Taylor Tales in Nevada

Missing you Mom on Mother's Day

2011-05-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

48 years ago she gave me life. 27 years ago, she kinda saved me from my life. This party girl was a little bit chubby, liked her 20 something new found freedom a bit too much, and you'd even see a cigarette dangling from her mouth every now and again. But Mom got tough when I ran out of dough and had to come home after I thought I left for good. She made me run with her. Everyday. (Her answer to everything was sport and she made all of her kids pick a sport at a very young age...or she'd pick it for them). She loved to run and said if I was going to live under her roof now, it was by her rules since she was not obliged to take care of me any more---at least not according to the law. Sigh. No smoking. No driving. AND I had to go to the track with her everyday. I tried to cry my way out of this daily ritual with all my aches and pains of a whiny spoiled child. She said, "You don't have to run---but you have to go with me." She even smiled when she said it. So I'd go to the track and cry and sulk and walk around while she would go jogging passed, all grins. She had 3 pins in one of her ankles from a hiking adventure in Ukiah years ago so she kinda had this cute sideways "gate" to her trot. And I could always hear her coming passed me because she ran with her keys in one hand. Anyway, after 2 weeks of trying to get out of it, I secretly started to like going. Even started jogging. She was faster than I, but I just went at my own pace. HOOKED for life. 6 months later I entered my first Half Marathon and finished in under 2 hours.

Up until the very end of her challenge with pancreatic cancer, years and years beyond her original diagnosis of only a few months (to almost 6 years survival), she and I would go to the track together when I would go visit, which was often. It was such a treat for us both. It was me now, passing her with a smile on my face---but she would beam right back at me...still trotting with her sideways gate and keys jingling. Sometimes she could only do a few laps before leaving to find a restroom (darn chemo)---and I would stay and run and sometimes she'd come back and sometimes I would have to run home. She'd want to know how many miles I did and how fast I was, and how did it feel to be in such a "small body" (her words). Then we'd eat, shower and kick my dad out of bed and watch TV together until we went to sleep with the TV on. My Dad would aways leave us together and he would go and sleep in the guest room or on the couch.

The umbilical chord is still attached. I'm the girl running all over the Truckee Meadows with a chord reaching for the heavens looking like it's attached to the clouds. And everyday on my running escapades i think of her and thank her for giving me life and then saving my life a couple of decades later from my own self destructive path.

Happy Mother's Day Mom! My heart is chipped without you....

Up in The Air

2010-12-20T06:46:00.000-08:00

―Up in the Air! Holiday Greetings from the High Sierra Mountains – 2010

Wow! It is amazing that we’re still here in the same place in our little mountain town in Northern Nevada’s High
Sierra Mountains. Probably a record for this Taylor Trio, who by nature has not let the grass grow around our feet very
much in the last decade. The mountains are snow-topped, but we’ve been enjoying a mild December (after an early
Thanksgiving Snow/Cold snap!) and have been riding our bikes outside and enjoying the final days of a very busy year.
If I could use just a few words to describe this year, it would have something to do with Airlines. When the TSA agents
know you by your first name (even your nickname Joni as opposed to your given name Joan), you know you’ve been there
too much!

One of the highlights of all this travel was a very special trip to Costa Rica with Dad, just the two of us. He needed
some dental work done and I went with him. It was a trip of a lifetime and I will be going back (and bringing Mike!).
Costa Rica is a country without an Army, and the government uses the funding which would normally go to military for
education. So there is a whole population of educated people and therefore an amazing middle class. Clean, healthy and
beautiful. We visited volcano’s (there are 113 of them!) and coffee farms and walked everywhere together.

In November, Mike and I made our trip to Marshall and enjoyed visiting with Mom and Dad there. It was funny
because we had just had a cold snap in Reno, so we went to Minnesota to warm up! How about that?

And in the back of my mind, on every single day, my thoughts return to my Mom. I keep waiting for that magical
moment when that ―hole‖ begins to heal, and like every other hurt in my life, it becomes a faded memory. On those days
when it’s really tough, I donate to a charity that she would like, in her memory and head out on a long bike ride or run
and we chat (or actually I talk and she listens), and eventually I actually feel better. But the good news is that this hurt
will never be a faded memory—My Sunny Mom is alive and well in my heart. Joni + Mom= Forever.

So, I am off to Italy in a couple of weeks---it’s a nice way to begin the traveling year. And I am looking forward to a
new decade with the love of my life (that would be the tall, handsome Michael Taylor). And of course, last but hardly
least, Sydney is still brightening our day (and causing grief to the Reno Bunnies, Lizards and Quail in our backyard) and
waking us up bright and early---reminding us of all of our blessings!

With lots of love and High Sierra Sunshine, The Taylor’s wish you a very Happy Holiday Season – 2010!

Taylor Holiday Letter 2009

2009-12-22T10:58:00.000-08:00

A Taylor Holiday Greeting from Northern Nevada - 2009

They came to sit and dangle their feet off the edge of the world and soon they thought of nothing but the good and true things they would do someday…

…and if there is anything I learned from 2009, it is that someday is now. I grew up in a very different way this year when I said good-bye to the most important woman in my life. I shared her last breath as she shared my first and if I could put into words how this has impacted my life I would---but words are not so free-flowing. A sweetness, that was “Mom” is gone, and every day I ask G-d to remember the soul of my Mother, Sonia G. Mehler…The love and strength of family and community shined and we mourned her passing and celebrated her life with family and friends. You see, words don’t work...

And now it is time to close the year once again---and even with this big hole in my heart, I feel incredibly blessed. I love my husband and I love my life, and I’ve decided that the happiest people may not have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything that they have! And with that thought, I am a very rich woman and very happy! (And best is subjective anyway!)

We were able to visit Marshall in November and my time with the Taylor’s, always fills me with love. I now have a Grandpa who is 95 and I enjoyed going to visit him every day. We share a profound day (he said good bye to his wife and I to my Mom on the same day, albeit a couple of years apart. And they were also put to rest on the same day a couple of years apart). Interesting that G-d blessed me with my Minnesota Mom, and that we can share the same day to reflect on our Mom’s together.

I wake up every day next to the love of my life and the perfect small hound and my Mehler-Taylor family continues to give me joy and purpose, and as I have aged, Faith has become more of a center-piece in my soul. The many friends (you) who supported me during my Mom’s challenge with cancer have etched their way into my heart forever. With gratitude, love and the joy of the season, Happy Holidays to you! Wishing you good health, and a lovely New Year!

My Mother's Daughter-Thanksgiving Bittersweetness

2009-11-27T10:34:00.000-08:00

I am Joni Taylor, daughter of Sonia Mehler. I was the first person to ever call her Mom! And I was also one of her biggest tester's of what we call, "Love, unconditionally". As I have been reflecting daily in my conversations with G-d, (May G-d remember the soul of my Mother...), I'd like to share some excerpts from my journal, since most of you have already heard most of my favorite Mom stories:

"She left pieces of her life behind her everywhere she went. It's easier to feel the sunlight without them, she said."

This was written to describe her incredible generosity of herself. Her whole self.

During the last few weeks in hospice, I spent as much time as I could with her:

"The day she first told me she was starting to disappear, I didn't believe her and so she stopped and held her hand up to the sun and it was thin like paper in the light and I finally said you seem very calm for a woman who is disappearing and she said she was sad but relieved too after these last few years of trying to keep the pieces of her life in one place. Later on I went to see her again and as I was leaving she put a package in my hand. This is the last piece of my life she said. Take good care of it, and she smiled and was gone and the room filled with the sound of the wind and when I opened the package there was nothing there and I thought there must be some mistake or maybe I dropped it and I got down on my hands and knees and looked until the light began to fade, and then slowly I felt pieces of my life fall away and suddenly I began to understand what she meant and I lay there for a long time crying and laughing at the same time."

