Back in the DiRt!

This past weekend I went to Palo DUro Canyon to race. It was a good course, lots of different terain. But it was very sandy. I have one spill. Over the bars ended up with a mouth full of sand...yyyuucckk. It was good to be back in the dirt. I won my age group and got 4th out of 10 total women. I've got a little work to do, but its coming.. This weekend I will race another mtb race, in fort worth. Thats it for now..

Much Needed Update.

Its been a while since I have posted. Heres a little run-down...

My parents and I have moved to Bartonville, kind of old news, but its been a slow process, things are coming together, and it is actually becoming our home now.

In August I started school up again, still at TWU. I am taking a full schedule, which I am liking. It keeps me very busy. Hope it keeps going as well as it is going now.

So in early September I went to St. Louis for a week for my best friend, Lauren's wedding. I had a blast! I was there on my birthday, so we also celebrated that(I am 22 now!). I got to see people I havn't seen in forever. The bachlorette party, rehersal dinner, the wedding, everything was awesome. Wes also got to come up and join me for a few days, which was great! We all had so much fun.

And yes, I am still riding. Just taking a while to get back to riding after breaking my collar bone. My collar bone is doing good, just have to get the speed and strength back in my legs. I am trainging now for the Fall MTB season. I will do probably about 4 races then get right into winter training, and get ready for next year's road and mountain bike season. Ill keep you up to date on all that a little more frequently now.

Just this past weekend, Jim and Craig from Bicycle Heaven were nice enough to invite me to hang out with them this past weekend at the Cotton Patch/OmniSys races. Wasn't such a good weekend for me and my legs, but I had fun anyways.. I was suprised with a spiffy new kit and socks from Jim, which was awesome! Lovin it! Oh, and the Hampton was awesome! they had freshly baked cookies every evening at the front desk!

Tonight I plan on doing the ride in Irving that goes from the church. Probablly just do an easy ride and recover a little from this weekend.

On Thursday I will be heading to Palo Duro Canyon for the Mountain Bike Race. I am meeting Wes there. He's been hunting/guiding in Colorado for the last month, so it good that we will get to hang out for a weekend. My Dad may also meet us up there to watch and camp and do all that fun stuff. So can't wait for this weekend. I will let you know how it goes!

I've also still been doing soccer lessons and babysitting, which is always fun. But I will start working Blue Goose soon also!

Thats about it...
so long.

On The Road Again

"Rachel- Don't take offence to this, but you are a man." (He was reffering to me being back on my bike already) So thats what I heard on my first ride back on the road on Wednesday when the KOW ride passed me. Haha.. I thought it was funny. Not only was it good to be on my bike OUTSIDE again but to see some of the people I usually ride with on the group rides was good too! It was good to hear people have been thinking about me. I even got to do the slow part of the ride with then when they were cooling down, wow.. do I miss that! just wish I could do the fast part too! But I wont push it yet.. Im trying to be patient. I am just glad to be back on my bike .. can't wait to really get going again...

keeping busy..

Sooo.. I've been home bound the past couple weeks. .. but I had to get out the past couple days.. and Wes came to visit so that helped also. We went swimming, watch fireworks, walked the grapevine trail, and cooked. Kept pretty busy while I wasn't on the trainer or taking naps. Oh, and I've been cleaning the house, unloading the dishwasher(w/ one hand), and doing laundry! I'm a stay at home daughter. I also did a painting today! thats my life right now...

watch out! here I come....

so today was like a huge step in my recovery! I was able to sleep all night, and I slept like 12 hours. I was able to get a lot of motion out of it. I can even almost put my are straight up. It was like someone put a magic spell on me over the night or something. Yesterday I was bearly moving it and getting a piercing pain, crazy???? oh well, wont question it.. ill take all I can get.
:)

not as planned...

So.. this weekend was AT&T crit in Austin. Went from San Antonio to Austin Friday, ate with the team and headed to the hotel. Saturday morning we rode a bit, and I got to try out my new, awesome purple shoes! We raced at 6:50pm. I was excited to race, that soon ended in about the 30th minute, coming around turn 4. Coming around the corner, seeing a girl go down, and having no where to go. i was headed straight for her, my only option in my head was to bunny hop her. Which I think I did successfully, this is when everything becomes blurry. I think I must have hit the curb on the way down and flew into the metal barriers and slammed my face into the pavement. Well that's what I assumed happen, with my swollen face and sore right side of my head. So the outcome of it all was a new bloody white kit, cracked helmet, black eye, cut under my eye, broken collar bone, road rash here and there, and a few swollen spots. But the good news is my bike is already all set up on the trainer with an awesome new stem, I am now just a townie cruiser. I'll let yall know when I can get back out on the road. TTFN.

San Antonio!

So I am here in San Antonio. Riding and just having some fun. Will be doing the local races here with my teammy- Jenny..wooohoo... we went to the river yesterday after our 50 mile ride. Very relaxing! Tubing and just hanging out.

