A Year Better

This same time last year Sean and I rode the Claxton Metric Century. I could line-up my excuses as to why I had not been on the bike; i.e. mono, dissertation defense, moving, new job, etc., but will spare you all the details. It went down on record as one of my worst rides ever that included bonking, pouting, crying, and at complete defeat, drinking a coke and eating a snicker bar on the front sidewalk of a fried chicken joint in the middle of rural Georgia. This year we met 4 Georgia Southern cyclists 5 miles from an intersection on the ride course--of course Sean rode to the ride, but wanted to hitch a ride home in the car. We rolled out around around 8am to sunny skies, cool temps, beautiful fall colors, and lots of cotton. We finished the ride in just over 4 hours, averaged around 19mph for a total of 77 miles. What a difference a year makes! I felt great after the ride, although my legs were certainly not happy with me. Sunday morning Sean went for an easy ride and I put in a 6 mile run, that took everything I had to finish. It was a great weekend to get some long miles in and enjoy the warm weather. We'll stay in the Boro this weekend as well so I can prepare for the end of the semester and pack for our trip to the mountains for holiday.

To Infinity and Beyond

We had a great weekend in Clemson, Greenville, Virginia, and Athens. Luckily, we split up to cover this ground. Sean enjoyed a weekend training session with Jim on power meters. I went with Jen & Terry trick-or-treating with Buzz Light Year. Although he was very excited to get candy, he tired quickly and had little stamina. Jennifer and I pushed him to continue collecting candy, indicating he needed to toughen up...we wanted more candy! Saturday I had a great day riding with the girls in Greenville. The Clemson girls drove up to join the fun and we had a great ride under the fall canapy of colors. It was great to see Caroline back on the bike! We attended the Hincapie Path dedication and got some promo shots for PR pieces. Sunday I ran with Dart and Jen, then headed out to see Molly. She is fully recovered at this point. When I rode her she was very fiesty, a good indication she is feeling better. Monday and Tuesday we were in Athens for a conference. I realized Monday night Sean left my suit at Jennifer's, so I had to make a quick run to Target to find some decent clothes to present in. Luckily, they were open, although I had less than an hour to find an outfit. Design Star here I come! He spent the day Tuesday exploring Athens and taking the dogs to a few parks. The drive home was long and when we stopped for dinner in the little downtown of Swainsboro, we had less than steller service. They didn't even give us a discount for forgetting to put our order in. So, I left a 10% tip and a long note about customer service on the ticket. After I left I realized how old I felt! Ug! We are glad to be home and will have some weekends of relaxation until Thanksgiving break when we head to Boone, NC for a visit with Joy, and then Clemson to house sit.

Down Time

We spent the weekend relaxing in the Boro. Unfortunately, Sean has strep throat and I think I may be on my way. Although antibiotics can't do much, it will help prevent spreading it to everyone we are in contact with. Saturday I had a great day at the farmers market, suprise estate sale, and the opening of Books A Million and TJ Maxx. I know it doesn't sound like much, but for our little Boro it's a big deal! There may be an economic downturn on our horizon, but you would not have known it. These stores were bustling and I have to admit the glam and glitz of such enterprises drew me in. I wanted everything in TJ Maxx and managed to narrow it down to just a handful of itmes, including a great pair of Ariat boots. I realized this is the first time I've been in a store outside of thrift shops since last Christmas in Indiana. I fear I may be out of style! Next weekend we are off the Clemson, Sean to Virigina with Jim for a coaching clinic, and then Athens for the first part of next week for a conference. Looking forward to seeing the girls in the Upstate. Until next time...

Fast Rides, Good Food, and Great Friends

We had a great time in Tsali this weekend! The riding was unbelievable, as always. You can't go wrong with fast, flat trails. Temperatures were perfect hovering around 60 degrees under sunny skies. I think the guys hammered on Saturday and when I saw the group, Sperry was so out of breath he was speechless...a strange site. Us girls rolled around the woods at fast speeds as well, making me think if I did wreck there were going to be broken bones, not the typical road rash. Although that should have slowed me down, my competitive side wouldn't let it. Thanks to Danna for a great cake and salad, Liz for the chili, Ed for the wings, and of course Rae for the coordinating and special treats (Rae-Rita's). You will also see pix of my Molly and her now healed wound. It's really amazing! At home this weekend for a much needed rest.

Tsali Pictures

Heading to Tsali for the Weekend

My head is dancing with images of beautiful fall leaves, cold camping nights, and roadies wrecking on their mountain bikes. I can't wait! Stay tuned for some great pix...

Greenville Cycling Classic Weekend

We had a great time in Greenville this weekend visiting friends and racing. Thanks to Caroline and Paul for their hospitality and all of Sean's teammates for putting up with him! :) I raced Saturday and was happy to finish, while teammates secured top ten places. Sean placed 5th in the Master's race and 11th in the Pro1,2 race Saturday. Sunday he secured 15th in the Pro1,2 race after making a strategic move ensuring a teammates place in the break. We had a great Saturday evening celebrating Dawn & Bo's upcoming bundle of joy. Sunday was a long drive home and Monday morning came entirely too soon for me. Heading to Tsali camping and mountain biking next weekend. Maybe we'll get some sleep in a few weeks.