DirtyBikeShockGirl

Bellydancing @ Red Rock Lounge

2009-09-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

Red Rock Lounge, Premier Performance ~ Suhaila number

Bellydancing @ GF Keagan's new pics

2009-09-01T19:04:00.000-07:00

Here are a few new pics of my 1st solo at GF Keagan's :)

2009-06-14T20:23:00.001-07:00

Bellydancing @ GF Keagan's: 5.17.09

2009-05-17T19:58:00.000-07:00

Here's me before my very first solo bellydance at GF Keagan's.... cool & calm :)

A 5-minute performance, on-stage to a Classical Egyptian music piece.

Yay, it was so much fun :) Next time: tighter fitting costume, smile more, wear a second skirt, & reserve a spot by the stage :)

Be careful what you wish (pray) for....when it rains ~ it POURS!!!!!

2009-03-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

Ever since my crazy summer of hospital visits & working landscape jobs to keep us afloat and after focusing on the cakes so much ~ my prayers were answered (strange how that happens)....
1. I have a great job with the Dept of the Navy in their Human Resources Service Center, Portsmouth ~ yay, no.1!!! And thanks to USA Jobs website.....
2. The cakes are going barzerk & I have so many inquiries a week now it's a drastic change from just a year ago, not to mention: Prefered Vendor with the Chrysler & featured in Vow Magazine :)
3. I interviewed for & got accepted at a new AF Reserve unit on Langley AFB with a Flight Medicine position, super great!
4. I'm currently training for restaurant shows and solos for bellydancing so I can get out there on my own :) Still looking for a name though....

So when things turn for the worse, it's a great attitude that will keep you going without loosing your wits or your hope, in all actuality ~ if you lost everything in the whole world(house, car, job) all you really need is always with you (family/friends) :)

Shockley's Sweet Shoppe sponsoring the Virginia Beach Wheelemen!

2009-03-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

The Virginia Beach Wheelmen is a fantastic group of racers who are hosting their 3rd annual bicycle race in Suffolk, VA. Postponed to Sunday, March 22nd. Shockley's Sweet Shoppe, in sponsor of this terrific team, will be armed with cupcakes for sale ~ race event-only

special is .50 per cupcake :) So come out & race or spectate and be sure to look for the 'sweet' banner!

Shockley's Sweet Shoppe featured in Spring/Summer 2009 Issue of VOW magazine: Anjali & Nitin's Henna/Mehndi Wedding Cake

2009-03-10T20:10:00.000-07:00

A night of Issam Houshan!

2009-01-29T17:02:00.000-08:00

Here's me & the rest of the little sisters of Chandani (my bellydance troupe) with world-renowned percussionist, Issam Houshan!!!!! Me & my sister with Issam :) "Keep the drum alive!"

17th Annual Peter Teeuwen Memorial Ride

2009-01-11T18:11:00.000-08:00

When I was first acquainted with the late Peter Teeuwen, it was less than 1 year after his passing. But going to the bike races with Tim proved this man's greatness. His impact was seen in all of the juniors who raced on the Tidewater Bicycle Association also known as TBA. Has it really been 17 years since that fateful year? So I made this cake as a depiction of the Bike jersey worn by TBA at the time. This team was lead by the late Peter Teeuwen, one of the greatest cycling coaches. Peter is missed by all who have known him in the local cycling community and his legend lives on.....

Remembering Peter:
Peter Teeuwen & Tim, Greenbriar Series May 1991.

Tim, Mike Tamayo & Lars Travis at Fort Story, Tour de Junque, Oct 1991.

Jon Nisbet, Tim & Mike Tamayo, after anayalating the junior field in downtown Portsmouth, May 1992.

2008-12-26T19:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays! From, The Shockley's

Keeping your head above water...

2008-12-18T19:45:00.000-08:00

It's been so crazy in the past several months or so, and all I've heard (and keep hearing) is of people having lost their jobs amidst the unstable economy & I really have to feel for everyone. Money is great to have & sucks to not have, but really, it's not just that ~ I have my health, my family & my friends, so even though I have to think about selling the house or not having cable since April ~ all I really need will always be with me & that's all that really matters.

Here are a few suggestions that may help for some out there:
1. Learn a new skill or craft.
2. Find your hidden talents, something you like & something you're good at: find people of similar talents & combine or work together(brainstorm).
3. Think about how you can grow that talent, make it work for YOU & how you can market yourself.

