Pizie

The Great Chiweenie

2008-05-08T13:41:00.000-07:00

The big celebrity at the Sea Otter Classic. I love him and so does Casey!

http://www.thegreatchiweenie.com/

24 HOA 2008

2008-05-07T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hey All:

Hope you enjoyed the pics I sent yesterday. If anyone has more pics please share them with us.

It was a crazy cold weekend but we had a blast regardless. Was only able to do one night ride because of the fog, some technical issues and just being old but even that lap was a thrill. Mike still has the tire marks on his back from that lap, right Mike?

Some of the highlights:

As usual, Steve-O saved the day by running the LeMans for us with an 1.12 lap time. Great lap considering we hit up the Hamana tent the night before, as usual.

Matt had the second fastest lap time with a 1.02 lap. Dood, you ROCKED IT (even though you do look like a roadie)!!!! You haven't any hills to train on and yet you still kicked butt on the climbs. And John, don't be a hater. Matt didn't have the second fastest lap time because he's 9 years younger. He had a fast lap time because he Rocks!

John, thanks for bringing out the bike rack. That rack is and will be filled with so many memories. John, your fastest lap was 1.13? You need to "pedal, you can ride faster than that!" John and Elonie were kind enough to lend the Luna girls some stakes for their canopy. I have a question? Did the Luna girls give John or Elonie their number? Come on.... you can tell us.

My fastest lap time was 1.05. We'll, now that I'm unemployed I'll have plenty of time to improve on that time. Oh, and Mike, sorry for running you over on that night lap. You shouldn't crash in front of me like that. Good thing I have a super light! No worries though, it's Dono's fault.

Fever and all, Brian had the fastest lap time with a 56 minute lap. Yeah Baby!!!! It must of been that Pat Tillman jersey he was wearing. I was so proud watching you head out on your first lap, your legs spin as fast as they did. Thank you for racing with us.

Big, huge thanks to Elonie for making sure we were ready and set out for each and every lap. Making sure we were busting our *sses not to be slackers. Well......whatever. Thanks for the drink. It totally saved me. It felt like I had a bruise in the back of my calf until Monday.

Jen saved the day when Spinman couldn't make it out at the last minute. Jen stepped up and did the volunteer work for team otb. Jen, we couldn't of done it without you, thanks. Spin, you owe her.

It's unbelievable what DeAnna does for Jason. Jay, you must be the luckiest man on earth. DeAnna was the only support and volunteer you had on your team? Dee, your totally awesome. Jay we need a report (short or long) from you.

Kat I wish I had taken a picture of you with those pom poms in your hair. That was true flair!
Dono was the total bike mechanic this weekend not just changing out my tires but also my lenses for each and every lap. I have to laugh now knowing that I had you set my bike up on the training and then I didn't even use it, thank anyways.

Hanly and Spinman you should of been there but hey, we'll forgive you this time. We missed you two so don't do it again.

All in all it was a cold but great weekend. Where's the next 24 HOA going to be?

Ciao~
Captain Goober

I just like this picture of Casey. She's such a freak but then again she's a happy freak.

It's a Girl!!!

2007-06-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm finally offically a granny.

Arlene had a precious baby girl last week Friday at 10:07p.m.

Audrienna Yvette

6lbs, 10oz.

19 inches

~Tuesday's Ride~

2007-05-09T05:48:00.000-07:00

Tuesday's ride took me up Kings Mountain. Okay, not all the way but at least half way up. Give me a break I'm coming from Sunnyvale. On the way I ran into these two girls, Fiona and Sammie. I just knew I recognized her. So, we chat a bit and talk about how brutal the heat could be, who's racing the 24 hours of Adrenaline and which race (June or September) but it's back on the bike for me. I have another ride I'm going to but this time on my mountain bike.

We'll maybe the Gap ride will have to wait for another day.

Santa Teresa/Stiles

2007-05-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

Just a few pics of my Friday Ride. I'm not sure when I've ever ridden it as fast as I did today. I guess I was just letting some stress out.

As far as I'm concerned, the weather was perfect. A few clouds but no rain. A little bit of wind but just enough to keep me dry.

It's nice to have some time off. I love not having to work or worry about time (at least for now). I just wish my friends could do the same.

~Let's Ride Bitches~

2007-04-30T22:40:00.000-07:00

Here's a few pictures of today's ride. It was a bitch of a ride but then again it was also a bitchen ride.

The day was beautiful. Not as sunny as Saturday so I didnt think my sunburn would get any worst.

Yet, I wore my arm warmers just in case.

What's up with that? I didnt think Mexican sunburn?

I have to say that as beautiful as it was out today, I was pretty happy to be riding home.

We'll, anther good thing about riding today was the guy on the road bike just ahead of me. He was riding up Montabello without a shirt/jersey on. Who does that? Who rides without a shirt on? Who cares, he was looking mucho caliente~

Ride Baby Ride

2007-04-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

24 HOA in September???? Yikes! No more of this running crap, it's time to get back on the bike and ride.

Baby Anika

2007-04-20T14:31:00.000-07:00

Rosalind (and Matthias) had the baby, yes~

5lbs 14oz.

It's a girl and her name is Anika. I'm guessing it's a German name.

~Congrats girlfriend~

To Skate or Not to Skate, that is the Question!

2007-04-11T15:25:00.001-07:00

So, it appears the Bella’s are going Disco Roller theme this year. So, do I do it and go out and buy some skates for this exuberant vent or not? That is the question for today. Okay, do I actually have the time is really the question but hey, I don’t want to be there only Velo Bella out there not celebrating this joyous event.

Does this mean were going to do a Roller Derby event? How much fun would that be and what are the Podium Boys wearing?

A New Blog...

2007-03-05T16:45:00.000-08:00

So, this is who they were talking about?

