Oakley, Cyclocross and Inspiration

The adrenaline rush associated with a night ride is classic! Thursday was one of those rides where it’s like wow, THIS is why I do this.

So, I’ve decided to write a blog entry now, because I feel like I have a few things to really talk about. All of which, are very exciting! The first thing I want to mention…is that:

I am so happy to announce that I’ll be wearing Oakley eyewear this coming season, after striking a partnership with the Oakley grassroots racing program. I tested a pair of custom (pink icons FTW!!) Radar EV’s with Prizm lenses at the last CX race and couldn’t be happier with the fit and performance. This’ll be a great compliment to my Cyclesmith Racing Team kit this coming year! #fasteralready

So yeah, I’m super pumped about that, and yes I did mention cyclocross! I started doing cross last year and I love it. It’s crazy, stupid fun, and I try to go to as many local races as I can. The NSSP provincial series has an awesome setup, and even a DJ. It’s quite the scene for a Nova Scotia race. I didn’t make it to cx Nats, but this is the next best thing! We’ve raced on a winery, farm, driving range and even on a beach. This weekend will take place on a motocross track and I can’t wait to try it out!

Speaking of doing awesome things on my bike, last week we took a spin around Fight Trail. What a place, I’ve only been twice, so it still boggles my mind, but I’m not sure it will ever stop amazing me. As a generally unmarked trail, almost completely composed of granite- it requires a very specific and unique skill set. I wish I could get more time out there to practice- there’s nothing quite like it.

Alright.. Other new things! It’s new bike time! I’ve decided that a trek would go very well with all of the gear from Bontrager, so with the help of my coaches, we have made the challenging, but exciting decision of choosing a wheel size. This season I’ll be riding a 27.5. We chose the smaller wheels because they fit a lot better geometry-wise with a 15.5 frame. #shortgirl

I have also started lifting weights for the first time. Seems odd for an ex-gymnast, but everything I’d done before was mainly body weight exercises. Not that that isn’t hard, trust me, but this weights thing is interesting. I think I like it. BECAUSE IT REMINDS ME OF WORKING OUT FOR GYMNASTICS. Because I do miss it sometimes, but I also love what I’m doing now. ( see intro paragraph) thanks to the gang who lets me lift with them.. You know who you are 🙂

Another thing- I am very much looking forward to working with CSC Atlantic. I know they too, can help me reach my goals. Speaking of goals.. This is what the plan is this year- check it out!

(besides whichever local races I can make it to)

Canada Cups:

March 7th- Bear Mountain (BC) So far away, but fingers crossed!
May 16- Mont Tremblant (QC)
May 30- Horseshoe (ON)
June 6- Barrie (ON)
July 18- Saint Félicien (QC)

July 11- Nationals ( Baie St. Paul)

August 1- Mont Sainte Anne World Cup wish me luck- I’ll need to qualify 

Aug 15- Whistler CC (BC) far away, but fingers crossed!

Last but not least, I want to share this beautiful drawing. Alexandra saw me race at Worlds and decided that I was worth drawing! Thank you Alexandra, I love it.

 

I think the way we inspire each other is one of the most amazing things. But neither do I think that being inspired is a one way thing. I can only hope that I have inspired a young girl, and I think that I have, because she has inspired me.