tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293606812024-03-21T19:16:05.307-06:00Lianna Likes Bikes!Lianna likes bikes. Especially mountain bikes. She also likes good books, good powder, good ice, and geeky engineering-type things.Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.comBlogger169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-46200442611972808952011-06-22T23:31:00.002-06:002011-06-22T23:35:42.687-06:00Lianna Bikes Europe!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKL0aHdBxJuqBociVqWIKgvQxHjXzMK54gku5smtSn7RgEORr_H17pCdFhGDTp6012-L2xoi2o_3JE_9adZIKucksJKY_3p8of59sS46N5Ab-Lu4L9kgKk7wdpq2fiV4kQ4ancdw/s1600/9519_1230237441723_1402715603_30639751_1258699_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKL0aHdBxJuqBociVqWIKgvQxHjXzMK54gku5smtSn7RgEORr_H17pCdFhGDTp6012-L2xoi2o_3JE_9adZIKucksJKY_3p8of59sS46N5Ab-Lu4L9kgKk7wdpq2fiV4kQ4ancdw/s320/9519_1230237441723_1402715603_30639751_1258699_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621284694969248146" /></a><br />Hi all! As many of you know, I'm headed to Europe for a solo cycle tour. So, in honor of the occasion, I've made a blog just to detail the trip. Haven't heard about my travels? Head on over to: <a href="http://liannabikeseurope.blogspot.com/">Lianna Bikes Europe!</a>Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-4112040669611047472011-04-19T11:39:00.002-06:002011-04-19T11:48:58.837-06:00The travel bug bites!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuAnCqi7fub8GocZyxs8dPqeS9QpSRagypQQatjsRre478ejpfPQ7Jjoax7eCmCTHZNUkTKILQfctB4We1HFVBCbLaaP_VGJnTtFwG-78C1OCmePnVP0R1fcvJgyegmKCELRlrQ/s1600/IHOP+race.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuAnCqi7fub8GocZyxs8dPqeS9QpSRagypQQatjsRre478ejpfPQ7Jjoax7eCmCTHZNUkTKILQfctB4We1HFVBCbLaaP_VGJnTtFwG-78C1OCmePnVP0R1fcvJgyegmKCELRlrQ/s400/IHOP+race.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597353042293591442" /></a><br />The travel bug has jumped aboard and planted its suckers firmly in me. Soon, very soon, the academic semester will end, I'll finish grading the finals, and then it will be time to wander. <div>I have no specifics in mind, but I reckon I will squander my frequent flier miles and what little money I have to get myself and my (cyclocross) bike over to the European continent. I have only two stops so far: Cortina D'Ampezzo in the Italian Dolomites, and somewhere an old, local brewery. From there, who knows. Any recommendations? Any one want to join in the fun? </div>Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-3539685010556093592011-01-03T09:51:00.003-07:002011-01-03T10:09:09.444-07:00Christmas Break<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aH369MQzX-Rv5cw11GWSsPvnABSmCYm9TYtrUvn6R5tQvfSN_31ANYXamSfxgE2JKauv5Ey_urTqTkAhKiy2KaR91IvzJE17XCGX2_PVlArT9KbdN0ypywDgce1nt8l8iU_ubQ/s1600/IMG_4161.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aH369MQzX-Rv5cw11GWSsPvnABSmCYm9TYtrUvn6R5tQvfSN_31ANYXamSfxgE2JKauv5Ey_urTqTkAhKiy2KaR91IvzJE17XCGX2_PVlArT9KbdN0ypywDgce1nt8l8iU_ubQ/s400/IMG_4161.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558007476142436802" /></a><br />First off, it rocks to have a three week vacation from work over Christmas and the New Year. Yay, teaching! I spent the holidays lounging on a beach in Mexico, which for most people is the perfect vacation. But I won't lie, at first I thought this plan was going to be BORING. Lounging on the beach is not my idea of Christmas vacation...non-stop powder trees or long nordic treks are more my bailiwick. Not wanting to be the stick in the mud, I prepped myself to enjoy the trip. Lots of "when in Rome" kind of thoughts. And what do you know.....I had a great time. Largely because of the awesome company, but also, there was a profusion of really awesome dead things that washed ashore. It took us three days to figure out that the thing that looked like an unholy union of a head of cabbage, a horse heart, a jellyfish and some chicken livers was in actuality a sea slug. YUM!<div>Trips into the nearest town/village were both exciting and exhausting. Simple interactions like buying groceries turned into epic struggles to find the right words for chicken breast, shrimp, and coconuts. We almost bought a roll of polenta before we realized it was actually one huge tube of lard...wow. More pictures to follow.</div>Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-44065627482507992692010-10-19T12:58:00.002-06:002010-10-19T13:42:26.519-06:00Teaching Thermodynamics II<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1vx6UAfaUTdqxiA4SUv2o8kySxNkQ4lVifPWKZINHALHRJz6YIdbq92ZuOl4Hfp5qh2_0l8pZwyTYAEQnUGtCvBHxHTHbb4Bz-IIFdU264iHbNFqUvEjAxu4uRZNhV-NcNkFHw/s1600/funny-pictures-cat-survived-experiment.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 298px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529833802333345778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1vx6UAfaUTdqxiA4SUv2o8kySxNkQ4lVifPWKZINHALHRJz6YIdbq92ZuOl4Hfp5qh2_0l8pZwyTYAEQnUGtCvBHxHTHbb4Bz-IIFdU264iHbNFqUvEjAxu4uRZNhV-NcNkFHw/s400/funny-pictures-cat-survived-experiment.jpg" /></a> As many of you know, I've been out of the bike racing action due to an unlucky crash and a dislocated elbow. As I work my back into full range of motion (physical therapy is an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">exercise</span> in pain endurance), I've been busy with my new job: Teaching at the Mechanical and Aerospace Department of at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">UCCS</span> (University of Colorado at Colorado Springs). I have been pleasantly surprised with the level of devotion to the topic by the students, as well as the intellectual challenges to myself. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Thermo</span> is not easy to learn, and I'm discovering it's even harder to teach. But very fulfilling. And, I have a captive audience for my bad jokes. Ha!