2007-02-15T10:54:00.000-08:00

Nude jogger's jiggles end with a fine and an apology

By Lisa M. Krieger
Mercury News
Crime blog: Naked jogger case closed, thankfully
The notorious naked jogger has reached the end of the road.
Darryl Delacruz, 43, by all accounts an otherwise law-abiding Silicon Valley engineer, has paid his $95 fine and apologizes to anyone who may have been offended by his jaunts through Cupertino's Fremont Older Open Space Preserve.
``I'll go back, but I'll be wearing clothes,'' the San Jose man said. ``I don't want people to have the wrong impression.''
While it is not illegal to take off your clothes in a Midpeninsula Open Space Preserve District park, it is an infraction to do so in front of other people.
Rumors of a fleshy middle-aged man -- stripped to his running shoes and glasses -- started to circulate about a year ago. Sightings became increasingly common last summer and fall.
Equestrians from nearby Saratoga's Garrod Farms say he was generally polite, exchanging pleasantries and taking care not to startle their horses.
But they grew more disturbed when he began to engage in casual conversation. One woman confronted him, asking him to stop, yet he persisted. Others grew frightened for the welfare of young girls.
When winter arrived, temperatures dropped. But his nude workouts didn't.
So rangers with the Midpeninsula Open Space Preserve District and Santa Clara County Parks Department monitored his routines.
On Jan. 9, a balmy day, county rangers noticed his hybrid car parked on the side of Stevens Canyon Road. They alerted Midpen bicycle patrolman Jeff Smith.
Delacruz was sighted -- and cited. Smith charged him with violating District Ordinance 412, which says ``no person shall expose any part of the pubic or anal region or genitalia while on district lands in public view.''
Said Kerry Carlson, president of the Midpeninsula Rangers Peace Officers Association: ``We don't see it as appropriate behavior. A significant number of people feel uncomfortable with a nude person running around.''
Carlson said rangers don't bother people who seek full-body tans in seclusion. ``But there are plenty of other places where he can do nude jogging,'' he said.
The district's policy is liberal, Carlson said. For instance, toplessness is permitted for males and females. And Midpen rangers are happy to look the other way if you're au naturel in private. In contrast, most other parks don't let it all hang out, even if the only audience is wildlife.
Delacruz -- a married man with an expertise in high tech and a patent to his name -- said he didn't wish to be a spokesman for naturism.
But he bemoans that ``people are easily scared when they're not used to seeing a non-clothed person. They don't separate nakedness from sex. They get them confused.''
There's nothing criminal about an unclothed person, he said. ``But until society catches up, I don't want to take a chance.''
So why does he run naked?
``It is a liberating feeling,'' he said. ``It's about getting in touch with nature -- not meeting people.''
It isn't cold, once you set a pace, he said. Nor, he said, is it uncomfortable.
His greatest concern is that he will be wrongly accused of doing something obscene or menacing.
``It just takes one bad apple to ruin it for everyone,'' he said. ``That is not what nudism is about at all.''
Some local residents are relieved; others say it is much ado about nothing.
``What a weirdo,'' said Sue Bowdoin of Santa Clara, who's seen him while riding her horse.
San Jose's Lynnwood Brown can't understand all the fuss.
``There are real criminals on our streets, and this man is not one of them,'' she said. Rangers are convinced they have their man, because local hikers have reported no sightings since Jan. 9.
The rangers say Midpen trails are once again dominated by the flannel-and-jeans set, with backpacks and Birkenstocks.
``There are off-and-on reports of a nude cyclist in Palo Alto's Foothills Park,'' said ranger Carlson. ``But he fits a different description.''

Cyclist tries to outmaneuver motorcycle cop

2007-02-06T12:10:00.000-08:00

This guy is so stupid, it's funny.

(0205) 09:17 PST FREMONT -- A word to bicyclists: Don't think you can outrun a motorcycle cop. A man in a hurry to watch the Super Bowl learned the hard way and ended up watching the game from a jail cell.
The incident happened Sunday afternoon when Ricky Martin, 44, of Fremont ran a red light while riding his Schwinn bicycle near Mowry Avenue and Peralta Boulevard, Fremont police said.
Motorcycle Officer Daniel Harvey spotted the two-wheeled suspect and stopped him. Martin pedaled to a stop but then fled, trying to outmaneuver the officer on the Harley Davidson motorcycle, police said.
The two "went in circles, went over center dividers and up on sidewalks," Fremont traffic Sgt. Tony Delgado said today.
But Harley beat Schwinn.
Harvey drew his Taser weapon, which is capable of producing an electric jolt, and arrested Martin on Ford Lane, about a half-mile from where Martin had run the red light, police said.
Martin told the officer that he fled because he thought he had a warrant and "didn't want to go to jail and wanted to get home in time to watch the Super Bowl," Delgado said. But it turned out he didn't have a warrant.
Nevertheless, he got his wish, and his pedal-pushing got him a prime seat: he was able to watch the game in a cell at Fremont City Jail, where he was being held on suspicion of resisting arrest.

Dating...augh....

2007-02-02T12:05:00.000-08:00

I really need to start dating again. I feel like the "Cat Lady" these days. Okay, so I have a dog but come one... same thing.

You would think a girl like me would be able to find a decent guy to date. I dont think I'm freakish looking, am I?

Why can't I find a guy thats not looking for his mother to marry, not 50 years old (or older) and looks like Edward Norton? Is that too much to ask?

I know some of you girls looking at this right now know what I'm talking about.

Come on Mr. Right, look like Edward Norton, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease.

Chaka Khan

2007-01-31T15:09:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWKP4vSHxOU

Dayligyht Savings

2007-01-30T13:48:00.000-08:00

http://www.energy.ca.gov/daylightsaving.html
Sweet!! Daylight savings changes in March this year!

Beginning in 2007, Daylight Saving Time is extended one month and begins for most of the United States at:
2 a.m. on the Second Sunday in Marchto2 a.m. on the First Sunday of November.(See chart below.)
The new starts and stop dates were set in the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

teeny tiny balls

2007-01-25T14:13:00.000-08:00

Sorry "Michael".

It's a Girl!!!!

2007-01-19T10:43:00.000-08:00

Hip Hip Horray!!!!!