Just a few thoughts....

Crazy, tough times :(

2008-12-07T15:23:00.000-08:00

I'm sure not many of you have continued to read my posts since I stopped racing after I quit my job since my Dad's stroke, thus having no health insurance...still. But as luck may or may not it, my awesome back-up landscaping job is no more since the economy is so bad that even the little guys are feeling the economic tension. There goes my dream of working alongside the hubby... it was fun while it lasted. All in all, I'm still looking up and still have a fall back plan if worse comes to worse(like, moving in with the parents) & I figured I have until February to find a job. (McDonald's may still be hiring, hehe). The only thing that has really saved us besides previously saving up has been the cakes :) This weekend, I made promotional gift-cakes to local business open houses, one of which was Atlantic Performance Training -- our new bike training sponsor for this year, they are awesome! Well, this is a stretch & proves things are getting desperate, but here is my beloved resume, years of experience all into one :) Wish me luck & I send all my best to those out there during these tough times.

Debut Bellydance Performances - December2008

2008-11-24T19:55:00.000-08:00

BodyWorks by Chandani is hosting a Holiday "Bellydance" Performance at Waterside on Dec. 13th, 6:30pm & at Pembroke Mall on Dec. 17th, 6:30pm. Where I will be making my debut performance. Come out and support your local bellydancers :)

Charlottesville's UrbanX at the IX - 11.9.08

2008-11-09T12:50:00.000-08:00

My awesome husband told me I was glad to have not raced at the IX this time as it was brutal! The course, so he explained, was backwards, with triple the climbs and a relocated sandpit.... it just sounds brutal. Out of 40 some riders in Tim & Jon's group, only 20 some made it the full 45 minutes with Jon taking 3rd place, podium awarded :)

VOTE!!!! no, don't Vote!

2008-11-04T23:47:00.000-08:00

YES WE CAN !!!!!!

Arrrrg....I'm a pirate!

2008-10-31T17:44:00.000-07:00

HaPpY hAlLoWeEn to all you goulish fiends!!!!!

Ce qui est amour vrai?

2008-10-29T16:54:00.000-07:00

What is true love? True love is already finding the perfect cake topper for your 20th Wedding Renewal (in 9 more years), hehe :) This little figurine, I found just searching around the wedding sites, direct from Paris -- a perfect match for my favorite biking buddy & me :)

My Favorite Wedding this Year: A Taste of India

2008-10-27T04:36:00.000-07:00

The most intriguing wedding display I've seen by far this year was for a wedding this past Saturday of 400-500 guests that we made a beautiful mehndi cake for this past weekend. Check out these mad props... designed straight from NY :)

This is the 11th Wedding Cake we've made this year (amongst the thousand birthday cakes it seems), more than we imagined... and they keep getting better & better :) I am already booked with some amazing wedding cakes for 2009!

Other than cakes, my dad is finally home from 2 months in the hospital following his stroke; after halting school -- I will go back, but finish my last 3 classes 1 x 1. My bikes are whining to me everyday & need a desperate dusting off; however, I keep my fitness with landscaping & on-the-job running. As for BeLlYdAnCiNg, I will be performing at Waterside on December 13th & Pembroke Mall on December 17th. Kuella!

Collection of goodness, Abandonne-toi complètement à l'amour et à la cuisine!

2008-10-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

This is my beautiful collection of exotic goodness... their tantilizing taste of bittersweet engulfs the senses with an overwhelming rush, it hits your mouth making it water -- then you taste the ........

...Oh so yummy, chocolate liqueur truffle made of the imbibement that melts in your mouth with irresistible sweetness!

In my year of chef-ness, I've collected so much I could have my own open bar... & it's amazing how much alcohol is really used in baking :)

This one's my favorite:

I drink to this......

My latest Adventure: A new Profession!

2008-09-24T20:12:00.001-07:00

When things occur they often do without warning & things start to happen in 3's, so when my dad had his stoke last month, I really had to step back & evaluate everything. I made a decision & went into action-mode; the perfect time to change my life & career.

