tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20025955779363605462012-01-26T13:29:46.583-05:00Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.comBlogger3151100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-47452268164756457652012-01-01T16:35:00.001-05:002012-01-02T08:23:34.746-05:00

Sue, Frankie, Kelly Cline, Naomi, Joe, me, M, Steve, Zack. Erik behind the camera, and Consorto a late arrival. Day one, 2012: White Clay. 14+ miles. 18 donuts. 11 riders. 364 days and many more great rides to go!  Here's hoping everyone has a happy, healthy 2012.  I have a feeling it's going to be a great year. Thanks for the video re-cap, Zack. Love.

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-50530931042655749262011-12-23T08:15:00.000-05:002011-12-23T08:15:27.050-05:00

Every time I conjure images from last week's Bilenky race, I giggle.  This event should carry me through until the Spring Classic. Last year, I injured myself by relentlessly falling off my bike.  Once I got stuck in a ditch.  This year, I backed into this burning bit of hell and got a 2nd degree burn on my leg: Erik Silverson found the money spectating venue and captured the action in this

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-91000036885532406842011-12-14T16:25:00.000-05:002011-12-14T16:25:10.945-05:00

Yes, Jimmy Rock, it was a great season. "Jimmy, what's up?  A mechanical?" "No, I'm waiting for you." "It's a race, son.  Wait for no one!" "We're going to hold hands and cross the finish line together." I cried again just typing that exchange. I used to wish I was anyone but me.  Now, I wouldn't trade places with anyone. Merry Christmas and a most excellent 2012 to everyone.

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-84139749884351356732011-10-03T21:34:00.001-04:002011-12-22T07:32:09.605-05:00

Well, the pilgrimage to the motherland of cross exceeded my expectations.  Kaos, the boy, and I loaded up the Jetta and drove to Beverly...Mass, that is.  College Friends.  Cyclocross. Best view ever A large mid-Atlantic presence loomed around the vastly improved course.  Perhaps improvements could be attributed to the weather, but I think it was more than that.  Much of the course remained the

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-30162760964112181442011-09-25T20:18:00.000-04:002011-09-25T20:18:25.605-04:00

A few highlights that speak for themselves: Some tomfoolery after a morning of hard work. What a great race.  Thanks, Bryn Athyn College!  Thanks, Guy's Racing Club!

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-73385898206539987692011-09-19T21:24:00.002-04:002011-09-19T21:26:58.611-04:00

In the cxhairs.com is at it again with another brilliant video. What do you know about Baltimore? I know it's home to the best darn group of crossers south of the Mason Dixon line. 2011 Charm City Cross Day 1 from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo. The boy enjoyed 2 fine days and honed his tifosi skills. At minute 1:15 to 1:21 my progeny displays his special talent for tomfoolery and shenanigans.

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-88885052487229510932011-09-12T20:57:00.000-04:002011-09-12T20:57:32.279-04:00

So the boy had two successful days of racing Nittany. I wonder if he would consider doing my race at Charm City for me? Because this just in: Marla Streb registered for the 45+ race at Charm City. THE Marla Streb. You know, who rides for Luna. At least I've got a race goal--DON'T GET LAPPED. unday Cat 1/2/3/4 Masters Women 45+top Tammy    Ebersole    Evolution Racing     Marni    

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-14463330402459988712011-07-31T19:09:00.000-04:002011-07-31T19:09:35.640-04:00

Photo poached from Buddy--thanks! Mr. Vanderbacon outdid himself organizing today's Gentleman's Ride. Fifteen or so intrepid teams of 4-5 people embarked upon a 3.5 hour scavenger hunt in the wilds of Fair Hill, White Clay and surrounding environs.  The rules were dubious and course maps useless.  This was going to be a blast.  The event brought me back to my first group rides in the late '

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-18205246131956245802011-07-30T20:48:00.000-04:002011-07-30T20:48:14.579-04:00

Kelly Cline explains to his daughter the four seasons: winter, spring, summer and cross.  Local denizens could argue that the pre-season begins in August on those weekly evening rendezvous where you know what happens you know where and the official season opens in September.  I don't want to wait, so I declare it open season today.  And what better season opener than D. Lowe's Water Ice ride. 

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-35009633952238540982011-07-21T16:18:00.001-04:002011-07-21T16:19:24.154-04:00

So today's stage made the front page of the New York Times.  I felt compelled to chime in: Display Name: Mrs. ChipsLocation:   Philadelphia, PACommentThe racing this year has been exciting and replete with courage, especially from the likes of Johnny Hoogerland, Vino (before his femur-crushing crash), Phillipe Gilbert, Jens Voigt and the Norwegian army of two, Hushovd and Boassan Hagen. I burst

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-63136826268961006032011-06-26T18:43:00.000-04:002011-06-26T18:43:15.448-04:00

Lazy, hazy days of summer.  Highlights from last two weeks include numerous bike rides and a trip to NYC for the Bicycle Film Festival. I was thrilled to have a speaking part in the 2010 Bilenky Junkyard Cross film.   OK, it was only one line, but it was integral to the story and really captured Ryan Dudek's character. So, you're welcome. What has she gotten us into now? Publish Post Where's

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-52113229163851015182011-06-09T10:42:00.000-04:002011-06-09T10:42:40.844-04:00

Perhaps it was running into John Mutone at the Philly Bike race.  Or spending too much time battling Hoover on FaceCrack.  Or the general disgust I've harbored for authority since I was in Catholic school and a nun shamed me for having my shirt untucked during recess.  Whatever the reason, the following Public Service Announcement fills me with glee: Thank you citizen Neistat! Philadelphia has

