A New Year

Goodbye 2012 and hello 2013! It's been a great year for me with my cycling and running. I think going forward I need to blog about both of these activities that I have grown to love.

I cycled 1860 miles and ran over 370 miles. I did my very first duathlon, got a new bicycle (pink and black - my favorite colors), completed 5 half marathons and became an official "Half Fanatic". A busy year indeed!

Time to set a few goals for the new year: I definitely need to blog more! I got so busy with everything else that my blogging was put on the back burner. I'm going to do my first (last and only) full marathon at the Little Rock Marathon in March. I want to do some more duathlons and I want to do my first triathlon if I can conquer my fear of being under the water.

I would also like to devote some of my blog topics to great ideas, things I've learned that might be helpful to others, neat places to bike or run and products that I love.

I'm looking forward to new challenges, meeting new friends and seeing my friends that I ride and run with. I hope to inspire many and at the same time, draw strength and inspiration from others.

~~To win without risk is to triumph without glory.
     Pierre Corneille

Carti Training Rides

The training rides are almost as famous as the actual Tour de Rock that it prepares you for.

This year I think they started a little later and didn't have as many as they did last year. I only managed to make 3 of them since I had other things on my calendar to do.

We always start on the NLR side of the river and head east with a different route every week. The mileage increases a little each time we ride. Most of the time I met up with Christy and Bob, but this year Bob has been in the front of the pack with some goals of his own. I usually get to ride with Christy and we catch up on things.

Saturday, May 26 was the last training ride for this year. The Tour de Rock happens in 2 weeks and will hopefully be my second century ride of 2012! Since Christy wasn't going to do the long route on this day, I decided I'd do it and see how fast I could do it. I did my 65 miles in around 4 hours which is fantastic time for me! I struggled the last 10 miles due to knee pain which cut down on my average pace some. Not sure what was going on with my knee, but I hope it doesn't happen again.

I'm excited about TDR. When I did this ride last year, it was my very first century ride! I'm sure we'll have to deal with wind, but I hope the weather is sunny! I just hope there's no rain on that day. The route has been changed up a little, and this year you have to be at certain destinations by certain times in order to be allowed to do the century. I'll keep my fingers crossed that I don't have any kind of bike or health issues that interfere with my plans!

Tour de Hoot

Saturday, May 19, I traveled to McGehee for this ride. This was my first "Hoot" ride and was going to be my first century ride of the year. The course if flat, except for the bridge crossing the river, and takes you to the Arkansas Post where you turn around and head back.

It was a beautiful warm, and sunny day with great rest stops! At Arkansas City, they had fresh melons by an old courthouse along with wonderful homemade cookies!

I rode with Brad and Susan from our ABC group, rode on "Joe and Ruth's Train" for a little while, and met Paul from Fort Smith who decided to do the century with us.

This was delta land, which I'm very accustomed to cycling on, it seemed like home with all the crops growing and the back roads. We encountered some fierce headwinds after the Arkansas Post while heading back in. Brad had some asthma issues and couldn't finish the last 20 miles, but Paul and I managed to make it! My first century of the year and his first ever century are now history!

This was a fun ride and I look forward to doing it again next year. It raises money for the local Boys and Girls Club which is a great cause. So many small, rural towns don't have organizations like this for our youth so I was glad to be a part of it and help in a small way.

ABC Baseball Ride

This is probably one of my favorite group rides! We met at Cooks Landing and rode our bikes downtown heading to Dickey Stephens Park for an Arkansas Travelers game.

I invited Jennifer and Tracy from work to go with me to give them a little taste of what I do when I go to different places and ride with other people. On May 14, we did just that!

We arrived at the stadium and had dinner there at one of the restaurants on site and I had my first ever fish taco. The service could have been better but the food was pretty good!

The ride back in the dark is always a little freaky since I feel like I never have enough light! We made it back safely and I think Jennifer and Tracy had a great time! Hopefully I can talk them into more rides!