The goal: to be closer to Tim & kids & have more time with family & friends. So, I did what I always wanted to do, I quit my boring full-time job & started working with Tim at Outdoor Impressions; Premier Landscaping :) I can finally get out from a desk, focus on cakes, work outdoors, get into shape & be at home more often now :)

Coastal Crit 8.17.08

2008-08-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

Coastal Crit: Juniors race -- our very own Junior, Kyle, just came home from competing in this year's Nationals! He did extremely well, hammering out each race. A proud accomplishment for our VBWheelmen Junior. Awesome job, Kyle!!!!!

9:15am Coastal Crit: womens 1,2,3,4, 40+ race. Humidity: 120%, Temp: 75, feels like 90. Race starts out great, primes about every other lap, still humid out. 6 laps into the race, I'm feeling a little claustrophobic, so I move to the back to hang on, although the back is like a whip -- lose a wheel & you fly right off...

I lost a wheel twice but managed to get back on, by that time my legs were too tired from chasing that I dropped off the back and then I was on my own, until the peloton train came around. All in all, it was a fun, fast race, good wins by the Tripower girls & no crashes. Racing like this should get me in shape for cyclox in no time -- I'm hopeful our new "coach" (yay!) will keep us all on track for the seasons to come. Awesome!

Chesapeake Crit 8.9.08

2008-08-10T16:19:00.001-07:00

Gold, Silver, Bronze was had by the VBWheelmen. An awesome day for racing at the Chesapeake Crit. Racing from our pack was Joshua, John N. John G., Mike & Tim. (photo by BJ)

The day I didn't see coming...

2008-08-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

I just returned home from an exhausting day. My dad unfortunately had a
hemorrhagic stroke this morning & after transferring to 3 hospitals
underwent surgery this evening. It was very sad and helpless to watch
him deteriorate up until that point. He is currently in the NICU at
Norfolk General. I was hoping to go to the hospital with my mom in the
morning to see his condition and hopefully get some sort of prognosis. I am very greatful though, that he is still with us.

Intermediate Bellydancer!!!!!

2008-07-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

This is the new 13-panel skirt & professional bellydance outfit that I just ordered... I am super stoked about being an Intermediate Bellydancer. After a year of dancing, I have completed almost 6 dance routines, mastered the veil & zills and a few dozen amazing moves. Next, I get to learn the tabla drum.... and be on my way to performing :)

Est. 5.29.77

2008-05-28T17:29:00.000-07:00

Today, I am 30 & tomarrow will be my 31st birthday -- yay! Thus begins my 30's journey... yikes! This was the fortune from dinner tonight, pretty cool. So for my birthday, I will enjoy my day(off from work) & hang out with Summer :) Yay!!! HaPpY bIrThDaY to Me ;) !!!

Cake delivery weekend...

2008-05-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

Another weekend filled with cake deliveries... check out my newest creation... a poker-table cake.

When life throws lemons....

2008-05-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

When life throws lemons, make...... cake!?! I've gotten so many cake orders, it's unbelievable, but I am very excited about the sudden influx. On top of that, I finally completed the Spring semester @ ODU & I will be finished with my BS this Summer! Phew! I know the kids & hubby will be happy. That means, more biking....YES!!! ....and my yummy birthday is quickly approaching (I love birthdays!) :)

Let me leave on a good note with a few tantilizing cakes, don't look too hard, you may gain a few lbs. hehe.

So far, so good :)

2008-04-25T15:42:00.000-07:00

I can say that so far my job 'reclassification' has not been too bad, although very stressful... But after canceling a few costs (cable, phone, newspaper, Active.com), we will be able to hold fast until I find a better job.

Miraculously, I found myself getting cake orders left and right (when it rains it pours sort of thing). This week alone, I had an order for 2 dozen cupcakes, 2 birthday cakes & strawberry arrangement, a princess cake and cupcake delivery for my Pastry chef friend.

Aside from that I'm managing Exam week at ODU one day at a time, nevermind I have 3 papers to write for Experimental Methods & 4 final exams. yikes!

I have also been networking with as many people I know. Thanks to a few friends who have kept their eyes open for available positions for me as well. I intend to persist & extend my search to USA Jobs & Military.com here shortly. Please keep your fingers crossed for me in this search.