<br /><br /><div></div>Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-32433876537454283912010-08-09T11:33:00.004-06:002010-08-09T11:52:41.949-06:00Off the back...<div align="left">OK, OK, I'm guilty! I've been busy riding bikes and not posting in my blog. </div><div align="left">But I've got some pretty neat stories to share, so here goes the first one:</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Just last Tuesday I was out on a ride with my good friend (Sp)Andrew, who was visiting from the lovely Houghton, MI. Lately we've been having these wrath-of-God thunderstorms, and while we were out on the ride, another one brewed up. So, with lightening slamming into the peaks and foothillls around us every minute or better, we put our collective tails between our legs and rode the most protected way home I could find. We stood just inside the door, taking off wet helmets and gloves, when </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">BOOOOOOMMM!!!</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">I knew we'd just heard a tree blow up. We opened the door, and agreed that the chunks of tree hadn't been in the drive when we'd walked inside just thirty seconds ago. I was really curious to see where I'd come from, but the sky was still throwing itself at the ground, so we had to wait. Fifteen minutes later we ventured outside to discover our neighbor's tree split down the center, with half of it falling on the roof of the garage. Turns out our neighbor had been inside that garage when the tree landed on it.....very luckily the roof held. CRAZY!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503469017446333858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEA38cpPU7GLzreBCegY6z0tAAGpA7jW5k7xrIcfv7ZVqL0UjDlKRAS32H9fe-C-nlieEDwEqI3C1c1ozqvbRxx6tWsPXuqa2P4usBDpuOpfQLeFGG-iZcxwmKrRCO8sJAVDQdng/s400/lightening+next+door.jpg" /><strong><em></em></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><em>The remains of the tree as seen from our yard</em></strong></p>Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-30250583250625008472010-05-25T07:35:00.005-06:002010-05-25T08:27:27.943-06:00Travels and Riding: Colorado Springs to HoughtonYou know those adventures that you dream up when you're feeling trapped at work or school? The ones that take far too long to pull off on the measly two weeks of vacation most American jobs offer? Well, I just finished one. For the past four weeks, I've been travelling and riding, in both familiar places, and new. First up, Houghton. <div><br /></div><div>After <a href="http://liannalikesbikes.blogspot.com/2010/04/all-done.html">becoming unemployed</a>, I spent a week getting my world in order, sorting through paper from COBRA, the unemployment office, and the like. This was practically a full time job in itself. Then I set off in my trusty (rusty) 1990 Subaru Legacy (bet you're jealous!?). I took my leisurely time, stopping within the first couple hours to ride in Boulder with my friend Karl and catch up over a burrito with my friend Lindsey. That night I drove through a snowstorm in Wyoming and came very close to bogging my wagon down in the muddy road leading to my planned camp spot. Luckily, judicious use of the handbrake and a new set of tires prevented me from living my own version of Deliverance in BFE Wyoming. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then, I was off to see the sights! I'd never been to Rushmore, so I planned my drive to go the the Black Hills of South Dakota. While the monument itself was a sight to behold (see below), I found myself more impressed with the general landscape. The area is full of steep rolling roads that made me want to come back just for a long weekend of road riding....plus another week of mountain biking. Certainly I would plan such a weekend for no later than Memorial day; Although it was almost deserted when I pulled through in late April, the town of Keystone looked like it becomes an insane hive of tourists in full summer. Not so cool.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475204507100974738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegoVpk1qqgO1keySLCOLUUC3lbo1ukfGiwl-pJZttMzLxXnQz_fZlPJcVRf_s8Am8JPOMiKNNB1AF6ucw7j_DReJ0TD16icbj9pAOBrdCxQ5C4eS8MYDYDrMjDI21WJCt2NfHsA/s400/8May2010+007.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;">George's nose is twenty feet tall! When he blows his nose, does he have rock boogers? If so, they must be the size of boulders!</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">After 17 hours of driving, I made it to the Twin Cities, where I enjoyed the good company and hospitality of my mentor <a href="http://nickchope.blogspot.com/">Nick Chope</a>, and got to hear about qualifying for wave 1 of the <a href="http://www.birkie.com/">Birkie</a> from Tim Martin. Way to go, Tim! As nice as the Cities are, I was anxious to get to open water and sweet trail, so I hauled through the last leg of the journey to Houghton in time to drive directly to the trailhead at the Tech Trails and get a couple hot laps in. </div><div align="left">Now, I have to brag a little. Houghton is the center of one of the best trail networks and biking communities I've ever seen, and I've ridden quite a few places now. There is, literally, a group ride every night of the week, and weekend adventures regularly being planned at the group rides. I rode in Copper Harbor (pop. 70), home of an <em>incredibly</em> active non-profit dedicated to making and maintaining trails in the Harbor, the <a href="http://www.copperharbortrails.org/">Copper Harbor Trails Club</a>. They even have a full time trail builder, Aaron, whose work includes running a jackhammer to benchcut trail into the basalt, and making <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaEZA4txhOM">SICK bridges </a>on site with an Alaskan mill (I want on of these; Think of a chainsaw with about a 4' cutting surface, then put a guide around it so that you can produce fresh planking <em>on the side of the trail</em>. Now imagine all the bridges you could build with that...)