Road to the Birkie & Back

Today is the first day since the Birkie I've had any energy.  Easily could have slept through the past 2 weeks.  The race took everything I had and then some.  Sometimes your body is smarter then yourself, it shut me down.  Going to do my best here to extrapolate and deliver as much of this 3 month ride.


The decision to train for the win was made on New Years Day.  Considering the competition I'd be facing, it was a long shot but not entirely out of reach.  Why not go for it?  I dreamt about it nightly and woke up every morning thinking what do I need to do today that nobody else is doing?  It was a long 10 weeks of hours and hours of training in freezing temperatures, slush, snow, and wind. 


The week leading up to the race I was feeling strong, fit and rested.  I was confident that I had trained more then anyone.  If I was going to loose, it would be from someone having more talent, not from being outworked.  And I was happy with that.  Day prior to the race I checked out the list of girls who would be starting in wave 1, google searched their names and quickly thought WraWro.   3rd isn't so bad, even 5th, I'm cool with a top 5 finish. 


Because of the lack of snow, warmer then average temperatures, rain and then freezing temperatures this winter the course director had to completely change the course.  Racing 28 miles on rolling hills of sheet ice was out of the question.  They modified the course to a 6 mile loop and we were to complete 5 laps giving us 30 miles and over 3,500 feet of elevation.   They did the best they could chopping up ice with heavy machinery and I give them kudos for making the most of what they had to work with.  The pre ride was hellacious.  The course was treacherous, ultra bumpy frozen ground with patches of snow and ice.  This race was going to be more about survival of the bikes and bodies more then anything else. 


Broken Spoke Racing Team



4 Degrees is all mother nature would give us morning of the race.  Brutal.  I went with only 5psi and studded tires.  Most had higher psi as it's faster on hard surfaces but I decided to forgo just a bit of speed to stay on the no crash program.  Lower pressure and studs allowed me to use the icy sections for speed and maneuver quickly without sliding out.  Mass starts are crowded and everyone sprints out like their getting chased by rabid dogs but don't give much thought to staying upright.  I knew people would be slipping out so I played it safe. 



I kept the leader in sight but focused more on keeping a decent distance from those I was following.  Hadn't gotten through the prolog when a guy wiped out right in front of me, fortunately my plan worked and I had enough space and traction to maneuver around him.  Not even 5 minutes later, same thing, guy goes down and I creep past unscathed.  As the race went on there were dozens of people at the side of the course picking up the pieces, racers not only walking up the hills but walking down them!  First 2 laps I was following the leader at a pace that was manageable.  On the 3rd lap a guy from another wave passed and she grabbed his wheel, I followed suit in 3 position.  Until we came up to a nice icy decent with a curve at the bottom.  I didn't trust it so I tapped the breaks to let them have their space.  Seconds later they both went down, it looked bad.  I made it around and turned on the jets.  It was go time.  Couple minutes later on a flat icy section, took focus off the course for 1 damn second and down I went.  Stupid.  Ice doesn't give, my soul had been knocked out of me and I could see it floating away.  Did a quick assessment of the damage, I'm good, check, bike good, check, ok gotta go! 

My legs were strong throughout the race, climbing with ease.  I had trained rolling hill courses all winter and it was paying off.  My lungs though, they were struggling.  Inhaling that cold air at such a rate was getting to me.  My breathing was to shallow and I had to slow up a few times to prevent hyperventilating.  I wonder if there are any studies about getting less oxygen in colder temperatures.  There were several times I had to hold back tears and push though the pain.  I had a chance to win, I couldn't give it up now!  I crested the last extended climb, only had a mile to go and it was time to make it really hurt.  I sprinted with everything I had left and it burned.  Years ago I had passed a friend early on in a race and thought I "had her."  She crossed the finish line only seconds behind me and with a look of surprise I told her I thought I had her.  She said to me, "you never have anybody."  That statement played over and over in my head until I crossed the line. 

Check out www.fat-bike.com for a live version of the story.  I come in at 31 minutes in.

https://fat-bike.com/2017/03/weekly-dose-of-fat-show-125-surlys-paul-zeigle-and-2017-fat-bike-birkie-womens-champ-leia-schneeberger/

 

Thanks to everyone who's supported me throughout this journey.  Thanks to the race directors for putting on an incredible even.  And thanks to my sponsors, www.brokenspokebikes.com www.funkierbike.com www.integratedbodywork.net for believing in me!

