"We have to go for what we think we're fully capable of, not limit ourselves by what we've been in the past." -Vivek Paul

Sunday, October 17, 2010

NEW BLOG SITE!

Please go to this site to find my latest blogs! I've changed servers!

Thanks so much for looking!

http://missyerickson.wordpress.com/

NEW BLOG SITE!

Please go to this site to find my latest blogs! I've changed servers!

Thanks so much for looking!

Friday, October 15, 2010

I have successfully broken my first chain.


Yeah, that's about it. I broke my first chain, and in about 10 minutes, Cody put it back together, and we rode for another 1.5-2 hours. Running, CX Practice, Mountain biking, and Road riding. I've been doing it all, getting ready for this CX season. With our Mountain team at nationals right now, they are rocking it! Day one and we've got one woman and two guys on the podium! So it's on for Cyclocross. 

One thing i have definitely been feeling, 200m sprint training is not good for some early season CX racing. But, as i was last year, I've got until December to get rocking for Collegiate Nationals. 
The weather is starting to change in Durango. We've got the trees changing, the wind changing, and random cold and warm weather intermingling. I'm really excited for it to start snowing! I love the mountains and how they give off a sort of feeling. I can just sit outside in the snow and stare out into nothing. It's beautiful. Majestic. Inspiring. 

Thursday, October 14, 2010

CyclingNews USWCDP Diary

Hey Everyone! Check it out! I'm on the front page of cycling news track homepage!

http://www.cyclingnews.com/track

So go and check it out and read up on my newest diary!
You can also access the blog from this link:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/blogs/us-womens-development-program/double-dose-of-track-nationals

Hope you all have a marvelous day!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

So far, all i have been writing about is mostly cycling. But just so you know. i do go to school sometimes. I've got some pretty sweet classes this year. I've finally broken out of the generals and intro exercise science classes, and now I've got two physiology classes, along with a lab. It's awesome! The nerd in me is coming out!
The thing i love most of exercise science is that i can relate it to myself so easily. Being an athlete, especially a cyclist, you learn so much about your body, and in these classes, like anatomy, physiology, and exercise phys, you see how everything works together and you start figuring out things you can do to get that extra advantage. Not that i have exactly learned an special secrets, but its fun to see how things are coming together. 

So, this is a photo from one of my labs where we ground up soybeans and other kinds of foods and found the glycemic index of each, and their nutritional content. 

I've also got some pretty awesome roommates who are putting up with 5 bikes, 4 wheelsets, a bike box, trainer, pump, and whatever other shenanigans i come up with to put in our living room. 


 So, yes, mom and dad, even though I'm on scholarship, you should know that your daughter is actually getting an education here at Fort Lewis, and the steriotypical "fort leisure" no longer exists, at least not in my dorm room.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Making the Transition

Photo Credit: Cody Stephenson
Alright, well, I'm back in school, not being a fool.
Right.
More like, making the transition back to the cross bike. Track season is over, the bike is up and sitting on a box. Still in pieces, but for the most part, still intact. Our team (Fort Lewis College) cross bikes came in today, and i was able to grab mine, get it built up, and now, waiting for someone to help me with the cables and housing. I've been mountain biking and running, yeah, I've been r u n n i n g. So out of character. BUT. It's cyclocross. I am so excited for cyclocross this year. I love it! So much fun. 
Our cycling team manager puts on a cyclocross series in the fall, which is what i will be racing in. After elites, i was hoping to have some cash left over for boulder cross, possibly the usgp of fort collins, and jingle cross, but as it is now, i have ordered some new shoes, because my feet shrunk, or my shoes just stretched out. So, in place of doing some extended traveling this fall, ill be chilling in dtown until nationals.
But, I've got some new mountain and road shoes on the way, and i have a long list of things for sale throughout gear trade and ebay. So go buy something!

And I'm also really excited to go home for thanksgiving! That's right, I'm flying home.
 It will be nice to see my family, and see what all has changed in the great town of Alexandria, MN while i have  been gone. It has been a really long time since I've seen my family. I bet my little bro isn't so "little" anymore, since he wasn't that small when i left anyways.

So, not much is going on here, just the usual, going to school. I should be sleeping right now, so that's what I'm going to do. Mtn bike ride with the team in the morning. Can't wait for my new shoes! New shoes are more important than going to some out of town cross races at this moment. Proper fitting shoes are essential!