Nexy big race will be the At&T crit in Austin! Can't wait!

i ride a bike.

SO this past weekend was the Memorial day weekend crits, which included the state championship crit. It was a great weekend, racing and just hanging out with the team. Friday night, Brad had us over for dinner-Very good dinner, and played some pool and just hung out. It was a very good time. That night, jenny and I stayed at lees house, saturday morning, woke up at 530, and headed to the race. We raced at 8am. 1st time all us girls have raced together. FUN! i loved it. We got 1,3,4,and 5 over all. Then that also included 1st and 2nd in the 3's race. Because Sue raced with us! Sue won the 3's, off the front with shannon, and another rider. Then satuday we ate at Lee's for dinner, swam, and hung out. Sunday, Jenny, kim and I raced. got 5, 6, and 17. Then Sunday night jenny and I had my good luck dinner at outback... looks like it good luck for Jenny too! Monday we raced at 1:30..soso hot! we even got a splash zone...ha.. well make a long story short.. Jenny stayed off the front from the begining of the second lap... ashley, kim, shannon, and I all worked together, covering attacks, shannon attacked a few times, brought riders back... with 3 laps to go we got orginized, Kim then Ashley then Shannon then me. They made the last few laps hard. We came around the corner with shannon 1st, then another rider, then me... the other rider jumped, so I did too. I won the field sprint, thanks to my awesome teammates. 2nd overall, and won the 3's race. I had so much fun this weekend! Thanks to everyone who has helped me along the way. I couldn't be happier. THis coming weekend is Tulsa Tough... it will be my first NRC race... :)

Change of Plans..

Unfortunatly, I am not going to Tour of Arkansas. Did not have a good weekend at Joe Martin, due to my stomache problems, and I am also looking to get some points so I could possibly be a 2 by Tulsa Tough.. I am going to go to Houston to do some crits this weekend. Which I am excited about because one of my best friends, Irena, is back in Houston for the summer, so I get to stay and hang out with her. May stay and extra day or two also! Back to Joe Martin, I got 15th in everyrace, and 16th GC, not what I was looking for, but thats how the world turns. But I've got to go. Talk to you soon!

Getting ready..

This weekend was pretty full for me. Friday I headed to Lee's house about 11 am, so we could head to Austin to do the Shiner Rally. Friday when I arrived at Lee's house I got a call from nathan, "hey, see what lee thinks about taking you to Sugarland sunday, to race the Sugarland crit." So, that pretty much means I would race Sunday. So that was the plan. Friday when we got to Austin we met up with TOny and Doug to take the extra cars to shinner so when we got done with the ride we didn't have to ride back to Austin on the "bus". After that little trip we all met a couple more of their friends for dinner, Michelle and Chuck. We went to a high end Cici's. It was so good, I can't remember the name, but there was so much to chose from, and even dessert! After we just headed to the hotel and headed to bed. We had an early start Saturday, the ride started at 7 am. It was nice because our hotel was right at the start. Rode out the door, and right by all the "rally-ers", wanting to stay in the safe zone(ahead of the wobblers). The ride was 90 miles, rolling hills a couple decent climbs. I am so glad I went. THanks Lee! We averaged 22, so it was a good ride for me since I am getting ready for Tour of Arkansas and Joe Martin. Then Sunday was an earlier morning for Lee and I get up at 4:40, and we got on the road about 5 or so. Of course, with Lee driving. I fell asleep for pretty much the whole ride :) So the Crit started at 920 and we got there with pleanty of time for me warmup and get ready without rushing. It was a womens open race.and there was a decent turn out like 21 girls. .Jenny also came to race! yay, first race I got to have a teamate! We worked together well. It was my first 60 minute crit, so that longer duration was different for me, along with a little faster pase. So anyways, by the end of the race, there was one off the front, who had been off since about minute 20. We were as close as 7 seconds at one time, until a jr.boy(who we were also racing with) got across and started working with her.. so now we were racinging for second. one lap to go me and jenny started getting ready before the tight turns jenny began to led me out, and what a leadout it was, I think we gapped the girls almost immediately. and coming around the last turn we definatly did have a gap, when I got up to sprint I did not see anyone on my wheel. and as I went by jenny i told her she could go for third. keep it up. and she did. so we got 2nd and 3rd! Very exciting. and we have to give lots of credit to Lee, at least I do for dragging me along all weekend and taking care of all my stuff and bike and whatnot.
So I had a really good weekend! Fun, and all that! ANd tomorrow we leave for Joe Martin, can't wait!

I am babysitting lots latley..

and changing nasty poopy diapers...

and some how I still love to babysit...

i love ice cream....

