Flat tire in the snow

So Mike and I drove in together yesterday---when there is snow on the ground I don't love sliding down the hill in my VW; I leave complicated tasks like this to Mike. It was a cold snow this time and the steepest part of our commute down hill can be bypassed, by taking the freeway. So, my bright idea was "let's take the freeway". Mike turned left and we headed down Sharlands and as soon as we were merging onto the "fast road", we hear a funny noise.

"What's that?" we said in harmony. "I think we have a flat!" So we pulled off to the "car trouble lane" and sure enough, the front tire was flat. (thanks to a big screw from construction debris we passed while taking my bright idea route to the "fast road"). Instead of hanging out on the freeway, Mike drove slowly over the icy/snowy "car trouble lane" and we back tracked towards an entrance which we used as our exit. It sounds pretty dangerous, but Mike was careful. We teetered and limped into the parking lot of The River church and called USAA roadside assistance.

I actually like my insurance company. When I called them to sign up for car insurance (after living car-free for 10 years), they renewed me under my old plan. For occupation, they asked me, "so are you still a student?" I was still signed up on the plan my Dad signed me up on when I turned 16! Ha! But I digress.

Our little donut spare had about 10lbs of air, and tow-truck companies are no longer allowed to travel with air-compressors. So instead of getting on the freeway, we rolled on the side roads and into a Big-O franchise and bought 4 new tires, windshield wipers and got the oil changed. Better to have this kind of trouble near home than on one of the passes. Sigh.

A few hundred bones and a couple of hours later, we arrived at Sinclair. Heavier Sigh. It could have been worse.

We woke up to more snow dust, but the roads have already melted and with the wind and rising temps, should be ridable in a couple of hours. I snapped some photo's this morning. The blurry one is the moon setting in the West.

Last day of work - 2007!

We had a light dusting of snow in the Reno foothills---a less than light dusting over the passes---and rain in the Bay Area. So our plans for heading home this evening with our bicycles have been tabled until perhaps tomorrow. It will be near 50 degrees here on Saturday---but just a few miles up it'll be cold enough for more snow. And our little car is not weather-equipped for big snowy passes. Top that off with a cold, wet and damp SF Bay area and we might ring in the New Year in Nevada.

Which is really fine. It is beautiful. But Mike and I both like looking at the snow when it first falls and then are ready for it to "be gone!" On Christmas eve we discovered a new sushi place---a little pricier than we are used to paying, but it was such a treat! High class sushi---about 2 miles from where we live! When we came home the moon was full and while it was chilly for sure, it was also such a crisp and clear evening that we went for a moonlight walk with Sydney and enjoyed the fabulously lit white mountains while walking through the canyons. (By the light of the silvery moon!)

I spent Christmas day with an old SGI friend, Mason Woo. It's a long, small world story about how we reconnected, but our neighbor turns out to be a mutual friend and so we spent time catching up. Another treat!

January and February are already turning into BIG travel months. Initially I was heading East---but now I am heading to Chicago, Seattle, Portland, LA and Denver. Sigh. Mike and I will head to Seattle (the first time---I go twice) together. So staying home for New Year's Eve is sounding relaxing, if it turns out this way. But if the weather G-d's are shining, we will be home for New Year's Eve, and if it turns out this way---then a New Year's bike ride up King's or Mt. Hamilton is on MY list!

Happy New Year! Drive safe, stay warm, be healthy and much light and love for 2008!

Northern Nevada Holiday Greetings - 2007

From Boston, Massachusetts to Reno, Nevada----we traveled the Highway 80 corridor once again heading from East to West at the end of March. We stopped at the Sierra Nevada range...just a few miles shy of the California border and have been enjoying living and riding our bikes in the high-desert climate of Northern Nevada all year.

I guess that kind of sums things up for the "Mike and Joni" Taylor's this year---We're really enjoying Reno. Far more than we ever could have imagined. I spent most of the summer months traveling to visit retailer's far and wide, including a trip to Italy to the Campagnolo Factory. Mike has been enjoying success with the Ridley Team Bike Program, and we both had a successful Interbike/Las Vegas trip. While much of this is work related---the gist is that we like what we do, which is a blessing.

Sydney joined us on our trip to Marshall, MN in November. We had a fabulous time with Minnesota Mom & Dad as well as all of our Minnesota "homies". Then we arrived back in Reno just before Thanksgiving and we spent the holiday with California Mom & Dad (and all the Mehler's) in Truckee, California. It was a blast, highlighted by a special bike ride with my nephew Daniel.

As I write this, we have just dug out of a wonderful snow-storm. Yes---the word wonderful and snow storm in the same sentence from this "Sun-girl". This is the snow I know. The roads are clean, the snow
is fluffy snow and I am outside enjoying it without gloves even---crisp but not bone chilling. That might come later.

As I reflect on the year, 2007, I am drawn to what makes it special, and here's what I come up with: Every morning, about 6:18am, the small hound shakes herself awake and climbs over all the pillows and blankets to wake us up to greet the day. I look over at my husband and my dog and I realize I am a very "rich" girl; incredibly optimistic and unbelievably in love! Of course the other thing that makes every year special are my family and friends (i.e YOU!)

The Taylor's wish you a warm and safe holiday season and lots of love for 2008!

Bay Area and Back

If I didn't stop to see you---well it was a business trip, but I just returned from a few days in the lovely San Francisco Bay Area. Even in Paradise, there is a flaw---too many people. Top that off with the gas-guzzler I was renting for the trip (room for bikes and other soft-goods) and I felt like all the folks I criticize regularly. My carbon foot-print is doomed for a while---and yet it was a successful trip. (That doesn't make it OK. I am harder on myself than I am on other people---who I can't do anything about anyway---when it comes to being a custodian of the planet---and successful trip or not, I am not going to travel like a glutton again!) I choose a 4x4 as I didn't want to deal with chains on the passes if need be.

But back to "paradise", when I called my Mom & Dad to invite myself over, my Dad mentioned that my Mom's CA19 numbers were up (don't ask---I don't know what it is exactly, but when it goes up everyone is worried). They had a doctor's appointment that afternoon and so by the time I arrived they would have some news.

I was a little worried initially---but as I began the climb over Donner Pass I was distracted by how beautiful it was. Snow covered peaks and baby blue clear skies. It is breath-taking. I put in the Cowboy Junkies and sang loudly. On the descent, the snow disappeared and it was green and lush and fabulous. How could my Mom be sick? I prayed a little---if nothing else, praying makes me feel like whatever "it" is, I will be able to handle it.

When I arrived home, everyone was all smiles. The challenge is that the medical community doesn't know exactly what's up. Not many people with the kind of cancer my mom has, have survived "going on 4 years". She is going in for a CATSCAN---but the doctor's say she needs a break from chemo to let her body heal. And 4 months off of chemo has my Mom grinning from ear to ear. So we shall see. She looks great---she even came out to the track with me while I ran and she walked.

And I got to be a spoiled only child (Daddy's little girl and Mommy's little girl all at once!) for a few days. Top that off with some end of the year successful retailer visits and it was a nice trip to Paradise.

When I got back to Reno, Mike was out riding in the much cooler air. I didn't want to get charged for another day, and when Mike wasn't going to be able to get me for awhile, I walked home. Mike picked me up about 3 miles from home (we're about 11 miles from the airport.) Reno rules!

Happy Sunday!

Before and After

Let it snow! Well there is no "letting" when it comes to things like Mother Nature. But if I think back to my childhood (when I never did anything but visit the snow), this is how I remember snow. Mountain snow is special. Even when it is considered wet, it is light and airy. And in the mountains they measure feet not inches--although we maybe got 5 or 6 inches in our area....but right up the hill they got 2 feet.

I snapped a photo the night before and it was a warm and lovely 50+ degree, riding my bike outside kind of day. Mike even went out a won a local cross-race in the morning before work! Low and behold, we woke up to lots of white icing all over everything. Big snowflakes (the first snow picture shows a big flake!) and white as far as the eye can see. Mike woke up and took the Scrapper out for her morning jaunt---then pulled out our "wedding snow shovel", and put it to good use once again. I never imagined how important a gift this shovel would be.

Mike likes to show-off his Minnesota shoveling skills and shovel cleaner and faster than all the other guys. He brags about how hot he is while doing it, trying to get me to help. I smile and sip my hot cup of Peet's and and tell him when he misses a spot. I mentioned how the older guy across the street was a champ for still being out there shoveling every covered place where a path should be, and he reminds me that he has already finished and that his looks better. He's far more efficient than "our neighbor"!

