tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post4323061536707832126..comments2023-12-28T21:22:10.935-07:00Comments on Jill Outside: The whys of racingJill Homerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983065990450931943noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-6864136567461837872013-11-12T04:59:17.541-07:002013-11-12T04:59:17.541-07:00Some years i'm mellow with racing others full ...Some years i'm mellow with racing others full tilt boogie.... no balance at all. its its fun do if not dont )FixieDavehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04685170404057881390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-67455700966061006652013-11-07T11:03:36.311-07:002013-11-07T11:03:36.311-07:00Jan — I used to do some rainforest trail riding wh...Jan — I used to do some rainforest trail riding when I lived in Juneau. I actually used to put my studded tires on my Karate Monkey in late August because they helped so much with traction on slippery roots. But it was participating in the 2010 TransRockies that became the main catalyst to my decision to take up trail running. There was a lot of "I'd be having so much more fun without this bike" going on during that race. <br /><br />I dunno. I've never loved technical riding and that lack of interest has made it difficult to motivate to improve my skills. When things get rocky or excessively rooty, I'm more happy on foot (but, as these past few years have proven, even more accident prone.) <br /><br />While I would like to have more versatility on a bike, sometimes I think that I should just turn in my "mountain biker" card and call myself a dirt tourist. ;-) Jill Homerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02983065990450931943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-75596723377793832092013-11-07T10:27:41.775-07:002013-11-07T10:27:41.775-07:00At the BC bike race, which is very technical, they...At the BC bike race, which is very technical, they warn all racers about crashing on gravel fire road descents because we tend to lose our concentration once off technical single track. And it sure gets harder after many hours. The BCBR was a key event for me to realize that I had to improve my technical skills and learn from others who ride wet roots and rocks covered trails. There is little chance for that in the Bay Area, except Demo I guess. The PAC NW is the best place for technical = real mountain biking! better than BC I dare say! Put some rainforest rides on your 2014 calendar and you will lose all fear of riding CA or UT trails. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03059137901941493531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-26031467946201571932013-11-07T08:38:50.522-07:002013-11-07T08:38:50.522-07:00Sorry to hear about the crash and totally get the ...Sorry to hear about the crash and totally get the "why race" question.<br />I spent a couple of years trying to enjoy the local mt bike race thing and although I liked the training and enjoyed having a goal, I could never get motivated come race time. <br />Hope you heal up quickly and look forward to reading about your coming advnetures..richhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02604447326957705684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-79715591676006635452013-11-07T00:32:42.858-07:002013-11-07T00:32:42.858-07:00I've considered brevets in the past. I'm s...I've considered brevets in the past. I'm sure I'll eventually enter one, but for the most part I don't feel a strong need to seek out organized rides. I'd be just as happy designing my own routes and calling it "bike touring." However, PBP does sound like a cool event. <br /><br />Keith is doing great; he made a full recovery after the accident, but he is embroiled in some legal issues with the motorcyclist who hit him. The guy didn't have insurance and won't respond to any form of contact. <br /><br />All of my major bike crashes have been at higher speeds on nontechnical terrain, mainly a result of inattentiveness. Lessons would probably improve my confidence and speed, but lack of technical skills can not be blamed for the majority of the crashes I've had. I'm usually very attentive on technical terrain because I'm terrified. I also don't take big chances so I rarely crash on difficult surfaces. Just damn fireroads.<br /><br />Karen — the new Susitna 100 course is intriguing but my plan for next February is the ITI 350. I did get through the WM100 lottery, so perhaps if the stars align I will be able to make a late March trip to Fairbanks. I wonder if the Little Su 50K course will be completely different this year as well? It would be great if they redirected the whole thing off that terribly dull seismic line. Jill Homerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02983065990450931943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-75492692651080804872013-11-06T18:30:40.836-07:002013-11-06T18:30:40.836-07:00Jill - I first began reading your blog when I live...Jill - I first began reading your blog when I lived in Juneau, but only read it sporadically. Now, I'm hooked and have been reading it regularly, ever since your Iceland report, always looking forward to your next post. Back on October 3, when "Slo Jo" suggested you might like randonneuring, specifically Paris-Brest-Paris, he took the words right out of my mouth. I had been meaning to write and tell you the same thing. I thought you might enjoy watching the official video from the 2011 PBP. It's nearly 47 minutes long but well worthing watching in my opinion:<br />https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5xsPcabCmc<br />All the accounts I've read about PBP say that the tremendous support and enthusiasm of the French people is what makes it so special. It's my goal for 2015.The Bike Barbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08429787426847629210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-81304386758750529862013-11-06T16:56:29.037-07:002013-11-06T16:56:29.037-07:00When it comes to marathons, I feel like it has bee...When it comes to marathons, I feel like it has been the same way with me since 2012. I was sick for one and the weather sucked for three other. <br /><br />I guess the way I look at it is: It can only get better from here, right? Here's hoping that 2014 will be fantastic for both of us! PS- Is Susitna on your radar for Feb?Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01212228308225991239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-31021701702982197162013-11-06T10:23:48.672-07:002013-11-06T10:23:48.672-07:00Girl, you think too much. If it's fun, do it, ...Girl, you think too much. If it's fun, do it, if it's not fun, don't. <br /><br />Broken record time - you don't have to always be a crasher, take some lessons! Jillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14457546921765997165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-72872413866666383592013-11-06T08:00:19.506-07:002013-11-06T08:00:19.506-07:00For my own 2 cents on your 'thing', have t...For my own 2 cents on your 'thing', have to agree w/ Slo Joe...the Randonneuring...you against the universe (and yourself). Structured races with laps and all don't seem to fill your cup. Hope your knee heals fast and fully...<br /><br />And hey...is the Keith in this post the same Keith who got run over by a Harley in Yosemite when you two were riding some years ago (when you used your SPOT to summon help if I recall)? If so then it sounds like he's pretty much recovered...I recall he was hurt pretty bad.Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10517087265569164625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-60407599818396018132013-11-06T06:23:15.382-07:002013-11-06T06:23:15.382-07:00"The Whys of Racing". Hmmm.. I'm sti..."The Whys of Racing". Hmmm.. I'm still looking for the "whys", but me still thinks as I read your race philosophy "tween the lines" you'd enjoy long randonneuring brevet rides. Just you against the clock and the elements. <br /><br />More gladder you're healing sooner, faster.<br /><br />When you have your 2014 challenge calendar done, would appreciate a post telling us what lies ahead.<br /><br />Ride Long and Prosper (without falls) Slo Joehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13727494438183513283noreply@blogger.com