</div><div align="left">Well, actually, when I say I rode in the Harbor, it's more like I got my butt kicked in the Harbor. Every time I go back thinking that I get to make a withdrawal from my I've-been-training-in-Colorado Bank, I get schooled by the local guys. Ah, humility. I wish you weren't so prevalent in my riding.</div><div align="left">Seeing as this entry is getting long, I'll save more for later. Next up, more Houghton, and on to beautiful Petoskey, MI. <br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475206051722716722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTp31FK7Y9R0NT9dpdYAaEysVwOBUF6Y9SPV-Vy6tJBNIASAz4HMO6YJJcGjccv3sv5jye6yaOb0SwSL8f2nsD2nJoDBXXjRq8KX6GkptyOKre5LNPmP3hNRdYUEyEIVchwlh2g/s320/8May2010+016.jpg" /> <p align="center"><strong><em><a href="http://www.absolutemichigan.com/dig/michigan/shop-michigan-gitchi-gumee-from-mackinac-island-press/">Gitchigumee</a>, otherwise known as Lake Superior</em></strong></p>Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-51837354545692131472010-04-16T13:49:00.002-06:002010-04-16T14:01:08.856-06:00ALL DONE!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoIcD1TeTzcpnJi7qVmNtX9crqjh0tVcjLN03eC-5WrdXBUfeJnpSnAAnxAMdVrC2T88UvxHla7_1ue70ExuzB30PqSwCFoNrZUxRKZLctppZkEUKOQTtAOFLsAXzMHfFH4XboA/s1600/high+fives.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460827755193654834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoIcD1TeTzcpnJi7qVmNtX9crqjh0tVcjLN03eC-5WrdXBUfeJnpSnAAnxAMdVrC2T88UvxHla7_1ue70ExuzB30PqSwCFoNrZUxRKZLctppZkEUKOQTtAOFLsAXzMHfFH4XboA/s320/high+fives.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Ladies and Gentlemen,<br />Today was officially my last day at Ingersoll Rand. I've been lucky enough to work with some VERY fine technicians, engineers, and folks in all sorts of other roles. I've seen great works and focus from the people surrounding me, and grown in the process. But I can also honestly say, that while I will miss the people, I am glad to be moving on from the eight-to-five of corporate engineering, and into the world of who-knows-what's-next. For now, I'll be expanding my coaching business and getting ready to teach engineering at UC-Colorado Springs. And in the very near future, I'll be on a road trip home; Look out Michigan peeps, I'm coming your way!</div>Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-63704040944057980022010-03-11T08:26:00.004-07:002010-03-16T11:48:23.334-06:00Adventures in nordic skiingOn Sunday I went for a quasi-bushwhacking nordic adventure up to The Crags, a popular summer hike on the backside of Pike's Peak. Turns out that the real adventure was in the drive up. We were happily making our way up a very snow-packed and (slightly) dodgy forest service road when we encountered the forest service vehicle. In the ditch. WAYYYYY in the ditch.<br />Also there were some Texans in a jeep with a high lift jack and a winch, as well as a couple SUVs of people coming down from the Crags. The road was actually two thin strips of packed snow surrounded by unfounded depths of wet powder. Doom for the trapped forest service truck and his bald tires. After about a half hour of unsuccessfully pulling and digging, the Texans go out the right tool for the job, the winch. At that point, we decided to back down the now decidedly sketchy road before the snow conditions changed anymore to the nearest turnaround.<br />Yeah, backing down a steep mountain twotrack with about 3" for error? Nail biter.<br />But with some skillful driving (Jesse) and not-so-skillful guidance on foot (Me), we managed to get halfway down, turn the car around, and park in the low lot.<br />From there, a lovely ski. And we found an elk vertebrae. Yum!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3snvlREKnefH6C-ACV_ovNwjZ2K5VQLKvN5Gd4VcEnYmlVR_gkGWbgX5mZyAWJg-BqKaa0jgMN9P2LuELp54L39DubSv42HlNF44kUqgEo3uRMjrjT8RfkFZ0Bk8jLXRntrd8A/s1600-h/nordic+7mar10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3snvlREKnefH6C-ACV_ovNwjZ2K5VQLKvN5Gd4VcEnYmlVR_gkGWbgX5mZyAWJg-BqKaa0jgMN9P2LuELp54L39DubSv42HlNF44kUqgEo3uRMjrjT8RfkFZ0Bk8jLXRntrd8A/s400/nordic+7mar10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447444882044667906" border="0" /></a>Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-80785939830996142222010-02-19T14:28:00.002-07:002010-02-19T14:35:43.216-07:00Credit cards and car loans?All done! <br />The day passed when all of my debt (except for my very low interest engineering school loan) was paid off, and I didn't even think to celebrate it. So, here goes:<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family: webdings; font-weight: bold;">HOORAY!!</span></span><br />It took a concerted effort on my part, but I kept my expenses down, built up an emergency fund (good thing since <a href="http://liannalikesbikes.blogspot.com/2010/01/for-most-americans-including-my-uncle.html">I am switching careers</a>), and paid off my debt. I sent in the last payment last week. A quick call today verified that my balance is zero dollars. Wo0t.Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-61333744927600214972010-02-16T10:27:00.002-07:002010-02-16T10:36:22.208-07:00Project Olympics<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucdFE7KIQOUkxLem-KfZ5hREc2e8CdkUUdxC_I2we0tMhcPJhZ-TREVtS4Uso6B5LP8nYef4jo-lxSomGi1kRxV9rykeW2u2e0HIKUa3ROAT5jI3rPYqdKoedAedIoAE1Y_vGwA/s1600-h/Vancouver_website.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 99px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucdFE7KIQOUkxLem-KfZ5hREc2e8CdkUUdxC_I2we0tMhcPJhZ-TREVtS4Uso6B5LP8nYef4jo-lxSomGi1kRxV9rykeW2u2e0HIKUa3ROAT5jI3rPYqdKoedAedIoAE1Y_vGwA/s200/Vancouver_website.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438896469420052162" border="0" /></a><br />I stumbled on an interesting idea today: Use the timeline and the inspiration of the Olympics to give you the energy to complete a major project. Strangely, I learned about this through the lens of the knitting community, which I have nothing to do with, but hey, the interwebs are amazing.