They Do.

It's been a while since I've been really excited to drive to the airport and get on a plane. Don't get me wrong - I love traveling. However, most trips lately consisted of lugging multiple cameras, lighting setups, microphones, hard drives, etc - across numerous countries, leaving me with bruises on my back and dark circles under my eyes. So, a trip to LA to see some of the best friends anyone could ask for and be part of a wedding for two of them was a truly great treat.

My accommodations were provided by my good friend Nicki who happens to be the key hair stylist for a show on Adult Swim called, Children's Hospital. Couldn't be more proud to see her in her element - especially after her and I slung coffee together back in the day in Denver.

The weekend was a perfect and much needed escape. These days it's very rare that large groups of friends can gather and spend some concentrated time together.



Looking around at my cohorts this weekend humbled me. The good-hearted and talented people in this group reminded me of why I strive to be good at what I do. Needless to say, I'm honored to have been in the wedding of two people capable of bringing so much goodness onto one beach in Malibu.

Congrats Rod and Rachel.

'15 seconds...'

We, as bike racers, know how it feels to hear those words on the start line. I get nervous even typing it. Well, last weekend I heard those words as I signed up for the first race of the year. Fresh off of the trip from Spain and a 4 hour ride the previous day - I suited up and toe'd the line. I have to say, I felt pretty good. So, as much as I'd love to use my travel and ride as an excuse, I can't say it effected me too much. However, my technical riding completely disappeared, leaving my competitors wondering how I managed to ever get a pro mtb license!



Speaking of Spain, I had the great opportunity to spend time and shoot with Jani Brajkovic, of Team Radioshack. He is an extremely humble, talented, and nice guy. Not to mention a cool dad to his fun 3 year old son. Jani allowed us to invade his 6 hour training day for some filming on the Canary Island of Tenerife. Apparently, every passenger in the car must have a seatbelt on there. AND the doors have to be shut... What? I paid 40 Euros and spoke some poor (very poor) Spanish to learn that lesson.







In honor of David Lee Roth, we shot some photos halfway up the Tenerife volcano, where Jani's lone hotel was.






I'll post a link to the Jani piece when it is finished. Thank you again Jani, for the quality time you gave Paul and I.

Denver-Chicago-Madrid-...Tenerife?

Nestled in a small group of islands just off the coast of Morocco, Tenerife (Spain) looks to be a beautiful place to shoot our next project! Warm weather, huge volcano, beaches, and good people are great ingredients for a successful adventure.



Just as jetlag will surely be setting in when I return, I'll be heading to NM for the first race of the year. Really looking forward to kicking off the season. Hopefully, this trip will help my body absorb the last few big rides I put in.

Yesterday was my first mountain bike ride in Boulder this season and I actually broke down and threw a hydration pack on. For those of you who know me, you know how much I dislike riding with anything on my back other than a jersey. However, Osprey provided packs for us this year and I've totally turned the corner! Possibly the best feature is the magnetic holder that keeps the hose in place. Huge fan.

I feel so spoiled again with all the support this year. Honey Stinger, Trek, Ay-Up Lights, my parents, Bontrager, etc. It has helped keep me motivated through the windy days and early mornings.

PS - Here is the 2nd video from the 'Driven' campaign that we just finished up.

Driven: Fabian Cancellara