Tuesday, January 22, 2008

San Diego Update

I had intended to update more from San Diego but my computer wasn't working all week and I didn't want to hijack anybody else's computer for a blog. We've had a good week all in all but the weather certainly could have been a little nicer. Monday's ride up a snowy cold mountain set a lot of us up for getting sick and being super duper lucky I've had a touch of a cold since Wednesday. I felt well enough to continue to ride all week but this morning I started feeling worse and took today off. My computer has magically decided it will work again so I figured I'd at least write a small update.

Here are some highlights and some photos.

Our wintery ride up Mt. Palomar. Note - climbing in 35 degree temps is fun, descending is not!



We happened to spot the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile parked at a nearby hotel - we even sang the song.


Post ride stop at one of many lovely cafes in the area.


A group of us up at Torrey Pines - beautiful views.


Going to the beach - note the new team jackets

Lori, Jess, and I on our jaunt down to Point Loma



Today is gorgeous out - probably the nicest day yet. Too bad I feel icky and can't bring myself to ride. I'm hoping the flight home tomorrow isn't too painful. Maybe I'll pick up some drugs to knock me out.

All in all it's been a fun week. We've got an excellent team put together for this season and I'm really excited to see what we can accomplish. Should be a successful and fun year! Alright - I'm out - I think I might go lay in the sun for a bit and see if I can boil this cold out of my system!

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Winter Blahs


Not a whole lot going on so the motivation to update this thing is low. Took three weeks off and enjoyed the holidays and some time off the bike. We've had really good snow in Wisconsin so Dave and I decided to dig out the cross country skiis after they sat in our basement all last winter. My technique could certainly use some work but I have fun out there. It's nice to just be outside and to be doing something different.

Now I'm trying to get back into the swing of things and get into more structured training. New bike is all set up with some SRAM Force - it looks and feels pretty good but thus far it has yet to touch a real road. Although yesterday we climbed through the Alps with Lance and the boys at the 2003 Tour. Ahhh - trainer time in the basement. The new bike and my fixed PowerTap at least make it a bit easier to handle.

I went with white bar tape! We'll see if I decide to keep it!

Thank goodness that I'm headed to San Diego on Saturday for a week of training with the team. I'm really looking forward to some big hours on the bike and the chance to ride outside and not wear multiple layers. And we might hit up a beach or two - at least for some whale watching. Should be a fun time and I can't wait to hang out with my teammates.



Hopefully my ailing computer makes it through the week and I'll try to get some updates up from SoCal!