VBW Smackdown & Dismal Dash TT weekend

2008-03-16T17:01:00.000-07:00

VBW Smackdown, hosted by our team was awesome: sunny, cool & breezy. This race day was a distant memory of the day I watched Tim race for the 1st time, 14 years ago, on this very course: Tim had lapped the field not once, but twice, but I already knew he was the one for me :) There were some exciting races at our Smackdown: Chloe started out racing Juniors 10-15, had a great time: like mother & father, like daughter. Tim, Joshua, Jon, James, Mike raced the Cat 3: Tim & Jon had a winning breakaway of 10 riders, ending with Jon placing 1st & Tim taking 9th. Kyle raced Juniors 15-18, winning 1st place!!! John Gray & Kyle raced Cat 4, finishing in the field. Yours truly raced women's Cat 4 & picked up 4th place(I was not last, finally :) Thanks to everyone who supported our race especially the folks from All About Bikes, FatFrogs & TriPower. And special thanks to Jenni & LoriAnn, who handled registration effortlessly and Joshua, master-mind behind it all.

The Dismal Dash TT in Suffolk, hosted by All About Bikes, was pretty rough: tailwind out/HEADwind back(isn't it always that way), I really enjoyed it & felt great!!! It was 45 degrees, cloudy. I averaged 22 out, but 13 back--ouch! I landed 10th, which means I really need to train on windy days now. James, Joshua, Jon & John also raced: Great races this weekend!!!

Snowball Crit #2

2008-03-09T17:13:00.000-07:00

Last month, Tim & I missed Snowball Crit #1 -- it was Sky's 8th birthday, woohoo! We still showed up to watch the team race. Today, I raced C race & Tim raced A & B. It was cool, no really, 40 degrees out, and the wind around that last corner wasn't so bad. I fought a bad cold last week & decided to race to try & clear up my lungs. It seemed to do the trick... I felt great too, hardly fatigued, good recoveries during the race & no dehydration issues :) Jon won the B race after a great small-group breakaway & much support from Joshua, Tim, John, James & new member Kyle :)

Next weekend racing: VBW Smackdown(Saturday), TT(Sunday) -- be there...

One shot...one kill (I'm not that good)

2008-03-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday, Tim & I met up with Jon & newest team member Kyle and his dad for a day of Paintball at the Fox range.... the weather was perfect & we managed 3 good games in the woods. There was much carnage & I captured a few mask hits... ouch (I need to work on that). I'm so addicted.

Hard road back to shape...

2008-02-27T19:37:00.000-08:00

I have to admit... it's been harder than I thought to keep training during these winter months. Motivation has it's ups and downs, but luckily, I've been grabbing any workout I can manage even if they last 5 minutes.... hehe. Not too long ago, I grabbed Tim for a short 20 miler through Pungo one Sunday morn to watch the other cyclist passersby, it was very exciting to see them all in their attire, from Freds to Pros. But I was stoked when Tripower's BJ passed & looked back just to say hi to me :) Even the littlest gesture really makes a difference when you're feelin down about training. So.... I'm sooo determined to hit the gym during lunch at least everyday, knock out remnants of a cold & prepare for shorts weather (not to mention racing) just around the corner, so wish me luck on my road back into shape.... (as I do not like cold weather.) Also, I'm sure it would help if I had a job where I didn't sit on my *** all day. No worries, I'll find that perfect arrangement eventually.

I will race in the upcoming TT's, even if it hurts!!! i love it!

Can you have too much cake?

2008-01-26T11:42:00.001-08:00

"If you are what you eat, then eat something cute!!!"

Chocolate, rich, smooth, sweet. . . . . the best things you can ever eat,
Ganache, soak, cream, bake. . . . . you can never have too much cake :)

http://shockleyssweetshoppe.blogspot.com

:*

HaPpY nEw YeAr 2008!!!!!!!

2008-01-01T18:14:00.000-08:00

Tim & I started the year out right -- on the bike! Dusted off the tandem & met up with Josh & John for an almost epic bike ride, the miles weren't too long & the weather was great, but the wind was rough & I'm fightin a new head cold! But the sun was shining & we were on the road & I was very happy to be out there too :)

A quick reflection.... Our Wedding renewal(10 yrs. strong).... New license tags....
...I followed my dream.

Christmas is upon us..... already!?!

2007-12-17T19:11:00.000-08:00

The countdown begins... along with the many things we can do before Christmas. The Hunt Club's Winter Wonderland was neat, we really liked the maze of christmas lights, I wonder how long that took to make... Ever see a gingerbread chicken coop? This weekend was Tim & my 10th wedding anniversary -- an excuse to dress up... so we went to La Marinella, the best italian restaurant in VB, food is amazing & prices are most excellent. Highly recommend!

