The European journey continues

The Black Forest, Germany.

We pulled into the latest desolate campground after picking up on a strong WIFI signal and even though the laundry facilities have yet to be switched on for the season we really needed to spend a couple days in one place training and getting in some communications between the races.  Except for some staff preparing for the summer months we are the only ones here - outlining the fact that it is definitely still way too cold and wintry to be rolling around northern europe in an RV.  Still we love the peaceful vibe especially since our out door yoga sessions (in the 40 degree weather) go by with much less fanfare and we can sleep without earplugs to block out the typically festive campgrounds. 

Some prefer hot yoga... 

We just completed the 2nd round of the World Cup in Houffalize this past Sunday and the event lived up to Belgium's reputation for THE country to race bikes in.  Rowdy horn blowing cycling fans, fueled on frites, belgian waffles and strong beer pleasantly re affirmed an only slightly exaggerated stereotype, and gave us racers a feeling of being something worth watching.  The world cup series skipped this venue last year, so we were especially happy to return to this special and historically significant spot in the Ardennes.   I felt a twinge of nostalgia before the event remembering the various incarnations of the track in our past seven times racing here and especially cherishing the time I finished 5th here in 2005.   At that year's podium presentation the top women received trophies and huge platters of salamis and smoked meat that are specialties from this region.  The Norweigian champion, Gunn Rita Dahl and I looked at each other, laughing like we didn't know what to do  with such a prize!?!   We don't eat that stuff!  Or so I told myself until Mike and I managed to polish off the whole darn tray!  :-)  I seem to remember Gunn Rita confessing to the same thing.

This whole month in Northern Europe has been the type of cold and grey where the slightest shadow begs mention.  Scattered freezing rain and wind have been the norm and this continued on this past weekend as if to add to the classic feel of spring racing in Belgium.   Mike and I kept  busy preparing and training in the days leading up to the race.  The traveling village that accompanies the world cups gave some respite from the elements and we especially luxuriated in the time spent at the SRAM mobile headquarters.   Time passes quickly especially as minutes are soaked up here and there with brief visits with good friends and sponsors on the circuit, as well as the run around for registration and making sure to be ready to go for specific and limited training times.  

Mike dials the bikes at SRAM's mobile headquarters

The track itself drastically changed from years past and was a good example of the newer style short and technical course that is said to better please TV and spectators alike.  Instead of an extended clover leaf loop in and out of town, the course was situated on one segment of bulging, steep, clear cut hill.  From the riders perspective the track was difficult, requiring skill and power to ride.  Though there is something clearly lost from the pure mountain bike days of back country self supported feel it was a rad course and after one lap, we had smiles on our faces even as we decided it would be a good move to bolt on compact chain rings. 

Mike freed up to shred this shredded forest

We got lucky on race day with dry weather, as nothing but snow could have fallen in such cold temperatures.  I know from experience that my body is not at its best in the bitter cold, so I opted to race for one of the first times in a mtb race with full arms, legs AND a beanie.  My 5th row start was what I expected - clogged - a sea of aggressive riders blocking and preventing each other from really racing to our potentials… After a lap, I finally got into my own rhythm as the field opened up, although unfortunately by the nature of the start loop this was not before considerable time was lost.  I pressed on, feeling lucky to not have any new chain ring tattoos, and determined to regain time as quickly as I could in what had become a race against the clock.   The start loop aside, my lap times were not too far off the top women… 

Mary pinning the climb...

Although the selection process of the world cups leaves a lot up to chance I believe it is a worthy determiner of our strongest riders.   Most other countries have a similar selection process for the Olympics (based on the first 4 rounds of the series) and thus the level has been noticeably elevated.   I still feel I have a good chance to be one of the top two who will qualify for finally selection for the Olympic team after the next two world cup competitions…  I find that staying positive, falling back on experience and hoping for the best luck especially at the starts is all I can do.  At this point the season is ON and staying healthy and positive are just as, or more important than any hard training or stressing out about things. 

The current incarnation of the W/C's really feels more like a bunch of short interval efforts rather than the soul mountain bike racing that mike and I would both prefer.  On the positive side the promoters seem interested in including more technically challenging sections in the courses that make for some fun riding in the descents to say the least.  In any case we are committed to giving it our best shot with whatever course they mark off for us.   Both Mike and I are feeling like our race legs are coming into form and we are hopeful that we will be able to make the impact that we need to make in the coming selection races.  

Our trusty steeds...

Mike and I continue to enjoy the adventure and freedom of our life on the road, focused on running our race program, specific training, taking care of our bodies and bikes.  Whenever possible we take interesting back roads where we can see a bit more of the european countrysides and stay away from the fast moving autobahn traffic, big trucks and higher gas prices.  Our approach has us moving a little slower, but enjoying ourselves a lot more.  We have been able to find  some great training opportunities by just just riding randomly out of the RV and following the incredible number of signed bike routes indicating the general direction and what to expect.  There is rarely a dull moment riding mountain bikes in this part of the world,  that is if you are excited about riding through ancient villages, past beautiful views, jutting mountains covered with forests, where a little searching and luck could provide that sweet single track descent back into town. 

Finding the local specially foods has also been a good and enjoyable way to get to know the culture of the various regions we visit… Kurbiskern Oil (pumpkin seed), Rye spice cakes, local honey, cheeses, meats, incredible fresh breads and fine wines, just to name a few.  We feel especially lucky to be cyclists when it is time for dinner as there is of course every need to refuel from the efforts of training.  

Wishing you all good health!  Bon Appetit!

Mary and Mike

Who says you can't garden in an RV?

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