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-51461382670242545412011-05-29T14:39:00.000-04:002011-05-29T14:39:51.946-04:00

Bacon does make everything taste better.  And biking makes life better regardless of temporary setbacks and disappointments.  The wallowing is over!  I got a little freaked out this month (May has just overtaken April for cruelest month category) over a variety of events including career implosion, tragic loss, and general malaise that seems to have started on October 28, the day my beloved Allez

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-3447272466774039662011-05-15T08:37:00.002-04:002011-05-15T08:44:55.618-04:00

I opted for yoga rather than a ride yesterday and encountered a teacher with a message.  She had tons of positive energy which usually would irk me, but on this particular morning I found it charming and vital.  Perhaps because it echoed a message I'd heard the previous evening about life being comprised of tragedy and joy; there's no getting around either, you just have to embrace both and be

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-9071583421315343582011-05-01T19:22:00.000-04:002011-05-01T19:22:45.532-04:00

The Sturdy Girls and Fatmarc were responsible for setting up a section of the course and I thought it wise to purloin Kuhn's idea to post inspirational quotes. While Kuhn went lowbrow and channeled Charlie Sheen, I went deep into the vault and called upon the sages of Caddyshack. The boy suggested "Fifty bucks he eats it."I opted for the more familiar: Today was Diane's birthday.  Happy B'day

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-54539233649805265942011-04-22T10:01:00.001-04:002011-04-22T10:06:03.462-04:00

Well, son, when people love a sport they come together and make a race.  They labor not for money, but for love.  Sometimes they make a race to remember friends lost; sometimes it's to make new friends or help friends who need support.  Regardless of the reason for creating a race, the best races are about love and not money. Fatmarc and DennisBike When was the last time you did a NORBA race?

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-35817435076713346622011-04-18T21:31:00.002-04:002011-04-18T21:35:16.780-04:00

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

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-6240471416901673712011-04-05T06:49:00.000-04:002011-04-05T06:49:45.543-04:00

Monday, April 4 saw the first Monday Sturdy Girl Ride of the season.  The club's flagship ride meets at the Italian Fountain behind the Art Museum and meanders at a chill 14mph through Fairmount Park East, into Chestnut Hill and down to Spring Mill before returning on the path into the city. Trees are blooming--must be Monday night ride time! About 16 women joined the season's inaugural ride.

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-37406319153886398342011-04-02T20:32:00.001-04:002011-04-03T20:35:54.614-04:00

For most citizens, opening day was last Thursday or Friday.  For me, it was today at my first mountain bike race of the season: THE International Intergalactic Global Open Mountain Bike Team Relay Championship of the Universe Including the Anti-Matter One. (There, That Should About Cover It.) Fatmarc, M, Naomi, Mayhew.  Eshter's on the far left.  Hi Esther! Another  IIGOMBTRCUIAMO(TTSACI) is in

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-55376788511712383092011-03-28T09:14:00.001-04:002011-03-28T09:15:38.181-04:00

Clearly not from around here So I jetted off to Belgium this weekend to participate in a brevet / cylcosportive ride called L'Enfer d'Hunterdon, where I encountered  77 miles of cycling heaven! Bikers means cyclists, right? Okay, so it wasn't really Belgium it was Lambertville, NJ.  But it sure felt exotic!  Over 250 cyclists meandering around a mix of dirt, gravel and paved roads nestled

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-29727424700848521682011-03-24T07:55:00.003-04:002011-03-29T16:06:58.281-04:00

Or at least civility. Last October, I went temporarily insane when some jackass jacked my beloved 2003 Allez Pro.  I regularly check craigslist and peruse the streets of South Philadelphia looking for it. Now, another beloved bike has been ripped from a friend in a home-invasion.  Kristin Gavin's first cross racing bike was taken from her home.  It's bad enough to have a bike stolen when out

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-88791753757622270462011-03-13T12:44:00.000-04:002011-03-13T12:44:16.438-04:00

What's with all this secret training everyone is doing?  I guess it's not so secret since FaceCrack posts boldly pronounce the day's workout.  Hill repeats! Intervals! LSD rides!   I'm so far off the back I'm in last season.  Oh well.  I can't wrap my head around taking this too seriously so I'm just going to ignore it and focus on fun rides.  I'll get back in shape eventually.  Today's Gearing

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-12512277426581189122011-03-06T21:32:00.000-05:002011-03-06T21:32:09.925-05:00

A few years ago, my father sat across from Magic Johnson on a flight to Vegas.  The product of this meeting was a handwritten note from Mr. Johnson wishing "Jimmy" good luck.  My father goes by Jim, so I assume it was intended for his grandson, Jimmy, aka "the boy." We picked up the framed Magic Johnson note on our way to the Bikes Belong event featuring Tim Johnson's ride to Washington D.C. 

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-30004832637930695932011-03-03T18:30:00.002-05:002011-03-29T16:10:51.513-04:00

Usually, the boy schleps to school on the R7 followed by a walk or bus ride up 17th street. Today, he tried an alternative mode of transport: At first he was skeptical.  What has that crazy woman gotten me into now?  Why is she laughing hysterically at 7 in the morning while delivering me to KG's house?  Has she seen this bike? It doesn't appear to stable from the rear. Brenda rode by on her

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-14128890184402439082011-02-13T14:56:00.000-05:002011-02-13T14:56:19.966-05:00

M and George prepare for a frigid ride Today Sally, M, the boy, and I rode down to boathouse row to meet Coach George and teammate Judi for a frolic with our youngest members, Kim and Rosie.  The girls are a welcome addition to the old lady coven and I look forward to getting to know them.  The sun emerged after 5 minutes of Rosie and Kim riding with us.  Cause? Correlation?  I'm sticking with

