What do a couple of cyclists' do when it snows and snows and snows? Mike and I woke up December 25th to a very white Christmas that proceeded to get whiter as the morning progressed. We received about 6 inches, while the higher elevations received an upwards of 2 plus feet! Being the King of all shovelers, our driveway and sidewalk were clear before anyone else in the neighborhood---and Mike kept it pretty clear throughout the day.
Both of us are "trainer weary" after 3 years of living in a place with winter and so we've each found ways of getting our fix in the cold. Mike wears warmer (REALLY WARM) clothes and has a bike geared for messy roads, and I have rediscovered running and can run outside as long as I can find a stretch of ice free roads or fluffy crunchy snow. I started training for running in the late fall as I knew if I waited for it to get real cold, I wouldn't go out there once it got cold, and I can get 4 or 5 miles in everyday now. I bought a pair of Newton Running shoes in Hawaii (I know I've mentioned them before) and they have changed my running life and if anyone is interested in hearing about "fore-foot running" in the best shoes I have ever owned, give me a holler!
That said, there were no roads which were ridable or run-able on Christmas or the day after. SO---we went snow hiking with the Scrapper. She just loves the snow! And 2 hour hikes up and down the hills and golf courses and mountain peaks right next to our house give you a different kind of workout in the lovely mountain winter wonderland. We entertained ourselves and watched the 2003 complete Tour de France, and cooked a California-style Christmas dinner of tofu, pot-stickers, brown rice and LOTS of fresh vegies with some good wine, good beer and chocolate chip cookies! Just the two of us.
By yesterday, the roads were good enough to ride and run and so we enjoying the long holiday weekend in sunshine and milder temps with the snowy mountains everywhere we look. Last night we went and had dinner with some friends and celebrated their daughter's (and the Scrapper's new hound sitter) 10th birthday. All in all, one of the nicest holiday weekends I can remember.
My nephews are really enjoying Reno and the snow. All kids love snow. I like looking at it. And I know we need it. And I even love running in it. But I miss my bicycle. I may have to find my way over the hill and get to the Bay Area sometime in the next few weeks.
Happy Everything! Can't believe it is almost 2009! Hope you had a very nice holiday with family and friends.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Gorgeous Today!
Last week was the coldest week we've experienced since we moved to Nevada. Sure, Minnesota and Boston were both colder, but last year was so mild here that it kinda took us by surprise. We had snow and blowing snow and wind and days where we did not get above the freezing mark. (This didn't happen last year). Real mountain weather. Our water supplies need it---or so they keep telling us, but it was an "all-of-a-sudden" thing---as up until last Monday, we were riding outside. It was cold, but doable.
There was so much ice on the ground and it didn't melt, and so Mike and I were indoor trainer bound on Monday-Thursday. Thursday night the wind howled at about 60mph (sustained) until about 2:30pm on Friday. But it was warmer...about 40 degrees. And at 2:31pm, in glorious sunshine and 40 degrees, I strapped on my Newton running shoes and headed out for an hour and I felt human again. Why does outdoor exercise make you feel so good?
According to my esteemed weather reporter, we are "in between" storms. But you would never know it. The wind is non-existent, the sky is a deep blue with no clouds, the sun is brilliant, and the mountains may be snowy white, but the roads are dried up and perfect. It is still chilly in the high 30's though, so while my husband is out pedaling, I went for a longish run again. There were some icy parts where I needed to be careful not to slip, but all I can say is WOW!
One thing I will never get used to (because I never lived where there were real seasons until the last 4 years), is that when there is a break in the weather, you need to get things like holiday shopping, grocery shopping and getting to the post office, done while you have the window. It never occurs to me that you might be snowed/iced in for a while. We don't really have an "all-weather" car, and Mike thinks he is in Minnesota where it is flat. We have a half mile long steep hill to get up and down in the ice, and he gets annoyed with me when I tell him to slow down. Sigh.
I know we took our time in getting this done--but we applied for our Nevada Driver's Licenses at last. Our Minnesota ones were expiring on our birthdays and as much as I wanted to keep my Minnesota one, it was time to get a new one. So now my Minnesota DL has a hole punched in it, like my California one and I will be officially a Nevada citizen as soon as it arrives. Pretty exciting, huh?! Ha!
So I hope you are enjoying a lovely Saturday. This "in between the storm" thing is a good reminder to appreciate the beautiful days when you can go outside and play even more. Time to go take the small hound for a run in the snowy canyons! Enjoy the day!
There was so much ice on the ground and it didn't melt, and so Mike and I were indoor trainer bound on Monday-Thursday. Thursday night the wind howled at about 60mph (sustained) until about 2:30pm on Friday. But it was warmer...about 40 degrees. And at 2:31pm, in glorious sunshine and 40 degrees, I strapped on my Newton running shoes and headed out for an hour and I felt human again. Why does outdoor exercise make you feel so good?
According to my esteemed weather reporter, we are "in between" storms. But you would never know it. The wind is non-existent, the sky is a deep blue with no clouds, the sun is brilliant, and the mountains may be snowy white, but the roads are dried up and perfect. It is still chilly in the high 30's though, so while my husband is out pedaling, I went for a longish run again. There were some icy parts where I needed to be careful not to slip, but all I can say is WOW!
One thing I will never get used to (because I never lived where there were real seasons until the last 4 years), is that when there is a break in the weather, you need to get things like holiday shopping, grocery shopping and getting to the post office, done while you have the window. It never occurs to me that you might be snowed/iced in for a while. We don't really have an "all-weather" car, and Mike thinks he is in Minnesota where it is flat. We have a half mile long steep hill to get up and down in the ice, and he gets annoyed with me when I tell him to slow down. Sigh.
I know we took our time in getting this done--but we applied for our Nevada Driver's Licenses at last. Our Minnesota ones were expiring on our birthdays and as much as I wanted to keep my Minnesota one, it was time to get a new one. So now my Minnesota DL has a hole punched in it, like my California one and I will be officially a Nevada citizen as soon as it arrives. Pretty exciting, huh?! Ha!
So I hope you are enjoying a lovely Saturday. This "in between the storm" thing is a good reminder to appreciate the beautiful days when you can go outside and play even more. Time to go take the small hound for a run in the snowy canyons! Enjoy the day!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
16 random notes...
My friend Mary Ann started this thought with her random 16 notes. Here are mine!
1. I am blessed to feel so happily married to the right guy, even though I got a late start!
2. I love to ride my bike!
3. I have re-discovered the joy of running in the high desert.
4. I am my Mother's daughter, even though everyone says I look and act like my Daddy!
5. I love having my nephews living so close by now.
6. I want to learn to speak Italian.
7. I love to wake up right before the sun comes up and love the quiet of morning.
8. I am happy to have such a great friendship with my little brothers, who are both bigger than me now!
9. I am blessed not only with my Mom & Dad, but also my Mom & Dad-in laws.
10. I have met some amazing people in the cycling industry and am honored to get to work and play with my "collegues".
11. The best job I ever had was working at Silicon Graphics in the 80's & 90's.
12. ...And yet I am so happy to be out of high-tech-high dollars and into high tech bicycles and not so much money!
13. I love coffee and fresh baked bread.
14. I sometimes wish I had done things different in school (and finished what I started with as much energy as I had in the beginnning).
15. Running with my dog after work in the canyons behind my house is one of the best jobs I have.
16. I hope I always live in the mountains or by the Ocean or better yet, both! Cycling/Surfing keep me whole, but I haven't surfed regularly since I left San Francisco.
1. I am blessed to feel so happily married to the right guy, even though I got a late start!
2. I love to ride my bike!
3. I have re-discovered the joy of running in the high desert.
4. I am my Mother's daughter, even though everyone says I look and act like my Daddy!
5. I love having my nephews living so close by now.
6. I want to learn to speak Italian.
7. I love to wake up right before the sun comes up and love the quiet of morning.
8. I am happy to have such a great friendship with my little brothers, who are both bigger than me now!
9. I am blessed not only with my Mom & Dad, but also my Mom & Dad-in laws.
10. I have met some amazing people in the cycling industry and am honored to get to work and play with my "collegues".
11. The best job I ever had was working at Silicon Graphics in the 80's & 90's.
12. ...And yet I am so happy to be out of high-tech-high dollars and into high tech bicycles and not so much money!
13. I love coffee and fresh baked bread.
14. I sometimes wish I had done things different in school (and finished what I started with as much energy as I had in the beginnning).
15. Running with my dog after work in the canyons behind my house is one of the best jobs I have.
16. I hope I always live in the mountains or by the Ocean or better yet, both! Cycling/Surfing keep me whole, but I haven't surfed regularly since I left San Francisco.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
My Campagnolo Guy!
I love Mike's face in this photo. I know how silly this must sound for an email, but this is the face I fell for 9 years ago and I feel the same way about him now as I did then. How about that?!? He'll be embarrassed that I sent this message, but I snapped this photo of him this morning and just liked the way it looked in his Campagnolo Sportswear!.
The weeks just fly by like nobody's business. It is almost Thanksgiving. Mike and I are headed over the mountains to spend the holiday with California Mom & Dad this year. To make it extra special, Mom gets to take a vacation from chemo until 2009! It will be nice to be "somewhere" on vacation---with all the traveling I've done this year---none of it has been holiday---all work. So we are looking forward to time with family and friends and riding our bikes in our favorite places before the year is out.
We've actually got lots cooking and along with the changes in our country with our new President elect Obama, the "marching to the beat of their own drum" Taylor's have something up our bike-jersey sleeves as well. That ought to get your interest, but that is all I have to say about it right now.
I just returned from my longest run yet since I bought these Newton running shoes. I am sure everyone is tired of me talking about them, but these shoes have made all the difference for me. They are light as a feather and I don't know what magic is in there--but I can run without feeling all beat up and I am now cool with winter as long as I can be
outside running.
Anyway---Have a lovely Saturday!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Perfect...
...that would be the weather. No wind. Not a cloud in the big blue sky. Just about 70 degrees---and that autumn pinkish tinge of coloring on all the oranges, yellows and golds. Wow. Mt. Rose (the ski resort) opened up last Wednesday or Thursday for the season. Yes there is snow on top of the mountains around here---but where we live it is dry and sunny and just enough chill in the air for long sleeve jerseys and arm/leg warmers---but it really is gorgeous here.
Last week I put some major miles running for the first time in a long time (if it is in the 50's out I run instead of ride because I am getting too old! Ha!). I am trying to get fit enough to not injure myself for outdoor running this winter and if I wait until the snow flies, I will talk myself out of it because it will hurt and be cold. But I have to say that these new Newton running shoes are the bomb! Running is really my first love, thanks to my Mom making me do it, but I kept injuring myself. So cycling took it's place. And I love the bike. But nothing gets me buzzed like running and so these shoes have been the answer for me and I am super happy to be able to have something to do besides ride the trainer this winter. I get hot when I run----even when it's cold outside.
But with this late Indian summer---I am happily pedaling outside. Today I thought I'd head towards Rose---even though I didn't think I could do big miles since I have been winding down---it was just so darn nice outside. Legs felt great---even on the climbs and next thing I knew, I was being passed by skiers in cars and there was snow on the sides of the road. There is something about riding in the sun with people skiing around you that just feels good.
Mike and I both did long rides and then had a date for some All-You-Can-Eat sushi at our favorite neighborhood sushi place. I think when we first started going there, they were pretty happy to see us---we don't really look like BIG eaters. But now that we are more like regulars, they know better---we sure get our money's worth. Especially after 4-5 hour bike rides! Watch out----we are the "smokin' chopsticks!" To make it really perfect, we watched the Gopher/Badger game while we ordered up the gourmet sushi feast. I love these "dates" with Mike.
