Bike handling has always been a trying issue in my cycling career. In my first couple of years of racing, I would practice taking the same corners over and over, slowly getting faster and faster. That really only worked for those corners -- put me in another situation and I was back to snail's pace.

I kind of gave up after a while and just accepted I would be a little more timid and slow in the corners than others - like that was my personality or something - and then 2 years ago I was introduced to cyclocross. (Actually, the first bike race I did was a cross race and I said that I wouldn't try it again.)

I don't know exactly why, but cyclocross makes you think that cornering is fun. Something about cornering in the mud, gravel, rain, sleet, snow and cold is fun for some reason. I'm still super slow on the cyclocross bike and I definitely have a lot to improve on the road in the handling area, but now instead of being scared I'm excited about the corners and descents.

Cyclocross in North Carolina isn't as near as tough as in more extreme climates, and I’m not even racing competitively when I ‘cross race. But it has given me a new love for bike driving, as some call it.

I bet you’ve all heard the claim that successful athletes, like many people at the top of their fields, tend to be driven, goal-oriented, “Type-A” personalities. I don’t know much about the scientific literature on the subject, but the issue came up during one of our first trips as a full team in the big yellow Lipton van. Greg (faithful mechanic) is driving, Kristen LaSasso is riding shotgun, and rest of us girls are sprawled in the three large back seats. Kristin Armstrong notices that LaSasso is sitting right in front of her in the passenger seat.

“Aha,” says Armstrong. “I see the A personalities have lined up in the van today.” We stop chattering and prick up our ears, curious. “Right here at the front where we belong,” she continues with a wicked smile. See, LaSasso (a.k.a. “Sassy”) has taken charge of the map reading in the front seat and is telling Greg where to turn. I guess she has also earned the “A” badge by earlier having organized all our clothing and gear into bags labeled with each rider’s name.

We don’t know each other very well yet, some of us just having met for the first time. But it is already clear (even to those of us who have just made her acquaintance) that Armstrong is definitely a Type A. Make that double A. Now she’s turning around, looking into the back seats with her eyes narrowed. “Who else is an A back there?” she demands. Her gaze meets Grace first, sitting directly behind. “Now Grace here is definitely NOT a Type A, okay?” Grace laughs in her carefree way, and the rest of the van laughs along and agrees. Grace is way too laid-back and mellow to be an A.

Attention shifts to Meredith, sitting in the middle seat. “Here’s an interesting case,” says Armstrong, getting animated. “Now Meredith is not fully an A, but she’s somewhere in the middle. I could see her stepping up as an A in the right circumstances.” The van murmurs assent or disagreement. Meredith says, “Okay, but I think Kori is more of an A than I am.” Kori nods in mock seriousness. “Yeah, I’m kind of a control freak sometimes, so I guess that means I’m A.” Grace giggles.

Next everyone looks at LVG. “Laura…how about you?” Kori asks. “Don’t look at me!” Laura exclaims. “I’m not an A!” The van breaks up into discussion on LVG’s case. We finally agree to classify Laura as a “situational A-type,” meaning that she’ll grab the reins when necessary but generally avoids taking charge (unless it’s in a race – that’s different!).

Liza’s the focus next. She already has the nickname of “The Mayor” because of her networking skills and her ability to “get things done.” She’s grinning her crooked grin now, waiting for the TEAm’s verdict on her personality type. We decide she’s not an A despite the nickname.

“What about Kroepschie?” someone asks, and we swivel to Lara, in the way-back seat. “I think I could be an A,” she pipes up with a sparkling smile. The girls who know her best squash that dream with a chorus of “No way!”s. The consensus is that Lara is too cute and friendly to be a true A.

Sarah and Katie (we’re the rookies of the team) are quickly decided as non-A’s. We’re go-with-the-flow types, happy to take direction and follow others’ leads. I don’t know, though…I think Sarah may appear more timid than she really is just because this is her first big team and it’s all new experiences. I can see some fire lurking under the surface that we may see revealed at some later date.

