8 days left

Is there really only 8 days left of 2009?? Where did it go?? My boy Nick and I said that it was 200-shine..that we were doing big thangs..I'd like to point out we ain't sitting here with our World 1's like we planned ha ha.

Been hitting the sprint game up consistently for about 2 weeks now and with just 2 weeks left until Reno I'm hoping to see an improvement. About to start slowly adding in some other stuff, what I have no clue-waiting on the "coach" to pass that along, but also been trying to hit the rollers and track as much as I can. I know that next year will be a little tougher for me as my class gains a few riders and I have to really step it up. Been keeping my head straight and staying focused. Motivated to get it done finally. Not much else is going on just been stayin under the radar and relaxing doing work.

To the ^^^ (top) is the new motto...

2009...coming to an end

Grands came and went and I had a pretty shady showing back there. I trained, apparently not hard enough, got back there felt decent all the way up until it was time to actually race. I made both my mains, which is an improvement from last year, but I didn't ride very well at all. Put me down for a 7th in class and a 5th in cruiser. I was pretty bummed...Nag 5 challenge was fun just to say I was in it, but I got my butt kicked my them young girls!! NAG 3 on both bikes for end of the season...pretty solid.

Grands itself had to be some of the most fun I've had at a race in a long time. Made some new friends, whom are pretty crazy to say the least, but I enjoyed every minute of it. They helped me forget how poorly I rode. What a trip.

I've started some new training to try and get ready for Reno. I've said it all year and I still will say it, I need ALOT more time on my bike. Throwing sprints into the mix finally, some intervals, cardio, and strength training. All I have to say is by Chula Vista it better be paying off!! I want to improve more next year as my class continues to get tougher.

Can't believe the year is almost over...Want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Stay safe out there and I'll update after the holidays with my progression and plans for Reno.

Lancaster-Golden State Nationals

2 weeks after the Redline Cup finals were the ABA Golden State Nationals in Lancaster CA. Last year this national was a mess. We were hit with every type of weather, cold, wind, rain, and heat. Definitely went to this one hoping for the total opposite of the previous year and hoping for the track to be shorter than I had remembered it LOL

I took the twenty and headed down in hopes of getting a couple solid scores to put me solid in the NAG 5 challenge at Grands. Mission accomplished, sort of. I was putting together solid laps, well okay technically solid first two straights and then would just fall apart in the rhythm section every single lap. This is a long track and the fact that i was wasting all of my energy losing speed wasn't helping. Put me down for two 2nds. Going into grands (if I get there) I have myself ties on twenty for NAG 3 and sitting NAG 3 on cruiser. Let's hope I get there and get it done.

Redline Cup West Finals-Atwater, CA

I know this race was awhile ago, but I haven't been able to get online to update my blog..no excuse I know!! Anyway I decided to give the new format of the Redline cup a go. It was located about an hour from home, so why no right? So I headed to atwater for the finals-ended up with 3 other gals. Ironically we were all 4 from different classes so by the new rules we all were automatically champions. Doesn't seem like I earned like I would have had to other years, but I went I raced I got a 3rd and a 2nd and I got my first "redline cup" one plate HA HA only took about 20 years. I rode alright, could have been better. But each race is about learing and improving.

Chula Vista, CA-OTC

This event had a lot of hype late in the year after it got added to the schedule. Most expected a large turnout and moto counts topping the high 200's. Running in conjunction with the ABA national was the UCI SX race on the big kids track. Rolled down with Patty Metzger and Alyssa Canervari Thursday and stopped for the night in Los Angeles to stay at Ellie house and then continue the last 2.5 hours down down to Chula Vista. Was a quick trip on the first leg..no traffic, didn't get lost, and it was good company. Got to roll through part of Hollywood, never seen so many billboards for movies, tv shows, and products as I did here. Crossed by a few popular streets, saw the Kodiak Theater, apparently missed seeing a few other things cuz I had no idea what I was looking at or for. Didn't get much sleep but up early to roll down to the OTC. Hit almost no traffic in a very un socal way and got there just in time for Alyssa to roll down to her practice. Patty and I were just behind here for 20" and I must say, I loved this track!! It was fast, fun, technical, and had a larger starting hill than typical nationals.