Friday, May 18 was "Bike to Work" day and the three of us traveled to work on our bikes. We met up, did the ride, had our picture taken by the local newspaper and went to work. (Although we would have much rather taken the day off and just rode around!) After work, we got on our bikes and made our way back.

I bike to work often (40 + mile round trip) and enjoy doing it. I would love to see more people get out and do the same thing...they just don't know what they're missing :)

65 Roses Tour

The day, Saturday April 21. The place, Searcy Arkansas. The weather, COLD, WINDY and CLOUDY!! You expect it to be a little cool in April, but I was dressed for cold weather riding. I had on layers and my leg and arm warmers. Brrrrr!

The ride had great support, good rest stops and lots of friendly folks. This was my first climb up Joy Mountain and I have the t-shirt to prove it! This ride was very hilly! I wasn't really expecting that. You had the hills to contend with as well as heavy traffic on most of the highways involved. And when I say traffic, not only am I talking about regular vehicles, but heavy equipment as well since this area has been drilling for natural gas.

The last several miles, we had some strong head winds and I ended up riding with Jim, Susan and Janice. That really helped since I was starting to get tired from all the hills. There were some great chicken salad wraps after the ride and I visited with Ruth and Joe before going home.

I didn't do this ride last year because it was raining. This year the date was moved up and seemed to work out better. Hopefully next year when this ride comes around we'll have nice sunny and warm conditions. Overall, a great ride for a great cause!

Warmer weather means more riding...

March gave us an early taste of spring with some warm and sunny days. When I'm not running I can usually be found on my bike. It seems that I'm not on my bike as much as I was last year because the running has become something I love too, but in a different way.

I met up with Monica (also a member of ABC) for a ride on the River Trail on Sunday, March 25. This was our first time riding together and she is a really nice person and I had fun. We rode about 32 miles and the weather was sunny and warm. You couldn't have asked for a nicer day! There had been quite a bit of rain several days before which led to some of the trails on the NLR side being closed but we managed to get around it and still do our ride.

Tuesday the 27th, I came home from work and decided that I needed to go for a ride, so I rode 21 miles (did the loop from home to Holly Grove). Another nice, warm day. It's really unusual to get such warm temps in March. I think it went down on the record books as being one of the warmest in history!

The last weekend in March gave me the chance to run my 2nd half marathon. I traveled to Bentonville to do this and met up with a new running buddy Laura. On the way back home I stopped in Russellville so I could ride the Bona Dea Trail with Drake. It was less than 5 miles long but was a really shady ride and I got to see some beautifull cliffs. This was the first time for me to get on the MTB for this year. I hope to go back that way some time and try out some other trails if I'm brave enough!

The Carti training rides started up on April 7 and I had every intention of making the first one, but it just didn't pan out that way. I had my car loaded and everything packed but when the alarm went off and I had a headache and saw that the temperature was 46, I decided I'd have to start next weekend! It's probably a good thing I didn't go because when I took everything out of my car and put it up, I noticed my shoes were still in the closet! I can't ride with my shoes!! Oh well, sometimes things work out the way they need to ;-)

To make up for missing the training ride, I rode to Brinkley, to Holly Grove and then back home for almost 48 miles. Not as fun as doing the training ride with everyone, but riding is riding regardless of where you do it. It ended up being about 70 degrees, sunny and slightly windy. The wind was coming out of the east when I left and then on the way home it had changed to the north...right in my face! The last few miles felt pretty tough and I was starting to get leg cramps.

My plan for next Saturday (if the weather is good) is to do the Carti training ride and then on April 21, I will do the 65 Roses Tour in Searcy and hopefully make it up Joy Mt.!! What a "joy" that will be if I can do it!

January Ride

I was able to enjoy a Monday ride on the River Trail at the end of January. I had scheduled a Dr.'s appointment for that morning with the intention of using the rest of the day for riding. I'm glad it turned out to be a pretty good day weather wise. It was windy, started out sunny but then turned cloudy. The temps were around 60 but it felt cooler than that.