We soon arrive at our destination for the day, but the personality type conversation continues beyond that van ride. Days later, we’re still considering nuances and caveats to our categorizations. For example, I decide after San Dimas (where I was in the break with her) that Grace exhibits definite Type-A behaviors while in a breakaway. She is totally mellow and Southern-charming until you get her whipping the break along. “Come on, y’all, PULL THROUGH!” And I have my own dissenting opinion about Lara Kroepsch: she certainly driven and goal-oriented, and though she’s laid-back in her interpersonal interactions, I think she’s got some A in her too. Maybe someone needs to develop a new typing system with levels within letters. I’ll nominate one of the A’s on the team to jump on that.

All I really know is that I’m no Type A. I wouldn’t use the words “goal-oriented” or even “driven” to describe myself. I’m as much interested in the process as the goal (whether in cycling or other aspects of life), and I guess I’m more of an observer than an actor/leader. Maybe that’s why I’m having so much fun listening to and participating in all these van conversations. It’s a fun group of girls, and our mix of personalities is what allows us to get along so well.

(Note: comments attributed to certain people may or may not be direct quotations. Artistic license was taken in the “reporting” of this story, and hey – it happened a few weeks ago, and my memory isn’t perfect.”)

I have been racing my bike for 16 years. Because TEAm Lipton's race calendar begins in March and extends through October that can equate to over 160 days away from home. Most of the time we are only away for a weekend or so, but there are times that TEAm Lipton is on the road for over four weeks. Often during the long stretches away, I long for the familiarity and comforts of home.

Fortunately there is a way to combat the homesick feelings and focus on racing. This remedy is called "host housing." These are families who live in the cities where we race and open their homes for us to stay. We spend time together throughout our stay, relaxing and giving these families an inside look at TEAm Lipton Women's Cycling. Often times by the end of our stay we feel like an "adopted family."

As a result of their hospitality and generosity we are able to be comfortable and focus on our racing. Another benefit is that TEAm Lipton has instant fan clubs at races throughout the U.S. Pretty neat considering often times you are many miles from home in an unfamiliar place. Another aspect I enjoy is when there are pets at our host families. I love animals and have five dogs at home who I miss during the long stretches away. You can always find me fawning over the host family's pets in an effort to quell my longings for my own dogs. I am just as sad to say goodbye to them as the families when we end our stay.

Wonderful friendships have been formed with these families over the years and when possible we return to stay with them. Suddenly, home doesn't feel so far away and your time on the road is no longer impersonal and cold. Without the support of these families, these long periods away from home would be difficult. Instead, they become a homecoming of sorts and we can't thank them enough.

In early March, I left cold and snowy New York City to join the USA Triathlon Resident Team for an eight-week training camp at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California. After a year of therapy and rehabilitation for a pelvic stress fracture that ruined my 2005 season, I'm back training full-time with many of the top American triathletes. I’m really excited about getting back into competition, and have already seen significant progress in my speed and power. Being sidelined with an injury for so long has made me even more focused and determined to succeed.

It takes a few days to adjust to the training center lifestyle: living in a dorm room with three other roommates, eating all meals at the campus cafeteria, and following a regimented training schedule. The first few days seemed extra long - not having to work at a day-job, travel to the gym or cook meals frees up a lot of time. Soon, however, the days get more and more filled until it seems that there isn't a minute to spare.

This is a typical hard day of training:

wake up at 630

eat breakfast, drink a cup of black tea

swim from 8-930: 5000m, some days long pull sets, other days short sprint sets

eat breakfast (again)

stretch, do pilates

rest, hydrate with a cup of Lipton Green Tea with Lemon & Honey

eat lunch

bike workout: intervals on the crit course (with my bright yellow TEAm Lipton Fuji Bike)

rest, relax, read

run workout: 1k repeats on the track or tempo repeats on grass

ice bath

eat dinner, relax with a cup of Mint Tea, go to bed and get ready for the next day

Not all days are the same intensity, and we even get the occasional day off (or half day off!). Mixed into training is skills work: trips to the ocean to practice open water swimming technique, working with a coach on running form and practicing fast ‘swim-bike-run’ transitions. With three different sports to focus on, there's never a shortage of things to practice!

