FLC Cyclocross 2009 Naty Champs

Just a little something I found while youtubing cyclocross.

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.

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. 

http://drysidevelodrome.wordpress.com/

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.

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! 

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

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".