Wow, summer is really just moving along in spite of the fact the summer “sun” just hasn’t decided to consistently show it’s face here in Washington.  That part has been pretty lame but we have been lucky that our events have had some decent weather so we’ll count the last few weeks as successful.

Early in June 4 Sturdy Bitches headed east of the mountains to find sun, some climbing, and beer.  We found all 3 in abundance at the Bavarian Bike & Brew in Leavenworth.  The race in Leavenworth served up 1800’ of climbing in an 9 mile lap so with beginners doing 1, sport doing 2 and expert doing 3 laps (sucka Katie) we definitely got some elevation in and some fun flowy down as well.  Susan, Katie, Marie (with Josh in tow) and Kathy had a great time racing Freund Canyon and we were super-stoked that Georgetown Beer was pouring Manny’s at the beer garden.  Katie took the lone SB podium spot and Marie’s knee gave her some trouble with all the climbing but post-ride we moved our tent, banners and gear into the beer garden to listen to some music, eat some post-ride food and drink tasty Georgetown beer.   Got our servings  of Vitamin D and a sunburn as well so we got the trifecta we were looking for that weekend.

June 11^th, Angela headed over to Chelan County to do the Echo Valley 60-Miler.  Did I mention she’s crazy???  I’m tired just thinking about 60 miles but Angela excels at long distance endurance race"s and this was no exception.  While just missing the podium, even in the heat, Angela blazed a trail through the dust and conquered the entire 60 miles.  Hopefully she got to join Hernan for some pool time as I know he whiled away some time at the pool while she suffered in the heat on the bike.  For Angela's ride report - see this link to her blog.

The following weekend -  a few of us headed east down to the Ashland Super D.  For those unfamiliar with The Ashland Super D it takes place down in southern Oregon and it is a 12 mile super-D with only 600’ of climbing and a whopping 3,000’ of descent.  It’s a fun mix of single track berms, road, switchbacks, rock gardens, etc.  The race organizer was Ashland Mountain Adventures.  We were fortunate that when we arrived to find all shuttles booked for Friday to hook up with our friends and teammates to shuttle.  The only other real "glitch" was that the timing seemed to be somewhat disorganized and we were rushed to the start prior to our times and told "if you don't go now you don't get to race".  Being the Sturdy Bitch that I am I said " I paid my $65 and if you like I could stand her until my alotted start time in an hour.  I need a minute to get ready." That was a bit annoying to be pushed and I am sure other women felt the same way.  In spite of the race day shenanigans, we had a lovely time.  Ashland is such a beautiful little town and we enjoyed some good grub and a lovely farmers market throughout the weekend.  Was a little sad not to be able to hook up with Kathy and her group but it was super fun to spend time with Val (and her little tripod dog Turbo)  and shuttle with her as well.  Met Val at the Hood River Super D where they were the Hermosa Hotties – now under new sponsorship with a newly minted name “Hermosa Harlots”.

Also love that Josh (Marie's hubby) was able to McGuyver up a way to get all of us up one one shuttle.  Who knew bunge cords were sufficient to hold a bike on top of the car, make it up the freeway and up the mountain?  I was nervous but I trust engineer Josh and I wasn't disappointed!  Course that was Ady's bike up there so I wasn't completely freaking out (though she might have been)! Nice work Josh!!

The downside of the weekend was the truck pulling the trailer broke down.  Super-fortunately to have found a great little place in Grants Pass that took care of Jose and the rig.  With the breakdown late Friday, they diagnosed the problem Saturday morning and found parts (damn, not available until Monday!), set the trailer up on a cement pad, hooked him up to power and directed him to the BBQ.  Highly recommend Bridge Street Auto & RV in Grants Pass.  They made Jose welcome until we returned post-race and we chilled out in the lot until parts arrived Monday morning and they sent us on our way.   Got to see a cute little town (old town is adorable), ride to some local parks, see the Rogue River and enjoy the 80 degree weather and sunny skies. Fortunately Ady, Marie & Josh had their own cars and were able to shuttle around and keep us moving throughout the weekend.  Great time at yet another fun Super D.

Next on the agenda was this weekend.  Katie was the lone Sturdy Bitch in attendance at the Indie Series race in Winthrop.  Here’s an excerpt from her ride report.  Looks like that might be a must-do next year!

“The race went great.  Finished first and much stronger than the last Indie Series race at Leavenworth.  The course was certainly challenging starting at 4200ft with 2000+ft climb/lap.  I was loving

the 10spd XTR on the Diamondback Sortie Black for this one for sure.  Fortunately the vast majority of climbing was all on singletrack so that made it go by a bit quicker and easier.  The climbing and descending was broken up nicely with some fireroad so that I could get hydrated and fed.

The venue was great at Loup Loup Ski Bowl and there was a pretty good turn-out for the race.  Beer and brats afterwards in the lodge with outdoor seating was awesome to enable support and racers to hang out and cheer in comfort.  We loved being able to camp out at the race site in the truckhouse.” 

Sounds like they also had a kids race with her two young ‘uns  participated in.  And for those “not in the know” the truckhouse is the motor home – the kids affectionately call it the truck house. 

Next on the agenda will be a fast trip down to Bend for the Super D.  Gonna get crazy and do an overnighter so as not to sit in holiday traffic on Friday and Monday.  We’ll see how that all shakes out.

Oh and we just posted a series of women's rides titled "Bitches, Bikes & Beer".  Check Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance's website to sign up!   We'll do a great local ride and then hit a local watering hole that serves awesome beer from our sponsors at Georgetown Beer!

Hope to see you on the trails soon!!