We live on top of a BIG steep hill and so I called a friend from work and asked him if he could come and get us since he has a BIG 4 wheel drive truck that is far better equipped than our little 4-banger VW. Mike said it would be "no problem" for him to drive---but I wasn't having any of it. Since I am a girl, I can do things like ask for help. Ha!

Believe it or not the roads (which are not salted and made messy by salt and crud like they were in Boston) are clean enough to ride your bike on---even though it's 25 degrees. So Mike is heading out to ride---I will ride my trainer and make chocolate chip cookies today.

I thought the before and after photo's were kind of fun and was glad I took a picture the night before the terrain changed so drastically, Happy Saturday!

Happy December!

Can you believe it is already December, 2007? Amazing. It has really cooled down here in the Sierra's. But we are dry and still riding (easily) outside. I don't ride in the mornings anymore---I wait until the sun warms things up a bit in the afternoon. Mike is enjoying this weather though. He thinks 25 degrees in the morning is a piece of cake. My Minnesota Man.

Yesterday was cold, but today it got up to about 52 degrees. A little windy, but beautiful. I spent the afternoon doing something that I learned with my Minnesota Mom in Marshall---making almond bark pretzels and other holiday goodies! Mine never come out as good as hers do---but it sure was fun. And I also cooked up a crock-pot full of vegan 4-5 bean chili for dinner. YUM!

I haven't really written much since Thanksgiving. The time just flies and I don't know where it goes. Truth is, I'm thankful everyday---and this was a special thanksgiving with all my Mehler's. I got to thinking about some "other" things which may sound kind of strange:

Mike and I grocery shop together every weekend. We each have our own "weekly jobs", but this is one job we both do. In the checkout line, I always read the headlines of the fan magazines. "Angelina, Brad, Britney,etc." How awful it must be to have to worry about who is watching you every minute of every day. I used to think it would be so wonderful to be beautiful and rich and famous. Oh to not have to worry about having enough money to pay for all the things I think I need.

But as we stood around the Thanksgiving table in lovely Truckee, California, I was thankful for many blessings, but also to not have to worry about always being in the limelight. Can you imagine? "Joni just put on 5 lbs..rumor has it there's a baby on the way" or "Joni must be partying too much---she looked like H3LL shopping at Safeway this morning" What a nightmare! Ha!

Perhaps these thoughts are better kept to myself...

Happy December! Happy Birthday Zachary! Happy Birthday Jeff! (Did I miss anyone?)

A ride with Daniel

It is hard to believe that 30 years and 6 months separates us. At least for me. But it is true; my eldest nephew is 14 years old (going on 24). When he was a baby, I used to ride my bike to my folks for Thanksgiving and as soon as I would arrive (about 65 miles later), he would greet me at the door and put on my bike shoes and my helmet and toddle around.

Fast forward ahead and my bike shoes wouldn't fit on his big toe. He is now 6'1", 170lbs and wears a size 15 shoe! Anyway, when he sent me an email asking me about going for a bike ride while he was visiting, you can imagined how happy I was. I was able to find a friend about his height (I always imagined that if and when he wanted to ride a bike, that mine would work for him (ha!) ---soon, Mike's will work for him!)

I picked out a super cool Taylor-racing kit and headed over the hill to Truckee. Mike was going to ride over dirt Henness Pass road and meet us at Boca Reservoir. When we got to the pretty-dried up watering hole, Daniel got familiar with the shifting and off we rode. It was beautiful and cold. Clear and traffic free---and cold. Did I mention it was cold?

The roads were virtually traffic free---nothing but cyclists and a random car heading out to cut down a Christmas Tree. When we came to our first "hill", I instructed Daniel to downshift and he did----then he got out of the saddle and the effort combined with the altitude had him seated and out of breath pretty quickly. (His bike weighed twice as much as mine----rigid fork mountain bike with ultegra drivetrain). By this time, Mike had joined us, and we both vividly remember our introduction to riding at altitude, even with thousands of miles in our legs! Sigh!

Daniel didn't give up though and when the hills got too big he pushed his way up the hill. I was very proud! The cold air and altitude and new type of effort created a bit of asthma but he was fine and by the time we headed back he was rolling along and smiling. He was tired and when he said, "I can't believe how easy this is for you Joni", I said..."You get used to it! do you think you'll ever try this again D?" He smiled and said "Yup!" And like most 14 year olds--he's a man of few words. I won't write what we talked about---because it's just between us---but the time together made my Thanksgiving Day!

Happy Tuesday! (Thanks to my brother Rick for the picture!)

Small hound, big travels, family time

When I think of the all the places Sydney has gone with us, it makes me smile. I don't think I have ever known such an adaptable dog.

We really had a lovely time in Marshall. It was too short. It was one of the nicest trips I've had all year, and when I think of all the places I've been this year, (Italy, Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Southern California, Vegas, etc. ), that's really saying something! Granted, most of the other trips were for work and this one was pure vacation---but I really cherish my time with the Taylor's in the little town of Marshall, MN.

We started things off with trips to our dentist...and the next stop? You guessed it. The Bike Shop and Camden State Park. Mike went mountain biking with the "boys" and I went trail running throughout the park! The Bike Shop has expanded and really gone "upscale". We had dinner with the Olson's and saw their new home and now family of "five"---spent time with Pete and Dave and the whole gang.

Minnesota Mom and Dad treated us to an evening out at the MAFAC center and we saw a Russian Cello Quartet (fabulous!). We ate (or tried) bits of (fresh caught) pheasant, venison, and fish. We even went to a movie (which was a treat since we never do stuff like that). Just me, Mike and Diane---we saw American Gangster!

And of course, we celebrated Uncle Jim's birthday and spent time with friends. I topped the week off with a special walk though Camden with Celeste.

Throughout the week, Sydney enjoyed time with her Grandpa and Grandma and cousin Molly-dog. She really travels well. I took a few pictures (before and after hunting pictures) of her (I know this is shocking!) We arrived home late but amazingly well-rested. Once a year is not enough.

Happy Sunday!

Pheasant Hunting

For a girl who has avoided eating anything with eye's until I met my husband, hunting may seem a strange topic. I remember the first time Minnesota Dad let me shoot a can with Mike's gun (from when he was twelve). It was fun, even though I was terrible at it. Now, I go with the guys---mostly just to walk the cornfields and watch.

We headed towards Ivanhoe (not in Poland---but in Minnesota---although I believe it is a Polish settlement) late in the afternoon in search of some birds! With Merle (Haggard) on the radio, expert Dave finds an interesting spot with no other hunters in sight. When you look out at the field, it looks pretty simple to walk through. It is not. Dave is always in his best shape late fall, early winter, because he walks for miles through the thick prairie grass. This is grass that is as tall as me sometimes.

I try to keep up with long legged Taylor Men and dogs until they lose me and I head back to the warm truck to wait. The only sound was a busy farmer, plowing down a field, preparing it for winter and next year's harvest, and of course the prairie wind. It was warm by Minnesota standards...about 40 degrees. Soon I hear a shot, and in the distance I see two orange guys running after a black spot (Molly) and an even smaller white spot (Sydney). I can't even see the white spot without the binoculars'---I just know she's there!

The "hunter's" and hounds arrive back to the truck with smiles on their faces ---they got a bird! Then it is off to the next spot---until the sun goes down---before heading back home to a homemade vegetarian lasagna prepared with love by Minnesota Mom!

It sure felt good to be home in my second home!

Road to Rose

I kept meaning to bring the camera with me over the last couple of weeks so I could capture some of the amazing desert colors, but I forgot until this morning and the reds are all blown off and only the yellows show up. It is time for me to upgrade this camera. It's big (by today's standards); we bought it before we went to Belgium the second time---like 4 years ago, and these new cameras require no "photo-skills" which is key for a gal who has "no photo skills!"

Today was the first time I saw the baby donkeys that were born early this summer. They are soooo cute. In fact I saw lots of farm babies---ponies, calves and even a baby osterich! Wild Nevada. There is even a series called Wild Nevada that explores the diverse and unknown places around the state. One time, I was watching and they were featuring the town (town is generous---with a population of 25) of Baker, Nevada. Low and behold, my former neighbor from San Francisco was featured on the series, as he has a small hotel there. Baker looks neat. It's the last stop on Highway 50 before you hit Utah.

Speaking of that neighbor, this world is so darn small. One of the guys Mike rides with is an attorney and they were chatting about Baker and Mike said he lived across the street from a guy that moved to Baker. His friend said, "Is his name Terry?" Mike said "Indeed". It turns out this lawyer did some work for him.

On my ride home, my handsome husband pedaled up to me on the grinder climb home. We're all grins with major miles in our legs over the weekend!

And, we are leaving for Minnesota on Tuesday. Looking forward to some R&R with Minnesota Mom and Dad! Have a great week!