I left the cruiser at home this weekend to try and focusing on getting the last few points I could to hold onto my top 5 nag. We were shaping up to have 5-6 riders in 28&over, a nice change from out total points. Friday night went over and watched time trials on the SX track. What an experience. The track is huge, pictures do not do it justice at all. Made some new friends =) left early to go get some rest since Saturday races were starting so early. Saturday had 167 motos, lite for sure. I had 5 riders and no hope after 2nd turn. The rhythm was killing me and I was getting passed like I was just stopping to let them by...Frustrated and took 4th. Was not psyched. Patty doubled, Ellie won, Alyssa was in the mains and rode well,Ashely Cohen & Porter made mains, Robo made the main, nick got moto'd-how I still don't know what he did that!. Dinner, rest, and then back for the SX race. Lots of action, lots of crashing, and lots of fun. Best way I can describe it. Skipped the after party for sleep, odd for me I know...But had another early day and a long drive home after.

Sunday went quick with only 155 motos I belive. Robo in the main again, Nick in the main, and I made the main and got 3rd-2nd slipped through my fingers again, Cohen & Porter in the mains again, Patty doubled, Ellie won, and Alyssa did awesome. Brendon crashed and was beat up and pissed off all at once...he'll be back and ready to win at lancaster I'm sure! Good weekend, lots of sun, and lots of memories!

Next up is Atwater for the Redline Cup Finals this weekend. Let's try to get the plate for once!! No more 2nd's~!

Nakid Clothing

Super psyched that I am fortunate enough to get connected with an awesome clothing company as a new sponsor!!! www.nakidclothing.com Check them out everyone!!!!

go211.com

So I am coming off a pretty lame weekend. Been feeling burnt since Reno and just haven't been up to par...All weekend was spent with power outage after power outage because of some freak out of nowhwere lightening storm that hit saturday. A total of about 5 outages for a total of 10 hours. Was not psyched either about the rain that crept in last night, however the sun is shining right now.

Well this morning I wake up check out the emails and there is a little message telling me that I just won a GT from the go211.com Q&A with Arielle Martin. My question was in regards to being injured...for actually question and answer go check out the site and read!! I'm pretty psyched that I just won. It's the 2nd bike I've won this year and I never win anything!!!

Chula Vista this weekend. The boss told me to only race twenty and so that's what I will do. Cruiser can only be helped with a win..and I know the competition will be rough down there because I have a sneaky feeling that I will be combined with the younger/faster girls. I'm just happy to be going and to have the chance to see the SX race up close and personal. Going to make sure I actually take the camera out for this race and get some memories!!

Reno..Reno..Reno

Rolled into Reno Friday around 1pm...Was feeling the psych of being back at a national. It had been 4 months since the last one and well that one sure didn't go well as I was injured! Was anxious to get over and take a look at the track and see if they had changed things up for once...they did. Typical layout, some of the usual jumps, but there were a few surprises. Mainly on the 2nd straight the lip to step double *or at least that's how i would explain it* looked to be causing problems for many.

Hit up my practice on my twenty took one lap and had to quit. My bars moved, seat messed up, and was not about to ride like that. Took it back grabbed the cruiser and got back in line. Was having a little bit of an issue with the gate, my timing was off, but quickly figured it out and got back to a solid practice. Headed back to the hotel, dinner, and then some people watching at the trusty corner bar. Those who have been to Reno know that this is the spot at the Grand Sierra to see pretty much anything. Headed off to bed to try and get some sleep, no luck. Got about 4 hours of sleep before it was time to go hit up practice.

Day 2...Practice was going alright on twenty but realized there was a small chance that after first round there would be a few modifications done to the bike. Cruiser practice went well, was getting good gates and down the first straight better. Motos were posted, total points on twenty and 5 riders on cruiser. Got combined with the younger class-no hope of that win I wanted. First round on twenty went horrible...gear was too easy, bike felt too big, and just had nothing. Cruiser went just as badly. Did a gear change and bought a smaller stem for the twenty, got 2nd in the next round and finished the day with the 2nd overall. Cruiser I wond 2nd round and then had a photo finish at the line that went my way and ended up with another 2nd. Still not sure how I pulled that off as I had nothing left down the last straight and just felt pretty garbage. Early night.....

Day 3...Woke up feeling like I was completely drained, no energy, and just all around not feeling well. Was trying every thing I could to wake up, gain energey, and pray I could make it around the track 6 times again. Twenty went well I went 2,2,2...Tried to conserve for my cruiser race as I knew I'd be in for a battle for 2nd again. Behind the gate I was feeling stomach pain and lil dizziness but tried to focus on whatever song was playing on the ipod at the time. Gate drops I'm in 2nd pretty much till the last turn then I get passed and try with every ounce of energy to get her back but couldn't. I don't really recall passing the finish line though.

