Ann’s Winter Training Escape to California

 

I was fortunate to spend some time with fast roadie friend Leah (daughter of teammate Nels) in Palm Springs. Add speedy mountain biker Sandra to the mix and I had two fast wheels to get some big base miles in with, almost tripling my weekly mileage in the time I was there.

Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and we had torrential downpours, flash flooding, and even snow at higher elevations. Not what I expected from the desert, but we still ended up doing some amazing rides including riding in Joshua Tree National Park, up the Palms to Pines Highway and away from rabid dogs.

Seeking more sunshine I decided to head to the coast, meeting up with friends in Temecula to hit the legendary San Juan Trail. We did an out and back up some awesome switchback climbs and saw some amazing vistas stretching out to the coast from inland near Lake Elsinore. The epic climb made for a fast descent, with a fun combo of speed, tight switchbacks, ruts & washed out sections. It sure felt good to hit the dirt again.

The next day we headed to Carlsbad on the coast to do the Swami's ride. This ride has a reputation for being the hardest group ride around and it lived up to its name. Luckily, trying to hang onto Leah and Sandra’s wheels sparked some fitness into my legs and I was able to hang onto the A group for most of the way to the Church. I was the last woman to be dropped which was great, but I think the real achievement would have been not to be dropped at all! I'll have to save that for another time.

I’ve been back a week now and it wasn't too had to come home with the Olympics just around the corner. It's an exciting time here and there's an amazing energy in the air. The weather has been fabulous and Trevor, Joe and I hit some pristine trails in Squamish over the weekend, getting in close to 4 hours in beautiful spring-like conditions. While I’m hoping for snow for the mountain events, the great weather can only mean good things for the season ahead.

Happy trails and training to all Ann!

Spring Training Camps

So, you were thinking of saving money when you went to your spring training by tenting ... this may be a little too true for some riders ...

Confessions of a Closet Camelback User

Ok, I know it's not "cool" to ride with a Camelback but I have to admit, I have been known to do this from time to time. Winter gives me a lot of good excuses because it is a great place to:

• hold a battery pack for a light and your mobile phone
  
• store extra clothes (jacket and gloves in the event of a problem on a trail)
  
• hide your pump and spare tube
  
• keep your money for coffee!

Here are a couple of tips if you are going to use your Camelback in the winter:

• If you drink from the tube be sure to blow the water out of it as soon as you are done drinking to keep the line and mouthpiece from freezing
  
• Keep a turtle attached to the outside - it gets dark fast
  
• Consider keeping a back up light in the compartment -  you never know when you will need it
  
• Fill the bladder with warm water - it can help keep you warm at the start of your ride and will resist freezing longer
  

The rain has hampered the skiing but improved the trails: many trails that had snow and ice last week are now clear (well, a bit muddy). Have fun, stay warm and get out there!

Get out and Ride!

Yes, it is cold and snowy in Whistler but just 30 minutes down the road in Squamish you can get some great riding in, now! Many Team Whistler riders were seen on the trails during the Christmas break and while there may be small patches of snow you need to cross on the shady trails, 90+% of the routes are in great shape. Tony Routley’s advice was to stay on the south exposure slopes like “Credit Line” and “Value Added”. Most of the trails around the estuary and in Brackendale are in great shape and even those in “Crumpet Woods” are reported to be in good riding condition. Consider riding on the road … it is good now with the highway improvements and the attention paid to the roads this winter by highways. A few trails are under construction please respect the trail closures