I survived it with flying colors. My first 6 week leg of the year. Usually I'm crying, tired, and frazzled after that first leg. Our cycling season is February thru October. I’m not home very much during these months. I normally come home from my first road trip dazed and confused. I collapse in my hubby’s arms and he puts me to bed. I then rest for days.

It’s always hard, but I guess having the most amazing TEAmmates to meet and greet, and then concluding the trip with the smiley face of my hubby Jackman (yes for the first time ever Jack flew to California to see the TEAm race Redlands) made all the on-the-road stresses much less. Instead of leaving the crew dazed and confused, I'm passionate and excited for what lies ahead.

My fast and furious TEAmmate Kristin Armstrong finished 2nd in the TT yesterday. I watched the TT yesterday and Redlands and unfortunately I was out of town for the Crit today however- It was exciting for me to listen to the criterium moves- play by play over the phone from my coach who was present watching the race.

After the team set-up Kristin to gain some time in the mid-race time bonuses- she got 2 of them and is now in the YELLOW JERSEY-leading the race and then we finished 3rd with Laura VanGilder in the finish. I guess everyone drank their tea this morning and was prepared for battle- especially some strong attacks and racing from Ina and T-mobile.

I don't think I've been this excited for a race that i'm not even at- it's funny and motivating. Next events for some of us- Ojai, Sea Otter, Track Worlds and then Gila.

TEAm Lipton has so much potential. It’s filled with passionate excited individuals that want to succeed and work together to make our goals happen. I felt this energy immediately upon meeting the new crew. I can't explain how excited it made me to see such energy. It’s usually very difficult to find a crew of 15 people with the same drive and desire to work together and really make it happen. Normally clicks form, individuals retreat, and division begins, but not with this group! All of us want to take responsibility and give whatever we can to make this TEAm the best it can be. It really became evident to me the past few days of racing at the Redlands Classic.

Before that, we were having adjustment issues. Some riders were experienced, others had less, and some have been on many teams while for others this is their first team. We had all the stuff but last minute jams made it all too much for such a crew to handle. Staff was pulling all nighters and riders were living in little whirl winds. It’s bound to happen with all the firsts for a new team. All the newness everywhere was a bit overwhelming for everyone. Finally, new styles were understood, adjustments to new bikes were made, and communication started to occur.

The first bit of racing was tough but holey moley it’s coming together fast. After my first race I thought it might be forever. Nope. It occurred the very next race. It became evident to the group at Pomona, (a race I was absent at) and then I was able to experience it at Redlands. Everyone really cares and has a desire to make it work, both staff and the riders. It’s so cool to be apart of such a dynamic.

Every individual has unique strengths they bring to the TEAm and they are willing to give 110 percent to make it happen. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but I guess it’s those days where it all falls into place that we live for. It’s our passion and drive. Those are the days we strive for and desire. We felt it and tasted that unity and fluidity in the Redlands criterium. We were all on cloud 9 when Kristin Armstrong put that leader’s jersey on. No one could take our happiness away, and it was TEAm through and through.

Our emotions did a complete 180 the next day in the sunset road race. All of us were saddened and disappointed in ourselves when the jersey was stripped from our leaders back. Everyone seemed to blame themselves yet no one had anything left at the end. I feel that even in the mayhem of the day our team fought and tried until the bitter end. Not one individual left that race with an ounce of energy left. It was a great tough race. Amber Neben was clearly the strongest of the day but it’s always hard when a valiant team effort doesn't come out triumphant. A bittersweet ending to the most amazing team effort. I think all of us came out a bit wiser and even more determined for future endeavors. I guess we lost the race but gained a lot from the experiences. Usually teams divide after such an experience. People blame others and depart frustrated. Not this TEAm. We left closer, more united and determined to be smarter and stronger. I can't wait to go at it again together. It will work, it’s just a matter of time.