Some "gambling" thoughts

Seems like an appropriate subject line for a gal who is now living in the Silver State. The thing is, I don't really gamble. Mike and I even laugh about the fact that he'll at least gamble with someone else's money (like when Jeff gave him $100 to play poker with at an Interbike many moon's ago), whereas I will keep the $100 and put it in the bank.

So, as I think back to when Mike and I left Minnesota and moved to Boston, it didn't feel like a real gamble. But I suppose it was. We both had a long history with Seven, and everyone told us that "Boston is like the San Francisco of the East"---it felt like a sure thing on paper. Especially when we were given a carrot to move back to California in a year.

Perhaps our expectations were too high? And the shock of really crummy weather (summer and winter and spring) was a bit hard to take. Our saving grace was that we had each other. That sounds corny---but it really proved true. So when we looked into heading back to the West coast, it was interesting that out of the three job offers I had, we chose the most unknown option. We gambled on a place that neither of us knew much about.

Well lately, it feels like we hit the jack-pot. July and August were of course too hot for my "other half"---but not really all that bad. And spring was lovely. But nothing like the Fall in the high-desert. Who knew? You don't often read stories about the "Fall colors of Nevada", or the perfectly clear 65-70 degree weather, or the calm small-town feel of Northern Nevada. Everyday the sun shines, the skies are a fantastic blue, and the mountain views---I just never get tired of them.

So we took a gamble on Reno and I guess sometimes gambling is a good thing! Happy Saturday from the cute little Scrapper!

Sunrise in NW Reno!

Yesterday was so lovely! I was going to take the day off the bike---the morning was cold and I had many "jobs" to do (laundry, groceries, weekend house-stuff), but I was finished by 12:30. Instead of setting up the trainer and watching the football games, I talked myself into just a short ride. It had warmed up nicely and there was zero wind. Next thing I knew and I was headed towards Mt. Rose.

On Thomas Creek I see this attractive skinny guy heading my way. You guessed it. Mike was just heading home from his Mt. Rose adventure. He stopped and turned back my way for a bit. "Hey sweetie...can you believe how nice it is?" I told him I couldn't. I wasn't ready for a long ride...but my bike was headed towards Mt. Rose as if it had a mind of it's own. I made sure he had a key to the house and we headed in opposite directions.

I can't explain the silence here. There are no big cities and unless you live in a place where there are no big cities within 100's of miles, you won't understand. It is amazing to me how the sound of silence is so calming. Instead (of distant city sounds) I hear the sounds of my wheels, the breeze in my helmet and the birds in the bushes.

As I headed up the 2 mile grinder home, the weather had changed. I pulled up my arm-warmers (for the climb) and as I got to the top, the clouds had rolled in. The weather channel didn't say anything that would make you think a storm might be blowing in. When I got home I started a warm bath and as soon as I got in, Mike called out "Hey---you got home just in time...it's hailing!" Imagine that!

We ate a feast and watched the hail turn to rain---the clean air turning into a more extreme clarity!

And check out this sunrise!!

Sunset in NW Reno

Can't you just see the swirling of a Vincent Van Gogh paintbrush? Of course I can not capture the delight of scene with a camera---nor in words. Just a big Wow! In our front yard we watched the sun set over the Mountains, and in our backyard, we watched the full moon rise. I took a picture of that too, but it didn't work very well. Too bad Watson or Joe wasn't here to take THAT picture!

I've been changing my riding patterns to the afternoons during the work week, since it is a bit chilly in the mornings. The routes in Verdi are a bit more limited, but I can get out for a couple of hours in the afternoon and do a few laps of the Dog Valley road climb, which means I ride over the Stateline and into California a couple of times a day. It's also virtually car free---maybe 5 cars total.

Friday, while riding I saw the biggest wild cat I've ever seen in person. Not sure what kind of cat it was...bigger (taller and fatter) than Sydney though and it had a kitten-like face. I must have scared it though---as it took off into the woods before I could worry about whether or not it would come after me. It was a big cat.

Last night Mike and I sat out in the backyard, watching the moon-rise, looking out at the Nevada Mountain ranges to the East and BBQ'ing some chow. Hard to believe it is already the end of October, 2007. Enjoy the day!

Overheard in San Diego & LA

"I am heading to our vacation house in Lake Arrowhead on Saturday. My insurance company says they've never had to pay for fire damage in 30 years. I may be the first.

"The wind shifted so I went for a ride outside. After 5 miles my lungs and sinuses were hurting from smoke inhalation so I headed back home to ride the rollers and watch old Tour de France videos indoors"

"Send me a campy record group. I am using the down time from the fires to build up my new Time frame"

"My house was like 10 feet from where the arsonist started the fire in Orange County. Luckily we were in the opposite direction of the wind and the fire blew the other way, so our home is safe"

" I am sending a percentage of all "Animally-Speaking" purchases to help the animals who were displaced in the fires. " (www.animallyspeaking.com).

"We're ok. Had to close the stores for a couple of days. We've relocated to La Jolla and most of the staff is OK even though they had to evacuate"

"The surf has been awesome! As I rode my last wave today, I watched the smoke over towards Malibu. It's so sad"

"There's no place to ride! All of our trails are closed and you can't breathe"

The firestorm and it's aftermath rages on. When you hear things like "a million people are in shelters, evacuated etc.", it starts to be too big to understand. There are 2 million people in Nevada. That would be half the state's population! It hit close to home when my brother's family evacuated for a couple of days. Their home is ok and they are back there now.

I almost feel guilty writing about how "unreal and fabulous" it is here in Reno. So I won't. Yesterday was the first day some of the smoke from the over 500 miles away fires headed over the mountains and into our area. But this morning it is gone and the North winds are blowing in some cooler and cleaner air already. The harvest moon in the evenings is so big and bright it looks like you can reach up and touch it.

Many prayers to all my family and friends in Southern California!

Hidden Valley Cross Race - Reno, NV

Saturday- October 20, 2007

It seems like just yesterday that my life (and weekends) were dictated by the NRC, ncnca.org, nebra-org, mcf.net or some other such "National or Local" bike racing calendar. Guess we're both growing up (which sounds better than getting old). Still, there is nothing like a local race to get the weekend going. Especially when that race is 10 minutes away from home!

Mike's first cross race of the season and the weather was "pure" cross. As in freezing. I think it was the coldest day we've had since we arrived in town last April. Sydney loves cross races and cross weather. She gets to hang out with a bunch of bikers and biker's dogs and in the desert she can dig in the sand between the laps. I had three layers of sweatshirt/vest and jacket. "Do you think I am dressed warm enough?" Mike checked me out and said, "Nope---you'll be cold". So I grabbed another jacket and off we went to Hidden Valley Park.

This park is located to the North and slightly west of Geiger Pass. A lovely little neighborhood and a cool looking desert like course with Mount Rose and Geiger towering over us. Fall colors and sand and rocks were everywhere. I was still cold, but got out of the car while Mike warmed up. I headed to the start/finish where all the other dogs, wives and biker's were and when the A race lined up, Mike took the hole shot and off they went.

After the first three laps, Mike was off the front with this guy named "Stubby". Stubby has never lost a race here. But we didn't know this. And no one knew who we were and so while Mike rode a good 100 meters ahead of this local hero, the mumblings of the crowd went something like this: "Who is that tall skinny dude?" And as Stubby would catch up to Mike in the technical sections everyone would sigh and say..."Stubby has him now!" But when they'd come back through the start finish there was this longish straightaway and Mike would be 100+ meters again off the front with Stubby chasing hard. "That guy (Mike) is sick-fast! Who the heck is he?"

I acted like it was a personal compliment. That's my husband. Mike Taylor. He's a hammer! Well--Mike fumbled in one of the technical sections and Stubby rode away. But he never got more than 25 meters ahead. Mike and he were bunny hopping the barriers and then, in the last lap, Mike flatted. He had to ride the whole course on a flat tire---but he still made a second place finish. Beaten by a mechanical.

The local scene here in Reno is even smaller than Minnesota. But it has that same charm, small town friendly feel. And Mike won enough dough for a little celebration of you know what....beer and food...what else? happy Sunday!

Middle Aged

Last night I did a public talk about Sinclair's exclusive products to a cycling club; Ridley, Campagnolo Sportswear and Limar. Mike joined me early on but bailed before the talk began. The club was called Procrastinating Pedlar's---a group of mostly middle-aged folks who have real jobs, real money and a passion to ride...not race their bikes. My kind of folk.

