Group Riding in Winter

I went for a group ride today with the newly formed Hammer Velo team captain, coached and organized by Jeff Tedder. Kolben Preble and I showed up for the 8:00 am ride along with 7 others for a three and a half hour ride. There was some slush, splattering and a little rain, but it wasn’t cold. One of the most noteworthy aspects of the ride was when I was riding the wheel of Martin, who was wearing a red Hammer jersey and Kolben with a rider or two up in his Olson’s Jersey and jacket. We were cruising along such that there was no talking and I realized I felt very comfortable with the familiar Hammer jersey in front of me and the familiar Olson’s jacket regularly popping into view. Though they weren’t there I felt like I was with Hugh and Dave Burnard and I was struck with how much comfort that gave me. Sure it was a Hammer Velo team ride, but I was there because of the support of Olson’s Hammer and Friends.

Inspiring Exemples of Discipline and Fitness

My husband is very discipline about getting his cycling workouts throughout the week. He provides a great example for everyone in our house and his cycling continues to inspire me.
Due to the non-stop weather reporting on our preferred tv network I caught a story about Barack Obama’s commitment to fitness on the Early Show Wednesday morning. First a photo of Barack Obama, shirtless and during the campaign was presented. Someone who follows him for the media said, “Most people would like to have a body like that.” Next to it was projected a more recent photo of him on vacation in Hawaii, again shirtless and much leaner and apparently more buff. I think the man looks pretty skinny in a suit, but great with out a shirt. Anyway I am so excited about the more significant aspect of the story than simply showing his hot bod. That is, the president elect makes time to work out six days a week, whether on the campaign trail, or on vacation. And he plans to continue his discipline of working out six days a week once he takes office.
Considering how busy and chaotic his schedule has been, his uncompromised priority to take care of his body contrasts the convenient excuse of so many people think believe they are too busy to take care of their bodies. I am sure he knows as well as anyone how easy it is to de-prioritize the care of our bodies. It is no accident that Barack Obama has a fit body and a clear mind. He has had and will continue to have a very demanding schedule and life, and I am excited for the example he provides in striving not only for excellence in intelligence and practical wisdom but in being fully human. Seriously, for the hope and possibility of this new beginning, I involuntarily expel a grateful, “Thank God!”

Hammer Nutrition

Throughout the Cross Crusade series most of the Olson’s Hammer riders were easily recognizable due to our Hammer kits. With 65-102 women on the course during the 1:45 race, us gals looked great and stood out in our “Hammer pink.” When friends or family showed up to check out the races, it was easy to draw their attention to teammates in the brilliant “Hammer red.”

I really liked the experience of expressing my connection with friends, friends of friends and business alliances by donning a team uniform. Additionally I appreciated getting the free kit, especially the shorts, since the ones I’d previously preferred lost my favor after racing the Ring of Fire. I ended up with saddles sores that reoccur whenever I ware them.

Anyway, when Hugh approached Hammer Nutrition about sponsoring us for the cyclocross season he thought that it would somehow be a benefit to them as well as us. With that in mind, have any of you used Hammer products? Their products are great and affordable. The service is outstanding, and the shipping is rapid.

I know Rachael Parker and Russ Gober use Hammer products along with the Horton Gapay family. So you can talk to us about what we use or maybe they will chime in and comment themselves.

Finally, Hammer Nutrition provides Hugh with a type of sponsorship for his ultra marathon racing which we greatly appreciate. However, they expect him to refer new clients as part of the deal. So if you can go to the web site or call them right way and place an order before years end we would appreciate it. Once you order from them you will probably begin to receive catalogues, which include helpful health and fitness articles.

Since Hugh just sent off his letter requesting continued sponsorship next year your immediate action would be appreciated. You can click the title above or go to: www.hammernutriton.com or 1.800.336.1977. Include Hugh ID # 93717 as your refer and get a 15% discount and help him keep his sponsored athlete status. Thanks for trying it out.