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-85276030659395062662011-02-01T20:18:00.000-05:002011-02-01T20:18:38.004-05:00

Who says the snow is a pain in the ass?  I say, "Bah!" Here are just a few things one can do to pass the time when the weather proves uncooperative. Cross Country Ski I was delighted to receive a call to action from Stacey Freyman for a cross country ski adventure.  A bunch of us gathered at Fort Washington State Park and forayed into the woods.  I only fell about 25 times.  Once I managed to

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-81527949757939397372011-01-27T18:45:00.002-05:002011-01-27T22:54:25.842-05:00

Apparently, that's how much powdery goodness the skies dumped on us last night.  I furiously tried to dig out the driveway, only to encounter a far from furrowed alley.  There would be no leaving by four-wheeled vehicle this morning. I was stir crazy by 3pm and decided to ride my bike to the sledding hill and see how the boy was faring. He was faring well: The boy is in the middle next to

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-75576028762606775902011-01-22T12:30:00.001-05:002011-01-22T12:31:41.125-05:00

My mind is going, Dave. Despite quadruple checking the Twisters Yoga schedule, I arrived for a non-existent class at the Erdenheim location. All dressed up with nowhere to stretch, I scooted over to the Ambler location for a Zumba class. I've never done Zumba and probably never will again. Evidently, I walked through a time warp and landed in a 1982 aerobics class with a Latin beat. I am way

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-789009930997792822011-01-16T14:04:00.000-05:002011-01-16T14:04:21.178-05:00

Finally! Cross weather arrived just in time for the last race of the 2010 season and first race of 2011. I had to renew my license to participate, so this is officially race #1 of 2011.  The boy lined up with the C men at 1:30 after the freezing temps had inched up to 33 degrees.  The frozen conditions of my 10am race had transformed into a sloppy, snowy, mudfest. Before: After: Close

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-79724336881069314402011-01-08T22:54:00.002-05:002011-01-09T09:39:48.842-05:00

The snow was not supposed to arrive until after the pre-prom ride.  Imagine my surprise when the flaky stuff fell aggressively at 9AM.  Sigh.  My stubborn refusal to drive to a ride had me on my bike (without coffee for God's sake) and on my way the movie theater lot.  When I arrived at the start, I feared imminent death due to cold. By the time we hit the woods, it had warmed up considerably and

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-3018064118231237312011-01-01T21:00:00.000-05:002011-01-01T21:00:15.804-05:00

Jimmy, M, and I crushing our way through the slop of slushy, muddy goodness Incongruity: snow meets fifty degree day praise be for knickers Despite errant fog my azure summer sky mind clearly sees the trail.

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-54285458332856506182010-12-26T15:13:00.001-05:002010-12-26T17:38:16.117-05:00

A crisp and dry 10:30am start evolved into a frosty finish by the time I arrived home at 2:15pm. I had considered driving to the ride, but realized that I wouldn't be able to live with the ignominy. Our little group before the flakes arrived Damien, D Lowe, Frankie, M, Jimmy, and Elizabeth joined the merriment.  We rode most of Belmont at a nice, steady tempo.   D Lowe regaled us with

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-5318305442350559852010-12-19T16:31:00.004-05:002010-12-21T08:01:38.923-05:00

It's a miracle that I'm alive to type this post. This was almost my fate Yesterday en route to the Fairmount Follies, I ran into a tree at the intersection of the Wild Mouse and Mighty Mouse.  A narrow passage between two trees proved too narrow for yours truly who biffed and received an egg-sized lump on my shin.  If that failure wasn't enough, my Mom Fail augmented my deficiencies. The treat

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-8022693149803478982010-12-13T21:03:00.000-05:002010-12-13T21:03:24.893-05:00

The boy and I attended the Neighborhood Bike Works Bike Part Art show which raised money for their programs. A friend who shall remain nameless had me in hysterics with her assessment of West Philly living. Suddenly, the restaurants weren't so appetizing. Neighborhood Bike Part Art Show from Ann Margrock on Vimeo. We got into all sorts of shenanigans and I ate enough cheese to keep a rat

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-48493444075671335822010-11-27T13:57:00.001-05:002010-11-27T14:05:40.532-05:00

Or so the sign beneath the Walnut Lane bridge tells me.  Professor Sapsford pointed out some of the more interesting graffiti I've never bothered to notice under the Walnut Lane Bridge.  (I corrected the spelling and punctuation in the blog title...if only I'd had a can of paint on me during the ride). Thanks, Professor.  What will our next lesson concern?  Perhaps ascending rocky terrain?  Ah,

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-20622787883598898752010-11-25T12:22:00.000-05:002010-11-25T12:22:41.977-05:00

Gratitude is not an emotion. Sure we can feel gratitude, but to express it effectively requires action.  I stumbled upon this super-pro video Juliet Shen (who also makes incredibly beautiful bike bags) made for Gearing Up.  Check it out, and then show some gratitude for all cycling has given you by joining the ladies on a ride or donating some cash or gently used bike parts and clothing.  They

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-45852647075356593352010-11-21T14:15:00.001-05:002010-11-21T17:34:27.055-05:00

I registered myself and the boy for the last MAC double header in Long Island but pulled the trigger at the last minute and opted instead for Plan B. Wise choice. I really miss the woods and my mountain bikes. Saturday, I broke out the Ferrous and joined Douglas, M, and Frankie on a tour de Wiss.  I love my big girl bike.  We encountered some interesting new creatures on our ride. NEWFIE ALERT