It occurred to me though that we were likely close to or about the same age. Middle aged. When did this happen? The last time I was at my Mom and Dad's, my Mom had this special face lotion that "vanished wrinkles". I used it and liked it and asked her, "Hey Mom, do you use this stuff?" She said "Sometimes...why?" I just said, "Oh", thinking it was one of those purchases she made that she didn't really use. She said, "You may have it if you'd like".

My Dad replied, "What is it---we can get you some". I said--"it's a special wrinkle-disappearing-magic-potion!" My Dad replied, "My daughter needs wrinkle stuff?" Ha! I took home this potion and I even use it every now and again when I remember.

I remember my Grandma talking to me about age. "I don't feel old" she would say. Here's the deal. You really don't feel old. Your body says your a certain age, and your mind thinks your still 25. Not nice!

Sigh. On a different note---a secret friend informed me that Sierra is both singular and plural. So Sierra's is not correct. High Sierra (one mountain) and High Sierra (many mountains)---still learning stuff---even at my "middle" age! Happy Wednesday!

Sierra High...in Nevada!

John Denver found himself in the "Colorado Rocky Mountain High". Joni Taylor found herself (riding) in the Nevada High Sierra...and understood what he meant. (Ha!) Fall in Northern Nevada is simply fabulous. It's not just "good for around here" riding. It's just plain good, one would travel to go on vacation here, good riding. You don't just see for miles and miles---it looks like you can see for days and days---and all you see are mountains and more mountains and blue sky and even fall colors in the trees.

Perfect weather and all the tourist's and folks who must just live here for the summer are gone and so it is peaceful and uncrowded. Friday night, Dave Metzinger drove up for a visit. He and Mike were going to Gardnerville on Saturday to stay at another friend's and I stayed behind with the Scrapper for a "girl's night". Aside from my morning job's and hiking with Sydney---I had the weekend to myself for a couple of long, slow rides.

It was chilly in the morning on Saturday and so I got a late start and just rode out to the Mt. Rose Highway and back. But today it was a little warmer...near 70 degrees, and so I didn't need to wait for it to warm up before rolling out. There was no wind and so even though I didn't plan on going for a long ride---Geiger beckoned me. I haven't ridden up Geiger Pass since the beginning of summer because it is hot and usually windy coming home. But today was fabulous and so up I went. When I got to the top (6700' more or less), I could see the snow on Rose to the West, and snow on the peaks to the East, beyond Virginia City. It seemed like I could see all the way to Utah! Wow!

When I got home, Mike was home and we sat on the front porch after a shower and some food, just staring at the mountains and talking about our weekend bicycle-adventures. Felt like one of those "Life is good" commercials.

October rules! Happy Sunday!

Cool Morning Ride!

So on Monday's Mike takes a day off the bike which means I get to ride to work (as opposed to ride and then come home to pick up the Scrapper before heading for work). I don't always take advantage of being able to ride in, but when I do, it is a real treat. It was cold by Joni standards---you know the drill---Mike says "it's not cold", I say "it's not cold for Polar Bears".

But after two years of living in places which actually have winter, I have accumulated some gear which makes the cold tolerable. 30's/40's are cold---especially with a mountain air breeze. But boy is it clear and spectacular to see the Sierra's in high definition in the morning air. Plus I have some new Campy Sportswear tights that are just fabulous---I may feel cold...but I look "too cool for school!" Ha!

I headed towards Mogul/Verdi and looped around the neighborhoods nestled into the hills and then headed towards the Stateline and Henness Pass Road. I saw three coyote's heading in after a night of trouble making. And lots of geese and birds feeding in the mountain pastures. It was so quiet as I climbed Dog Valley road that the only sound I could hear was the whirr of my wheels as they rolled along the road. A "zen" moment. The sound of silence.

I don't care what anyone says...I still get cold no matter what I am wearing. But it was far from unpleasant. It was awesome. I headed to Boomtown and they've just finished the road leading to the big brand new Cabella's which is opening in November. Minnesota Dad will love it!

Speaking of Minnesota, I just bought our tickets and we are heading to Marshall the second week of November. I can't wait! And now life is becoming a bit more manageable after the chaos of the "pre-season" bike season madness. It will be fun to be back to my second home. I haven't been there since we left for Boston--seems like a lifetime ago.

Happy Tuesday!

Because it's good for you!

I remember when many years ago my Mom used to make me run every day. "Because it's good for you!" There's a long story about the details that lead up to this, but the gist was that if I was under her roof, I had to do some things her way. Funny thing is, it was the best thing (or one of them) that she ever did for this "somewhat-spoiled and sometimes manipulative" technically an adult but really a little girl, girl.

There are days when I wish someone would go and exercise for me. I do love riding my bike. But sometimes I just like the "thought" of riding my bike. Actually "doing it" is another thing. That crisp chill in the air means that I need to wear more specialized gear, and suffer through the first few miles of chill. And since my favorite rides go uphill, it means I have to be cold on a descent. Top that off with a 1000' foot, 1.3 mile climb to get back home and I can talk myself out of anything!!

I have a cool bicycle and very cool riding gear though---so I have no excuse and I am compelled to ride. If you lived with my over-athletic husband, who is critical of spending money on things you don't use, you too would feel like you must get your money's worth out of your "toys". I like to look cool. Mike just is "uber-cool".

So like my Mom, Mike encourages me to get outside. Even when I think I would rather sit on the couch and eat and watch TV! Probably knowing this little detail about me is surprising since I put about 15,000 miles pedaling on the road each year. I am sure that one of the reasons Mike is in my life is to keep that "good parenting" going. He even knows that things like "All you can eat Sushi" are good ways to get me on the road.

So...I am all bundled up in some of the coolest riding gear on the market, with a swanky-cool road bike ready to hit the road on a clear as a bell Sierra Sunday morning to head towards Mt. Rose---all because it is "good for me"!

Have a wonderful Sunday!!!

Snow on the Mountain Tops!

October 6th and it has actually snowed twice already and we woke up Friday morning to snow in our front yard! It's already melted except for on the mountain tops. And it is crisp and beautiful outside. The air is clean, the sky is blue and the visibility is infinite. I thought I was going to be too tired or too cold or "fill in the blank for a good excuse not" to ride today. It was in the 30's when we got up this morning.

That said, after doing all my morning "jobs", my bicycle beckoned me to go for a ride. This is the first weekend in a long time where I didn't have to be anywhere---and my plan was to sleep and rest and read and watch movies. But my bicycle has a loud bark, and it was beautiful and warmer by noon. So I bundled up in my fall riding gear and headed for the hills!

It's funny the conversations I have with myself when I think I am going for a short ride. My first climb into Caughlin Ranch, and I say.."OK Joni, just do one small lap". That's all you need to do today. When I got to the top of the 3rd roller of the climb, I zipped up my vest for the fast descent. The air is COLD. Even though the sun warms up--the air chill is cold. It was like jumping into a cold lake after sitting in a jacuzzi.

As turned back into Caughlin Ranch at the bottom of the hill, I was happy for the warmth of the climb again. And where I was supposed to make a right, my bike kept going straight and off I went for another lap of the area. I always talk myself into the "just one more mile...one more hill...one more hour". Real conversations. Like if someone passes me I am sure they think I am talking on a cell phone. 5 years ago they would have thought I was nuts and talking to myself. Now my behavior can be perceived as normal since everyone is always talking to someone on the phone.

So it is good to be back in the mountain air of the Sierra's. Mike and I both love the Fall---and this is our first Fall in the High Sierra's! Glad I didn't take the day off the bike.

Hope you have a lovely Saturday!

Back to Fresh Mountain Air!

Vegas! It is a nutty, crazy place! New York City may be the town that never sleeps, but Vegas is the town that tries to make you think you're not supposed to sleep. The Venetian (which we had to walk through everyday to get to the Sands convention center) has the phony cloudy sky which makes you think it is daytime, all the time. This was the busiest show I have ever worked. I hardly ever left my booth---even on Friday which is typically the day when I can walk around the show and see "what's new".

I am amazed that in this day and age, that people can still do the "vegas-unhealthy" thing. The smoke in the casino's and the air-freshener spritzes that try and mask the smell are atrocious. I don't know what scares me more. The rush of awful air you smell when you first open the doors to the casino? Or the 20 minutes later when you can't smell it anymore because you are "used to it"? It's all very 80's. From the disco-bright lights to the life in the fast lane feel.

Can you tell I don't like Vegas? I can see how it might be cool for the first time---I suppose. Mike and I enjoyed a ride up Mount Hamilton before we flew out and ride back up Mount Hamilton when we returned. The best part of the whole gig was seeing my folks and riding, and seeing all my old "peeps" from PAB and other shops around the country.