So, off i go. I hope you all have a lovely day tomorrow/today/whatever it may be for you.

Ciao!

Photo Credit: Sarah Sturm

Monday, October 4, 2010

Elite Nationals-

Collegiate Track Nationals [check]
Elite Track Nationals          [check]

Back to the real world, as some would say. Last night i spent my sleeping hours in the far side of the A terminal in the Denver airport. Backpack on my back, and my tt helmet under my head, curled in a ball on the floor. If there is anyone who is familiar with this part of the A terminal, you would agree that its a bit chilly. After flying in around 11:30pm, i woke up around 3 freezing, got up, moved towards the main part of the terminal, and fell asleep for another 2 hours. At that point, people started arriving, and it was game on from there.
It's amazing how different airports look when they are empty. It's almost haunting. i can't imagine what abandoned ones look like. But i must say, i was very happy with how friendly and frequent the security guards were. Definitely helped me sleep a little better.

So, how did the rest of Elites end up? Well, apart from throwing up saturday morning, failing on my 200m, and being ready to go home, it was fun. Maddie Godby and I the team sprint on Sunday. Maddie is one of the most talented young girls i have ever ridden with, and i feel honored to be part of a team with her. She is so incredibly fast, and she's only 18 years old. She's got a huge future ahead of her, and I'm excited to see where she goes in the next few years. I had a really strange starter for the team sprint. Maddie was in the gate, which i am very glad for, because if i was, it would have been a complete knightmare. I false started on the first run. I wasn't expecting the extra bump or "push" i got from the holder, which made things a little more interesting. But on the second run, after almost getting dropped by 2 people on the start, we were off and running. Maddie took off with incredible speed, like usual, and i, with every once of fast twitch muscle i had, tried to keep up with her and keep the momentum going. We ended up 6th overall, which i know she was disappointed with, but hey, we did what we could, as fast as we could, and the only thing we can do is come back next year and prove that we are faster and better, stronger, and more dedicated.

Photo by Pat Benson

Photo by Pat Benson

Photo by Pat Benson
Next up for the day was the Women's Madison. I still wasn't feeling well, but after much deliberation, i decided to go along with it and give it a go. Megan Hottman (DFT/Treads) was my partner. We had practiced some at Colorado Springs in the middle of September, just to get ready for Nationals. I feel slightly proud to have been part of the first USA women's madison national championship. This was the first year this event has been run for the women as a national championship, which is awesome. It was scary at times, I made some mistakes, which i take full blame for, but we kept the race safe as possible. I was never in a position where i was in serious danger, which i am happy for.  A little less than half way through the race, Megan was on relief riding the rail and slipped out through the corner, crashing down the bank, right in front of the pack. Prior to this, i was really starting to get hang of the race! I was digging it! But because of this, our team was left down to me, and after talking with some officials they decided that it would be best just to sit it out. Which was ok with me. Our team wasn't in the top 5 at the time anywho, and i was just doing it for fun. Madison is by far one of the coolest races on the track. It's confusing, dangerous, and would probably have my mother on the edge of her seat, completely terrified, and completely and underly sick to her stomach. And I'm pretty sure my dad and bro would dig it.

After the races, Cari Higgins was so gracious as to drop me off at the airport, but first we managed to load her car up to the brim with all our bags, bike box, and whatever shenanigans we decided to bring along with us, hit up chipotle, and indulge after the racing. Cari is one of my greatest heros. She rocked it. She's got enough national championship jerseys to clothe an entire high school football team. And she deserves it. So happy for all her achievements. Such a sweetheart, and i owe her.

So, about 40 minutes until my flight leaves, I have 8% battery power let in my computer, and I'm almost home. The flight back to Durango is 45 minutes, the drive to the college is about 30, and then it's saying "hello" once again to the dorm mates, and then it's....CYCLOCROSS SEASON!

I'm sure the 'mates will be happy when i bring, yet another, bike into the picture. 

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Elite Track Nationals-Racing Day 1

Alright. I've been here in LA since Monday,  and it's been awesome. I flew into LAX Monday morning, equally about 8 hours of travel time, and was picked up by the Godby family. Maddie and her mom have taken me under their wing this whole week and I am forever thankful for it. They are my... "non-related family"...so to speak. With my road bike already waiting for me in the big COS traveling RV, and my track bike in the back of the car, we departed off to the velodrome, where i got my first taste of a "real" track. 250m wood. And it is, indeed, beautiful. We dropped off the track bike, grabbed the road bike, and headed off to Grandma's house.