<br />Anyways, the concept is, start a big project (like a fair isle sweater that the knitter was working on) at the opening ceremony, and finish it by the closing ceremony. Although I'm not starting with the opening ceremony, I'm going to use this opportunity to focus on the business side of coaching. I've written out my major goals, and steps I need to take each day to get there by the time the flame leaves Vancouver. Anyone else doing a Project Olympics?Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-18051727507877845992010-02-09T08:55:00.002-07:002010-02-09T09:17:24.121-07:00Don't Be Afraid to Succeed<div>This morning I was gifted with a great piece of advice; "Don't be afraid to succeed" said the man in the coffeeshop after I explained that I was really into mountain biking. Great wisdom is in that statement. It's as though we are afraid to truly excel, afraid to shake up our "this isn't so bad" lives, to change our "I'm doing pretty well" routine. </div><br /><div>As I approach <a href="http://liannalikesbikes.blogspot.com/2009/11/engineering-update.html">my layoff date </a>of April 15th, I am reminded what a great opportunity my engineering job is doing for me by going away. I am learning so much as a coach and a person, I can't wait to truly be on my own! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvzi6flikcnzJFk0PODkjfwnlJEFDvrtbPl-W9lJRKeOAm6jjtojOY9HD_YHu7OE5TTzki-jabD4RzvMdR9cn_lpamokVfB5kW6hKIDCb5IKgH-lEdrpV7xcAdYGu0owW1WgcCw/s1600-h/funny-pictures-cat-makes-a-note.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436278450324904226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvzi6flikcnzJFk0PODkjfwnlJEFDvrtbPl-W9lJRKeOAm6jjtojOY9HD_YHu7OE5TTzki-jabD4RzvMdR9cn_lpamokVfB5kW6hKIDCb5IKgH-lEdrpV7xcAdYGu0owW1WgcCw/s400/funny-pictures-cat-makes-a-note.jpg" /></a></div>Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-52756794652643638992010-02-08T12:38:00.002-07:002010-02-08T12:51:12.530-07:00USA Cycling Level 2 CoachLike life, the Level 2 Coaching Clinic recently held here in Colorado Springs gave more the more you worked at it. So, I sat in the front row, took lots of notes, and hopefully didn't annoy the instructors with too many questions. I loved going back to "school"! As a result, I am feeling even more confident in my capabilities and knowledge as a coach. I didn't realize until the clinic just how much experience I already had under my belt; Working with the Junior Talent ID camps, as well as having already coached an athlete through a very successful season has taught me much already. But the clinic was so much more than just classroom learning. I was lucky to meet and learn with many other coaches from around the country, as well as go on rides, show them the nightlife (well, you know, the Colorado Springs nightlife), and eat delicious food at the Olympic Training Center. <br />Now I'm busy applying all that I've learned as a coach with my growing number of athletes. Holy cow, this is exciting!Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-2341562184201568192010-02-03T18:07:00.003-07:002010-02-03T19:02:33.453-07:00How do you ski over sixty inches of powder?At the risk of sounding trite, don't stop. I did, once, on this epic weekend at Wolf Creek. I sank up to my chest. Didn't make that mistake again.<br /><div>Many thanks to my fellow Petoskian Kyle for being the most awesome dude and making the whole trip possible: Thanks Kyle, you rock!</div><div>The only downer? Hard to get photos when you sink in that deep. But here's a picture of the car (notice that we had to dig the doors out):<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434202545120528530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0333Pq8a8mJbkjP75Y9fKLZOR9ctXKR_mKDWbwZIsTsU7NxNChmzwRfy-0E4HfTHW9AjYiZ-AYqpQv_o8zPU-cjTdbUMgBQEwPowXG4PMZVoKDj0dX21ulg3f9PjLtBDiWRvnBg/s400/Wolf+Creek-20100122-4.jpg" /></div><br /><div></div>Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-54248717155759061422010-01-08T11:08:00.003-07:002010-01-08T12:19:16.703-07:00April 15th is coming up...For most Americans, including my Uncle Freddie, who is a very busy accountant, the Ides of April marks the tax deadline. But for me, this year, April 15th marks a life change. It will be my last day of employment as a salaried engineer at <a href="http://company.ingersollrand.com/Pages/default.aspx">Ingersoll Rand</a>. And I don’t intend to jump right back into the world of eight-to-five engineering. I miss the sunlight and my own free will too much for that. So, as I said in my <a href="http://liannalikesbikes.blogspot.com/2009/11/engineering-update.html">initial job-loss celebration post</a>, I’m expanding my coaching from my first experimental athlete (who killed it last season!!), to a full-time profession, as well as hopefully getting some income (and satisfaction) by teaching at the local University.<br />Since this is my first time starting a business, it’s already been a heck of an adventure, and I’m just getting started. What’s happened so far? <ul><li>First, I announced I wanted to seriously pursue coaching. Just doing that jump started my business-forming activities. Several folks have expressed an interest in me coaching them, and several more have given me leads, and lots of good advice and direction. Thanks guys! </li><li>Next, I called up several folks I know who are in the coaching business. I was initially afraid. What if they begrudged the time they spent giving me advice? Or what if (the tiny voice said) they didn’t think I could do it? Well, of course these doubts were unfounded. I gained even more advice and direction from this set of folks. Again, thanks guys! </li><li>Also I signed myself up for <a href="http://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=3157">USA Cycling’s Level 2 Coaching clinic</a>, which is fast