<3<3<3

"at least they won, other wise I'd be really mad having to be in this rain"

so last night I went to the Stars playoff game! Very exciting game! They won 3-1. Our seats were like the highest possible, but you could actually see really well, and it was a plus that no one was behind us to spill beer or peanut shells on us. They gave out towels, if anyone watches hockey, you know what those are for .. I did have to dodge the whirrling towels a few times. people were getting a little crazy. The craziest part of the night was going back to the car! It was pouring down rain, and sooooo windy.. and it was actually funny watching the women who were actually dressed up in heels and whatnot running, getting soaked and freezing. By the time I was in the car, I was drenched! But oh well, had fun. Love going to sporting events, its worth it. ..

:)

This past weekend was Rocky Mount stage race, just outsde of Shrieveport, LA. We stayed with Russ, one of Nathans buddies. Thanks to Russ and Shana for the food and hospitality! I had a great time. It was a womens open race, the roadrace was saturday morning, bright and early. 8:05am, still very chilly! But it went well, just sat in and rode, got the 7 sec hot spot. One girl was off the front for a lap, but she was back towards the end of laps 3. The pace actually picked up on the third laps, when people actually decided they wanted to bring her back. So by the end of the third lap I think thre were about 10 of us for the last stretch. Sat 4th with 1K to go then 3rd, then 2nd and at about a 100m to go I went for the win! Yes, I won a road race. :) So I was 10 sec infront of 2nd and like 20 or so infront of 3rd. After the boys got done, we headed back to Russ' to rest a bit before the TT. I was pretty neverous going into the tt, knowing I havnt figured out how to TT yet. Havnt had any very succsessful TT's yet... but, I went out, did all I could, but it wasn't enough. 3rd place(Milissa) took first and I got bumped back to 3rd :( The crit was Sunday morning, chilly, once again. Got the 5 sec hot spot and sat i again. Kind of a non exciting race, no real attacks or anything. On the last lap, I was thinking of going early to try to make up some time and move into second. Yet, I've never been successful off the front by myself..so I decided to just stay in for the sprint. Came around the last turn 2nd, and went with about 150m to go. I won the stage, yet did not make enough time to move up in GC at all. So I came out of the weekend with 2 stage wins, 3rd GC, and some cash, not bad.(3 seconds short of 2nd and 12 short of 1st.) I'll get 'em next time.. :)
Oh ya... im loving the picture of me on the website.. haha....not

thank goodness.

So this past weekend I raced the Mineral Wells road races, and I got my points to upgrade(to a 3)! for sure... yes its confirmed. I did what I was told, sat in the group, and waited for the sprint. I won the field sprint both days. 2nd and 4th. Pretty fun weekend. We had a team dinner sat night for the everyone who was in town, and lee even graced us with his presence! ANd today I went to the Rangers opening game! so fun! and it didn't rain, like they thought it would. it was actually very warm. so, I wore shorts to the game, and my cycling tan showed. and multiple people commented on it! people I did not even know.. so weird. " Hey you.. Nice tan line" mmm... Irena and I just laughed.. :)

Rachel.. Concentrate on what you are doing...

So this weekend I did the Aubry TT. I have done it a few times before , but this time was defiantly the hardest! It was soooooo WINDY! I probably should have rethought using the disc. Thought I was about to wipe out a couple times. So, I did okay, did not keep the numbers I was supposed to. That is something I really need to work on, when I am doing TT's, and have no one around me to focus on, my mind seems to drift off of my numbers, and how hard I am pushing. Defiantly something to work on. I ended up getting third. so at least I got some ca$h money. Austin and a few of the club members were out there, so it was good to see others in their METRO kits. Then today I did the blue bonnet ride, and it was way colder than I was expecting, and it was like it got colder as the ride progressed.. mm.. who knows. Then after I showered and took a nap, I have been pretty tired lately, doing some pretty hard and frequent workouts. Once i awoke from the dead I got on the trainer to do my trainer workout, now I am completely dead! I wasn't even sure if my legs were going to hold me up once I got off the trainer... they did... barely..

Well have a Happy Easter!

YAY!

Maybe this will be me in a couple of months! But this is a picture taken at Summit, the place I was at!

rock climbing!

so yesterday.... I went to Summit, a indoor rock climbing place! It was so fun! and a really good workout. I think I did pretty good for my first time, I even learned all the terminology to make sure there was no miscommunication between Mat and I... "climb on" I don't know why I couldn't say that without laughing or forgetting what I was supposed to say. and I have to say sorry to Mat for my skills on "belaying "(don't know how to spell) him down.. I was a little jerky, he probably has whiplash, and I kind of slammed him into the wall once...sorry....butmI almost did a 5-7( that is the difficulty level) but I slipped on part of it... so it was fun, and I think I am making it my new hobby!

Todays Training: A couple hours and sprints

Quote: "No matter how good you get you can always get better and that's the exciting part." Tiger Woods

Random Rachel: I love macaroni and cheese mixed with peas or stewed tomatos! mmmmm...

I'm pretty sure I am dislecix and have A.D.D.

