hard part will be cooling my jets for a couple weeks. It's been maybe 2-3 years since I have had a proper break. So, it's time to set the helmet aside and remind myself what rest means.

A couple photos from tonight...

My friend from Marietta, GA who now lives in Melbourne. Small world! Scott Gillies and his son, Austin. So great seeing them! (Kara- you are next!)

Austin as superfan! According to Scott he held this sign up the whole time I raced. If you know AUS sports fans you will know that this takes guts!

Ok... how to start my rest block? Well, the first thing I did was sit and drink enough water to hydrate a camel but yet just barely enough to squeeze out my 90ml for WADA.

How about a 3 hour beach ride tomorrow with Scott! Yes please Vitamin D. (Yes, Nicola, I PROMISE this will be the last ride!)

World Points Recap...

Real quick recap since I am full of adrenalin and won't sleep anyway.

The end result wasn't impressive. Last year I came in 6th in the Points Race at Worlds and this year 15th. 15th from 6th sounds like I sucked it up but that doesn't tell the story.

Frankly, I think I raced a much better race then last year. Much better. Last year I won the first sprint and hung on for dear life the next 90 laps. By the end, I was seeing stars. Somewhere in there I ended up with points in another sprint for a total of 6 points and ended 6th.

This year, I followed more stuff at the beginning but tried to be "smarter" about how hard to sprint. I missed out on points in the first sprint by one place and got 1 point in the second sprint. it took me a bit to recover from those opening 20 laps meanwhile a bunch of 4 lapped the field. After that I was setting myself well but not keeping that position... maybe setting myself up too soon? Maybe not physical enough to hold it? But, the key, was that I was thinking things through. I knew what the hell was going on... who were the players... what wheels to go with... etc. It just didn't work out. But, this statement doesn't end with the typical cyclists' statement, "that's just bike racing." No, champions are smarter then that and I will fight until I learn.

All the data was similar to last year. The difference was that last year I spent a winter racing my bike. This year, I spent a winter dedicated to trying to make the Team Pursuit squad. No regrets at all! But, I am happiest racing my dang bike and tonight I got the rush. The adrenalin hit me hard. Like a junkie, I need more! Luckily I have the Scratch tomorrow and I am stoked!

So cool seeing a high school friend, Scott Gillies, out there tonight. His new hometown is Melbourne and he has caught the cycling fever. Can't wait to have a chance to actually chat!

Super big thanks to the best USA Cycling staff ever. Alec and Woody are the best mechanics I have ever worked with... James, even though he is Australian :), is a perfect soigneur... and of course Neal and Ben keeping me level headed. Oh, before I forget, thanks to Dotsie (couldn't miss that voice), Lauren, and Jennie/Brandon for coming out to yell. I value your support. For all of you... I wish my result was more so we could rightfully celebrate. Tomorrow?

Ok... I think I will drown this brain with a sleeping pill so I'm not up for another 3 hours.

Friends...

I have been so fortunate in life to be surrounded by good people and, for the most part, be able to call them good friends.

Last night, here in Melbourne, I got to catch up with an old teammate and friend. Thanks for the good time Claire!

Another friend of mine also happens to be a teammate- Greta. Check out her latest blog on Cyclingnews.com. Such a competitor, inspiration, and cool chic. I met Greta when I was new to cycling and working as a pilot for the para-olympic team. Proud to call her a friend now.

Here is picture from that trip.

Racing started about 30 minutes ago here in Melbourne. My first race won't be until tomorrow night around 10:00 pm... it's only like 2 hours past my bed time. So, tonight, after all my physical and mental prep, I will now prep for the staying up late thing. I will try to stay awake tonight until 11:00. This might be the hardest training all week.

Catch a live stream of racing here.

360 View

Melbourne is one of the coolest sports crazy cities. I feel like the culture revolves around sports. It's possible that has just been my bubble of an experience but based on the percentage of news coverage that is sports focused, I'd put this city up against Houston/Chicago/Denver/etc.

We are staying right next to the "Olympic Park" which includes the AFL stadium, Rod Laver Arena (think Aussie Open), Hisense Arena (where the velodrome is), a ton of outdoor soccer and cricket fields, and even a Australian Sports Museum. It's a small walk to the CBD (Central Business District) where you can find culture, food, cafes, and entertainment. I've been told there is a large book store completely dedicated to sports close by in the CBD.