Here's some pics of our party (taken by Nathan Heidt) (first one is me with the Bicycle John's crew and Ivan Dominguez) and of Mike on top of the world with Alan---post show. The funny thing is that the kayser's and the Taylor's were all on Mount Hamilton on the same day. Alan & Mike rode up and down together. I rode up after they did and passed them on the way down, and as I was going down, I saw Alan's wife Sue riding up.

I will write more this weekend---I am still de-compressing and re-adjusting to the altitude...again! Happy Thursday!

What happens in Vegas...

...stays in Vegas! Ha! In all the year's that Mike and I have been together and been in the bike biz, we've never made the trip to Interbike together. Hard to believe. This year, we are both going---so the Scrapper is staying with her Grandparents in California for a week. Last week was a hugely successful week in the Bay Area. I hope this is a sign for a really good year for us!

I rode my bike to pick up a rental car at the airport on Monday. How nice is that? I love living in a town that is small enough to ride (my bicycle) right into the airport (without traffic), and yet big enough to have an International airport. I left in the afternoon and when I hit Albany I could see the San Francisco Skyline and Mount Tamapais. It brought tears (literally) to my eyes to see my lovely city by the bay. I can't describe it. Even better was the fact that I was reverse traffic (i.e. no traffic at all) from Reno all the way to the Toll Plaza. The worse traffic was actually in Truckee as they are preparing the roads for winter and all but one lane was closed for about 8 miles.

I spent three days in San Francisco working and it was a great trip! Tomorrow we are going to ride and then head to my Mom and Dad's and then fly out of the San Jose Airport to Las Vegas. It'll be hectic and I will be glad to be through with the trade show. The best part will be seeing everyone. But other than that...it is crazy Vegas.

We have cooled down 20 degrees this past few weeks and my morning rides are already chilly. Fall everywhere is lovely. In the Sierra's you get that crisp air blowing in from elevation, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets! We even got some rain today and some dusting of snow up on Mt. Rose.

Happy Birthday Rick! Happy Yom Kippur! Happy Saturday!

Special Birthdays...

This weekend has been a perfect riding weekend. So ride we did! Lots of miles, up and down the lovely Sierra's. It is absolutely beautiful. Crisp but not at all cold. I am leaving for the Bay Area tomorrow for a couple of days before we head to Vegas, next weekend. Sigh. I love San Francisco though so it a treat of a trip to have to go there to work. And I get to see my brother and Jason (who just returned from Argentina).

Some extra special things about today? Happy Birthday to Daniel Mehler and Sydney Taylor! Daniel is (oh my gosh!) 14 and Sydney is (oh my gosh again!) 9. Hope you had as lovely a weekend outside as we did!

Have a great week!

Saturday Inspiration

My friend John Fries, infamously known as "Bicycle John's" (Bicycle John's Serious Cycling) in Los Angeles, set out to run 100 miles today. He and I first became acquainted last year when I was his account rep at Seven Cycles, and now he is one of my favorite accounts in Los Angeles for Sinclair Imports. He's a pretty amazing guy. He just turned 50 years old and apart from running three successful high-end bicycle stores in LA, he's an athlete, tri-athlete, cyclist and runner you-name-it.

In any case, today is the day where he set out to participate in his first 100 mile running race. 100 miles. He said it might take him 30 hours. I can't even imagine it. I told him that I would be at a special place on my bike (at altitude) at a certain time so that we could both be at a high point at the same time. When I arrived at my high-point near a meadow near Mt. Rose, I stopped and thought good thoughts for his day. It's been a while since I did a long ride of over 4 hours. Been traveling too much. Yet each time I felt tired, I just thought of John and smiled and kept riding. Funny how I used him for my inspiration today when if anything he is the one worthy of inspiring thoughts.

I've run a marathon once. And once was enough. After mile 18 I am pretty much done. I can't fathom running three in a day...at altitude. I feel so blessed to have such people in my life. One of the perks of working in this industry is being able to work with folks like John.

When I got home from my ride, Mike was giving the Scrapper a bath after she rolled around in the dirt. Once the Scrapper was clean, Mike and I took ourselves out for "All-you-can-eat" sushi. Now I am stuffed to the gills and ready for a Saturday nap with my husband and my small hound. I love Saturdays!

Wherever you are and whatever you are doing today, think a special thought for my friend Bicycle John who is running 100 miles today! Happy Saturday!!!

Cycling in the Surf & Sun!

It figures I would be in So Cal during the humid heatwave! Still, time with family and friends was priceless and worth all the humid hot air. But it was "oppressive heat". Felt like I was out East. 10 days away from my husband and hound is about the limit though. I am glad to be home for a while. I love traveling with my reps, and it is fun to visit all the cool bike shops as well. And Alan came up to Reno for the Labor Day weekend and he and Mike had some "guy time" to hang out and ride bikes!

So now I am home and it is my first real day off in a couple of weeks and I am almost too tired to ride. Almost. This morning Mike and I watched the balloon races from our house on the hill. I haven't figured out how it all works, but it is fun watching a sky full of balloons, while sipping on a cup of Peet's with my guy and my dog.

My Mom, Dad and Layne were also visiting in So Cal and were in a car accident while traveling to see my dad's horses. It was the fault of the other driver and no one was "seriously" injured. Still, my Mom broke her wrist, my dad and Layne suffered bruises and whip-lash. It was my Mom's "week-off" from chemo and she had hoped to NOT be in a hospital. Sigh. Most people would be thinking law-suits though and my Mom (always looking on the bright side of things), says she was grateful to be able to find out that her potassium was low. She and Layne also noted that everyone that helped her or who was involved was named Angela or Angelina or some other "angel" name. Even in times of "bad things happening", there is a positive way to look at life.

In between working, I was able to get some nice rides in along the coast and get my feet wet in the surf. I LOVE California. I can't help it (along with millions of other people). There is something about the way I feel being near the Pacific Ocean that makes me feel whole and alive. I joined in on some group rides and was able to keep up! Altitude riding paid off!

Mike's grandma passed away while I was gone. She's in a better place and she lived a long life, but it is still sad. So much happens in a day/week/month/year. Every moment is important. I just talked myself into going for a ride...(-:

Happy Saturday!

Swimming with Sydney!

Mike and I rode together this morning. It's nice when he asks me to go for a ride with him. We looped through Mogul, Verdi and Boomtown and enjoyed the calm morning before the wind and the heat picked up. While we were riding, we were chatting about our time in Innsbruck, Austria, and how that was the best riding vacation we ever took. Our heads are spinning now about possible ways to return there. What's interesting to me is that that trip was over 4 years ago. We have had such wonderful adventures together. Marriage is a good thing.

It's been pretty hot---I mean it's August. You can't even talk about the heat here since it is hot everywhere. Everywhere but the Bay Area---where it is warm-ish hot. So when you spent most of your life growing up in the "always good" climate, you have much to learn about the way the rest of the world lives. Actually, it is hot in the desert, but it is so dry that one can tolerate as much as 20 degrees hotter/colder than you are used to before it becomes uncomfortable.

The Scrapper gets so hot and dry on her walks that we decided to head to the Truckee River and take the fat hound swimming. She is an amazing Jack Russell Retriever and she swam and retrieved a sock-wrapped-tennis ball until she was beat. The water is still cold and refreshing. Mountain fed water usually is. Until the last three years, I always thought the water should be cold in the summer. (Ever surfed in the Pacific Ocean in the SF Bay---it is in the 50's in the summer and winter!) But in the East---the water is bath water---and so it was a nice reminder that I am on the West coast again.

When we got back home Sydney was a dirty wet and smelly hound. Mike managed to get her with the garden hose while performing bike maintenance on my bike (always a multi-tasker). Then it was time for beer and a pasta feast, especially prepared by the head chef in the Taylor abode. (hint: it is NOT me!)

I am off to Southern California next week. The best news is that I will stay at my brother's over the Labor day weekend and go and see my nephew Zachy play his first tackle football pre-season. Happy Sunday!

As good as it gets!

That is the way I would describe my weekend! Mike and I left work early on Friday and headed to the Bay Area. We stayed with some friends in Woodside and it felt like resort living at it's best. We had no idea. We dined on a feast of Salmon and Tuna and wined and dined with Jerrell and Alison. On Saturday we were up early and rode our own rides. Mike left with Alan and the "650" crew and I headed up Kings by myself. But I wasn't by myself for long!

"Hey Taylor, what are you doing here? No more Minnesota?" It was none other than Jim Ochowitz...who still always thinks I am living in Minnesota. How many places in the world can you go for a random bike ride and have "Och" himself come pedaling up beside you on a glorious climb on a Saturday morning?