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-27083892473171453532010-11-14T13:57:00.000-05:002010-11-14T13:57:09.177-05:00

I defeated my nemesis, The Phelps School, on Saturday. I raced like a sick dog, but at least I finished. Unlike the last two years which were big giant DNFs. The boy lined up with the C Men and enjoyed a pretty good race. He admitted later that he was intimidated lining up with grown men, but I assured him that there's none tougher than the B Women he usually races with. GGGGRRRRRRRRRLLLL

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-65973089587416317272010-11-08T09:31:00.001-05:002010-11-08T23:02:31.944-05:00

I love New England. So does Jonathan Richman. I also love Jonathan Richman. This weekend will be stored in the bank and cashed in when I need a reminder of why life is awesome, and why cross is boss. I broke the boy out of school early so we could head up to Northampton in time for delicious pizza and hospitality courtesy of MegA. First, we stopped at the NOHO coffee shop where we ran

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-57508178343665565082010-10-31T20:10:00.001-04:002010-11-01T08:42:23.652-04:00

This weekend the great Beacon/HPCX Double Header competed for my attention against the Philly Bike Expo and rage over my purloined Allez Pro. I managed to focus on all three, with my main focus being racing.  I also wanted to attend the Rally to Restore Sanity in DC, but I got a hat instead.  Bikes before other forms of amusement. Darth Auer supplied his storm trooper minions with bitchin'

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-60640576865020523062010-10-28T20:31:00.002-04:002010-10-28T21:00:59.557-04:00

Dear fuckwit(s) who stole my beloved Allez Pro: I wouldn't care if you'd stolen my wallet.  But my 1993 Allez Pro?  That is personal, and I hope you rot in hell. Please know that in my chagrin I've enlisted the Pumpkin of  Justice to manage retribution against your nasty little deed.  I've also filed a police report and hope that Philly law will provide succor as well. I realize that it's just

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-81225174638027318232010-10-19T21:58:00.002-04:002010-10-19T22:01:26.627-04:00

... a lousy case of poison ivy. Apparently the boy found himself in a patch of poison nastiness while relieving himself at Granogue. Tuesday morning he couldn't open his right eye and respectfully declined the opportunity for education. I said, "No problem." If my face looked like this, I'd be running around in circles screaming like a roadie on a mountain bike ride.  I didn't tell him that.

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-57725865720044679182010-10-17T21:10:00.005-04:002010-12-22T09:44:29.077-05:00

Vampires prolong their selfish interests by sucking the life out of others. They take and take and take, without ever giving back. Vampires serve as an apt metaphor for people who take to satisfy their own needs without ever returning the favor.  Who are vampires?   People who go to church but never volunteer to make coffee after the service.  People who complain about schools, but never serve

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-58202428977104429202010-10-11T23:08:00.000-04:002010-10-11T23:08:19.116-04:00

Apologies to Andy Williams and "Music to Watch Girls By." A few years ago at the July Fair Hill race, I had Johnny Cash's cover of Neil Diamond's Solitary Man in my head.  A great song, but slow.  It compelled me to pull over and and drink a bottle of bourbon. Someone get me a hanky and that song some tempo! I always wonder what goes through people's heads when they race. Show tunes? Shopping

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-85303329172020208472010-10-06T08:11:00.000-04:002010-10-06T08:11:53.819-04:00

They let anyone in this race Don't bother showing up to this race unless you've not showered, shaved, or brushed your teeth. Hell, teeth are optional. I can't believe how much fun this event has become. Low key camping, hardcore racing on a really fun course, and great people. Well, the usual people. Who are great. I think I would lose my mind if I didn't have cross to look forward to. It

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-4077325841008989382010-09-28T21:39:00.000-04:002010-09-28T21:39:24.542-04:00

Me:  Look at all this swag!  Arm warmers, shorts, socks.  You made out like a bandit.  Boy: That's what happens when you win, Mom.  You should try it some time. Where does he get the scathing wit?  Must be courtesy of his father.  I finally understand the expression, "You reap what you sow."

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-73572658234292487242010-09-27T20:46:00.001-04:002010-09-28T07:03:54.375-04:00

Jimmy Rock Maurer--Series Leader! The wonderful folks of Guy's Racing (KJC is Guy's the C3 of the North or C3 the Guy's of the south?) put on what I consider a new and improved WhirlyBird race last Sunday.  Although the famed spiral of death or circle of doom or whatever sobriquet it went by no longer exists, there were plenty of twists and turns to make for a great course. The boy and I had as

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-65567295936783205622010-09-19T21:54:00.000-04:002010-09-19T21:54:26.511-04:00

This weekend C3 put on Charm City CX and I made a weekend of it by venturing down the B'more on Friday night where I was treated to an amazing dinner followed by the giddy work of assembling race numbers and prizes. The prize patrol resembled a wedding shower so I steered clear of that and helped with the race numbers and reg forms. I learned two valuable lessons. First, it takes an incredible

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-28459483282949270452010-09-13T17:44:00.000-04:002010-09-13T17:44:54.841-04:00

Gearing Up ride Friday. Nittany CX race Saturday. Bike Philly Sunday. Univest Sunday afternoon. Saturday felt like the first day of school. Seeing so many people I haven't seen in 9 months was a blast. Lindsey. Julie. Tammy. Kerry. All you knuckleheads. I would post photos except I left my camera on the kitchen table. Besides, Anthony and Dennis take better photos. The boy gave it his all

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-83592333657330570222010-09-06T09:58:00.002-04:002010-09-06T09:58:21.855-04:00

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-85479903736832774582010-09-04T14:01:00.002-04:002010-09-05T08:02:41.881-04:00

Warning: the first part of this post contains righteous indignation and ire. There is a funny video at the end if you wish to skip the rant and proceed directly to the giggles. Doreen asks, "What the hell are you doing here?" I braved a crit today up in Phillipsburg, NJ. Great course, well-designed and marshaled, super-nice bike shop. So how in hell did a car burst through the cones and

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-47254270903737703122010-09-03T11:24:00.000-04:002010-09-03T11:24:13.618-04:00

Thanks to Stephan Kincaid for capturing the ______________ of grass track.  The boy was disappointed his spectacular crash wasn't captured, but I assured him that there would be plenty more opportunities for that.  Grass track is the perfect refresher for cx. Next week: Plateau Practice. Kelly Kline's Grass Track from Geronimok on Vimeo. Hup hup hup, Kelly Cline!

