Arizona

Finally gonna hit a national this year and see how much damage this knee has taken. I haven't raced since Chula Vista in September...where I ended up in an ambulance. Should be a blast. Pros are hitting the big hill which should result in some near death laps. Anyone out there got a portable oxygen tank?? Let me borrow that bad boy.

Not expecting much on the results front as I've barely rode or trained. Lungs will be burning and legs will be jello. Focused on the next race. Riding solo this year, no sponsor. So if anyone is looking for a 30 yr old chick who doesn't jump, goes kinda slow, and sometimes wins a race or two hit me up.

off the back

It's been forever since I've posted anything or even kept up with the blog. Not having the internet at home is a big thumbs down.

Not a lot to report. Haven't raced since Chula Vista in September. A string of health issues has kept me off the bike for quite some time. Finally starting training again last night. Needless to say, I'm outta shape and for sure creeping up on a larger pant size.

I bought a new twenty finally, a Felt. Bike is dope and I'm psyched of finally getting to ride it. Feels comfortable and now I'm ready to get off the Staats onto something legit. Then I can hopefully put some results in the books and get on that sponsored hype..

Anyway gotta get back to the grind, aka work, posts coming soon.

Lacking motivation and dedication on this thing

It's been so long since the last time that I created a post that it would take multiple to catch up on everything. So, I am planning on getting a nice new blog together and posting that up this weekend and then attempt to do bi-weekly updates if there should happen to be enough stuff to keep you entertained. Until then though, I've got to get back to work!!

Slacker status to thhe extreme

I've seriously been slacking on my blog. Everything has gotten so crazy its hard to keep up. New job is going well and I feel like I'm successful thus far. Sadly bmx has suffered. The commute is rough and frankly I use it as a crutch to not train. That's all got to stop. I've got great intentions and a horrible follow through. Got about 3 weeks till my next race and I've got to put in so¥e serious work. Quality not quantity is going to bring me the wins. Wish I was in South Africa right now for worlds, but Denmark next year baby!!!

been forever

Since I have updated this thing. Truly been a huge slacker. Lack of internet and now a new job, where I commute everyday, has left me spread thin. On top of that there's racing and training. Been having a awesome seasaon racing and continue to make progress each race. Next up for me is salt lake city and honestly I'm feeling like its going to be rough. Haven't hit my training hard this month like I should be, but the month is not over and I will be riding for the entire next week and a half. Will post another update soon with the years up too date results.

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