Tomorrow is supposed to be fantastic again---another long day on the bike is planned. I hope they get those fires out in SoCal. Happy Saturday!
The photo above was just sent to me from Las Vegas. Lance, Me and Jochim from the Top of the Rio. Photo courtesy of Mark DeFabry.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Running...
I could try and play catch up and talk about so many meaningful things that have occurred over the last few weeks, but instead I just returned from a nice long run and I am "run-buzzed" and feel like talking about how incredibly beautiful, albeit cold, it is today! And most importantly, why cold is fine when you run, and did I mention my new swanky running shoes? Ha!
Last night Mike and I went to see my nephew Daniel's season final football game. Between all the travel, Daniel being sick, and then last minute travel again, this was the only football game I was able to make this year. His team went undefeated and Daniel played the whole time. He plays offensive Guard. He's suddenly tall and lanky and has size 15 shoes. And he's beautiful...but he's on this list and doesn't need to hear his old proud Aunt saying stuff like this....uh hmmm...
So aside from hanging out with the Mehler clan and Greg, Kristine's brother from San Diego, what caught my eye was the "Lancer Blue" rubber (all-weather) running track! It is pristine and looks brand new and overlooks the downtown area with a full view of big mountains everywhere you look. Running at a mile high is hard enough when you're running up and down hills in the neighborhood. Top that off with hard pavement and it's a bit discouraging.
Well, this morning, I put on my new Newton running shoes which are fabulous, by the way, and headed back to the high-school to try out that track! Wow! I don't know if it is the shoes, the track, the views or a combination, but I am especially buzzed right now. I had to stop at 4.5 miles because I want to do it again tomorrow and I am on a slow build up training plan with these new shoes and can't over-due it.
In any case, this seems a bit mundane compared to the historical election and newfound hope and such renewed pride in my country, but I just had to write about it anyway.
Have a wonderful Saturday!
Last night Mike and I went to see my nephew Daniel's season final football game. Between all the travel, Daniel being sick, and then last minute travel again, this was the only football game I was able to make this year. His team went undefeated and Daniel played the whole time. He plays offensive Guard. He's suddenly tall and lanky and has size 15 shoes. And he's beautiful...but he's on this list and doesn't need to hear his old proud Aunt saying stuff like this....uh hmmm...
So aside from hanging out with the Mehler clan and Greg, Kristine's brother from San Diego, what caught my eye was the "Lancer Blue" rubber (all-weather) running track! It is pristine and looks brand new and overlooks the downtown area with a full view of big mountains everywhere you look. Running at a mile high is hard enough when you're running up and down hills in the neighborhood. Top that off with hard pavement and it's a bit discouraging.
Well, this morning, I put on my new Newton running shoes which are fabulous, by the way, and headed back to the high-school to try out that track! Wow! I don't know if it is the shoes, the track, the views or a combination, but I am especially buzzed right now. I had to stop at 4.5 miles because I want to do it again tomorrow and I am on a slow build up training plan with these new shoes and can't over-due it.
In any case, this seems a bit mundane compared to the historical election and newfound hope and such renewed pride in my country, but I just had to write about it anyway.
Have a wonderful Saturday!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Voting early - firsts & lasts
What a great idea! And for the first time in the last 9 years together, Mike and I went to the early voting polls centers to cast our vote together! I don't know which I find most amazing; that this is the first election that Mike and I have BOTH voted in together, or that we are coming up to our 9th Thanksgiving together (our first official date). In any case, it was easy fast and no BIG voting day lines to wait in. I highly recommend it!
Today is also the first day I feel grounded and home. I arrived back from The Big Island last Monday---flying out of Kailua-Kona on a red eye to San Francisco and it took me a week to feel human again. Ironman-Hawaii was an amazing thing to witness. I was more impressed not with the winning guys/gals, but the 75+ year olds and the guys on the hand-cycles, and the woman running for Pancreatic-Cancer. These folks won in different ways which were far more meaningful to me at least.
Even though it was a work-trip, we managed a few tourist and not-so-tourist sight seeing adventures in between sweating it out in the 100 degree, 100% humidity afternoons. We went to the Volcano national Park and hiked on the lava rocks out to watch the smoking hot lava fall into the ocean. We drove the saddle road between Mauna Kea & Mauna Loa and watched the sunset into the Pacific Ocean, visited a local Kona coffee farm and watch the whole process of picking, drying and roasting coffee beans, visited the reserves where Islanders would go for safety from each other and Caption Cooks burial (only accessible via a sea-kayak or extreme mountain biking trails) and watched spinner dolphins and sea turtles swimming along with everyone else.
It took me a week to adjust to the very dry climate again in the high-desert and then we headed to Markleeville yesterday and rode the passes in the cool fall weather. My internal climate control system is back to normal now. And Fall is just what this little Taylor needed! It is perfect now. My ride today was the first time I have been alone by myself to reflect on things.
My Great Uncle died yesterday. He was over 90 years old and he lived a long and nice life. He just set off to take an afternoon nap, feeling a little tired and went to sleep and never woke up. Today on my ride I climbed extra hard and laughed about things he would say. When he laughed, you couldn't hear him, but you could see him laughing. It was very special. My Papa (his dad) laughed the same way. It's what I will always remember about him.
So firsts & lasts are in my heart forever. I loved voting with Mike today. It sounds silly, but it felt very grown up.
I am happy to be home for awhile! My colleague has all the photo's from Hawaii. I will try and get some and send them on.
Today is also the first day I feel grounded and home. I arrived back from The Big Island last Monday---flying out of Kailua-Kona on a red eye to San Francisco and it took me a week to feel human again. Ironman-Hawaii was an amazing thing to witness. I was more impressed not with the winning guys/gals, but the 75+ year olds and the guys on the hand-cycles, and the woman running for Pancreatic-Cancer. These folks won in different ways which were far more meaningful to me at least.
Even though it was a work-trip, we managed a few tourist and not-so-tourist sight seeing adventures in between sweating it out in the 100 degree, 100% humidity afternoons. We went to the Volcano national Park and hiked on the lava rocks out to watch the smoking hot lava fall into the ocean. We drove the saddle road between Mauna Kea & Mauna Loa and watched the sunset into the Pacific Ocean, visited a local Kona coffee farm and watch the whole process of picking, drying and roasting coffee beans, visited the reserves where Islanders would go for safety from each other and Caption Cooks burial (only accessible via a sea-kayak or extreme mountain biking trails) and watched spinner dolphins and sea turtles swimming along with everyone else.
It took me a week to adjust to the very dry climate again in the high-desert and then we headed to Markleeville yesterday and rode the passes in the cool fall weather. My internal climate control system is back to normal now. And Fall is just what this little Taylor needed! It is perfect now. My ride today was the first time I have been alone by myself to reflect on things.
My Great Uncle died yesterday. He was over 90 years old and he lived a long and nice life. He just set off to take an afternoon nap, feeling a little tired and went to sleep and never woke up. Today on my ride I climbed extra hard and laughed about things he would say. When he laughed, you couldn't hear him, but you could see him laughing. It was very special. My Papa (his dad) laughed the same way. It's what I will always remember about him.
So firsts & lasts are in my heart forever. I loved voting with Mike today. It sounds silly, but it felt very grown up.
I am happy to be home for awhile! My colleague has all the photo's from Hawaii. I will try and get some and send them on.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Aloha!
A very proper salutation since it is Hawaiian for both Hello and Goodbye. Last planned work trip and I am off to the Big Island...Kona, for the infamous Ironman Triathalon for a week. It has really been a tough last two months travel-wise. So after next week I can relax and enjoy the Fall in the High Sierra desert for a spell.
Mike and I were both really tired this week after a week-long stint in Las Vegas. What a crazy town. Still, it was a pretty successful week, despite the economy, Bicycle Retailers are still confident that, like in past financial turmoil, the cycling business is somewhat resilient to what is happening everywhere else. There's a difference in what they are looking at and luckily both of our brands have compelling enough characteristics this year to be attractive to retailers who are bringing in the bling.
California Mom & Dad and my "local" Mehler's all took care of the Scrapper while we were gone. It's very nice having family close by and I am looking forward to some fall Football games once this week is through.
BUT...it ain't all bad! I am going to Hawaii in October and I get to watch one of the most exciting Tri-Races in the world. And it was amazing how quickly I was able to find a local who has a "longboard" for me to borrow while I am there. Surfing in Hawaii sounds pretty good right now! Especially with the first storm of the season blowing in as we speak. The wind is howling right now! Mike left to go for a ride---he's nuts. I am thinking I might head out to buy some tropical clothing! (smile)
In any case---I will get back to writing soon. I miss everyone! Mahalo & Aloha! Happy Saturday!
Mike and I were both really tired this week after a week-long stint in Las Vegas. What a crazy town. Still, it was a pretty successful week, despite the economy, Bicycle Retailers are still confident that, like in past financial turmoil, the cycling business is somewhat resilient to what is happening everywhere else. There's a difference in what they are looking at and luckily both of our brands have compelling enough characteristics this year to be attractive to retailers who are bringing in the bling.
California Mom & Dad and my "local" Mehler's all took care of the Scrapper while we were gone. It's very nice having family close by and I am looking forward to some fall Football games once this week is through.
BUT...it ain't all bad! I am going to Hawaii in October and I get to watch one of the most exciting Tri-Races in the world. And it was amazing how quickly I was able to find a local who has a "longboard" for me to borrow while I am there. Surfing in Hawaii sounds pretty good right now! Especially with the first storm of the season blowing in as we speak. The wind is howling right now! Mike left to go for a ride---he's nuts. I am thinking I might head out to buy some tropical clothing! (smile)
In any case---I will get back to writing soon. I miss everyone! Mahalo & Aloha! Happy Saturday!
Friday, October 03, 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
An exciting time in America
I really try to keep my politics aside. Even in my own beloved family, personally political views are so diverse and can lead to such extremely intense debates that it is best to keep my opinions to myself and just let it go. It is one of the special things about being an American. You are not only entitled to have your own opinions, voice and act on your own beliefs, but you are encouraged to participate in the outcomes and it is a blessing and gift to be able to live with all perspectives, beliefs and views.
So for the first time in a very long time, I feel hopeful for a healed America. Someone is preaching to my heart about why I love my country and even my non-voting husband is considering joining in on the election. I told him if he was in Belgium, he would be in jail for not voting---as it is a law there that all citizens in the country MUST vote. He said, "that's why I live here, sweetie", just to be a smartie-pants. Sigh.
And on a lighter note, Mike and I are heading for Southern California this week for our last effort before the big "show" in Vegas at the end of the month. These roadshows are much easier together than when I have to go it by myself. I can finally relax after October 13th. Seems like a long way off, but that is the final planned business trip for the year. And even though the last trip will be on the Big Island in Hawaii (Kona-Ironman), I'd much rather be going there surfing or exploring the volcanos with my husband on vacation, then setting up and breaking down in the Ford Ironman Expo for a week leading up to the race with my friend/Belgian colleague. Hopefully all of this will amount to a really successful year---but no matter what, the experiences I have had this year on these trips around the USA (and Italy) have been priceless.
The wind is blowing like crazy today...some cold front vs. hot front kind of scientific combo which results in a major wind day here in the high desert. Nothing like Gustov, so I won't complain---but it sure isn't fun riding in the wind. My brothers are both in town and so we will all go and have an early dinner together tonight.
Anyway---happy Sunday, and Happy Labor Day!
So for the first time in a very long time, I feel hopeful for a healed America. Someone is preaching to my heart about why I love my country and even my non-voting husband is considering joining in on the election. I told him if he was in Belgium, he would be in jail for not voting---as it is a law there that all citizens in the country MUST vote. He said, "that's why I live here, sweetie", just to be a smartie-pants. Sigh.