approaching. I’m looking forward to the learning, networking (yeah, networking is not usually my thing, but nerding out about bike stuff is, so I’m pretty sure I can “network” with this crowd), and yummy Olympic Training Center food. </li><li>I have lots of documentation on my to-do list as well. Some things, like outlining my expectations for both myself and athletes, are already done. Other things, like getting into the meat of my business plan…not so much. And that is vitally important. </li><li>Also in the near future: meeting with a <a href="http://www.score.org/index.html">SCORE counselor</a>, getting <a href="http://home.trainingpeaks.com/">Training Peaks</a> up and running, and contacting several more people who have offered to help with advice and possible athlete recommendations. And then, countless other adventures and more stuff to learn. </li></ul><div><br />At least I know I won’t be too bored in my off season!</div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424449149308500018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpT63UAP5aUFBmF1fHGhutwm2DALTvA_f_k8PW_-dLsOOQmZJG-cvY5GAj9H9DyRT5oAS8yedEdJVormZHcR06f_Pl05MJt9fenwB3-Y1FQvBPwT2AV8-1jPjtDpdTlGnN8QKRw/s400/untitled.bmp" border="0" />Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-56553936024430235042010-01-01T11:04:00.003-07:002010-01-01T11:12:30.125-07:00Vacation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6LZlbpb2yoK2XS0WtzAcZuDNV4F4ZZSzSqX2xhCqTcR3bcYdPIMVkniDZZW_EruZ35ZZXALyIyHCV5pov7PEShQn0LyE9j1fDWt8I8xSUlsrku0_2Q0niOaap9E_gCtadK9mPQ/s1600-h/IMG_4295.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421835226587922866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6LZlbpb2yoK2XS0WtzAcZuDNV4F4ZZSzSqX2xhCqTcR3bcYdPIMVkniDZZW_EruZ35ZZXALyIyHCV5pov7PEShQn0LyE9j1fDWt8I8xSUlsrku0_2Q0niOaap9E_gCtadK9mPQ/s400/IMG_4295.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Sorry about the lack of posting, I've been way out of he land of wifi; I’m currently in a vacation house in Sedona, Arizona. The weather is currently inclement, but I’ve managed to get a couple rides in. The flowing trails of Courthouse Butte satisfied the desire to challenge my ability to keep momentum, and the Chimney Rock trails have rocked the directly-out-the-back door-of-the-house-we’re-staying-in aspect. And then when it started snowing, I hiked up to a Vortex, which is apparently a new-age center of spiritual power. I don’t think I was properly tuned to pick up whatever vibrations were coming up, but I did get to test out the coefficient of friction of my Shimano dirt jump shoes on slickrock. More to come soon. </div><br /><div>Oh, and Happy New Year to all!</div>Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-75560182972877745802009-12-17T11:44:00.002-07:002009-12-17T14:37:30.929-07:00The Off Season (a.k.a. Awesome Season)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7igfP_yq8Kw6TTD8V_Edxmov26m1dyYh3p7uTMrA58ashLxyZe8Zf0nUcfZBwITdht98Njq5ce0Ly3x0FRVH25OtgAVpjEH65Vpu8n4zCJhb73h6UVEh9ioGrZYC9EbLTF6QOg/s1600-h/funny-pictures-cat-has-snow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416322400544096674" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7igfP_yq8Kw6TTD8V_Edxmov26m1dyYh3p7uTMrA58ashLxyZe8Zf0nUcfZBwITdht98Njq5ce0Ly3x0FRVH25OtgAVpjEH65Vpu8n4zCJhb73h6UVEh9ioGrZYC9EbLTF6QOg/s400/funny-pictures-cat-has-snow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Racing is done. Now it's the off season! </div><br /><div>I'm not excited to be off the bike. But I am excited to be free of structure; No training regimen, no specific orders for five whole weeks. Translation: I get to go skiing! and trail running! and play lots of racquetball! and all sorts of silly outdoors activities. Christmas tree cutting? Let's hike to the very farthest edge of the forest and drag the tree out. It snowed in Red Rocks park? I'm crunching through the snow in my hiking boots. We're overstuffed after the Thanksgiving feast and haven't even had the pie yet? The whole dinner party strolls over to the neighborhood elementary and commences a massive playground session. </div><br /><div>I love the off season!</div>Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-28978545774551174472009-12-06T09:01:00.005-07:002009-12-08T13:37:41.645-07:00New 'Cross Bike!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBykKGd0NXei6SbGPSrhjb_kngEr4duh00790nk5sglC0POWZ1_8w3L_LkgFKdHUkCAM19AR9e0fwTAr26ilwaDY0XGmlODG_sn2cJIGFFQk2MRObDaos3pnaHzZofEg_n-UJFQ/s1600-h/redline+mud+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412335967785782066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 311px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBykKGd0NXei6SbGPSrhjb_kngEr4duh00790nk5sglC0POWZ1_8w3L_LkgFKdHUkCAM19AR9e0fwTAr26ilwaDY0XGmlODG_sn2cJIGFFQk2MRObDaos3pnaHzZofEg_n-UJFQ/s400/redline+mud+002.jpg" border="0" /></a> It's ben a long time coming, but I finally upgraded to a <a href="http://www.redlinebicycles.com/bikes/cyclocross/2010-conquest-team">Redline Conquest Team </a>frame, built up with all kinds of fancy Shimano parts. Holy cow is this bike LIGHT and FAST. I've already had a great time racing it--see my last post <a href="http://liannalikesbikes.blogspot.com/2009/12/last-and-most-awesome-race-of-season.html">here.</a> Now it's time to move into snow season, rock the commute on my new rig, and enjoy some sweet nordic and alpine skiing adventures. I love winter.Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-43417154606976901952009-12-01T15:00:00.003-07:002009-12-06T08:51:19.456-07:00Last (and Most Awesome) Race of the Season!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-4ruRDk2InpyveARg_qzeCTwYFlYYJnVWhKQEHQsNV0T3QPW90x43EU1FlI2cet0WrvtXy_p_FJKBez6QHiLEnayE_YVJ7KnrD5Qe6b3v9ZxnKCQE1gLW8quuC733ZQqtODaWQ/s1600-h/Conquest-Team-F-thumb_300.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412151191398334130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-4ruRDk2InpyveARg_qzeCTwYFlYYJnVWhKQEHQsNV0T3QPW90x43EU1FlI2cet0WrvtXy_p_FJKBez6QHiLEnayE_YVJ7KnrD5Qe6b3v9ZxnKCQE1gLW8quuC733ZQqtODaWQ/s200/Conquest-Team-F-thumb_300.