Snow hiking in the High Sierra

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.

My Campagnolo Guy!

I love Mike's face in this photo. I know how silly this must sound for an email, but this is the face I fell for 9 years ago and I feel the same way about him now as I did then. How about that?!? He'll be embarrassed that I sent this message, but I snapped this photo of him this morning and just liked the way it looked in his Campagnolo Sportswear!.

The weeks just fly by like nobody's business. It is almost Thanksgiving. Mike and I are headed over the mountains to spend the holiday with California Mom & Dad this year. To make it extra special, Mom gets to take a vacation from chemo until 2009! It will be nice to be "somewhere" on vacation---with all the traveling I've done this year---none of it has been holiday---all work. So we are looking forward to time with family and friends and riding our bikes in our favorite places before the year is out.

We've actually got lots cooking and along with the changes in our country with our new President elect Obama, the "marching to the beat of their own drum" Taylor's have something up our bike-jersey sleeves as well. That ought to get your interest, but that is all I have to say about it right now.

I just returned from my longest run yet since I bought these Newton running shoes. I am sure everyone is tired of me talking about them, but these shoes have made all the difference for me. They are light as a feather and I don't know what magic is in there--but I can run without feeling all beat up and I am now cool with winter as long as I can be
outside running.

Anyway---Have a lovely Saturday!

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.