And to sum up how I feel right now:

"There was a whole world here once, but some of the smaller parts left on personal business and it's not that easy to find replacements".

I can not imagine having a different Mom or a different experience. My life, with all of it's imperfection, was perfect for me because of my Mom. She was perfect for me and without her, I wouldn't be the woman I am today. I am my Mother's Daughter.

Some Vegas Photo's

2009-10-30T15:45:00.000-07:00

So my laptop died and I lost all my email addresses. Well, not lost, but hopefully waiting for my restore to work. Thought I'd post some photo's from Vegas 2009 Interbike.

Sunny's Heart

2009-10-18T15:19:00.001-07:00

May G-D remember the soul of my Mother...

Sure things and guarantees

2009-07-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

One of the sure signs that I am growing up, is that while I remain idealistic and optimistic about life (can't help it!), I am also realistic in understanding that things won't always be as easy as I would like them to be, or turn out exactly how I hope they will. And while I can't write the book on what is going to happen in my life before it does, I can certainly live my life such that when things don't go "my way", I can always know that I have lived each day to it's fullest. Did my very best. Had whole intentions on getting up that climb, made my sales goals, ran as far and as fast as I could, honored my husband, enjoyed an evening walk with my small hound.

At the back of every thought, wish, and hope these days is the miracle that my Mom will feel good. She's doing everything she's supposed to do, and while the doc's are still baffled and can't find the cancer---there are so many poison's and chemicals from years of chemo, that her body is really challenging her to a new level. And as she is challenged, so am I.

I spent a lovely week in Paradise (a.k.a. the San Francisco Bay Area)! It was not only successful, but rich in the things that matter---like relationships with the folks that will mean something to me for the rest of my days. Family and friends. (Jeff, Dave, Kathy, Scotty, Alan, Bernie---you guys really don't know how good it is to see you). I have to remember to start my big sales campaign summers this way, as it settles down my nerves and makes me realize that while my circle of influence may be small in the big picture of life, it is large with love, good wishes and people that make my life very special.

And at the back end of these thoughts, is that there are no guarantees. No sure things in this world. If you have your health, you have everything. Eating right and exercising and Faith are no sure things that life will be easy. But they will help you be strong enough to deal with whatever gets tossed at you, and they also make it easy for people to be supportive of whatever challenges come your way. Wear a helmet, take care of your heart, your soul...and always believe. Go Mom! Happy Sunday!

P.S. Thanks to all who signed my dedication page on the livestrong sight!

http://www.livestrongaction.org/node/3625

If it is June, it must be Italy!

2009-06-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

When I imagine that this time last week I was spending 30 hours transporting myself from across the pond it seems crazy. But true, nonetheless. And if you imagined the 30 hours to be a typo, well I wish it were, but if there is a drawback to living in a small little town in the mountains, it is airline travel to and from Tahoe/Reno. I arrived in Italy to some lovely weather and it was just 18 hours to get there (the flying time is similar, but the layovers in the different hubs across the USA are the bear). My mission for the day was to stay awake until the evening. After unpacking and getting settled into my room at the "spa" in Vicenza, I grabbed my book and headed out to the pool. It was too hot to sit there. So I decided to go for a run. Of course I got lost and by the time I found my way back to my hotel, it was a shower and then a quick "ciao" with Paola before going to a nice dinner in town with Alessandro from Campagnolo (as well as the Spanish, German and Dutch distributors).

The chatter at the table was a lovely mix of Spanglish, Italenglish, Germanenglish and the Dutch---well that would be perfect english! I out-did myself by staying awake past midnight and completely fell sound asleep by the time my head hit the pillow. I felt pretty normal (a funny word-choice for me, but normal for me) the next morning and the breakfast at the Vergilius Spa is fabulous. By then, many of the other countries had arrived and I had the morning free to rest before the presentation. So after the Buon Girono's Buenos Dias, Dag's, Bon Jour's, etc., I headed over to the pool and read my book with Pascal from The Netherlands.

I am normally not a sunbather, but I was reading The Dog in the Hat and time just flew by. Lunch served by the beautiful Italian woman by the pool and soon it was time for the Big presentation. Sometimes, I pinch myself. Like how did I get here? Somedays, my life sounds better than anything I could have invented. And for a girl who has invented so many cool stories, I can somehow not put into words my reality these days. It's a bit ironic.

After a lovely and another very late night, I crashed again (sleeping comes so naturally for me!) and the next day I was off to Treviso with Paola, after our business meetings at Campagnolo. We went to our favorite place in the walled city center later that evening. My Hotel this year was the best choice. A few meters from the railroad into Venice and right inside the city center. It was called the Hotel Continental. Each time I am in Europe, I realize how much you really get for your money in the USA. And the more I travel outside my country, no matter how much I appreciate and love the places I visit, I am further made aware of how very blessed I am to be an American. We can complain about the cost of Gas, hotels, etc., but our standards are very high. I love Western Europe. I really do. But I believe that the luxury life we are afforded in our country is amazing. And everything feels like a bargain the first few weeks I am back home. There is beautiful in the old charm, but also in the new world.

Paola met me early on Saturday and we rode the train into Venice. Venice reminds me a bit of a very very old NYC. With it's neighborhoods, artisians, shopping and food. Obviously very different as well. But it was a feeling of excitement that only NYC invokes in me. Seeing Venice with a local was a treat beyond belief. And while I can't remember everywhere I went, I remember no feelings of helplessness from being hopelessly lost. Everything from Leonardo DiVinci, Picasso, etc., can all be seen and felt there. I walked through all 5 of the burroughs and over all the bridges. Old and New.

By Sunday I was beat! My plane out of Venice was delayed by 3 hours. This was annoying as it was eating into my time with the Kalski's in Atlanta. I had a 13 hour layover, which was shortened by by a few hours. But Larry was there to meet me 4 minutes after I landed and a few minutes of Southern Hospitality goes a long way! At least I wasn't inconvenienced like the rest of my plane with making my connection.

And there is nothing I love better than landing in Reno to my smiling husband and my small hound. I think this is the best story yet, and one I can never put into words how blessed I feel in my life. My own little very simple fairy tale. Happy Sunday!

Fondazione Vedova - Emilio E. Annabianca

2009-06-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

A day in Venice! And seeing it with a local Italian woman was priceless. I have lots to write about and either no time, no energy or both. My new camera is great, but the operator still needs lots of practice. There is an "idiot" button which I was planning to use, but there was a "no flash" rule inside the installation exhibit and I proceeded to mess the settings up. These are also a low resolution to make sending them easier and hopefully you will get the gist, regardless of the quality.

Fondazione Vedova is a new exhibition place in Venice, and the opening of this important modern artists paintings are the first to be there. So my timing was great. It was especially meaningful because in the last 5 years I have become a fan of Jackson Pollack and I found many similarities to the feel of Emilo Annabianca's works. This installation was a collection of 27 pieces. 9 rectangles, 9 squares and 9 circles (but the circles except for the one pictured were in square frames.)