Once inside, i think i slept...maybe 2 hours? Let's just say, i was tired. Really, really tired. Coming fresh off collegiate nationals, i was...tired! I think, as a total on Monday, i got about 14 hours of sleep. It was spectacular.

3 weeks on the road.

Maddie and I ventured out for a ride along the beach. The house we are staying at is 12 blocks from the ocean, and it's absolutely beautiful. I love the smell of the water. And i forget how many crazy people live in LA. Characters for sure.


The next few days we went to the track and got used to the wood, steep banking, and how things work around there. It's different from COS and Indy!

Scratch Race:
haha. SKETCH! One of the most dangerous races i have ever been in. Absolutely crazy. But it was a great experience, and I'm glad i did it. I don't see myself as an "endurance" track racer anymore, and not that a scratch race is an endurance race, but it was a great race, and definitely helped me work on my bike skills!
Maddie and I before leaving for the beach! 

Keirin:
3rd 1st round, meaning i was in the rep, which i was 2nd in, meaning i went to round 2, where i was last, which meant that i went to the 7-12th final, where i finished 2nd, putting me in 8th place!
Wow, yeah. That's what happened! I love the keirin. Absolutely love it.

So, next on tab for the weekend are the match sprints tomorrow, and then the madison and team sprint on Sunday. Maddie and I will be doing the team sprint together, and I will be doing the Madison with Megan Hottman.

So, it's off to bed now. It's late. My stomach is full, and ready for a flying 200m tomorrow, and hopefully qualifying for some match sprinting! AFter a 2nd place in the sprints at collegiate nationals, I'm hoping to gain some more experience here at Elites.

Sleep well world!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Collegiate Track Nationals

500m Podium

Italian Pursuit
Points Race

Match Sprint Podium
What a complete switch of style.
Last year...2nd place in the points race. This year, i got lapped in the points, came back the next day, and was the 1st 200m qualifier, and got 2nd in the match sprints.
Outstanding. Complete change, switch around.

As I sit here in the Indianapolis airport, i can't begin to explain the week I've had. It's been so much fun. The Fort Lewis Team that we brought to nationals was outstanding. Such a great group dynamic, and this year, we had our coach Matt Shriver join us, for his first track nationals ever.

The crew consisted of: Coaches Matt Shriver and Ian Burnett, Dana Alia, Cody Stephenson, Griffin Easter, Andrew Llewellyn, Brian Morra, Ryan Cleveland, Allie Johnson, Sarah Sturm, Lauren Taylor, and myself. We also had David Llewellyn there, driving the Uhaul truck around with our bikes, bags, rollers, and everything you can name. We couldn't have done it without him.

The first day, we had the 3k, 4k, 500m, and 1k. This year, i placed 4th in the 500m with a time of 39.3, which is a whole 1.6 seconds faster than my time last year, which gave me 7th place.

We placed 5th in the Italian Pursuit this year, but we also had to do it twice because of a mechanical on the first lap of our first race.

Our girls team pursuit finished 3rd place.

And the most important race of all was the match sprint, where i placed 2nd. It was awesome. My first real match sprint experience, and i am extremely happy with that result. I qualified first for the 200m with a time of 13.06 which was .3 seconds faster than the next qualifier. And as the rounds went, i won the first and second round. Then we had an evening break, which then resulted in the semis and finals, which were both a possibility of 3 rides.

In my semi, i was matched against Stephanie Torres. She won the first ride, and i won the next two, sending my onto the finals. Then in the final round, i was paired against Jennifer Purcell, resulting in her winning the first two rounds. But it was a great ride, against a really fast and accomplished rider.

I finished up 4th in the individual omnium, which consisted of my 4th place 500m, absolutely horrible points race, and 2nd place match sprint.

