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...

Willo

Every now and then I hear a piece of bad news in the realm of the sport I love. A few days ago it was news of the tragic passing of James Williamson, A 26 year old professional mountain biker who lived every moment he was here to the fullest.

My memory of 'Willo' is vivid. I raced in the 2008 Solo 24 Hour World Championships in Canada, hoping to win the gold and finally snag that title. However, in the end a young man I've never heard of overcame some dark moments in his own bid to win - and well, he did it. Truly, my main memory is that he and his crew were all smiles and friendly from the start. After learning more about James, I came to find out that he was very involved in the Australian mountain bike community and has left a lasting impression.

None of us like to hear this. Us as athletes, friends, families and so on. I can tell everyone this - He did what he loved to do. I respect that.

My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

The checkout line

As I stand and wait to board a New York-bound jet, (a red eye nonetheless!) I'm realizing that for the first time in a year or so I'm going to be taking a much needed break and unplugging for a few days. I've been training a bunch and working just the same so it's time to enjoy a little time away and see the girlfriend. Libby, it seems, has been busy as well if you take into consideration a couple jobs, (including a theater show).

I saw Josh T out on the road today. He's looking fit so I better stay on top of it! I'll be completing my final pre-prep for the cycling season when I'm back as well as be able to watch our show on PBS. Should be a fun, fresh April...

World champions, promising athletes, and just good people

I just finished this video for the Trek // K • Swiss pro triathlon team.

I'm a Toast fan

It was good to see Josh Tostado training out on the roads near my house yesterday. I did a double, no triple take as we rode by one another and then turned around and caught up to him. Although he was finishing what looked like a long and difficult training ride, it was nice to see him when both he and I weren't racing each other for 24 grueling hours.

I have to be honest and say that he motivated me to keep training hard. I realized that to be competetive with someone like Josh, you need to be tough as nails. He leaves nothing out there.

There will no doubt be some battles between he and I in the future, but the great thing about this sport as that competitors can also serve as training partners. Josh, I look forward to riding with you soon.

tomfooling in Southern California

On a Sunday night with no one around, Rod and I were shooting in the global headquarters of K Swiss. Just after we wrapped, we decided to go mano y mano on the table tennis court. One game led to two which led to six which led to an all-out battle in the tie-breaking 7th game. Rod is a better table tennis player than me, but after channeling my inner Agasi, I was able to pull off a miracle.

25-23



We did do some work out here too. This morning was the Trek - K Swiss team ride in the hills North of Los Angeles. Part of the ride went to the Pacific Coast Highway which was an absolute treat for all of us. I remember sitting on the beach a few years ago and calling my mom from just a few miles South of here when she was very sick. Enjoying the weather here in February makes me want to move. Until the summer rolls around...

LA to LA

I can't believe how long it feels like its been since I've slept in my own bed. Technically, it has been two weeks, but that amount of time feels more like 2 months. I've been in Louisiana shooting our TV show in the cities of Lafayette, Shreveport (with Kenny Wayne Shepherd - him and his family are truly great people), and New Orleans. We were in Lafayette for the super bowl and in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. I wish I had some easily accessible photos to share, but I currently can't find any. Needless to say, our time in Louisiana was crazy. Fun, but crazy.

Rigth now I'm in Los Angeles shooting the Trek and K Swiss team camp. What a change in the group of people we are shooting with. Musicians like to stay up way too late and tend to spend time in smoky clubs. While athletes live a more 'lame' life of being to bed early and eating yogurt with granola. (more my speed I guess)

Regardless of who we're shooting, we're shooting a lot. We've worked plenty of hours (ie; 16-18 hour days) and I'm feeling it. I'm still trying to train and eat right, but nothing compares to being in your groove of training and resting.

I'm here for another few days before I head home and then I head to New Orleans again - for 18 hours - then home again. (Then hopefully a training camp)

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