New Addition......

Okay, now don't get all crazy with those thoughts. But yes Karen and I have a new addition to our family.....of bikes!! Because Karen has been soooooo good, she now has a new Gary Fisher Superfly!! Quite possibly the new standard for all good cross country bikes. Do you really need suspension? After riding the 29er (of all 29er's) from Surly, I became convinced that suspension is NOT needed in the wasatch and that Karen would LOVE climbing and rolling over the small rocks, as well as stable handling on the trails. So far one ride and one happy customer, other than the heat stroke?!!

Anyway, we also had the Tour of Utah come thru last week. Took a short ride out to the canyon climb that ended at snowbird to watch them coem by. Not exactly the TdF, but got to see a bunch of cycling celebrities.Was good to see some of the biggies pushing up the mountain, some with panache (tyler), and some looking.....well like me!!!

Supposed to go away this weekend, but storms, back pain, and cold (snow possible above 8000') may just keep us home to train. Yes, I said train. We are both now officially entered in the 24hrs of Moab. Karen on a sport team (Chicks on the Rocks) and me (2 gears 2 Monkey's 1 Wrench) in the Duo pro class (what am I thinking?). Should be FUN. Until later.....
r

Weekend R & R

I needed some rest and relaxation, actually, more like stress relief. Crazy stuff going on at work for me.... Rich and I decided to take the van and head out of dodge. After a nice long bike ride Saturday morning, we loaded up the Vanagon, made quick stops at the grocery and wine store, and headed to Timpanogos Camground and Sundance for some camping and mountain biking. Timp is about an hour away through some of the most scenic mountain roads you can imagine. Mount Timpanogos looms large over you, at 11,000+ feet, and aspen trees stand like massive armies, on guard, along the way. The mountain sunflowers were in bloom and the blue sky was dotted by beautiful fluffy white clouds, a slice of heaven, to be sure. We arrived at the campsite and just simply started to breath, every breath of fresh air bringing me a bit closer to feeling human again. We built a fire and prepared dinner. As it was cooking (pizza in the oven on the camp stove), it began to rain, a perfect rain, the kind that sounds awesome, smells great and is caught in the trees so that you can find solace under some thick foliage without having to go inside. Perfect wine allowed us to completely relax and enjoy the moments. After a perfect night's sleep (for me anyway), we got up, made a mug of camp coffee that wouldn't taste consumable at home, but delicious and perfect at camp. Soon, we headed out to Sundance for some mountain biking. Cool temps and a perfect sky set us up with a stellar background for some riding. We began to climb the trails to the top of the mountain, through thick forests and rocky trails perched precariously on the mountain's side. Finally, to the top, our reward, going down!! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! Super fun, heart pounding now from exhilaration, instead of effort, we smiled and laughed and before we knew it we were down and heading up again - this time on the chairlift! After a bit more riding, about two hours worth, we called it a day and headed home, refreshed, revitalized and re energized.