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-39730948368482299822010-08-31T01:14:00.002-04:002010-09-05T08:05:00.718-04:00

Get this Monkey off my back! What better way to end summer and segue into fall than with yet another cycling camp?  The family headed down to DC to visits friends and family, but our main mission was to attend the JBV cross camp.  It was awesome but tiring.  I nearly expired after the Chipotle lunch.  No photos--too busy trying not to kill myself remounting. Colorful Georgetown Friday we

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-81252323914894033172010-08-22T16:59:00.000-04:002010-08-22T16:59:26.316-04:00

I always wondered why my mom cleaned the house prior to the cleaning lady's arrival.  It seemed redundant.  This weekend I went to cx camp to prepare for next weekend's cx camp which is to prepare for the season. Friday night's Air Products finals at T'Town presented the boy with some savvy competition.  I guess I should have signed him up for the third session after all!  The kids duked it out

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-21352822638968742722010-08-16T12:07:00.000-04:002010-08-16T12:07:16.494-04:00

The second Saturday of the month can mean only one thing on my calendar: Dirty Girl Ride. What a beautiful weekend for bike riding! Saturday the boy went to the velodrome for Masters and Rookies racing with his buddy Jay, and I went off the woods with the usual suspects: Where's Diana? Saturday the monthly Dirty Girl ride to the Plateau included co-ride leader Diana Hulboy, Capt Kirk Thibaut,

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-6213625978516819242010-08-08T20:41:00.002-04:002010-08-08T20:45:37.154-04:00

Cycling communities are like people.  Each has a distinct personality and set of values. I know one ought not stereotype, but we all do it.  If we didn't, we'd constantly be showing up for road rides on cross bikes or registering for an awesome race in the wrong category.   I believe that rides fall into these main categories: Hammer Fest (e.g. Tuesday night Drives Ride.  You know what to expect

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-33654374600144313412010-08-02T21:52:00.002-04:002010-08-02T21:55:32.953-04:00

Ring Ring Ring. "Hello?" "Anne Rock please." "This is she." "Hello, Anne.  This is reality calling to alert you that your plan of resting all summer and not getting in shape is not paying off.  See everyone passing you?  You'd better get your ass in gear." After this call I considered phoning my old friend denial, but am too lazy.  Therein lies the problem. First night of grass track and I

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-70595512053884985402010-07-24T16:47:00.000-04:002010-07-24T16:47:05.691-04:00

Let's play!A clearly spent athlete has just left his heart and soul on the Tour's grueling stage 16. Is he a douche for colliding with the old man? What about the photographer? I vote a resounding no, he is most certainly not a douche. #1 What other professional athletes are this close to fans? Even those wack-job cage fighters are in cages. #2 Do you really need a photo of Lance? You

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-9410263134456540612010-07-23T20:20:00.000-04:002010-07-23T20:20:58.013-04:00

“My dad always used to say that the one who did a good time trial, he fell off the bike when he finished,” Schleck said. “That’s what I plan to do on Saturday.” Perhaps Andy should take a page from the Boy's playbook:Good luck, young Schleck. Surprise us tomorrow. Ride the glue off those fancy wheels and kick Contador's ass. Put on a show. Bonne Chance!

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-66308753381215047512010-07-21T20:26:00.000-04:002010-07-21T20:26:59.206-04:00

It's about sitting on the sofa, eating junk food, and watching the idiot box.   That's all I want to do lately.  I'm very excited about Mad Men's impending season four episode and have wasted time with the following: Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!I clearly need a project. I've cast Gus as Don Draper, the boy as Roger Sterling, me as Joan, and Kaos as Betty. I don't

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-58504100724906261082010-07-19T15:31:00.001-04:002010-07-23T19:59:42.990-04:00

 We had such a ball at the Summer Sizzler (despite an atrocious case of poison ivy that left the boy looking like a leper) that we thought we'd give good old Fair Hill a shot.  The boy didn't want to race, but I put his plate on his bike just in case.  I told him I'd be off in the woods during his start and he couldn't sign the race waiver on his own. He raced.  He came in third.  He had a blast

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-40869285156099169172010-07-15T20:15:00.004-04:002010-07-23T20:16:07.724-04:00

BEFORE AFTER Thanks for all the wonderful photos, Anthony!