And on a lighter note, Mike and I are heading for Southern California this week for our last effort before the big "show" in Vegas at the end of the month. These roadshows are much easier together than when I have to go it by myself. I can finally relax after October 13th. Seems like a long way off, but that is the final planned business trip for the year. And even though the last trip will be on the Big Island in Hawaii (Kona-Ironman), I'd much rather be going there surfing or exploring the volcanos with my husband on vacation, then setting up and breaking down in the Ford Ironman Expo for a week leading up to the race with my friend/Belgian colleague. Hopefully all of this will amount to a really successful year---but no matter what, the experiences I have had this year on these trips around the USA (and Italy) have been priceless.
The wind is blowing like crazy today...some cold front vs. hot front kind of scientific combo which results in a major wind day here in the high desert. Nothing like Gustov, so I won't complain---but it sure isn't fun riding in the wind. My brothers are both in town and so we will all go and have an early dinner together tonight.
Anyway---happy Sunday, and Happy Labor Day!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Late summer baby birds
Every day after work, I come home and then head out with the Scrapper for her evening, pre-dinner walk while Mike rides his bike. (I ride in the mornings before work and he rides in the evenings after work). I am usually tired and cranky, and don't feel like heading out in the hot, windy desert air, but the fact is that it is as good for me as it is for the small hound---especially after sitting on my butt all day staring at a computer! But really, if it were up to me, I'd let the Scrapper take herself for a walk while I sit down and watch, but Mike would not be happy with his lazy wife.
Funny thing is, I usually call my Mom while walking through the canyons, or I power walk up and down the hills to get my heart-rate going and once I am in the zone, or on the phone with my Mom, I enjoy the time outside with Sydney. In every season but the hot summer, there are plenty of big hare's for her to chase. In the summer though, it's lizard's. Last week though, I noticed something different moving along the sandy and hilly terrain. At first glance, I thought it was a bunch of moving rocks. But as I got closer, I realized that they were little birds. Lots of little baby birds. They kind of waddled along like baby ducks.
By the time we came upon the little guys, the Scrap was too hot and tired to chase. But I couldn't help but wonder, what are these baby chicks doing being born just before Fall? Then the Mom and Dad Quail hurried through and got control of the gang and quickly got them out of harm's way.
Today was a lovely Saturday, with no where to be, and no work or travel for a change. We are heading to SoCal right after Labor Day, so I doubly enjoyed not having to work this weekend! Just rode my bike for lots of hours and went out to a very nice lunch with my husband afterwards. Perfect day! I hope yours was too!
Funny thing is, I usually call my Mom while walking through the canyons, or I power walk up and down the hills to get my heart-rate going and once I am in the zone, or on the phone with my Mom, I enjoy the time outside with Sydney. In every season but the hot summer, there are plenty of big hare's for her to chase. In the summer though, it's lizard's. Last week though, I noticed something different moving along the sandy and hilly terrain. At first glance, I thought it was a bunch of moving rocks. But as I got closer, I realized that they were little birds. Lots of little baby birds. They kind of waddled along like baby ducks.
By the time we came upon the little guys, the Scrap was too hot and tired to chase. But I couldn't help but wonder, what are these baby chicks doing being born just before Fall? Then the Mom and Dad Quail hurried through and got control of the gang and quickly got them out of harm's way.
Today was a lovely Saturday, with no where to be, and no work or travel for a change. We are heading to SoCal right after Labor Day, so I doubly enjoyed not having to work this weekend! Just rode my bike for lots of hours and went out to a very nice lunch with my husband afterwards. Perfect day! I hope yours was too!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
It's why they call them "jobs"...well sorta.
It's funny, because even as I type away, and put words to the computer screen, it sounds pretty fun. Visiting bike shops, hauling around some of the blingiest gear the industry has on offer, riding in different areas, and traveling with my husband. Could almost be a vacation---thus it makes the fact that it really is work and hard work at that, and makes folks roll their eyes when I say things like, "I am exhausted!" Exhausted from what? Vacation?!?!
I try and run things like a really tight ship though---and let me tell you what it's like informing my husband that he has work to do before he can go for a ride, and "no, I don't know where to go ride here---". Sigh. The mental challenge of it all is why I am mostly tired. And traveling with Mike has way more pluses than minuses. We are a good team, and we did get some fun riding in, between retailer visits. And the fact that the folks in the industry that I have chosen to work with are really some of the coolest folks around helps too!
Mike and I made the long drive from Reno to Seattle, a week ago last Sunday. It was a beautiful ride until we left Portland and hit the Seattle bound traffic for 90 miles. Made LA seem like cake. It really was that bad. But we arrived safe and sound and had a little apartment like setting for a couple of days right on the Microsoft campus in Redmond. Each morning before our meetings we rode around Lake Sammamish---a beautiful, yet densely populated, Marin-like setting, just North of Seattle. The traffic is horrible and there's not what I would call a bike-friendly road to be found. But it helped keep the day in tact if I didn't have an antsy Taylor who didn't ride, and it helped me to ride before work as well.
We stayed a night in Olympia to get out of the traffic before heading to Portland. Then a friend hooked us up in the now Pet-friendly Hilton (the Scrapper had her own doggie pillow, purse full of treats and stainless steel doggie dishes in the room), right in SW Portland, a block from the River, and Jack even treated us by taking us out to a lovely dinner at the oldest restaurant in Portland, Huber's. We were also enjoying lots of success in our Taylor-duo selling campaign. Did I mention that River City Bicycles is one of the coolest shops in the country? Did I also mention that a former co-worker from Palo Alto Bicycles, Ben Dodge, now works there? Small world.
From Portland, we headed to Bend for the weekend. We stayed with friends, rode up Mt. Bachelor, and enjoyed more success with our retailer there (we worked on Saturday and Sunday last weekend). On Sunday we headed to Boise, Idaho. A new town for both of us, and a really nice, clean and friendly little town. I had arranged our hotel right along the bike path that goes for 8 miles up and down the river, and into town. I liked Boise. The downtown is spotless with lovely architecture and the town is surrounded by mountains everywhere you look.
A busy week and there is no place like home. But you might see what I mean about the "job-thing". It sounds like all play when I write about it. I won't even begin to mention that in about a week we are heading to Southern California to do it all over again...
I try and run things like a really tight ship though---and let me tell you what it's like informing my husband that he has work to do before he can go for a ride, and "no, I don't know where to go ride here---". Sigh. The mental challenge of it all is why I am mostly tired. And traveling with Mike has way more pluses than minuses. We are a good team, and we did get some fun riding in, between retailer visits. And the fact that the folks in the industry that I have chosen to work with are really some of the coolest folks around helps too!
Mike and I made the long drive from Reno to Seattle, a week ago last Sunday. It was a beautiful ride until we left Portland and hit the Seattle bound traffic for 90 miles. Made LA seem like cake. It really was that bad. But we arrived safe and sound and had a little apartment like setting for a couple of days right on the Microsoft campus in Redmond. Each morning before our meetings we rode around Lake Sammamish---a beautiful, yet densely populated, Marin-like setting, just North of Seattle. The traffic is horrible and there's not what I would call a bike-friendly road to be found. But it helped keep the day in tact if I didn't have an antsy Taylor who didn't ride, and it helped me to ride before work as well.
We stayed a night in Olympia to get out of the traffic before heading to Portland. Then a friend hooked us up in the now Pet-friendly Hilton (the Scrapper had her own doggie pillow, purse full of treats and stainless steel doggie dishes in the room), right in SW Portland, a block from the River, and Jack even treated us by taking us out to a lovely dinner at the oldest restaurant in Portland, Huber's. We were also enjoying lots of success in our Taylor-duo selling campaign. Did I mention that River City Bicycles is one of the coolest shops in the country? Did I also mention that a former co-worker from Palo Alto Bicycles, Ben Dodge, now works there? Small world.
From Portland, we headed to Bend for the weekend. We stayed with friends, rode up Mt. Bachelor, and enjoyed more success with our retailer there (we worked on Saturday and Sunday last weekend). On Sunday we headed to Boise, Idaho. A new town for both of us, and a really nice, clean and friendly little town. I had arranged our hotel right along the bike path that goes for 8 miles up and down the river, and into town. I liked Boise. The downtown is spotless with lovely architecture and the town is surrounded by mountains everywhere you look.
A busy week and there is no place like home. But you might see what I mean about the "job-thing". It sounds like all play when I write about it. I won't even begin to mention that in about a week we are heading to Southern California to do it all over again...
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Pacific Northwest---next stop
The bad thing about writing inconsistently, is that so much happens that I forget stuff. I had a great week in the Bay Area, but now it is like a memory. Mike and I are loading up a mini-van with bikes, and clothing and leaving for Seattle early tomorrow morning. At least there will be two of us as opposed to just me hauling my blingy gear all over the place. Even Sydney's bags are packed! We will stay two nights (3 days) in Seattle and then head south from the city and stay a night in Olympia which sounds nice---although I have only driven passed this city.
From Olympia, we will head into one of my favorite cities, Portland and will be there for a couple of days as well, before packing it up and heading to Bend for the weekend. I think we are staying with some friends in Bend and will get a day or so to rejuvenate and ride, before we head to Boise. Boise is our last stop for this "road-trip" and we head back to Reno to end our loop.
As I write this it all sounds "fun". And it would be "fun" if there wasn't a lot of work involved. Mike will get a good taste of what it feels like when I am on these crazy trips. He'll join me again for another one about 5 days later when we head South (Utah, Arizona and Southern California). The good news is that from New York to California, the trips have proved very successful. And the more I can get done before Las Vegas---the better (=easier) Las Vegas will be this year.
Last weekend we went and rode the passes again in Markleeville. It was epic! We been averaging monthly visits to the passes and that in itself is a gift. I am looking forward to Fall more than usual. Not for the weather, or the usual stuff, but my nephews are here and I never see them. They will be in school before I have time to hang out, but luckily we have such a lovely fall that I can enjoy some football games locally and spend some time just being an Aunt. I have never had the luxury and now I am out of town so much that it feels like I am missing out.
Just for fun we dressed up my Seven with some wheels that cost more than my car. Talk about bling! Happy Saturday!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Some folks get company cars...
...but for me, the perks are different. I just built up my new "company" bicycle. A race-ready, light weight (14lbs and change) road machine that I will try to be worthy of. It was a hot one today---but this is my first weekend in many weeks where I wasn't traveling beforehand and Mike was here and we were a family home. Nice. We woke up early and contemplated going to Markleeville. We decided Friday evening if it was smokey here, we would head to the climbs...but if it looked ridable in Reno, we would watch the Tour Stage and then head out from home.
We woke up to a kind of haze---but I was so tired of traveling that even the thought of driving in a car to ride my bike felt like too much of a contradiction. So we watched the Tour and suited up and I didn't care about the smokey haze, the heat, the road work being done on my favorite road to my climb or anything. It just felt good to head out into the sunshine on a new lightweight racing machine, after a relaxing morning with Mike and the Scrapper
This little Ridley is the exact same bike Mike rides---only in miniature. I may not ride like a racer, but I was dressed in the finest cycling clothing money can buy (yes---biased as they get, and yes, Campagnolo is all over me) on a fast race bike and I had nothing to do but ride for hours.
I had a date when I got back with Mike for a sushi feast, courtesy of my brother/sister and nephews, and so life is pretty good today. New bike, new clothes and lots of food after a long hot ride.