So, now, my parents keep asking me, where are you now? What are you doing? Where are you heading? What exactly are you going to do about school? haha. Well, to answer those questions...I am in Indianapolis, i am heading to LA for elite nationals, and I'm going to work my butt off when i get back to Durango, just so i can start riding that cx bike :)
Italian Pursuit Team

Match Sprint Final

Individual Omnium Final
Not a bad nationals :)
(500m, team pursuit, italian pursuit, individual omnium, team omnium, and match sprint)

FLC Girls Pursuit Team

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Never Hesitate

Recently, as far as going to school, driving, racing...the whole shebang...I've discovered, no matter what it is in life, never hesitate.
Well, if you are going to say something stupid, please hesitate.
But if it's passing a car on the highway, if you want to pass, just do it. Don't hesitate. When you hesitate, that's when the oncoming car appears, and it's too late.
When you're racing and someone goes for it, go! Don't wait, don't ponder that one last second. That last second is what is going to cost you the win.

So, now that i am less than a week away from heading to my third collegiate track nationals, i go in with this mindset. Never hesitate. I have more confidence in myself this year than i have ever had in anything else. I have the same feeling I've had going to the line in my junior dragster as a teenager, knowing that my car is so dialed, i know exactly what it is going to run, and i can cut the best light on the tree. That confidence has been instilled in me, from being on the track, from achieving so many of my goals this summer.

Never hesitate.
Never stop dreaming.
Never, never, never give up.


Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Way to much stuff i have nothing to do with

So, this post is all about getting rid of stuff i do NOT need.
I have everything listed on facebook...here's a link if you are a friend of mine.

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=178091374722

And if not, check out geartrade and see if there's is anything you need that is posted.
Here's a quick list:

Nike Altea Li Carbon Road Shoe Size 39
FSA RD 400 Wheelset 700c : Brand New
Shimano DuraAce Shoe-Size 38
Salomon Skate 9 Pilot Boot
Timbuk 2 Messenger Bag
WTB Deva Thinline
Giant Gateway Comp Carbon Bottle Cage
Mavic Avenir Road Pedals and Cleats
Mavic Race Road Pedals and Cleats
Bontrager Race Lite Wheelset

There will be more later on as well, once i get everything moved in and everything.

So, I am back in Durango, going to classes, getting ready for a tough semester. Classes are going to be interesting, but seeing that it's my third year, i think i've figured out how to balance everything. I'm ready to take the dive and become a track sprinter, so it starts now, and my eyes are on Rio 2016.
So, help me out, and buy something. Or if there is anything you need, let me know. Cause i probably have something you would want. I just haven't unburied it yet :)

Saturday, August 28, 2010

FLC Cyclocross 2009 Naty Champs



Just a little something I found while youtubing cyclocross.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

The end of the summer has come.

Tonight will be my last night in my apt in COS. That only means that i have 2 more days here, and then it's back to school. What's my course load look like?
I made it too the top!

Human Physiology
Exercise Physiology
Human Physiology Lab
Personal Finance
Admin Program Exercise Science

It's going to be a trip! I can't believe I'm about to start my junior year of college, my little brother is going to be a senior in high school, and I'm going to say goodbye to the velodrome for a little while.
This summer has been incredible. Racing, riding, working...living.
When i started this journey to colorado springs, i was sleeping on couches, hopping all over the place. I owe Clay Worthington and the Tyson family a very very large thank you. Offering up their places until i could find an apartment that would allow a 3 month lease. And then, once i did find a place, leaving for the fixed gear, then hopping over to wisconsin with Cari for Toad, then coming back, then gone for a month for Superweek, and then back for qualifiers. It's almost like i never stopped, and i loved it. Traveling, airports, driving, eating at different place. I love it.

I am Specialized. 
So, now I am heading back to Durango soon, to start school, to enjoy life there. Durango is incredible. At first, it was so weird, so...different, but i can't wait for it to snow, for the mountains to be covered in powder, so i can look out the window, and everyday be amazed by the beauty.
I made one last trip up Cheyenne yesterday. The only way for me to climb better, is for me to get myself up a hill. So that climb seems fitting. It's harder than i ever imagined, but i did it. I've done it multipled times, and i like to think i go faster and faster each time. Which probably isn't always true, but it's a good thought.

Garden of the Gods. 
I've had such a great summer. Meeting some of the most extrordinary people. I've experienced the loss of a new friend, and the gain of many others, and in some ways, even when someone leaves, they really haven't. Many people make the comment, "Aren't those winter gloves?". Well yes, they are. And I'm not going to stop wearing them, because you have no idea what they mean. So of you do, most of you don't.

