Tucson, AZ

Tucson has been my go to winter training grounds for the past 3 years now - except for last year, I was in Australia - and it has grown on me every year.  This year I stayed with Kathryn Bertine and her husband George Varhola and their 5 cats(Jalabert, Taz, Polar bear, Panda bear, Grizzly bear).  When I called her, I asked if she knew of a place where I could stay and bring Miller - she suggested I stay with them.....are you sure??? Dogs and cats??? OK! Here we come!

After a week, the cats somewhat accepted Miller's presence, after sneaking around him while he was sleeping - it was so funny.  Miller would wake up and the cats would dissappear, like nothing ever happened:)  It was a fun first week.  Then things settled down and everyone was happy in the same room together - life was good then on.

Training was great, lots of pros are in Tucson in the winter and the cycling community is very welcoming and has a huge presence in the city and surrounding areas.  I had a lot of fun riding with my buddies, Alisha and Kathryn.  Michael made a quick trip as well, according to Alisha, he can live off of coffee and Cliff Bars - no wonder he is so skinny!

On my last day in Tucson, Kathryn, her dad, George, Alisha, her husband - Dave and myself went to the Pima Air and Space Museum.  We had so much fun! Here are the pictures and maybe a couple of randoms from the month.....enjoy!

Busted Taz eating Miller's food;)

I love his big ole paws....

In Tucson, after training, a big bowl of fruit was a must :)

The day we got caught in the rain.....yeah, the rain jacket didn't help AT ALL!

George called this the 'creamsicle' Jalabert and Polar bear....

2013 product found me in Tucson! yay!

This took a long time....congrats you two!

Walking into the museum...

The crew!

Wait, which button do I push?

Figures, MS would be the Rebel....

Looking out at the hangar from one of the planes...

George giving us the run down on the planes, I think he was actually in this one when it was in service...

Looking towards another hangar....

 They made a spot for the ashtray.....

Kathryn and I stole one of the planes and took it for a joy ride..... who knew I could fly so well?

This was pretty dang interesting to me....

Here is the plane I stole!

I would've hated to be this guy....really....

Planes outside the hangars, there were a bunch!

Hey! Air Force One!!! Obama, dropped by to say hello.....

Just for size reference:)

Then the fun began in the Space Hangar.....this room is normally for kids, but the guy could really tell we were looking for something to play with....

I'm pretty sure we could've stayed on the moon all afternoon, playing...

The girls!

It's an alien!!!

Booty poke out picture!

I am back in Dolores, just for a couple of days.  Team camp is about to start and I'll be getting ready for it this weekend in between cyclocross worlds(in the US) and the SuperBowl.

Reading: Folks this ain't Normal by Joel Salatin
Listening: Fuzzy by Randy Rogers Band
Watching: the weather, I wanna go for a ride....
Eating: Chicken Mole from Pepperheads
Website: http://www.womensbiketalk.com

2013 prep

I'm currently in Tucson, training and preparing for the upcoming season and team camp, putting in the miles, doing group rides and starting to really focus in on the details.  The weather has been amazing, a bit cold these last couple of days with highs in the 40's which is pretty cold for here.  Of course back home in Dolores, the high is 20, so I'll take 40 any day over that.  Plus it's hard or near impossible to get productive workouts without getting to cold in 20 degree weather.

I've done the Tucson shootout once and enjoyed it, looking forward to more of those:)!  I enjoy seeing all the other cyclists - loads of women riders - and giving a wave to a fellow lycra wearer:).

I've only taken a couple of pictures, there aren't too many rides I'm stopping and taking in the sites, sorry.

Off the bike, Kathryn, George(host friends and fellow riders) and I have been watching The Big C - a Showtime series.  It's really good! I'm hooked.  I hope I can get episodes on Hulu or something for something to do during the down time in the season.  Check it out.  We've also been watching Arizona basketball(George is a fan) and the NFL playoffs - I love all sports!

I've just read Nicole Cooke's retirement statement - WOW.  I'm very thankful for dedication from the sponsors I've been lucky enough to associate with.  I've always been paid my salary and have always been blessed to have the proper gear all year long.  I can't imagine it any other way, so it was a good gut check to not take these things for granted.

Could you imagine going to work and the boss saying, yeah, so we won't have this month's paycheck for ya- sorry.  But hey, keep on working! Dang.....

So today's ride, I will be thinking about the good guys of the sport, those trying to support the women in the sport - Optum, TIBCO, Exergy, NOW, Vanderkitten and all of our sponsors, all of the bikes, all of the equipment and clothing, all of the behind the scenes people(directors, owners, race directors, volunteers).  Think about that....THANK YOU!!

Alright - go ride.

 It really is pretty here....

 Post ride goodness!

 Another beautiful road...

 Which one???

 My tired guy..

I mean, you have this big ole bed and that's how you sleep 'on' it....

Reading: Marshall Ramsey's Fried Chicken and Wine
Listening: Cornman from Little Big Planet game
Eating: that big ole burrito from La Salsa looks pretty good:)!
Watching: The Big C
Feeling: like I need to dance to Cornman.
Website: Twitter on Thursdays - #clickthruthurs - participate and support women's cycling.