I am heading out on Tuesday and will be gone for the week in the San Francisco Bay Area, including a Grand Opening Party of a new Bicycle Studio in San Francisco. At least this trip will include a long over due Movie Night with Mom---It is looking like I will be away more than home for the rest of the summer, but after this trip, Mike will be with me as well. Otherwise I would never see him. I am already counting the days to a relaxing week in the Fall in Marshall.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Boston to Denver
Funny how seeing Boston as a visitor was such a different experience for me than living there. To put it differently, I really enjoyed being there and was able to appreciate New England in a different light. I am sure that being able to stay with friends, especially after NYC, enhanced things. Gibson and Teens have a new 6 month old yellow lab named Maggie that was delightful and Stella, the older lab was the same sweet hound she always was. I missed the Scrapper immediately.
It was fun to know where I was going for a change and Paola and I started our visit in Belmont and then headed over to the Seven Factory. Paola enjoyed a tour, and was intrigued by the process of building one bike at a time by hand. I enjoyed visiting with my old "homies". It was nostalgic in many ways. Jenna and Karl met Paola and I for a nice dinner in Newton Square and we drank beer and ate New England fare and gossiped and chatted into the evening. It was a muggy, moist but lovely time.
The next day we headed to Newton to visit International Bike Centers (a great shop if you're ever there) and then into downtown Boston for our final visit. I was thrilled to NOT get lost and Paola was happy to have made some American electronics purchases for her friends. And, just like magic, it was a perfect day---the weather was beautiful, humidity was not there and there was a nice breeze. To end the evening we went out for sushi in Brookline. It was in fact the first sushi place that Mike and I ever went to in Boston before we even moved there. We were 4 gals out on the town. It was "fantastic" (it sounds better in Italian).
Gibson offered to take Paola on a motorcycle ride the next morning to Harvard square so Paola could relax before heading back to Italy and I left before the crack of dawn to fly to Denver. I was amazed at how smokey Denver was---from the far reaching California fires. But I was happy to be out of humidity. I couldn't even see the big mountains until I was near Colorado Springs. Had a great visit with another one of my favorite accounts and then it was back to Denver for a relaxing evening before heading home.
From Denver to Reno I was on a flight with some Minnesota Fire Fighters who were heading out to help in California. They were from Ely, and were impressed that I knew where that was. I bragged a bit about my Minnesota geography by telling them I went on my honeymoon in Grand Marais. It's amazing to me how vast this country is and how different the people are from coast to coast---yet the same too. It was a fun time and I am glad to be home even if I can't see anything in all the smokey haze. I really wanted to ride outside, but the air is awful so I enjoyed the Tour and rode the trainer. For once, I can have the house all clean, laundry done and shopping complete for Mike who will come home from Oregon tomorrow night. He always has everything spic and span when I get home...so it is nice to do the same for him for a change.
The coolest thing was the phone call this afternoon, "Sweetie, I won the race!" Taylor takes the last stage in his race in Cascades (he raced master's for the first time because he couldn't get out of work early enough to do the Pro1/2). He's still got it!
It was fun to know where I was going for a change and Paola and I started our visit in Belmont and then headed over to the Seven Factory. Paola enjoyed a tour, and was intrigued by the process of building one bike at a time by hand. I enjoyed visiting with my old "homies". It was nostalgic in many ways. Jenna and Karl met Paola and I for a nice dinner in Newton Square and we drank beer and ate New England fare and gossiped and chatted into the evening. It was a muggy, moist but lovely time.
The next day we headed to Newton to visit International Bike Centers (a great shop if you're ever there) and then into downtown Boston for our final visit. I was thrilled to NOT get lost and Paola was happy to have made some American electronics purchases for her friends. And, just like magic, it was a perfect day---the weather was beautiful, humidity was not there and there was a nice breeze. To end the evening we went out for sushi in Brookline. It was in fact the first sushi place that Mike and I ever went to in Boston before we even moved there. We were 4 gals out on the town. It was "fantastic" (it sounds better in Italian).
Gibson offered to take Paola on a motorcycle ride the next morning to Harvard square so Paola could relax before heading back to Italy and I left before the crack of dawn to fly to Denver. I was amazed at how smokey Denver was---from the far reaching California fires. But I was happy to be out of humidity. I couldn't even see the big mountains until I was near Colorado Springs. Had a great visit with another one of my favorite accounts and then it was back to Denver for a relaxing evening before heading home.
From Denver to Reno I was on a flight with some Minnesota Fire Fighters who were heading out to help in California. They were from Ely, and were impressed that I knew where that was. I bragged a bit about my Minnesota geography by telling them I went on my honeymoon in Grand Marais. It's amazing to me how vast this country is and how different the people are from coast to coast---yet the same too. It was a fun time and I am glad to be home even if I can't see anything in all the smokey haze. I really wanted to ride outside, but the air is awful so I enjoyed the Tour and rode the trainer. For once, I can have the house all clean, laundry done and shopping complete for Mike who will come home from Oregon tomorrow night. He always has everything spic and span when I get home...so it is nice to do the same for him for a change.
The coolest thing was the phone call this afternoon, "Sweetie, I won the race!" Taylor takes the last stage in his race in Cascades (he raced master's for the first time because he couldn't get out of work early enough to do the Pro1/2). He's still got it!
Two dangerous women in Manhattan!
The night before I left for our East Coast launch of Campagnolo Sportswear, I received the following text from Italy, " we are two dangerous women!" Indeed! NYC is "off the hook". It is not possible to spend three days only and even touch on the expanse of such a place. I have never visited "on business", and aside from flying in and out, I haven't been there since I was a teenager visiting my grandparents. I felt like a small town girl lost in a foreign land--where they spoke english, albeit very fast english!
Our hotel was called The Dream---and it was very NYC-Manhattan-Midtown. All "a-la-carte" and very expensive by this girl's standard's. I really enjoy traveling with Paola. I have learned some things about "living". She doesn't miss a beat. She's in NYC and so she will enjoy as much as she can there in the time she has---even if it is a business trip. All of our NYC retailer appointments went off without a hitch. Better than planned, including a visit with Bicycling Magazine editors. So hopefully we will enjoy some success!
On Monday night, after we finished with our last appointment for the day, we hopped on the subway and headed to Long Island City to visit with my cousin Sharon at her art studio. I have seen Sharon's work throughout my life, through cards and prints, but never have I had the opportunity to touch and see her paintings live. WOW! Her studio looks out at the NYC skyline---and is a co-op with several other artists. Very vogue in an artisian, NY way. And a real treat.
Afterwards we went for dinner at a nice Thai restaurant and then walked out to the water and enjoyed the twilight as Manhattan came to life before our eyes. All twinkles and a city that completely encompasses your entire visual panoramic view. Loss of words.
We were sure to also enjoy Central Park before 7am by foot---no cars are allowed before this time and I was amazed at how many people there were so early in the day. This is truly a city that does not sleep. I feel more worldly afterwards. I will have to write more about Boston and Denver---NYC deserves it's own space. The photo's are of Paola and I in front of a bikeshop in Long Island City and of my cousin Sharon with me. I heart NY!
Friday, July 04, 2008
Happy 4th of July
Even with the cost of living and being a citizen in the USA these days, I am proud to live here and to be an American. I can not think of a place I would rather live. I was surprised to find the "recession" of the world even in Italy. It's expensive and stressful everywhere---Euro to dollar or no. I enjoyed a lovely morning ride in a silent Reno. As a cyclist, the less traveled roads and traffic free existence is a good thing. Not sure what it "used" to be like when the economy was better, but I kinda like it this way. I fill my tank once a month---so the only thing I notice is that food (my gasoline) is more expensive. Sigh.
I was encouraged to see so many folks out riding. Last year, we set a record heat of 108F. Today it was cool---wind-free and no smoke---though a bit hazy. I did my climbing laps and on each lap, I rode with different folks who were also enjoying the calm sound of silence.
I am leaving at "oh-dark-thirty" on Sunday morning to head out East. New York City ---Manhattan at that! I am very excited. This feeling is enhanced by the fact that I really have a nice relationship with my Italian colleague now. We're friends. It took us a year to get to this fluid place, but we are there and have leaped some barriers and I am learning so much from this woman. She's very talented and so my job with her is fun. She is very excited to see my cousin Sharon's studio and so we are planning an evening together with a real NYC woman. We're all Aquarian, Independent people with a ton of energy for what we love. Passion. It's contagious.
From NYC Paola and I will head to Boston. I am beyond excited to see the gang at Seven. And to visit some local shops that I really enjoyed when I lived there. It's amazing to feel local about a place that is 4000 miles away. It is also common in my little industry. It is very small. While I was entrenched in my life in Boston, I had no idea that I was bonding for life with some places and people. Like in 10 years I will be thrilled to see these folks. It's funny. Time can be a nuisance---but the beauty is in how time's perspective makes a person whole. I am happier now than I have ever been.
Paola will head back to Italy from Boston---but I will continue on to Denver & Colorado Springs. It will be good to be home. Mike is heading to Oregon to race Cascades. He's been wanting to participate in the race for years---and so I am thrilled for him and yet bummed to not be there too!
My brother and his family moved to town. Last Sunday I went to visit his new place and there was my little brother, in the pool with 15 other kids. I popped my head into the water to give my eldest nephew Daniel a kiss. The gal sitting next to me asked if he was my son or my brother. I said he was my brother's son. She said it was un-canny how much he looked like me. I glowed all evening. Zachy and D, and Kris and Steve are adjusting well---sometimes the boys are a little homesick, my Kristine looks more relaxed than I have seen her in years.
A big Happy Birthday to My Uncle Hy! 90 years! And Happy 4th of July to all!
I was encouraged to see so many folks out riding. Last year, we set a record heat of 108F. Today it was cool---wind-free and no smoke---though a bit hazy. I did my climbing laps and on each lap, I rode with different folks who were also enjoying the calm sound of silence.
I am leaving at "oh-dark-thirty" on Sunday morning to head out East. New York City ---Manhattan at that! I am very excited. This feeling is enhanced by the fact that I really have a nice relationship with my Italian colleague now. We're friends. It took us a year to get to this fluid place, but we are there and have leaped some barriers and I am learning so much from this woman. She's very talented and so my job with her is fun. She is very excited to see my cousin Sharon's studio and so we are planning an evening together with a real NYC woman. We're all Aquarian, Independent people with a ton of energy for what we love. Passion. It's contagious.
From NYC Paola and I will head to Boston. I am beyond excited to see the gang at Seven. And to visit some local shops that I really enjoyed when I lived there. It's amazing to feel local about a place that is 4000 miles away. It is also common in my little industry. It is very small. While I was entrenched in my life in Boston, I had no idea that I was bonding for life with some places and people. Like in 10 years I will be thrilled to see these folks. It's funny. Time can be a nuisance---but the beauty is in how time's perspective makes a person whole. I am happier now than I have ever been.
Paola will head back to Italy from Boston---but I will continue on to Denver & Colorado Springs. It will be good to be home. Mike is heading to Oregon to race Cascades. He's been wanting to participate in the race for years---and so I am thrilled for him and yet bummed to not be there too!
My brother and his family moved to town. Last Sunday I went to visit his new place and there was my little brother, in the pool with 15 other kids. I popped my head into the water to give my eldest nephew Daniel a kiss. The gal sitting next to me asked if he was my son or my brother. I said he was my brother's son. She said it was un-canny how much he looked like me. I glowed all evening. Zachy and D, and Kris and Steve are adjusting well---sometimes the boys are a little homesick, my Kristine looks more relaxed than I have seen her in years.
A big Happy Birthday to My Uncle Hy! 90 years! And Happy 4th of July to all!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Escape on Ebbetts!
The California Wildfire's are really a mess. Here in Reno, we are even feeling their pain, with smokey skies. Lately, some days I wake up and it looks like we are in the LA smog, especially if the wind is coming from the West. My beloved golden state is on fire, and is more the "crispy-charbroiled" state of late!