The hall was especially cool, and what was interesting about this exhibit is that the artwork came to you. Most of the time you view paintings by walking around a gallery. But these pieces were hung from a special rail that brought the paintings down the aisles, turned them (magically perfect with the lighting), and dropped them to your eye level. They then, in a symphony, picked themselves back out, put themselves away in a rack, and brought out another 9. The whole process (including the downtime where they sit at eye level) is about an hour for each 9 pieces.

It was really fascinating to be there. Only in Venice can you see the very very old, with modern technology married in one place with such style and innovative design.
More to come.

We also saw the Yoko Ono, Mother/Son installation and the Guggenheim in Venice. The artwork that I have admired much of my life, seen in person can bring you to tears. Prints are wonderful ways to see art from a global perspecitve, but seeing the pieces in person will move you to places you weren't aware of. It's a very emotional thing. Also seeing the art in person in the old country is something I will not soon forget. The depth can not be photographed.

Happy Saturday!

The "new" size 2?

2009-06-07T19:04:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday, and really most of last week, we have been in this very unusual (for the high-desert) cool weather in June. Saturday it was actually rainy/wet out most of the day. I am not complaining at all--the longer we stay cool, the shorter the heat-wave of a summer 90's and 100's will be (at least on paper). I was going through "old clothes" and new clothes to see if I need to buy anything to go to Italy next week. I'm still pretty much the same size I always was---so my clothes from 20 years ago plus still fit me.

What I did find interesting (and progressively frustrating), is that what "used" to be a size 5 is now a size 2. What is up with that? When I think of a size 2 I think of someone WAY smaller than I. And yet, when I go shopping now, I am a size 2. I haven't lost weight---but I am now an American size 2. It is kinda scary that this is what we've come to. Instead of losing weight, we just made the smaller sizes bigger.

Just for fun I measured my old size 5 jeans and they are actually smaller than new size 2's. The Gap, and DKNY are big offenders of oversizing---even in the petite section. When I tried on some of those brands the size 2 fit me baggy. It is comical if you ask me. Even the junior department has taken up this game. Sigh... Kinda funny, but not really. I wonder if this is just women's clothes---or if the men's designers are doing this too? It makes me think of Jerry Seinfeld when he scribbled a 32 on his 33's or something like that.

So---Today was completely gorgeous out. Perfect, sunny, and in the 70's with no wind. So I went out for lots of hill-climbing miles on my bicycle and thoroughly enjoyed the day! Made up for doing NOTHING but walk the Scrapper through the canyons yesterday. Mom and Dad are in town and we will have dinner with them tomorrow. Mom's new chemo cocktail seems to be finally working a bit. But it has been a rough few months. Thanks for asking and keeping her in your thoughts.

I am looking forward to Italy this year. It's a quick trip again---but I will spend one day in Venice with an Italian to show me the good stuff! And I am REALLY looking forward to my layover in Atlanta---I haven't seen Larry, Chris, Arlene, etc in far too long!

Have a wonderful week! Happy Birthday Hunter Rooney!

The HEAT is on!

2009-05-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

Mid-90's! Hot summer sun in May. And true to my old Southern and Western roots, I do not complain about the sunshine. Even when it is HOT out. Living so far from the Ocean means the Pacific relief I know and love is nowhere in sight. But there is nothing like starting a 4 hour ride already warmed up. And wearing a sleeveless jersey and shorts is freeing when you've been layering up for one thing or another for months on end.

I can't believe I could once slather up in baby oil---but there used to be an ozone layer, didn't there? Yesterday I rode out towards Mt. Rose and marveled at the snowy peaks while we were here frying in the extreme heat. Mike and I timed our rides perfectly and arrived home within minutes of each other. Long rides make "all you can eat sushi" a wonderful thing!

With smiles on our faces we headed to the neighborhood sushi bar and ate until we couldn't anymore. Then it was off to Trader Joe's and home to watch the re-play of the Giro di Italia on Universal Sports. (Our exciting lives!)

This morning I got a text from a friend saying he had ridden up Mt. Hamilton for the first time and that it was beautiful and he could see for miles. Nice way to start a Sunday!
And today the sun notched things up by a few degrees. Mid 90's. And yes it's hot, but with 12% humidity--it's still pretty comfortable. There seems to be a lot more cyclists here this year. Or maybe everyone is just so happy to be outside that more people are on the bike. Criss-crossing the Truckee river made me want to jump in. There were lots of folks enjoying the heat in the comfort of the chilly alpine fast moving river today.

Really a wonderful weekend of sunshine! Hope yours was too! Don't forget the sunscreen!

Happy Mother's Day and stuff!

2009-05-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

I am a BIG fan of Mom's. Mom's rule and have very hard jobs. I have a Mom I was born with, and one that came as a BIG bonus when I got married. I feel very blessed. I spent the weekend riding my bike up really hard climbs and scenic passes and snow-capped peaks with frozen Alpine Lakes with my favorite person in the whole world. We treated ourselves to a day in the California Alps on Saturday. It was the first day that Highway 4 (a.k.a. as Ebbetts Pass at 8730') was open and I think I saw 8 cars and 18 cyclists and whole lot of nothing else. The roads were spotless and clean---I expected way more sand, but the Road Workers did a fabulous job making the roads clean and safe.

The Carson River was running hard and fast and there were many kayakers along the river. Lots of white-water...looked a little scary. One of them commented to me that I was crazy to ride up the passes. I said maybe---but that she was crazy to ride the water rapids of a fast-snow-melt river! I thought of both of my Mom's when I made it to the top. I didn't know it was possible to go as slow as I was going without tipping over---specially right passed Alpine Lake. I hoped Minnesota Mom was doing something fun and California Mom was having a good day even though she is back on chemo.

Mike and I took each other out for a nice dinner and then headed to Trader Joe's since we were on that side of town. It was a great Saturday. Today was more of the same, but with less climbing and more chores---and a lovely run in the canyons. If I could only swim, I might sound very Tri-sporting-like. (Ha!)

We also have been enjoying watching the Giro di Italia live on Universal Sports. Which reminds me. I leave for Venice, Italy on June 16th. It's that time of year again and I have my tickets booked. Venice, Vicenza and Treviso, Campagnolo, of course. One of the best things is that on the way back from Italy, I have a 13 hour lay-over in Atlanta. Now some might see this as a real pain in the rear. BUT---I have special cousins there who I haven't seen in far too long. So when I called and said, "Hey Larry, I will be in Atlanta on way home from Italy for 13 hours---can we have dinner?" He rolled out the Southern charm and said he'd come and get me! YAYAYAYA!!

In two weeks I head to Los Altos (California) for a Women's cycling/fitness event. I am bringing Mike (he's a crowd pleaser with the girl's and I use whatever it takes to get folks in my booth). It should be fun!

New York was absolutely fabulous--as was Greenwich, CT. I walked from the Upper West side (87th Ave), to Chelsea and to the United Nations Building! In fact I did all of my account visits by foot! Hugh Jackman wears Campagnolo Sportswear by the way---if it was appropriate to take pictures and ask for autographs without looking like a tool---I would be posting some pretty sweet pictures here. Plus, I don't have a very good camera---(or I would at least be posting pictures of a little cousin-reunion in New Jersey!)

But I digress---all I really wanted to say was Happy Mother's Day to every Mom out there---and especially to MINE!! I love you both very very much!

10 days in Flanders

2009-04-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

How the time flies! We've been home about week and I haven't written a thing! Mike and enjoyed 10 days in Belgium (with a side trip or two to the Netherlands!) for his birthday this year. After too many hours in a plane (or several planes), we landed in Brussels and were met by our old friend Mark at the airport there. We were beat, but it was only about 10 in the morning so we needed to stay awake as long as possible that day! Mark took us on a tour of the Vermarc (clothing) facilities before we headed over to the Ridley factory in Tessenderlo.