After 2 weeks off the bike, I'm ready to get back at it.  Leaving for Texas to train in the sun and dirt for a week with Ryan.  We'll be testing out our new, matching Niner RKTs.  Looking forward to all the summer fun with all my buddies during the Wisconsin Off Road Series.  It's like adult summer camp.

Left: Kaitlin Anntoneau Middle: Leia Right: Ami Stuart

Triple Crown Kinda Weekend



Friday Night in Lights

3rd Annual Iola Snow Bunny Fat Bike Race

Kicked off the weekend in Iola with the Snow Bully located at Iola Winter Sports Club.  The entire course is on perfectly groomed xc ski trails.  3 miles in length with a combination of rolling hills and long, fast flats.  Most similar course to the Birkie that I know of.  There were sections similar to that of a sledding hill where you couldn't help but yell, "weeeeeee," on your way down. The race started at 6:00pm and ran under the lights.  You could get away with not using your own lights.  You could choose the 1 hour race or the 2 hour option.  Idea is how many laps can you get in that window of time.   The venue is spectacular, there is a warming house with a fire, food, drinks, couches and served as a great hang out for the racers before and after.  The race is really well put together, organized and wins the coolest awards contest hands down.  You can follow this race at: https://www.facebook.com/events/481502581973340/

                                                                      It was a mass start and of course everyone jumps out there like their house is on fire.  The pace was fast from the go.  Until the hills, ahhh the hills, no better way to break up a pack then sending them up hills.  With fresh legs and a low tire pressure, 4psi, I was able to scurry up with ease.  Some of the fastest guys were gone in a hurry and I found myself in the 2nd pack.  Shimmied back and forth with 6 guys.  Just before the flats I turned up the throttle and made my move on them.  It's tougher for me on the open sections to hold a gap as I'm just not as powerful as some of these guys.  Ken Naef responded, caught me and I was able to work with him until the end of the 4th lap.  He'd gain about 20 yards on every downhill and I'd have to haul it to catch back up on the hills. I knew I needed to stick so that I could draft during the flat sections.  It was so cold our water froze.  I had to give my bottle to a spectator, have her set it by the fire so that I could pick it up when I came through on my next lap just to get a drink.  I had stuck my energy chews to my bike, they froze to my bike so I had no food.  No food and water, not a good combination in 2 hour race.  Ken had to make a pit stop at his car to get water.  I lost my carrot and was on my own for the rest of the race.  It's tough to hold pace when you're not really racing anyone.  Just kept thinking I'd have to hold pace for 2 hours at the Birkie, so I'll hold pace here. 

Wound up completing 8 laps, 24mi, in 2:04 hrs and coming in 1st place women's and 4th place overall.  My Broken Spoke teammates also won their divisions.  Diane wining the 1 hour women's, Bob for the 1 hour men's and Cole, big surprise, for the 2 hour mens. 





Saturday in Survival Mode at the 3rd Annual Koldwave





The Koldwave is the 2nd race of the Snow Crown Fat Bike Race Series hosted by Broken Spoke Bikes.  It's held at the Snowcraft Nordic trails in Sturgeon Bay, WI.  The mood is so chill you wonder if you're at a race or a barn party?  Music, Announcers, hecklers, hoolahoop contests, fire pit, free beer, snowballs, concessions and a wholelotta smack talk going on.  The course was off the charts awesome.  Starts with a flat xc ski trail that leads into an orchard of rolling hills, berms and rollers for days.  Because all work and no play doesn't jive with this band of renegades, you are then dropped into miles of glorious groomed single track.  They even threw in a couple of features.  The course was 8 miles long and you have the option to do 1, 2 or 3 laps. 

The next race in the Snow Crown Series is the Fat Camp race being held at the Reforestation Camp just outside of Greenbay in Suamico, WI.  The course is 100% wide open xc ski trail and flat Flat FLAT!  If you've been thinking about trying this sport, here is your chance!  They will rent you a bike if you need one. 

Follow the Snow Crown Series and the upcoming Fat Camp Race at:  http://www.brokenspokebikes.com/pages/snow-crown  https://www.facebook.com/events/1829803917262044/   https://www.facebook.com/events/195719620871001/ 



Once again it was me trying to hang onto the boys club.  A gang of my Broken Spoke Teammates jumped out at the ring of the gong and were in full attack mode.  I figured, I'll let them go have their fun, we got over 20 miles, I'll just sit in an pick them off one by one as they die down.  We hit the hilly orchard and I quickly realized the 3,000ft of climbing I had done full out the night before was no joke.  I was in pain immediately.  Just get through it, get past it, the single track is on the other end.  Sure enough, Work the hills, and all smiles in the single track.  I was able to grab onto some wheels, work with a couple guys and had a few drop me.  3 laps, 24 miles was a struggle!  I was in full survival mode through the entire last lap.  Kept looking back to see if I had a flat, no, no flat, just my legs. 