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-36555270375409409022010-07-12T14:13:00.003-04:002010-07-15T16:47:07.929-04:00

The Junior Track Nationals, the Summer Sizzler, and round the clock Tour coverage mark the boundaries of my Happy Place.  This weekend I visited my Happy Place, surrounded by people I've met through the years I've plugged along as a cyclist and watching the boy get acquainted with the customs and people of this land.  The track nats offered uncharted territory in my Happy Place because I have

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-22882764439681119152010-07-05T20:38:00.005-04:002010-07-07T08:16:58.671-04:00

I was born at Lenox Hill Hospital and spent a formative 6 months in the Murray Hill section of New York before being moved to Philadelphia and eventually the suburbs. My brief stint nevertheless makes me feel a connection to the city which I foster by watching Martin Scorcese films and feigning fierce cosmopolitan attitudes. NY used to be a city alive with energy and spirit; now, it just seems

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-65920174690625044482010-07-04T12:58:00.002-04:002010-07-07T08:22:49.911-04:00

Fabulous ride at White Clay on Saturday.  Francine and Damien led us around Middle Run and surrounding parks. We ended up with a large group for Treasa's farewell ride.  I'm going to miss her--she's always a pleasant, fun riding companion.  Whether she's making silly noises to indicate treacherous turns or claiming to "make sudden stops without warning," it's always a pleasure to have her on the

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-29558026710131192872010-06-27T21:03:00.001-04:002010-06-28T23:19:36.916-04:00

Friday Night at the Velodrome! The boy raced with the 12-14 year olds and held his own in a four lap scratch race. Some crazy kooks at turn one may have distracted him with all their shouting but I can't be certain. Aunt Stacey rang cow bells. Steve and Gus provided color commentary. Naomi shot video. It was a blast.  Jimmy raced his heart out and snoozed soundly during the car ride home.

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-58006536348600849132010-06-21T21:19:00.000-04:002010-06-21T21:19:29.682-04:00

Video courtesy of Stricklander.com and inspired by Big Al. It's not too late to join the cult and get your own pink version of Bicycle Baby. Surrender to the pink. Bring some panache to the pavé. Order today!

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-7865487708296584172010-06-21T08:33:00.000-04:002010-06-21T08:33:34.919-04:00

 It seemed like old times with new people. Back in the day (1989 since you were dying to know), 20 or so of us would gather at the Inn and wend our way through the Wiss aboard neon-painted rigid rigs that had toe-clips and crazy bar ends. Suspension hadn't been thought of and the trails were no wider than a cat 1's ass. Aluminum was the super material and Kleins were all the rage. Remember

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-12888031629848908962010-06-18T15:04:00.000-04:002010-06-18T15:04:09.757-04:00

The following bit of retro flavor courtesy of Strickland Kneass speaks for itself: Speaking of retro, Strickland is one of the original members of FOBIA (Fairmount Off-Road Bicycling and Inebriation Association)and a Wissahickon Chicken. He's currently one of several Bicycle Baby sponsors. You can bet this song will be bouncy around my noggin' the next time on on my bike.  Of course, I'll be

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-2031358879103917552010-06-18T07:13:00.000-04:002010-06-18T07:13:43.761-04:00

While the road geeks were off at various training crits, I hit the Thursday night mountain bike race at the Plateau.  It's amazing to see what Mike and Sandy started over 20 years ago still going strong.  It's even more surprising to see some of the original participants still in attendance. In an effort to recreate race conditions, I was in no particular hurry as I noodled around the course.  A

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-73100355243378980062010-06-13T10:11:00.003-04:002010-06-13T18:44:20.930-04:00

After four years of leading the monthly Dirty Girl Ride in the Wiss or the Plateau, it seemed like time for a change.  When Fatmarc offered the use of his home as HQ, I thought "Field Trip!"  I promised Monkey her responsibilities would be limited to parking attendant, but as we were 15' into the ride I whispered, "OK, you don't have to lead, but just tell me where to go."  I am a rat.  I also

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-68114675096450545572010-06-11T20:58:00.000-04:002010-06-11T20:58:47.571-04:00

I took a break from grading exams to join Francine, Donna, Jill, and Pam at the Plateau.  Puffy clouds, perfect breeze and pristine trails.  The kind of day that 3 flats couldn't ruin.  After four years of trying, I finally conquered the curb on the Mighty Mouse.  That's right.  Take that! Tomorrow:  the monthly Dirty Girl ride takes a trip to Fair Hill.  I predict an epic adventure. 

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-19457000868654800902010-06-07T08:52:00.001-04:002010-06-07T08:52:57.642-04:00

I awake at the ass crack of dawn on a Sunday and it's not 'cross season?  Must be Philly race day. Fatmarc and Monkey joined me for the annual ride around town during bike race Sunday.  We collected people along the way, including Dave B, Nishat, M, Naomi, and Steve.  If Monkey had her way, we would have collected a few dogs, too.   We blew through security with my handy dandy press pass. 

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-60019027043662143772010-06-05T18:07:00.004-04:002010-06-05T20:01:20.502-04:00

There's some kind of metaphor here. A butterfly ensconced on a throne of shit. I'm must cogitate further. The ride and the company were the butterfly. Heat exhaustion is the shit. And so went the Fair Hill poker ride. The event, well-organized except for the one missing arrow that sent us to the beginner loop, bypassing the sport/expert course, went without a hiccup. Except for the part where

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-66270424507615083512010-06-02T21:05:00.001-04:002010-06-02T21:22:42.652-04:00

It's Philly race weekend. I will be on dawn patrol with special guests from south of the Mason Dixon line. This is my Super Bowl.  I'm a little nervous about leading folks around the race. Given my lack of prowess as a ride leader (witness the Granogue pre-ride where the entire group was splintered across the estate or the Dirty Girl ride where the group split before hitting Falls Bridge), I

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-7800342688918140752010-05-22T18:48:00.022-04:002010-05-22T21:23:31.157-04:00

This week saw two very different bike events in Philadelphia: one somber, one silly, both spectacular.First, the somber: The Ride of Silence. Last Wednesday hundred of cyclists gathered in front of the Art Museum to remember 6 area cyclists who died on the roads. All were killed by motor vehicles. Their ages varied, and one story was sadder than the next. I almost lost it upon hearing of the

