It's been a long haul...

It started about 5 years ago at Snow Summit (back when we could actually race there...) It was a 12 hour race and someone from the shop knew a team that needed another chick. Me. But then they needed another one. I had heard that Shelli knew how to ride a bike, so i called her and asked her to be my wing-man. Now, lucky or not, she is my BFF!



While resting between laps, a conversation ensued that lead to the creation of Team Jose Ole, my sponsor and my mother ship for the past 4 years of racing. I have been completely supported, supplied for, cared for, looked after and loved by this team. I have had more backing at an expert level than many pros will ever see. And i am extremely and forever greatful!!!

The bright yellow took me many places. It made me a target with a huge X on my back too! I have had racers come up to me after races and say "i was watching your jersey the whole time and trying to get to you!" And i have had them say the same thing as they pass me..

Here in Vermont I made fast friends with Jackson and Anna as they began their quests on the bike.

At any given point, you could find me sporting my team Sworks Carbon Hardtail (hmmm, this years is pretty), Habervision glasses, and maybe even sipping on some RAD. COLE WHEELS took over as out title sponsor this past year, getting me ready and amped for my first season as a professional. Extended Stay America put me up many a night. I LOVE their kitchens!!!

The blue and white made me less of a target, allowing me to blend into the peleton, or become "pack-fill" as we fondly like to call it. The upgrade was exhilerating yet completely demoralizing. The pain mentally and physically was light years beyond what i had experienced as an expert. Yet completely wonderful!!

I made it through the season injury free - minus my "free brand" on my calf! I finished every race i entered and had only ONE flat! i must have started in over 20 some races, so i feel pretty good about that!!

As i close the chapter on 2008 bike racing and my first year as a professional, i can only look back and smile! it has been a blast! Painful, embarrasing, sad, exciting, fulfilling, perfect, the worst, fun, no fun to be found...but that's bike racing, and that's why i love it!

I could only find one photo that would be appropriate to sign off with for the last time as a racer for Team Jose Ole....

The Joy Trifecta! This was actually made into a POSTER for the team to take to interbike! this was right after I won the California State Series and the National MTB Series...and before i cut my hair again. Oh how times have changed...

Maybe tomorrow I will let you know what 2009 holds...