Happy Mother's Day and stuff!

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!

Pacific Northwest---next stop

The bad thing about writing inconsistently, is that so much happens that I forget stuff. I had a great week in the Bay Area, but now it is like a memory. Mike and I are loading up a mini-van with bikes, and clothing and leaving for Seattle early tomorrow morning. At least there will be two of us as opposed to just me hauling my blingy gear all over the place. Even Sydney's bags are packed! We will stay two nights (3 days) in Seattle and then head south from the city and stay a night in Olympia which sounds nice---although I have only driven passed this city.

From Olympia, we will head into one of my favorite cities, Portland and will be there for a couple of days as well, before packing it up and heading to Bend for the weekend. I think we are staying with some friends in Bend and will get a day or so to rejuvenate and ride, before we head to Boise. Boise is our last stop for this "road-trip" and we head back to Reno to end our loop.

As I write this it all sounds "fun". And it would be "fun" if there wasn't a lot of work involved. Mike will get a good taste of what it feels like when I am on these crazy trips. He'll join me again for another one about 5 days later when we head South (Utah, Arizona and Southern California). The good news is that from New York to California, the trips have proved very successful. And the more I can get done before Las Vegas---the better (=easier) Las Vegas will be this year.

Last weekend we went and rode the passes again in Markleeville. It was epic! We been averaging monthly visits to the passes and that in itself is a gift. I am looking forward to Fall more than usual. Not for the weather, or the usual stuff, but my nephews are here and I never see them. They will be in school before I have time to hang out, but luckily we have such a lovely fall that I can enjoy some football games locally and spend some time just being an Aunt. I have never had the luxury and now I am out of town so much that it feels like I am missing out.

Just for fun we dressed up my Seven with some wheels that cost more than my car. Talk about bling! Happy Saturday!