I often wonder what part I have more fun participating in, the race or the post race festivities.  No matter how many laps you did, it was a feat to finish.   You accomplished something incredible, something most will not do.  Pride permeates the air around us as we stand by the fire and tell our tales of our time on the trail.  I am going to miss these days.

All Skills at the Scurry Because it's All I had Left

The Snowshoe Scurry Fat Bike Race is held at the Pleasant View Golf course in Madison, WI.   This course is 70% single track through the woods surrounding the golf course.  Once you break out of the single track you are on the xc ski trails.  It's a 3 mile course and we did 4 laps for 12 miles.  They didn't have short race options but I'm sure that will happen as the popularity grows.  The snowshoe race takes off first so they get the trail nice and packed down for us.  They open up the club house for these events so it's nice and cozy before and after the race.  Plenty of food, drink and camaraderie.  I am hoping this site will be on the docket for a Hugh Jass in 2018.     Follow the Snowshoe Scurry and Fat Bike at: https://www.facebook.com/SnowshoeScurry/?hc_ref=SEARCH & http://www.snowshoewi.com/index.html 

Even with dead legs, I couldn't resist going for 3.  Especially at my home course!  Literally 2 miles from my house. The single track on this course is the real deal.  It's not professionally groomed so they rely on riders and snowshoes to blaze the trail.  Un-groomed trails means trouble for those that don't have as much experience riding in the snow. Going in I knew this would be an advantage for me.  As long as I could make a gap in the single track, and hold on for dear life on the open ski trails I would have a good race. 

The race started on a downhill slope of what Kristina calls, "Mashed Potatoes."  It really messed everyone up, only a few of us were able to hold it upright, it was rough goings right out the gates.  I followed in 3rd position into the single track and had 2 guys on my tail.  It felt so good in there, I was having the time of my life, carving like I was a snowboarder.  Then the ski trails, oh the pain of it.   I managed to hold the 2 guys off until we hit the ski section the 2nd lap, they were too strong for me on the opens and I had to let them go.  All alone again!  Just me the last 2 laps having my own little single track party.  Ended up 1st women, 5th overall.  Had a chance to catch up with some of my local Mad Town favorites afterwards, again to tell tales of the carnage.

Up next is the Hugh Jass, Fon Du Lac on Saturday and then the Fat Cupid in Appleton on Sunday.  https://www.facebook.com/events/832551413547903/ & http://hughjass.bike/ 



Hugh Jass for the Beginner Fat Biker

Hugh Jass Fat Bike Series Review

www.hughjass.bike/

 "I Don't Do Cold," was what I would say when they'd try to get me to jump on the fat biking train.  Up until November of last year my winter activities consisted of indoor soccer and the gym. You couldn't catch me out in the cold, much less riding a bicycle in it!  Yuck, NO THANK YOU.

Then I met a guy, it's always about a guy isn't it?  The plan of our first "ride", which is code for "date" to a cyclist, was to meet at the Hugh Jass Fat Bike Race at Minooka Park and then go out for dinner afterwards.  Great I gotta go ride a big slow bike in the cold?  Ahh but the things we will do....

Wheel and Sprocket, the bicycle shop that hosts the series, offers fat bikes to rent for racers.  The total expense to enter the race AND to rent the bike was only $50.00.  My first time on a fat bike was during a race on a rented bike wearing my hiking boots, sweat pants and a winter coat.  Anyone can get out there and try it!



These races are mass start.  There are two groups that go out seperately.  Beginner and Advanced. If you are new, you need not be intimidated.  The length of the races vary from 5-8 miles for beginners and 9 - 15 miles for advanced.  The courses vary in style, some are made up of single track and cross country ski trails, a few are similar to a cycle cross course, golf courses and one even has a section on a lake.  The locations are near the Milwaukee area, most at popular Mountain Bike trails.  Minooka, Alpha Trails, John Muir, Grand Geneva, Trek headquarters to name a few.  The courses are chosen with the beginners in mind.  You're not going to run into anything that is to technically advanced, anyone can ride them.

