Another amazing Thanksgiving at the Stephens!

We had a great Thanksgiving starting out with a 5K run out at Reid park getting to see a huge group of cyclist that are cross training during the off season, all the cyclist seem to run a little funny. It is great to see everyone a little out of their comfort zone. I know I was. Then we headed out to the Stephens and got to do a little mountain bike riding pre-huge dinner. It was the perfect day. Jesse and Susie were missing but we ate their portion of food. We left there in a food comma, and I ate some organic turkey, it was yummy. We are thankful for so much. The food, wine and company was amazing and Kevin and I were both together which was nice, usually one of us is working.
Kevin, Brian and I had an awesome session of mountain biking from the Stephen's house to the roller costers at 50 year trail, I forgot how fun that trail is.

We loved Meryl's dog Romeo, great danes are so cool, he could sit down on the couch.

The best time of year........

We had a fun weekend, we woke up early to race the Tour de Tucson. Kevin and I were wearing matching (Pink) XOOD kits and it was our first race together. It was more stress free this year since I did it last year and I kind of knew what to expect and seeing Kevin and all the other local guys in the group put me at ease like it was a group ride. We only had minor mishaps with Kevin going down once and us both getting caught up behind a crash, but we both made it through safe and no flats. Kevin got 31st and I got 69th out of 8,000+ riders. We were both pretty happy. I was excited that I could possibly win this thing when the group of guys that I was in, said I was the first girl and then another group caught up to us on Oracle with one other girl in the mix. So we sprinted for the win, and I screwed it up. So I had to settle for second. I realized I have to be more aggresive and instead of saying on your right and on your left going into the finish, I have to yell "get out of my way" like the other girl! I guess she scared me:) We had a small get together after the Tour with some really good friends and lots of babies, so I got my fix.

Sunday, Kevin and I used our last bit of energy to hike, it is amazing how perfect the weather is this year, and we look forward to cross training more. This week we get to have Thanksgiving with the Stephen's and then meet my brother Tav up at the Grand canyon and Flagstaff for some hiking. We can't wait.

Happy 13 Years!!!

Today was amazing! Our 13 year anniversary! Kevin and I slept in, rode our cruiser bikes down to one of our favorite restaurants B-line on 4th Ave and ate breakfast burritos and Crepes (they put brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans in their butter) Yum. Needless to say after cake and crepes this morning we are carbo loading for the Tour. We got all wired out on coffee and drew sketches of our up and coming plans to finish the house. Then we worked on the yard all day, excited of our new patio with this perfect weather high of 65 we had today.

After Kevin headed to work I hit the trails for the first time since the 24 race, excited that my butt is fully healed. It was the most beautiful evening, and I had the trails all to myself. It is crazy how fast you lose your skills after being such a roady.

Our new patio. Stucco next!

50??? Age is just a number!Last night I got to hang out with some good friends Kim and Rob. Kim threw a surprise party for Rob that was a month worth of planning and it turned out awesome and he didn't even have a clue. Kim sang while Rob played guitar for all the guests, they had great food, and their yard and house was amazing, it was a big hit!

I've found my new calling, I'm selling my bikes! I'm looking for two teammates. Anyone.......

The 1987 Dance Aerobics Championship - Watch more Funny Videos

A treat to bring on your ride or hike

I saw these nut rolls in the health food store and thought they would be easy to make. Take the pits out of the dates and mash them up or put them in a food processor. Put an almond inside and roll in coconut. Then put a half almond on top. They are really fun to make!

Sahuaro West Hike

Gates Pass

Cooked....

Big week in the books with three, five hours days on the bike. You would think that wouldn't be too hard after a 24 hour race but it was at a much faster pace. I started all three days with a fast group ride and then veered off with other crazy people that wanted to go long. The good thing is it's eating and taper time. I always hated the word taper, last year I started riding around now, two weeks out from the Tour de Tucson. But I have learned alot since last year. Eating is huge! I always thought after the long 5 hour rides that I would reward myself by eating crap. But I have really been doing something right because I feel awesome. As soon as I get home I will down a fruit smoothie and today I ate a whole plate of raw veggies with hummus. Then an hour later a real meal. Hear is a new way to eat beans and rice. Rice pasta, red beans, artichokes, peas, olives, tomatoes, parmesan, oil and vinegar. It has been perfect weather 80-90's for a high. While most people are getting snow and cooler temps, people are still raging on a bike here, it is crazy.
We are finally starting to plan our last push of remodeling the house, Kevin was so excited he crawled up in the attic with his mask and knee pads for a while.

We got a really good estimate for cement and a back porch over hang, so that is one less thing we have to worry about.

Better then candy...

I tested out homemade cookies on my ride today. Really good and all natural.
2 cups dates (no pits)
1 cup coconut flakes (no sugar added)
1 cup raw nuts (I used walnuts, cashews, pecans and almonds)

Half of a lime just juice
Put everything in a food processer until it clumps, form into bars or cookies, bake 350 for 7 min

We finally got a small group together to ride up Lemmon. It was nice to catch up and go at an easier pace then the crazy fast shoot out on Saturday.

Specialized girls Mel, Chloe and Judy. Awesome girls!

We rode our bikes down to 4th Ave on Halloween to check out all the wierdos.

We were going to give all our expired bars to the kids but we only had one group of trick or treaters, so we were forced to give them candy:)