It never ceases to amaze me the beauty in which I am encapsulated by. I
have mentioned it time and time again in previous posts, in conversations, in
picture form, but the mountains with their beauty and magnitude never seem to
get old or lose their allure. I love to ride in the mountains, the fresh
breeze, the climbs, the descents, and the breathtaking views.
Utah has become a magical place for me. It’s the landscape, the people,
the feeling of freedom that I have when I am here. No matter what is going on
in my life, it just disappears when I am here. Perhaps it’s the lower oxygen
content. Ha.
The people, what an awesome group of friends that I have here. Friends
of different backgrounds, religions, and beliefs, but out here it does not
matter. I am accepted as one of the group, that girl from AR (which I love); no
matter what my world or religious views may be. These friendships are real,
picked up right where we left them months prior, like a beat was never skipped.
I fall right back into my routine here, right alongside my Utah family.
This place is where I am at my happiest.
This trip so far has been amazing (I wish I had a better word, I feel
as if amazing just doesn’t quite fit the bill). I came here with no intentions,
no plans, and no aspirations other than to ride my bike. Boy, has this trip
totally lived up to the dream.
The first day I drove to Laramie, Wyoming where I stayed the night and
then got up and rode the next morning. Absolutely. Gorgeous. It was the most
beautiful place that I have ever ridden, aspens and pine trees lining the
trail, 8,500 ft. It was a great way to start the morning. After my ride I
loaded up the car and continued onward to Utah. What an awesome welcome I
received when I got here. Lizz’s family, and then Monday morning at the gym. It
was so great to see everyone again!
I have been doing GPP (General Physical Preparedness;
HERE) while I have been here, if you have never tried it you should.
It is the coolest thing since sliced bread. Kick-butt, hardcore workouts that
will have your body on FIRE in five minutes or less. I love GPP. I have been
doing their workouts for almost two years (off and on; I kind of get a little
lazy sometimes ha) but whenever I get back into the swing of things it doesn’t
take long for me to start seeing subtle changes in my physique.
My riding has been right on par. I’ve been riding up at Snowbasin,
doing mountain repeats, fun-riding, and just enjoying life. The altitude
definitely hasn’t had as profound of an effect on me as it did when I was
living out here last summer, thank goodness.
Curry flew up to visit from LA this week. How great it was to see her!
I can’t believe we let a year and a half slip by. Our days were filled with
swimming, training, eating, and much talking. The group had a “Welcome Back”
dinner for the both of us. It was so fun and the food was fantastic. Thank
goodness I’m training a lot because I sure have been eating a lot too. Ha.
Today was spent up at Echo Reservoir at an open water swim clinic. It’s
crazy what going up just another thousand feet or so will do to you. My ears
were aching, my lungs felt like they were bleeding, and I couldn’t stop
coughing. Besides that it was fun. While the others were out biking and running
the course I hung out with Kenzie and her kids and talked life. I love getting
to catch up on the day-to-day lives of people.
Tonight was spent with Amy and her three beautiful girls. Movie and
then acrobatics in the park was the perfect way to end the day. I love that
family. I love all my Utah friends. I feel so at home here, so alive, and so
free.
Tomorrow is a fun-ride up at Snowbasin with Kris & Chris. Tuesday,
Barry is coming out from AR for work so we are going to ride (EXPERT LEVEL) in
Park City. There will be another blog post after that, granted if I don’t die
on this ride.
I’ve had a great trip so far and can’t wait to see what great things
are in store for the upcoming days. Perhaps a trip to ride in Moab. Maybe a
spur of the moment trip to LA. I have no plans, just enjoying the ride,
literally.
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