My bike and the journey it has taken me on.

So, here it is, my bike. You've all probably seen it before and know that its not the lightest, newest or even the one loaded with fancy components. Its just a basic middle of the road Scott road bike. The journey it has taken me on however is anything but basic and middle of the road.

I think I have had the bike 4 seasons now. I would have to look that up to be sure but anyway that's not important. What is important is the story the bike could tell if it could talk. I have rode this bike 1000's of miles. Around 6 or 7,000 actually. Went through countless sets of tires, tubes CO2 cartridge's etc. It has always been there rain, shine, sleet, snow short rides or long epic 115 mile a day rides. Thanks to the guys at Vertical Earth I know that my bike will not be the one to fail, my legs, lungs or head might but not my bike.

I have been blessed over the past 5 years to meet some amazing people and form friendships that I know will last a lifetime all because of cycling. I have great memories of times spent out on the bike either in a race or just a group ride. Some of these memories get me through the times I feel like quiting in a race or push me just that little bit harder when I want to give up. For the most part though these memories are things I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Recently one of my friends and fellow racers was hit by a car from behind while out on a training ride. He is lucky to be alive but unable to ride his bike currently. I think a lot about him now, especially when I get on my bike. I don't let the fear of being hit consume me, I do however find
myself paying even more attention to drivers when I am out on the road. I also have thought a lot about how lucky I am to be able to ride my bike and what I would do if I couldn't. It would SUCK that's for sure. I can't even begin to think of how Ted is dealing with not being able to do something that means so much to him, and to have it be because of someone who wasn't paying enough attention while out on the road.

So, this post is for a lot of different reasons. I realize just how lucky I am to be blessed enough to ride my bike, be decent at it and most of all to have great friends who love the sport as much as I do. To some of you reading this it may not make sense to why I feel so lucky to have this bike but most of you will understand. This bike is more than just a bike, it is an outlet for my stress, it is a sense of pride and accomplishment every time I finish a race, and it is a great way to spend time seeing the beautiful area that we live in.

My New Job

Today I started my new job at Kootenai Health, but I wasn't actually working today and won't be for the next week. See at a hospital your orientation is a bit more extensive, I guess. I will be in the classroom for the next two days at least and then after that I will be getting some orientation on my unit. I am really excited to start a new position at such a great place to work. I wouldn't have thought that I would end up at a hospital in the rehab unit but here I am. Funny how when you are in school you think you will end up doing one thing but then it doesn't work out and something else does. I started out in out patient in another clinic in the area but just wasn't getting the hours I was hoping for, this position is full time which the other wasn't.

So hopefully tomorrow goes by quickly, it was a bit boring today but I guess sitting in a classroom for the entire day can get the way. I will update everyone as I can but am looking forward to the new venture.

Cyclocross Nationals Bend, OR

The final cyclocross race of the season took place in frigid Bend, OR on December 10-14. I raced on the 10th at 8:30 in the morning. My race was the very first of many which was kind of nice, other than the 5 degree temperature that greeted me that morning. I'm not sure if the nerves running through my body were what kept me warm or not but I really didn't feel all that bad out there. Waiting for the race to start everyone around me was jumping up and down, waving their arms around in some sort of effort to stay warm but I just stood there, not trying to be tough or anything, but rather just was focused and ready to go. I tried not to put too much pressure on myself going into this race but of course wanted to do well. Arriving at the start line with 40 other racers got my nerves going a bit though.

Jenni braved the cold and the early morning start time and took me to the race, while everyone else stayed warm and toasty in their hotel room beds. (Good idea guys) I was thankful she came out though, it is always good to have someone yelling at you from the sidelines telling you your position in the race. I got a good starting positon, by luck of the draw, literally. They did call ups by random number drawing and if your last number in your race number matched what they called you were up. I was lucky enough to get second row and that translated into a good starting position. I got a little hung up on the first corner throwing me back into about 20th maybe. Over the course of the 45 minute race I worked my way back through some traffic and ended up tied for 10th at the finish line. Not a bad days work for my first National Championship race. It was a blast and I can't wait to go back next year. Enjoy the pictures.