Weather's cold, I'm stayin' inside... not to become complacent though. I've been to Gold's Group Cycle: definitely keeps bloodflow to the legs pumpin. A great crosstraining tool. Not to mention warmin' up the slideboard everyday. What have u been doing!?!

CX season finale

2007-11-19T19:11:00.000-08:00

This weekend was the Tripower CX championships & Mt. Trashmore. Too bad I was dragging myself to watch the race along with a bottle of Dayquil, still drugged up on Nyquil & thinking to myself: I can still race, can't I? But one 'walk' up the side of the small hill nearly did me in & since my resting heart rate has been high for over a week.... I would feel even worse if I raced that day. I was bummed b/c I looked forward to it all year & I really wanted to do better this year since I finally had a CX bike. Well, like I said, there's always: 'next year.' And maybe, just maybe I'll be better than ever :)

Happy Halloween!!!!!

2007-11-01T19:44:00.001-07:00

Here are my little goulies psyched for Halloween!!! I think this year we got the most candy that we've ever gotten so far & it only took a little over an hour. The neighborhood was just buzzin' with trick-or-treaters. I did not dress up this year -- it was just too chilly for my little outfits, maybe next year. Halloween is the best :)

20th Annual Tidewater MTB Challenge!!!

2007-10-28T15:05:00.000-07:00

The Tidewater MTB Challenge was fast & fun. Everyone else did the CX races in Richmond, but we did see representation of Tripower, to include Tim Starkey. Can you tell which race Tim did? He was so good, he almost lapped the last guy, not to mention was a few minutes ahead of the next person. It's all good, he was there to have fun, not win by a longshot. I was so proud of him when he explained turning off the course just before the finish to give 1st place to the real winner :) My race was good with 10 women. I held on as best I could & finished up in 6th--a far cry from the winning steak I had with that race in the past few years. You win some, you lose some...right? Riding my clipless pedals was my enemy today as well as a few leg cramps. So I need to do some rearranging: switch back to trail running shoes & flat pedals, ditch the camelback, take some quinine. (and don't stay up til midnight to buy the new Guitar Hero III the night before the race--rock on!) No major injuries to report :) Next up.... Trashmore cross race!!!

Mechanicsville: Pole Green CX

2007-10-22T14:18:00.001-07:00

Sunday Tim & I, Josh & Jon raced the Pole Green CX in Mechanicsville. The course was such a relief compared to last week's race in Charlottesville. It was very windy & warm. The carnage you see was 'just' before my race, I figure I'd rather beat myself up learning tricks of the course than trying new techniques while racing. It looks much worse than it is... Results: Wmns B, I came in 6th(was 5th for 1st 2 laps), Mens B: Tim came in 11th, Jon 13th & Josh 17th.

Charlottesville: Urban Cross @ IX

2007-10-15T03:40:00.001-07:00

My 1st CX race on my CX bike in Charlottesville :) I had the chance to meet & race along side my favorite Pro racer Mandy Lozano. "Great race, Mandy, it was so good to meet you :)"
Racing with the A women & Juniors helped out alot -- I picked up some tips on racing through the 10 in. sand pit and going down steep decents. I also got my leg stuck between my tire & bike (ouch) and lost my chain twice & even went the wrong way. But that's how you learn. Overall, it was sooooo much fun. My race went for 50 minutes = 5 laps, my lungs were shot. It felt great. Tim & Jon raced good, they were dead from the previous day in Louisa. I even ran into Albe form All About Bikes. Hope to see everyone next weekend's race.

Tues night Conte's ride -- wooooo!