There weren't many people out which was nice. I rode from Burns Park, across the Big Dam Bridge, up River Mountain Road, then across Two Rivers Bridge into Two Rivers Park, turned around and headed back towards downtown Little Rock, went across Clinton Presidential Park Bridge, back towards Burns Park where I took a detour to climb Ft. Roots, headed back to my starting point where I then decided to ride the trails around the soccer fields to get more miles in. I rode a total of 31 miles and it felt great!

After dressing a little warmer, I drove to the Argenta Market for one of my favorite panini's, made a quick stop at Wal-Mart then back home. I'm really glad I took a day for myself to enjoy on the bike. Great way to spend a Monday!!



First ride of 2012 and new wheels

Finally! My first ride of 2012 and what a nice day for it. It was a bit windy (18-20 mph S, SE winds) but it was sunny and if you had on some layers, like I did, it felt great! Traffic was pretty light since it was a Sunday afternoon which made it even nicer. I managed to get in 21 miles - a short ride, but the longer rides will come later.

I recently changed out my wheels so this was the first time to try those out. I had wore out my back wheel on the trainer so I decided to get a training tire. Problem with that: I was going to have to have a wheel so I wouldn't have to change the tires out all the time. So I decided to upgrade to a set of Mavic Aksium race wheels/tires. I must say they felt pretty good! I think they make a bit more noise than my old set, but felt really smoothe...even on some of the rougher surfaced roads I was riding.

It's really nice to have some warmer temps in January! I think they are even calling for about a 10 day period of warmer than normal temps. I'm really hoping to make it to the River Trail soon. I miss riding there and I miss eating at the Argenta Market.  I've already been checking the calendar for bike events...I'm sooooo ready for longer days and more riding!!!

The Bike Trainer

This is how I'll be doing my cold, off season riding. On the bike trainer! Most people don't enjoy being on this thing, but me....I'll take it! I'd much rather be on this than be outside trying to ride when it's cold and windy!

I can't wait to see the difference when I start riding again in the spring. Will this really keep me in shape and keep me from feeling like I'm "starting all over"? I really hope so! Only time will tell.

Spa Ride

November 18, 2011 was the date, Hot Springs was the goal! It was a cool, windy but sunny day when we left Ferndale for a 50 mile ride to Hot Springs. There were several ABC members riding and we made a stop along the way for lunch (can't remember the name of the place).

The ride into Hot Springs was nice, it felt really great to be outside instead of working.  When we arrived, we checked into our rooms at the Park Hotel. We all met up for popcorn and drinks at the Arlington where some of us picked up our race packets for the Spa Run the following morning.

My hotel room was COLD and I had to ask for extra blankets and a space heater. I was glad I had brought warm PJ's and thick, fuzzy socks to sleep in! The group met downstairs for dinner that night at Angel's in the Park. Great Italian food! I can't wait to eat there again!

The next morning, some of us got together for breakfast at the Pancake Shop. It's a tradition for me to eat there any time I'm in town. It's a jewel! After breakfast it was time to head to the convention center for the run. Jim and Coreen did the 10K. Kenny, Melissa and I did the 5K. What a way to start the morning! After the run, we made our way back to our rooms to shower and pack up so we could head back to Ferndale on our bikes.

The ride back was cloudy and cool and ended up being about 47 miles. We stopped for breakfast/lunch at a little shop where I had a nice bowl of chili! This was a great weekend, and was my last ride of 2011.

With colder weather coming, it's time to do some resting, set new goals for 2012 and look back on how far I come this season :)

Arkansas Freedom Fund Challenge Ride

October 15 was the day for this ride and it started at the Clinton Library and went over the new Clinton Park Bridge. I had yet to use this new bridge over the Arkansas River, so I was pretty excited about it. 