During the races the riders will often be asked to take a beer shortcut, hammerschlagen between laps, wear themed outfits, run over obstacles and turn in their number plates at the end, (which are paper plates) among other goofy things to make it more fun.



The ambiance of these races is all about having a good time.  People aren't getting nearly as worked up or stressed about racing as they might before other races.  Only a few are really there to try and win.  The rest are there for the challenge, gaining bragging rights among their friends, being bad asses, playing in the snow and drinking beer.

After each race there is free beer, a DJ, silly games, bon fires, raffles, awards and food.  We race around 11am and then party it up for the rest of the day.  These races are a great way to meet new friends and cycling enthusiasts.  On a day I don't feel like racing and about to bail, I think, but then I wont get to see and party with my buddies!

The Date/ Ride was a success, I ended up winning that day and turned to Ryan, "This is going to be an expensive weekend!"  The very next day, George Kapitz, Owner of Broken Spoke Bikes, called me after seeing my facebook post.  "Thought you didn't do cold," he said.   A girl can change her mind can't she?  Bought a Salsa Beargrease fat bike from him right there, joined his team and I've been hooked ever since!

Ultimately these races are a great way to meet super cool people with common interests.  The type of people who want to push themselves physically, get outdoors and not take themselves to seriously.  Just another way to get out and PLAY!

You can follow the series at: 

https://www.facebook.com/hughjassfatbike/    &   http://hughjass.bike/

 

 

 

 

 

Temerature Managment

Staying the right temperature during the winter months is a skill you need to master if you're looking to ride outside.  Here are a few tips on staying warm during cold weather rides without overheating.


The Lineup:

• Cycling Boots- 45NRTH Wolvhammers - get one size to big so you can fit 2 pairs of socks
• 2 Pairs of Smart Wool socks - I like one thinner pair and one thicker pair
• Cap to cover your ears - Lana from Funkier Bike
• Breathable base layer to wick away sweat and keep you dry - Fabriano from Funkier Bike
• Thick Gloves - 45NRTH Sturmfist
• Insulated bike pants with padded butt
• Balaclava to protect your neck
• Ski Goggles
• Hot Hands Warmers - The toe version, stick them to the inside of the outer socks, then put the hand warmers in each glove, I put them on top of my hands so it heats the blood

Damp, Soggy, Drizzle Days

• Water repellent jacket - Bernalda from Funkier Bike
• Put plastic bags over your socks before putting your boots on

25 Degrees +

• 1 Base Layer - Merano from Funkier Bike
• 1 Shell Layer - Brunico Soft Shell from Funker Bike

Below 25 Degrees

• Bar Mitts
• Add another top layer
  
  

Make sure you have a full change of clothes in your car, get out of the cold and often damp clothes immediately after your ride.


www.brokenspokebikes.com carries 45NRTH & Bar Mitts & bike pants
www.funkierbike.com for apparel
www.theweatherneck.com for the balaclava
www.amazon.com for the hot hands and Smart Wool Socks 

Schedule a Snow Day!

Iceman Cometh and my Season Complete!


With over 4,600 athletes, this is the largest race I've ever competed in. Couldn't be happier with finishing the 27 miles in 1:43, only 6 mins off first place, Olympian, Chloe Woodruff. Came in 9th out of over 400 women. I was in wave 57, the last wave of the day, the Pro/Cat 1 division of only 21 girls. I was excited and nervous as the announcer started calling off the names and accolades of a few of the girls, Olympians, World Champions, National Champions and I thought, this is so cool lining up with some of the fastest ladies in the world, time to find out what I was really made of. The Goal was Top 10 to make the money.


For the first several miles the pace was steady, girls jockying for position, playing it safe, I was in the middle of the pack. A girl spilled it in a sand pit, taking out several others just in front of me, I couldn't squeeze past as the train was going by in the other lane. Waited for the mess to clean up and put an effort in to catch back to the lead pack. Was sitting in 9th position for the first 7 miles of firelanes, feeling good. Was stoked when we entered the first section of single track, usually where I get to relax. Unfortunately the girl who ended up taking 2nd was just in front of me in 8th position and her handling skills were not on par with the leaders. The rest of them pulled away and when we popped out there was a gap. She was so powerful that was able to catch up easy while I had to exert a tremendous amount of effort to get there. This happened a few times, single track, double track catch up. Legs were fatigued and I wasn't able to recover in the draft in time for the set of hills that emergerged. Lost them at mile 9.