But actually, my state these days is Nevada. Hot, dry Nevada. And Mike and I were both in need of a different kind of pain. The kind only felt when pedaling over 9,000' mountain passes on our beloved 2 wheels. With our Belgian Bike supplier in town, we thought we would treat him to some of the nicest bicycle riding in the West! So we borrowed our bosses bike and headed over to a friend's house and the four of us headed to Markleeville, in hopes of clearer skies and a day of pain and suffering. In other words, Heaven on a bike!
When we arrived, the skies were already bluer, and while it was HOT...it was dry. Our Belgian supplier opted out of the day of pain, and decided to chill out in town instead. But we could not be kept from our rides, so we bid him farewell (even though I felt a bit guilty leaving him...I forgot what these passes might look like to lowlander!) and headed out on rides. Before everyone starts thinking I am a bad host, this is an American guy, living in Belgium, and it was his idea to go on this ride...and we had driven an hour. Markleeville is a quaint little town, and there are worse places to be stuck on a sunny Saturday.
Oh my gosh it felt good to be pedaling by myself in the altitude, pain inducing climbs of Alpine County. All the Death Rider's were out training for the upcoming "ride of pain" and so I had company. I ended up riding up with some guys who were customer's of my old digs, Palo Alto Bicycles. I should have known with all the fancy bike gear and clothing! But mostly this was the first chance I have had for "my time". I was a little disappointed to have no snap in my legs and I even had to use my "23" whereas usually I can climb these passes in my 19 or 21. But I didn't care.
Ebbetts is my favorite pass lately. As it twisted above 7,000' the air cooled (and I had a darn headwind the whole way up!), and soon I was seeing patches of snow on the side of the road. The top felt like it came too soon, but I had no time to ride more (since I had a visitor). The real treat was there was a guy on top with COLD water and rice crispy snacks at the top. He asked if I needed refills and boy did I! After a brief chat and lots of gratitude, I headed down. Rode back with my newfound friends and ran into Mike just outside of town. The smokey days have really bummed us out---so we were happy for an escape from bad air! I also had a headwind back to the car. The wind had shifted and the valley was filling with smoke again. Sigh.
Happy Sunday!
But actually, my state these days is Nevada. Hot, dry Nevada. And Mike and I were both in need of a different kind of pain. The kind only felt when pedaling over 9,000' mountain passes on our beloved 2 wheels. With our Belgian Bike supplier in town, we thought we would treat him to some of the nicest bicycle riding in the West! So we borrowed our bosses bike and headed over to a friend's house and the four of us headed to Markleeville, in hopes of clearer skies and a day of pain and suffering. In other words, Heaven on a bike!
When we arrived, the skies were already bluer, and while it was HOT...it was dry. Our Belgian supplier opted out of the day of pain, and decided to chill out in town instead. But we could not be kept from our rides, so we bid him farewell (even though I felt a bit guilty leaving him...I forgot what these passes might look like to lowlander!) and headed out on rides. Before everyone starts thinking I am a bad host, this is an American guy, living in Belgium, and it was his idea to go on this ride...and we had driven an hour. Markleeville is a quaint little town, and there are worse places to be stuck on a sunny Saturday.
Oh my gosh it felt good to be pedaling by myself in the altitude, pain inducing climbs of Alpine County. All the Death Rider's were out training for the upcoming "ride of pain" and so I had company. I ended up riding up with some guys who were customer's of my old digs, Palo Alto Bicycles. I should have known with all the fancy bike gear and clothing! But mostly this was the first chance I have had for "my time". I was a little disappointed to have no snap in my legs and I even had to use my "23" whereas usually I can climb these passes in my 19 or 21. But I didn't care.
Ebbetts is my favorite pass lately. As it twisted above 7,000' the air cooled (and I had a darn headwind the whole way up!), and soon I was seeing patches of snow on the side of the road. The top felt like it came too soon, but I had no time to ride more (since I had a visitor). The real treat was there was a guy on top with COLD water and rice crispy snacks at the top. He asked if I needed refills and boy did I! After a brief chat and lots of gratitude, I headed down. Rode back with my newfound friends and ran into Mike just outside of town. The smokey days have really bummed us out---so we were happy for an escape from bad air! I also had a headwind back to the car. The wind had shifted and the valley was filling with smoke again. Sigh.
Happy Sunday!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Fantastico!
Just a minute really to catch my breath! Italy was fabulous! How to catch up before it is only a memory? Not sure, since when I arrived home, I had a meeting first thing in the morning with our Italian Helmet company and then yesterday we had meetings with our Belgian Bike company. So no time. Sigh.
The new Campagnolo Apparel looks really great and we will have an 11-speed piece of the collection to celebrate the Campagnolo Components new Super Record/11-Speed Gruppo. In any case, this year I made it to Italy in time to go on the mini "Grand Fondo". I was the only women, but the second one up the climbs. I think all this living at altitude has had some positive affects. All the "guys" were worried, so I knew I would be OK, as they would wait for me. "There are some big hills, Joni. We will wait for you!" Since I am used to riding with really talented athletes here in the USA I was happy for this reassurance. Plus we had our own little tifosi as well as a follow vehicle for support.
In any case, I had trouble holding wheels on the flat and fast sections, but as soon as we hit the first climb, it was just me and the Italian bike racer at the top. We waited for the other 40 guys. Pretty cool! So I did my country proud! (smile). And luckily I knew the word "Attraversiamo" so I knew when it was time to cross over. I did almost crash on one of the twisty descents, but luckily I was far enough ahead of everyone that no one saw my "stumble".
Afterwards we went to dinner at a gorgeous Trattoria in Vicenza and ate course after course of local specialities. After the fashion show, I went to Treviso. Like last year, but this time I stayed in a hotel where "some" English is spoken.
Treviso is a lovely walled-city...and my hotel was on the "road to Venice". It was nice to have a weekend to relax and explore and Paola took me to a locals' only dinner with two of her Italian friends who are in the Rags Industry who just returned from Milano. This restaurant literally turns you away if you are not from the neighborhood.
after a day spent with Paola at the factory, it was time for me to leave. I am getting ready now to take my Belgian supplier on a ride in California Alps country as long as the smoke clears...which is doubtful. Sigh.
Really a fantastic time. I am off to New York next Sunday---then Boston and Denver...I am more excited to see Gibson and Teens and the old gang at Seven. I miss them more than I really thought I would. Funny how some people touch your lives in a profound way---and you are never the same person. And also how time changes your perspective. But is will be exciting to launch the apparel in Manhattan. And if all goes well, I will finally see some of my cousin Sharon's artwork in person. ( http://sjfnewyork.blogspot.com/ )
Ciao Ciao! (Pictures will have to wait...)
The new Campagnolo Apparel looks really great and we will have an 11-speed piece of the collection to celebrate the Campagnolo Components new Super Record/11-Speed Gruppo. In any case, this year I made it to Italy in time to go on the mini "Grand Fondo". I was the only women, but the second one up the climbs. I think all this living at altitude has had some positive affects. All the "guys" were worried, so I knew I would be OK, as they would wait for me. "There are some big hills, Joni. We will wait for you!" Since I am used to riding with really talented athletes here in the USA I was happy for this reassurance. Plus we had our own little tifosi as well as a follow vehicle for support.
In any case, I had trouble holding wheels on the flat and fast sections, but as soon as we hit the first climb, it was just me and the Italian bike racer at the top. We waited for the other 40 guys. Pretty cool! So I did my country proud! (smile). And luckily I knew the word "Attraversiamo" so I knew when it was time to cross over. I did almost crash on one of the twisty descents, but luckily I was far enough ahead of everyone that no one saw my "stumble".
Afterwards we went to dinner at a gorgeous Trattoria in Vicenza and ate course after course of local specialities. After the fashion show, I went to Treviso. Like last year, but this time I stayed in a hotel where "some" English is spoken.
Treviso is a lovely walled-city...and my hotel was on the "road to Venice". It was nice to have a weekend to relax and explore and Paola took me to a locals' only dinner with two of her Italian friends who are in the Rags Industry who just returned from Milano. This restaurant literally turns you away if you are not from the neighborhood.
after a day spent with Paola at the factory, it was time for me to leave. I am getting ready now to take my Belgian supplier on a ride in California Alps country as long as the smoke clears...which is doubtful. Sigh.
Really a fantastic time. I am off to New York next Sunday---then Boston and Denver...I am more excited to see Gibson and Teens and the old gang at Seven. I miss them more than I really thought I would. Funny how some people touch your lives in a profound way---and you are never the same person. And also how time changes your perspective. But is will be exciting to launch the apparel in Manhattan. And if all goes well, I will finally see some of my cousin Sharon's artwork in person. ( http://sjfnewyork.blogspot.com/ )
Ciao Ciao! (Pictures will have to wait...)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Arrivederci!
I can't believe it is already the middle of June--- Ouch! We've been really enjoying a gentle entry into the hot hot days of summer. And of course the riding has been wonderful---and whiloe there have been "windy" afternoons", the mornings are wonderful and cool but dry and sunny. Perfect! Spring has been nice and cool compared to last year. We only turned on the air-conditioner last night for the first time...and even then just for an hour or so to cool things down before sleep-time.
Speaking of sleep-time...We have a new (to us) bed! The San Diego Mehler's are now the Reno Mehler's (at least for a year---they still have their house in Carlsbad). I should work for the Reno board of tourism! Ha! In any case, they had a spare queen-sized bed and ask us if we would like to have it! How about that? It is awesome to have a real bed to sleep on after 3 years on a futon! A real treat. And now people can come and visit and not sleep on the floor! Woo hoo! After my ride today I drove over to their place and it is really nice---but they weren't there, but they are about 3 miles away! Daniel is starting football practice at the high-school I think on Monday.
I am heading to Venice (via Amsterdam) until the Wednesday after next. When I spoke with Paola on Friday she told me I am the only woman going for the bike ride in the Mount Berico Hills...European cycling (for girls) hasn't quite caught up to the USA. We are meeting at the Campagnolo components factory and leaving from there. Paola added, "Oh, of course I signed you up for the long ride with the hard hills since you love them so much!" Uh ho!?! Hope the ride leaders are not a bunch of skinny Italian climbers! Or at least I hope they will wait for me!
So I am pretty excited---although I don't relish the travel time and airport/airline/drama.
Arrivederci & Ciao! Happy Father's day!!!
Speaking of sleep-time...We have a new (to us) bed! The San Diego Mehler's are now the Reno Mehler's (at least for a year---they still have their house in Carlsbad). I should work for the Reno board of tourism! Ha! In any case, they had a spare queen-sized bed and ask us if we would like to have it! How about that? It is awesome to have a real bed to sleep on after 3 years on a futon! A real treat. And now people can come and visit and not sleep on the floor! Woo hoo! After my ride today I drove over to their place and it is really nice---but they weren't there, but they are about 3 miles away! Daniel is starting football practice at the high-school I think on Monday.
I am heading to Venice (via Amsterdam) until the Wednesday after next. When I spoke with Paola on Friday she told me I am the only woman going for the bike ride in the Mount Berico Hills...European cycling (for girls) hasn't quite caught up to the USA. We are meeting at the Campagnolo components factory and leaving from there. Paola added, "Oh, of course I signed you up for the long ride with the hard hills since you love them so much!" Uh ho!?! Hope the ride leaders are not a bunch of skinny Italian climbers! Or at least I hope they will wait for me!
So I am pretty excited---although I don't relish the travel time and airport/airline/drama.
Arrivederci & Ciao! Happy Father's day!!!
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Nice Bike!