Just got back from my daughter, Arlene's appointment and it looks like she's going to be the proud parent of a baby girl! I can't wait. The dr. also mentioned the baby being a couple weeks early. ?.?. How do they do that?

I can't wait to get her on a mountain bike!

Frank remindes me: "another VB !! cool :)"

Yes in deed, I can assure you that this little girl will be tearing up the trails and making the boys eat her dust.

Karma?

2007-01-13T12:51:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I've been a bad girl this week but come on, I can barely stand. Back pain is a b*tch!

Went to the gym on Thursday and havent been the same since. Now if I could only remember... hot or cold? Forget it, Motrin it is!

Your Cool!

2007-01-11T08:26:00.000-08:00

I don't exactly remember why I felt a need to do this....but then again, do I really need a reason?

Tag I'm It?

2006-12-28T08:34:00.000-08:00

TAG I'M IT???

Miss Mary's Cross Style

Hey MM:

You had to tag me... augh...

My guess is that you need five (5) pieces of information about myself that no one really knows or cares about?

I needed help from my brothers and friends for this one.

1. I was Cinco de Mayo Queen at Oak Grove High School. That's not me in the picture but it looked something like that.

2. I used to play the viola. Yes, I said the nerdy viola, not violin.

3. I LOVE Edward Norton! Yeah Baby, who's your Mama!

4. I'm a scrapbooker and love painting my dogs paws.

5. And last but not least: I tried to get on the Dr. Phil show and they actually called me back! Unfortunately, the chance passed. My girls just weren't having it. bummer... my chance to meet Dr. Phil and I get scolded by my own children.

I'm going to give you a finale and tell you that since my crash at SeaOtter, breaking my tailbone, my friends haven't stopped with the two cracks on my butt jokes.

Now, back to work.

Almost forgot "Jenna" http://boondogglen.blogspot.com/ , Brent http://www.bikebuzz.net/ and Cat Lover http://catwonsports.blogspot.com/ sorry but Tag Your It!

Oh Lordy

2006-12-20T13:40:00.000-08:00

This is the picture that all the Velo Bellas are sending around to each other.
Important information of course.

Grandma....Me????

2006-11-14T12:50:00.000-08:00

Yep, looks like I'm going to be a grandma. My daughter Arlene (22yrs) just found out she's pregnant and she's super happy about it. So, I moved her booty into my home and the rest will be history. ha!

I just wish she would tell her father sooner than later. It would be a lot less stressful for her if she told him because her pesky sister keeps throwing hints to their father that Arlene is pregnant. Augh.... pregnant or not, Arlene will kick Nikki's butt if she keeps it up.

Have a nice week everyone!

Man on the Moon

2006-08-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

http://www.carpenoctem.tv/cons/moon.html

Are we wasting our time talking about issues like this?

Whats your theory?

Sleep...

2006-08-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

Augh...I want to go home and sleep....

Downieville Pictures

2006-08-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

http://scottmosher.exposuremanager.com/g/downieville_06

Congrats to my friend Rich who placed 5th in the Expert Downhill catagory!!!! You rock, Rich!!!

Also, a big congrats to Jason, Frank, Rich, Matt, Mike, Piper, Mo, Kim, and all the other Bellas for completing the cross country and Downhille race !

Frank, what did you place?

DOWNIEVILLE CLASSIC

2006-08-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

Back from the Dowieville Classic and what a weekend it was. DeAnna and I had a great time resprsenting the Velo Bellas and volunteering with registration and race times.

Here are a few things we saw:

* Someone registered at Lloyd Felloverbars (I asked for ID but he wasnt having it)
* A rider road in without a saddle.
* A rider road in with a broken handlebar.
* Several riders road in with flat tires.
* My friend Mike road in with a tube wrapped around his tire. This was after several other attempts to repair the tire.
* Two riders started fighting right in front of us as we checking them in.

The band on Saturday was hillarious! I'll have to find their website and post it. Mike, please copy that CD as soon as possible for us!

We ran into so many Bellas including Miss Mary, Kim Hieser(kim, I hope I didnt destroy your last name here), Disco Piper, and Mo (Meredith) to name a few.

The Team Wrong Way guys were tons of fun to tease too!

To dress or not to dress...

2006-07-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

that is the question.

Now that I know a few friends will be arriving early for the Tour de Fat so they can join the parade that happens before the beer festivities, I'm not sure if I want to dress for this occasion or not.

Most will be dressed in the everyday San Francisco remarkably extraordinary costumes and some in the vaudeville theme costumes.

as fun as it would be to dress vaudeville, I have to remind myself that I am an old geezer so, I think I'm going to have to pass on this years costumes.

Downieville Classic

2006-07-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, this years races have been put on hold. I won't be doing any races until next year. So hey, I may as well enjoy my year off, right?

I am anxiously awaiting the Downieville Classic http://www.downievilleclassic.com/ in two weeks. Me and my friend DeAnna (and VeloBella) have volunteered and expect to have a great time! I just wish Rosalind didn't have such a busy schedule so she could join us. She's one crazy chick!

Of course we'll be sporting our VeloBella Boy Beaters that fellow VB, Robyn Jenson says "The Velo Bella boy beater has been proven to take 20 years off your age!!!!!" . :o)~

Hey, that would make me 20, Yes!

Tour de Fat

2006-07-14T08:53:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to head up to San Francisco next weekend for the New Belgium,http://www.newbelgium.com/vibe_tourdefat.php Tour de Fat~

2006-07-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

"N" the old goat 80's break dancer.

Saratoga Gap Ride

2006-06-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

Tuesday's ride was at Saratoga Gap with Stevo, John and Mike J. It was a warm day but thats okay because these trails are the best for a warm day like today.

No, I wasnt bored here in this picture. I was trying to catch my breath. These guys decided this was a good day to race through these trails and me being the out of shape clown that I am couldnt handle it. I thought I was going to throw up by the end of the ride just trying to keep up with them.

Just a few more pics of the Gap trails to show you southern Californian's what a real trails suppose to look like. These trails are so beautiful, you really can't find a bad one.

I can't wait to get some pictures of Demonstration Forest on my blog.