After my ride I packed up the Scrapper and headed to my Mom's for a quick visit. When I got back to Jerrell's I relaxed by the pool with a book and Mike napped in the guest house and then we headed to Watson's (or rather The Watson's) for a wedding celebration! It was like an old Palo Alto Bicycles reunion! Jay and Jamie got married in Maui and had a celebration at their home. Lot's of "J's" in this story. Jay was introducing me to someone named John and it went something like this, "Hi John, this is Joni, Jen, Joe, Jon..." Kinda funny.

On Sunday, We rode up King's and then headed to Palo Alto Bikes...and even Jeff showed up on his day off. No place else is home. I'll never forget Amanda's words when she said, "You know, Joni, you wake up, do your day, go for a ride and watch the sun plop into the Bay, and even if you're living on Ramen noodles and living in a shack somewhere...it doesn't get much better than THAT!"

She was right...and last weekend was "as good as it gets!"

Happy Monday!

This is Chris Horner...

So, on Friday afternoon, we were a little short staffed and so our receptionist called me and asked if I could watch the phones for a couple of minutes. I still haven't figured out how to work our phone system, so I was hoping it wouldn't ring, but sure enough, the second she left, the phone rang.

"Sinclair Imports, this is Joni, how can I help you?"

"Hey Joni, this is Chris Horner, is Lance there?"

"This is NOT Chris Horner!"

"Yes, this is Chris---looking for Lance!"

"Yeah, right...erh, is this really you Chris?"

He laughed and said "yup!" Fortunately Horner has a good sense of humor and he thought it was pretty funny. I was just about to say, "Prion...it's enough already...you are not fooling me with this Horner-act!"

Sigh. You have to understand that there are a few practical jokers in bike shops I work with who always play tricks on me (Dave Prion, Hankster, etc.)...I still have the message from "Clive, the Sear's guy who is calling on my washing machine delivery...." I don't have a washing machine and I thought my landlord was buying one for us...heavier sigh...

Anyway---I thought it was funny that the first time I answered the phone, it was none other than "local boy gone Euro star" Chris Horner on the other end of the phone. It's that Vegas time of year when all the Pro's call Lance about the infamous Sinclair party.

Oh well, I am off for a ride around Caughlin Ranch and then packing for a week in Seattle and Portland. The weather there is about 20 degrees cooler which will be a nice respite from the desert. Have a wonderful Sunday!

Boca Reservoir

Nestled between Sierra & Nevada County, near Truckee, California lies the Boca & Stampeed reservoirs. There is a rolling road which meanders up and down and around the Alpine fed waterbeds and Mike discovered this place last April when he (of coursed) raced them one Thursday evening. So this morning, after viewing some smokey air headed our way from the Carson Valley, he said, "I finally feel like riding and there's smoke. How about we head over the pass and I'll show you a nice ride?"

I was feeling somewhat tired, but if Mike felt like riding with me, how could I say "no"? So we loaded up the bikes and headed over the pass. There are so many "off the beaten paths" here in the Sierra's. The exit for Boca is just East of Northstar and Truckee (the town). After you cross the railroad tracks, you come upon pristine Alpine roads and and a big (albeit low--drought low) reservoir.

There is something about the green alpine smell that I love. It always reminds me of "home". It's a California good smell that I can't define. But it smells like I am supposed to be there amongst the big redwood and green evergreen/alpine trees along roads littered with pine cones of various shapes and sizes. We rolled away up the road and enjoyed the scenery. There was a small climb and Mike said, "This is the only climb...it's short ---maybe a half a mile". We descended and came upon another climb. "Hmm. Actually, this is the climb---it's maybe a half a mile". I smiled. Even though he's been off the bike for a while, Mike is strong. You think he's sand-bagging, but he really just enjoys challenges---and it takes alot for something to be "hard" for him.

After the second descent we talked and rode. Soon an even bigger climb came. "Oh...actually this is the climb!" I laughed and said, "I bet it's about a half a mile or so!" We rode until the pavement became dirt. Henness Pass (from near Sinclair in Verdi) goes over the mountain but it's dirt. So we turned around and he took a detour over near the Stampeed Reservoir while I headed back to Boca.

I saw him riding on the other side of the reservoir and watched him go. We came home and cleaned house while listening to REM and The Cowboy Junkies. I may not have alot of money, but I feel like a very rich woman today.

Happy Saturday!

Off my Soapbox!

You know how "reformed" anythings are the worse. (But if I confused anyone...I have not taken up smoking. I was trying to find secret places for my colleague to smoke.) Sigh...

On July 25th, some very dear friends tied-the-knot in Maui. Another "Palo Alto Bicycles" linked relationship. Hopefully made in heaven, like mine. Congrats to Jay & Jamie. I hope to make it to the big party (I will be in Seattle/Portland that week..sigh).

Mike has been in this crazy "funk" with his health---for quite a while. He's been riding the last few days---but it still isn't right. He went to see Jeff Angerman's wife and they are doing tests. She said that Mike had a big heart (I already knew this!), but that this was normal for athlete's at his level. So now they are doing blood work. The lab lost his first sample and so he needs to go and get it done again...

We have finally cooled down to 90 degrees here. I think the thought of summer, forever reverts one back to their childhood...and even more than the warmth, it was the vacation from school part that brings back the fond memories. Hot summer (when you are NOT on vacation) is, well, HOT. In the high desert, it is dry-hot, but HOT all the same. And no, I am not going to rant about the heat.

I am off to the Pacific Northwest in 7 days and then to So Cal at the end of the month. I will be spending Labor Day with my nephews in Carlsbad....in between working in LA & San Diego. I'll tell ya man...working really digs into my riding time. But I LOVE this part of my job. And end of September is Las Vegas. THEN I am going to Minnesota for some R&R. Not many people might pick Marshall Minnesota for a vacation spot---but I can't wait to walk the cornfields with Minnesota Dad, and go to "coffee" with Minnesota Mom and get pampered "Taylor" style. Now I have my own friends there to visit with as well.

My Mom is still on her chemo program. Thank you to everyone for asking! She is strong and inspired and amazing---a real blessing!

I am off for a ride in the dry-heat! Happy Sunday!

Walk the talk

My carbon footprint over the last few weeks is not something I am very happy about. Such is the nature of the beast. In order to get ready for 2008, I am spending the summer of 2007 getting folks excited about "new stuff". For a girl who never plans what she is doing in the next hour, this is quite a concept. And blending the "culture of the bike biz" from Europe to the USA has been enlightening, to say the least.

If I spoke to you about the "passion for cycling", and told you the reasons my product was so great, and I had a cigarette hanging out of my mouth---would you buy? Perhaps? Perhaps not. In Europe, the cycling business is a "business". They could be selling packs of gum. If somebody wants to smoke---this is their own business. Heck, I smoked once upon a time---I am sorry to report. That was over 20 years ago...when I was a know-it-all "adult". But the cycling community, so saturated with marketing ploys, is a little more skeptical. The proof is in the pudding.

For example, one of my favorite"chief's" at Palo Alto Bicycles that got me started in the biz, understood that I knew nothing about selling bikes, but I had a passion for the sport, I rode hundreds of miles a week, thus I could sell bike stuff. He could teach me the technical details. He couldn't teach me the passion part. That I had and so I was successful and believable. Another example is a shop in Boston, that literally goes for a ride with everyone they do business with. If you want to sell this shop something, you better be ready to ride with them.

Last week while traveling with my Italian counter-part, I had to keep my wits about me, finding "safe places" to smoke in between shop visits. I kept my cool when I was showing the collection to a particular shop where I love the folks in charge, and their lovely daughter (who's a baby---like barely walking) accidently tipped over a purse, and out fell the pack of cigarettes.

I don't mean to be rough on smokers. Having been there, I know the challenges of quitting---and really, it is none of my business. If you are selling me athletic apparel/gear/bikes/running shoes though---you are going to have a tough time being believable to me.

Not a single employee at Sinclair Imports smokes. How nice! We all ride, race, and live our work. I know I promised Gephardt a good story ---but I am mostly enjoying the first whole day off I have had in two weeks---

My Minnesota Mom & Dad are in Alaska! Happy birthday little sista! Happy Saturday!

On Fire!

Ha! You probably thought I was referring to the Tour de France. Different kind of fire, and certainly worthy of the "on fire" headline, but the fire I am referring to is the hot, flaming, burning kind. The first photo is from this morning. Looked like the 900 burning acres were fairly in control after they ignited sometime on Monday afternoon; it seemed like the firefighters had gotten things together (after a hard's night work I am sure.)