The road biking scene is full of folks who you might say are a little "full of themselves" about their bikes and their gear. The latest and greatest, lightest and fastest, and of course prettiest and coordinated fashion stylists' - that's about the gist of it. The helmets have to match the outfits, which have to compliment the bar-tape. The seat-post must match the bars and stems and the tires ought to be the color of the bicycle decals ---if they are not black. It's ridiculous really---but I am guilty of all of the above and then some.
I look fast even if I am not fast---and it makes me feel fast which is all that matters if you don't race. It's really a weird kind of "club", but one I am happy to be a part of. And the funny thing in all this is that it is "good for you". How many things in life, which bring you so much joy, can you say that about?
Today, after all our jobs, I headed out into the Nevada sunshine, on my own prized little machine, to explore the roads I know so well, but which look different each time I ride on them. The recent rains have brought lots of green to the hillsides and Mt. Rose is still snow-capped. The quail couples are out in full force, and the desert blossoms are blossoming as they should. Baby cows, baby burro's, and even baby ostriches are all out in the pastures which surround the ranches which hug the mountains. It's lovely.
So as I was heading home after the last climb into Caughlin Ranch, there was a Mom with her two daughters and the little girl's were learning to ride their bikes. One was on training wheels and one was on a tricycle. Even at the young ages, these gal's were all matching pink and purple, with sunglasses, helmets and shorts and handlebar streamers. The one on the tricycle was all grins as I rode past---her blonde ringlets blowing in the wind and a big grin from ear to ear. She smiled and waved and said "Nice Bike", as I rode by. I couldn't help but smile back and told her that her bike was pretty sweet too!
You know that when a little 3 year old thinks your bike looks pretty cool, that you have the "look" down! Nice bike! Made my day!
I look fast even if I am not fast---and it makes me feel fast which is all that matters if you don't race. It's really a weird kind of "club", but one I am happy to be a part of. And the funny thing in all this is that it is "good for you". How many things in life, which bring you so much joy, can you say that about?
Today, after all our jobs, I headed out into the Nevada sunshine, on my own prized little machine, to explore the roads I know so well, but which look different each time I ride on them. The recent rains have brought lots of green to the hillsides and Mt. Rose is still snow-capped. The quail couples are out in full force, and the desert blossoms are blossoming as they should. Baby cows, baby burro's, and even baby ostriches are all out in the pastures which surround the ranches which hug the mountains. It's lovely.
So as I was heading home after the last climb into Caughlin Ranch, there was a Mom with her two daughters and the little girl's were learning to ride their bikes. One was on training wheels and one was on a tricycle. Even at the young ages, these gal's were all matching pink and purple, with sunglasses, helmets and shorts and handlebar streamers. The one on the tricycle was all grins as I rode past---her blonde ringlets blowing in the wind and a big grin from ear to ear. She smiled and waved and said "Nice Bike", as I rode by. I couldn't help but smile back and told her that her bike was pretty sweet too!
You know that when a little 3 year old thinks your bike looks pretty cool, that you have the "look" down! Nice bike! Made my day!
2 from 9 equals 7
Fabulous, Joni, so we know you can count. Ha! Actually, a plethora of 7's can be applied to our weekend. Including a lucky local's $7.77! I love plays on words and other such nonsense. So let me explain. After many years (we ordered this new frame when we still lived in Minnesota!), and Mike's 40th birthday present (a gruppo for the frame), he finally had his Seven Sola 29er built up (with a new 2 by 9 crankset even!) and took it for a maiden voyage on Saturday! It really is beautiful. (a 29er is a mountain bike with 29 inch wheels instead of the standard 26 inch wheels more commonly seen---for those who don't know). When I look at the bike next to my miniature Independent Fabrication hard-tail, it looks enormous! My bikes are just small compared to normal and his bikes are huge compared to normal.
And this is the beauty of having a bike made just for you! We both headed out for LONG Saturday rides in the Nevada sunshine---70's and no wind or humidity. I headed towards Mount Rose on My little Seven road bike and he headed for Peavine and the Verdi Hills peaks on his Seven Sola 29er. Different rides for sure---but the same Seven in Heaven smiles on our faces. We made a date to meet back at the house "really" hungry!
Which leads to my next Seven conversation which has nothing to do with bikes. Last week, we had a houseful of family and friends with my folks and also Bill & Gaby Hillinger from Austria. My folks moved into the Grand Sierra Resort (from la casa de la Taylor's) during his softball tournament (and Bill & Gaby stayed with us for a night). The Grand Sierra has a "lucky locals" buffet (upscale---not your garden variety stuff), and if you are local, you can eat for $7.77 (instead of $18.99). Let's just say that we got our money's worth. Between the "Smoking spoons Mehler's" and the cycling Taylor's, this buffet was a real deal! And after Mike's 5 hour mountain ride, and my 4 hour road ride, we were HUNGRY! So we decided to take ourselves "out", and eat all we could!!!
Bill & Gaby had toured some fabulous places in the USA from Vegas, Niagara Falls, Grand Canyon, San Francisco---and Reno. we spent the evening drinking beer and eating home-cooked American food (including "buffalo burgers on the grill", and you'd never know so many years separated the last time we met in Austria. Good friends.
It's supposed to be 77 degrees today. A perfect day to go on another ride on our bikes. Happy Sunday! Happy June 1st! Where is the year going?
Monday, May 26, 2008
(a) Merchant (in) of Venice
Not Shylock or Portia or any other Shakespearean character. Just seemed like a "catching" title for my upcoming trip to Venice in June. Campagnolo is launching their new Spring/Summer clothing collection on June 20, and I am off to view (and prepare for the USA selections) and, this time, ride with my legendary Italian suppliers. I will only be flying into Venice though, as Campagnolo is in Vicenza, a little over an hour South and West of the Marco Polo Airport. Another LONG flight and another not so LONG trip---though a little longer than last time.
This year the presentation is on a Friday, so I will need to stay the weekend and then spend a day at the factory on Monday, so another weekend in Treviso (quick train ride to Venice), and my hotel claims to have bikes for their guests. And this year I am flying over a few days early so that I can take part in the bike ride in the hills around Vicenza as well, as long as my flight is not a mess like it was a year ago. Whatever it is (mess or no), I am a little better prepared than I was last year.
In a few weeks my life will become air-travel, and land travel across the USA as well. My carbon foot-print will take on a different light. And all the good I do all year in conservation, and green-living will get eaten up in retailer visits. It's a pity that I can't figure out a different way of doing this. Perhaps my BGI friend Wayne has some ideas? In any case, it sounds far more glamorous on paper than it will be in real life. We will begin our launch in Manhattan...NYC! Then Boston, Chicago and Denver. From there I will be on my own for the Pacific Northwest, Southern California and Northern California---but my summer is pretty much shot. If I can squeeze it into my budget, I hope to be in the Southeast as well (So all my HOT-lanta family---stay tuned!)
It has been downright cold this Memorial Day weekend---I don't know why upper 50's feels so cold to me. I was reminded by a lovely Minnesotan yesterday that I was out riding my bike in Marshall in those temps thinking it was balmy in Fall/Spring. I think it is the mountains which make it colder. Going down hill on a bike after you've worked up a sweat going uphill just leads to being cold. Doesn't seem to have the same effect on Mike though. He likes it cold. Still I managed a few hours outside and it really was fabulous, albeit a little chilly. We both arrived home just before the wind picked up.
Happy Memorial Day!
This year the presentation is on a Friday, so I will need to stay the weekend and then spend a day at the factory on Monday, so another weekend in Treviso (quick train ride to Venice), and my hotel claims to have bikes for their guests. And this year I am flying over a few days early so that I can take part in the bike ride in the hills around Vicenza as well, as long as my flight is not a mess like it was a year ago. Whatever it is (mess or no), I am a little better prepared than I was last year.
In a few weeks my life will become air-travel, and land travel across the USA as well. My carbon foot-print will take on a different light. And all the good I do all year in conservation, and green-living will get eaten up in retailer visits. It's a pity that I can't figure out a different way of doing this. Perhaps my BGI friend Wayne has some ideas? In any case, it sounds far more glamorous on paper than it will be in real life. We will begin our launch in Manhattan...NYC! Then Boston, Chicago and Denver. From there I will be on my own for the Pacific Northwest, Southern California and Northern California---but my summer is pretty much shot. If I can squeeze it into my budget, I hope to be in the Southeast as well (So all my HOT-lanta family---stay tuned!)
It has been downright cold this Memorial Day weekend---I don't know why upper 50's feels so cold to me. I was reminded by a lovely Minnesotan yesterday that I was out riding my bike in Marshall in those temps thinking it was balmy in Fall/Spring. I think it is the mountains which make it colder. Going down hill on a bike after you've worked up a sweat going uphill just leads to being cold. Doesn't seem to have the same effect on Mike though. He likes it cold. Still I managed a few hours outside and it really was fabulous, albeit a little chilly. We both arrived home just before the wind picked up.
Happy Memorial Day!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Weather rollercoaster
I bet I write more about the weather than anything else. As an outdoor enthusiast, I suppose the weather always figures into my day---and as a cyclist---not only the temperature, but also the wind and precipitation also factor in. Last weekend it was so hot that I was riding my bike in a sleeveless jersey and shorts. I can count on my hands the times I wore this get-up in all my cycling years in the paradise of the Bay Area---so it really was amazing. By Wednesday morning I was already riding in Ski-gloves and 4 layers and by Thursday I left in my coldest weather Lobster gloves, full on winter riding wear and hit snow-flurries once I ventured into California and up the Dog Valley road climb. It is the lunatic-fringe of Spring.
Friday was the first day since we moved here that it actually rained most of the day. My first day off the bike in 14 days---so I just enjoyed the day off as a rest-day. Still, although my Minnesota-husband ventured outside today on his cross-bike, I opted for an inside ride on the trainer. Since these days are rare---I even enjoyed it (though not as much as pedaling outside). Just didn't want to muck-up my new drive-train.
We are having a houseful of guests this coming week. My Mom and Dad will be here on Monday for my Dad's annual "Reno Soft-ball" tournament. I love it when they describe the guys playing. My Dad will say "You know the guy", while talking about some amazing play by one of his teammate's, "he's the old fat guy who's kinda of bald!" My Mom will say, "that describes everyone out there Bobby! Can you be more specific". Then they chuckle together.
They will move from our place into the hotel of the "team's" and then we are having my friend's from my old SGI days, Bill & Gaby Hillinger who are visiting from Austria. Mike and I stayed with them at their house in Muenchendorf on one of our European biking excursions, before we left for Innsbruck (and the heavenly riding in the Austrian Alps!) and they are now visiting the USA and will stay with us briefly before heading back home. Bill's kids were 3 & 5 years old when I first visited them in Austria. Now they are all grown up and in University. My folks will perhaps stay with us again on Thursday night after the tournament and then head home. Mom will hopefully have her blood count high enough for a round of chemo on Saturday. She's doing well and is amazing really. (Thanks to everyone who asks...it does my heart good!)
And so--even though it is cold (high 50's) and there is snow dusting the mountains around me, I am surely enjoying the long Memorial Day weekend. I am reading a book called Mary (it is the story of Abe Lincoln's wife) and there is nothing like a cold day, a cup of tea and good book to read.
Happy Saturday!
Friday was the first day since we moved here that it actually rained most of the day. My first day off the bike in 14 days---so I just enjoyed the day off as a rest-day. Still, although my Minnesota-husband ventured outside today on his cross-bike, I opted for an inside ride on the trainer. Since these days are rare---I even enjoyed it (though not as much as pedaling outside). Just didn't want to muck-up my new drive-train.
We are having a houseful of guests this coming week. My Mom and Dad will be here on Monday for my Dad's annual "Reno Soft-ball" tournament. I love it when they describe the guys playing. My Dad will say "You know the guy", while talking about some amazing play by one of his teammate's, "he's the old fat guy who's kinda of bald!" My Mom will say, "that describes everyone out there Bobby! Can you be more specific". Then they chuckle together.