The Arkansas Challenge is an opportunity to provide an adaptive cycling event designed to restore the mental and physical wellness of Arkansan Wounded Warriors. It is an experience that honors our warriors as they now battle their injuries of war on the civilian battlefield as they recover and reintegrate with the society they fought courageously for. The Arkansas Challenge has always allowed for riders to ride with the warriors to understand and talk with them as they support a positive message of encouragement and thanks.

This was a pretty leisure ride of 20 miles and took a total of about 3 hours to complete. We had many stops to wait for everyone so we could all ride together as a group. The ride took us through downtown, around by the capital, across the Big Dam Bridge, and on the River Trail north of the river. My friend Ruth came and we rode together and at one of the stops I came across several ABC riders. My cousin Ken with MEMS was there working the ride on his bike so I got the chance to visit with him several times.

The ride ended where it had started and Whole Hog Cafe provided delicious BBQ with all the trimmings. It was yummy! I had never had any of their BBQ before but I think I'll have to stop by sometime and have some more!

Ruth and me waiting to cross the BDB

ARKY 100

What a ride!!! This was going to be my 3rd century ride of the year. It started at 8:00 and I had heard it was hilly, and it was....the whole time!! I must say that this was one of the hardest and longest rides I've ever been on!

It wasn't just the hills...the wind was pretty brutal too! I ended up riding this alone...my only distraction was my trusty little Ipod. I really don't like listening to music on my bike, but I had a feeling that I might need it this day. I'm so glad I had it. Without having someone to ride with, it becomes not just a physical thing to overcome, but a mental one. There were long stretches of road that I never saw a car let alone another rider!

I stopped at all the rest stops except two. The first one and the last one are the two that I skipped. I kind of wished I had stopped at the last one though because I had several friends there and it would have helped me to talk to all of them, but at the point I was just ready to get DONE!

It took me nearly 7 hours to do, and when I got back to my car, my bike computer only showed 97.8 miles! WTHeck?? I was a little disappointed that it wasn't a full 100 miles, but everyone told me not to let that bother me - that it was the Arky 100 and I had done it. I could have rode around in the parking lot and got the rest of the miles in, but I just didn't have it in me! I was exhausted!!

With that being done, I still feel the need to get in that last, official "100" mile ride. I'll either do another organized ride or just do one on my own. If I take the route I use for work and coming home through Holly Grove, and do it twice...I can get it done. I'll just have to plan it out, and leave coolers along the route for fresh drink and food. It's just something I feel I need to prove to myself.

It was a beautiful, sunny and warm day all in all though. I had many people tell me that in years past it was always pretty chilly, and/or cloudy. I had a safe ride and never had any mechanical issues so I can say I was pretty fortunate. Next year when I do the Arky, I think I'll opt for the shorter ride and then enjoy a hamburger with my fellow riders at the end :)

The things I've done!

I haven't been so diligent about keeping up with my blog, but I'm going to work on that! I've done so many rides since the last time I posted! I've ridden with the ABC group many times, do a lot of riding on my own, and have done several organized rides.

One of my favorite rides this past summer was the Bikes Blues & Bayous in Greenwood, MS. I done the long ride which was only about 58 miles. I stayed all weekend and had dinner with some people from ABC both nights. It was a hot ride and we had beer and BBQ afterwards. I met an author, Scott B. Williams, and we did the ride together.

The new Two Rivers Bridge opened in August and I've had a great time riding across it. Drake and I even took a ride around so he could see it for the first time.

September brought the Conway Fall Classic. It was a good ride even if it was a bit cool. I rode 47 miles and had some fanatastic pizza afterwards.

September was also the month for the Big Dam Bridge 100. I rode 71 miles and it had some pretty good hills! I will say that while others got off and pushed their bikes up the hills - I never did! That was a BIG deal for me...the flat, delta land girl! I always meet great people and had a great time riding with new friends John and Chuck. After the ride, there was a big "block party" in the Argenta district for all the participants.  My goal for next year will be to actually ride the 100 mile distance.