The rest of the photo's are from when we got home this evening. Not in control. The charred mountains are my, sniff, morning ride. Caughlin Ranch. I will have to ride my Verdi route for a few days---as not only is it not healthy riding around in the smoke, but they probably wouldn't let me through the barricades. 3-4 million dollar homes surround the neighborhoods. The firefighters saved them all! But seemed to sacrifice the surrounding hills as a result and the fire went "the other way!" Up, Up Up...and now too steep to spray with the water hose. It looks like a volcano erupting!

It's more fun to write about my bike rides. That is for sure!

TdF Commericals

...and now a word from our sponsor's! The Tour de France could take some hints from the Tour of California with respect to commercial choices. I loved the "if you were snow, where would you want to fall" commercials from the race in the golden state. Let's break it down:

Enzyte - Male enhancement---"ask Bob why he is smiling?" He loves the big lift he gets from Enzyte--Plus the topical rush special.
Cialus - or "See Alice". ED issues. Enough said.
Honda - Get off the couch and go drive a motorcycle (Sit on another seat and pollute the air for fun)
Petra Cornicova's Hp computer that she carries around all her magazine cover girl photo's on, and sends photo's underwater to all her friends.

If I had kids and they were watching the tour with me (which they would be), how does one explain these products? The only one's that are OK are the Specialized and Cervelo commercials. The Michelob Ultra's/Miller High Life aren't bad----and the Saab ones "Fly to the Finish" are all right too. Even the local commercials, which you probably aren't subject too, since they are fairly local specific are really bad.

One might say, "Joni, why are you watching the TdF all day long? (Get out and ride your own bike!) Well of course I am [out there riding my own bike], in between the Tour (and the various repeats of the Tour). I guess I am not the "intended audience" for the commercials. I would have thought that perhaps more focus would have been made for the carbon foot-print, international travel, adventure-seeking type audience would have been impressed upon. That, and of course the "weather".

Speaking of weather---I got a good 8 hours in the saddle this weekend. It was hot and dry. Happy Monday! Happy Birthday Tom!

Ode de Fume!

As in it's smokey out there! With the temps reaching or nearing the century mark for over a week, it's hot (dry hot---but hot!) out there. And the dry part is what's stirring up trouble. Lightening strikes have caused some fires to the South, North (Northwest) and East of Reno. No wind has meant that the fire-fighting efforts are helped...but the air quality is awful! Feels and looks like the smoggy LA basin---think Redlands! Smells like an ash-tray. So I have something new to complain about (thank goodness for that!)

Yesterday things were looking up and so I went for a morning ride before work. But then, yesterday---with the lightening storms, some new fires must have picked up as we woke up to the worst smelling day thus far. Sigh. Summers everywhere but San Francisco are becoming my least favorite season. I don't mind the heat --- but the fires make it so unhealthy to exercise outside, that it might as well be winter. I'll quit whining, because I still like it better than the humidity we had to live with last year. It is far from "oppressive heat"---and that is what we had in Boston. (100 degrees; feels like 90 as opposed to 89 degrees; feels like 100!)

The Tour has at least taken the bite off the fires. Some pretty amazing racing already---and there is nothing like waking up early and flipping on the TV for some live coverage of bike racing. And true to form, the Tour doesn't disappoint---and again I am in awe of what these skinny guys can do on a bicycle.

I hope you are enjoying your summer---I may not love the fires---but I do love being out West this year! One of the best things (about being home again) is being near friends---like the Prion's who stopped by the Sinclair Factory on their way to Crested Butte on Friday and who will stop by our house on their way back home this weekend. Lilly is already walking. You miss this stuff when you are far far away! Happy Wednesday!

Happy July 4th!

That I started my day with a bike ride will not surprise anyone. Even though it's supposed to be 103 degrees---the Taylor's ride anyway. Thought I'd take you along for a spin by bringing my camera. The road to the State line was dotted with cyclists today. I was spinning (easy day) and so I get out of the way and all the fast guys pass me. Then a chubby older woman on a hybrid wearing running shorts and tennis shoes passed me. Hmmmm?! I caught up to her on one of the little climbs. She was riding on an older mixte type hybrid with some kind of aero-bar contraption set-up. She can only hold one water-bottle and so she had to re-fill on water at the middle school. Nothing about her looked fit or strong---but "looks" on a bicycle are deceptive. I used her as my inspiration. We parted at the Dog Valley climb to Henness Pass Road.

Anytime I think I need a little bit of California, I ride this route and cross the California State line. I tried to ride the unpaved gravel part---but it is not very suited to a road bike. Mostly for the descent. As I looped over the railroad tracks and over the Truckee River, I headed towards Boomtown. The housing development is interesting; 500K+ housing developments on one side and mobile homes on the other. There is a small abandoned community church in the middle of nowhere. A few houses away is a very interesting house with a bear carved out of wood. And in the middle of Verdi, NV there is an "Italian Car Only" parking space.

Just up the road in Mogul, there is a completely different stone church with nothing but a sign which says "The River" on it.

The 4th of July---a time to reflect on everything that America is, and to celebrate all she has to offer! We are such fortunate people to live here. Mike took me out for "All you can eat Sushi" and we officially celebrated our Anniversary, the 4th of July, and Nevada. It is hotter than you know what today---Happy Independence Day! Be safe!

One day I will upgrade my laptop and be able to download the photo's I took. Sigh!

Oost, West, thuis best!

So even though I was in Italy, Mijn Nederlands es beter dan mijn Italiano. My European travels have always been focused in the Belgian or The Netherlands regions and even though Italian sounds so beautiful, my linguistics skills seem to be more comfortable with Dutch of all things. May not be music to the ears---but that's how it is. I was chatting with a very old friend from The Netherlands online the other day, and we were talking about "old times". He and I and another guy took a road trip through Eastern Europe in the early 90's together on my sabbatical from SGI. Being Dutch, his language skills were top notch and traveling through Eastern Europe at that time, meant if anyone had a second language in Eastern Europe, which in itself was very rare, it was German---not English. He made the traveling and sight seeing (and finding the bathrooms, lodging, food and good places to see) a real pleasure!

He is also the person who gave me my first "adult" bicycle. And obviously that gift absolutely changed my life in very profound ways. He is married now and has a lovely little daughter...and we talked about how us knowing each other was in many ways a turning point in our lives. It's funny. We both toyed at the time with becoming expatriates; would he come live in America or would I go and live in The Netherlands? For many reasons, notwithstanding a bit of immaturity, nothing ever came of it.

When I told him about my recent trip to Italy, I said that I never fly over the pond without thinking of my Dutch friends (I spent alot of time there back in the day!) We both love Italy (what is not to love?), but "Home is where the heart is", I wrote to him. My home is really wherever Mike is. I do love it here in Nevada, and I love being closer to my family, but if Mike said to me tomorrow, "We are moving back to Marshall", than that would be where my home was. I asked Martijn what the saying would be in Dutch and he said, "Oost, west, thuis best". (East, West - Home is the best). So there you go!

Now that I might be mature enough (and that might be questionable!), I have found my home in a person, not a place. Perhaps, I have found my home within myself. I don't know. I have the travel bug again---a little bit of Europe goes a long way. Next year we are celebrating DEAR friend's 50th birthday riding our bikes in Italy/Switzerland and wherever else he decides we will go. Time to learn Italian.

Right now, I am off to ride my bike in Reno---It's nice to be home! Happy July 1st!

"Welcome to Reno"

I know, I know. We've been here for a few months already. But I have a nice story to tell--that's a bit circular in how everything is really connected in our world. Last year, while we were still at Seven, my accounts were Western US accounts, which included Nevada---Reno specifically. And last Fall, we received an order in from Mother Lode cycles, right here in Sparks for a gal who was buying a new Seven bicycle. I took the order and worked with the shop and customer before passing it onto Mike to design the bike. We had made a great connection with the customer and her boyfriend, John.

The gal's boyfriend, also a Seven owner was planning to surprise her with an additional paint job on her bike. So we worked with him as well. Time passed and Mike and I made our decision to leave Seven (you've heard this story before), but since we were moving to Reno and had made a friendly connection with John, the Seven owner, we let him know we were going to be local and he gave us his contact info.

Fast forward to our arrival to Reno. Eric, from Mother Lode, dropped into Sinclair to meet us and in our conversations he mentioned that John was also one of the best veterinarians in town. It was time for Sydney to get her shots so Mike made an appointment with John. He (John) was so excited that we were here and he offered us a 10% discount on Sydney's check-up.

For the last 5 years, Sydney has also needed her teeth cleaned. They were awful and her breath was bad. (No more tennis ball with the Scrapper---it ground down her teeth to nubs!). The problem is that the costs we've been quoted were $400-700 dollars! Ouch! John said it would be a good idea though, and we decided we needed to do it. His quote was $300+/-. They need to use anesthesia which is why it costs so much.

