Traveling Stress: Learning a new route.

I will have to say, one of the hardest parts of traveling is learning where to ride. It’s amazingly stressful to get up everyday and try to map out where to ride, but all the while, not really knowing where it is you are ACTUALLY going. Add, specific length and type of workout, making for at least an hour of planning every morning. Once on the ride, one doesn’t really settle into a good rhythm. Too busy thinking about where to turn next and, “am I lost?” On top of this, a most unexpected and unwelcome dilemma: finding a restroom and water. Yes, really. Most grocers and even gas stations do not have public toilets or fountains. No one. I mean it. You have to look for, very little, blue signs in unexpected places to point you off your path and towards the general direction of the facilities. It’s not always obvious where they may be hiding--even when following the signs. I’m getting better at “spotting-the-potty” but, I admit, I didn’t drink or much else on my rides the first week.

Highlight of The Week (28 Dec- 3 Jan): New Years Eve and New Years Day

Nothing much to say, except I enjoyed fabulous Peking Duck on New Year’s Eve and the best, I mean, The Best, homemade (I do mean from scratch) ooey gooey cinnamon rolls on New Years evening --hey, these things take time. Paired with a worthy exception to my no-drinking-during-competition training rule, I did have a shot of port to bring in the New Year. Hope your celebrations were as delightful as mine.

Trials and Tribulations -The first week.

Arriving with gusto and feeling so suave with my good fortunes, I was in for a tough first week. As many know, the bike didn’t fly over on my plane and I was in sheer terror as I walked away from the baggage counter only having left my hopes, my dreams, and contact info.

Rest Week and The Blog

I can hardly believe 4 weeks have gone by since I flew out of ATL.  WOW!
The time change and recovering from my rides was really tough the first two weeks.  Last week, I was plain knackered with the number of hours I was in the saddle (nearly full-time, if I made a living in France).  Here, at the end of week 4 in Aussie, a rest week --not an off week, I am launching my blog.   Sleep, recovery and relaxation are the name of my game over the week; focusing on getting the body to recuperate from the past three.  This has been tougher than expected but my body and mind has come around.  I am now gearing up and heading into another block of serious training.  Stay close, there is much to be posted.  Hoping everyone is warm and well.  Cheers.

Flight to Aussie.

Finally! Off to Aussie. I am so happy to escape the brutal Georgia winter and numerous hours I had already begrudgingly spent indoors on the bike trainer. As I may be talking of the weather half-jokingly, recent events speak for themselves. Preparing for this trip was relatively simple: pack bike, pack clothes and get to the airport on time. Done. Add a little Christmas and full-on training, not so simple anymore.

My Goals for 2010

Ultimately, secure a contract with a professional cycling team. If not be a serious prospect and/or in communications with a Pro team by the end of the year. The first step is in training. Everyday, nearly year round. This year will be the first full year of devoted training, building from ‘09. The beginning of the updates and the training have already started like the wintry weather. By winter, I mean summer…in Australia. Yes, that’s where I am, putting in the Ks (Km) as it were.

The Purpose

Keeping all interested, abreast of my life, the bike and the in between.