2007-10-10T05:01:00.000-07:00

Last night I hopped on the Conte's ride, it was a small group of 5 of us. I was so relieved to have hung on the entire way. We all took our turns pulling, which totally wears me out. It took us 1:01:29. When I got back home, to my belief my avg was 19, not bad for not riding much. I guess the slideboard must really be working for me :) This weekend will be full of CX racing in Charlottesville. Tim & Jon head up Friday (they race Sat.), I will meet them with entourage on Sat. (I race Sun). For those also racing -- drive safe & I'll see you there :)

Amphitheater Trainer Race

2007-09-30T14:09:00.001-07:00

Oh, there's that kid again in the Bike Zone jersey -- oh wait, that's me :) Today, I did the trainer race at the Amphitheater & it was so much fun. I liked watching so much last week, I decided to race this week. I felt nervous b/c it was my 2nd road race in 5 years. I felt a lot better during the race than I originally thought and was able to stay with the pack for 3 laps, but I had a rough time finding a wheel just as the windy section of the course came up & did me in. The coolest part was feeling myself recover & getting those jolts of power. Some laps, I was at 14 around the windy section other laps, I was at 18. Wierd how that happens. Overall, my avg. was (slow)... I'll remember to reset my computer next time. I'll be back next week though, maybe then I'll last a little longer with the group :) The guys did great! It was Jon, Tim & Josh who raced the B race while Leah & I took pics & cheered them on with the girls :)

Trashmore psychlocross

2007-09-26T18:04:00.000-07:00

Last night I hauled @$$ to Trashmore before sunset & I made it (bike prepositioned, thanx to Tim), just in time to grind out 2 good laps. Ouch! Up that mountain, thinking to myself--next time tighten your shoes so your heels don't slip out... Next, simultaneously hop-on, clip-in & pedal, then back down the other side & time trial over the dirt to the other mountain. Side-wind (just like in the race last year) to the top & go ballz to the wall back down the other side, thinking--damn, I left my helmet in the car, I hope I don't wipe out...much! Ride the flat some more....Up the last time--my calves are ON FIYA!!!! But I must keep going so I can finish. Now I know where I need to do some bodily "tweaking" and what bike skills I need to focus on. So

Here's my weekly workout so far:

Monday RUN
Tuesday CX
Wednesday BELLYDANCE
Thursday CX
Friday GYM Saturday REST Sunday RACE

Diet: Tropical Smoothies-- Peanut Butter Cup (made with Chocolate, Banana & PB)

Bummed about training.

2007-09-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

I've been pretty bummed about having to miss the trainer rides: hell, maybe I'll just drop outta school. But I'm sooooo happy about renewing with Gold's Gym(team sponsor) for the winter months. I'll be sure & hit it up when I can't ride. Otherwise, I'm really gettin' into this bellydancing thing: just learned one very sexy dance & I even ordered some cute gaucho pants & a pink hip scarf with silver coins--rockin' hot for these wicked hips! I still need to work on eating 'urges' & to lose 10 lbs. An endless battle for some of those who've have kiddies (I know, you say--oh it can't be so bad)--well, try havin' 3 of them babies & see how ya like gettin back in shape :) What can I say--it was still worth it... thanks Tim, u know I luv ya!

Steppin it up a bit

2007-09-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

Today, Tim & I met up with Jon & Leah for an "easy" ride through Seashore on "all of our" new cx bikes. Yes, even Leah got a new cx bike....another girl on a bike!!! We rode 14miles, which = more miles on the cx bike for me. I focused on keeping my hands on tops & I rode through most of the sandy parts. Bummer I can't meet up for the Tues/Thurs rides at Trashmore, but I do what I can training on my own in the meantime. Just takes more dedication & the will to push myself. Leah did great, her 1st time on the bike :) There is the Mon. night ride on Colley, but I don't have permission to go....Gold's Gym, here I come :)

Decathlon of exercises....

2007-09-06T19:00:00.000-07:00

Since it's difficult for me to establish a proper workout routine, I'm subjected to do what I can, where I can, when I can (I'm a desperate girl, I tell ya). So tonight's workout included: 200 slide-board slides, a 10 minute interval of increase/decrease trainer riding, and 15 lb tricep/bicep curls. This probably lasted about 25 minutes, but it was 25 minutes well worth the intensity. I will be sore tomorrow, but that's ok. Tim was able to go to the Mt. Trashmore cx training session, and I was.....at school. Good thing is, I'm almost done & once I graduate, I will have all the time in the world for trainer rides, exercise, gym time & perhaps more bellydancing....my list is endless :) I dug up an old podium picture--that's me in 2nd (4 years ago), to give myself some incentive that I was once a pretty decent racer & I can get there again or come back better than I was before.

Training in progress...

