The Olympics have begun, and I am in Whistler. As everyone knows, this has been a year of disappointments, lessons and unexpected outcomes. As an athlete, my dream is to be the best I can be, and that includes racing at the Olympic Games. As a mountain biker, I want to ride the sweetest trails and enjoy the physical body I have been blessed to inhabit.
Willow Racing
As “they” say, you don’t always get what you want, but you always get what you need. Sometimes, what you need is hidden from view. Sometimes what you need is obviously NOT what you want. At last, I have been blessed to have a day that was just what I wanted and needed!
I just had an awesome epic mountain bike adventure in the Chilcotin Mountains of British Columbia. A group of some of the best free riders around flew by floatplane to the lake of our choosing. We then spent 6 1/2 hours making our way back to the lodge. Hailstorms, glacial mountain passes, grizzly bears, and flowers prettier than you could paint made me feel like I was riding in heaven.
Chilcotin Mountains of British Columbia
The racing is getting better too. My new coach, Rick Crawford, rescued me from the depths of despair and has given me hope that all is not lost. After lots of rest for my body mind and soul, I went to the National Championships in Vermont just wanting to ride with joy. As the race was my 10th ride in 7 weeks, a fifth place finish was a perfect place to start my comeback.
I then journeyed to one of my favorite venues, Mt. St. Anne Quebec. I had a decent showing ended up 14th after losing 4 spots due to a flat tire. I also spent many afternoons in some of the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever seen. I am sure that fairies live there!
Bromont Quebec was up next, and I was really feeling like my body was beginning to click. The course was challenging and muddy, but I like challenging and muddy! I sailed through the singletrack and felt pretty good on the climbs. I was racing for 5th all day, but I had to run/walk most of the climbs on the last lap due to the worst chain suck ever. I finished in 6th for the day with a smile on my face.
I am now enjoying the beautiful summer here in Whistler, with my eyes on the World Cup finals in Schladming Austria. I would love to end the season riding like “Willow with wings”.
I am so thankful for everyone who has believed in me throughout the toughest season of my life. I want to say a very special thanks to Rick, who took on the challenge of dealing with a girl in a crisis.
As I look ahead, I am filled with peace that no matter what I face, I can break down the walls and live to ride another day. That is something that no one can take from me, and that is the gold medal that I have earned this year. All the rest is icing.
Chilcotin Mountains of British Columbia
