Girl's night riding

Kristin and I headed out on the center trails tonight. It was a lot of fun and I really like my SS 29er Kyle found for me. I think I'm getting hooked!

We started with a little bit of time up on Hillside. Not too bad, I struggled a little in places, but for the most part I think my bike is geared OK for it.
After hillside we went down to Denman's. I really like it in there. Still need to get the courage to do some of the logs, but all in all I'm OK with most everything. Little Italy slows me down still too...those close trees at the top of the hill make me really nervous!
We finished out with what I guess is Squirrel's Nest and Rhythm (as Kyle tells me).

It was a fun ride and I hope to do it again soon! I'll try to remember my camera next time, and get a pic of my bike on here too.

Squirrel's Nest Time Trial

This Sunday was the Squirrel's nest time trial.
Alexa and I headed over to the race via bike and trailer as the race took place in the heart of Des Moines. It's great that we have this wonderful little trail system in the middle of the city!
Wow is she getting heavy! Not to mention she moves around a lot more and makes the bike jerk quite a bit. Good workout for me!
A good race turnout to raise money for CITA and the Price Vandelune Memorial Fund.
Kyle ended up with 6th place in the expert field and decided not to do single speed. He cranked so hard his lungs hurt!

Kyle coming around at the end of the lap. Notice the pain in the face.

Taylor towards the end of the first lap...check out that face!! Wife Beth off to the side doing what she does best...snapping a pic of the hubbs! Well second best...she's a darn good knitter, check it out here.

Jay Chesterman of Sioux City cranking on his single speed lap.
Taylor also decided to rock the single speed.
More pics here and here.

Walnut Creek Dolphins

The swimteam is another love of mine and enjoy it every time I go to work!

I have been coaching on and off since I was in college and I truly don't know when I will stop!! I'm kind of hoping some day that Alexa will be a swimmer like her Mom. I know...I know...I have to let her choose...but a Mom can dream can't she?!

Right now I work mainly with the 10 and under age group and the kids are just so darn cute. Last night at practice I was 20 questioned on my tattoo. One girl asked why I had a cross and I told her it was because I was a Christian. Her reply: "I'm a Christian too, and I don't have one!" I told her she was too young...this all coming from a 9 year old. She then proceeded to keep the questions coming...I think she was trying to get out of swimming!

Anyway...check out the link to the team site above and learn about my first love...swimming!

Yoo Hoo....

....Cyclones win!!!

check it out at: http://www.cyclones.com

yep still haven't figured out how to make the cool little underlined link thing....I need help!!

ISU vs Iowa.....

Who are you rooting for tomorrow?
After ISU's first 2 games it doesn't look good for us, but I have to say......GO CYCLONES!!!!

24-Hour...finally some pics

The 24-Hour race was Saturday and Sunday Labor day weekend. Kyle was one of the race directors and decided this was the year to totally relax! Him and Ron (another race director) decided to sign-up as a 2-man team so they could do a couple laps if they wanted. We had a ton of fun and can't wait for next year.

Here are Taylor and Kyle coming around for a lap. Taylor did the 12-hour portion solo and ended in 3rd place! Way to go Taylor!!

Taylor is first rider, Kyle following.

When 2 guys create a brotherly bond as these 2 have, they have no problem posing for unmentionable pictures! Beth (Taylor's wife) and I are really starting to worry about them!

Once again, we had the biggest fire in the camp. I even got video of Thad Neil jumping over the fire. I just don't have the cable to download it to the computer yet....sorry!!

For those of you that don't know Thad, he is the tallest guy I know in the cycling community and had no problem jumping over the fire. I just wish I would have taken a picture of Thad sitting in the Tot Spot chair....his knees were literally up to his shoulders! hee hee