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!