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-8586242443079210572010-05-21T06:44:00.006-04:002010-05-21T08:26:09.324-04:00

I loved the show The Wire, and Bunk Moreland was one of my favorite characters. He managed to work in an incredibly fucked up environment without completely losing his shit at the appalling degradation of integrity of the systems around him. He may have compromised his ideals by turning a blind eye to the more egregious infractions of justice perpetrated around him, but his sanity and his job

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-92142580676384259982010-05-15T09:40:00.008-04:002010-05-15T19:35:19.288-04:00

Last weekend was Mothers' Day. Naturally, we celebrated with a ride. My mother was an avid golfer who viewed my cycling pursuits with the skepticism usually reserved for the exploits of the insane. "Do you really want to go to the supermarket naked?" "Do you think putting all of your money into lunar condos is a wise investment?" These questions suggested the same type of insanity as "Do you

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-13695357164764025972010-05-06T07:26:00.006-04:002010-05-06T11:18:58.820-04:00

NOBLESSE OBLIGE [noh-bles oh-bleezh; Fr. naw-bles aw-bleezh]–nounthe moral obligation of those of high birth, powerful social position, etc., to act with honor, kindliness, generosity, etc.Origin: 1830–40; F: lit., nobility obligesNoblesse Oblige counters the "let them eat cake" spirit of today's nouveau riches-gated-community spoiled brats. Instead, it embraces the "let them ride bikes or

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-30031905383864105712010-04-30T12:55:00.004-04:002010-04-30T12:59:37.105-04:00

If you thought Fair Hill was fun, wait until you get a load of Granogue.It's this weekend. May 1-2, 2010. It's a big deal. You don't race? Join the HERA ride on Saturday. Ride trails opened once a year. Race? See you on Sunday.

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-27545151363668026532010-04-25T19:27:00.003-04:002010-04-25T19:48:16.093-04:00

When the alarm went off at 7am this morning, I seriously considered forgetting that I had registered for the Fools Classic. Fortunately, I abandoned all common sense and drove to Holicong Middle School for the 9am ride start. A persistent drizzle greeted the intrepid souls who showed up for the ride, including Jeff Appletans, D Lowe, and Paul Wahner. Kelly Cline failed to surface, and for a

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-61351280178433839132010-04-17T13:47:00.010-04:002010-04-17T16:43:21.479-04:00

It's always a good ride when there's a Barry Gee sighting. Barry has been around longer than lattes and Lycra. Twenty years ago, before he actually was a dirty old man, he sounded like one. Huh..huhhhhh...huh....Who's the geriatric having a stroke behind me on this climb? Oh, it's Barry. It's great having Barry ride behind you, because your behind is always the object of his appreciation. And

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-13876936148764478202010-04-04T10:25:00.009-04:002010-04-04T20:40:32.349-04:00

What a glorious weekend! A+ weather and my favorite event of the year--PAValleys.com International Intergalactic Global Open Mountain Bike Team Relay Championship of the Universe Including the Anti-Matter One. (There, That Should About Cover It.)Saturday, Gus, the boy, and I previewed next week's Fair Hill race. Jimmy pointed out all of last year's highlights, from where he flatted, to where he

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-9238350584773490312010-04-02T09:07:00.005-04:002010-04-02T09:27:29.996-04:00

What the heck happened tothe month of March? Suddenly, it's April 2 and I don't know how I got here. Is it possible to black out for an entire month? The Lost Weekend is one thing, but this is absurd.Highlight Reel:One: March 14The final day of the Spring Classic found me short a pair of socks and gloves. Solution? $4.99 at Rite Aid scores a pack of white No Nonsense socks that served as foot

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-71341036505926277292010-03-08T00:38:00.013-05:002010-03-08T01:03:17.785-05:00

So says Big Al. And I believe him. So do the girls.For your viewing pleasure, I present a visual synopsis of Stage 2:The Beginning The Middle Some Ends Lorimer ParkToday's winnerSecret Team (don't mention the Vine to 4th Street shortcut)Relaxing at the FinishNearly featured on a milk cartonUntil next week and the third and final stage....

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-55853828620113324952010-03-06T20:14:00.009-05:002010-03-07T08:11:12.179-05:00

I am the raffle queen! Here's my song--just replace "dancing" with "raffle."Evidence? In the past few years here are some of the raffles I've won:Eagles/Redskins tix on the 30 yard line, 20 rows back (thanks, CHA)Gore Ride On Cables (thanks, Jeff Bahnson)Smart Wool Socks & a Camelback (thanks Sturdy Girl Cycling)A PMBA jersery (again, thanks Sturdy Girl and PMBA)I bought $27 worth of raffle

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-2847105370635675712010-03-02T23:16:00.007-05:002010-03-03T00:22:12.126-05:00

Part one, which may very well be the first and final part for me. Who am I kidding? I'll be back next week.Here's some photos of week one. I sort of explained the route in my Examiner article. Sort of.Here we are circling City Hall:Al's pal Brett arrived with a truckful of food. Sweet! Damien digs in.The girls. All four of us. Until WFSG suffered catastrophic failure. Next week, Stace.

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-83248616878053298372010-02-11T15:48:00.008-05:002010-02-11T16:50:07.865-05:00

I'll bet Sarah Palin was driving in Philly today. How do I know this? Because the roads were cluttered with snowtards. In case the allusion is lost on you, check out the Huffington Post.I took the single speed out on a little expedition to survey the neighborhood for damage and stupidity and discovered an abundance of both. Downed trees and wires were the main problems other than the snowtards.