It was our first time visiting the Ridley Factory in person and so we enjoyed a tour and hung out with Jochim, Jo and the crew from Bicycling Magazine. On tap for the afternoon was getting our bikes sorted for the special ride of the Tour of Flanders, which takes place the day before the Pro's do it. (For fun, go to www.firstfotofactory.com and click on the English language and search for rider # 31482). After dinner with Jochim and the guys who are busy building the NEW Ridley factory (yes---more growing!), Jochim organized a vehicle for us to use before taking us to his Lake House in Mol. Wow---there are not many lakes in Belgium, and this one was about 6K around. But it was lovely! We had an early morning wake-up call to meet everyone to head over to Ninove (near Ghent) for the Ronde Ride.

Talk about crazy! 20,000 riders of all abilities riding roads where barely a single small car can drive through. I opted out (I was jet-lagged and I am not good in crowds of this size---though I will do it next year if I get the chance!) and Jo and I sat in a cafe and ate and drank the afternoon away. Afterwards it was off to Brugge (actually we stayed in nearby Oostende for the night) for (another) early morning start for the Ronde van Vlaandaren. It was a damp and (by my standards) freezing morning and the highlight of my day was getting up close and personal with Johan Musseeuw! (Oh the luxuries of a VIP/Press pass from my friend Mark Vandereyt!)

After the start, we had two choices: ride in the caravan and follow the race, OR ride to Mol, do our own ride and watch the 4 hours of commercial free live coverage on the TV. With the added bonus of a Tom Tom Navigator (also from Mark), we chose option 2. And we drove home and into warm sunshine (gotta love Limburg!). We had this exclusive lakehouse for our whole stay! Wow!

A week filled with Flemish riding, running and racing. The day of Ghent-Wevelgem was the rainiest day---but watching it snuggled up on a couch with Mike was fun for sure! On Mike's birthday (after our morning jaunts around the area), we were going to go to Zolder (but our plans changed) and so we headed to Maastricht, Nederland. A lovely mid-evil city (and the start for Amstel Gold). I was finally feeling relaxed and on vacation! Mike and I have celebrated his birthday over here several times and so there was something very familiar about being in Belgium/Nederland for his special day. Have I mentioned the beer? Mike was in beer heaven. I never saw him smile so much!

On Friday we went back to Tessenderlo to spend the afternoon with Jochim and Jo from Ridley! We had a long, long lunch on a local lovely golfcourse in the warm sunshine! Mark met us at Jochim's house on Saturday morning to take us back to Brussels for our LONG flight home. This was way too short a trip.

And as has been the case for the last year, I am back on the road this week. I am heading to Greenwich, CT on Thursday and then to Manhattan. This time next week I will be running in Central Park (Springtime in Manhattan!) But today I am off for a long ride in the High Sierra Mountains. Yes---80 degrees and no wind. Happy Sunday!

Palo Alto Bicycles

2009-03-29T15:02:00.000-07:00

(Jamie Watson * Jon Mara - Palo Alto Bicycles Campagnolo Evening 2009---photo courtesy of Jay Watson)

Now this is an interesting title (a.k.a. A blast from my past!) for an email. This bike shop has such a profound meaning for me. Obviously, it's a very nice place to buy some very nice "bike-stuff". I loved being a customer there, then becoming part of the team/staff that works there and meeting some very special customers and friends. But it goes deeper than that. I fell in love there! So of course---Palo Alto Bicycles will always be "that" place for me. And it is always one of the top 10 "lists of important things" I have when I am working on the "other side of the industry"---I always hope to be able to work with this shop and the people that make this shop what it is.

Last Thursday night, Palo Alto Bicycles hosted a Campagnolo evening and so many people who are near and dear to my heart showed and made the evening so much fun you can hardly call it work! And to make things even better, the weather was as good as it gets.

Thursday morning, Mike and I woke up to one of the "perfect" days in San Francisco. You could see Mt. Diablo clear as a bell to the East, Mt. Tamapais beyond Alcatraz and Angel Island to the North, and the Farallones out in the Pacific to the West. We went out for a dozen fresh baked bagels and fruit and yogurt and headed to the top of Twin peaks to enjoy the magnificent morning sun in my favorite city. What a place. There wasn't even a breathe of wind, and the infamous fog was nowhere to be found! Splendid! The Golden Gate Bridge was so clear it looked like a postcard!

So--now we are getting ready to head to Belgium early Thursday morning for 11 days of Belgian Bike racing classics, and some vacation! Lots to get done before we go, but I am really getting excited to actually be traveling somewhere for fun for a change!

Here's a photo of my friend (and model) Jamie from the event at Palo Alto. She used to work upstairs from the shop---My lovely surfer girl! Happy Sunday!

Running in the wind!

2009-03-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

Mike and I have been enjoying a lovely early spring in Reno. In a world of "worrisome news", it's amazing to have such glorious days. We've had some beyond belief, absolutely fabulous ones weather-wise. And anyone who has been reading me for any amount of time, knows that I talk about the weather more than I should. So really beautiful days, day after day after day, have given me a lot less to write about in the complaint department!

And after a week of staying put at home, catching up on bills and sleep, and getting back in my groove, I am refreshed enough to hit the road and the friendly skies again tomorrow. I leave for a week in Seattle and Portland. Ah, the glorious Pacific Northwest! And true to form, rain and cloudy weather prevail. It looks like a storm is brewing in the Pacific just in time for my trip! It'll give me something to complain about. The fact is, both of the cities are beautiful ones. And if you time it right, and you get to glimpse Mt. Ranier, Mt. St. Helen's, Hood and Baker, they will for sure take your breath away. Now that I live in the high desert, a little bit of rain on the random road trip hardly bothers me anymore.

And the reason? Running. I can run in the snow, the rain, the cold and the desert wind. I can run on business trips and I only have to bring my Newton running shoes!!! This may sound like a dumb thing to use exclamation points with, but I have to say that my rekindled running-love has changed my life. Business trips would really stress me out when I would miss so many days off the bike. But now, I find myself opting out of bike rides to go for a long run. I still love the bike. It doesn't beat me up so much. But when you can't sneak out for 2+ hours, gearing up in all the cold weather gear, versus throwing on some sweats and a hoodie and some running shoes sure is a nice option!

So---I may not run like the wind (it's blowing at about 25mph right now---that Pacific NW storm thing), but I am running in the wind and it doesn't matter if it's a head wind or at my back for a change! How about that?

Happy Saturday!

A whole weekend at home!

2009-03-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

What a treat it is to not have anywhere to be, or have to load up, pack up and drive somewhere for two whole days. Oddly, I found myself putting in about 8 hours of "homework", but the beauty of it, if you can call it that is that it was home--home sweet home, work! I really love being home! Mike and I spent the last 2 weeks driving, riding, and talking bikes and fancy Italian bicycle clothing all up and down the California borders. We experienced rain, snow, record heat (as in 90 degrees in San Diego)and unexplored, unfamilar roads to ride---along with the familiar ones. I have written and erased about 4 sentences as each time I write about the trip, it sounds too fun. And it was work.