Being able to train almost on a daily basis on the velodrome. Having the best coaches. Ones that encourage the crap out of me, even when, it's quite apparent it isn't my greatest day. It is true that i have watched more movies than ever before, that i have become addicted to Hulu and coffee, but I've come to realize that being in seclusion is a good thing for me. It gives me no distractions, a chance to really focus on what i want, what i can achieve. And it put my dreams back in clear focus. It's like a grounding center, giving me the ability to come back, be alone, and rethink things through. It's a complete enviornment that i can control.
I won't miss my flooded street. 

So, I'm going back to school. Well, for as much as ill be in school. I can't explain how much i am looking forward to Collegiate Track Nationals, and my first Elites. I am excited for Maddie Godby to be returning to the track, after her massive crash at Junior World Championships. I've got a new bike, track racing wheels, saddle. So things are piecing their way together.



Saturday, August 21, 2010

CyclingNews and a visit to Durango

Well, there's another CyclingNews USWCDP diary up. You can view it here:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/blogs/us-womens-development-program/an-education-in-cycling


AND..I ventured to Durango yesterday.
I moved into my dorm a little bit. And yes, these are photos of my new dorm room. The Animas Hall at FLC is a new built building that is completely enviornmentally friendly. It's wonderful! I love everything about it. I will have 3 other roommates, whom i will meet on the first day of school, because i will be getting in late for orientation. But the dorm is more like a little condo type thing, with everything but an oven/stove. Each person has their own individual room and we have a large common area, which is facing the La Plata mountains, and will be absolutely gorgeous. I am actually excited to get completely moved in, see my roommates freak out when i keep bringing bikes into the place, and meet some new people! 



So, there's the place. It's quite cool! I like it. Well, after that, i ventured to Mountain Bike Specialists, which is a sponsor of the FLC cycling team, and i picked up my new bike! After my Giant, from the USWCDP (U.S. Women's Cycling Development Program), cracked at Superweek, i was in need of a new bike, and FLC supported me with a 2011 Specialized Amira Expert frame. I'm really excited to get it built up and get riding! 
And, while in Durango, I've been working really hard at training and eating and doing everything i can and being totally devoted to cycling, so we decided to make brownies. I'm not sure if it is supposed to be this much fun, but we made it really fun. Mostly playing with flour. I had fun. Maybe not everyone thought it was as great as i did, but i didn't care. 








So, ill be in Colorado Springs for a week, do the final move out of my apartment, and then it's back to Durango for school! And speaking of Durango, make sure you check out the progress on the Dryside Velodrome. Just like the "donate" button on my blog, (which if you feel so inclined...) there is also one on the blog for our velodrome. This is a non-profit organization, and all the money will be used to support the velodrome and it's construction, and in the future, development programs and such. 




Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Thoughts from today.

So i have a plant. I have multiple plants, actually. But in COS, i have one plant. It is an "exotic" thing i got from Wal-mart for like $5, but since i couldn't have a dog, i figured i could make it somewhat of a plant.
So, i have this plant, and i got it before i went to MN Fixed Gear Classic, before i went to Tour of America's Dairyland, before i went to Superweek, and all this time that i was gone, my plant stayed behind. Needless to say, even though it needs a "medium" amount of water, it received more like, "minimal". But it still lives! My little plant is still alive, even though it is about half it's size.
And even though it is just a plant, i feel connected to it.

Just like i feel connected to my track bike. I make sure the chain tension is right, i spin the wheel, i get on it. I chase Maddie, or Pablo, or Garrison, or Tyson on the moto, all in the company of my little track bike. I love it. I can't imagine having another bike right now. I dream of adding more accessories to it. Sprint bars. Madison bars. Racing wheels. Good chainrings and cogs. A saddle, not shared by my road bike. A pair of Shimano Durace pedals for itself. How much more would it love me?

Well, it's about to love me a little more. Racing wheels! Courtesy of the lovely Cari Higgins. I am more than stoked. Soon my bicycle won't only go fast, but it will look fast too. It is going to be a good feeling rolling into collegiate and elite nationals without having to worry where i am getting my wheels from.
As far as pedals go, Ebay is becoming a common site that i visit.
And a saddle? It's waiting for me in Durango right now.

I feel it's necessary to give back to my bike, seeing that it's given so much to me.