Mike J., thanks for the pics.

Eveyone Enjoy~

Chaka Khan

2006-06-20T12:14:00.000-07:00

~I love the music of Chaka Khan~
http://www.chakakhan.com/fireworks/discoh/discoh.html
http://www.chakakhanfoundation.org/

Signs

2006-06-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

I got back from Livermore and was beat. The weather was so hot out there I could hardly sleep but I still had a great time. We (me, Linda and Donna) had time to tell my neices stories about the trouble we used to get into, proms, outings and the old boyfriends I had. Yikes, I guess my brothers are telling their daughters the same things my father used to tell me. I guess it's true that the apple doesnt fall far from the tree. ~Poor girls~

When I got home on Sunday I just wanted to rest the remainder of the day. So, Nikki and I watched the move Signs last night. I like the movie but Nikki got a little scared. I think she's been hanging out with her boyfriend a little to much.

I feel like I'm always on the go, which is good but there are days when I would love to sit and watch a good DVD. I just havent been able to find a good movie. Some of my favorites:

Delicatessen:
City of the Lost Children:
Anything with Edward Norton: Italian Job, Red Dragon, Fight Club:
Ray:
The Messenger:
Motorcycle Diaries:
Blue Velvet:
Four Rooms:
Vanilla Sky:
The Game:
Ninth Gate:
Angel Heart:
Monsoon Wedding:
Reservoir Dogs:
and suprisingly The Butterfly Effect was a pretty good movie too.

Stiles Ranch/Santa Teresa Park

2006-06-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

This is exactly what I needed. A great trail and great company. It doesnt get much better than this.

Mike P. heading up Stiles Ranch. Both DeAnna (New Velo Bella) and Mike P are doing a great job riding up the switchbacks at Stile's Ranch. I have high hopes next year for DeAnna and her new Racer X.

John, JR, Dono, Mike J., Mike P, Jason, DeAnna and myself taking a rest before completing the downhill of Stiles Ranch.

JR and Dono hanging out waiting for the rest of the gang.

Its beautiful at the top of the fireroad at Santa Teresa Park but it's getting late and we dont have much riding time left. The guys head down Rocky Ridge and I take DeAnna back down the fire road. Down and out we go headed to Chili's Bar and Grill for our beer and burgers!

Linda

2006-06-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I havent blogged in a while. Although I've been having a blast riding all over the trails with DeAnna and her new Titus, Racer X, in the back of my mind I've been thinking about my sister-in-law. Linda finally came to the conclusion that a double mastectomy would be the best choice for her right now. Linda is one strong b*tch and I just know that she's going to be fine. But, to hear that she's been crying as often as she has been just breaks my heart.

Just last week she was opening up not one but two new Marriott Hotels, as if nothing was going on in her life but that.

We'll her surgery was yesterday and she came out of it fine. This weekend my brother and the twins will be out of town so me and my other sister-in-law, Donna will be staying the weekend with Linda. I dont know what I would do without my sister-in-laws, Linda and Donna in particular. We've grown up together. Linda got me my first job at RedEye in Oak Ridge Mall where she and another girl that was dating one of my other brothers was working.

I hate days like today where the only thing I can think about is how she must be in soo much pain and there is nothing I can do for her except keep telling her that she's a strong woman and going to be alright. I feel so lame....and helpless....

I guess as long as she really does get throught this and all the Chemo and radiation and whatever else they decide to put into her body... then everything is good, right?

God bless her and keep a positive outlook for her.

Pooch in a Pouch

2006-06-06T15:40:00.000-07:00

DO YOU THINK THEY BOTH GET MEDALS FOR PLACING?

Team OTB

2006-06-05T14:14:00.000-07:00

Team OTB at the 24 Hours of Adrenaline. http://www.teamotb.com/
Our Rides:

STEVO: Santa Cruz, Heckler
JOHN: Santa Cruz, Super Light
DONO: Santa Cruz, Nomad
CYNTHIA: Santa Cruz, Juliana
BRIAN: Santa Cruz, Nomad

New bike?

2006-06-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

I'd rather see a bike in his hands. That is unless, I'm suppose to use the card to buy a new bike?

2 Bellas and a Fella

2006-06-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

Bump bump,

“what was that”?

“oh that’s just Cynthia”

“she’s under the bus”

Now that that is out of the way – LOL

Our story of intrigue begins with a conversation between Cyn and Dee;

So off our intrepid Bella’s go – into the Maw of peril, gracefully negotiating the snaking, rocky, somewhat steep singletrack that is known as “Stile Ranch trail”
Smoothly upward they go – the occasional grimace as DeAnna steeled her resolve and hit the gas to surmount rocks the size of Televisions and Bowling balls leaving them as crushed rubble to flatten the trail for Cynthia. Around the narrow, rocky, stepped switchbacks DeAnna once again delivers and mentors Cynthia in the nuances of the fine balancing act of momentum, power, courage, and talent that is required to negotiate terrain of such a technical nature. At one point it seems that DeAnna was nearing her AT and on the verge of “blowing up” when we pulled off the trail at the top to investigate, it seems DeAnna was the subject of sabotage. In her subversive rascalness, Cynthia had tampered with DeAnnas Brakes and gears – the brakes were set to drag at full engagement and her only gear selection the 44 – 17. In empathic acquiescence DeAnna chose this opportunity to inform Cynthia, “ Okay Cynthina, I’m going to charge this upcoming super technical crux section climb with the staircase steps and bowling ball rocks and after I clear the turn I will excecute a 192 degree slow speed pirouette and come to a gracefully smooth stop while expertly simulating several small lacerations on my left posterior calf and left anterior forearm. To which Cynthia replied “Whatever, I do want I want”.

Upon DeAnna completing her skills demonstration we see on the horizon the waning light, it was decided that it was time to have a couple of libations and supper with the loved ones before heading home to regale with daring stories of bravado and devil may care risk taking.

And for the real version.