DH.mpg <<<---- Click here to see what I want to do!

So this weekend was the Waco Outback Blowout. I had a lot of fun. I headed to waco Friday to preride the course a coupe laps, then Saturday Lee met me down there to preride an easy lap. I went to The School of Lee this weekend. My head is know filled with knowledge, anything from picking lines to architecture. Crazy.. anyways, so I got second to the Pro Rider and Waco Park Ranger, Kim. Very good person to learn from, only if I could stay close enough the whole race to watch :) ..... But overall the weekend was great, Jenny even came down sunday to race also! Good to see her again! "Reasearching" the Sea Otter website, Hearing Lee's stories, and seeing pictures and Videos of downhill racing reenergized my hopes of trying downhill and other mountain bike events. I have always wanted to try, but I don't think they even have downhill in TX, and Ive never been to a race where I could try it. So I am thinking I am going to make the trip out to sea otter this year, if I can save up the money, Thank goodness for Tax refunds and private soccer lessons(and of course Comlpiance Depot)! I am getting kind of close.....but f you are feeling generous you can send all Donations to:

Rachel Wants to Downhill Inc.
1 Screaming Speeds Alley
Hopeful Thinking, CA 00001

WOW!

As you can see I am excited! I completed Rouge Roubaix and got 8th! I rode 106.42 miles, the logest ride I have ever done(the closest I had done before was just less than 80 miles)! It was so hard, but so fun. I would not give it up for anything. Like Lee said I would, I have learn so much about myself. The race started at about 8:30 and was freezing! I was just glad to get moving, and warmed up a bit. I stayed in th main group until about mile 30, about 1 mile into the first dirt section. Just could not keep my speed up like they could. So I got on the end a little "train" of three guys, and I actually was starting to make the time back up, I even saw jenny towards the end of that dirt section, I counted, and was about 15 seconds off.. so close to getting back in. I could not hang on the guys any longer, it was sad when I saw the guys I was with catch the end of the lead group, in was in my sight! But I kept going, eating and drinking as much aas I could to keep as much energy going. But for some reason, I could not get the food to stay down until after mile 55 or so. Kind of wierd and gross! anyways so got in a group of about 10 and just took turns pulling, got to the second gravel/dirt section and actually dropped most of them up the climbs. I felt like i was going faster up the dirt sections than the paved! crazy.. yes.. I will definatly say the third dirt section was the hardest, had the loosest gravel and the steepest section, that was the one time I got off for a second. But i got going again pretty quickly. Oh yea, so I rode with austin from about mile 75 i think it was. WHen I hit mile 100 I did a little wooooowhhhooo noise, got a wierd look from the guys riding next to us. But the last 3 miles of the race was the longest three miles ever! wow... But when I crossed the line I had the biggest grin on my face. So proud of myself for doing it! and even better, getting 8th! But it all hit me about 9pm that night, I was dead, and in pain. We were driving home and I felt like complete crap. Hot, cold, palms sweatting head ache, body ache, body freaking out, felt like my muscles were spazzing out, thirsty yet couldnt drink a bottle of watter without having to pee the second I drank it.. so wierd, felt noting like it before... Thats when I realized what Lee was saying when he told me I'd learn a lot about myself. .. Iam feeling better today, but it definatly carried over to yesterday. I had so much fun this weekend! And a special thank you to Lee and Terry for making our weekend so much easier! You guys are awesome!

one thing...

It snowed yesterday! and was in the high 50's today! Thats Texas...

and... so I got a massage yesterday, not the best massage Ive had, but one thing that felt amazing was the hand/finger massage, I thought I was going to die.

random pictures

BH offices in Pheonix ^

The trailer...^

the G4 ^

^ Lee at the team dinner, trying to tell me not to take the picture

^BH guys drilling holes for my new water bottle cage.

my fingers are sore...

the open areas sucked! so windy!

^christian and i warming up..

^some of us before the start.

Today was my first mountain bike race of the season, Bar-H! and also my first race as an expert. Havn't trained for the mountain bike lately, but it was fun just getting back out on the trails, besides the fact my upper body was dying and my fingers were so tired, I felt like I could not even grip the bars.(good thing i didnt hit any large bumps or rocks while descending.) I finished top half out of the Expert women 19-29 AND 30-39.. Waco will be my next race, I'm excited to train more on the trails. Christian and Will Raider also raced. Christian got third in the PSE and Will got 1st in the Jr. X. Woooowhhhoooo! enough mountain bike stuff... so next weekend in rouge! I am excited, I know it will be hard but when I am done, I'll get that feeling! So for those of you who don't know, Rouge is like a 95 mile road race, yet almost half is on a gravel road. I hear there are so decent climbs and is just tiering.. I'm readY!





TOdays training: Mountain bike race!





Quote:"I love California, I practically grew up in Phoenix." - Dan Quayle, former U.S. Vice President ( haaha, thats scary.)