As much as I LOVE having Mike along for the trips, it is always a bit stressful trying to figure out when and where MT is going to get a few hours off to go for a ride. Heaven's knows, he deserves it. So do I. And we always ride every day at home. So why not on these trips? But I have learned that if I can see a few more shops and forego a ride, I will appreciate the effort later. So a few times, he gets to ride from one location or another---or he will go and ride 100 miles while I slave away at the Campagnolo booth at the Gran Fondo in San Diego. The gist, is that while these trips sound like all fun and no work---they really are work. And the beauty is that I still love my work. But it's work. (did you get that? in my wordy sentences?) And Mike has decided that he likes staying home when I leave on the trips for the most part.

The Scrapper of course, enjoyed some R&R with her Grandparents in California. She had such a good time, that after one day, she decided she would rather stay home and be spoiled with Gramma & Papa then join her crazy parents traveling to bike shops.

I am home for a whole week! (Next week is the Pacific Northwest) And it is beautiful here in the mountains. One of the best things of not being home and not being able to ride everyday, was that my leg has finally healed enough to RUN! Forced downtown is not always a bad thing! I ran outside in the hills all weekend. The mountains are all dusted in snow (they were brown when we left), and the thinner mountain air is so clean and crisp. I love where I live.

So, finally rested, I can prepare for the next trip to Seattle and Portland, before the big events in Oakland and Palo Alto at the end of March. And you want to hear some amazing news---it is almost 5 years ago that my Mom had her surgery. She will have to go back on chemo in May---but her spirits are up, her energy is strong, and she has enough courage to face whatever they've thrown her way thus far. Thanks for asking how she is. And for all the extra prayers.

Happy Sunday!

USA Custom's - We are Safe from Italian Cycling Clothing

2009-02-21T07:53:00.000-08:00

I could try and play catch up---lots of travel and my birthday and day to day lovely stuff. But this message would be long and not so fun to read perhaps. Now that this event has passed and I can have a sense of humor about it though, I thought I might share it with you.

My Italian colleague, Paola and I were planning our launch of the Fall/Winter Campagnolo Sportswear and we always meet somewhere in the USA to begin our visits. This year, we were meeting in Denver, Colorado. We had a fun and interesting trip---mostly out East, with fashion Shows and Trunk shows. A different way of presenting the collection to not only the retailers, but also the consumers. We were excited.

I landed in Denver about 40 minutes before Paola and so I went to get the rental car and then headed back to the airport to meet her at the International customs meeting place. I saw her plane had landed (at least I thought it was her plane) and so I expected her in about 30 minutes. After an hour, I was a little worried. "Where R U?" I texted to her phone. Nothing. Europeans are as good at texting as my nephews and so when I got no reply, I was surprised.

Was I at the right airport? Did I have the right time? I had no idea. 2 hours later and nothing. I don't have a fancy cell phone that has email, weather reports and does the housecleaning and so I was just left waiting. Her plane wasn't even on the arrival screen anymore. Finally my phone rings.

"Ciao Joni, I am cutting the collection and should be out in 30 minutes". I thought perhaps there might be an Italian word "cutting" that I didn't understand and was just happy to know she was fine. When she finally arrived at the greeting place, She told me the story.

She had checked the customs form that she was bringing in samples. Honest. We've done this many times before. She had her proforma invoice and all the back-up paperwork. But the TSA rep stopped her on her way out the exit, searched her bags and told her she had 2 choices: She could leave the collection there or she could cut it. Each piece. Probably $30K retail's worth of high-end clothing. We needed the collection or it would have been a pointless trip. So now we were stuck with a ruined clothing. Long sleeves, were now 1 long/1 half sleeve. Tights were now knickers, gloves had a pinkie missing, jerseys were cut up the back. Ruined.

When she asked the TSA agent if she could call me to let me know that she was here and OK, he told her that "in this situation, only I am asking questions. You are answering them. I am checking your bags for fruit. If you have an apple in your bag it will be a $100 fine..."

Luckily we both have a sense of humor and we introduced the collection as a new Italian trend of missing pinkie's on the gloves and half knicker/half tights and half longsleeve/half 3/4 length jerseys. For the fashion shows I had pre-shipped the new spring/summer and so we were safe there. We are laughing about it now...but it was a nightmare at the time. But I wanted ya'll to know that we are safe from any high-end Italian bike wear. Rest assured!

Off to California for the next couple a weeks with Mike. I have an "un-cut" collection with me. Hope they don't stop me at the Truckee entrance into California!

January Jammin'

2009-01-25T17:58:00.000-08:00

Every year, time goes by faster and faster. Rather than trying to figure out why that is, I am trying to cram 30 hours worth of living in every 24 hours I get. This week I need to finish up planning for the East coast launch of the Fall Winter clothing. Stressful, but fun. It's especially fun to visit places I haven't been before in Tennessee, Ohio and Connecticut. Been to those states, but not to the cities I will be in this trip. And New York, while intimidating, expensive and on a different realm of my comfort zone, much of the time, is also one of my favorite cities to be in. It's exciting, overwhelming, metro-everything, and feels so American in a high-energy kind of way.

Here in Reno, where life is slower, people are fewer, life is simpler and the air is cleaner, we have been enjoying the mild winter to it's fullest. The last time I rode my bike outside in January so much I lived in California. And amazing as this sounds, that was 5 years ago. You can take the girl out of California, but you can't take California out of the girl. So I am pretty pleased about riding my bike outside this January. Not sure what that will mean for our water supply this summer---but the reality is that you can't do much about the weather. (I could get on my soap-box about global warming and all the things that we all should be doing about this, but I won't. I can only lead by example and know that I do my share, know that I can always do more, and hope that this is high on President Obama's "to-do" list. He's got a very long list.)

Mike and I are heading to the Bay Area the day after I get back from NYC---Tour of California, mixed with work. Then to LA at the end of month. Oregon and Washington shortly after (more soap-box carbon footprint mess...sigh...) But way more fun with Mike going too!

So---not much to report from the lovely mountains here in Northern Nevada. I hope your weekend was relaxing and fun! Here's a little flyer for the Nashville Fashion show!

Happy Sunday!

An exciting week ahead in the USA!

2009-01-18T16:58:00.000-08:00

It's all over the news, all over the net and impossible to have a conversation with someone without being all excited and full of great hope for our country. Our first African American president! Wow! When I look and listen to Barack Obama speak, I feel tears well up in my eyes and feel so proud of everyone for voting for this eloquent extraordinary man. Like we are finally willing to say, it is time to do things differently, and be the amazing country full of different and amazing people that we are. Sigh...very proud to be an American.

I was going to write about my rides and my running adventures, but so many of you are plagued with really cold, snowy weather, that it just didn't seem right. That said, I rode my bike outside all week during the week in sunshine with zero wind and springtime temps. It is such a strange weather pattern. Mike and I wake up and look at each other in disbelief. It isn't the near 80 degree temps that my California friends are enjoying---it's more the high 50's! (but high 50's here is the same as high 60's in SF---as there is no moisture). Today, we decided that not watering our lawn (a.k.a. weeds) and taking 20 second showers this summer due to drought is kinda worth it.

On Saturday, I went for a long easy-paced 90 minute run. If running didn't beat me up so much, I would run all the time. I just got a new pair of Newton Running shoes for All-Weather, and I spent the first 45 minutes just looking at my feet because they are such cool looking shoes. Running down the hills around here really takes it's toll on my "hip-flexors". If I was a guy, I would say I pulled my groin muscle. (Do girl's have groin muscles?) In any case---I will practice running backwards to build up the right muscles (Thanks for tip, Mom!)

Today I set out for a long over-due 3 hour ride. Imagine 3 hours with only 1 stop-sign and maybe 10 cars and who knows how many feet in elevation gain (it felt like it was all uphill!). Really lovely.

