Crossin Colorado

After 19 hours of driving the toaster across four states, through rain, snow and wind storms - one of which blew three semi trucks over, we finally arrived in the land where the antelope roam - Colorado. It's amazing here, despite it feeling like I'm sucking oxygen out of a coffee straw... We are staying with a wonderful family on a farm just outside old town ft Collins and its great. I've met some of the nicest people bike racing. It's pretty amazing and wonderful to have smiling faces and warm welcomes to wake up to - especially from little kids dressed up in witch hats.

The field was stacked today - the best of the best were out. Conditions were cold, rainy, and muddy - I loved it. The course was technical and interesting and really challenged me. I ended up 24/44 and managed to stay on the lead lap. I felt good about it and think I can do better. I loved the cheers from the die hard fans on the sidelines. They really keep me honest - no slacking allowed! Not when your being heckled, and encouraged to go for the dollar bill grab as your taking a turn on mud that's slicker than snot!

I also had a great experience at a local bike shop called Full Cycle. Not only did Mike, a guy that works there, hook me up with some of his embrocation cream for the cold (couldn't find that stuff anywhere!!!), they let me use there stand and tools to replace my front derail cable since it was about to snap off!

All in all great day.