Ducks in a row

Every day that comes and goes, we're one day closer to that first race. No matter how fit or trained an athlete is, nothing can really prepare them for what they'll experience that first day of the season. For me, I've learned to relax and take whatever result I get. It just seems the harder I work, the harder I suffer that opening race. Maybe it's because I never feel like I'm where I should be and it makes it that much tougher. I don't know. What I do know, is that I've put in the work and I'm excited to see where this season goes - and not only for myself, but for the exceptionally talented riders on the Honey Stinger/Trek squad.
(we're missing a few faces here)




I recently read a quote from Eddy Merckx, on Trek teammate Jeff Schalk's blog, stating that the secret to riding fast was to 'ride lots'. This is, and always has been, my theory. I don't pretend to be a doctor or coach, but I know what works for me. I actually don't ride 6 hours a day, but I ride because it's fun and it's a huge release for me. I'm not one to look at and analyze data from every ride because for me, it doesn't always translate. I've tried it, and it wasn't good. I had times where the numbers were great and I was getting dropped, and times where I should have been dropped per the numbers, but had a great day. (With all that said, I know of a couple riders who've won big races by analyzing the numbers!) Personal reference for sure.



After attempting to organize photos on my computer, I ran across a couple fun ones from last year. I figured it would be good to share one since my new team director, Len Zanni, is not only the boss, but he's also qualified in 'tearing your legs off-ology'! (seen here about to throw down the attack...)



I'm really enjoying the company of the team. Not sure if it's good or bad yet, but I found another partner in crime who's pretty much up for any adventure. I have a feeling Colin Osborn, along with training bud Josh B will be pushing me to my limits on training rides, night rides, and in races.



Thank you Devon Balet for the photos and night ride out at camp.

Honey Stinger/Trek Team Camp 2011

Although I have yet to snag all the photos from the weekend, I can try and paint a picture of what our camp was like.

Riding mountain bikes with a bunch of great people, a lot of food, more riding, more food, good stories around the campfire, some night riding, nutella in a tortilla, more stories around the fire, more riding and so on...



More photos coming shortly.

I will say that this group of people is certainly a clan that I'm proud to be a part of. Treating me - and the other newbies to the team - like family, I felt like I was at home. I think it's going to be a good year!

From the 'White Roads' to the Cobble Stones

After a couple weeks of working in the beautiful countries of Italy, Belgium and France, I'm back home and staring straight into the eyes of the fast approaching cycling season. With a new sponsor and new team for me, and some inspiration drawn from spending time with arguably the best bike racers in the world last week, I'm feeling ready and confident to start the season.

With our team's training camp kicking things off next weekend, I'll get to meet all my new teammates and get a chance to do a ton of mountain biking. I feel stronger than I ever have coming into a season and I have some lofty goals, but I'm also realistic. My other work could keep me on the road for a significant amount of time this summer and an injury is always a possibility, but I'll just take it day by day and enjoy the experience.

With the first major goal of the season to repeat at the Growler - all the way to my hopes of a great finish at 24 hour nationls in October, it's a long season and it's important to remember to have fun, win or not win.

Weekend Edition

Friends of ours over at NPR, Jasmine and Felix, were on Weekend Edition talking about their time with us (the Music Voyager team) in Colombia.

We had a great time with them and I'm excited to hear their take on the experience over the next few weeks as they share their stories.

You can listen to it hear.

Speaking of Music Voyager, season 2 has begun airing and I'm proud of what we've been able to put together. The producer is already out there, traveling around and putting together the plan for season 3...

Into the Hive

It's official - I'm a member of the Honey Stinger/Trek off road team. I have always stood by my standards of pairing up with people and products I believe in - and this is certainly no different.

The 2011 Honey Stinger/Trek Team

Why not...

When asked if I wanted to go running instead of get on the trainer, I said yes. What I was actually saying yes to was a trail run, up and down Apex Park in Golden, at night, in several inches of snow, while temperatures hovered around 0 - 5 degrees F.

Gotta say, it was one of the funnest things I've done in a while. It is always good to break things up a bit and this run was a great way to do it. All in all, we ran 6 or 7 miles (which is crazy for me - because I don't run much!) and gained roughly 1800 feet in elevation.

Unfortunately, Josh informed me his toes were a little frostbitten, but other than that - all was good...


(Apex in warmer days...)

The best chef in town

Close friend of mine, Mary Nguyen, is an unstoppable woman.



Opening a French-Vietnamese Bistro here in Denver called 'Parallel 17' in 2005, she showed her culinary creativity and astute knowledge of being both a business owner and chef. It didn't start there, however. My history with Mary goes back to when I met her while working at Starbucks. She had 3 or 4 full time jobs (it seemed anyway!) including head chef at Hapa Sushi in Cherry Creek and owning a catering business. She had an undying drive to succeed. Her successes didn't just take her to P17 either, as tonight I was invited to the grand opening of her new restaurant, Street Kitchen Asian Bistro. It's inspiring, humbling, and pride inducing to see a good friend in a moment of great success. As the woman of the hour, she was bombarded by hundreds of people, but I managed to sneak in and give her a congratulatory hug and well wishing.

To me, she's one of the best chefs in Denver - and Denver is becoming quite the food town. Am I biased? Sure, but taste for yourself the incredible cuisine found on her menu. I do suggest any of the sushi, the Roti, curries, and whatever dish that was served in the martini glass. (tuna, rice, veggies) That may have been my favorite...

Cheers Mary! Good luck with the new restaurant.