This is how it begins

Look at all of that stuff on my bed! It's really not even that much, just clothes, sleeping bag, and my tent. And sorry Phoenix, but there is no room for you in there.Yeah Phoenix, you heard me. NO extra room! Unless I can wear you, sleep on you or eat you, you're not invited.

Not related to bikes - The Story of the Onion

This is the story of an ordinary onion that has grown into an extraordinary plant. He started out as a normal white onion from Whole Foods destined to be sauteed into a fantastic stir fry, or placed on top of a delicious turkey burger, or even diced into an early morning omelet. But something incredible happened. The onion was forgotten in the fruit bowl. Night after night, day after day he sat and watched his friends disappear. Apples, bananas, tomatoes, sweet potatoes. They all eventually left him to become parts of greater things. The onion remained. Until one day I noticed that the onion had become more than himself. He now had a fabulous head of hair. Oh, the dilemma! It appears that he is indeed alive and growing. So for now I have taken it upon myself to take care of this onion and provide for him a comfortable environment in which to flourish.The prince of his velvet pillow. Afro perfectly in place. About to turn on his favorite show, "America's Next Top Model."He's thinking about entering "Best of Boulder's Farmer's Market 2007." And I think he's got a pretty good chance.When it's nice outside, sunny like today, he relaxes in the patio chair. But although he has a thick water proof and sun-proof layer, he's really a tender guy who dries out pretty quickly. So he can only stay outside for a minute or two. Such is life.And for this reason I have to keep careful watch over him. The sun is only the beginning of the possible tragic outcomes.There are predators in the house as well. Animals that are mostly curious, but at times (with small creatures such as squirrels and maybe onions too) turn to crazed killing machines. But he doesn't smell all that great, and I know for a fact that this particular animal doesn't like to eat her vegetables. So I think for now he's safe.Sometimes he just wants to hang out with the guys. He calls it his "bonding" time. Bond away little guy. They spend most of their time arguing over who's color of green is the most current rage. Last week it was the bamboo. I'm not sure what's in this week. It's hard to keep up.
At the end of the day there is nothing better than a comfortable bed (bowl) in which to sleep. Being an onion isn't so bad really. Especially with good friends and colorful fruit to share your days on the wood table.

Yes, this is a biking blog. But I wanted to share this unique story to emphasize that you never know what strange surprise will be waiting for you outside your door, your state line, your world, or inside your fruit bowl. You'll never know unless you look. Look closely at the details of the ordinary life. You might just find something extraordinary.

Because at heart, I am really a professional

Coming together

At this point my trip is finally coming together. So much has changed in the last month!

I now have a ride to Bellingham (thanks Chris!) and I've emailed out my itinerary including long breaks with friends in various places. Please send me an email if I've missed you on my list and you'd like a copy of my schedule. It was amazing to plan out a rough draft of my trip destinations and stops and to see how many great friends I have on the West Coast! I'll be seeing Laura, Pierson, Caren, Julie, Jamie, Erika, Alexis, Beth and Brad - and that's just counting the people that I already know! One of the highlights of this trip will be reconnecting with good friends that I haven't seen in awhile. And if I'm lucky...I might have a ride back from San Diego as well.

In addition to my ride, I have almost everything that I need on my packing list including a new tent (just 4 lbs!) that arrived last week. I will post my revised packing list once I have everything together. So don't worry, I've added a few important items to the original list.

The last piece of the puzzle fell together last week as I talked to my boss and we agreed that my last day would be April 1st. I feel good about this because I know that I'll have over a month to train some one to take over my position here. And there is nothing better than leaving a job that I loved on good terms, knowing that my company will go on and do great things.

Looking over this blog I realize that it is sorely lacking pictures. And although my writing is intriguing I'm sure...there's nothing like a little eye candy to keep the interest. So from now on I'll try to post more pictures. But until then, here is an old one of me biking the 401 trail in Crested Butte last summer - one of the most amazing trails I've ever been on. I highly recommend it.