It's all about The Dirt:

Here goes my Ironhorse Bicycle Classic road race experience:

The morning was sweet. Sun was a risin’, weather was perfect, breakfast was stomached well and my routine was intact. I was smooth as silk breaking into the day without jitters or any major breakdowns.

I prepped for the ride with my new kit (translation: Cool bike clothes that make you feel faster), scanned the bike and was ready to roll… on time. For me, that’s a miracle in itself. I really didn’t have a choice when the race doesn’t wait for me, but my friends will.

I wanted to warm-up with my ipod to some rippin’ music, but then I decided to be with my thoughts. I needed to center myself on this new fast feat of feet; 5,570 feet of climbing to be exact. I learned this new breath watching technique that calmed me before a hefty ride, so I put it into action.

Then the time factor crept in. I finished my warm-up with excitement and headed down to the start not totally knowing what time it was. 7:50 was race start and I knew that I needed to hustle. Time was ticking and my heart started beating fast, knowing that it was going to be close. I got to the spot and saw the groups all lined up, so I jumped a curb on my road bike (bad) and bolted to the start. Whew! I had 2 minutes to spare, trying to look cool like I planned it. The pros call it a “pro-start”, but my nerves were a rattled like a sweating amateur. I don’t think I’d do that again on purpose.

And we’re off! Cruising with “the girls” was amazing. Estrogen rolling thunder is how I describe the sound. 42 women in a pack all squeezed together whirring with the road in harmonious unison. The energy was definitely addicting and swept me through the Valley with ease. As we carried each other through the only flat section, the group morphed into different shapes: Ovals, squares and circles, all snuggled together like bugs in a rug. Some women got pushy (surprising, huh?) and one feisty chick sneaks into my spot within an inch of my bars, intimidating me to back off. I didn’t feel like wrecking (crashing) right out of the gate, so passing her on one of the climbs was definitely satisfying. Girls can get nasty!

As the group broke up on the first tough climb, one rider had an asthma attack. We were all gasping for air pushing as fast as we could up, but hearing someone breathing through a straw was rattling. And I thought MY body was crying for air!
I looked over to make sure she was okay, and she nodded a yes. This was the easy climb… I couldn’t imagine what the rest of the ride would be for her.

The rollers (translation: Small hills up, but not as much down) began with speed. The best part about this section of the race is that your heart gets somewhat of a break before the wicked, high altitude, 6-mile climb up Coal Bank Pass. I was with a pack of 4 women sailing past the touring folks just enjoying the ride. I picked up another water bottle on-the-fly from my husband, and then lost my chain and had to stop. I fixed it and hammered up ahead to catch my little posse, otherwise I would have been “behind” in my race game.

There’s a feeling I get after I’ve ridden mainly uphill for 29 miles or so and when I arrive at the Coal Bank climb, it always humbles me. At an altitude of about 9,000 feet to start, the body doesn’t quite function at optimum power. My head starts to mess with me too. A sharp turn begins the 6-mile climb, trying to suppress the feeling of dread that starts to wash over me.

How much can I put out? Will the climb go faster today? Have I eaten enough? Can I keep my thoughts in check?

The mental game begins. Drink. Eat. Power, steady but fast. Keep looking up. Strong legs. Stay relaxed. Positive self-talk throughout. Stand, sit and listen to waterfalls flow as I pass. Soak it all in… and then I was at the top!! A joy worth breathing for.

Now is where the fun begins. This is not for the faint-hearted. I fly down a mountain at 47 mph+ on a windy, twisty road with tight turns, no guardrails in places and descend 808 feet in 2 miles. It’s like jumping out of an airplane (I imagine), hoping and praying that everyone stays out of your way and your bike doesn’t spontaneously explode at any second. It’s one of the biggest rushes ever.

Back to climbing… again. One more climb. Molas pass tops out at 10,900 feet and kicks my butt! It’s deceiving because it doesn’t look steep and it’s not too long, but the body revolt starts to kick in: Crampy legs, achy back, lungs are tired, but morale can empty the tank. The climb begins with a hairpin turn and a gusty headwind EVERY time! The sharp wind in the face is enough to zap the energy out of my legs. I just always remember it doesn’t last and as soon as you round the bend, the wind calms. I felt super strong all the way to the top. I love to climb.

I topped out at Molas Pass with one more descent to go… the tough one. Winter was brutal on this road. Pot holes, ruts, rough asphalt, and blue circles painted everywhere to warn you of obstacles. I compared it to a mountain bike ride on singletrack where you had to pick a line through rough terrain. Trying to go as fast as I can, navigating through tight turns, people and freaky drop-offs. Danger at it’s finest… yes, I’m a thrill-seeking junkie.

The final stretch was the sprint to the finish. 3 hours 14 minutes later. My best time yet, and one of the biggest smiles ever.

Wanna join me next year? It’s a ride you’ll never forget…

Photos courtesy of Animas Media

Fear
“Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment.
The more experiments you make the better.
What if they are a little coarse, and you may get your coat soiled or torn?
What if you do fail, and get fairly rolled in the dirt once or twice?
Up again; you shall never be so afraid of a tumble.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today was probably the longest ride I did on my mountain bike without falling once. The only thing I changed was my fear. I wasn’t afraid at all today. I guess I’ve taken enough falls that I’m not “so afraid of a tumble.”

(bike art photo)

A wise chunk taken from “Working Within, Working Without” by Jerry Lynch and Chungliang Al Huang:

“In sports, exercise and life, negative thought patterns create mental and physical resistance that greatly hinder performance. Try the following test: Hold your arm out straight, while a friend tries to push it down. Resist the pressure as you say out loud, “I love my sport” over and over. Now change the phrase to “I hate my sport” and compare the strength you experience. Notice how much stronger you are, and how much better your performance is, when you vocalize “I love” – a positive thought pattern. How many of us, consciously or not, have a love-hate relationship with sports or exercise. You love the outcome of working out but hate the process. Hate running hills and you’ll create greater struggle, making it more difficult to get to the top. Better to say “I love running up hills; they get me in better shape on my way to becoming a better competitor.” In this way, you will experience rising up the hill rather than forcing your way there.

Affirmations are very important in the cultivation of inner talent; they are crucial in helping you to awaken to the Tao and living with its influence. Unlike visualization, which controls what you “see,” affirmations are the control over what you say. They are strong, positive statements about something that is already true or has the realistic potential for being so. To affirm means “to make firm” by using conscious, planned, positive words and expressions that help to keep you on track with your potential. Without them, the possibility of desirable outcomes diminishes. Affirmations are direct attempts to change patterns of negativity that, like a broken record, continue to repeat themselves. They are words that truly transform the quality of your life, opening you up to the natural way of sports and exercise, the way it was meant to be.”

A few of my affirmations:
- On climbing, my bond with the outdoors is crucial. I savor the view, soak in the sun’s rays, and breathe. If I fight it, then my breathing gets erratic. External scenery affirming.
- “I am worthwhile and competent, I have much to offer.”
- “I am feeling the flow of energy, and it builds inside of me with each breath.”
- “I can, and I get stronger.”
- “I’m in a position to strike and win on the bike.”

Go get it…

(dice photo credit)
(rock photo credit)

As a follow-up to a request, Chris Furer, Durango massage therapist specializing in bodywork, demonstrates the Silly Walk as described in Get your butt in gear.