Before cycling, i was drag racing. I love it, and i miss it dearly. It gave me something to do every single weekend, with my family. Learning about cars, racing cars, tearing motors apart, and putting them back together. There's nothing like it. I wish i still did it, but the fact of the matter is, cycling is putting me through school. Cycling has given me more than drag racing could have, in the end. Nothing can replace a college education.

I never stopped dreaming. I still want to drag race motorcycles. I still love cars. I love being able to fix my own car, work on it, or call my dad and know that he knows exactly what to do in any given situation. And working on my track bike reminds me of drag racing. Maybe that's another reason i like it so much. Wrenching, alan tools, you name it, I know how to use it. I know what it is. And I've used it on a car, and on my bike.

My parents saw a velodrome and my race on the track bike for the first time at the MN Fixed Gear Classic in June, and my dad made my so happy when he said, "i really like this. this is cool!". I know how much it hurt him when i decided to stop racing cars, and start racing bikes. I loved knowing that he was enjoying himself, and that he was proud of what i was doing. It was interesting to get my parents take on track cycling.

It helps having the support of your family, and when they understand your dreams, it helps even more. The connection between what you are doing, what you are dreaming, and your family is huge. It's how i feel connected to my bike, when i go to the track. We have a relationship, both chasing the same dream, I'm just the pilot, and with the proper equipment and my care, i can take what i have to another level. I can find a connection between what i am doing, and what i want to do. I feel the necessity to care for it, like it's my own, because it is my own.
And like my plant. It is mine to take care of, and own, and be proud of.
And some day, i hope, like my bike and my plant, i can have a national championship, of my own, to care for, be proud of, and hold.


So now, I'm going to go home, and try to revive this little plant and the life that it has left.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Lots of Lovely Things.

Last night was fun! It was my first Thursday night in a really long time. So long that I had lost my number, and forgot what time the races actually started. 
But today, i wanted to give a shout out to my sponsors, and people who have really supported me over the past few years. 

The USWCDP has been a great support since i started school at fort lewis college. The USWCDP supports female athletes in achieving their goals to the fullest potential in any way that they have the means possible. Michael Engleman is a great motivator, as the director of the program, and i am so glad to be part of it. USWCDP also has a diary on Cyclingnews that i write into every once in a while. This is the latest post that i have done on the fixed gear classic (http://www.cyclingnews.com/blogs/us-womens-development-program/fixed-gear-fever) and there will another one soon! 
(http://uswcdp.com/cms/)

Most recently, TwinSix. Coming out with our awesome cyclocross skinsuits! I am very excited. Their clothing and cycling gear is incredible. I love all of it. Someday I will have a closet full of their stuff! Check them out at (www.twinsix.com) 

Kilt, made by Northland Woolens of Nelson, MN
Also, Northland Woolens, just made me a changing kilt! And it is awesome! I went to them when i was home for a few days in Alexandria, MN, and asked them if they could make one, and they came through making a more beautiful kilt than i was expecting! 
(www.northlandwoolens.com)

I've always had great support from Fort Lewis College as well. With the Tom Danielson Cycling Scholarship, I am able to attend college, get my degree, and race my bike, without any worries of financial trouble. I love Fort Lewis, and the community of Durango, and i am forever grateful for all the support they have given me. And right now, I am getting a team specialized Amira frame, to replace my broken Giant road bike. Specialized is a sponsor of our cycling team at the college, and i absolutely love their bikes! Very excited to be riding one. 
(cycling.fortlewis.edu)

Training at the Velodrom, and wearing my TwinSix Gear!
Photo Credit: Vera Divenyi
This summer, i have had some incredible help from the Colorado Velodrome Association and Mark Tyson and his family. From finding a place to live, to racing, to training...you name it, they have helped me. Someday i will repay them, but for now, as a college student, all i can be is forever grateful for what they have done for me. It is my hopes of going as far as i am allowed on the track, and i will never forget where i started. 
(http://www.coloradousac.org/track/)
Mark Tyson and I, Collegiate Track Nationals 2008
Also, the place where i first started: The Bike and Fitness Company, of Alexandria Minnesota. From the moment i got my first bike, they have helped me in any way that they can, including helping me with my first track bike, which i absolutely love! Whenever i am in need of anything, they are there with open minds and try to help me in any way possible. 
(http://www.bikeandfitnessco.com/)
There are so many people who i could thank individually, like my coach Rick Crawford, of Colorado Premier Training, and my parents, Bill and Michelle Erickson, and of course my wonderful little brother, Michael Erickson. Without their support, none of this would be possible. 
Riding in San Diego with my mom


My little brother and I skiing in Durango, CO
When i was 15, racing with my dad! 

