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!!!

Snow on the Mountain Tops!

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

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

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

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

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

Hope you have a lovely Saturday!