Christmas time and back to Colorado

And just like that, all the planning, all the recipes, all the cooking, smiles and worn out evenings - Christmas is over:( poo.  It went by so fast! I didn't get to see near enough of my friends but I had a wonderful time with the family, my brother, sis-in-law, my sweet, sweet niece and all of my uncles and aunts.  It was wonderful!

I enjoyed cooking for the family and I'm pretty sure mom and dad were very thankful too.  We ate GOODDDDDD:)!

I was able to ride my bike every day that I needed to, walked in the park with dad a couple of times, caught the local group ride and had fun with all the heckling and before I knew it, I was back on a plane to Colorado.  But I was sure glad to be home, flying over the snow capped mountains, the high mountain air and all things I love - this is home.

Now it's go time, time to become a full bore cyclist again.  The season is approaching FAST and team e-mails have started, fitting bikes has started and camp organization has started.  I'm excited about the upcoming season, I'm always excited about bike racing.  So next up is a bit of skiing here before heading somewhere warm for lots of miles.  I'll update when I get somewhere and get settled into a routine(a week or so).  Until then, here are some pictures from home and traveling.....

 Headed to the airport before Christmas...

 Day before flying, first ski session of the year...

 One of the trails.

 The afternoon view after skiing....

 Not the best driving conditions but it's a lot better now...

 Good morning beautiful snow!

 Some cool pictures of Vicksburg back in the day! We knew panoramic shots were cool WAY before Apple's iphone did;)...

 A monument in the park, it was a great place to go as kids and look for ghosts!

 The Cairo boat in the military park....

 A food joint in Vicksburg...

 Lost and found cars at my grandfather's house, T3 has too many toys;)!!

 You know you are in the south when the menu has it's own FRIED FOOD section...

 Such a wonderful place!

 Dad's walking club crew!

 Christmas Day MEAT!

 Starting her young;)....USAC should be watching....

The full moon my last day in Vicksburg, dad and I walking through the park...

Reading: A Daring Life, A Biography of Eudora Welty by Carolyn J. Brown
Watching: it snow outside:)
Listening: Trouble in Mind, Pat Donohue
Eating: for dessert: grapefruit- pealed and segments pulled apart, sprinkle with sugar, place on parchment paper lined sheet pan.  Broil for 2-3 min.  While that is cooking, mix plain greek yogurt with honey, then place the grapefruit segments on top. YUM!
Website: http://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/crosscountryskiing.htm

Riding and cooking

I have been in a cooking mood lately....

Roasted beets with feta and scallions
Palmiers
Acorn squash stuffed with mushrooms and rice
Sweet Potato-Sausage soup
All kinds of bread - thanks to the bread machine
Pistachio shortbread cookies
Butternut squash soup
Roasted potatoes with bacon and cheese - YUM - perfect for football:)
Biscuits and sausage gravy - all homemade
French toast
......

YUMMY!! I was gluten free for about a year and a half but I think it is time to get back to the gluten ways, I feel fuller longer with wheat but I try not to eat much gluten before I ride.  WARNING -Personal note here: wheat gives me bad gas once I start riding if I eat it right before(1hr) training.  Just sayin...if you are wondering if you should go gluten free or not.  I still eat lots of rice and potatoes, I think more out of habit.  I have pasta in the cabinet but haven't really chosen it over the rice/potatoes, maybe it's because I was spoiled in Italy.  I mean really, how can I top that pasta??? ANYWAY...

I'm flying to MS for Christmas for the holidays, to spend time with family, cook all the above and loads more of goodies and see my sweet niece, brother, sis-in-law, extended family and friends.   I'm taking my bike and plan on doing some rides with friends and seeing some folks I don't get to see to much.

In other news, Miller has a growth on his muzzle, right below his eye.  I thought it was his tooth, so off to the vet we went.  She put him to sleep to take x-rays, tooth is good, it's a growth, biopsy, send off to get analyzed.  Merry Christmas bud..... poor guy.  We should have results in the next day or so.:(

Training has been wonderful, a bit cold these last days(high of 26 degrees) but I've got the warm gear and I've been enjoying staying outside - fresh air, sunshine and my thoughts running through my head.

Today I was in Cortez, in between appointments, and I ran into 3 people in 1 coffee shop that I knew and felt so blessed and happy to have the local support of friends who are truly happy for my achievements.  And to know that I inspire these grown adults and that they enjoy reading of my travels and stories makes me smile.  A big ole thank you to YOU:)!!

 Migrating tarantula - no really.....

 Goooo Rudolf!!

 I saw this at the trailhead and thought it was funny.  I haven't checked to see if it is a real site, I'm sure it is....

 Walmart knows what the kids need right??

 Poor Miller and his little growth under his left eye...

 Staying warm!

Palmiers!

Alright time for dinner, nothing exciting tonight, just soup and quinoa....

Reading: Heads in Beds by Jacob Tomsky
Watching: Rules of Engagement - SO FUNNY
Eating: Roasted beets with feta, please try it!
Listening: Zedd - Spectrum
Website: Behind the Barriers

Hope to blog from home!