Life is good! But on this day of rest, i felt it necessary to give thanks to all the people who have been there in my life. Through everything, the highs and the lows. I truely thank you for everything! 

Friday, August 6, 2010

Coffee Shops, Movie Lists, and Red Meat

Well, this week I've been off the bike for 5 days. Lounging in bed, hanging out at coffee shops, and eating red meat. That's the best way that i can explain what I've been doing. It's been great! And incredibly painful at the same time.
When bike racing is all you do, not being able to ride is an awful feeling. Resting is one of those things that a lot of cyclists don't do to incredibly well. But i was in desperate need of one.


This week it's been rain storm after rain storm that have come into colorado springs. One day i described it as "The heaven's have dumped Lake Michigan on Colorado Springs". Haha. And it was true! My street was flooded within 3 minutes of this storm, but as it always does in Colorado, the warm dry air evaporated it immediately. Unlike the midwest, the rain here is cold. Very cold. It will drop from 85 to 60 in a matter of seconds, and when that happens, it's time to go inside. 

Last night i ventured over to the velodrome to watch the racing. And it was a great night. It was the Madison Cup, which i will be participating in at Elite Nationals. If you aren't sure what the madison is, you should youtube it. There are two people, forming a team, with a bunch of others on the velodrome at the same time, and each time a team member comes by the other, they slingshot each other in. Its very exciting. That was a horrible explanation, but if you watch a video on it, you will know what i am talking about :D




So, i will be enjoying my last day of hulu, movie watching, red meat eating, and lounging about, and return to proper training tomorrow morning. I'm excited to get back on my bike, which is a good change. Collegiate and Elite Nationals are my next big focus, and I'm very excited about that. Its going to be a great year, but first, lets get through this rest week. 

And by the way, this has become one of my favorites over the course of this week:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-KS99BU_2A

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Colorado State Track Championship and Elite National Qualifier

Well, today was very interesting. It was the second day of the championships at COS velodrome, and it was a much better day than the day previous to it.

Day 1 was, well, not so good. I placed 4th in the match sprints and 3rd in the points race, but not good enough to qualify for elite nationals. I was really disappointed. I've come back to elevation, tired beyond belief, but just because I'm tired, i should still ride fast, right? No. Wasn't happening.
After multiple "pep-talks", and a days rest, i came back for the second day of racing.

So, day 2: Team Pursuit champion (w/Vera and Greta), team sprint champion (w/Vera), and keirin champion, of course, with a little help from my friends.

State Team Pursuit Champions
Photo Credit to Vera Divenyi

I'm really excited to be going to elite track nationals this year. It's going to be a lot of fun. I can't wait to experience the track and the whole feeling of an elite track national championship. My eyes have been opened a lot this summer.

Keirin Podium
Photo Credit to Vera Divenyi
Points Podium
Photo Credit to Vera Divenyi
Vera and I at the end of day 2 with the days collection of medals, and happy we are qualified for elites!
Photo Credit to Vera Divenyi
I feel blessed to have some of the greatest coaches, Rick Crawford and Mark Tyson, and all the help they give me. And the whole CVA staff, especially the Tyson family, helping me with everything from finding a place to live, to figuring out what i am actually trying to do on a daily basis, haha.
Moving to CSprings this summer was a great decision and i would never take it back. I've met the greatest people, made some life-long friends, and been given the opportunity to realize how precious life is.

And now, i have some time off the bike, a much needed rest after fixed gear, dairyland, and superweek, and then qualifiers. My summer has been jam-packed with racing, and I'm ready for some "me" time. (my bed, hulu, and some chocolate milk). 

Elite Track Nationals are September 29th-October 1st, at the ADT velodrome. But before then, I'll be moving back to Durango, starting school, training with the Fort Lewis College track team, and traveling to Collegiate Track Nationals in Indianapolis, IN.

Like my blog says, "Go on with a spirit that fears nothing". 

Thursday, July 29, 2010

More Photos from Superweek

Podium for women's top amateur

Podium for autobarn top amateur 

Podium for top amateur, once again

Racing...


These photos were all taken by Chris Kreidl



Lining up for the women's pro race. Day 1


Working. The last day.