First Leadville Training Ride of Season

Last Saturday was our first training ride of the season on the Leadville course. 

Since the lowest altitude for the course is 10,000', we normally have to wait until June for the snow to clear off.

I was excited and nervous to see what my fitness level was, how I would react to the altitude, if I could make it to the top of the St Kevin's climb, and if I would wimp out on the Powerline descent.

What I didn't expect to experience is how emotional I would get when we took off for our training ride.  

Tackling the Leadville 100 has created this huge bond between Joanne and me.  

We have gone from being overwhelmed and terrified of the race, failing miserably the first year, to finally getting our buckles, to repeating finishes, to giving advice to people trying it for the first time.
  
So, as we were taking off on our first training ride on the course all of these emotions came flooding in, and I just rode in amazement on how lucky I am to have Joanne in my life and that we could share a huge challenge together one more year.  

It was a fantastic day!  

The best weather I think we have ever experienced, met a new friend, made it up St. Kevins without having a heart attack, descended the Powerline with out a wreck or injury, and I experienced it all with my best friend!

Could This Be Any Cuter??!

I found this clip while killing time on one of my favorite food blogs, Serious Eats.
I couldn't resist sharing it!

Trendsetters

Imagine my surprise when I saw this article in the new York Times today: ‘Catios’ Bring Cats Outdoors.

I guess the "cat condo" Phil built for Rex & Fritz 4 years ago was merely ahead of its time.

Chasing Legends

The filmmakers behind our two favorite cycling films (24 Solo and Off Road to Athens) are back - and I can't wait to see their new film, "Chasing Legends":

Rain, Hail, and Rain Some More

We think Seattle's weather has moved to Denver.

This picture of Fritz wanting to go outside, sums up how we feel.

PLEASE SOMEONE - MAKE IT STOP RAINING!

This is one of the wettest years' I have experienced in Colorado.  

Unfortunately, this type of weather pattern also brings Hail.  :(

We hope this finds you someplace sunny and DRY !

Send a little our way, please!

Three Strikes and You're Out of Here!

Joanne's Ford Escape came up with some type of fuel system glitch that the mechanics could not figure out. 

So after several trips to the mechanic shop and leaving her stranded......it's out of here!!!

Being the practical person Joanne is, she went for better gas mileage, 4wd for bad weather commuting, and 7 year / 100,000 mile warranty.

Also, as you would expect, it didn't take long for Joanne to get a bike rack installed on her new Suzuki SX-4!

I think it looks very sporty......just like her!!!

Yard Projects

It is finally turning into summer and we are now juggling work, longer workouts, and land scaping projects.

Our summer goal for our home is to make a substantial change to the back yard.   It has a very large grass area that takes a lot of time to mow and a lot of cash to water.

We are going to make a smaller grass area, add more fruit trees, move flower beds, put in a raised vegtable garden bed, add some crushed stone walkways, et

The biggest obstacle for progress is that I struggle with how to lay things out and I wish I had Joanne's brother Pat's vision.  Pat's yard in Montana is beautiful!

One of the things that cracks me up ( and sometimes makes me want to swear or cry ) is that when you decide to put something some where, there will be an unforseen obstacle.

Happy Summer Projects to you all !