C> “Hey you guys wanna ride today”?
D> “sure, we’ve been so busy that I haven’t been on the bike in a few days, I need to get out there and keep my edge”
C> “We’re going to ride Santa Teresa” “it’s EASY”
D>” Is it hard like St Joe’s?”
C>” It’s so easy, way simpler than St Joes, and the hills are shorter”
D> “OH, Okay!” I’ll see you at 6”

Santa Teresa county park is probably one of the most consistently technical places to ride in local San Jose. The nice thing about ST is that if you can comfortably ride here, there are not many places on the planet that you cannot ride with confidence.

DeAnna is rapidly gaining experience and skills that will be well put to use as a Velo Bella you girls better be looking over your shoulders cause here comes the incomparable DeAnna Papedis with a fire in her eyes and piston like legs on a mission to lay waste against all who would dare to oppose her.

I am truly impressed by the courage, resolve and sheer determination of DeAnna to go WAY outside of her comfort zone and through sheer will to succeed, ascend a trail of such a technical nature.

Another Item of note, DeAnna cleaned Stile Ranch with ONLY 3 dabs for the entire trail – That she performed this feat on a Hardtail and on her first try is testament to the positive mentoring and enthusiastic coercion of Cynthia Robles to see the potential in DeAnna and to nurture that seedling until it blossoms.

Congratulations DeAnna and I look forward to seeing you master the sport – you’re well on your way…..

p.s. I’ve included some spy shots of DeAnna working her skills!!!

Daniel Abernethy

This will be my next bike....

2006-06-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

If I dont stop crashing~

Weekend Ride/Crash

2006-05-31T12:20:00.000-07:00

Sunday me, Dono, Stevo, John, Deanna, Jason and Rosalind headed out for a ride at Henry Cowell. It was a beautiful day for a ride and I was finally ready to take on some "real" trails. We started off on the fire roads and some short climbs. Yes, for sure it's a beautiful day when you can turn your head and get a view of the ocean. How much better does it get than that?

In and out of some single track trail, not exactly knowing where were going but having a fun time trying to figure it out~

Now, it's 4 hours later and we need to head out of there. Out of the single track and onto the rutted out fire roads we go. The "boys" start hauling *ss and I just can't resist! So, off I go peddling as fast as I can and hanging on right behind them. With a slight skid here and a jump there down and out we go. Ooh... The boys are riding in and out of the fire road, taking some short single track roads out. Looks like fun so I follow along. Augh.... all at once Dono decides to break right in front of me. Why me?!?!?!?! I catch up to him in 1/8 of a second and notice that instead of jumping the rut that crossed the single track, he's going to ride it. We'll I pulled back on my saddle and made it through the rut but pulled back a little to far and my saddle landed on my stomach and I went down. Augh.... Why!?!?!?!?!

The last thing I needed was to crash. I picked myself up, got back on my bike and road the rest of the way out. On our way to the parking lot we stopped off at the restrooms. I pulled a little tissue paper, wet it and started cleaning the blood off my knee and Yikes!, my middle finger hurts like a mother******. So, cleaning my knee and yuck, hamburger meat with a few ditches is the only way to explain it. I can't wait to get home, shower and clean all the sand off of it.

It's only been a few days and the holes in my knee are all covered up and doing great!

Boy, this year just isn't my year for riding. Race season has basically ended for me with my crash at Sea Otter and the broken tailbone but there's always next year!

ROCK ON!!!!!

DeAnna's New Bike

2006-05-25T12:58:00.000-07:00

Both DeAnna and Rosalind have/are getting new bikes this year. What lucky girls! I dont have a picture of Rosalind's, "Patrick" but here is what DeAnna's Titus Racer X will look like.

Lost Puppy

2006-05-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

This was just to funny not to post it.

New Bike

2006-05-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

My friend and fellow VB, Deanna is looking into buying a new bike. She's looking at the Yeti, Santa Cruz, Juliana and Titus. Although she is trying to find the bike that fits her best Pink is essential. I mean... you have to look good while riding, right?

~Good luck Deanna and have fun looking~

Poo, poo on the rain.

2006-05-19T16:45:00.000-07:00

Rain....

2006-05-19T16:44:00.000-07:00

Rain, rain, go away.......your screwing up my weekend!

Careful..

2006-05-19T14:55:00.000-07:00

out there on the roads. You dont want to end up like this:

I gues...

2006-05-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of nothing to say today, as usual.

~Bella Casey~

2006-05-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

I had to post our dog, Casey because she's just toooo cute!

2006-05-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

~Velo Bella in training~

We just need to get her on a full suspension bike, thats all.

24 hours of Adrenaline

2006-05-17T12:11:00.001-07:00

So, the 24 hour has come and gone. We finally got all our teams together and decided on:
Rosalind/George: Psychosquirelsoncrack.com (placed 12/13)
Stevo/Brian/Dono/Cynthia/John: Team OTB (placed 22/22)
Warren: Team Mojo (8 hour solo and placed 5th)
Team V Motion: jason, Im sorry but I cant remember your teammates names. :o(~

I was only able to do one lap this year but it was better than not racing and since Brian's rib is still out of commission, no one really cared how many laps anyone did. It was a nice change from the past 5 years that we've raced here.

With two old goats injured on Team OTB, we were doomed for last place but it's okay because that just meant we could party our butts of the night before the race with Team Hamana who's theme this year was "Pimps and Hos". I can't wait for everyone to download their pictures.

Stevo finally got team OTB's website up and running. check it out when you have time.
http://www.teamotb.com
Stevo did a great job of setting up the site, kudos to Stevo! Keep up the good work!

24 HOA Status

2006-04-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

So, it looks like it's going to be a few more weeks before I can ride or so my doctors say. We'll Rosalind found a co-worker, George to replace me so were covered. Thanks George.

The End~

Linda

2006-04-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

I havent been able to get a hold of my sister-in-law, Linda to find out what the status is on her breast cancer. Last I heard she sent me this email: "Yes, I am scared. I am not so much scared about the mastectomy anymore, but the chemo concerns me. I just feel like that is so destructive to one's body. I need to ask more questions about survival rate with chemo. Plus, I have to work through this, so I don't want to loose my hair and my boobs! Man! That's a lot to loose in a short amount of time. I am just feeling a little like a victim at the moment."