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Yesterday I raced my <a href="http://www.redlinebicycles.com/bikes/cyclocross/2010-conquest-team">shiny new bicycle</a> (pictures of my build to follow-This picture is just off Redline's website) on the sickest course of the season. It was the last race of the season, the <a href="http://www.americancycling.org/results/cross?eventId=391&resultsetId=1780">Colorado State Cyclocross Championships</a>, and Mother Nature finally delivered for me! How? SNOW, ICE, and SNOTTY MUD :)</div><br /><div>After several races that had potential to be snow races only to have them turn to packed in mud, I was despairing that I would ever have a chance to race the way I love it. And with temperatures in the 60(F)s early in the week prior to the last race of the season, it wasn't looking good. Then the temperatures plummeted. </div><div>I woke up Wednesday morning to a single digit weather report and I rejoiced. The thin snow of cold, empty air wisped down from the sky for the following days. By Saturday, I was looking at a course that had me seriously admiring the technicality of it. This course, loaded with off-camber snow, one very righteous descent, rutted packed snow/ice, and snotty mud rewarded the aggressive, the relaxed, and the just plain crazy. I know I felt all three at different points in the race. The race started, and I found myself sitting pretty at 10th of 22, way farther up than usual. For once, I didn't fade, holding my position, having a great time jockeying with a strong group, and being very stoked that I was staying with my friend Susan Prieto. Unfortunately, I paid the price for running the old style Shimano pedals, as the mud clogged my pedals and promptly froze into place (in Shimano's defense, this year's XTR pedals are head and shoulders better at shedding mud). I watched as my competitors powered away from me. Several times I tried to stand only to have my foot skate off the pedal and almost have a close encounter between my chamois and the top tube (scary!). But I persevered, telling myself that there was nothing to do about the pedals right then, so I should just concentrate on attacking and competing. All told, I ended up 15th, still a great place for me, and very happy. </div><br /><div>Congratulations go out to Lisa Strong, the new women's Colorado State CX Champion, and Peter Webber, who won the Men's open. And thanks to the Colorado Veldrijden Crusade for putting together a great race!</div>Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-61100423363342649132009-11-29T11:25:00.003-07:002009-11-29T11:43:22.971-07:00Engineering update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02lsIk9YA5U6TteEWEpVbSHaLNmSQ0h7X7DLVXJRobzTnOqH1Qt9LZb4muFP3CeX790cWAlXLhlXvk_QQxlAC2rRN_e_L15vHJmc5ujJpgHrAdseBk7o2wsCe1KsaoKV-NCoJeg/s1600/funny-pictures-kitten-rides-turtle.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409597677638642386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02lsIk9YA5U6TteEWEpVbSHaLNmSQ0h7X7DLVXJRobzTnOqH1Qt9LZb4muFP3CeX790cWAlXLhlXvk_QQxlAC2rRN_e_L15vHJmc5ujJpgHrAdseBk7o2wsCe1KsaoKV-NCoJeg/s200/funny-pictures-kitten-rides-turtle.jpg" /></a> I'm sitting in Pike's Perk with my mom and friend Jesse, typing on my new Netbook. Yes, a netbook. Against all sense of self-preservation, I bought an ittle-bittle computer on Black Friday. Thankfully we only spent about 15 minutes in the big box store buying it.<br /><br />Why buy a computer? Well, I found out recently that my engineering lab is closing April 16th, leaving me without a normal (engineering) job, and much worse, without my work computer.<br /><br />So what am I going to do? Run and get another engineering job so I can buy a spiffy new car? Hopefully not. I'm working to get two sources of income. First, I'm trying to get a job teaching at the University level (I knew I suffered through that Master's for something!).<br /><br /><br />Second, as a few friends know, I've been increasing my coaching knowledge over the last year. I earned my USA Cycling level 3 coaching license, and coached my first athlete throughout the season, as well as coaching at USA Cycling's Talent ID Camps. Now I am enrolled in USA Cycling's Level 2 Coaching clinic and actively expanding my coaching business. So, I will keep you all informed as I make the transition over the next few months. Wish me luck as I prepare for April 17th!Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-8434155408472532762009-11-25T09:11:00.002-07:002009-11-25T09:51:48.137-07:00Thanksgiving Holiday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllLJLfR8mFhAqIM9FyjkDX4QptqX4PH5SSjYNigrljfuUgjxJ2WhseGRMnQTwpIzMA2E8l7H9pS2Xes_ZkIHgz2NAeVeVwYSMIERT3E6Gx4lMSapWgU6DBkODZKIefX3YQyHmzA/s1600/icanhasturkey128392152237343750.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408084919394675650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllLJLfR8mFhAqIM9FyjkDX4QptqX4PH5SSjYNigrljfuUgjxJ2WhseGRMnQTwpIzMA2E8l7H9pS2Xes_ZkIHgz2NAeVeVwYSMIERT3E6Gx4lMSapWgU6DBkODZKIefX3YQyHmzA/s320/icanhasturkey128392152237343750.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This week my Mom is here in Colorado Springs, visiting and generally making the holiday happen. On the agenda: Having all the "orphans" (folks like me who live in the Springs but don't have family here to spend Thanksgiving with) over for a real, sit down Thanksgiving dinner, racing cyclocross on Saturday, and generally enjoying sleeping in for four days straight. Hooray!</div><br /><div>In other news, I've had a so-so cyclocross season. With just two more races left in the season, I'm fully motivated to make them count. I'll report back soon with race results.