Random rachel: I got my amazing pink bike for high school graduation!

Riding outside...

SO I have ben getting to ride outside. Sat and Sunday I met up with the group rides, until I was so congested I could not breath, so I went home. It was pretty chilly though those days. I am about to go take a ride, in the amazing weather. so so nice! Hopefully I will feel better today than the past couple days. I was lonely not being able to go to pace bend with the rest of the team. Thy kept me a little occupied with text messges hear and there. So, depending on how I am feeling, I plan on doing Bar -H, a mountain bike race, this weekend. If I get to do the race it will be my first race as an expert. Real racing! I am excited. We will see....

Corey- hope you feel better!

Todays training: couple hours in this lovely weather!

Quote:"I get to go to lots of overseas places, like Canada." - Britney Spears

Radom Rachel: I started playing this game on the internet(this weekend, while not racing) called, Cookie Rookie, and I am now addicted. www.king.com <-- u can play if u want.

this is a ...

HORRIBLE DAY...... Im sure thats just what you want to hear.

TOdays training: get over being sick .. sleep and rest...

Random Rachel: I have never been sick three times in one year ever... Im already at 3 and its only Feburary.

Quote:"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."

...

Sorry it has been so long. I don't even think I have blogged since camp. Camp was a lot of fun, meeting the few people I hadn't met, hanging out, riding, getting new things! It was amazing. And this past weekend we were in AZ for Valley of the Sun. My first road race out of Texas, definatly different than texas racing. My best result was 5th in the Crit. Now I forsure have enough points to upgrade. Yay. .. and...Bad news.. I am sick again. hopefully I will get well before this weekend so I can race Pace Bend. I just feel like, crap, cant breathe, bearly have a voice... no bueno. ...

wow..

SO we got back sunday from New Braunfels. The road race did not go very well, I got 12th. THats how is goes, i guess. But I am excited for this weekend. Everyone arrives today for team camp. THose of us who will be here in time, we are eating at parkers tonight. We got all our new clothes and stuff yesterday. THey look amazing, and everyone said so at the ride last night. I can't wait to meet everyone else, hang out, and ride. And get all this started! I am so thankful to have this opportunity ride with such good riders, having a new bike and equipment, having the support we do(thanks brad, and the other sponsors), and for nathan to put so much time and effort into making it all work.

TOdays Training: a couple hours

Quote: "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." Mark Twain

Random Rachel: I used to sing the national anthem at the BMX races when I was younger.

I thought it was bad that I crashed, but then I got shot in the foot.

Well, today what the curcuit race for Tour of New Braunfels. Good course and nice weather. Than I had my first road crash. Was just right behind the two girls who went down, no way of getting around it. Just slid a few few and whip my head and back down to the ground. Got up, shook out the stars, figured out which bike was mine, got on my bike, realized my chain was off when I couldn't go anywhere, fixed my chain,  and bent my derailleur(thats how austin said it was spelled) hanger back in "place" and spend off.. Did not think I could catch back on, but I DID! with about 3 laps to go. It finished in a sprint and I got second, by a half of bike length. awww... so maybe I will win tomorrow!  I'll let you know. And so when I thought no one read our blogs, a girl in the race today told me she liked my blog.... WOW! how exciting..

more new sTuFF!

On Tuesday our helmets and glasses came in, so cool! They are uvex. There are super comfortable and light, I'm definatly liking them! I took a picture of them, but for some reason it is not letting me insert pictures today. I am very thankful to have a new helmet! much needed. So I've been able to ride outside the past days, feeling way better! I even got to do the Exxon Mobile ride last night. Did not feel amazing, but what was I to expect... Todays ride was wayyyyyyyy windy..almost blew off my bike a few times. Kind of fun though. And so I am excited for this weekend! First race of the season! Only Austin, Parker, Gordon, and I are going. Austin and I both need points. So if I can pull off a win in the crit and roadrace, I will be able to upgrade to a 3 for VOS.

Today's Training: Hour and a half, nice and easy...

Quote: "When one of your dreams come true, you begin to look at the others more carefully."

Random Rachel: When I was moving from California to St. Louis, we were towing the car behind the Truck with the cats in it. The windows were slightly cracked. We stopped at a rest stop and I went to check on the cats, and my first little kitty was gone, (she had jumped out the window!)and he had no idea where she was.... I miss Cactus.....

getting there...

Today, I got some work in! like 3 hours... hope to get some more in here in a bit.. I can't wait for a paycheck, it has been forever! Then Nathan stopped by on his ride, and we ate some grub. Then I got on the trainer for a little over an hour, and I felt pretty good! YAY! I think I am feeling normal. Yesterday I got in like 40 minutes on the trainer and it kind of made me not feel so go. But I am glad it is better today! And I am excited for tonight, My friend Irena is making dinner at her house for a few of our friends. It should be a good time!