Scared? Yeah, thats to be expected. I'm sure theres a lot more going on than just being scared. I think about her everyday and just pray that she comes out of this okay.

Ciao~

Still deciding...

2006-04-21T15:24:00.000-07:00

So, were still deciding on what to do for the 24 hours of adrenaline. "George" hasnt made a firm decision to replace me. I'm not quite sure what the problem is. Is "G" scared to do a race that's so long? Hmmm.... not sure yet but we were hoping for a decsion from him today, which we so far havent gotten. We did find out that they (24HOA) wont be refunding our money back so we need to decide something. Other than replacing me with another rider our other options would be to race the 8 hours instead or just do our best at the 24 hours.

Which ever we decide to do, I'm up for it and will do my best to not disapoint Rosalind. I think I should be able to do at least a couple of laps so I suggested the 8 hour race. I'm not sure Rosalinds satisfied with that so I'll have to wait to hear back from her.

24 Hour Status

2006-04-19T14:57:00.000-07:00

Still in some pain in the evenings and sometimes at night but for the most part I'm doing well. Most of the scabs are gone and with the exception of the bruising on my butt most of the brusing is gone too.

Rosalind and I have talked about the 24 hours of adrenaline and have decide to try and get our money refunded. Rosalind has left several message and emails but as of yet no one has returned any of them. I'm guessing that's a sign that were not getting our money back. She's trying to convince a guy at her work, George to take my place but no firm decision yet. Hey, if we can't find another rider, i'll just ride. Even if I only do one lap, the http://Psychosquirrelsoncrack.com will still exist! Oh, and we'll have more time to party that weekend too!

Couldnt get Nikki to post a blog for me this time but I'll keep trying.

2006-04-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

Sea Otter Pics

2006-04-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

I promised you some pictures of the Sea Otter Classic at Laguna Seca and here you go:

This first picture is of me and some other teammates warming up before we head our for the cross country race. That's Rosalind, my 24 hour partner to the right of me.

Above us is the canopy for our Sponor,Kona.

I love this next picture of our dog, Casey. She looks like a true Bella. I can't tell you how many people took her picture. She's a true model, at least that's what I think.

This next picture is of my friends Matthias (Rosalinds husband) and Ali who apparently did well on their road race. Matthias wasnt so lucky, he got a flat and fell back. Apparently even though he finished the race they didnt even have his name on the results.

I'm hearing through several email groups that who ever did the results for the SEa Otter Classic really screwed things up. Some racers arent even in the results or in the wrong catagory ie. raced cross country but showing up on the road race results. Even though I didnt finish the race, I did start and my name didnt appear as DNF (Did Not Finish) either. Yeah, sounds like a mess.

Here's my friend Jason, not exactly sure how he did but he races cross country/sport. His wife Deanna was great support for us. I think she'd make a perfect Velo Bella.

This last one is a picture of my friend Jen who looks very concerned about me, while they take me away.

We'll that's about all the decent picture I have for now. Until next time,

Ciao~

My Broken Ass

2006-04-12T15:00:00.000-07:00

My doctor called me yesterday and it looks like I have a broken tailbone. He says its going to take 2 months to heal.

Only thing on my mind is getting better before the 24 hours of adrenaline next month.

Julie on the other hand says her face is swollen today, I'm not suprised. I wonder if the crash gave her black eyes. I know she's in a lot of pain. I really hope for a quick recovery for her.

My @ss hurts...

2006-04-11T13:12:00.001-07:00

I havent heard back from my doctor yet so I'm going to assume I only have ONE @ss crack.

I'm at work today and have been taking "Diclofenac" (whatever that is). My doctor wanted to perscribe me Vicodin but I told him no so he gave me this other one. I feel pretty good today. I can walk and for the most party only the road rash and bruises on my @ss have been bothering me. I'm sitting on one of those pillow things for now. I'm pretty sure my tail bone is just bruised and hopefully I'll be back on my bike soon.

Sea Otter Crasher...

2006-04-10T16:21:00.000-07:00

Sea Otter was this weekend and Saturday, even thgough I had to leave early was a blast. Me, Rosalind, Matthias, Jason and Deanna hung out together. We stopped by the Velobella booth and the girls purchased the 2006 VB jerseys. Sweet!!! Matthias and Ali did the road race and unfortunately Matthias got a flat. Although he finished the race he wasnt sure what he placed. Sea Otter Classic has apparently really screwed up the race results and everyones complaining. They either put racer results in the wrong catagory or just didnt put then on any catagory. Thats gotta suck for those who did well.

Sunday came around and me, jason and rosalind were scheduled to race. Jason took off at 8:00a.m, he placed 66 out of 72 racers(sport catagory), not bad. Rosalind hmmm..... I dont remember what she placed. Rosalind raced beginners since this was only her second race. I didnt place anything becaus......

Unfortunatly, Julie my teammate and I got into an accident at the beginning of the race. This year the first 1/4 or 1/2 mile of the race started on the pavement. We just left and made the first left turn, then up a little hill, wow!!! we've already lost about 1/2 of the group. Were in the front of the pack, sweet!!!! I dont want to go into details but on the descent of the hill I got sandwiched in between to riders, one being my teammate and down we both went. It was horrible. I hit the pavement on my ass and slid down finally landing on my left side. I immediately turned around and BAM!!! went Julies face on the pavement. She was out for a second. All of a sudden I see her trying to lift her face off the pavement. I looked in horror as she peels her lips off the pavement. It was so disturbing the only thing I could think to do is to tell her to stay still. I couldnt get up! What, I've been in my fair share of accident and have always gotten up, bloody and all. I knew I had to be hurt pretty bad. I just remember telling Julie to stay still, I knew the girls we dropped would be coming any second and I was right. Thank God for Tracy who rides for Specialized. She stopped to help and junked the race. She's an EMT so he was just the person we needed. The only thing I could remember after that was to try and get Julie some help. Not much time later, I see Rosalind's group riding by. I dont think she realized how her face looked. She looked shocked to see two Velo Bellas down but she had to keep riding. We'll Julie was sent off in the ambulance. At the time I thought I was feelinging fine but just moments later at the VeloBella tenant I started to feel the pain. Paramedics came by and drove me, Nikki(my duaghter) and Casey (our pooch) to our car so Nikki could take me to the hospital. We'll we got to the hospital but there was a 4 hour wait. I could do it so we drove home, I took some Advil and Tylenol and tried to sleep. It was so hard knowing that Julie was in the hospital and I didnt know what her status was. I went to my family practice dr. and had some x-rays done. He think I may have either broke or buised my tailbone. I'll have to wait and see.
More tomorrow.