Came off and collapsed. Something was not right. My heart was racing, I couldn't see, I was dizzy, nauseous and all around feeling like I was about to fully pass out. My arms and legs were shaking and I began to panic on top of everything. The paramedics run over and begin to check me over...Next thing you know I'm sitting at the finish line with oxygen, a heart rate & blood pressure through the rough and being told I needed to be moved to check me over more in depth and possibly call an ambulance. Once inside their van I was having vitals checked over every 5 min, on oxygen, told I was feverish and that the ambulance was on the way. I spent the entire mains in the ambulance on oxygen, ekg maching, heart monitor, getting blood sugar checked, etc. In the end they established that I was severly dehydrated. On the way out my heart rate was still at 125-130, which is were my heart should be while exercising not sitting there. Pretty scary experience.

Reno turned out better than I coulda hoped with all the time I've had off the bike. Used this past week to recover and just get the must neeed rest. Tomorrow I go back to the grind and get ready for the Chula Vista national at the Olympic Training Center. This will be rough, longer track, more technical, and the possibility of not even having my own class. I'm up for it though. Finally moved back into NAG 5 challenge territory on the twenty and want to hold onto that no matter what!! Two weeks following Chula Vista will be the Redline Cup West in Atwater, CA and two weeks later the nationals in Lancaster, CA.

Time to start getting serious. Grands will be here before I know it and I really want to go win. It's going to take a miracle, hard work, and me being committed. And that's just to get there!!!

Nor*Cal State Finals

This past weekend was the Nor*Cal State Finals in Roseville, CA. When you have a race during the summer in Roseville you are guaranteed two things, hot weather and lots great racing. Due to injuries this year I was unable to attend the State Qualifiers necessary to maintain my number 1 plate this year sadly. However I was able to still race and get some much needed time on my bike.

Saturday’s practice didn’t start out well. I was feeling sluggish, having horrible gates, and feeling frustrated all around. Feeling out of shape and overheated I retreated to the Napa Valley compound to hide out in the A/C, hydrate myself, and try to remember that I’m coming off a 3 month hiatus. Second round of practiced proved to be a complete turn around. I was feeling stronger and was gaining a little confidence. I finished the night off with a 2nd and was feeling pleased with the gains I was making.

Sunday was set to be a long day, 90 motos! Again practice was problems the first time around…normally I would just take a few warm up laps and skip one of the other two. But I was feeling frustrated and wanted to go into the races feeling at least competent. As practice progressed I started to feel better and kept reminding myself I was just trying to improve each lap. I ended up bumping up to the older class with 4 other ladies. I ended the day with another 2nd for the weekend.

With Reno just 10 days away I know that now is not the time to be slacking…though I am still struggling. I’ve got some tough competition that will be there and I really need to do everything that is necessary to be ready. Sprints, track, and plyos will be filling my evenings for the next week. After Reno its race after race for the remainder of the season so now is the time for me to really start taking advantage of what little time that I have in between and get into a routine now…

I’m also going to start trying to remember to take my camera and actually document races and places that I go. Something that I have never been good at!!

track time finally....

This past tuesday I finally got to get in some much needed track time. I've been on my bike a good 4 times over the past three months. It's been a challenge keeping myself off of the bike and focused on healing/training. I've been putting in work the last two weeks and I felt pretty decent out there. Fingers are crossed that I get out there 1-2 more times this next week. Currently working on getting some rollers, adding sprints to the mix, and working on that endurance/cardio issue I keep struggling with. All I can do is take is one day at a time...so lets ride

Reno..pregame

The Black Jack Nationals are coming up in just 3 short weeks. It's going to be my frist national back after my injuries. Still working through the foot/ankle pain making steps forward in the training department. Found somethings that are feeling like they are going to work out postively this time. Of course I'm still not doing sprints.......Little bummed I missed out on Tucson this weekend, but there's always another race. Currently looking for a new frame so that I can finally get the bike feeling comfortable, something I've been struggling with all year...

injured...yes again!

Ha Ha Those of you who know me fairly well know that this year has been plagued with injuries. It seems that the more I push my body the worse off I end up. I think a fair share of it is my own fault. Not taking care of myself is a big shame on me. The most recent injury is a possible broken foot...I refused to go back to the ER for the 2nd time in as many months. After the last few days of thinking it all over I've come to a fairly simple solution, new training strategy.