I am heading East on February 2 (Colorado, Tennessee, Ohio, NYC, and Connecticut), and then will arrive home for a day before heading to Sacramento for the Tour of California Prologue and then to the Bay Area for a week. Mike will at least be joining me for the Bay Area trip (I hope), as I hate spending my birthday and heart day without my guy and my hound! I am hopefully going to be home for a week after that (but maybe not) before heading to LA/San Diego & then Seattle and Portland.

Mostly this week I am rejoicing in my newfound hope for the USA! I hope you are too. Happy Sunday!

Beautiful!

2009-01-03T13:46:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh it is so beautiful out today! We had a pretty incredible weather system come through yesterday. I think the wind blew at a steady 50 mph for 24 hours. Some of the gusts would literally "blow you away". Even Mike when he was walking the Scrapper out in the canyons he was almost "blown down". It's pretty incredible---this mountain weather. Mike actually went out riding in it---it was even spitting water and ice, but he left in the morning anyway, thinking the weather man was wrong. When I "got the call" a few hours later, I was hardly surprised. Not really a weather call---but a flat tire with a broken spare call.

The Scrapper and I left in the ice to the rescue and right as we climbed the hill back home the sky started spitting snow, ice and rain at the same time with a little bit of hail thrown in for good measure. We made homemade burritos and watched something silly on TV.

But this morning we woke up to a cold and beautiful day. Really beautiful. Like the sky is so blue you can't believe it isn't technicolor. And the air is so clean because anything that was in it was surely blown to the East. The streets were coated in ice this morning but the sun dried it up and out we both went. I ran out in the hills and canyons and as I would come up to any desert brush, a swarm of quail would fly up. My eyes were tearing from the cold, but the crispness of color was amazing. After 5 or so miles I picked up the Scrapper for the last mile or so to run with her. She really likes the cold weather (a lot more than her mom---though her Mom has a new appreciation for it now that she is running and not riding in it.)

In any case---I hope you are enjoying the first few days of the New Year! Happy Saturday!

Happy 2009!

2009-01-01T14:44:00.000-08:00

I love January 1st. I always do. It's one day that I don't even care what the weather is like; it's the first day of a brand New Year---all full of hope and good intentions. Mike and I were asleep before the ball dropped in NYC. Pretty pathetic if you ask me---but we are hard pressed to stay awake much past night-fall! And the weather is fantastic here and so we were looking forward to nice New Year's Day out-of-doors festivities. When I asked Mike if he was making any resolutions he told me he absolutely wasn't and he never has and never will do anything so silly. I am not making any either---but I would like to run a marathon this year. Just need to figure out which one. Easy to say in January when the bike biz is less busy and I have time to train, but I will run the distance even if it isn't an event-style kind of marathon.

Speaking of which, I headed out into sunshine in my Newton kickers today and I ended up running with this gal who is almost 60. She was small and weathered and lean and mean. Been running in the high desert all her life. And she is fast, but steady. We ran a little over 5 miles together before we parted on our separate ways. Her name is Audra and she about killed me with the pace. But she gave me something to aspire to. I've seen her out there running almost everyday since we moved here. I know when the weather gets warmer I will be back on my bike---but I sure do like the simplicity of running. Just needing shoes and a road means this year while I am traveling, I can bring my shoes and run everywhere!

Speaking of which, I am heading out East in February---the circle of the year and visiting retailers will begin in a month. It will be interesting to see what the year holds for the bicycle business. This is a very different recession. But I am full of the New Year buzz (and a runner's buzz on top of that) and so I am looking forward to whatever the year has on offer.

I hope your New Year's celebrations were safe and happy! My folks are headed over the hill to visit in a couple of days. The snowy passes required a delay of the holidays for the Mehler gathering...

Happy New Year!

Snow hiking in the High Sierra

2008-12-28T13:04:00.000-08:00

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.

Gorgeous Today!

2008-12-20T13:59:00.000-08:00

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!

16 random notes...

2008-12-13T12:38:00.000-08:00

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.

My Campagnolo Guy!

2008-11-22T12:06:00.000-08:00

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!

Perfect...

2008-11-15T17:03:00.000-08:00

...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.

Running...

2008-11-08T11:04:00.000-08:00

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!

The Big Island!

2008-10-20T07:28:00.001-07:00

Photo's all courtesy of my Belgian-American Colleague, David Alvarez!

Voting early - firsts & lasts

2008-10-19T18:01:00.000-07:00

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.

Scrap-mo!

2008-10-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

4 legged e-Richie fanmo!

Aloha!

2008-10-04T09:20:00.000-07:00

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!

On top of the Rio!

2008-10-03T10:51:00.001-07:00

An exciting time in America

2008-08-31T11:36:00.000-07:00

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!

Late summer baby birds

2008-08-23T20:04:00.000-07:00

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!

It's why they call them "jobs"...well sorta.

2008-08-19T17:41:00.000-07:00

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...

Pacific Northwest---next stop

2008-08-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

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!

Some folks get company cars...

2008-07-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

...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.

Boston to Denver

2008-07-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

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!

Two dangerous women in Manhattan!

2008-07-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

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!

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-04T16:18:00.000-07:00

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!

Escape on Ebbetts!

2008-06-29T07:54:00.000-07:00

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!

Fantastico!

2008-06-28T07:08:00.000-07:00

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...)

Arrivederci!

2008-06-15T16:26:00.000-07:00

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!!!

Nice Bike!

2008-06-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

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!

2 from 9 equals 7

2008-06-01T07:56:00.001-07:00

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?

(a) Merchant (in) of Venice

2008-05-26T07:46:00.001-07:00

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!

Weather rollercoaster

2008-05-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

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!

Sunday Inspirations!

2008-05-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

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!

Spectacular!!!

2008-05-17T16:38:00.001-07:00

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!

Tour of the Unknown Coast

2008-05-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

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!!

Taylor's in Tahoe!

2008-04-27T07:11:00.001-07:00

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!

Shake, Rattle & Roll!

2008-04-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

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!

Just like summer!

2008-04-13T18:57:00.001-07:00

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.

A year in one place!

2008-03-30T16:36:00.000-07:00

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!

Going up?

2008-03-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

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!

Snow Melt & Recovery Time

2008-03-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

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!

March - in like a lion?

2008-03-01T14:50:00.000-08:00

I forget the saying--even though I never knew about it until I left California three years ago. In any case, we had "high-wind" warnings on the mountain tops which started at right about midnight last night. The Scrapper always reminds us of weather changes by poking her nose beside the bed to let her in. She either gets cold or scared, but usually ends up under the covers before dawn.

Given that we've been having warmer days (and we cover her up on the couch before we hit the hay at night), we haven't seen her until morning, which allows for a better nights sleep on our crowded bed. But as soon as the wind started hammering over the hills, the Scrapper was in our room and running for cover.

Yesterday was the first day that I can remember when I actually got "hot" on a lunch-ride. It was awesome...like 68 degrees or some such nonsense for February. And beautiful, with snow covered pastures and mountains. You can see all the local desert wildlife in the snow (desert birds, deer and such). It's pretty amazing to be riding and warm on clear roads surrounded by snow-pack. And it was nice to see the collegiate "Wolfpack" riders from UNR come rolling by as well. Our office is located on the training route for many of the local riders in town.

The nice thing about the seasons is that you are so ready for the next one by the end of the old one that what would normally feel like a cool day, (ie 68 degrees) seems hot. I am ready for Spring---which also marks a year in the High-Desert. This time last year we were still in New England...and this month last year we were packing and renting a moving truck and looking forward to being West of the Mississippi once again.

