Back on Track - More European Travels and Racing World Championships

Hi ALL! 

Just settling back into life at home after a month long RV based racing and training trip throughout central Europe.  This summer trip gave us a clear view of what the summer season is all about in the Alps - tourism!  Though the crowds were evident so was the reason they had all come: the incredible beauty of summer in the mountains.  Throughout the hustle and bustle Mike and I navigated a couple thousand kilometers (as much as possible on the back roads) in an effort to finish up the final races of another World Cup series.  We then rounded out a full season of mountain bike competition by participating in another World Championships. This trip was highlighted by a return to full health for Mike and I and our adventures were all the better for it as we were fully able to take advantage of the tremendous outdoor opportunities that seemed constantly at our fingertips.

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The racing end of the trip seemed to go better each week and our journey mirrored this positive turn in general.  We had the opportunity to explore some of the Italian Alps with a well placed week off in the schedule prior to Worlds in Champery, Switzerland,  We had the luxury of not needing to follow much of a plan other than a general taper and stay healthy protocol that allowed us to feel relaxed and in the moment.  We moved the RV laboriously across some tricky alpine roads picking out the most beautiful/ high passes that we could find in a dual effort to elevation train and set ourselves up with the most radical "room with a view" and epic training grounds right out the front door.  The weather cooperated in a way that you can only truly appreciate when living in your car and we were able to get in some amazing adventures on and off road, exploring the Stelvio National Park.

Sleeping atop the Spulgen Pass.  Didnt quite expect this in August!!!

Ah well - making the most of our time we got in a nice snow hike too.

On to Champery, Switzerland...

We spent the better part of a week at the world championships race venue to maximize our familiarity with the technical track and get in the flow of the sweet little town of Champery.  Camping at "Camping du Gran Paradis" right in the venue allowed us to watch almost all the incredible gravity events from qualifying right through finals without too much extra effort.  Spectating at world champs was a chance to witness athletes who are clearly pushing the limits of what is currently possible on two wheels.  Skills were in effect and nowhere is it more apparent and impressive than in the gravity side of mountain biking.  The Downhill, 4X , and also need to mention the Trials athletes, are truly breaking new ground!  Amazing and obvious that skill and technology are still advancing at a noticeable rapid pace! 

Our close proximity to the venue gave a relaxing vibe of not needing to go anywhere.  We took a step back from our preference for a desolate American National Park camping mind set and enjoyed the closeness and convenience the a European camping village set up, complete with fresh bread available every morning and wireless internet beaming throughout. 

Mike and I enjoyed the special atmosphere of nationalism at the mountain bike World Championships.  It was a fantastic to be a part and to have the chance to catch up with friends from very very far and wide that we've made traveling and racing over the past decade.  The days leading up to our race went quickly as we dialed lines on the course, primed the bikes, ate well, rested and kept limber and focused with stream side yoga sessions.   The energy of the world championships felt open and casual and it was great to re acquaint with many friends from around the globe although we felt the business begin to get more serious as race day neared.  

The cross country athletes were greatly challenged by the technical elements of this radical swiss track.  Approximately 1 km of pavement in the form of a flat road and a steep fire road climb were all that gave pause to a continuous onslaught of slippery roots, edgy rocks and black soil that gave most in attendance a reason to get in an extra lap on their pre ride.  The course was wider than previous editions and this made for more passing space and creative use of the trail.  A good thing, since I was caught behind several crashes and came off the pace while still in the start loop.  I soon found my rhythm and moved forward passing riders the entire race.  I was feeling good on the climbs and flowing over the root carpets.  It seemed best to be conservative and minimize mistakes rather than push the limits and risk anything.  

When it started to hurt, I made myself smile... soon enough it was over.

The 3 foot drop dubbed the "hell zone" was a bit much and I chose to focus on fitness to make my time.  Not to say that I wont be practicing some launches in the mean time though!!!   The five seconds I lost each lap in taking the slower line just made me push harder on the other sections.  I moved into 15th position just before the final climb and was able to hold off the cramps and chasing competitors to the end. 

Stoked to be back on track!

I came over the line smiling because Mike and I had both come to Europe with some question about the outcome with a "just to see what would happen" attitude.   We both experienced a significant rough patch with respective injuries/sickness in July that restricted us from training properly for the season finale.  15th in this case was a good sign for the future as well as  proof that a head strong attitude is worth something even in this sport that requires so much fitness and preparation.    I was really happy to have a good ride here as it will send me into the "off season" with motivation to rebuild and work to find my best form possible.

Mike was excited to represent at his 8th world championships but had a tough race from the get go from being staged near the back of the pack.  He ended up loosing 2:30 in the start loop due to traffic - which is unfortunate though normal at the start of the big races.  He never gave up, settling into his groove and picking guys off on the more technical section of what became an ultra slippery course after a heavy mid race rain.  A crash (on a pavement corner) left him with a banged up knee and etc but he was able to tough it out to finish an eventual 68th. 

Mike was philosophical about his performance and felt in some ways successful just to have the honor of attending the event and being able to give it a shot.  Passing 22 guys from his 90th start position was not all he had hoped for but at least he was moving in the right direction!  The best part for Mike is that the lumbar injury he has been working to overcome/ riding through (since world cup #2 in Great Britain) has finally healed!!!  Mike is seriously motivated and looking forward to another season of world cup racing in 2012 and has already launched into a heavy block of surfing to round out any potential weaknesses in his bike specific body.

We are now enjoying a bit of time back home after attending another exceptional Interbike festival this past week.  We are both glad to have the chance to rest, recover and rebuild from a challenging season.  Although my recovery from taking the antibiotics will take more time, I am motivated to continue supporting my body in the best possible way - with good food, rest, probiotics and drinking Guayaki Yerba Mate... and an attitude of patience and respect for the process and time it will take.  I am so grateful to feel well again and relieved to have eliminated all symptoms of the Lyme disease from my system!!  Yeehoo! :-) 

Wishing you GOOD HEALTH. 

Salud!

Mary and Mike 

Time in the kitchen is always well spent.

Sometimes the best yoga studios are right were you are. 

Can't forget to kick back and enjoy the view...

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