Seems simple enough. I've been asking around recently for tips and ideas on what I shoudl be doing. The foot is feeling solid enough to walk without my crutches finally, the ankle swelling has gone down, and I've reached the point in the year where it's do or die. I'm sitting on some decent scores NAG wise on both bikes, but for me they are not high enough. I would like to knock each one out with something better. I've got enough nationals left this year that if I put in the work it'll pay off. Stress of personal life is playing factors in track time but I'm finding ways around that as much as I can.

Next on the schedule is prunedale, then reno, chula vista, atwater, lancaster, grands and there's a few i'm hoping I can throw in last minute.

Rain in June....HUH??

So the last 24 hours has been a rather interesting one here in Northern California. We have been having some of the nicest weather, the warmth had finally arrived. That all came to an upbrupt end yesterday as we were rocked with lightening, thunder, and a down pour. Today we have some overcast and cooler temps. The weather says we will be back on track after a few days of possible sprinkles and such.

A little healing/training update. I've been trying to get back into the swing of training to get some strength before I go hit up a track...It's not going so well. Though my shoulder is still weak it has not been my biggest issue. Both of my knees have felt like I have large needles, accompanied by shooting pains, sticking through the center. I figured it was just because I hadn't been doing anything for the last month, but after about 5 different training sessions my knees have not improved. I had attempted a couple runs, some plyometrics and stretching...nothing is making it any less painful. I'm not sure if this is just one injury that will require far more healing time or if I'm just destined for pain from now on. I've yet to touch my bike still though, wonder if there is even air in my tires still???

I'm hoping to get in another workout today and possibly some spints. I'm heading back to the bay again this weekend. I've been there pretty much every weekend since I've been hurt. I'm very anxious to get back on the bike since rosevlle is so damn close....I'm worried that I will be so far out of shape that I will have a bad weekend of racing. I'm going to try to stay on track for the next month, let's just hope that my body has the same idea.

Updates after the weekend....

Recovery almost complete..i think

It's been a month since my injury and I've yet to fully recover. The shoulder is still extremely weak as well as my knees. I realized the other day, while running, that I'm getting older and I don't bounce back quite as quickly as I once did. It's been extremely hard to stay off my bike and not train so that my body can do what's necessary....HEAL UP FOR ONCE!!

I've been fighting injuries since December and I'm hoping this break has helped all of them. Next week I'm looking to get back on the track again finally and I've started to slowly ease back into training. It's hard to find that drive and determination after doing nothing for so long. The only thing keeping me going is the fact that i really want to do well at my home track in July. Last year was a rough one and I refuse to let that happen yet again.

Let's hope this next week doesn't kill me. I've got stuff planned as far as training for friday and saturday and then off sunday then full throttle from then on.

Injuries again & Bakersfield

So I got hurt last saturday pretty bad...Decided that I could still race the national in Bakersfield, more on that in a second. Decided to hit up Roseville for some practice before the US Nationals..fine tune the gates, race, and see if I've improved at all. About 6-7 gates in I'm discussing with my boy Sutter his chain breaking earlier in the day. I tell know how it feels, havent broke one in awhile, but had the chain pop off bout a month ago. Get up on the gate, got a lil jon song on the ipod, snap...and then just before the roller my chain snaps and I'm told I face plant the roller. Few seconds later I hear people saying my name, think my eyes are open but see nobody. After I catch my wind *knocked it out of me of course* things are blurry, I'm dizzy, and feeling like dinner was about to reappear. They get me off the track...Time to access the damage...everything on the left side hurts along with some ribs and chest. Stick around to watch motos with my vision still fuzzy and still feeling really dizzy. Me and dad make the drive home and then I get taken to the ER. Not sure how many thousands that's going to cost me, worry bout that later. After 5 hours in there the outcome was...Seperated Left shoulder, Concussion-obviously, bruised ribs, bruised sternum, left elbow *previously broken* is swollen and hurts to move, hip is swollen, knee is jacked-walking normally wasn't an option, and yet again the ankle is jacked up along with my right shoulder *11 years ago tore it up pretty bad havne't had the surgery to fix it yet* Just my luck that I once again get hurt....2009 is tearing me up...