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-85138788576089264602010-02-07T14:34:00.003-05:002010-02-11T15:48:37.091-05:00

The snow arrived on Friday night, putting a bit of a crimp in the Sturdy Girl cocktail party. Beaucoup bucks were raised, but the crowd was definitely smaller than in years past. By the time I toodled home close to 10, the roads were slick. Saturday I didn't even bother, opting instead to ski for 3 hours. Ouch. Sunday I noodled around Forbidden Drive which was smooth and full of cross country

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-41223049584847320982010-02-01T20:50:00.002-05:002010-02-01T20:58:16.250-05:00

10 minutes into the Saturday ride at the Plateau I had a funny feeling that I'd neglected to lock the car door. Every 10 minutes from then on I'd think about it. Did I? Did I bring my wallet or leave it on the ping pong table? Should I call home? Nah. Totally wrecked an otherwise awesome ride. We (me, M, Pam and Naomi)ran into Walt, King of the Plateau, and I shared my nagging suspicion that

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-25604073742640127352010-01-29T13:53:00.003-05:002010-01-29T18:55:25.970-05:00

I hope the Mayans are wrong and the world doesn't end in 2012 because then we'd miss the WORLD CYCLOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS in 2013. It's confirmed: the Worlds will be held in Louisville in 2013 and the Worlds Masters too in 2012 and 2013. What great news. Universal Sports will broadcast online this year's mens' race on Sunday, 1/31. Hey, that's tomorrow. Sweet. My euros are on Stybar for the win.

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-84504510092233321742010-01-26T18:51:00.005-05:002010-01-28T07:52:29.846-05:00

No, it's not Lance Armstrong. In fact, I'm pretty sure the Lone Star State revoked his membership card. Whatever.Anyway, I often have songs in my head while riding and Robert Earl Keen has been lurking about lately. Check this out:This guy kicks ass. He didn't write Amarillo Highway, but he did write Shades of Gray, which is my current numero uno song to serve as background music on rocky

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-75097884701647198802010-01-23T14:55:00.007-05:002010-01-23T15:13:11.324-05:00

Finally off the trainer and into the woods! Today, Pam, Michelle and I met at the Inn and rode half the Wiss in what turned out to be an outrageously gorgeous day.We saw Chris, Ed, and Douglas at the Inn prior to take off, and hoped to run into Francine and company along the way. We never found them, but did see Tony from Therapy, Bonnie's Robert, and Kevin Michael Williams.Along the Pipeline

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-81523404659356956462010-01-10T14:20:00.003-05:002010-01-10T18:11:09.979-05:00

This weekend's MAC prom (a cocktail party honoring Mid-Atlantic cross racers) added an new event to the line up: a morning scavenger hunt. After meeting at a frigid 9am in front of the Valley Green Inn, organizer Kristin Gavin split us into 2 random groups. Oddly, the random groups split the men and women with the exception of Damien Talese who was with the chicks. Nikki and Kristin before the

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-40677657988153708052009-12-30T11:38:00.003-05:002009-12-30T11:52:31.268-05:00

Yes, I look like the Hunchback of Notre Wiss. Clever me thought that riding with my Camelback inside a thermal jacket would prevent the tube from freezing as it had on my last ride. So frustrating. This is a new winter rule: Ride with Camelback inside jacket no matter how silly it looks.In golf, winter rules apply to the "off season" when fairways aren't so fair and courses are littered with

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-32611141838344685892009-12-26T22:48:00.003-05:002009-12-26T22:53:18.773-05:00

Consider yourself invited to the Mid-Atlantic Cyclocross Championship Awards Banquet. After watching this video, how could you possibly decline? Register now on BikeReg.

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-1439379983379980172009-12-23T07:34:00.010-05:002009-12-23T12:52:39.114-05:00

Showing up pays off in spades; or at least in medals. The boy finished 10 cross races this year which landed him in third place overall for both the MAC and PA Series in U19 Beginner category.He persevered through pedal failure at Fair Hill, running the final half of the course. Note the missing right pedal which he has stashed in his jersey: (Dennis Smith Photo)He trudged though the Mercer muck

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-41216033694668407612009-12-20T18:49:00.020-05:002009-12-28T10:21:06.713-05:00

The beginning:Those of you who risked your junk and came out to the 4th annual Bilenky cross extravaganza were greeted with all that's awesome about cycling. I was overcome with nostalgia for the bygone era of grass roots racing, before everyone had a coach, warmed up on trainers, and ate special goo and shit before races. Costumes abounded, and nobody took himself too seriously. Scratch that:

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-17098943128508157952009-12-13T07:59:00.009-05:002009-12-13T08:43:59.812-05:00

I've been looking forward to the LGWMBR (large group winter mountain bike ride) since sometime in August. I've mourned the loss of cross season for about 2.5 minutes,(notice no report on Reston which, while fun and I finished, deserves no second look). Indeed, the season went out with a whimper)and have turned my attention to 29" of single track fun. In the summer, it's often difficult to drum

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002595577936360546.post-83576557925367118912009-12-05T08:28:00.007-05:002009-12-05T08:55:23.957-05:00

CX prodigy Jeff Bahnson held a raffle to support his trip to Euro Cross Camp. Five sets of Gore Ride On cables were raffled off, and guess who made the good luck podium?# 167 Stephen Kincade# 18 Rich Bilson# 129 Chris Mayhew# 28 Anne Rock#118 Erik LeaverThat's right. I fretted about selling the Felt which had super-duper Gore Cables which I really liked. Now, I can put them on the Vicious.

Dirty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373248376188093682noreply@blogger.com0