Tenderness and Happiness at the Headwaters

For many of us racing season is over. Hugh, Mike Rosenfeld, our friends Jake and Dave all started racing last March with the Banana Belt. Mike Olson as usual contributed his support to the series as well. I mention it because that’s what’s next for me when it comes to competitive cycling.
Looking ahead to next year’s road racing season Hugh has made a commitment to join a team being organized by Jeff Tedder. I recently joined a team too at the invitation of Martha Walsh of Seattle, WA, who does a lot of racing in Oregon. Martha has made the most gentle and strong impression as an ultra marathon racer and cycling advocate in WA.
I keep asking myself why I joined a team. Is it really going to make a difference in how or when I ride or race? Well I hope so. Will I get as excited about hooking up with my ZteaM mates at races as I have with my Olson’s Hammer mates? I’m willing to give it a try and I am willing to work at bringing my best to a yet another new season of racing.
As with this year’s cyclocross season, participating in the Banana Belt series will be something I’ve wanted to do for a number of years and I have not been able to do until now. Having Sunday’s, even the whole weekend, to recreate even competitively is something I have not been able to do since 1991. Which brings me back to my last post.

I did not make it to a worship service after all today. After grocery shopping time was to short to get to church, so I targeted on an outdoor activity that would include the children and dogs. We went up to the Tualatin Falls and the headwaters of the Tualatin River. It was an afternoon well spent bringing out tenderness and happiness both in Stephen and Alia. In response to Alia’s numerous exclamations of “I love you Stephen,” as they climbed house size rocks along the river and leaped their way over the top of the falls, Stephen warmly replied in kind. So it wasn’t the races or a gathering of Christian community, but it was about connecting to life, the earth and to love.

Novemeber 23, 2008 Race Day and Church

It’s race day again. Mel and Bernie are going to Kruger's Crossing Cyclocross Classic, Jake Rosenfeld will be out there selling “frites,” but the Horton Gapay family is done racing for the year. I’m tempted to go and watch but think I will attend church before doing any other outing.
It’s been eight months; wow time has really flown by, since I attended a worship service. I wish I could go at 8:30 or 9:00 but neither congregation I am considering has an early service, 10:00 at Hillsboro UMC or 10:30 at Hillsboro UCC. My daughter misses church and wants to go where there is a program for children. I haven’t missed it. Yet, I feel ready to connect with a spiritual community. I’ll let you know how my return goes.

Here's a shot of Barry

Let's all go for a ride in Utah. Well the photo invites me to imagine it anyway.

Hugh Gapay

Many of Hugh's race results can be found by clicking on his name. 

Those he takes most pride in are kept with the UMCA (Ultra Marathon Cycling Association).

Mike Rosenfeld

Check out Mike's results by clicking on his name.

Jake Rosenfeld

Click Jake's name for his race results. Come by the "Frites" booth to wittness this season's big success.

Rachael Parker

Check out Rachael's results by clicking her name. How about those socks?

Mel Lueck

Check out what Mel's been up to and her race results by clicking on her name.

Angela Horton Gapay

Check out Angela's results by clicking on her name.

Darrell Beck

Looks like this is the premiere competitive cycling series for Darrell. Check out his results by clicking on his name.

Mike Olson

Click on Mike's name to see his race results. Saddly they do not reflect all the race Mike attends. Mike is out on the course race after race, taking pictures and passing out the encouragement all day long. Maybe sometime I will take photos of Mike doing what he is so good at doing when he's off his bike on Sunday's.

Russ Gober

Click on Russ' name to see his race results. 

Mark Everett

Click on Mark's name to check out his race results.

Mike Olson says of Mark, "Nobody enjoys being on a bike life Mark."

Erik Grotbeck

Click on Erik' name to check out his results.

Dave Burnard

Click on Dave's name to check out his race results.

Finn Rosenfeld

Click on Finn's name for his race results. 

Skyler Gober

Click on Skyler's name for his race results.