bebackon…

My normal teammates decided this morning that we weren’t going to do the annual Blue Ridge Mtn Adventure Race – an event in north GA that I’ve done/been at for the last 4 years. Ironically, I received an email from an old friend last night who was looking for a replacement for herself on her team. Both her and her husband are great people and solid athletes, although they don’t race a lot. Since it’s last minute, the team spot would be complimentary…
hhmmm….

OR

The Raccoon Mountain Road Race is going on the same weekend. I had already told the Vixens I was committed to another race. But now, committments are gone and my schedule is mine for the planning. It would be a good first road race to do – I’m familiar with the course (riding it again tomorrow night) and it is a bit favorable to me (decent climbing which I’m pretty ok with, and the descent (my worst thing!) is not bad and I can let loose on it. Also… the Vixens are volunteering as Bike Valets at the museum Saturday and there is a big party that night at the museum – Cycledelic. (The race is Sunday).

hmm…

trying something new, while staying in town (and maybe getting caught up/ahead on stuff so I can play hookie the next week and watch the Tour de Georgia)? or… be gone basically all weekend, attend the reunion that is Blue Ridge, race hard for 8 hrs with people I don’t really know, then chill at the cabin (hot tub?!)

too many pluses and minuses for both to count. and there really isn’t a wrong decision (just a hard one!)
let me know what you think!

The Checkpoint Zero Adventure Race went well and my team, Charbon’s Outfitters, kicked some ass out there. We ended up finishing in 11th place in the coed elite division, after racing for 29.5hrs and nailing all but 3 checkpoints. a full race report will come soon – meanwhile, here is one pictures from race photographer Will Ramos. He’s got a gazillion pictures that are still being uploaded.

This week has been catching up with food, sleep, and trying to get stuff done around the house, but not being too successful. My friend Jim who has a bike tour company has been hosting one of his Slovenian tour guides, Luka, for the past few days, so it’s been fun showing him a bit of the local scene (it’s his first trip to America). I think all of us are ready to pack up and head overseas!

I’ve had two good road rides this week as well. The Tuesday Night Ride wasn’t much of a recovery ride for me, as we ended up climbing the mtn. Tonight I joined the Velo Vixens on a practice ride of the Raccoon Mtn Road Race route. I’ve joined the team too – hey, gotta try something new this year! It was fun and I held on to the front gals, but definitely need to get the whole drafting/paceline thing figured out soon.