Greetings from the end of "March Madness"---three weeks in California with TEAm Lipton. We've raced three weekends straight of NRC stage racing and beautiful sunny weather (more like sleet, hail, snow and rain!). Warning: if you came for the warm weather and acquiring a tan before mid-March...forget it!

So, I thought I would make a master list of what to pack and how to deal with certain stressful situations. Hopefully, this will make it easier for all the neo-pros and even veterans. (I fall somewhere hopelessly in between- experienced and inexperienced.)

1. If you want to travel from race to race without much luggage, consider accidentally leaving a suitcase behind at one host family. Especially the suitcase where you packed BOTH of your cycling shoes. Then proceed to find a TEAmmate with a similar size shoe and borrow hers to race in for 2 days- who knows- you might decide you like her shoes better?

2. Give Gag Gift (practical joke) this is a must in any team situation and I'm sad to say I only played one joke in three weeks. One evening at our host family there was plumber from Mr. Rooter that came over to unplug the shower. Well, he left some magnets and cute plastic rooter doll - which I thought was the perfect gift for my teammate who plugged up the toilet at our hotel (I won't reveal her name but her initials are G.F.). So our mechanic put the doll on the stem of my teammates bike and she raced with it in the criterium.

3. What to leave behind?- a bathrobe? Are you really going to walk around in it at your host families' house.

4. What to remember?- HAVE FUN!

Weather forecast: Oceanside California 3/18: 40 degrees warming up to a high in the 50s, showers heavy at times, possible thunderstorms. I stared at my computer screen in disbelief – this would be the second year that Fords California Half-Ironman would take place in cold, rainy weather. But I decided to focus on the upside – I'd "been there, done it" the year prior and had numerous training rides and runs in the preceding chilly rainy San Francisco months. I hoped this would give me an upside come race day.

Saturday morning 3/18: 4:15 am – I awoke to the sound of our alarm.

After my pre-race breakfast of beverages, bagel with PB & J and bananas, I did some stretching and gave my bike/gear one more look over. Decked out in my bright yellow Lipton Team gear I felt excited and eager to race. I biked a short 10 minutes from our hotel to the race start to get bodymarked, set up my transition and then a 10 minute jog to warm up and preview the swim course. Just then, the cold air started to open up with cold rain. My wetsuit offered some relief from the rain; I also tried to stay warm by doing windmills and jumping up and down, but within minutes my hands and feet were numb. I decided "mind over body" and focused on my race day plan. I hoped to swim well, going out hard but not so hard that I'd suffer on the bike and run. I was aiming to have a quicker transition onto the bike, by starting the swim with my legwarmers under my wetsuit. For the bike, I was hoping to go faster than the 2'47 that I'd biked the year before.

And then, have enough energy to hold a similar run pace as the year prior.

Before I knew it, my wave was up. I dove into the ocean water expecting to be met by a freezing 53 degrees. Luckily, the cold ambient temperature made the ocean water feel downright warm. The gun went off – I started in the front despite knowing the swimming is my weakest of the three disciplines. I'd rather get swum over than be stuck behind a slower swimmer and lose time. My plan worked as I moved forward and managed to stick with the front group, though was dropped by the lead pack within the first half-mile. It took me a short bit before my stroke felt more comfortable and I got into my rhythm. The choppy surf and swells felt invigorating. I reached the dock in 33:31 – a bit disappointed as it was virtually the same time as last year, but I felt comfortable and not in the least spent of energy. I quickly ran down the chute, ripping off my cap/goggles and wetsuit. Then came the moment of hesitation – to go with the vest and arm warmers or the thick Lipton Team jacket?? I thought the jacket may get too hot if the forecast ended up being wrong, so opted for my thin vest; my arm warmers got bunched up so I decided to brazen the cold without them.

Onto the bike after a faster T1, I felt loaded with energy and a deep desire to race as hard as I could and possibly secure a slot to Kona.

