As I'm off racing, Jeff's been taking hangliding lessons! Yesterday I got up at 5am to go watch him :)
This is the barn where they store the gliders.
This is the field where they launch. They're attached to a winch which pulls them up and then releases them (kind of like flying a kite)
This is Jeff (on the left) getting ready...they also get to ride an ATV :) 
And off he goes!!!
The weather is much nicer than when I was last home...we're all enjoying the backyard now. BBQ dinners, swimming (thanks to our generous neighbour Deb), hot tubbing and just hanging out...it's GREAT to be home! 
The view from our beautiful host home.
Morning stretches :)
Stage One finish at the top of Mount Magazine...Chrissy placed 2nd!
A little R&R between stages.
A fantastic finish...Betina won the stage and moved into 2nd overall with Chrissy just behind in 3rd overall. :)
One of my favourite parts of racing is the recovery day. Chrissy, Beth, Brooke and I took a relaxing ride along the bike path in Fayetteville.
We saw turtles everywhere soaking in the sun....
...and frogs catching some rays...
...even the leaves on the edge of the trail were taking in the sun. Unfortunately we realized a bit too late that this was poison ivy and our bikes had been leaning against it!
Fortunately Chrissy and Brooke had the solution! :)
Well it was a battle today! We went into the crit with 5 of us in the top 10, (just off the podium thanks to Brooke's stellar time trail yesterday!) I've got to say that this crit is the hardest one of the entire year, with its grueling hill top finish. We launched attack after attack from the start of the race. Chrissy made it off the group solo and was so close to winning if not for Aaron's surge in the last lap to pull her back - it was a valiant effort! We ended up with 4th (Brooke) and 5th (myself) GC and 2nd overall team (only 10 seconds from Webcor). Looking forward to Tri Peaks - the stage race with a total of 18 000 feet of climbing :)
Post-crit...we made it through some gale force winds!
Our view while eating breakfast
The Gila National Forest
One of the best places to eat in New Mexico!
The drive down the mountain on our way to Joe Martin in Arkansas
Up at the crack of dawn with coffee in hand, Jeff and I head to the river for a "dawn watch". There's something magical about seeing the sunrise while drifting along the river.
Ok...so we weren't just drifting...Jeff was rowing! :) (He's still asleep here)
Limestone cliffs
Canadian Geese
And Dougy...waiting for breakfast :)
So I watched the Freedom Writer's tonight...what a great movie! And what's even better is that it's based on a true story. It reminded me what a gift it is to be a teacher...to have the chance to make a big difference in someone's life...and in turn have your life affected in such inspirational ways! This is a picture of some of the cross-country runners I coached a year ago...they're amazing people and I miss them!
Hanging out with friends and family
Trying to do the laundry
Eating like a Queen (thanks to Jeff :)
Planning our wedding
Dreaming of warm weather at the Gila!
Ziggy...my first coach who's passion for cycling is surpassed only by his will to share his experiences and knowledge with all those around him!
Frank...my coach and confidante who's "zen" approach keeps me grounded and focused when I need it most
My mom...who gives me unconditional love and support in all I do.
My dad...who's inspired me from day one to live your dreams!
And Jeff...with you, my life has risen to a whole new dimension of happiness :).And to all my friends and family who I couldn't picture here because I can only post 5 pictures at a time :)...thank you...I love you!
