vicarz | (no subject)

I think I made plans with someone for tonight but I can't remember with whom! If you have plans with me tonight - please let me know and I'm sorry I'm such a dingbat!

Sucker DJs ran through my mind all last night while biking for my 2nd off-road time. It was strange - I was already a very different animal on the trail. Early on I added symmetry to my shins (pic to follow). I really do that on purpose because I look dead sexy with bloody legs. You know you want it! There was far less mud than the first time, and for that I think I had a much better ride. I am happy with the far-less-mud ride, and think I'm glad I missed last Monday.

I didn't find their speed over the terrain as insane as I did the first time - I think I already have my basic sea legs! When the sun was still up, I could generally keep pace and used brakes far less. I was much more able to keep the tires going where I wanted, and gave little concern for the minor bumps and turns the wheels might take. I was able to manage log hops that kicked my ass last week - don't know if I'm doing them right, but if you go up to them fast and just leave the pedals in the middle you can clear the logs out of momentum if you pop the front wheel over the top. Oddly though, I blew a lot more hills this time than last time. I fell a lot more when I was moving slowly, turning the wheel too far and getting stuck. Brut determination was not the saving grace it was last week.

Once again the first hill had me and spit me out. After having to stop on a hill, I learned to follow at a greater distance in case the rider in front of me had trouble. I hung back off the big hill while Kelowna tackled it. She started strong, and slowed down more and more as she climbed. I was impressed as I watched her - she was straining but would not give up. I really wanted to yell some encouragement, but watching her I worried that she was so into the war with herself that my comments would only break her focus. I muttered encouragement she couldn't hear as she went slower and slower, fucked up and turned from the part of the path she was on...but never stopped. I couldn't believe it when she crested the top. That was one determined little bitch.

My run was not so adept. I knew I could make it, having done a harder hill last time. I started and revved myself up, downshifting about like I wanted to. I made it half way or so and thought I was doing fine. I slowed, but felt in control. What was it, one rock or one pile? Whatever had me turn the wheel I didn't recover from, and I flopped sideways, falling only because I couldn't believe failure, wouldn't put my leg out. I tried a few times to start up again and failed, forced to walk with the bike in tow. When Kel whipped out her camera I had some choice words of such tone and caliber that Kirstin looked concerned. I sat on the top of the hill while they pondered which way to go, and I was still screaming mad at the failure. I felt mad at Kel, but that made no sense...what was I mad at? My fuck you button fully depressed, I hopped up and rode back down the hill, ignoring the group. I knew who I was mad at - it was me or the hill, and the hill's feelings weren't going to be hurt. I rode back to a starting position and determined that they could go on if they wanted, but I was going to do this fucking hill until I made it.

It turns out the magic number of do-overs was one. I sat back on my haunches and started to reach for water while I caught my breath. I changed my mind in mid-grab, and just hopped up and started pedaling. I almost wanted to fail, I didn't want to really try but just give me more fuel for anger. I was chock full of fuckyou and the you was me. This time I watched for patches of rocks, and made sure I forced my tires onto the parts of the path I wanted. This time my tires stayed where I put them, and this second run I crested the hill uninterrupted. Kel was there with the camera rolling video. That was sweet, but my battle was inside. I don't feel like it was won, but it wasn't lost.

More fun was dying on a creek bed when I took an unfortunate hop and landed a blow to the balls with my own seat that was about on the level with a blocked groin kick - I still got some of it. I groaned and shared my lovely experience leading to a round of ow's and giggles. The guys knew what happened the instant they saw me jumping up and down on the pedals of my bike. The group slowed at the next intersection, and I hopped off my moving bike to jump up and down, stomping on the dirt to, as the boys put it, "get the ball back in the pocket." The hopping gave everyone a good laugh, including me. I don't know if that actually helps much, but it has always worked well in fights. When you take a ball shot and just jump if off people kinda get scared - dunno if it actually helps, but it makes you feel better even if it is only a rack-placebo.

I will not reveal how when falling behind Kirstin and the other professional guy I went the wrong way at a split, saw them off to the side, and decided to shortcut through what appeared a path...and turned out to be a swampy pit of weeds and thorns. The people behind me - not pleased.

Kirstin is just obscenely hot. I don't mean that in a disrespectful way, but good god...this time I followed her more directly than last time. I saw her post her times and miles lately, and some math later was impressed. Well, on the trails I realized for the first time how fast she was going. I could not keep pace with her, and found she was far ahead and just waiting for us to catch up. I knew she was better than us, but I had no idea by how much - and she's just training to get where she was? Damn impressive.

Speaking of hot, Kel took an out-of-sight spill that looked serious when she arrived. She laughed it off - something about "Why cry when there is no one to see?" I added "That's right, like a hurt child we'll just save it up for LJ!" Much snarfling laughter ensued. So just a minor note - Kel with her side covered with mud is hawt!

Someone asked me why single guys have white towels, and I crudely answered because they don't have periods. Well, single guys that are learning mountain biking should also watch the white towel motif - just sayin'. Unusually heavy flow last night!