October brought the ARKY 100. It was my goal to ride the longest distance. This was going to be my 3rd century. Turned out it was only 97.8 miles and I didn't have it in me to ride a bit more to get in the full 100. It was sunny, warm but VERY WINDY and HILLY! This was one of the most challenging rides for me both mentally and physically. I rode alone the whole time which was a first for me. I'm so glad I had my Ipod with me for a distraction!  So now, I'm going to have to find another ride to get in the last century for this year!

There aren't too many more rides left for this year. If I don't get another century at one of these, I'll just have to do my own! This Saturday I'll be doing the Arkansas Challenge bike ride with wounded warriors. Then I have to decide if I'm going to do Tour de Pumpkin or Tour da Delta....hmmm...decisions, decisions! Time to start thinking about new goals for next year :)

Lots and lots of riding...

I can definitely say I've been putting in some miles!  I recently joined ABC (Arkansas Bicycle Club) and have joined in on some truly fun rides!  I've met some really great people and I love having the option of group riding or doing my "own thing".

On July the 4th, we rode down to Riverfront Park and saw a truly spectacular fireworks show!  The weather was fantastic...it was mild, with a gentle breeze and the humidity was almost nonexistent.

On Monday, July 11, I met up with the group and we rode to the Argenta Market for a bite to eat and then to Dickey-Stephens ball park to watch the Travs play Frisco Tx. It ended up being only three of us, but we were joined by three other people later. I have never ridden my bike to a baseball game...what an experience.  This was only the second time I've ridden at night and had to use a headlight.  I'm loving it! It's exciting and a bit scary all at the same time! 

Saturday, July 16 was the YaYa's ride. We met at the Promenade for a ride to Paron and back.  The ride was a bit hilly but there was plenty of shade starting out. I met a cousin, that I had never met before, and we ended up riding together and talking. He is a fast, and very strong rider...I think if I rode more with him, I'd be better and faster :) It was a pretty hot day and I think a couple of the riders had problems with it.  When we returned, we had lunch at YaYa's and it was delicious!

The Wampoo Roadeo was held Saturday, July 23. I rode 63.6 miles and averaged about 18mph.  This ride is a fund raiser for the Marilyn Fulper Memorial Fund. She was killed last year when a motorist ran a red light at the intersection of Cantrell Road and River Mountain Road.  A sad reminder for me to get out there and enjoy life and live it to the fullest!

I've been doing a lot of riding on my own and I've also been going to Helena and riding hills with Hannah.  She is fantastic and so athletic!!! I'm totally in awe with her riding! It was really helped me to get in some hill training and I can already see the difference.  I still have a long way to go, but I'll eventually get there!

Next week I'll be traveling to Greenwood, MS for Bikes Blues and Bayous. This will be a relaxing ride - no 100 miler. There will be a few people from ABC going and I can't wait to meet up with some of the ladies for a good day of riding. I sure hope I can fit in some pool time ;-)



Tour de Corn

I did my second century ride in East Prairie, MO on Saturday, June 25, 2011. I woke up early that morning to the sound of thunder and pouring rain - not a good thing when you're riding a bike.  Lucky for me, the storm moved out and the sun was shinning by the time the ride started.  The streets and highways were still a little wet so I did manage to sling road grime all over my jersey.

The ride started off great! I met up with a guy, Barry from Cape Girardeau, that was attempting his first century.  We averaged almost 18mph during the first half of the ride, and then it came...the WIND! The wind was pretty fierce during the last half and we took a wrong turn which also slowed us down.  I remember him asking me what riding a century felt like and I responded..."The last 20 miles or so, you're going to feel like you're dying!"  And I think that's how we pretty much felt by the time we reached the finish line.  For me, this was harder than Tour de Rock...THANKS WIND :)

It took us 6 hours and 35 minutes to finish, which was faster than my time for my last century ride.  The rest stops were great, I didn't see any of the famous sweet corn on the cob that they had shown on the website, but I think that was because they had such a wet spring and they were late planting the crops.

 This was an enjoyable ride, and I can say that I will definitely be back next year!