A Soaked Venture Into 2014

What a start to 2014. Excuse me, what a WET start to 2014. Last weekend, I left the sunny skies of Fresno and followed the dark, disquieted clouds to race the Cherry Pie Criterium in Napa. Good thing my dad and I made an investment in storm venture water proof jackets, or we might have been sopping from the long walk to sign in. I was the lone ranger, standing out in sparkling blue. My plan was to ride, follow the right wheels, and try not to get worked over. It took me a few laps to really get comfortable at taking the water-logged corners at speed. The race was hard, and fast. Many getting worked over in the first twenty minutes. I stayed unruffled and let the race sort itself out. I ended up getting in a group of ten behind the break of two off the front, after a grueling forty minutes. The wind was punishing, and continuously strong, making any advance a struggle. I ended up seventh place behind an array of Mikes Bikes and Hagens Berman. I ended up placing seventh. I was content with my result, and I was happy to be representing my team colors. I am looking forward to the many races to come, wet, or dry, I can not wait for the upcoming weekends.

I Ride For Me

For as long as I can remember, I have always loved riding my bike. I can remember watching the 2005 Tour de France, the grimaces on Armstrong's and Basso's faces inspiring me to race myself around the block until my mom forced me in the house. Cycling is a huge part of my life. As I have grown with it, it has become an emotional outing for me, it is what I would describe as my "Happy Place". If I have a rough day, or wake up in a bad mood, I can jump on my bike and have that feeling completely disappear. I can ride, with no destination, I can just ride, with a clear mind, and focus on the things that matter. It is like entering my own world, where I can truly think, and explore my own mind. No other sport has done this for me, cycling is my therapy. I ride because I LOVE to ride, no one pressuring me, I ride for me. This sport has truly blessed me, and molded me into the person I am today.