My night riding future looks bright

I am thoroughly excited to share some great news - I have a lighting sponsor!



I owe a huge thanks to Travis Macy who introduced me to Andrew Fellows who works with Australian based Ay Up Lighting Systems.

I also owe a huge thanks to Andrew (who is a 25-29 world solo 24 hour champ) and Ay Up for their truly generous support. I live halfway around the world from them, but it feels like they're next door with how friendly and welcoming they are.

I've seen these lighting systems around the 24-hour scene and I've heard so many great reviews about the product. I'm lucky to be supported by the best people and the best product all the way around. I can't wait to head out on the first night ride with Travis and put the lights to the test!

The Ay Up team.

Mr. Salty

Just wrapped out here in the Salt Flats. Funny thing is, Blake (our super-cool, super-fast talent) ran a mile with 50mph winds pushing against his back in... 4:37. This was after shooting him riding for a few days. Good people. Good fun.

Blowin' the dust off the capillaries

One down, plenty more to go.

Today was the first race of the year for me and although it was a 'local', 'low key', and 'training' event, I sure suffered quite a bit in the company of some great athletes including my nemesis (and great friend) B Fuentes. Brian took home the victory and I couldn't be happier for him. This is a guy who owns his own business, works a ton, and manages to stay in great shape. (obviously!) Congrats Brian.

As I type this, my cough reminds me of the day's work and makes me look forward to the rest of the season. Lots of work ahead, but it's always the odyssey that counts.

The luckiest guy I know

Fresh off of jet setting, I've managed to find some time to sift through the few photos I snapped along the journey. First it was New York to see the girl.



Libby and I took a train North from NYC along the Hudson (a first for me) and found a sleepy town called Rhinecliff, which we deemed our retreat for 24 hours. After some great food, a comfy room, getting a little lost on a hike, and some small town exploration - we were on our way back to the city.





We were just in time to catch 'Dine in Brooklyn'. Now, if you've been to NY you know how good the food is. Libby has always had a knack for finding the best of the best restaurants whether it's in Santa Fe, Gainesville, or NYC. We took advantage of a Pre-Fixe dinner menu and had yet another great night.



Although I could have stayed for much longer - and really wanted to - it was time to get back to the grind. The schedule read, '1) shoot in San Diego; 2) shoot in Madison'. So off I went.

Trek utilizes a large amount of their resources to ensure they have their athletes on the best bikes in the world. I think you're pretty serious when you rent a wind tunnel for a couple days to test your athletes' aerodynamics on a bike.



In Madison, the global headquarters for Trek, I was treated to world class hospitality and I became a total nerd when invited into the race department. I have a new respect for my bikes and the people who build and work on them. When my bike passes through the same room as Lance's and the other top-notch pros, I tend to take some additional pride in my bike racing.




Now I love traveling, but as an athlete I feel a little anxiety when I think I won't be able to train. However, one of the perks at Trek is the fact they encourage you to go ride the trails they built nearby. I'm not one to pass that up...