Today's Training: trainer hour

Quote: "Life's a B****, then you die." -My Mother

Random Rachel: I love putting peanut butter on oreos, then dipping it in milk....mmmmm.. (not too oftem though, that would be a lot of bluber)

:(

I have to be missing the gym and ride today... Still don't feel well enough to ride. Hopefully Monday! I'm missing my buddies. I have got to see Nathan though hes come by a few time to keep me company and stuff. So I'm just trying to rehydrate my body and eat a decent amount with out being sick. So pretty much just watching T.V. with the family and hanging out.

Today's Training: drink accelerade

Quote: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken

Random Rachel: I love kids!

yuck....

soo.. im sick. After wednesday's trainer workout, i felt super sick, which isn't unussual for the type of work out we did(high cadance). So I thought it would just go away.. nope... that night i got sick multiple times. It carried over to yesterday aswell. I was blacking out because I had nothing left in my body. I even busted my lip one time i blacked out, when falling head first into the bathtub! Kind of funny now that I am feeling a little better. But I am finding bruises and bumps on my body from the times i was blacking out after getting sick. My neck is really sore too! BUt I am feeling better today, I actually slept the whole night last night. and last night i was able to eat a few saltine crackers and some chicken broth. So I think I have a bad case of the flu... hope i will be comepletly better here in the next day or two! Well I am going to lay down, notfeeling so well.

a working woman....

haha ya... so today I started my computer work for compliance depot. Gordon and I were doing training today from 9-1 then we ate lunch with nathan. Then I thought I had soccer lessons today, but Im stupid and it was the wrong day, I do it Thursday, and that is tomorrow! So now we are about to do atrainer workout at my house! it should be fun!

Today's Training: suprise trainer workout....

Quote: Ron Burgundy: [to dog] You're so wise. You're like a miniature Buddha, covered in hair.

Random Rachel: just say my name kind of fast and slur it (Rachel Byus)... ya my parents hate me.. haha.. but im not, dont worry!

more pictures...

we had a rave...

1...2...3...4....5....crash( my mom thought he was going to come through the ceiling downstairs)

proof that nathan was there....

testing the waters..... and yes he really got in!

texting gordon and parker.. where are you???

haha..

wow....

will has the ultimate core

Austin never stops working out.

haha.. thats will....

who is that back there??

So yesterday we rode a couple hours in the windy weather. Then since will and corey were in town I had everyone over at my house for dinner and hot tub. Then today was my day off and the boys built up their bikes and we hung around nathans.

Today's Training: day off

Quote: "Shut up, quit whinning, and put your big girl panties on."

Random Rachel: My middle name is Christine.

its saturday the 19th!

Well today started out getting up ssssssssooooooo early. to go to the gym, after the gym and seeing the win chill we decided to do the trainers inside. So we all came to my house and watched a movie while riding. Me and my mom went shopping after for a bit. Now I'm about to make a big salad for dinner. Then I'm spending tonight with a few friends, for one of their birthdays. So, I am excited, have not hung out with them in a while. Hopefully I will get pictures.

Today's Training: 1.5 on the trainer (w/ Mr. woodcock)

Quote: Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better.
King Whitney Jr.

Random Rachel: I would love to go skydiving! If you ever go, take me!

can we get some heat?

So today I woke up and ate breakfast, like always. Then went for a two hour ride at 10. Came home, showered, made lunch and took off to meet with Doug, Im going to start doing some computer work for Compliance Depot to make some money! yay! money! im broke! Not sure what else I will do today, so we will see. hope everyone has a great weekend. see u on the rides this weekend(on my new bike!)

Today's Training: 2 hours(bbbbrrrrrrrrrrr)

Quote: "I'm fascinated by the sprinters. They suffer so much during the race just to ge to the finish, they hang on for dear life in the climbs, but then in the final kilometers they are transformed and do amazing things. It's not their force per se that impresses me, but rather the renaissance they experience. Seeing them suffer throughout the race only to be reborn in the final is something for fascination." — Miguel Indurain

Random Rachel:i love shopping! i may even be a shop-a-holic......

Art Day

Art Day

I don't really have much to say, so I decided since I took pictures of lots of my work yesterday, I would put some of them up to show. But today it is freezing out side, I had planned on leaving about 1030 to ride, but the temp said 24 degrees and it feels like 18, so im going to wait, hopefully it will warm up a few degrees! So last night I went out to eat with my mom and a couple of her friends, that was fun. And I yesterday I had short efforts to do on the bike. but my legs are sore today! Today I do soccer lessons at 4, so whoohooo i get some gas money! Im running low!

Training Today: 3 hours with 3 10 minute efforts(I'm going to sleep well tonight!)

Quote: "If you are going through hell, keep going." - Sir Winston Churchill

Random Rachel: I am a certified personal trainer(though being at the gym watching so called trainers train their clients, it doesn't mean as much as it used to, it seems like anyone can be a personal trainer, so sad.)

happy birthday nathan..

