If you have done any gravel events in the northeast, you’ve heard of Rasputitsa. It’s become a legendary in less than the decade it has existed. Known for it’s remote location in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, it’s bonkers “Cyberia” section of unrideable snow, mud, and shots of maple syrup (or alcohol) served by an…
2024: Mad Goalz Yo!
It’s New Year’s Eve, and my annual goal planning is ON. Last year at this time, I could care less about cycling goals. VT50 killed all of that. I have this habit of reading The NY Times and they have an annual release of the “best advice” for the year. I really remember “just because you can do…
2023 Cyclocross Season in Review
My season, not the whole sport. If you’re still reading, get ready to hear about a truly sub-mediocre cyclocross performance from a menopausal woman. Still reading? Ok, well that’s on you. If you’ve read any of these blog posts this year, I apologize for all the bitching and moaning. If I had to characterize this…
No More Racing
I feels weird to type “no more racing” but it’s how I’m feeling lately. I think I’ve crossed over to a new phase of my cycling life. One where I am primarily driven by the love of riding, and less for the discipline and obligation of the workout or the training plan. Does that mean…
The Return of My Mojo
It’s March, there is still snow on the ground, but spring is near, and I’m actually feeling excited about bikes again. It took a lot longer than I expected and I had a few moments I thought maybe I’d just fell out of love. But giving myself some time to not care for a bit…
Yesterday’s Gone, Yesterday’s Gone.
It’s 2023 and it’s my annual post on how I don’t stop thinking about tomorrow. I have to admit, I haven’t fully thought out what I want to do with the year ahead of me, and I’ve done this often enough to know that nothing goes as planned. And what does go as planned, often…
The ‘Cross Season That Wasn’t
I’m too hard on myself, people have told me. But I don’t feel that way, really. I feel like that is the way to always be improving. But I’m not sure that guiding principle of self criticism and examination is serving me well anymore. I’ve entered 5 cross races this year, and I didn’t show…
The VT50 2022
Whew! I did it. But it wasn’t easy. Here’s a recap of the weekend. Drove up to Vermont Saturday afternoon to meet Laura, pick up my race plate, and register Laura’s car for crewing at designated aid stations. We talked about doing a short ride to loosen up but when Laura suggested we just press…
CX Distractions, VT50 Anticipation, and How to Taper Badly
I have a problem with FOMO. Also, I think cyclocross has become such a ritual in my life I’m not able to resist it, even when my goal ALL YEAR has been VT50. Not that the two can’t mingle, but it’s scrambled my focus. Today I did my second cyclocross race of the season, and…
Less than 3 weeks to the VT50!
I got the email from the race director last weekend: VT50 2022 – 3 weeks out. Shit’s getting real. My White Whale is nearly here. I feel like it’s all over but the event. I did my last really big ride last weekend, which was in truth quite a bit smaller than planned, but I…
Sip, clip, and go! 