They will move from our place into the hotel of the "team's" and then we are having my friend's from my old SGI days, Bill & Gaby Hillinger who are visiting from Austria. Mike and I stayed with them at their house in Muenchendorf on one of our European biking excursions, before we left for Innsbruck (and the heavenly riding in the Austrian Alps!) and they are now visiting the USA and will stay with us briefly before heading back home. Bill's kids were 3 & 5 years old when I first visited them in Austria. Now they are all grown up and in University. My folks will perhaps stay with us again on Thursday night after the tournament and then head home. Mom will hopefully have her blood count high enough for a round of chemo on Saturday. She's doing well and is amazing really. (Thanks to everyone who asks...it does my heart good!)
And so--even though it is cold (high 50's) and there is snow dusting the mountains around me, I am surely enjoying the long Memorial Day weekend. I am reading a book called Mary (it is the story of Abe Lincoln's wife) and there is nothing like a cold day, a cup of tea and good book to read.
Happy Saturday!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Sunday Inspirations!
Today, despite the extreme heat (which really isn't that bad with the humidity at 9%), I left for ride in the arid desert sunshine---with a smile on my face. I NEVER mind the heat on a bike! After yesterday's longer ride, I just planned on a short loop around Caughlin Ranch. That said---it was so quiet and I felt good---I stayed gone for about three hours, looping around and up and down the local jaunts. I don't know where everyone is, but they're not here!
35/40+ miles with about LOTS of climbing per lap and I could count the cars I saw. It was wonderful. Even more wonderful is that each lap I did included an inspiring rider on the climb. The first time around, I rode up with this guy named Doug and his blind daughter Abby who was riding on the back of his tandem. They were training for some special ride and she loved going up hill. I think she was 14 years old. On the first descent to the bottom, I saw the guy I see riding year around---even in winter, who only has one arm, and who grinds it up McCarran Blvd. I saw him again as I was going up and he was going down. He's sinewy and lean and strong. I guess we do our laps in reverse.
The 3rd time up, these two guys in their late 60's were racing each other up the second hill. They were obviously quite fit and have competed together since high-school at the various "sport de jour." Then to top it off, towards the end of the last climb, I passed this guy who was breathing hard. And smiling (or grimacing). So I slowed down and rode with him---silently til we reached the top. He was a big guy---and in my mind I was thinking he would have an easier time if he lost a few pounds (truth be known, I always think this about myself too!) Shame on me, right? Well you would really be wagging your fingers if you knew the story. His name is John and he recently lost 75 lbs and this was the first time he'd ever ridden all the way to the top without stopping. He said I passed him earlier. Nothing like a little perspective to remind you that things are not always as they seem. And kind thoughts are always a better option than critical ones.
All of these folks inspired me today---without even knowing it! I sure love the weekends!
We're headed for a cooling trend beginning on Tuesday I think. It's a little too early for 90's anyway!
Happy Sunday!
35/40+ miles with about LOTS of climbing per lap and I could count the cars I saw. It was wonderful. Even more wonderful is that each lap I did included an inspiring rider on the climb. The first time around, I rode up with this guy named Doug and his blind daughter Abby who was riding on the back of his tandem. They were training for some special ride and she loved going up hill. I think she was 14 years old. On the first descent to the bottom, I saw the guy I see riding year around---even in winter, who only has one arm, and who grinds it up McCarran Blvd. I saw him again as I was going up and he was going down. He's sinewy and lean and strong. I guess we do our laps in reverse.
The 3rd time up, these two guys in their late 60's were racing each other up the second hill. They were obviously quite fit and have competed together since high-school at the various "sport de jour." Then to top it off, towards the end of the last climb, I passed this guy who was breathing hard. And smiling (or grimacing). So I slowed down and rode with him---silently til we reached the top. He was a big guy---and in my mind I was thinking he would have an easier time if he lost a few pounds (truth be known, I always think this about myself too!) Shame on me, right? Well you would really be wagging your fingers if you knew the story. His name is John and he recently lost 75 lbs and this was the first time he'd ever ridden all the way to the top without stopping. He said I passed him earlier. Nothing like a little perspective to remind you that things are not always as they seem. And kind thoughts are always a better option than critical ones.
All of these folks inspired me today---without even knowing it! I sure love the weekends!
We're headed for a cooling trend beginning on Tuesday I think. It's a little too early for 90's anyway!
Happy Sunday!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Spectacular!!!
Notice all the exclamation points! We spent a couple of weeks in Spring conditions here in NW Nevada but it feels like we went right from Winter to Summer. Can you say 90's? We've also been busy traveling to fun places to ride these last few weekends---and while this was no exception---we stayed close to home and headed to Markleeville to ride the passes.
Oh gosh was it fabulous. It was already warm when we left around 8am. I love it (for riding) though. Blue skies, warm weather and not really any wind. Not sure where everyone was--but they were not in here. I expected "Death Ride" training riders, fisherman/campers and motorcycles. The motorcycles were there---but not in droves. And there were a few other cyclists, but mostly local folks. It really was fabulous!
Mike headed out one way and I headed out another. Ebbetts is one of my all-time favorite passes to ride. I like Monitor too, but the first 3 miles are just grinder-steep. As I was pedaling I caught up to this gal and rode with her a ways---she was just enjoying the day and decided to ride up to the top of Ebbetts (8700+'). Did I mention she was in her 60's? Inspiring. I was feeling good (although a little tired from the week) so I wished her a safe ride and got out of the saddle and hammered on.
The Alpine Lake at the top is still frozen with snow on it. It was over 90-degrees just a few thousand feet below. I headed over the other side of Ebbetts (all down hill) and then headed back up and prepared for the glorious descent . Takes my breath away really. The decent even had a chill in the air until about 8000' feet or so---then the air was warm. I saw my "new" friend (Anne) pedaling uphill almost to the top! She was still smiling---even on the steep sections!
Passed the first gate I ran into these guys who were from Durango and rode with them a ways. It's this time of year when the folks you meet around here are locals---or used to altitude---so they don't have breathing problems even if they don't look like they're in the greatest shape. (i.e these guys from Durango)
I rode into town and picked up the car and then drove to meet Mike at the Monitor pass turn-off. I couldn't find the "stash of water and snacks he hid in the bushes and so I wanted to catch him before he rode into town. When he rolled in, we loaded up our bikes and as we were re-hydrating, Anne rode passed on her way back home. I hope I am still riding these passes as gracefully as she when I am in my 60's!
My Campagnolo Bike really rules. My Seven feels like a new animal on the road---making all my latest adventures seem easy!
Happy Saturday!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Tour of the Unknown Coast
Often referred to as "California's Toughest Century", the Tour of the Unknown Coast is officially a ride---not a race. But I suppose if you are a "racer" you race even the rides. 100 miles and 10,000' feet of climbing along the Northern Coast in Humbolt County---it is a beautiful and rough ride---all at the same time. From Ferndale---though the Avenue of the Giants---Over Panther Gap and onto Petrolia (an undeveloped stretch of California Coastline) and then it's onto "The wall", and onto the "Endless Hills before arriving back at Ferndale.
The folks at Adventure's Edge invited Mike to ride on their Team. There were about 10 guys from the shop also riding on the Adventure's Edge team---and Humberto (the Bike Manager at the shop) was hoping for a good result. No pressure really. Oh, did I mention that Tinker Juarez won the race last year?
It was an amazing, albeit a little coastal cool, morning. But hardly a breeze in the air. With all the different rides leaving at different hours, there were maybe 2000 people registered for one ride or another. After the big "fast" ride started, I put the Scrapper in the car, and started pedaling myself. The roads were rough, but the scenery is fabulous. Coastal farming pastures that roll along the coast. Soon we were rolling and climbing and descending our way into Rio del and then it was onto the Avenue of the Giants. These tall trees leave me speechless. I was doing a different route than Mike (I did the 100K and Mike did the 100m---I wanted to be there when he finished, and having done this ride before, I knew I would be about 2 hours slower than he).
I finally got some radio news from the racing bunch. Some guy was off the front ---rode away from the field on Panther Gap and was holding the chasers off by 5-8 minutes. The support vehicle had to stay behind the other leaders, but they let a motorcycle drive with the lead guy for any support needs. Was it Mike? No one knew. Finally, Jennifer (the owner of Adventure's Edge) called and said it was Mike and he was so far off the front that he was GONE!! Woo Hoo! I was already finished with my ride and happy to have made it back in plenty of time to relax before Mike finished.
Soon, someone called on race radio to say that the leader had finished Wildcat, so I went to the Finish to watch Mike come in. There were so many different rides finishing that it was hard to distinguish who was who. But I know my husband. And in between all the cruisers, and touring bikes and folks coming in still from my 100k ride, I see a familiar guy. "There's the lead guy!" I yelled. No one believed me. But it was Mike. He arrived about 8 minutes ahead of the next finisher---who just happened to be Henry Kramer (Cal Giant). So Mike gets his name on the plaque---right under Tinker Juarez.
If you haven't done this ride---I highly recommend it! We had the time of our lives! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Taylor's in Tahoe!
So, I am a little out of order here---but I wanted to include some photo's of our Taylor visit and since I forgot to put the digital card in my camera, I was waiting for some photo's from Minnesota Mom!
Diane and Dave DROVE to Reno (via a visit with Doug & Liz in Hastings, NE) from Marshall for a visit. They drove the same route we did and Dave has been wanting to make this drive West since he's never done it before. And given the expense and "no-direct-flight" options to flying into Reno, even with gas as expensive as it is, a road trip seemed like a fine idea!
We were a houseful of Taylor's! We converted our living-room into the guest room (with a TV) each night with an air-mattress, and Minnesota Mom & Dad were real "troopers" and slept on an air-mattress the whole time. It really was a treat. Mike and I had to work for a couple of the days, though Mike took half a day on Thursday and they all went to Virginia City (up Geiger Pass--our cycling route). The weather was a mixed bag of Spring (cool to warm to windy to snow flurries), but for the most part was wonderful (of course the day they left was the snow flurry day).
On Friday, both Mike and I took the day off, and we headed for Lake Tahoe/Northstar, via Mt. Rose (also our cycling route). Diane and Dave have certainly seen enough snow in their lives (Minnesota is your first clue). But unlike snow in the Northern Plains, Alpine snow has it's own particular charm. And Spring skiing snow is really nice with all the sun and warm temperatures. The timing was perfect as riding the gondola up to the top of the mountains was free (as opposed to paying $17 per person), and we were even able to hitch a ride in the VIP/Members only lifts up to the expert slopes! You couldn't have scripted a nicer day!
Between visits to the new Cabella's, Tahoe, Viriginia City and our little neighborhood in NW Reno, the week just flew. Diane and Dave got to experience their first earthquakes (thank G-D they missed the latest grumblings in the ground)---so it was quite an adventurous week.
On Saturday, true to form for anyplace that actually has season's (no one in California reading me understands this...trust me), the wind pounded us with a cold front. Now anyone who has been reading me for any amount of time knows what I thought of the Marshall Prairie winds. Well---Reno may not blow as consistently as the northern prairie, but when it blows---sigh. 60 mph gusts and a steady 30-40 mph "breeze". While Mike was riding, Diane and Dave and I went shopping for dinner and a movie (The World's fastest Indian---excellent). Yes--we BBQ'd a feast in the blustery wind and enjoyed a lovely last night together.
It was a fabulous time and the house feels empty since they left early last Sunday morning. It is supposed to be 81 degrees today, so we are off for another long bike ride! Happy Sunday!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Shake, Rattle & Roll!