Got to Bakersfield late friday night, feeling sore, little sleepy, and hoping it was going to work out. Got a little bit of practice, it was pretty extreme pain the whole time. 1st round it was feeling semi decent for about half a straight then I hit a jump and it was over. Shoulder is pretty trashed and it was all that i could do to hold on to the bars and make around the track the other 2 laps. It was a pretty rough day for me and I'm feeling a lil defeated, but what can you expect with a separated shoulder? Made the smart choice to stick to spectating tomorrow. Gotta get healed long enough to actually get some riding time in and training. The next national for me is two months from now which leaves me with ample amounts of time to get stuff handled.

Here I am 3 full weeks after the incident and I'm still having shoulder pain, knee issues, and my ankle is probably permanently screwed up. I've been able to stay off my bike for 2 full weeks, no training, and basically been relaxing and finally trying to heal up. Figured that Monday I would get back to training slowly, work back to riding and just take it day by day. Roseville is my next national since I had to skip fresno this weekend. I'm pretty bummed to have missed this one because I really wanted to hit up that track. But being 100% for once this year will payoff in the end. Gonna start working on getting my skills back now that the bike is pretty dialed in thanks to my legit team manager. Bout time randall (yes i named my bike) starts riding smooth and quits tearing me up

shout out...

http://www.fatbmx.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7109


nickdawgs latest ramblings lol...you know i love ya buddy!!

new outlook

So for the past few months I've been stuck in negative land with thoughts of all the bad that is currently going on with me right now. But the past few days I've decided to just let it go. Things will happen how they are supposed to and when they are supposed to. The more I try to fix it the worse it's going to get...so now I'm putting my energy towards riding. I've got some big races coming up that I really need to improve some scores on. Gotta get to the track more, get to training, and focus. Get my mental game straight. Bakersfield *or as we call it bakerstucky* is the first weekend in May..going to have some tough competition going on there for me again. Right now I'm sitting pretty at NAG 3 on both bikes...but I know bethany will be creepin up on me at any moment lol. Gotta get some wins or 4 is as high as I'll get this year! Photo below complements of photo man dan mooney from redmond oregon...least he didn't get a shot of me getting smoked!!

The Power of 3

With a last minute effort I got myself a ride up to the Great NW Nationals in Redmond, Oregon. I've been off my bike for nearly a month and have done pretty much no training...not exactly the best combination for heading to a national. In any case I needed some track time and needed to see how the knee and ankle were holding up. 09 seems to be the year of the injury for me, or maybe it's just the year of obstacles.

Friday practice went horrible for me. Wasn't feeling comfortable on my twenty, cruiser felt really off....Track was pretty basic with only the first jump being an issue. I seemed to lose any momentum that I had going for me as soon as I hit it. The crew and me went to a movie, got some dinner, then mellowed out and got some rest for Saturday.

Saturday morning was a hurry up pit stop with my master mechanic Sean to get my cruiser fixed up. I had found out my bars were crooked due to my crash a few weeks ago. So I had to get them straight and then take the gear down a tooth for the Lil track, but the only gear I had was bent. So the entire time I raced in the back of my head I had the feeling I would lose my chain yet again and then add that to my obvious lack of riding abilities and I was one frustrated girl. Ended up with total points on both of my bikes...so put me down for 2-3rds...Adam Finch pulled down a 3rd on his cruiser...and we decided Nick had to keep the 3's going and pull out the 3rd in 19x....had to keep our Lil grands crew on point...With some newly redesigned gates that actually puts him in the mix early on he dodges a ball up in turn one and pulls it out. Cato had some rough luck in 41x and had to watch from the sidelines. Pete was not feeling Oregon's gate and kept hitting it. Saturday's main he got a good snap was was going in hot into turn 1 and hit a wall by the name of Tory Nyhaug...Put him down for a crash.

Sunday was pretty much the same for me. Pain was pretty intense and had to even sit out one round. Adam and myself got 3rds yet again...Cato was in the main and went flying over turn 1 while sitting top 3, Pete tapped the gate in the main and ended up 5th, and nick was in the middle of the ball up and ended up on the ground. Napa Valley (my team) was on fire Sunday with the team pulling down some good main event finishes left and right.

Pro ranks saw the return of Robert Pierce who made both mains and will figure out how things work again and be in the front of the pack. Justin Mclintock was looking like his old self and was on top of the box Saturday and pulled down the 3rd on Sunday. My Lil bro Jesse Langland figured out that training works and was riding like he had something to prove. Put him down for a 4th and a 2nd. Matt Baisley was flying also this weekend 3rd and 1st for him.