Soon the desert sage will be in bloom making allergy-prone folks uncomfortable. I hope that Mike's diligent allergist has done his job and put Mike on a program that keeps him comfortable this year. Lazy Saturday Hello's and Happy March 1st!

I've aged a year...

2008-02-24T17:14:00.000-08:00

...since the last time I wrote! Ha! (And, no, it wasn't all the traveling around that aged me---I just passed that year mark...again). I can not remember a nicer birthday. Given all the time constraints for getting in my Fall/Winter orders in at work, I had to work on my birthday. That said, the folks that are dear to my heart---(almost all, missing my Minnesota "heart" folks), live in this work zone. So I spent my working time catching up and visiting with friends, and celebrating my birthday a million times at each shop...

But it gets better. On Valentine's Day (day before my birthday), my San Diego brother was in town doing some training for his work...and my San Francisco brother decided to join in on the fun and we all gathered at my California Mom & Dad's house for dinner. But wait. It gets better. As we all were visiting in the livingroom, Layne shows up. And to make it perfect, Mike and Sydney rolled in just in time for dinner!

I get confused separating the days---but Dad made a feast of Ahi Tuna, Mojito Salmon, mango salad, and a fresh Sour Dough Rye bread...topped off with some carrot cake and a fruity light pie for dessert. Afterwards, my husband brought down a BIG box for an old Apple monitor and said, "Happy Birthday Sweetie!". He added that everyone chipped in---all the way from Minnesota. "Shake it! Can you guess what it is?" I honestly had NO IDEA.

Imagine my surprise when inside the box was a brand new, 8-piece Campy Record Gruppo! In my wildest dreams, I never imagined such a gift. The bigger present is he used his bonus for the purchase. I am speechless still. For you non-bike people, this is the "top of the line, it doesn't get better than this" component group for a bicycle!

Top that off with two good rides up Mount Hamilton on the weekend ( with my husband on Sunday) and this was a very happy time.

So---even though it was another busy 10 days of driving all over the place, it is a birthday I will never forget. And, I actually got to see many of you people on this list.

Sunshine on my face...

2008-02-10T15:24:00.001-08:00

...can make me smile! Throw in a little self made breeze from spinning my two wheels, and you've got a full-toothed grin from this girl! It is fantabulous! The big old mountains are snowy and white and I'm out riding my bike in and around them in clear-blue-skied-sunshine! Wow. All my house-jobs were done by noon and I headed out for a long awaited outside ride in the sunshine and no wind. Unbelievably beautiful! Just what I needed to feel rested for the busy travel week ahead.

The mountains look so much bigger with snow on them. You can see the outlines of each of the lower ranges and then the big steep ones glisten in the deep blue sky. It will be interesting to see how they look from the California side. Just hoping for these clear skies to hold until I get over the pass on Wednesday.

Anyway---today is one of those days when I know for sure there is a G_d, not that there is ever any doubt! Just a blessing to get to enjoy the planet's wonders, right here in my own backyard with the love of my life and our little small hound!! (It sounds too corny ---but I am very happy to be home...and yes the endorphin's are going since I was out for about 3 hours on my bicycle).

Happy Sunday!

Nothing!

2008-02-09T08:51:00.000-08:00

What a treat to have absolutely nothing that I have to do today! Well...not nothing really, but nothing to do with work. I just have house jobs to do with my husband (shopping, laundry, house-cleaning, etc.). Hmmm. I guess I do have something to do today. But the schedule is mine---all mine!

And we're in for some sunshine and lovely weather. Mike said it snowed everyday while I was gone and the weather turned nice the day I returned. Not sure he was happy to see me or happy for the weather change. Maybe a little bit of both. You know how when you return back home and you have a mound of "jobs" awaiting you (like groceries, laundry, house-cleaning, etc.)? Not with my husband! He's awesome and I came home to a clean house, food for the rest of the week and no piles of laundry! He's that handsome face in a crowd that lights up just for me!!!

So even though I have housework to do, it isn't close to what it could be. Outside riding weather, the first day off in 2 weeks, and I have a few days to relax before heading back on the road on Wednesday for a week. It'll be a working birthday this year---but I will hopefully catch a few of the stages of the Tour of California live and in person. And working in Northern California is a paradise of sorts. And Mike is going to try and come down and meet me for the weekend.

I can even take a nap today! Anyway---enjoy your Saturday. I know I will!

More "heart-ing" LA

2008-02-07T07:22:00.000-08:00

When you have spent the last week in snow-storms (Chicago) and constant cold rain (even if the PacNW is beautiful, and it is indeed, it is very rainy in Jan/Feb), packing up and hanging back up an entire collection of cycling gear (+90 pieces)over and over again, combined with early mornings and later than I am used to evenings and driving around and getting lost in unknown cities albeit, familiar airports--(not complaining---it was a fun adventure, but exhausting), arriving to sunny blue skies, and ocean views and warmer weather was a real big treat. Pretty much we had not seen sunshine (except for maybe 5 minutes here and there in Portland) in over a week.

And my friend who runs the Marriott in Marina Del Rey "styled" us in a big way with lovely suites and VIP service---all unexpected, all very welcome indeed! After we arrived, Paola went and explored Venice Beach by foot and I went for a 4 mile run...in the warm LA sunshine. We treated ourselves to an Ahi Tuna dinner and some local Simi Valley Cabernet and toasted the first week of presentations on the road and in the air.

Sunday, once again we were rained out but not down. Paola wanted to go to the "exotic" Abercrombie & Fitch (only in the UK in Europe), and I went for another 5 mile run in the fitness center downstairs and then walked to the beach and watched the waves and got grounded while the rest of the town was in a super bowl frenzie. Even a relaxing weekend in LA can feel tiring when you are entertaining someone from another country, but Paola is a very independent Italian woman---so it was fine.

Monday and Tuesday were filled with bike shops and traffic and LA sunshine---from Laguna Hills to Santa Monica to Seal Beach and Pasadena and Fullerton and all around the LA bowl. It was a successful but tiring trip. We arrived at LAX for our flight to Reno to meet with a client from Colorado Springs the next day.

Mike and the Scrapper were a sight for sore eyes indeed. Just what this girl needed after a Tour de Force of the last 11 days! Home sweet home for at least a week before I hit the ground again! I am very very tired! If you are heading to Portland for the Handmade Bike Show, enjoy! I love it there even if it rains. Really a lovely place!

Chicago-Seattle-Portland

2008-02-06T18:54:00.000-08:00

What a week! First my plane out of Reno was delayed for 4.5 hours leaving Reno, so what I had hoped would be a nice evening in Chicago, turned into a midnight arrival in the windy city. It was the day before the weather change and so it was actually warmer in Chicago (no snow on the ground) than it was in Reno. The airlines tried to blame it on the weather---but it was lovely in Reno AND Chicago, so I have a hard time believing this!

Of course, true to this part of the Mid-West, the weather was soon to change. Our original flight was canceled at 4pm (even though the snow had yet to fall) and was post-poned until 9pm). And right as the snow was now coming down and blowing all over the place, our plane left around 9PM and headed West for Seattle, and the weather was bad in both places---yet the plane still flew. Paola and I had hoped to spend the evening sightseeing in Seattle, but of course by the time we arrived it was once again near midnight. Sigh.

After a day of appointments in the cold rain, we had some local wine-tasting in Issaqua (Walla Walla Valley!)--and decided to head to the downtown, Pike Street Fish market to celebrate Paola's birthday. We found a lovely quiet little place and ate some wild salmon and then headed back to our room for an early flight to Portland.