</div>Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-19210784435361704032009-11-09T14:58:00.002-07:002009-11-09T15:08:55.454-07:00Sickness + Racing = Pretty Fast, Actually<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6cWoEfTzH8o1bWyLxNaU-xKVXh2-z2q84ZnA2VOdftH4SaHQwbnwG1qsgNYeeuUXDspyo3g0yCRYQNznFwChQ_Iegg29g_13Cjq0SDMPq2frzyuvMtHhfm9W7R7nDztUPkqYoA/s1600-h/funny-pictures-sisyphus-cat-watermelon-water.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402229272542611986" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 389px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6cWoEfTzH8o1bWyLxNaU-xKVXh2-z2q84ZnA2VOdftH4SaHQwbnwG1qsgNYeeuUXDspyo3g0yCRYQNznFwChQ_Iegg29g_13Cjq0SDMPq2frzyuvMtHhfm9W7R7nDztUPkqYoA/s400/funny-pictures-sisyphus-cat-watermelon-water.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I've been in and out this cross season. In mid-October a really nasty cold put me out of commission with a gurgling lung (yeah, icky). Just last week did I feel like I was coming back into form, and I was stoked for a double race weekend. I did all of my race prep Friday night, ate a good meal, and went to sleep early.....only to wake up with a migraine and promptly relieve myself of that meal. Again, icky. </div><br /><div>And then I had a great moment. I thought, "I'm already at the bottom, anything I do today will be a win". So I drove up to Lafayette, entered the race, and got a respectable 14th in the Open class, right smack in the middle of the 3s (Categories 1, 2, and 3 commonly compete together here but are scored separately). Pretty darn good for a girl who couldn't keep her dinner down. Just goes to show you don't know what you can do until you try!</div>Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-77260258222088088592009-09-08T14:34:00.004-06:002009-09-15T14:51:29.776-06:00Fat Tire 2009<div align="center"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-Z6UuikFb61VR4P4-DVDo5kxBWO0iOONrjChoSTq0r3vgZNnXf6w1PUypIH68vTirLwou5cep85TpuHvx_bQeZMniZdDu64sfjdo4rfu96yh4GjXOv7FrklEfdVBVOlVxYk2tg/s1600-h/cart+crop.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381798346459074642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 322px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-Z6UuikFb61VR4P4-DVDo5kxBWO0iOONrjChoSTq0r3vgZNnXf6w1PUypIH68vTirLwou5cep85TpuHvx_bQeZMniZdDu64sfjdo4rfu96yh4GjXOv7FrklEfdVBVOlVxYk2tg/s400/cart+crop.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Yeah, drive that cart! Lisa, Wiggidty, Lumberg and I</span></em></strong></div><div align="left"><br />Let me give a piece of knowledge to you as a reward for reading my blog: <a href="http://www.keweenawadventure.com/index.htm">Copper Harbor </a>is the next mountain biking Mecca. Don’t believe me? Go and check it out for yourself.<br />Every year I snub my nose at the elite of Colorado’s races and instead fly back for this race that doesn’t even show up as a blip on the radar of the big name bike community. Why? Because the <a href="http://www.keweenawadventure.com/fat_tire.htm">Keweenaw Fat Tire</a> is hands-down the best race out there. You see, this race is about all the things that make mountain biking great. Not just racing. So, while it starts on a solid foundation of awesome by racing on some of the sickest and most flowing trails out there (and it starts at 2pm so we can all party hard the night before), it only builds from there. Because once the racing is done, there’s jumping off the dock into Lake Superior to clean up, all kinds of yummy food in the park (free!), the awards ceremony (and this year’s overall awards were beautiful – wheels constructed of birdseye maple rims laced with copper spokes and treaded with water rounded stones), and only then does the party just begin to roll. The bluegrass fires up on the awards stage, and beer flows (also free! Thanks <a href="http://www.keweenawbrewing.com/">Keweenaw Brewing Company</a>!). We dance the night away under the stars and aurora borealis until finally the band collapses and the community slowly drifts to bed, only to wake up the next morning for one last chance to ride the trails. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">All props to <a href="http://keweenawadventure.com/sam_raymond.htm">Sam Raymond</a>, the progenitor of Copper Harbor riding, and all the folks who have taken up the torch throughout the years...Tony....Nels....Aaron...countless others.<br /></div><div align="left"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381798356878069058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 317px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDGxEByBZ8vnYPzSvPGqNb6jP4mAusn0eaLXeEVaOtxZ0oiCc07iUETgRgiSRupB-Nip5sKB7RtZdgoNO_IEopPiBEvjxls_pKbdUnHURpy4is6jUs6TMreQNb_WgCIKjRxDkHg/s400/boys+crop.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Me and the hard working boys of Copper Harbor, Nelson and Tony</span></em></strong><br /><br /></div><div align="left">Oh yeah, I almost forgot. The woman who always creams me in this race (28 minutes faster than me last year) was there again. But this year I've been stepping it up a notch....and this race was proof positive for me; I finished four minutes and forty seconds behind her this year. And her time was two minutes faster than last year. w00t!</div>Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-80751266423127294562009-08-04T09:35:00.003-06:002009-08-04T09:56:15.673-06:00Mountain Bike NationalsSo, yeah, I got a middle-of-the-road seventh in the cross country race when MTB Nats were recently held at Sol Vista, Colorado. I was fine with that performance, because the next morning I went out and won the Super-D. Granted, they wouldn't let me race in Pro (since I don't hold a Pro DH or XC license), so I just won my age category. But I rode and strategized well, so I'm happy with my win.<br /><div>I do have a cool new jersey; USA Cycling gives you a Stars and Bars when you win at Nats. And if you win a gravity event, you get a sweet gravity style jersey. None of those sissy short sleeves and pockets for me! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLc_xsQuyfj6yf9Uf1wsE1vcQzhgLyVySq57iXHtigXFI_9Bf_W1Fx3fw15lWjbFSuCpHt41yPQbo5BXmcD1EHhj1CVoScv-nQcHUSCgtrRsbOFdkA2V49PiuSMdQrmuMnAVcxg/s1600-h/Nats+09+podium+crop.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366137599691393154" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLc_xsQuyfj6yf9Uf1wsE1vcQzhgLyVySq57iXHtigXFI_9Bf_W1Fx3fw15lWjbFSuCpHt41yPQbo5BXmcD1EHhj1CVoScv-nQcHUSCgtrRsbOFdkA2V49PiuSMdQrmuMnAVcxg/s400/Nats+09+podium+crop.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>I'll try to get some more photos, but for now, here's my lone podium shot.</div>Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-63120976763051340632009-07-14T17:32:00.002-06:002009-07-14T17:47:25.816-06:00Winter Park Double Race ReportI'm keeping it short today, folks. Lots of racing going on, and Mountain Bike Nationals is just around the corner (this weekend!), with Paralympic Road Nationals less than two weeks later. So, here's the skinny: Last weekend I went back up to Winter Park for another two installments of their excellent race series. Saturday was the Valley Point-to-Point cross country race. I knew going in that the course would suite me; Twenty-four miles with only 2,600 feet of climbing. So I pushed hard on every climb I ran into, trusting that none of the climbs could be that long. It worked, because even with a stop to fix a loose saddle (yah, not comfy), I was able to win my category. But I'm not gonna get too cocky about it--I was creamed by some of the 30-39 age group ladies. <br />The next morning was Super-D, and I had a great race. Michelle Rivera, the pro downhiller, was kind enough to pre-ride with me, giving me a much better sense of how fast different obstacles could be ridden. Back on the lift for the start of the race. I sprinted for all I was worth in the starting uphill straightaway, ending up with Michelle and Sage Wilderman, both pro gravity girls. Surprisingly, I was able to keep them in sight for most of the race, loosing time on the wide-open speed sections, gaining time in the sprints, and staying even through the quasi-tech rocks. I finished 50 seconds behind Sage, and 10 seconds behind Michelle....in just over 22 minutes. What an epic Super-D! <br />Sweet course, Winter Park, way to go!Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29360681.post-56901541496570911092009-07-08T08:58:00.004-06:002009-07-08T09:27:25.704-06:00Winter Park Super Loop Race Report<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEgZTcDH6mmZNKsWQ6eMxqsEQMca_Np4sV4JD88PqBKIw4LGmj6UTXssIJIDrzZhUgg0wM3xKpNeGCLYxIu7ruuAOE-qg5nicu4JJJLBMzFfma4S72uZwpcseuRfjJ58Yx5HzpQ/s1600-h/winter+park+crop2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356109270101773554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEgZTcDH6mmZNKsWQ6eMxqsEQMca_Np4sV4JD88PqBKIw4LGmj6UTXssIJIDrzZhUgg0wM3xKpNeGCLYxIu7ruuAOE-qg5nicu4JJJLBMzFfma4S72uZwpcseuRfjJ58Yx5HzpQ/s200/winter+park+crop2.jpg" border="0" /></a> I’ve been a racing fiend lately. The <a href="http://www.epicsingletrack.com/default.asp?page=Results2009/2009Race2.html">Super Loop XC</a> race in Winter Park was my first foray into the vaunted <a href="http://www.epicsingletrack.com/default.asp">Winter Park Race Series</a>. Let me report that the reputation is well-earned. There are heaps of volunteers out on course, the race is well-run and a reasonable cost, and the racers are very pleasant out on course. Oh, and it IS on Winter Park singletrack….can’t go too wrong.<br />It’s been awhile since I’ve ridden a course completely blind – no pre-ride. I’d looked at the course profile, so I had a rough idea how long each climb was. Unfortunately I didn’t know which climb I was on! Mentally it was tough to push myself without knowing where the tops of the climbs were. The mass start meant that I had no idea who was in my category, but I had plenty of folks out on course to ride with. I found myself settling into a rhythm, rather than constantly pushing myself like I did in the CTS Wednesday Night Race – see the race report <a href="http://liannalikesbikes.blogspot.com/2009/06/wednesday-night-cts-race-report.html">here</a>.<br />So I had a great time racing, but didn’t push particularly hard, and had no idea where I finished. I washed my (borrowed) bike and headed to my car to change and hang out a bit with Bobbi and Jon Watt. Pretty soon they told me there was free beer back at the finish line for racers. How did I miss that?? I headed back down for a beer and socializing, and while I was at it, I figured I’d check my times. I found my category on the results board, but couldn’t seem to find my name. That’s because I wasn’t expecting it at the top of the list. Yeah, I won my category. Random. They gave me a sweet pint glass to hold my free beer, yay! The overall wins went to Alison Powers and Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (better known as JHK).<br />To top off a fun day, I met some of my teammates from <a href="http://www.mafiaracing.com/">Mafia</a>, and other folks from Boulder for deliceous fish tacos before heading to my lovely campsite by the river. Ahhh, the good life.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHXYyznFoL51BP5t7cG0PCqJ3i2BjBcVU82T1mVCNmnXy603fFyzLJpbrsAmnp1snzbZrT9J2xUSR81BME0Y8B6-SCkO-CBmkn5H1qZk7IEMZWeM5MN2Jlvww-zLUpIMIQwuQxA/s1600-h/winter+park+crop1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356108989849637314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 301px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHXYyznFoL51BP5t7cG0PCqJ3i2BjBcVU82T1mVCNmnXy603fFyzLJpbrsAmnp1snzbZrT9J2xUSR81BME0Y8B6-SCkO-CBmkn5H1qZk7IEMZWeM5MN2Jlvww-zLUpIMIQwuQxA/s400/winter+park+crop1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong><em><span style="font-size:78%;">My nifty race winnings (and sweet team thermal!)</span></em></strong><br /><br /><br /></div>Liannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17263104287668555015noreply@blogger.com0