So, last Thursday, Mike dropped the Scrapper off to clean her schmeever's. When he went to go and get her, Mike was hoping for the 10% discount, but we were fine paying whatever it was (he won $300 bones in a race the weekend prior!). John greeted him with a smile and when he handed Mike the paperwork, he said, "Now I can't do this every time". Mike didn't understand. John saw his confusion. He shook his hand, and said "Welcome to Reno!" He completely comp'd the whole bill. No charge for the Scrapper's new pearly whites! We still can't believe it. This really has the small town feel.

Happy Birthday Steve and Uncle Ron!

A day at the Campagnolo Factory!

In my wildest dreams I never imagined I would find myself in Italy to spend a day working with Campagnolo inside the factory. I keep pinching myself. They had me booked in Vergilius Hotel and Spa resort for the collections presentation, and my room overlooked the swimming pool and part of the golf course. There are also mountains close by---I thought this part of Italy would be flatter...but it is rolling like the Santa Cruz Mountains. Venezia is a very wealthy province in Italy and Vicenza, where Campagnolo is, is the wealthiest city in the Venezia province. I imagined it would be more industrial (when I think of factory, I think Industrial---Pittsburgh, but this is not so).

Campagnolo Sportswear is completely separate from the components division. They are right near each other, but the clothing designers come from the fashion industry. Their specialty is clothing. Fashion degrees and expertise in high tech materials/fabrics and there are no component aspects. I never knew this. I got a private presentation of the entire collection and was amazed that only 8 people run this part of the division. It was like being at Chanel, Yves St. Laurent in France. Only this was Italia.

The food in Italy is beyond belief. Everything tastes better here and I do not know why. The attention to detail and the proper oils and fresh basil. Yum.

After we worked, Paola took me to my hotel in the center of Treviso. It is a bed and breakfast right in the center of the town and Treviso is surrounded by three rivers. Right outside my room there is a canal passing, and I am on the top floor---last room. It is old and charming and it is not touristy where I am. True Italian culture. Tonight Paola is taking me to dinner at a place close by.

I am getting a real inside view of Italian culture---complete with an English interpreter! How did this happen?

Ciao di Italia!

If I went over the crazy departure I had, it would make you tired---it certainly made me tired! Everything started out fine and Mike dropped me off early at the Reno airport (which is quite nice--easy, simple, not crowded and clean). Unfortunately my plane was not as prompt (there was really no reason that I ever found out, they said it was weather---but it was clear as a bell in Reno and SF)---perhaps my (United) airlines flight was victim of the computer glitch I've been hearing about on CNN. In any case---even though my connecting flight in SF was on the ground for the whole 45 minutes that I was in line since they said I was too late to make it since my plane was late, they refused to let me board. I couldn't book my flight through from Reno because they were different airlines.

Sigh--then, Delta tried to tell me that it was United's fault and so I had to go wait in line at United and I said that United told me I had to re-book with Delta since they were the issuing agent. Delta said that United would have to pay---and I said I really didn't know who had to pay---but it wasn't me. They then proceeded to book me on a flight that would have made me miss the meeting I was flying here for. Unacceptable. With a little creative booking...and alot of patience, they found me a flight on Air France. But I had to wait for four hours, fly to LA...wait another 3 hours and then fly to Paris. From Paris, I had to then take a bus to a different terminal and board for a flight to Venice.

As I write about it, I realize that it sounds alot worse than it was. It was certainly not fun waiting around in airports, and going through security 4 times. The mental stress is the worse. I also was being met in Venice by a driver from Campagnolo and I had no cell phone. I called my dad and Mike and they were chartered with tending to those arrangements ( and my Papa's message was very well received by the Italians and they were touched by his message about making sure somebody came to get me.)

But all went well and in retrospect, Air France is one of the nicest airlines I have been in. The coach seats have as much room as business class---you get a private TV with 8 movies to choose from and the meals were great. Even on the commuter flight between Paris and Venice (a little over an hour flight), they served a meal with a fresh baguette and french cheeses.

So I am now at Vergilius Hotel Spa---a resort in Vicenza. I met Mr. V. Campagnolo today in the presentation. Tomorrow I go to work with Paola at the Campagnolo Factory to spend the day learning more about the clothing.

Estate. Fa molto caldo. Non piovere. Molto bene!! (Summer. It's very hot. No rain. Very good!)

Ciao di Italia!

The Tour de Nez

The Tour de Nez, in it's compact version included two stages this year (down from the 3 day/4 race venues of year's past). Friday night after work, Mike and I headed to Truckee, CA for the first stage---The field was huge with big hitters from BMC, Rock, Jelly Belly, Discovery Channel, Healthnet, Columbia National---you know the drill. After the call ups, the race was off to a quick start. Tony Cruz, Scott Moninger, Mike Sayers, Alex Candelario, & Mike Taylor (!) all took turns coming through the Start/Finish leading the charge at the front of the storming peloton.

Yes, I know...all of the other names are familiar to most races fans. The announcers were well versed in the first four names. But Mike Taylor stumped them. So they announced as follows, "And here's one of the younger rider's from the Cal Giant Strawberry Team taking charge of the race...". Ha! Mike's director and I laughed. Mike is older and has been racing longer than most of the folks in the race.

Briggs and Dunaway (the two "Pat's") made the move with a decisive break-away and hung on for a good part of the race. But the schmack went down and 6 guys rode away---and Alex Candelario took the win in the high-altitude race!

The next stage was another criterium in downtown Reno. Mike and I rode to the race and met up with the guys. Because this is an omni-event (not a stage race), there were even more racers today---110 guys lined up at the start. The big complaint of the day was the wind and the altitude. That combined with a 90 minutes of racing hot day, meant this was going to be a true suffer-fest. Fans lined the streets and downtown Reno was one big party!

A Columbian National rider made the first move and rode off the front for the early part of the race, almiost single-handedly lapping the field. But Sayers, Kyle (Rock), Mike Jones, Tony Cruz and few others worked at the front a reeled him back. Once they rang the bell for a prime though, and a group of 6 guys drilled it at the front and soon guys were falling off the bunch like leaves in Fall. The 110 man field was soon reduced to 50 riders--our team had Devon, Pat and Mike left racing.

Taylor was following McCook's wheel and suddenly on the slight uphill, McCook sat up and a gap opened up---never to be closed. Mike kicked himself afterwards; he was thinking he should have let some air out of his tires and faked a flat like a few other un-named riders and taken a free lap. He felt good--but he's a bad cheater which is why I like him so much! Still, Devon held on strong.

The Columbian rider and Sayers rode off the front of the break though after the bell lap and on the slight downhill, Sayers "pinched" the Columbian on the last corner and rode to victory. Devon finished 7th! Nice job worm. Mike and I then rode back home together. He's my star no matter where he finishes!

Black Panties and The Laundromat

...ah yes, the exciting life of luxury! When we first moved here, Mike kept at me about getting a washer and dryer. It is convenient, but we are renting and I know from experience that we are full to the rim on our moving truck---and I don't need another thing to move. Mike told my parents that "Joni won't let me buy one!" I thought that was funny---like I was in control for a change!

Anyway, the surprising part is that I really don't mind going to the laundromat once a week. Our electric/gas bill here is less than half of what it was in Boston. Seriously, I think that not having a washer/dryer helps with lowering that cost. And so I spend $20 bones a month and 4 hours (a month) washing clothes.

Many folks don't like going to the laundromat---but it's not so bad. I always meet interesting characters there. Lots of Mom's doing three times as much laundry as I. Some bring their children. Today there was a Mom and her son---maybe he was 10 years old. He was quietly drawing at one of the benches. I've never seen such a well behaved kid. He was gorgeous too. A real knock-out. And quite the artist. He was shy and quiet and beautiful.

There was also a lovely (hot!) coed. (I go the laundry mat that is just due west of the University of Nevada). Anyway---she was doing her laundry and her dryer was near the little boy's (Mom's) dryers and his Mom asked him if he would grab one of the loads so he did. I don't remember how old you are when you get interested in the opposite sex. Anyway---the gal had just finished with her last load in the dryer and was packing it up and leaving. He was right next to her and as she ran out a pair of black panties fell off her load. She didn't notice, but the little boy did. Just as he was about to grab what had fallen he realized what it was and he blushed, looked right at me and said, "What should I do?" I had a load of junk in my hands and couldn't help him, but I winked and said, "go for it!"

So he picked up her panties off the floor and ran out to hand them to her. His Mom and I laughed.

Mike raced last night in Truckee and now we are off to the final stage of the Tour de Nez right here in Reno. We'll ride to the race and then pedal home in the soft desert evening. Wish Mike luck!

Happy Saturday!