Did I mention the rain? OK. So we left a rainy Seattle and arrived in a rainy Portland. At least our first stop was River City Bicycles, one of the most fabulous bikeshops in the USA. If you are ever in Portland, this shop is worth a visit. More rain...more visits and then we headed to our room for a good nights sleep for the first time in days.

We woke up well-rested---and to more rain before heading to Hillsboro and then ended the day with Thai food with A friend and his wife. Another early morning in the rain before heading to some California sunshine and a weekend to rejuvenate in lovely Marina Del Rey, California!

Snow, Snow and more Snow!

2008-01-27T14:27:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe that just yesterday, Mike rode his bike up Geiger Pass. Outside. Sigh. We woke up to maybe 6 inches of fresh snow covering everything. Again. We had a couple of weeks of a reprieve from winter's last blast. But here it is again. I bought a new trainer of my own that I really like. Some Italian "Fluid" job that really does make the indoor workout a bit more tolerable.

And just like "life does", the last couple of years of living in season's has prepared me for the "indoor workout" phase. Something I certainly never knew much about growing up in Northern California's paradise weather for cyclists. Now, once the snow flies (sometime in December), I set my mind to the fact that I won't be riding outside. My habit of waking up early to hit the pavement is transformed to sleeping in a little longer and riding the trainer before work. It's really bad when Mike can't ride outside though. Since he quit racing so seriously, he has a harder time suffering for hours inside. I don't suffer inside or outside---

I am traveling for the next couple of weeks setting the stage for next fall's winter riding wear and sales. So I guess the weather is irrelevant, though I notice that everywhere I will be will have crummy-ish weather---'cept maybe So.Cal if the rain would ever stop.

I have been taking some time off from public journal writing. January is my time for introspection, thinking and planning for the year. I can just hear the "why aren't you out toughing it out in the weather on your bike, Joni?" My reputation of riding in even the worst of downpours (thanks for reminding me Amanda), was one thing. But cold and snow and grit----must be getting old or something! Heavy sigh.

Anyone who thinks I am a party-pooper for not "loving" the snow---well, I do love looking at it. I don't love shoveling it, cleaning up after it, driving in it or working in it. But it is beautiful. I just miss my outside time on the bike.

Happy Sunday!!

Time out!

2008-01-26T14:17:00.000-08:00

Taking some time away from blogging. Travel and life and snow just have taken up all my time lately. Be back soon!

Downtime pleasures

2008-01-06T10:28:00.000-08:00

When I was last in the Bay Area, my Mom was busy giving me stuff (when you grow up in my house, and probably your house too, "Mom" is always making sure you have enough food and toys), and a couple of the new editions to my "collection of stuff" included her old folk guitar, some old movies on tape, and some Kit-Kat bars and M&M's for Mike.

My guitars are all steel string and so my "soft" finger tips made playing quite painful---lack of practice. Nothing like a nylon string, pint sized guitar to help get your fingers in shape. This snow has been good for developing guitar calluses! I grew up listening to my Mom play guitar/ukulele and sing the three of us to sleep (or to laughter!). And now I have (yikes) become my Mom and am singing old Southern folk and "hippee" songs to the small hound. She doesn't laugh. She does sleep.

I have just begun reading Manhunt (12 day chase for Lincoln's killer)...riding the rollers, and watching old movies and Tours (de France, de Suisse, de jour)---being that we are somewhat "snowed in" for the weekend. The snow is even too deep for the Scrapper---so we're spending "family time" indoors. We're even expecting more snow showers today/tonight and the temps have cooled down and won't get too much above 32 today.

Enjoy the day!

Because if you were snow (reprise)...

2008-01-05T17:22:00.000-08:00

...where would you want to fall? Really a fabulous commercial (that I first saw last year during the Tour of California while I was visiting Specialized last February). We got pummeled, hammered, and drenched in Rain and then Snow. It rained most of yesterday and we received 1.72 inches of rain in Reno (Annual average is 7 inches---month of January average, with January being the wettest month is 1 inch). When the rain shifted to big huge snowflakes in Verdi, Mike and I left work and headed home around 4:30pm. The snow went back to rain while we headed East to our house, but as soon as we headed up the hill to our house it was slippery snow.

We hunkered down in our warm house and watched the snow just fall from the sky. It was piling up outside at about 3-6 inches an hour for a while. Mike went out and shoveled every hour and he got it down to where the intervals only took about 25 minutes for the front and back. I always thank (and think) the world for (and of) my husband---but let me tell you how my Minnesota Guy shines in the winter! It's really remarkable!

The sun came out in the morning and kids were sliding down the street on body boards, and sleds---and Mike and I watched the news about the levee that broke in Fernley, and Sydney went hunting in the winter wonderland for rabbits. The we watched our neighbors (who are not near as efficient as Mike), get out and shovel. No one uses snow-blowers---

At about 1:30 it started to snow again. Another 3-6 inches. After a ride on the trainer, I decided to redeem myself a bit and I went out and shoveled for 45 minutes while Mike rode the rollers. We are expecting even more snow tonight and tomorrow. It is absolutely beautiful. And it just started snowing again!

Happy Saturday!

Flat tire in the snow

2007-12-29T11:24:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Last day of work - 2007!

2007-12-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

Northern Nevada Holiday Greetings - 2007

2007-12-20T13:36:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bay Area and Back

2007-12-16T14:51:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Sunday!

Before and After

2007-12-08T10:43:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy December!

2007-12-02T16:34:00.001-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

Perhaps these thoughts are better kept to myself...

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

A ride with Daniel

2007-11-27T07:26:00.001-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Small hound, big travels, family time

2007-11-18T17:18:00.001-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Sunday!

Pheasant Hunting

2007-11-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

Road to Rose

2007-11-04T16:23:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

Some "gambling" thoughts

2007-11-03T18:32:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Sunrise in NW Reno!

2007-10-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

And check out this sunrise!!

Sunset in NW Reno

2007-10-28T07:37:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

Overheard in San Diego & LA

2007-10-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hidden Valley Cross Race - Reno, NV

2007-10-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday- October 20, 2007

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

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

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

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

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

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

Middle Aged

2007-10-17T08:15:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Sierra High...in Nevada!

2007-10-14T16:59:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

October rules! Happy Sunday!

Cool Morning Ride!

2007-10-09T06:57:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Tuesday!

Because it's good for you!

2007-10-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Have a wonderful Sunday!!!

Snow on the Mountain Tops!

2007-10-06T18:23:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Hope you have a lovely Saturday!

Back to Fresh Mountain Air!

2007-10-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

What happens in Vegas...

2007-09-22T18:22:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday Rick! Happy Yom Kippur! Happy Saturday!

Special Birthdays...

2007-09-16T17:09:00.000-07:00

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

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

Have a great week!

Saturday Inspiration

2007-09-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Cycling in the Surf & Sun!

2007-09-08T10:06:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Saturday!

Swimming with Sydney!

2007-08-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

As good as it gets!

2007-08-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Monday!

This is Chris Horner...

2007-08-12T10:38:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

"This is NOT Chris Horner!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Boca Reservoir

2007-08-11T17:18:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Saturday!

Off my Soapbox!

2007-08-05T10:51:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walk the talk

2007-08-04T11:52:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On Fire!

2007-07-17T20:42:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

TdF Commericals

2007-07-16T08:49:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Ode de Fume!

2007-07-11T07:54:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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