Amateur Shout Outs...Sut Dog with the big win in 14x Sunday...he was on the gas and took full advantage of the 1st turn craziness. 12x team mate Donnie Gomez pulled down a big win. Keep your eyes on this kid he's been racing for just 2 short years and has a ton of speed and talent. My girl Meghan Matthews with a 1st on Sunday in class and 2nd in cruiser despite a flat tire...If she keeps putting in the hard work she will be unstoppable. Patty Rich, a Roseville local nailed her first national win on Saturday in 11girls and wanna send her a big congrats.

If you never been to Oregon for this national you should check it out. 200 motos at a non pro event is awesome. Despite the cold weather outside the arena was plenty hot inside...Will be at this one again next year! Next national on the schedule is in Bakersfield, CA. I have a lot of work to do in those 3 weeks to make up for the last month of not training.

Chains.....

So last week I made the last minute decision to hit up practice at the local track. All day I did the dance in my head "should I, shouldn't I?" Well I sure shouldn't have! I got up there feeling a little burnt from the phoenix trip still, but I knew that I had to put in some work so that I could be better for Oregon in April. The night didn't start off well at all either. First I kept hitting the gate, not just a little tap, but full on hitting it. Now I've probably hit the gate less than 10 times the entire 20+ years I've been racing, so this was frustrating me. I take one more and try to slow my timing up even more and hit it again, this time I jammed my wrist. My frustrations were growing so I decide to take a break, then I notice it's not just me, everyone is hitting the gate. So they they finally realize there is an issue...take off the ram to work on it and I decide I'll wait for the gate to be repaired before I ride. After what had to be at least 45 minutes they get going, right after I say to someone " five more minutes and I'm just going home." I go back up, get a decent snap finally, push it at about 70% to the first turn and start to pedal out of the turn when next thing you know I'm laying on the ground....

I was there for awhile, unable to unclip my left foot (which happens to be the side of the ankle I keep reinjuring), my right leg is numb and I can't move it, my shoulder is twitching, and my visor is in my face. Finally with the assistance of 3 other people, I get up and can't put pressure on my right leg....As I roll off the track I realize that my chain is off. I asses the damage to the bike and then myself...Road rash on my knee and shoulder, a dislocated knee cap, and my shoulder is killing me. This seems to be the year of obstacles for me. But I'm going to keep pushing through.

Watched the USAC championships today on go211.com. My boy nick did it up right getting on the podium for his class!!! next stop for him is another podium in Australia when he gets that World 1. I'm calling it out now!!!!! I'm going to do all I can to get myself there as well!!! Oregon in two weeks...gotta do some training

2nd x's three

Last weekend I headed down to sunny Arizona for the ABA Winternationals. I was a little worried that I wouldn't have a class, the track would be longer than my out of shape self could handle, and that there was a chance for rain! We headed out of NorCal Thursday around noon to get on the road. This would have to go down as one of the better road trips I have taken to a national in recent years. It was a lot of fun.

We got in really early in the morning, checked in and got some sleep. Headed out early to check out the track....as always in excellent condition. Was feeling really good in practice and as I looked around saw nobody else in my class =[ Come Saturday morning I was finally able to take a lap on the new 20" and it felt good....except that I needed to tighten up the clips since they were new. So after 1 lap of coasting and 1 actual gate attempt I went and grabbed the cuiser to get some more warm up laps in. We didn't have a 20" class till sunday, but I ended up with total points on my cruiser. I had Miss Shanda from Canada there to compete with....Each race I'm getting a little bit closer and feeling a little more confident. I ended up with a 2nd.

Sunday total points on both bikes....yikes 6 laps....I'm pretty lacking on my enduranace and was worried this was going to kill me, literally LOL. But I rode really well, well by my standards at least. To some I still need lots of work, but I continue to try and improve at each race.

Unfortunately the very 1st practice back from phoenix I crashed pretty hard at the local track practicing and injured myself pretty good. If I could just keep myself healthy well maybe I could do some quality training and get better! Next national is looking to be in Redmond Oregon-I hope!! Hopefully tomorrow I'm feeling better and can finally train again!!

