I wanted to race yesterday. Coach Adam even had the race on my schedule for racing with the big girls. But on my ride on Wednesday, I realized I wasn't ready to race - not at that level. Mentally, I wanted to be lining up and trying my hardest to at least finish on the same lap as the winners. I would have sunk myself deep into the pain cave to do that... And that was the problem. I wanted to race, but the legs still weren't there after 24 Hours in the Enchanted Forest. Trying to race would…

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I wouldn't want to miss one of the Ascent Cycling races, especially the long course in Bear Creek. I love the long course - we hit every single trail in the park and it's and honest beating. From the long slog up to the top of the regional trail to the punchy little climbs scattered throughout, it's my favorite course. It's also long enough to spread out the field quickly and reduce the amount passing. (Something I was looking foward to this race especially since I knew I would get lapped - the… Continue

There comes a moment in any race when it comes down to the mental battle. It doesn't matter if the race is an hour slug fest at Bear Creek Terrace or a 24 hour endurance test. The demons are always there, lurking - whispering in your ears that its okay to stop - everyone else is hurting just as bad. The sign of a great athlete is knowing when the demons need to be silenced, ignored and when they rightfully demand attention. It's a hard task to stay mentally on top throughout an entire race.…

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Well. Isn't that the story of racing? Sometimes you are the cat and sometimes the mouse - and sometimes, both! With just me and Caroline Mani on the line for the woman's pro race at last nights kick off for the Ascent Cycling Series, it would quickly turn into a game of cat and mouse with both of use playing each role at varying times. A shorter course with less road and more technical singletrack played to my strengths, but I wanted to try racing smart this time. Instead of bolting from the…

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Are we ready?

The first Ascent Cycling race is already looming in just a few days times. Time to strap on numbers and line up with friends who will be fierce rivals for the next 60 minutes. An hour of fun - an hour of suffering. Pinning it from the start and hoping to hold on for as long as possible - or until that sweet sound. A ringing bell signalling one to go.

It starts friendly enough. Collect number from Registration - get out and do a warm up and pre-ride on the course.…

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