Downieville 2005

2006-04-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

A day in the Sun

2006-04-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

I dont have any pictures from our last ride out at laguna seca/Fort Ord but you can see them at blog.psychosquirrelsoncrack.com
The sun is finally out but not for long. These few sunny days that we have just remind me of Downieville. I cant wait for our July camp trip.

Rosalind and myself

2006-03-31T09:12:00.000-08:00

Finally, I got this darn picture to download to this site.

Here is a picture os my partner Psychosquirrel, Rosalind. This picture was taken at our birthday dinner at a Greek restaurant in downtown Sunnyvale. I dont remember the name but Rosalind loves this place. Her husband, Matthias set it up. He's also an awesome person and strong rider.

3/26 Race Day

2006-03-30T14:04:00.000-08:00

I didnt race this weekend but had Rosalind did. I'll tell you, I couldnt of asked for a better 24hour partner. She's the best! Not only has she been training but she's hecka (I love this word) fun to.

I'm, so glad I made it on time to watch the girls head out. I really wanted to wish her luck on her very first mountain bike race. She (#473) Looked Great!

They looked strong at their take off.

Rosalind's first lap around and she was looking good, second lap around and still looking good and strong. She's making this race look effortless.

While Jen, Dawn and myself just hang out and boywatch, we discuss the girls performance and for their first race, they're all doing a great job! Oh, and we got to watch the cute boys get ready for their races too!

There she goes on her last lap and still hanging in there. We'll here's a picture of her coming in from her last lap and I guess the picture says it all. Yeah, she got a booboo. She was fine

Yeah, the picture cracks me up too.

So, I have to say that I'm so proud of Rosalind for doing this race.

The clinic was a success. At the end of the day we all sat around and discussed what we had learned and what they would change for the next race.

Next race is Sea Otter Classic. I'm hoping to make a trip to Laguna Seca this weekend to pre-ride the course. Wish me luck.

I had to put this picture of the little Velo Bella in training.

Till next time.

Weekend 3/25-26

2006-03-29T13:45:00.000-08:00

I had a great time at the VB clinish this past weekend, I'm so glad I went. Even thought I was a little out of it and it was freezing cold, I had a great time. Here are a few pics of the girls learning to jump logs and ride down drops.

The beginning of hte clinic was mostly talk of nutrition, which Ros and I missed because we were running a little late, how to work on your bike (why would I want to do that if I could just date a bike mechanic?) and training skills.

Later we learned to jump sticks, logs and ride a few small drops. It was fun all in all although I think it was more of a beginners class.

Here are a few more pics of the girls riding.

Rosalind had the opportunity to try out a new full suspension Kona. Kona is the Velo Bella team sponsor for the next 3 years.

Liz and Dedee did a great job too!

These girls rock and Im so thankful that we belong to a team that has interest in not only racing but teaching new riders to ride to their full potential.

I had to post this picture of Dawn with her rain boots on. I love her boots!

Downieville

2006-03-27T13:11:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here at my desk, while it's raining outside thinking about my last Downieville Trip. Jen went with us that time and jacked up her knee. Hopefully, she'll be up to going this July with the group. This girls is so bad ass on this type of terraine. I can't wait.

Jen is an awesome girl and VeloBella.

I've also posted a picture of "the goober squad" (Dan,Brian and Dono), as Stevo called them. This year they'll all be riding Downieville on their new Nomads. They finally came to their sensed and dumped the FSRs for a real bike.

My daughter, Nikki...

2006-03-23T12:42:00.000-08:00

Doesnt want to do today's blog for me even though I asked her to.

"MOM!!!!!!!!!"

Please tell me, why is my mom so evil? Ok, my mom wants me to do her bog for her, F-I-N-E! I'll do her blog for her! From the mouth of Cynthia Robles:

"Hi guys how are yall doin' out there, well ima just sittin here tryin to fig're out what ima feed mah daw'ter today. Any-won wanna help? Well lets see, last night we gots some of that ol' mey'xican food, and oh that doesn't sit verrry well with our stomach's n' all. We were hidin' under the blankets ALL night hopin them here neighbors didn't smell what we were cooking under um'. And i TELL YA! That darn E'tallian food! The carbs just go STRAIGHT to mah' ass! Well i suppose thats good news for all yall guys out there, but i have to go on a ride n' a half just to get it all off. With Rosilin ridin' behind meh, well lets just hope that mexican food i had last night doesnt give her the breeze to knock her off her bike again, like it did last week. Well now my sweetheart daughter just came by, i guess she said somthin' bout going to spoons, alright, i guess ill let her choose again! Gee wiz that girl! Alright well i guess i hear them cows a commin' so i better scram,
"NICHOLE GO TAKE OUT THE DAWG!"

alrighty thatll be all for now, till later days,

-Cynthia.

Today really does suck!

2006-03-21T14:26:00.000-08:00

So, I just found out that my sister-in-law, the one I grew up with and have known since I was 14 or so has breast cancer. She's been contacting my mother, to give her the details. From what my Mother told me she has "very agressive" cancer and that the doctors are still checking to see if it’s in her lymph notes or not. If it is, they’ll have to do surgery immediately and chemotherapy. If not, she’s schedule for surgery on the 4th of April. My mother didn’t understand everything but I guess they won’t know how bad it really is until they do the surgery.