Phoenix....tihs weekend

Phoenix is just a few short days away and I can't wait. Rain is falling here in California snd I'm ready for some sunshine. Hoping that we will have clear skies, no winds, and some warmth. It's looking to be my first attempt at racing both bikeS! I have yet to get used to my class bike, but if I have my own class I'm going for it. Should have a lot of good racing action with black mountain always being a fast track. It's a little long so I better remember to pack some oxygen and endurance. Good Luck everyone who is going....

rain rain rain

NorCal has been getting hit with one rain storm after another. Don't get me wrong, we really need the rain, but as a bmxer you never really learn to love it. I have been sneaking in track sessions between storms at Roseville and doing some training at home. I've been out of it for a month so I'm basically starting from scratch again. We all know how hard this gets. I've even started racing at least once a week when I can. Let me tell you chasing around a bunch of guys, who are much faster, has been a lot of fun. It's helping me learn how to not get psyched out on the gate again, increasing my speed (very little at a time, but still baby steps is all I'm hoping for right now) and very slowly helping my endurance.

I'm grateful to have a supportive group of teammates that really make going to locals fun again. Their dedication is starting to rub off on me a bit. I've been forcing myself to get up and do my workouts even though I really don't want too. I know that what I'm doing won't help me that much in phoenix next weekend, but I know come Oregon in April I will have gained a lot. Hoping for sun and good weather in phoenix and can't wait to get some more national racing done for this year.

Still hoping to achieve some great things this year and still continue to work towards goals I've set. It's a lot of work and I realize that only I can make them happen. If I don't put forth everything I can leading up to these races I have not done all I can to prepare and better be ready to deal with outcomes I don't like. I'm still struggling to commit to 100% of the things I need to be doing, but I have recognized a lot of areas for improvement by racing these locals and now make the efforts between nationals. These are all things that I never did last year.

Clear skies.....but for how long..

Well tonight was the first time on my bike in just about a month. Roseville survived the storms and was in good condition tonight so they turned practice night into a race night. I was pretty psyched to get some track time so I made the voyage up while I had the chance. There were no other girls there tonight so I raced two other guys. The only thing I had going for me was my gates, which oddly were getting me out in front but the endurance just isn't there and can't hang with my spin gear. The weather shows another round of storms coming in on sunday and possibly lasting until mid to late next week. I'll be going out there again on Saturday to get track time for phoenix.

Not sure how many more chance I'll be getting to hit the track before phoenix so I'm taking advantage. Dad's gotta go stay at the hospital for a few days for testing so hopefully that turns out well.....

Finally healing, I think

So it's been roughly 2 months since I injured my ankle. I've spent the majority of that 2 months walking around, well I suppose limping around is more appropriate, but mostly being in pain. I've refused to go to the Doctor to have it checked for a few reason but the main one being my lack of insurance. Yeah I know, I race BMX and have no insurance but whatever. Back to my point, yes I do have one, I'm finally feeling like it's healing. Yesterday was the first day that I was able to do a workout at all, granted it was light and not all that I wanted to do but I got some done. It's been raining alot here so it's made getting to a track impossible and doing sprints just as difficult. Phoenix national is coming up and I suppose now is the time to get my as* into gear or it'll be getting handed to me down there. Also finally got another 20 inch bike, thanks to my awesome team manager. So will hopefully be getting that from him soon and getting to work getting used to it and riding cruiser.

Jeremy Lusk...RIP

Yesterday the FMX world lost Jeremy Lusk as a result of injuries sustained while competing in Costa Rica. At 24 years old his life was cut short....doing something he lived and loved,jumping his bike. Another reminder for the rest of us that our time here on earth is limited. We will never which day will be our last, knowing this we should never resist the chance to follow our hearts and shoot for our dreams. Never be afraid to live your life too the fullest and push yourself to the limits...those final moments before we leave this reality, when life flashes before our eyes, make it something worth watching. Deepest sympathies to his wife, family, and friends. His memory will live on....

Lake Perris..I think Not

The original plan for the weekend was to head down to souther california for the SoCal nationals in Lake Perris...That however is not longer the plan. Instead the Napa Valley crew will defer and head to Phoenix, AZ next month. Weather was the #1 factor in why will not be attending. It shows that there will be rain off and on all weekend along with wind so we decided it was not the kind of conditions our resources should be used on. I'm okay with having an extra 4 weeks to train for my next race. Make sure you all long onto go211.com and view race action, just like I will be. As much as I hope that the weather stays dry for all in attendance, there is a lil mean streak in me that hopes it rainds rains and rains on those who got to go!! LOL...