Growing up in the San Francisco Bay area---well, earthquakes are no stranger to me. I remember in the 80's when we had some big shakers around the Hayward Fault---and of course I was there in 1989 when the ground rolled like a roller coaster for 15 seconds (felt like an hour) and caused such havoc around the Bay. When you grow up with earthquakes, you're like "whatever...no big deal!"
The country's 3rd most seismic state, after Alaska in California, has been rocking and rolling like crazy lately. Two days ago we had over a hundred measure-able quakes and yesterday we had about 100, and some were big ones! But last night, was the biggest yet at near 5.0 (I think it was a 4.9). Pictures fell off the walls, cups and saucers in the cabinets were knocked over, and Mike and I woke up when the Scrapper jumped right on our heads!
It doesn't help that we are maybe a mile from the epicenter. Sydney is NOT enjoying it. She runs from the bed to the closet all night long. At work she jumps right into your lap. In any case, it is pretty amazing. But so far, we are fine.
It's supposed to be a nice 75 degrees today and Mike and I are off for a long bike ride, to enjoy the spring. We are rocking and rolling here in the Silver "quake" state!
Happy Saturday!
The country's 3rd most seismic state, after Alaska in California, has been rocking and rolling like crazy lately. Two days ago we had over a hundred measure-able quakes and yesterday we had about 100, and some were big ones! But last night, was the biggest yet at near 5.0 (I think it was a 4.9). Pictures fell off the walls, cups and saucers in the cabinets were knocked over, and Mike and I woke up when the Scrapper jumped right on our heads!
It doesn't help that we are maybe a mile from the epicenter. Sydney is NOT enjoying it. She runs from the bed to the closet all night long. At work she jumps right into your lap. In any case, it is pretty amazing. But so far, we are fine.
It's supposed to be a nice 75 degrees today and Mike and I are off for a long bike ride, to enjoy the spring. We are rocking and rolling here in the Silver "quake" state!
Happy Saturday!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Just like summer!
I've been in somewhat of a non-writing mood lately. Very strange. Even though nothing is really "wrong", it just hasn't felt right either and since I can't really discuss what's up, it is hard for me to discuss "anything". So---lots of silence from me. Nothing to worry about. I have my health, my family and their health and my "just turned 40" husband. But anytime you start a conversation that way, you keep waiting for the "and yet..." part.
But I am not accustomed to feeling down in the dumps. So I haven't written. I also don't stay this way for long since it doesn't come natural for me. So all is well, but this is why I haven't been writing.
Mike and I and a friend headed to Markleeville on Saturday. 74 degrees, no wind and. In other words it was perfect. Ebbetts is still closed to cars (at the first gate even), but this was the first weekend that Monitor was open and plowed! 10-12 foot cuts in the snow, but ridable in shorts and short sleeved jerseys! When I saw how much snow there was on Monitor, I headed over to climb car-free Ebbetts---thinking that there would even be more snow, and knowing that I only had so many miles in my legs and I didn't want to miss Ebbetts because I was out of gas. Mike and Jeff headed over to the other side of Monitor and rode both ways. Studs!.
When I passed the first gate of the Ebbetts climb---there was NO snow really. More on Monitor oddly enough. I love this climb. Mike likes Monitor better, but for me the twisty turns and 11,000 foot mountain peaks surrounding the climb are so spectacular. Even if the road was a sandbox, riding up with no cars is such a treat! I passed the 7,000' foot gate and there were some 4' cuts in the snow drifts, but nothing like Monitor.
Another 800' feet or so though and the road just stopped. Unplowed and no way up. I will have to go back in a couple of weeks to get to the top.
And with the way the snow is melting, I imagine Ebbetts will be open next weekend.
Today was about 80 degrees and I went out again on the local roads for about 4.5 hours. Gotta get in shape to ride up the passes.
So---it has been awhile, but I wish you all a happy Sunday. Happy for the sunshine and expect some changes for these Taylor's in the not so distant future.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
A year in one place!
This may not sound like much to most...but these two bike-riding Taylor's have not lived in one place for a year in over three years now. So it is a big milestone---even if we don't know how long it will last. We arrived here in town about a year ago. I think Mike even raced at the UNR race about a year ago today...or yesterday. In some ways that feels like a lifetime ago---and in other ways it feels like we are still newbies here in town.
And just like when we arrived, the wind has been blowing. And blowing. Marshall-style wind---but with mountains to give the gusts a bit of a boost. Last week, on one of the windy nights, we were watching some nonsense on TV after dinner and the house shook. At first I thought it was just the wind...but in fact it was an earthquake and we must be right near the epicenter. Because the floor & furniture really shook. Third one in the last couple of weeks---so probably more to come.
As a NorCal girl, earthquakes are in my blood. And what I remember most about them, is that the more it shakes, the more they come. Unlike a hurricane or a volcano (which erupts or blows through and then there is calm), earthquakes tend to be the more you feel them, the more often they shake. Hmmm...???
I spent last Thursday and Friday in the Bay Area working. One of my shops was hosting a "ladies night" and I was co-star with Shelia Moon. Fun. But always those miles over the pass set me back and I am exhausted. There was a time when I could do this late night/all-day stuff---no problem. Now I get tired with the 8 hours in the car (round trip). But it was fun staying at my folks for a night. Sometimes the Bay Area seems really crowded to me. When I am going and staying long enough to get some paradise riding in, it seems less crowded. But when all I am doing is working, I am reminded of just how crowded it is. And was happy to be back home in the less populated high desert town.
Happy Sunday!
And just like when we arrived, the wind has been blowing. And blowing. Marshall-style wind---but with mountains to give the gusts a bit of a boost. Last week, on one of the windy nights, we were watching some nonsense on TV after dinner and the house shook. At first I thought it was just the wind...but in fact it was an earthquake and we must be right near the epicenter. Because the floor & furniture really shook. Third one in the last couple of weeks---so probably more to come.
As a NorCal girl, earthquakes are in my blood. And what I remember most about them, is that the more it shakes, the more they come. Unlike a hurricane or a volcano (which erupts or blows through and then there is calm), earthquakes tend to be the more you feel them, the more often they shake. Hmmm...???
I spent last Thursday and Friday in the Bay Area working. One of my shops was hosting a "ladies night" and I was co-star with Shelia Moon. Fun. But always those miles over the pass set me back and I am exhausted. There was a time when I could do this late night/all-day stuff---no problem. Now I get tired with the 8 hours in the car (round trip). But it was fun staying at my folks for a night. Sometimes the Bay Area seems really crowded to me. When I am going and staying long enough to get some paradise riding in, it seems less crowded. But when all I am doing is working, I am reminded of just how crowded it is. And was happy to be back home in the less populated high desert town.
Happy Sunday!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Going up?
Why is one subset of cycling enamored with climbing, when most of the rest of the bike riding world avoids it? Some folks are granted with what is known as "climbers’ bodies", and that might explain it. Even though I am small, I don't know that I have a climbers body and yet I still love climbing. What explains that? I at least know where my climber’s body went. It’s directly south or, more precisely, beneath. Like a miner trapped underground with unlimited oxygen and food, it is safe and recoverable but not without some excavation---especially since I have begun to live in places which have seasons.
Some who weren’t born climbers are nevertheless drawn to ascending. They pretend by doing. If an imitator imitates long enough she stands a good chance of becoming what she pretends to be. Why do I love climbing? A flat and featureless road does not talk back to me. I have a conversation with a road that climbs and hairpins and pitches and switches back on itself. It talks with its hands, its knees and elbows. It shows me its ridged back, and its torso, with its depressions and arches. It pushes me to my limits more than anything else I have ever challenged myself with.
As it rises in elevation a road undergoes costume changes like an actor in a community playhouse. A typical climb I might ride is clothed in desert greasewood and creasote bush. After Act I it ducks behind a curtain to emerge with a cover of juniper and pinyon pine. The higher I ride up mountains like this the more likely I’ll see incense cedar, white fir and jeffrey pine, and perhaps western juniper jutting out of granite — if the latitude is sufficiently northern — the oldest of these craggy trees born before Christ.
If the road’s elevation is sufficient the mighty yellow pines become sparse, replaced by red fir and smaller treeline pines like the limber and the lodgepole. I might climb through quaking aspen stands, or groves of giant sequoia. As you see, these roads have a lot to say — in fact they’re downright chatty.
That’s why I find climbing interesting. But it’s also challenging. Facing that challenge is good, but facing it in style is better. So today I started the excavating process of digging in and looking for my form. Not to be a fast climber. Just to be a strong enough climber to get over all those passes so I can listen to the chatty roads I love to explore. When I am in form...I chat right back---even sing. Yes. 70 degrees and sunshine. Spring seems to have sprung in the high desert.
Happy Easter!
Some who weren’t born climbers are nevertheless drawn to ascending. They pretend by doing. If an imitator imitates long enough she stands a good chance of becoming what she pretends to be. Why do I love climbing? A flat and featureless road does not talk back to me. I have a conversation with a road that climbs and hairpins and pitches and switches back on itself. It talks with its hands, its knees and elbows. It shows me its ridged back, and its torso, with its depressions and arches. It pushes me to my limits more than anything else I have ever challenged myself with.
As it rises in elevation a road undergoes costume changes like an actor in a community playhouse. A typical climb I might ride is clothed in desert greasewood and creasote bush. After Act I it ducks behind a curtain to emerge with a cover of juniper and pinyon pine. The higher I ride up mountains like this the more likely I’ll see incense cedar, white fir and jeffrey pine, and perhaps western juniper jutting out of granite — if the latitude is sufficiently northern — the oldest of these craggy trees born before Christ.
If the road’s elevation is sufficient the mighty yellow pines become sparse, replaced by red fir and smaller treeline pines like the limber and the lodgepole. I might climb through quaking aspen stands, or groves of giant sequoia. As you see, these roads have a lot to say — in fact they’re downright chatty.
That’s why I find climbing interesting. But it’s also challenging. Facing that challenge is good, but facing it in style is better. So today I started the excavating process of digging in and looking for my form. Not to be a fast climber. Just to be a strong enough climber to get over all those passes so I can listen to the chatty roads I love to explore. When I am in form...I chat right back---even sing. Yes. 70 degrees and sunshine. Spring seems to have sprung in the high desert.
Happy Easter!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Snow Melt & Recovery Time
Mike and I have been "under the weather" for weeks. It's been pretty awful really. Mostly the fatigue part. In any case, we are finally back on the bike and riding outside and enjoying the lovely Spring-like weather in the High Sierra Nevadas. Snow is melting...pretty much is melted in Reno, though many feet of snow remain in the mountains. Tomorrow it is supposed to be near 70 degrees.
We're hoping to get back on the bike enough to race at the Sea Otter in April. The San Diego Mehler's were visiting Reno last week for their spring break. It looks like they may actually be leaving the Golden State for the Silver State as well. Reno is a nice place.
Last week the Euro to dollar hit like 1.58 to the US 1.00. As an importer of European products into the USA, this creates quite a challenge. I am always proud to be an American. Land of Opportunity. Land of the free. Land of hope. And yet, I struggle with the current crisis; wondering how to help; feeling helpless to do so. Do I continue importing products from other countries---or figure out a way to sell/support American? It's a personal struggle.
I was even thinking that if I end up receiving the government rebate check this year, how would I use the money and support the American economy? If I go to Walmart/Target/Other, my money will go to China. Gasoline? Money goes to Middle east. New car? Money goes to Japan/Germany? Cool cycling clothes? My money goes to Italy. I could buy beer. (Best beer outside of Belgium is USA). Mike says we can put it in the bank. He's pretty smart.
We were talking about things like where we live, where is home, etc. (we've been stuck together in the house for 3 weekends---). Mike said, "Home is wherever I am....wherever you are". That was comforting. Happy Saturday!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