Today Nathan turned 29, what an old man... haha. So today was my day off, just kind of rested. Cleaned my old car so we can sell it( 2000 Eclipse, if anyone wants it!). My mama made tacos for dinner, so that was delicious like always. But I am excited to ride tomorrow, so I get to really ride my new bike! yay. Not much to say, did not do much today.

Today's Training: DAY OFF!

Quote: "Keep smiling, it makes people wonder what you're up to."

Random Rachel: My last goal of my soccer career I don't remember. I went up for a header, and on the way down smashed my face into the other girls head, broke my nose, got a concussion, don't remember anything, and got rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. But at least I scored, so I was told.

Wwooohhooooo!!!

Well to start out the day I had a bagel and cream cheese with some grape before I headed out for the ride. Ride was good, a little chilly. After the ride me and Nathan ate some lunch then got started on my bike. Pretty exciting! We ate Sour Patch Kids and Swedish Fish while working. I learn to change a tire today! I also did some of the cables, changed the cassette, wrapped the bars, and did some other little things to help Nathan out. So it's FINISHED! I'm loving it! Oh ya, and last night was fun! We went out to eat then we went to the Motocross race, very exciting.

Today's Training: About 50 miles (blue bonnet ride)

Quote: "Whada ya spect, I still have my baby teef." Rachel Byus (I really said this when I was 4, I was playing football with my brother, and dropped the ball, and my brother yelled at me, and I responded with this great comeback)

Random Rachel: I was a toe head as a kid.

uuuhhhhh...

I'm tired. Early morning to the gym at 7, got on our bikes about 8:40. Headed to the shop to meet up with everyone else. I thought I did pretty well today, I did get dropped up hilltop(but almost at the top) and then I kept the pack in site the whole time. So that was good. Finished up. Got home and ate my left over pasta I had last night at dinner with some veggies, had a glass of chocolate milk, and took a nap. Now I'm writing in my blog before I head to the Motocross races! Yay...I'm excited. It should be fun, I will let you know!

Today's Training: gym then 60 miles(mad duck ride)

Quote: "Those who can laugh without cause have either found the true meaning of happiness or have gone stark raving mad." Norm Papernick (haha, that is so me.. don't know if I've gone mad or am just happy..haha)

Random Rachel: I love those little round candies called cherry sours, I bought some at the gas station today.. mmmmmmmmm...

well well well

Most exciting news of the day, some of the bikes arrived! yay. and I believe Shannon's is all built up for her to ride tomorrow. so she can be the model. Hopefully I will do mine tomorrow. I'm going to make this short because I need to be asleep, I have to get up early tomorrow for the gym. So today I hung a few new things up in my room, then rode, then cleaned my bike, then went to dinner and now I'm home. zzzzzzzzz.....

Training Today: 30 miles

Quote: No one travelling on a business trip would be missed if he failed to arrive.
Thorstein Veblen

Random Rachel: I don't like seafood. (smells too bad to taste)

something I forgot...

I forgot to post this picture the other day! this is the amazing cake I baked!

pretty busy

so today I was pretty busy, I cleaned my room all morning(much needed), made lunch, then I rode for almost 3 hours in the wind(crazy wind today), came home ate a snack and took a shower, and went to give soccer lessons. Now I am home. I think I may go see a movie tonight. I'm excited for my new red bike..hehe

Training today: 42 miles in the wind!

Quote: "Boredom comes from a boring mind." Metalica

Random Rachel: I have two dogs, Foster( black lab/ Rhodesian ridge back) and Gabbee(poodle/ shihtzu)

mm....

Well, I got 12 hours of sleep last night, that was nice! Got on the bike about 11 and did my deed. The weather was pretty nice out today, a little chilly, but I am not complaining. Then I just hung out with my mom most the day. I hear our new bikes should be here soon, so I'm excited! Oh, and I watched Cash Cab for like 3 episodes today. I love that show!

Today's Training: 45 miles, including efforts( ride today+ gym last night = sore legs!)

Quote: "Sometimes solutions arn't so simple, somtimes good-bye's the only way." Linkin Park

Random Rachel: When I was in 6th grade I set the District record for triple jump( track and field event) at like 32 feet(i can't remember the exact distance...).

im just going to stop blogging...

well today i read shannons blogs, made me realize how lame mine are...she just knows how to put things into works waaaaaaayyy better than i do...and plus its like i talk about nathans birhtday night, she has pictures and good sayings... i talk about how cool the trailor looks, she has amazing pictures of it and has the definition of pimp...i'd go on but im just embarresing myself... so i dont know how i can keep up... but I will try....
Well today is cold and windy! i do not like it! I couldn't even handle riding outside, so I finished my ride inside on the trainer! Then I went to the store with my mom to get groceries for our amazing dinner tonight! its a secret recipe so i cant tell u what we bought, but its a pasta dish.. mmmmm... my favorite. So i cant wait to get back from the gym tonight.... dinner will be waiting..

