Oh, and I won.

My first stage race win ever: the Wenatchee Stage Race, the state championship omnium. I am currently the Cat 3 BARR leader.

Pretty pleased.

Walla Walla Weekend

Headed to Walla Walla tomorrow morning for Vanessa's graduation. And awesome riding. And maybe some wine tasting...?

I can't wait!

Things I Learned (or was reminded of) at Wenatchee

Last weekend was the State Championship Omnium in Wenatchee, Washington: time trial, crit, and heinous road race, and each stage contributed points towards deciding the overall winner.

(1) I need to work on my confidence around corners and descents.

(2) When you hurt, EVERYONE hurts. Just put your head down and keep going. And try not to puke/fall over/pass out.

(3) Always bring extra water. You never know when you might be 2 hours early for your TT, or have to stay an extra 2 hours after your race finishes...

(4) Always take the neutral feed. The water will be useful. You can always dump it (especially on your head, in hot weather).

(5) Always sprint. Especially when you have no idea who was ahead of you.

Go see the new Star Trek movie.

That is all.

Gila

A LOT has happened since I last posted, even though it wasn't all that long ago.

I had a chance to fly down to the Tour of the Gila to play "soigneurita" to three Hagens Berman team riders who decided to compete at the last minute - in 3 different fields!

And I had the time of my life.

I knew it was going to be fun, but I had no idea that I would get to see the likes of Kristin Armstrong, Rory Sutherland, Floyd Landis, Phil Zajicek, Burke Swindlehurst, Chris Horner, Levi Leipheimer, and Lance Armstrong so up close and personal! I had no idea I would get to run around downtown Silver City dance-partying it up and collecting crowd primes for the Pro/1 crit. I had no idea I would be riding some of the most epic courses ever, end up in the cycling e-zines, and see my boyfriend kill it on the last stage of the race.

Every day was a new adventure, a new race, a new place, a new course, fantastic weather, beautiful scenery, great food, and warm company.

Our hosts Marcia and Alan (yes, there were THREE Alans staying in one house) were as kind as could be, and had more than enough space for all of us AND all our bikes AND all our FOOD. (There was a LOT of food.)

And they shared their Tecate. (:

The Tour of the Gila is a great race. Silver City is a welcoming place. And I will definitely be back next year. As a RACER.