3-15-18

Race photos from The Cactus Cup...

Day #1: Short Track race. 1st place 40+ category.

Day #2. Fat Tire 40 miler race. 1st place 50+ category. 2nd place in 40+ age group.

Day #3: Enduro race. 3 timed downhill segments.

2nd place 40+ age category.

The Cactus Cup 2018.

2nd place 40 + category.

Thanks Frozen Motion for taking awesome event photos. I'll be ordering some of my race shots.

3-14-18

Credit to Kata for taking this beautiful photo at the race on Sunday; McDowell Mountain Park. It had rained early morning but afterwards the desert was filled with dramatic clouds & sunlit cacti.

During a fun ride with Kata on Tuesday the cacti of South Mountain were not so kind. I accidentally brushed my hand up against some prickly vegetation while cruising downhill. The result was a painful & swollen pinky full of tiny, invisible thorns. I have been soaking my finger and searching for those stubborn & annoying tiny needles. :-(

3-13-18

The Gazebo is up & we love it! We will still anchor it securely as you can't trust these AZ wind storms! In time we'll put down some pavers & hang up some sun drapes. But today we started another project...assembling our outdoor ping pong table. James & Bob started the process...

We're all excited to get the ping pong table together. I see many table tennis games in our future! :-)

3-12-18

This doggie is soooooo tired!

Sweet Harley taking over the couch for a much needed nap. :-)

Sweet Pendleton blanket (our Christmas gift from Pat & Bob) with artwork design by our nephew, Andrew. It looks great on the back of our couch! I've used it several times since Pat & Bob brought it to us last week. Thanks!

3-12-18

Happy Birthday to my BFF, Heidi!

March 8th was Heidi's 50th & she is as fabulous as ever! Welcome to the 50 Club, Heidi. ;-)

Saturday night Bob & I attended a wonderful party to celebrate. Hosted by Nick (Heidi's boyfriend) and friends, Jenn & Brian in their beautiful home. So much good food, good friends, good times. Happy Birthday...wishing you many more, my friend!

3-11-18

Today was day 3 of The Cactus Cup.

I was 2nd place in this morning's event that required 3 timed downhill segments. It was actually a unique & fun part of this 3 day race. Congrats to Crystal (1st) & Julie (3rd).

For the overall 3 day Cactus Cup I was 2nd in my age group (40 +). 

I am really happy I did the 3 day stage race. My body may have protested about racing 3 days in a row but I had fun pushing myself & competing with some tough, fast & friendly gals. Thanks again to the best husband for his support on Friday & Saturday. And thanks to our friend, James for course support on Saturday & Sunday. Thank you, Pat & Bob for coming out with us on Friday! Your cheers were appreciated! The race directors did a fantastic job (well organized, great prizes, fun atmosphere). Thank you Cactus Cup!

3-10-18

Today: 1st place in my age category.

Cactus Cup Fat Tire 40 miler race.

Even though I'm very happy with 1st in the 50+ category... I didn't have my best day on the bike for this grueling 40 mile course.

The first 15 miles were great. I felt good and went out strong. I was leading the group on some fun twisty single track & feeling optimistic. Then my legs got tight & my body said "no more!"  I suffered through the remaining 20 miles of rocky trails trying all I could to get to that finish line before too many girls passed me. It was a struggle.

I was so happy to be done! Here are some of the awesome girls I get to race with...

Julie, Heidi, Jenn, Janet.

Got cleaned up & hung out with friends like Dean...

and Nick & Heidi.

And Janet.

Thanks for your awesome support, Bob & James. Both of them got to 7 points on the course to cheer & hand off a bar or drink to keep me going. It was needed & appreciated.

A tough but great day!