Training Today: about 2 hours and the gym
Yesterdays Training: Exxon Mobile group ride( just spun for about a hour)

Quote: "Let no man pull you low enough to hate him." Martin Luther King Jr. ( good quote)

Random Rachel: I hate when people scrape their teeth along their fork. That is a horrible noise.

well today...

I got up a little late for the ride, yet made it on time. I was pretty tired this morning. I even ate my cereal laying back in the recliner .. yum. We did the blue bonnet ride, I can't hang the whole ride so i take a couple of short cuts to catch back on so i can get some intesity efforts in. But my legs have definatly been super tired and sore! After the ride i showered and took a nap. Then went to look at the new trailor with nathan. Lee has done an awesome job! it looks amazing! and the painting looks great too! ( im pretty sure shannon, will(feel better!) and phillip painted the inside)
Oh, ya.. and last night was fun! we ate dinner and hung out. We suprised nathan with a cake... yet me and shannnon managed to set his fire detector off when lighting the candles! ha.. it was great! well im off to bed now..

Today's Training: 45 miles

Quote: "The Grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." Allan K. Chalmers ( i agree :) )

Random Rachel: I was a gymnast when I was younger, and I can still do the splits.

sues my hero...

well today was pretty busy, worked out and then rode the mad duck ride at 9. I had a good day at the gym, felt strong, and finished all my front squats with the upped weight(which i could not do last time).... on the ride today i told sue she was my hero.... for those of you who don't know sue, she is on the club team and does a lot of the same rides as we do.sssoooo... long story short, she stay with the lead group, and ussually does .. and ive looked up to her since I've met her, but after todayi look up to her even more..today she told me she is 49! (hope u dont mind me telling) but u should be damn proud!so today i realised what i want to be when i grow up... sue!
.... and tonight we are all going over and eating pasta and salad at nathans, so that should be fun! and shhhhh, but we are kind of making it a birthday party for nathan because his birthday is next week! we all came together to get him something.. (hope he doesnt read this b4 tonight) i also slaved over the oven all day(after the ride) to make a beautiful cake...i will be sure to take pictures of my beatiful cake so everyone can see!

Todays Training: 50 miles, and gym
Yesterdays Training: about 45 miles( 2.5 hours with efforts)

Quote:“Age is something that doesn't matter, unless you are a cheese” Billie Burke (sue proves that)

Random Rachel: When I was 9 I won 2nd at the BMX World Cup!

First Blog

Well, I've just been trying to figure all this blogging stuff out. I am definitely going to need Shannon to give me a run-down, because I am LOST!

I guess I tell tell a little about my riding back ground.... After deciding to stop playing college soccer, I decided to call Nathan so I could learn more about riding. In the past I had rode mountain bikes off and on and had a roadbike that bearly had been ridden. I also raced BMX from the age of 4-10. So I started training with Nathan In January of 07. When the summer came around Nathan asked me to go to Colorado to train with his team. I was so excited, I never thought I'd get a chance like that so soon! So that was when the real training started. The month we were in colorado was very hard for me. I'd never been out of Texas to ride so the hills and mountains just destroyed me. But I got much stronger! It was an awesome experience and I loved it. I am so thankful I got to go. After Colorado we went to Pennsylvania, they raced at nationals( I did my first TT at Nationals) and I trained. After we got back I won my first race at the Denton crits! I was very excited, and what made it even better was that Shannon won also! So long story short, I've just been training to the best of my ability and I hope this season will show my improvement! I can't wait to race.

Well, so I went to California for Christmas, I stayed in Fresno for about 5 days and L.A. for 3. While I was there I went shopping and just hung out with family and old friends. I did not get to ride much because I came up with a cold the second day I arrived-bummer! Kind of ruined my trip a bit. While I was in L.A. the last couple days I did get to ride, and it was in amazing weather and along a beautiful bike path along the beach(the picture above). Nathan also called up a friend to take me riding, he showed me some hills and other parts of town, very nice! After coming back from Cali I spent the New Years holidays in St. Louis with my best friend, Lauren, who recently got engaged. We spent some time doing wedding stuff, and the rest of the time just hanging out. But over all I had a great holiday thanks to GREAT friends and family. I'm glad to be back and riding with the gang, I definitely missed them!

So at the end of every blog I think I will include what training I did that day, a quote that describes my mood or something going on that day, and one random fact about myself.

Today's training: 55 miles (pretty chilly and windy outside!)

Quote: “Patience is waiting. Not passively waiting. That is laziness. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow - that is patience.” (Sometimes it is hard riding with such great athletes, and sometimes I can't keep up and I get discouraged, but I know it will come with time if I train hard, so I try to be as patient as I can.)

Random Rachel Fact: Ive lived in 10 different houses/apartments throughout my life and 4 different states, and 6 different cities

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