Blog Update: What I'm Loving Wednesday Boots, Bikes(duh) and more

First I'm loving that the election is over and that hopefully we can all go back to normal regardless of how we feel about the president.

Now for stuff that really matter!







I am loving the 2 pair of boots I ordered yesterday! I had 2 credits on my account that have been sitting there just waiting for boots! Now I just need somewhere awesome to wear them and some awesome friends to go with. Maybe a Mavs game. I have a No-Heels rule for baseball & football. Basketball & Hockey are exempt!

I'm loving that a guy at work noticed I'm losing weight and commented on it by saying I look "skinny". I am not and I can wish but I am happy that he noticed.

I'm loving that I remembered to register for the bike maintenance class I missed last month and it is tonight.

I'm also loving that I am thinking about taking the clipless plunge for Christmas for my bike. Now I just need to figure out which clipless system to go with. I'm looking at systems by Shimano, Crank Brothers & Time. I just don't know. The reviews are all similar. If anyone has advice please let me know.
(Who knew these things existed 4 months ago? Not me!)

That my new headlight should be in soon! My little 350 NiteRider is fine for the road but woods get really dark and I need a little more light. I rode for about 35 minutes Tuesday in the dark and it is challenging & cold! The new light should help even if it isn't the exact model my friend that rides suggested. It's close. :-)

I'm not loving that the new riding app I got high jacked my Facebook about 9 times last night filling it up with updates and driving my friends nuts but I am loving that it was easy to revoke the access!

I'm loving being around guys talking bikes. It's funny eavesdropping on them when they get all technical and manly about components and it's kind of sexy in a sporty way. Don't tell.


I'm loving that my chest is sore from my weight training Monday night. I did back and chest Monday. Today is biceps and triceps. I'm sure they will hurt soon!

I am totally loving "The Voice", I don't vote on these things but it is fun to watch. I won't lie, Blake Shelton and Adam Levine make it easy on the eyes but it helps that they are so stinkin' funny! Yes, I have plenty of both their music on my phone. I'm guilty of loving Maroon 5 & Blake even though my music friends roll their eyes. I'm not sorry!!!



I am loving that it's Hump Day! What are you loving?

Simply,
Laura









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Tuesday's Blog: Super Tuesday

Okay I realize it isn't Super Tuesday but how can I not use this picture?

I'm standing in line to vote. There ya go, that's my political statement for 2012! Not pushing my politics on anyone. You all don't care and I am not going to change your minds on anything.

So what is super today? First the weather in the DFW is amazing already. I am going out tonight to test this night riding thing. Not sure where, probably Horseshoe because less crowded sounds good.

It's my brothers birthday next weekend and my present to him is not giving him crap about continuing to put all those hunting pictures on Facebook! Okay, not really. I will get him the same Bass Pro gift card I always do just like he gives me a MLB Pro-shop card. We have this down to a science!

It is amazing how positive mental attitude can change your life. I decided to stop beating up on myself a couple months ago and say nice things about myself. This has changed my life! Do this if you aren't already!


Ah, okay well looks like y'all get a short blog. Time to go not make a difference voting. Have a super day!

Simply,
Laura

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Mobile Monday: How about some Mountain Bike Madness?

My weekend was divided between trails.
Friday was North Shore Trail:



This is the part of the trail I crashed on in August. (Not with my Trek, pictured)



And this is the road I was laying on when I was 'rescued'. I was really excited when I made it that far.


And more excited when I found this little bit of heaven. This is the most amazing spot.


I sat for a good time thinking how I could live with this view! I had a hard fall and survived although I think my scream almost gave a jogger a heart attack. I would have kept going but I started getting really stiff and sore after the fall. (I fell on some bumpy rocks. Totally my fault. My pedal hit the rock.)

Saturday:



I met up with my girls Khrystal and Julie at River Legacy in Arlington. This trail is just pure fun! (Nobody told me it was purple tank top day!)



Here is Julie totally owning Papa Bear! She is the cutest thing when she makes it she always says "I did it!"
Khrystal was volunteered to be our leader (I hate riding in front) and she kicked our butts making sure we rode at a 7-8mph pace the whole trail.

Saturday Night was family night at my mom's house.



The triplets wanted to make funny faces and they are the happy recipients of all of my Halloween candy so I was one very happy aunt!

Sunday was Horseshoe trail which I rode twice! I love this trail.


These rocks kick my butt but I am making progress in getting over some challenging spots I hadn't conquered before now...including


This hill. It is the very end of the trail. (There is a bypass that is easier). I rode this for the first and second time Sunday. This is the bottom (above).



