Perfect...

...that would be the weather. No wind. Not a cloud in the big blue sky. Just about 70 degrees---and that autumn pinkish tinge of coloring on all the oranges, yellows and golds. Wow. Mt. Rose (the ski resort) opened up last Wednesday or Thursday for the season. Yes there is snow on top of the mountains around here---but where we live it is dry and sunny and just enough chill in the air for long sleeve jerseys and arm/leg warmers---but it really is gorgeous here.

Last week I put some major miles running for the first time in a long time (if it is in the 50's out I run instead of ride because I am getting too old! Ha!). I am trying to get fit enough to not injure myself for outdoor running this winter and if I wait until the snow flies, I will talk myself out of it because it will hurt and be cold. But I have to say that these new Newton running shoes are the bomb! Running is really my first love, thanks to my Mom making me do it, but I kept injuring myself. So cycling took it's place. And I love the bike. But nothing gets me buzzed like running and so these shoes have been the answer for me and I am super happy to be able to have something to do besides ride the trainer this winter. I get hot when I run----even when it's cold outside.

But with this late Indian summer---I am happily pedaling outside. Today I thought I'd head towards Rose---even though I didn't think I could do big miles since I have been winding down---it was just so darn nice outside. Legs felt great---even on the climbs and next thing I knew, I was being passed by skiers in cars and there was snow on the sides of the road. There is something about riding in the sun with people skiing around you that just feels good.

Mike and I both did long rides and then had a date for some All-You-Can-Eat sushi at our favorite neighborhood sushi place. I think when we first started going there, they were pretty happy to see us---we don't really look like BIG eaters. But now that we are more like regulars, they know better---we sure get our money's worth. Especially after 4-5 hour bike rides! Watch out----we are the "smokin' chopsticks!" To make it really perfect, we watched the Gopher/Badger game while we ordered up the gourmet sushi feast. I love these "dates" with Mike.

Tomorrow is supposed to be fantastic again---another long day on the bike is planned. I hope they get those fires out in SoCal. Happy Saturday!

The photo above was just sent to me from Las Vegas. Lance, Me and Jochim from the Top of the Rio. Photo courtesy of Mark DeFabry.

Because it's good for you!

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

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

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

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

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

Have a wonderful Sunday!!!

Saturday Inspiration

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

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

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

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

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

Cycling in the Surf & Sun!

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Saturday!