This indeed would be a dream realized, but I knew that it would take a fast bike and run to grab the sole slot allotted to my age group. I felt encouraged as I whizzed by other men and women, my legs felt strong despite the bigger gear and I was keeping up with my nutrition.

My heart rate read 151 which was about 5-10 beat higher than I'd wanted but my perceived exertion was low so I stayed the pace and effort. I reached the half-way mark and got ready for the upcoming series of rollers and 3 more steeply pitched climbs. I love the hill climbs – the burning of the legs and then the relief when you fly downhill. Before I knew it, I was at the 50 mile mark, when I was met with a false flat and strong headwind. The adrenalin kicked in and kept me riding strong – ending up with a 2:40 bike split at a 20.9mph pace. I was ecstatic! Rolling my bike into the transition area, it looked as though I was the first women in my age group to arrive. But not certain and fearful that even if in the lead, that I'd be run down, I transitioned T2 and opted no socks to save time.

Out on the run, my legs felt light and good. The faster bike had not cost me my legs but I feared that I may not have taken in enough fluids. I put this out of my mind and focused on keeping up my pace and taking in fluids at every mile station. A slight twist in the run, they had added (unbeknownst to myself) a detour onto the beach – deep sand! I ran along and suddenly full on face planted! Dusted myself off and had a chuckle at myself. Miles 1-2-3-4-5 went by, I felt a bit wheezy and figured I must have a bit of asthma from the cold air and water. Thankfully, the wheezing kept my breathing shallower but it didn't get worse. I saw my Lipton Teammate Bo Arlander out on the run course and we shouted words of encouragement. By mile 7 I started to feel the effect of having raced hard for over 4 hours, my legs started to feel a bit heavier but the thought of a possible Kona slot kept me going. By mile 12 I was feeling like I was running out of steam, but I knew that if I could only keep up my pace for the remaining 1plus miles I would finish first. And then I saw the chute, the noise of the crowds and the loudspeaker crackling "and from San Francisco, Kiki Rutkowski"! I crossed in 4:57, the first in my age group by 11 minutes, the 2nd overall amateur woman and the 12th overall woman. It was a fantastic day!! It reminded me again how much I love the sport of triathlon, and that once you put your mind to a goal you can accomplish whatever you want!

Day 7 – Cram Day

More cramming before Ed leaves. We woke up to the first bit of sun since I’ve been in California. We did a photo shoot at our host family’s golf course. It was beautiful. The photo shoot took up most of the a.m. Then in the afternoon, we had lead-out practice 101. By the end of it, our tummies were rumbling again. Those tummies they have minds of their own. We had to say our goodbyes to Ed and then we went back to our respective host houses.

Day 8 – Rain rain and more rain

Lots o’ rain. All the pitter patter made it a dreary day. The girls cozied up to some tea in the a.m. then it was time for Kristin and I to go. Good-bye all. Good luck next week. Kristin and I are off to LA to have our go at some time trials. These time trials qualify you for track Worlds. I will miss Pomona because of it, but Kristin has hers a day earlier. She will juggle racing in LA and then driving to Pomona to meet the squad for a race later that same day. See you in Redlands. Until then stay dry and cozy up to some tea.

Day 5 – Race Day

The weather was bad. The winds were rough. The tiny ship was done if not for the mighty sailing crew the Minnow would be lost (my version of Gilligan’s island not sure of the exact words).

Ufta feta we experienced hail rain and cold today. It was my first race with TEAm Lipton and I felt a bit bumbly (that’s not a real word but it seems descriptive). I think I wore the most clothes ever racing. Australia was sunny beautiful and 70. My California trip has been 40’s and rainy. The hail just topped it off. I didn’t expect to get pelted with hail but sure enough it happened. We had a crew of 10 in the road race today and everyone was slipping and sliding. It was all we could do just to gather the troops. One would fall then another would go down. Not quite what I imagined for our first race together. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Guess my stem was too long today. I could barely reach my breaks – the cold probably didn’t help either. Back to measurements…. Looks like I’ll call Julie’s husband Greg (she’s the lady who put this whole team together). I heard he does excellent bike fits.

