Knee warmers, arm warmers and a vest on my ride yesterday and today. I am NOT ready for fall yet! Alright, the fall colors are beautiful and all but I am not looking forward to the cooler weather that comes along with it. I am definitely a HOT weather girl.

Yes, yes, I know I have been totally slacking on this blogging thing. The last time I wrote was the day Kristin won a stage at Cascade…and so much has happened since I don’t even know where to begin. I’ve got to go back to my calendar to remind myself. Sheesh, I have to go back to look at my calendar to remind myself what day it is today (Monday holidays always screw everything up)! So, let’s see - since Cascade I have been to Copper Mtn to attend the Specialized Dealer Event, spent a week in Huntington Beach and Temecula, CA, wishing the weather had been nicer to spend more time at the beach but tasted good wines in Temecula, spent a fun weekend in Chicago for the Chicago Crit, jet setted off to Charlotte where Kat won the Charlotte crit solo, flew coast to coast (from Charlotte to OC, CA, which I am glad I don’t have to do often) for road nationals where I finished 4th in the TT (was hoping for a top 5 and was only 2 sec off 3rd), Brooke Miller won her first of 2 national titles this year, and I got a little beach time with Mike and Lauren (no comments please), and then went back to Chicago for Crit Nats where Brooke won her 2nd national title and I had the best cheering crowd ever! Now I have been home for 2 weeks hanging with the pups and doing lots of handy work around the house (I have paint all over my skin to prove it). I also rode with a group from Ft Collins up Trail Ridge to Winter Park - total mileage was 130 miles, although I did cheat and hopped in the sag car at mile 70 (hey, I did the entire UPHILL section) - where we stayed in a beautiful house for the night and then drove our tired butts back to the Fort the next day. I’ve also dusted the mtn bike off and have enjoyed every minute of riding on the dirt. Last week I was riding a demo bike (Specialized Epic) from Peloton Cycles that will make getting back on my ancient, out-dated beater very difficult because the Epic practically rode itself over the technical trails we have around here. Oh, I might also be getting myself into trouble here but I think I might give cyclocross a go this off season. It could be a very bad thing as I flail around trying to shoulder my bike while I trip over some barrier and land face first in the mud or I gingerly pedal through sections that most people will take full speed ahead laughing as they leave my ass in the dust, or mud, or snow or whatever epic conditions cross racing throws your way. But, who knows, it could be the beginning of a whole new adventure that takes me to new places across the globe. Or not.

Probably the biggest news to come out of the last couple weeks is that Aaron’s Corporate Furnishings is not returning as a sponsor next year. This was huge, shocking news because it never entered our minds that they wouldn’t resign, but so it is that they have decided to put their money elsewhere within the business. As disappointed as we all were to receive this news, we were all so very grateful for the awesome support and commitment they have made to women’s cycling the last several years. The employees have been incredible, cheering us on (they are definitely a boisterous group) from the sidelines at races in Austin, Charlotte, and Athens. It’s sad to see such an awesome sponsor leave the peloton, but again we are thankful for the years we did have with Aaron’s. And, so, the task of finding a new team began - again (I was left in the same situation last year when Lipton didn’t return) - and 1 week ago I signed with Team TIBCO, a powerful team on the circuit this year and one that will be even stronger next year. Keep your eyes open for the soon-to-be-released roster.

Now, for the next several days, I must try to keep myself motivated to stay on the road bike with the last few races of the season creeping up. First off is the Priority Health Classic in Michigan on the 6th and 7th and immediately following is a women’s crit on the opening day of the men’s Tour of Missouri on the 8th. Last on the calendar is the San Francisco Twilight Criterium, which should prove to be the perfect backdrop to a long season on the road.

I know this has been long winded and I have left out many untold stories, but I will leave you with a few photos (not nearly as many I usually have) from various events to wrap up this monumental occasion - that of me posting another blog!

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Well, if I don’t have the impetus to write much else right now, I do have to give kudos to my teammate Kristin for a HUGE win yesterday at the Cascade Cycling Classic. It’s her first NRC win and a much deserved one for a devoted and selfless teammate!! And also a big hats off to Alison who was with Kristin in the break and who also did a lion’s share of the work for over half the race. Together they made the win happen!

Today is a double day - TT this morning and crit this evening. Right now we are sitting in good overall position with Julie in 2nd, so let’s hope we can keep that spot heading into another tough stage tomorrow.

Rock on.

Hey, hey, I’ve got to say that there are some AMAZING hikes up the Poudre Canyon. A couple days ago myself and the pups ventured up Young Gulch (just one of the many trail heads to choose from) - they had a blast romping around in the river crossings while I shot a bunch of photos of the ubiquitous Columbines that were spread throughout the woods. I tried to get a few shots of the dogs but they were too rambunctious and out of control to get them to sit still for just a second. Anyway, it was an awesome hike and I highly suggest this trail, among other trails such as Hewlett Gulch, Big South, and Roaring Creek. Each has its own bit of distinction from another, meaning you won’t be disappointed whichever one you decide to try.