Mount Snow, VT

This past weekend I was at the USA Cycling National Mountain Bike Championships in Mount Snow, VT. It was 3 days of some serious hard core mountain bike action and some fun times. The weather held out for us amazingly, with only a few drops of rain one day and a good storm another, but overnight so it didn't affect our work during the day. We had a sweet spot for our big set-up and were located right across from an amazing set-up done by Oakley...a really rad trailer w/all kinds of lens testing going on inside and their massive truck for pulling the trailer (if we get recognized quite easily with the SoBe vans, these guys are in a whole other league above us).

The event was really fun...super laid back so we were all able to cruise around, mingle, check out events, etc. I brought my awesome new road bike to do a little bonding and cruised to and from the hotel on it as well as around the venue...I'm in love. She's awesome, and gets lots of looks from people. I named her Betty Davis. The one unfortunate thing is that I've basically had a personal bike mechanic since getting her and he's now about to head off to many months more of events...how will I ever trust anyone else with Betty like I trust the person who built her from the ground up?!? (he also took the sweet photo of me on her to the left here)

Met some really cool people, made some good contacts, got seriously hooked up from Oakley, hopefully made a friend for life. Had a realization that although my travel schedule makes it tough to have a normal life, there are people with a much rougher situation. I take for granted the fact that I actually have a few days a month to see friends, maintain relationships...there are people who don't get that luxury. I couldn't do it...I couldn't be on the road all year round, literally all the time. I'm not strong enough for that.

It was different being at a close community type sporting event and not have any major post-event activities...usually these type of events have some sort of party or at least a gathering spot that everyone hangs out at. This one didn't...it was tough to really mix and mingle post-event with everyone...but we managed to get together with at least a few people each night. I guess West Dover is also not exactly the mecca of entertainment and dining options.

Next up, Readington, NJ for a Balloon Festival. I can't wait to find the right person to talk my way into a hot air balloon ride! Granted, if I wasn't going there I'd be on a private jet to Nantucket...alas.