Quiet Days

It’s been rather quiet in my world lately. Thus I haven’t had much to blog about.

The weather is spectacular this week here in Maine. A lot of good that does me with the sunset around 4:30 these days. No time for biking after work.

I’m fortunate enough to have a fitness room at my place of employment. Running on the treadmill a few days a week is helping to keep the weight off and keep my aerobic fitness. Today’s temperatures were in the mid-60’s so I ran outside instead in an effort to make the most of a glorious day. (it’s interesting to run on the same road I bike commute on. I seemed to be going so slow compared to even a slow speed on the bike.)

I managed a ride Sunday with a nice group of 10 others. We rode about 35 miles with an early stop for coffee. I really enjoy these late fall Sunday rides. They are very social and relaxing.

One of the riders Sunday suggested a ride to Freeport for lunch at Buck’s Naked BBQ. I liked the idea so much that I posted it on the CCCP Blog to make it happen this weekend.

I do have some other exciting news. I’ve mentioned a local racer by the name of Stephanie Chase a few times on this blog. I caught mention that she was looking to develop a Cat 4 women’s team in the area. When I pressed her on this, she said she would really like to make this happen. I knew a couple women that would be interested and also approached a few others who also said they were interested.

So there are about a half dozen of us who will meet with Stephanie next Tuesday to discuss the basics.

I’m terribly excited about this new chapter in my life. Not that I’d be good enough to win; that’s not the point. I just want to train hard and be good enough to compete at that level. If in the process I’m able to get a teammate on the podium, all the better!

My days will remain quiet for the next month or so. Then it will be time to hit the gym and the trainer hard in an attempt to be in race form in the spring.

What is ‘Cross?

You seen my posts on cyclocross from a spectator’s point of view.

Yesterday Stephanie Chase forwarded a comical video from her teammates, C-Todd, Seth, Kim and Tom, to enlighten everyone on what goes on in a racer’s mind during these events. Thanks Steph for forwarding it!

Enjoy!!

Women’s Ride Gathering

Friday night my women’s ride group combined with the SMCC women’s ride group for a nice dinner at Rivalries.

The evening started with a drink, or two, while Stephanie Chase talked about how women can improve their cycling.

Unfortunately Stephanie’s time was limited as we needed to move from the cozy little spot in the corner to a table in the noisy part of the upstairs area. With almost 20 women at the table there was no way Stephanie could continue giving advice to the ladies.

It was still a great evening and fun to get together. A great way to end a terrific season.

Downeast Cyclocross Race at Pineland Farms

It was a beautiful day for a ‘cross race at the Pineland Farms campus today.

The sky was so incredibly blue behind the bright folliage on the trees illuminated by an October sun.

Being a local race there were many to cheer on, including several ladies that were at the gathering Friday night:

Stephanie Chase, Chessell McGee, Susan (last name not known), Shannon Bryant, and Meg Moore.

We took many more photos that you can check out on our Flickr page. We didn’t shoot any video this time so we could cheer on the racers.

One of those racers included our friend’s son who raced the kids race:

His little sister did a great job cheering him on and ringing a cowbell:

I think that’s a wrap on our cyclocross races. There are many more that are taking place throughout the fall but for us, they are a little too far away. If there is a ‘cross race in your area, I highly recommend you get out there to support your local racers. And don’t forget your cowbell!

A Fun Friday Night Planned

I’m rather excited about tomorrow night.

Earlier in the year the woman who leads the women’s ride out of Saco and I teamed up for a combined women’s ride. We tried to make it happen again but it rained that day and we haven’t been able to find the time to reschedule.

However, the other woman came up with the idea to have a combined group gathering with a guest speaker, a local racer by the name of Stephanie Chase. She thought it would be nice to have Stephanie talk about cycling, training, nutrition, etc. It seems Stephanie started racing mid-life, which is rather fitting since most of our riders are mid-life women.

Stephanie a really nice lady, proving once again that cyclists are really nice people.

She asked that everyone come up with their own person answers to the following questions:

1. What are your individual cycling goals for next year?
2. What do you find are your difficulties in cycling?

I have my answers:

1. Break 20mph on group rides. Keep up longer on group rides. Build more strength.
2. Cornering and descending.

This should be a great time. It will be several of us gals sitting around and talking about cycling. What could be more fun that that??