Just wanted to say...

In order to be a successful bike racer, it takes more then just being able to ride your bike faster then everyone else. Yes that is a major part of it, but to get there you often need help. Today I realized just how truly grateful I am to have such amazing support from the people around me. So I thought they deserved a little shout-out for everything they have done.

Cycling requires a lot. Intense training schedules, bikes (that work!), helmets, shoes, glasses, gloves, feeds... the list of expenses goes on and on. And until I win the lottery, I am extremely grateful to have the support, both financially and in many other ways, from my parents, coaches, teams, sponsors, and shops. Without you this would not be possible.

A few years back when I started racing Cat 1 Jr. women, I wanted to begin doing bigger and better races, and to avoid leaving the financial burden solely on my parents, I set out to find a new local team. I joined up with Sugar Cycles a (fairly) local shop and sponsored team. I was the only junior and one of only a few women, but I fit right in. Over the years the team, and especially friend and manager Kyle Davenport have done so many amazing things for me. From setting me up with a new sweet pink race bike, to helping me out when I called hysterically my first weekend at college because my shock died, and now giving me a job at the shop whenever i'm home, they are amazing people and have helped me so much. So thank you.

I've had a couple coaches and I know personally how much they can motivate me and push me to be a better, faster racer. They do more then just outline the best training plan, they support me, encourage me, teach me to learn from failure, and so much more. Without you to guide me I often become lost in the complex world of this sport. I recently started with a local Durango coach, Kricket Lewis and so far it has been fantastic, and I know she will be able to help me get where I want to go.

Finally, my parents. Who started me on a bike, dragged me to my first race, forced me off the couch to ride my bike even when thats the last thing I wanted to do at that moment. Who stood in the feed zone for hours waiting for me to come through. Who drive me across the country for a single race. Who believed in me even when I didn't. I couldn't have done it without you.


So to all those people who invest themselves in my race performance as much as I do, and will do whatever they can to help me achieve my goals, I can not thank you enough.

Mellow Johnny's!

Yes, I realize it has been well over a week now since I raced in Dripping Springs, and it's only a short report, but hey better nothing right?

Race day was hot and windy. Exactly as I suspected it would be. I'm still struggling with my health, and recovering from my latest crash which means my training has been pretty low key, and I didn't have high expectations for my race preformance. We started off with 11 women, and I sat mid field for the first lap, struggling a lot with the heat, yo-yo ing with a few riders on a lot of the technical sections. The course was super fun and technical, but with little topography. A very stereotypical West Texas course. There were many many big rock step-ups and drop-off, tight sandy switchbacks. and rock gardens everywhere. I really enjoyed it, but was wishing there was some big climb where I could take advantage of my mountain training and now superior aclimated lungs haha. My second lap was much faster, and as my body adapted to the heat I fell into a good rhythm and slowly picked off the other racers. I came across the line in second, which was an awesome way to start off my mountain biking season :) It was also significant because it was my first race out of the junior category, which was a bit sad, but now I am excited to see where I can go this season!!!

Right now I am at home and training in Cypress, also working full days at Sugar Cycles and trying to enjoy summer as much as I can, but I really miss everyone from college! This might be the first time ever I can't wait for summer to be over haha :)