April Showers

Dear weather,
Enough is enough.  I appreciate that you held off for the Fair Hill Spring race, but your relentless pursuit of dampening the trails and consequently my spirits needs to cease.  You are bumming me out.

View from Ants Pants, best b'fast place on South Street

Napkin on and ready to eat.  Don't want to mess up my sweater.

This cheers me up

Fair Hill was awesome despite a lousy start and being over-dressed.  Monkey took off like it was a cross race and I didn't warm up until 4 miles in at the Appleton Road underpass.  People shouted at me suggesting that my pace was more casual than race, so I passed a girl and tried after that.  Looking forward to a few more of these before cx season.

Sally borrowed a 29er from Keswick and joined me for her first proper mountain bike ride.  Halfway through, I upgraded her from beginner to intermediate. Yes, I possess such powers.  Don't cross me or I'll downgrade you.

Sally owning the single track downhill

Welcome to the mud club, Sal.  

Anyway, she is a natural and I hope she sticks with it so we can grow our Dirty Girl ranks.  Yea Sally!

Saturday I rode with an awesome little group before the 2.5 inches of rain wrecked the day.  After the group went home, I ambled back on the yellow trail and found myself flying over the handlebars on the rocky descent behind the Inn.  Insult to injury: my bike landed on me after I landed on a rock.  My right pinky and left hip are a disaster.  Big giant purple bruise.  I'll spare you the photo.

Sunday, the rain relented but was replaced by wind.  It didn't matter to the Gearing Up ladies who went to Limerick to participate in the Girls with Gears ride.  There were about 20 volunteers and Gearing Up riders altogether which is something given all the cycling activities in the area that day.  Remember your first time riding a bike on your own?  That's what it's like riding with these women.  Such joy! Here are some photos:

Getting ready to roll

Jenn, Kristin and Kelly celebrate their accomplishments

"This is the best day ever!" says my buddy Kelly.

As if the bike ride wasn't enough fun....

Kristin checking up on the riders...or maybe their buddies?