Farm Fun, Bike Racing, and Old Friends

We had a whirlwind of a weekend in Clemson/Greenville/Atlanta. Sean and I farm sat in addition to our team duties and were exhausted when we hit the Boro Monday evening. Saturday was the South Carolina State Road Championships. Sean's team CTM was able to secure gold in the Pro 1,2 for the 2nd year as well as the 45 and 50 year age groups. Team BI-LO secured the 35 and 40 age group wins for gold. Sunday was the US Pro Cycling Championships. I rode with my team at 7am on Sunday for the P3 Stars and Stripes Challenge that followed the same 22 mile course the pros rode. Believe it or not, it was my first time to officially climb Paris Mountain. The girls were awesome and hung with my despite my low climbing cadence. We had just enough time to clean-up and head to the volunteer check-in. Later that day Sean headed to Atlanta with teammates to race in the Atlanta 100K on Monday. Despite a wreck with 2 laps to go, he was able to chase back on and still get 23rd out of the 122 Pros that finished. He has minimal road rash and just a sore hip. Monday I rode with the Clemson girls and spent the rest of the day doing farm chores and driving to the Boro. It was a great weekend and I feel so lucky to have so many great friends!

Labor Day Pictures

British Blokes, Fried Chicken, and Karoke

It was quite a weekend for us! Friday Sean ran into 3 British boys cycling from New York to Miami. They stopped at the shop for a few repairs and were staying over in the Boro due to Fay's rain. We invited them over for dinner and had a great time learning about their adventures. They had a hardy appetite and I know it was hospitality they enjoyed after camping for weeks on end and riding. Saturday teammates Jim and Chris came down for the Nestor Cup road race. They sweep the race, as usual and had a good time preparing for the SC State Road race, in which the team plans to defend their title, and the Atlanta Pro 100K taking place over Labor Day weekend. I was able to race in the B's, but felt the heat and humidity drain my legs and energy. I was able to cut off the course and feed the guys during their race. The little gas station in the town of Rocky Ford where the race was held had some fabulous smelling fried chicken for brunch and a karaoke machine. I think we'll be heading there on our next Saturday night out. We'll leave the spandex at home though and put on the boots! A great weekend in the Boro! Off to Clemson/GVL next weekend for the US Pro races, the P3 Challenge, and great times with friends.

The last of summer break

The weekend proved to be a busy one with friends Jennifer, Terry, and Scott staying over on their return from Ski Nationals in West Palm Beach. We were thankful we had air conditioning since the humidity kicked up. Thanks to Abby for a great fondue party Saturday night! Sunday was my last day of freedom from the chains of academia. I had great plans of reading some journal articles and preparing for class; however, found myself on a long road ride in the heat that required an afternoon nap and spending a lazy evening on the couch. Back to work on Monday...

The little things in life...

We have been in the 'boro for almost a week now. Our adjustment would have been more comfortable had our air conditioning worked. Yes, we have been without air conditioning for 4 days! When this happens everything else in life falls apart. Friends, Jennifer and Terry stayed a night on the way to Ski Nationals in Florida, I had to dress up for work everyday sweating, and poor Sean was stuck at home suffering in the heat. You realize when the dogs are panting, it's miserable! Although we would have liked to argue with each other about this, it was simply too HOT!. He broke down and bought a window unit that gave us some relief at night in the bedroom. With the new air system completed yesterday afternoon, I was able to ride my bike today, unpack after 2 months on the road, and wash clothes. Life can return to normal.

Double Bakery Ride

I had a great time today riding the Double Bakery route. Don't think our priorities were not in order, it doesn't mean double climbing, but double the bakery stops. Which include Flat Rock and Saluda. Caroline conveniently used her pockets to carry some fresh bread down the mountain. So Euro! Sean rode with Paul and Rodney from Paris Mtn for a longer route. What a beautiful day!

Good Times

Thanks to the girls for coming to dinner after the TT was canceled. We had a great time and enjoyed fab food at Chicora Alley in Greenville.