This is the same drop from the top. It is amazing and fun and frightening all at the same time but I finished like a crazy woman and rode it upright, thank you, both times!

These are probably my three favorite trails. I love them! They are different from each other and have challenges and craziness and fun! (I also really like Rowlett Creek Preserve.)

North Shore and Horseshoe are both really sandy in spots so I promise if you see me on the trail you will hear me mutter "I hate sand". You may also hear me yell out "Boom!" When I make it over something I have been struggling with. I get a little excited!
River Legacy is just a winding mass of wonderful plus Fun Town (the hills) and EKG (Climbs and drops.)


So, that's my weekend! How was yours?

Simply,
Laura



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Location:All Over DFW

Happy Anniversary Bike Blog!! With some Thanks!

Me and Skye at North Shore!



Let's face it, I'm in a relationship with my mountain bike. Honestly, I love her. She may be my best friend. When my baseball team fails to advance, Skye is there. When work sucks, Skye is there. When it rains, Skye and I sit sad because we can't ride.

We are celebrating our 3 month anniversary by going out on North Shore tomorrow during the day and seeing how far we can go. Saturday we will be at Horseshoe with Khrystal and Sunday if my legs hold out I may take her out to Rowlett or Arlington. IF my legs hold out.

I spend a lot of time with this bike. First I have to thank my friend Brannon for pushing me to get a 'real' bike. (All your talking about biking may have made me want to ride a little, too.) My Trek makes me happy and while she won't be my last bike, I can't imagine not having her in my life. I love this bike. I didn't buy the cheapest but I didn't go all out for my first 'real' bike. I made a really smart choice.

I have to thank my friend Khrystal for being willing to be my riding buddy and go out on the trails with me whenever she can. We always have a great time. She is even scoping out a crazy new park to ride by her house with some interesting decor!


Next is me for being a little bit obsessive. It's true. I am just crazy for this sport. I wish I had been doing it for year instead of only three months but time will pass. I read articles and try to learn when I am not riding so I can become a better rider but doing is the only way to go. There are some things I still can't make myself do.


This bridge at North Shore! I just don't have a clue how to get over this. It is coming off a drop and I can make the drop but I get to those tattered rocks and walk.




Also this climb at North Shore. What you can't see in this picture is all the rocks. Honestly I have issues with rocks. I can make it over a few but when there are a billion I freeze. I just don't know what to do. Climbing is hard enough but climbing rocks is just mind boggling. Now, I have watched several men do this with no problem. They do it with ease.

Actually, to be honest, men do a lot of things with ease on a bike and it annoys me. I realize they are stronger and bigger and blah! I don't care! I want to be able to do that stuff too!!!

I get a little frustrated at times at the fact that I can't do everything yet and I have to have a talk with myself. After all, three months ago two very nice men found me on North Shore mostly dehydrated and laying in the middle of the path. That was my first ride. I have come a long way. The dips that freaked me out that first night don't even phase me. The stumps that made me shake my head with wonder I have jumped a hundred times. Nothing really bothers me except the rocks and eventually that will pass and I will become a stronger rider.

Tuesday night I rode into the dark. It is something I have to start getting used to. Night rides will become necessary next week with the time change. I have a light and it isn't bad but I want a helmet light too, I think. Also, I am really not fond of snakes and the idea that they are nocturnal is not pleasing to me.

Last night I rode earlier and I had a nice yet exhausting ride. I broke three personal trail records. I am pretty happy with that especially because my legs are always a little more tired on the second day. They don't like the climbs as much. That's life.

I wish I could explain the rush of going down a dip into a creek and back up. I wish I could feel the freedom of wind in my face as I go down a hill around a curve and back up the other side. I wish the beauty of the trail and the surprise of coming around a curve and seeing a deer and knowing she is just as surprised as me or the humor of the bunnies hopping away or relief I feel when I fall and see the stick isn't a snake were easy to get on film. You just have to trust me! I am relieved and that deer was very surprised!

I also need to thank my non-riding friends and family who listen to my excited talk and texts. Especially my friends Rachel and Chance who let me go on and on!

I still have bad rides. I still get passed. I still don't have the confidence I need to do everything and I still get frustrated but every ride I push myself a little more. Every ride I make myself take a little bit harder route. Last night as I was riding another rider came up behind me and I pulled over and he looked at me and said "You're doing good!" I don't know why he said it but it made me smile. I am doing good and I will only get better!


Simply,
Laura



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