She asked my mother to let us all know what her status is and to still please do not call them right now. She knows were all praying for her but she needs time right now.

This really sucks!

My 24 Hour Teammate

2006-03-20T15:08:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of Rosalind, my 24 hour teammate and myself. This picture was taken last month during our Birthday diner. She turned 30 this year and me.... we'll just say, I'm old.

Laguna Seca 3/19

2006-03-20T12:07:00.000-08:00

Looks like a few of you really missed out on the beautiful weather at Laguna Seca this past weekend. I even came home with a little bit of a sunburn on my arms.

The weather was great, the company was great and the trails were in excellent condition. It was a little muddy but not to muddy. Just muddy enough to have some fun!

We did a couple of laps and we were still able to make it home by 2:30/3:00p.m.

I hope Jason's teammates felt okay, not sure why they skipped out after their one lap. Hopefully their still psyched about the race.

I wish I had a picture of Sunday to post but not yet. We'll, here's a picture my daughters dog, Casey instead.

Peace out~

Thursday 3/16

2006-03-17T08:06:00.000-08:00

Next weekend (saturday and sunday) Rosalind and I will be at the VB mt.bike clinic at Fort Ord in Monterey. This should be intersting. Saturday is the clinic and Sunday is the race. Hmmm... it'llbe my first race against the old goats since I just turned 40 this year. This put me in a whole new catagory. Problem is, most of the women in this catagory are usually very strong. I' mean it's not like they just started riding yesterday. Most of these women were runners, triathletes or just been riding for years. It'll be interesting to see how I do.

Its still pouring up here and I'm forced to head to the gym. So, another day with a 15 minute warm up on the treadmill, light (leg) weights, 1 hour spinning on my own and then I get to take the spin class. The instruction Brent gave me were as follows: "
Cynthia.
Just ride. Rain or shine.
Trainer or not. On trainer cut your time almost in half.
Free weights should be VERY light.
Best thing to do is ride weekdays (T-Th) on the trainer or spin bike for 2 hours, and put long miles on weekend. These are BASE miles, dont go hard. Just ride steady pace for the entire ride (meaning dont decrease your power at hour 2). M and F you should do long walks and or SUPER easy spins or combo of both.
A good practice is to get off the bike and walk it up steep hills on every ride.
good luck
Brent"
Brent is our (VeloBella) very own, number one Podium Boy and VB Road Team Manager. He's given both Rosalind and myself lots of useful information for the 24 HOA. Brents done this race many times solo so i have a lot of trust in him.

2006-03-15T12:17:00.000-08:00

Ok, I had to post this picture just because I love it so much.

This weekend I'm talking to a few people about heading down to Laguna Seca and pre-riding the 24 Hour or Sea Otter course.

I've already pre-registered for the following races this year:

CCCX - Mountain Cross Race Series: next weekend: http://www.cccx.org/mtb/2006/index.shtml

Sea Otter Classic: http://www.seaotterclassic.com/

24 Hours of Adrenlaine: http://www.24hoursofadrenalin.com/twenty4/home/countrySelection.cfm?CFID=4430860&CFTOKEN=8c3a7e1f0f0be948-FF92C38B-7E90-E2A3-B4E9EEB3C53216CC

12 hours of Weaverville: http://www.teambigfoot.net/

I've been considering the following:

12 Hours of Humboldt: http://www.teambigfoot.net/

Downieville Classic: http://www.downievilleclassic.com/

Tuesday's Workout

2006-03-15T12:07:00.000-08:00

Here we go, another day of rain which means another day at the gym. I started off with a 10 minute warm up proceeding with a 20 minute spin then into some sculpting class. I ended the day at a 1 hour spin class. I was pretty beat by the time I left but this is what Brent (VB/PodiumBoy/Traner) told me I needed to do. Today I'll be at the gym take the spin class again.

My legs are hurting a little but it's a good hurt.

Oh, here's the picture of the favors Rosalind and I were thinking of make for the 24 Hours of Adrenaline. Ours wont have the sucker in them and the colors will be different. These are from a birthday party I went to. They guy turned 40 and is a Hell's Angel so they used the Harley Davidson colors.

2006-03-13T15:48:00.000-08:00

Ros and me at the finish of the Grizzly Century.

Another Spin Day

2006-03-13T15:26:00.001-08:00

Here we go with another day of Spinning for two, yes I said 2 hours. Okay, so it isnt the most fun I've had but at least I'm staying in shape. I'm still concerned about the 24 HOA and being able to ride for the entire 24 hours, with my partner Ros of coarse.

She's a champ but just doesnt know it yet. I dont know who else would be crazy enough to join me in a 2-person team for ther 24 hours of adrenaline. I'm just glad I'm doing it with a girls. Girls Rule!!!!

So, we've been looking at getting some shirts made, socks, caps and possible some favors. I'll have to post a picture of a sample favor soon. Their peanuts wrapped up with mesh and a ribbon (team colors Blue/Pink) tieing it together. It'll have our team name, Psychosquirrelsoncrack.com and "do you know were your nuts are" or "Got Nuts" on it.

The shirts will be baseball shirts with our name on the front and the logo on the back. This year should be hard but pretty fun. Ros has been pretty easy going, I like that about her.

So Ros and Matthias bought me some cool shades with additional lenses for my 40th b-day. They are soooo cool! I cant wait to wear them!!!!

Another spin Day

2006-03-13T15:26:00.000-08:00

24 HOURS OF ADRENALINE

2006-03-12T09:46:00.000-08:00

24 HOURS OF ADRENALINE. This is my goal!!

Rain, rain, go away...

2006-03-12T09:40:00.000-08:00

The snow is sooo beautiful up on the hills, but augh... it's painful watching the sun come out for an hour or so. Us Californians aka: "valley girls" arent used to seeing snow in our front yards so how do your ride in this type of weather? I guess I'm going to have to stick with the 2/3 hour gym workout until I can get some helpful tips.

So, out I go to the Gym of Mountain View. At least its a friendly gym and they let me spin for a long as I please.

Till later....

Have a beautiful day.