The video was taken from the bridge right outside our hotel. The first view is the CBD, then Rod Laver and next to that the Hisense Arena, and then the AFL stadium, and then our hotel.

OK- VIDEO NOT LOADING ON THIS SLOW INTERNET. I WILL ADD WHEN POSSIBLE.

Moving on...

Ok, onward and upward.

It's been a winter of ups and downs. There were moments I felt like myself and felt like I was fulfilling my potential. Then there were the other ones- ones I tried to explain, understand, analyze. I am lucky to say I have learned more about myself as an athlete in the past 4 months then I have in the past couple years combined. Unfortunately, the timing was not ideal. But, I move on. There is no room for "woe is me" attitude in my life.

It's obvious to my family and the ones who know me the best. When my blog goes silent, it means things aren't ideal in my world. Since I mainly blog about my cycling life, I am not referring to my personal life. Thank goodness I have a rock solid husband and marriage to balance out this roller coaster life of a professional cyclist!

The rest of you people may just think I am totally slack about writing in my blog. There is some truth to that but mainly I don't like to write negative things and I don't like to be dishonest about what's going on. I am far from a smoke and mirrors type person.

So, a quick catch up...

I was in Mar del Plata, Argentina for the Pan American Championships racing both track and road. For the first time all winter, I got to ride outside in shorts and short sleeved jersey. Thank you Vit D!

The city was situated right on the coast. Bright and sunny!

Now... now I am in Melbourne, Australia for the Track World Championships! I couldn't be more excited to race. I feel very fortunate for having this opportunity. Last year was my first World Champs and I walked away with a 6th place in the Points Race. I am looking for more (racing Points and Scratch) but don't feel any pressure or nerves quite yet. It's a good place to be.

Land down under. I found my gift to bring home to all my friends and family. Place your orders now!

Experience of a lifetime... an Australian Rules Football game! I can count this as one of the coolest experiences I have ever had while traveling for bike racing. I LOVE American football (Roll Tide!), LOVE soccer (you know my history), and Aussie Rules in the best combination of both of those sports. Me and my closet 90,000+ friends watched as Hawthorn beat up on Collingwood.

I'm on record as saying these are the MOST ATHLETIC men in any sport. Pure athletes. Love.

Ok, after a couple nice road rides along the coast and a full rest day... I'm off to check out the velodrome at the Hisense Arena. Here's more information- http://www.2012trackworlds.com.au/

Cheers!

It's not full circle...

But, it's something like that. More like, "You've come a long way baby!"

In 2006, I raced a bike my bike for the first time. In that same year, I bought a track bike and was addicted. My obsession with this new sport was supported by my husband to the point that we planned our next year's vacation to go watch Track World Championships in Mallorca, Spain.

So, in March of 2007, Greg and I rented an apartment in Mallorca. The week consisted of riding our bikes all over the island by day and watching the highest level of track racing by night. I learned events' names, USA riders' names, and the passion that fans have for this sport.

A photo of me at the velodrome in Mallorca.

A view of Mallorca's blue skies, white sand, and translucent water.

My first year on a "racing" team- America's Dairyland. One of our many beautiful rides in Mallorca.

Fast forward 5 years and I'm here in Mallorca again. This time, I am with USA Cycling at a training camp leading into the World Cup in London... the Olympic test event. Mallorca with a different view. Now I am riding with the stopwatch watching my every move. This time I'm more concerned about my next recovery drink then I am my next bottle of local wine. My friends and teammates are some of the same people I cheered for in 2007 just because they wore the USA Stars and Stripes.

Mallorca Velodrome 2012... from the inside.

Not the same weather I experienced in 2007. This snowy day was supposed to be the one day this week we would enjoy an outdoor road ride. They say it hasn't snowed here in 20+ years. Lucky us!

I don't know where this journey will take me. I wouldn't have imagined it would take me back to Mallorca under these circumstances. Wherever I end up, it has been worth it.

P.S. I have been here for a week and will be here about a week more. This is the first real internet I have had. If all goes well, check back from updates and more pictures.