Where's Amanda???

Good question. Recently, I have had trouble remembering where I am when I first wake up. My latest road trip went something like this: Victor->Salt Lake->Hurricane->St. George ->Fontana->St. George->Hurricane->Fruita->Kremmling->Fruita->Victor. Lots of random hotels, nights under the stars, racing, photo-shooting, spending time with family, riding in the wind, rain, sun and snow and most importantly, getting in some quality training. I ran into friends from Idaho at random trailheads, made friends with complete strangers, watched some really bad tv while waiting out weather in Fruita and burned in my 2010 biker tan for good.

This last week was a biggie. I dragged my tired legs from Fontana all over Hurricane and Fruita in order to put in one last week of big training rides before I taper for Sea Otter and Cohuttta. Mission definitely accomplished. I'm pooped. I capped the road trip off with a great visit with my sister, brother in law, nephew and new niece, Rowan. Even though infants don't really do much but squirm and make funny noises, she is very, very cute.

Zippity. Do. Dah. Dang that was fun.

Striking a balance while living and training on the road is always tricky as it becomes harder to keep up with the recovery, stretching, eating right and sleeping well. Over time, I've learned that a few things are key to keeping me happy and healthy. I therefore have no shame in hauling this gear all over the country: a full size foam roll, a good sleeping mask and earplugs, my memory foam pillow, REM Caps, my aero press and favorite coffee mug, zoots, good music, mindless magazines, a laptop and my favorite cooking spices and oils. Bringing Nate with me whenever he can get away is always an added plus.

Classic Fruita singletrack kept me busy.

One of my favorite things about life on the road is the people I randomly meet. This is me and my new pal, Tom. He and his buddy Bobby charmed me in a Fruita coffee shop and invited me to ride. Bold move on their part. I really could have ruined their fun if I had turned out to be a total weenie. Who knows-maybe they DID think I was a weenie...

Asher showed me his new trampoline: the
aerobed I sleep on when I visit

So now it's all about rest, rest rest. Good thing my rest week started today because this is what my car looked like this morning when I went outside to start unpacking. I wish it was rain...then I wouldn't have to wash my car.