I can go for miles if you know what I mean

Posted on by Lindsay
I like bike racing again! It didn't happen overnight; rather it was a progression from the Parx Casino Philly Cycling Classic through the Air Force Cycling Classic to the end of the North Star Grand Prix. But that's a story for another post (which is code for "unmotivated to write about feelings at the moment"), so instead here are some photos from the weekend. I would put them on Instagram, except that I am making a point to never have an Instagram account since it seems to really bother a lot of people that I don't. Sorry. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Vimeo, and Gmail will have to suffice. Oh, and it is not true that "bitches love Pinterest" because frankly I am ambivalent. Foodgawker, however, is another story entirely. Anyway. Photos from Philly: [caption id="attachment_5171" align="alignnone" width="600"] Scoots and I camping at the start line watching bemusedly as a dozen people frantically ...continue reading.

Disembarking The Sad Train

Posted on by Lindsay
If you read the last post here, you know that things this season have been challenging. There have been tears, defeats, disappointments, and a half dozen occasions in which I was chased by terrifying dogs on rural roads while thinking UGH JUST BITE ALREADY. It has been a difficult time. After coming home from the Joe Martin Stage Race, I intended to take some time away from racing to clear my head. I did take a break...if you consider the 12 days I was scheduled to be home prior to flying to the Tour of California Circuit Race a break. I went to California because the ticket was already booked and it was an opportunity that I felt like I shouldn't miss. It was a fun trip, so long as we don't count the hour in which I rode in circles with 108 other women while making unhappy faces and feeling miserable. Then ...continue reading.

This is a post I wrote a month ago

Posted on by Lindsay
Today is stage three of the Joe Martin Stage Race. I've written cue sheets, packed race snacks, laid out today's kit, and pinned race numbers. Also, I'm not racing. At the end of yesterday's stage, I jumped off the course onto the sidewalk 200 meters from the line, passed the finish area, and circled back to turn in my race number to the USA Cycling officials. "I'd like to turn in my number and withdraw," I said with conviction I didn't entirely feel. They looked surprised. "Are you sick?" one of them asked. It was a reasonable question, one I've asked myself over and over lately. "Um, yes," I replied, "in a manner of speaking." And that was it. Now I'm spending the next two days supporting my team from the sidelines before going home to regroup. Yesterday's race was a good note on which to step out; it was a beautiful day on ...continue reading.

A Month with Team Colavita in Photos

Posted on by Lindsay
[caption id="attachment_5084" align="alignnone" width="600"] Mary and I showing just how hardcore we are(n't) in our Rudy Project skull sunglasses before the Sunny King crit.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5083" align="alignnone" width="600"] The view from the Team Colavita service course at our house on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is not an inch of flat terrain in that region. NOT A SINGLE FREAKING INCH.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5085" align="alignnone" width="600"] We believe in representing our sponsors in a dignified and professional manner.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5088" align="alignnone" width="600"] Headed into Charlotte for the weekend to do some crits.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5089" align="alignnone" width="600"] Andrew and I were able to be together in Charlotte to celebrate our 6-month wedding anniversary. Despite having race obligations, we were able to take a moment to celebrate by having a massive pile of Italian food and a coffee date.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5086" align="alignnone" width="600"] A string of bad luck was punctuated (ha!) by a flat tire that left ...continue reading.

Learning Experiences From Today’s 4-Hour Ride

Posted on by Lindsay
1. Pack more food than you think you'll need. Carrying an extra gel that goes unused is not a hardship when the alternative is spending 3.5 hours wishing you had more food while looking at trash on the side of the road to see if it contains any scraps. 2. When you stop at a water fountain, test to see if it works before chugging the last of your water. 3. Bring money. There is never a bad time to have $5 in your pocket, especially when you are an hour from home with no food or water. 4. Use the 'pull your bibs to the side and squat' method only if you want to soak your shorts and glove in pee.

The flogging will continue until bliss resumes

Posted on by Lindsay
I was at a dinner party a few weeks ago and ended up in conversation with a girl I've always admired. While I was stuffing cookies in my face like there might not be food again (literally, I threw up a little in my mouth from being so full and then ate three more, nothing wrong here), she was telling me about doing hot yoga at a studio nearby and how it has really helped her both physically and mentally. Suddenly it came to me: I had to do hot yoga. Right then. Or at least as soon as possible. That translated to the following afternoon, several hours after finishing an incredibly cold, uncomfortable 3.5 hour ride. That's a good time to try a 90-minute hot vinyasa yoga class, right? I prepared by Googling "yoga tips" and reading them while eating the last third of a jar of Nutella. Armed ...continue reading.