Next 4 miles I'm completely alone, it's a struggle holding pace with no help, I was bumming pretty hard. Then I passed Bill Street and Dallas on the side of the trail, Bill had a mechanical they were trying to fix. I prayed that they would catch back up to me before the 2nd wave of girls did. Sure enough they did and had another girl with them. So now I'm rolling again, recovering from the earlier lonely miles, sitting in 10th. Bill and Dallas worked together trading off the lead and I was able to hold the fast pace. We started another section of single track, I made sure I was in front of the girl, we put a gap on her in that section. If the boys and I could maintain 20mph + in the fire lanes, I knew she wouldn't be able to catch. The last 3 miles I wanted to pin it but Bill coached me to calm down, ride solid, not get crazy as there were a few good hills left to save energy for.


There are always things you are going to wish you had done differently, strategies, luck, if onlys but I am so happy with how it all turned out in the end, thanks to a little help from my friends. Looking forward to a couple months off and fat biking for fun. This marks the end of my first full year of training year round and "making a go of it." I'll be back, ready to attack in 2017 so watch out!

Bringing it back to where it all began

Treadfest 2010 was where the obsession began. Fully geared in gym pants, a tank top, tennis shoes, a helmet that hardly covered my head and riding an old hybrid commuter bike, I raced in the Cat 3 division of the Wisconsin Off Road Series Race at Lake Geneva and my legs just about fell off. One and done, I was hooked. Plenty has changed and somethings stay the same. I live for slicing singletrack! Made dozens of friends, met the man of my dreams, found a couple helmets that fit, riding the cushiest speed machine out there aka The Niner Rocket and making the top spot on the podium. My legs still just about fell off. Today was a great day. Broken Spoke Teammates riding their hearts out, Ryan took 10th, Little Bit was 1st of the 12yr olds and My mom even made an appearance! Thanks to all the usual suspects Broken Spoke Cycling Funkier Bike USA Gary Smits WORS TREADFEST 2016

You are capable of more than you know

You are capable of more than you know. 3 years ago today I crossed the finish line of the Dakota Five-0 Race/Ride/Tour, dropped to the ground and wept. The joy I felt in completing the hardest thing I had ever done was so overwhelming I couldn't hold it in. I had ridden 50 miles in the Black Hills, climbed over 7,000 ft of steep, long, unrelenting assents, pushed past the fatigue, the pain, hunger, thirst, and cramps in muscles I didn't know existed. It was as mentally challenging as it was physically. I came in 13th overall at 5hr and 13 mins. I was ecstatic at this result. The girl who took first beat me by a whopping 45 minutes that day. These girls at this race were the "real deal." 

Never did I imagine that 3 years later I'd come in at 4hrs and 34 mins, dropping my previous time by 40 minutes, and securing a 3rd place overall, out of 113 women. The race was still as tough as ever. I came in unknowing as I'd been training for 20 mi races all summer. Used to going 1 1/2 hrs above the red line and done. Most of my races on flat courses. Were my legs strong enough for this kind of elevation? would I have the stamina to triple my normal race time? Well, we'd find out soon enough, I was gunning for top 5 but wasn't going to stress about it. Felt strong morning of the race and paced well with one of the lead packs for the first 10 mi climb. Road the first 30 w one of my fav riding partners, Mr Marty Tank. Jammed the flowy pine sections, sprinted the fire roads and held steady climb after climb. After 30mi I had to let him go as I could feel the fatigue setting in. I had been rolling in a strong 2nd position until mi 34. Girl came up on me and I stuck with her for a bit until we came up on the worst hills of the day. I had to let her go as I was starting to bonk and knew if I tried to stick, I'd run the risk of blowing up completely. She informed me she passed the next closest girl at mi 18 so I knew I had plenty of space. So I slowed the pace and played it safe in the last fully exposed technical section. The type where you make a mistake, you're headed straight to the bottom. I couldn't get to the final 10 mi decent fast enough. Once there, the fun began as I blazed down and around. With only 6mi to go my shifter fell off. I just started laughing. If that had happened anywhere else in the race, I'd be toast. Only 6 to go, all down hill, who needs gears! 

Made it to the finish and there is Ryan, the love of my life, cheering me to the end with a big old grin on his face. My world was complete. Amazing weekend, Ryan ended up 10th overall, Wisconsin boys brought the heat w 5 top 10 finishes and we got to hang with some pretty cool cats. Thanks to 212 crew for letting us tag along, Broken Spoke Bikes for my Niner Rocket and Funkier Bike USA for keeping me looking cute!

You are capable of so much more then you know. Yes, YES YOU ARE!