Want to wish everyone going luck and stay safe. Oh and Nick...I'll be supporting you from home so I better see some decent gates, sick moves, and podiums in the mains both days!!

Livermore

So after many years of not racing in the NBL I finally went back. Granted it was only a local, but I still took a few baby steps back into a league that I used to race all the time. NBL is so much different than the ABA and it was a major adjustment for me. The most difficult thing for me too handle was that random gate, it was my first time really attempting them. There were a few close calls that almost resulted in me flipping over it because I forgot where I was and that I couldn't leave when I normally do...that little pause kept getting me. I ended up racing both of the races that day and was put in with the guys, not a big suprise for me there. It was really good for me to chase them around 6 times, yes 6. Normally I'm lucky to make it around racing a ABA national 3 times without almost dying..so this was a big step up for me. I plan on getting back there as often as possible and using it for training and hitting up 2 NBL nationals later this year..I hope. Afterwards my ankle was killing me, but no time to rest I had to hurry over and help with the Crab Feed fundraiser for Manteca BMX. It was a huge success and over 400 people showed up!! And on an even better note ABA track builder Billy Allen is out there getting work done finally and things are finally in motion. Next stop for me is the ABA national in Lake Perris, CA. Looking to keep the good racing going and continue to improve...Should have some photos and results posted up on monday after the race..Good luck everyone

new stuff

Well it's looking to be a fun filled schedule packed bmx season. I'm going to race NBL again. Nothing like I used to, just here and there locals and maybe 2 nationals. We'll see how that goes though. Manteca bmx track is on the way to starting construction, so by March we will have a track. Super pumped about that because it will give me more opportunities on the bike which will mean I will improve. I want to get to a place where I'm winning nationals again and I can compete for that NAG 1 come grands time. Well it's late so I'm off to bed. Track practice tomorrow and training thurs, racing saturday. Lake Perris national next weekend

Recovery

Since Reno I have done ZERO, yes ZERO, training!!! I'm still dealing with an injured ankle, been roughly 6 weeks now since I have gotten hurt. Now to add to that pain my knee is also beginning to bother me. Seems that the baby walking I've been doing to lessen some of the pain is not too healthy for my knee and now i'm really limping around. Since I missed an entire week of training I've decided to stick with Sunday being a rest day and will most likely not do any type of training until Monday. But since I will only have 2 solid weeks before the national I will be pushing it extra hard. Trying to get my 09 races planned and make sure I get to everything that I can this year. Even trying to figure out a way to possibly make it to an NBL national or two, so we'll see how that goes. My dream of making it to this year's worlds in Australia is slowly turning into just that, a dream. Financially cannot see myself making it to DeSoto to qualify and even more so coming up with the 4 grand or so that it would take to get me over to the worlds in July. Going to keep working on things and see what happens.

Silver Dollar Nationals 2009

Well the start of the 2009 ABA national series finally got here. I wasn't sure how well I was going to do leading into this race due to illness and injury. Part of achieving your dreams & goals is being able to push through the roadblocks and come out on top. Got to Reno just in time for my practice, literally had 3 minutes to spare, just enough time for inspection and to get my helmet on. Practice felt really decent and I was enjoying the gear that caused me issues in Tulsa... After my practice went and met the new team members and families and picked up my new uniform. Pretty psyched on how mellow and friendly everyone was. Stuck around friday night to watch Jesse race-he finished 4th! Good Job

Got back to the hotel rather late, got some dinner, and then spent some time catching up with frineds before calling it a night. Had some problems with sleep because of losing my voice and coughing...going to reno already sick is never fun! Saturday got some practice laps in and then got readt for racing. Pretty excited on how the race went, had 5 riders and got 2nd first round so I went straight to the mains. Main Event time and I ended up 2nd for the day, even after the near pass out experience I was having after the race I was pleased with my race. Same scenario saturday night, food, hanging out, then off to bed for some much needed rest. Sunday was feeling really drained, we dropped a rider so I had to go 2nd round, but ended up in the main and finished with another 2nd! Pretty solid start to my year.

Shout outs to Nick V for making 19x both days, Pete for his 1st on Sunday, Howard for making mains both days, Westbrook showed he loved the new cruiser with a 4th on sat, Sutter for throwing some ponies down this weekend and proving he'll be up front before long, Taylor W for making the jump to girl pro and doing well~ as well as my fellow team members and local riders. Good Job everyone. Now let's all get back to training and get ready for Lake Perris in just 3 weeks!!