Day 6- Fresno Crit

Greg – Julie’s husband – did one tiny change with the stem and viola, my bike feels just like the other one. Hip, hip, horary. Thanks Greg, thanks other Greg, thanks everyone for helping me through my struggles. I rode the crit a bit conservatively today just because I was unsure how it felt. By the half way point I felt good and was happy!

In the evening, we did head shots of TEAm Lipton and then had a dinner and meeting with Julie and Ed. Ed is only here for 24 hours so we’re going to bother him for all he’s worth before he leaves. We talked about TEAm expectations and went through our TEAm bible. Dinner was after the meeting and it was suppose to speed the process. All the rumbly tummies started to get grumpy with me because I was the constant question asker – sorry tummies.

It’s a riding day. I need to feel the new bike and make sure I'm ready to race it tomorrow. A little tempo. A little spin. I think its okay. Guess I’ll know tomorrow.

Quick, hurry - I got lost on my ride and we’re packing up and leaving our hotel. Bags are supposed to be out at 12:30, and I just found my way back by 12:30! SORRY Kiddies! I have to take a quick shower and throw all my stuff into bags. Off to host housing. I’m late!

We ended up checking into 3 houses for the week. All of the families are really into bike racing and are helping run the weekend races. My family organized all the corner marshals for the event. What a huge task. Thanks for keeping us safe! I’ve never met any of the families before, but they received us with open arms. Thanks families for hosting us!

The staff stayed at a hotel and it became a bit trying for them at times. We didn’t have a vehicle or our bikes so we needed a lot of limo service. Imagine catering to 10 women’s needs. Thomas was driving Ms. Daisies all over creation. Future plan: Give girls a bike so they don’t bother staff for rides.

I flew straight from Australia to Cali for an amazing greeting and introduction by TEAm Lipton. Kristin and I got off the plane, went through customs, and then met our German Director, Thomas Liese. After that, we drove from San Fran to Fresno California and checked into our hotel. The minute we pulled into the parking lot all these giggling and joking women came out of a yellow bus carrying groceries. There were eight of them (minus the two of us), and they were full of energy. Wow, I couldn’t believe how fun and festive everyone was while I on the other hand was just dying to keep my eyes open. Hopefully, they’ll forgive my sleepiness later.

The spirits are so positive with this crew. Just seeing the team for a minute, I truly believe we’ll have a grand time. I can't wait to get things rolling, but first I need rest – oh wait, it still is 3 p.m.

Next order of business - assessing the new bike. I have five days to get off my old bike and set-up the new Fuji bike. I'm a bit nervous because I see all my teammates fiddling and they've had their stuff longer than I. Arghhh, I think I was in denial of this moment but it's here. The girls went for a ride, but I'm staying back at the hotel with Greg our mechanic. It’s always traumatizing for a rider to make a bike change. Now, it has to be done. Out with the old and in with the new.

Good thing Greg doesn't know me yet. For your information, Greg is our TEAm Lipton mechanic, and I seem to have a reputation with all mechanics. I’m fortunate enough that on this precious day he does not know my rep. I too am a fiddler and require lots of attention. He’ll have his work cut out for him, and I’m willing to bet that by the end of one week I’ll have driven him crazy. Needless to say the Fuji bikes are beautiful and it’s calling my name. It’s fiddle time. I begin with my tape measure then go for an easy 1 hr ride. The bike still needs work…

In the evening, we enjoyed a team dinner at a Greek restaurant family style. I love sharing food, and I got the whole crew to do a family style dinner. I was in heaven. We then had a meeting in Thomas’s room where we were told that if we win we can expect fine chocolates and wine. Yeah baby. We also gave the girls their Aussie treats, so we were all sugared up for bed. Before retreating to bed Kristin and I had a fashion show with our new Lipton apparel. We now have so much stuff that we will have to ship a good 40 lbs of old stuff home!