2007-09-04T18:17:00.000-07:00

I've officially started my training for CX racing! Since riding with the group on Sunday, I'm determined to perfect my CX skills, not to mention mend & toughen up my wounds from that day. Tonight, after coming home from ODU, I hopped on my bike & road a quick 5.5 mile loop, hit a short trail & got plastered with gnats. Bummer. Next time, I'll stick to the road. As for my diet, I'll be eating ice cream, KFC & chocolate .... Just kidding :) Lucky for me, I've been watching my diet for the past few months -- Tim & I renewed our vows August 4th & I wanted to look amazing in my wedding dress. Now, I need to work on losing a few more pounds while building up my muscle strength -- any suggestions!?!

Labor Day CX - Ipswich ('maiden' Ride)

2007-09-02T15:04:00.000-07:00

Who's that little kid riding with the Bike Zone guys -- not, that's me :) Today, was my maiden voyage on my new CX bike. Met the group at Ipswich, 7am. 3 hours later...I escaped with a few sore thumbs and bruised knees -- all in all, I was extremely satisfied with my first kick-azz ride with Josh, Mike, Tim & Jon and even Albe from All About Bikes.

A few things to remember about riding Cyclocross:
1. Keep your mouth open & your tongue "in"-- it's a teeth-chattering experience.
2. Pre-pad your: thumbs, and wherever you grip the handlebars -- ouch!
3. Because of the pain & suffering endured by your little thumbs -- keep off the hoods. This takes some getting used to, but your hands won't sting so bad next time you get them wet. You also may want to install some brakes at the top of your bars, hehe.

Bike Zone update: sadly, the bike store closed its doors last week. My earliest memory of that place as a bike store was when I was 15, it was A1 Beach Bikes, but a few of the Bike Zone guys I now know worked there (even that long ago), the very next year, I walked into Pedal Power at Hilltop & found the love of my life (Tim, of course). He later worked at the A1 location until it closed, then came back when it became Bike Line and later, Bike Zone, as the sales/store manager with Josh. As for our biggest sponsor, we'll have to come up with another idea. For now, we'll duck tape our jerseys where Bike Zone once was -- that says "for hire." Oh yeah, Happy BDay Wayne :)

Fun-filled weekend

2007-08-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

I started my weekend with a night to myself on Friday. So I got myself some Pistachio ice cream & just relaxed. The unfortunate part is--I don't sleep very well when I'm alone in the house. Saturday, I enjoyed looking at the stars in my Astronomy class (that was pretty fun), then I delivered a wedding cake (my first time eva'). Then I get a call from Tim saying his brother is incapacitated & I will need to drive to Charlottesville to rescue him. So the wonderful wife I am, packed up the kids, grabbed toothbrushes & took a fast trek exactly 3 hours to come get my honey. The last hour I was driving, the sky was illuminated with the coolest lightning show--well, it was cool up until they started hitting the ground... Sunday, we drove back home--wanted to stop at Cracker Barrel, but it was crowded (was I surprised?--not really, their food is amazing), we decided to go to Hooooters instead--big mistake. Note to self.... although Cracker Barrel might have a long wait -- it's worth it. Because, I'd rather not endure something to the nature of a combination bad 80's bands and greasy, bland food. Plus, I think my hooters were the biggest ones in there, haha :) All in all, I unfortunately missed a killer cyclocross ride with Josh & Mike on Sunday -- but it was all to rescue Tim :)

Bike stuff.

2007-08-23T15:53:00.001-07:00

You can never have too much bike stuff, so recently, I've been stocking up on some badly needed bike items -- just for me (since the bike shop will be closing soon). I got a really cool new helmet (every helmet I get looks funny on me for some reason), gloves for winter & lights for night riding. Oh yeah, and a bunch of those beans..... I like the blue flavor the best :)

CycloXXX

2007-08-19T06:57:00.001-07:00

I just hosted my very first 'fun-knight' party last night -- but all I could think about the whole evening was my spankin' new Cyclocross bike that Tim just built for me (He's so awesome). It's a sweeet, MOTOBECANE in candy red with sleak black everything else. It's smooth design maneuvers well in turns and curves. I'd love to see how it really performs. I even have those eggbeater pedals, my feet just roll out 'like butta.' :)

One day, I walked into a bike store.... the rest is....

2007-08-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

August 4th, 2007: Tim & I renewed our vows with the wedding we never had to commemorate 10 years of a blissful marriage :)