I love this time of year.  The colors are changing, the mood is relaxed, and I have have time to catch up with friends and family.  I have been running on the trails with my cousin Meadow.  She is a local hero in the trail running world, as she is a mother of three and a fierce competitor.  She is training for the famous “Shut-in” race which is an 18 mile trail run from Bent Creek to the top of Mt. Pisgah.  Of course, I am only running with her on my easy days!

Getting ready to hit the trails with Josie and Meadow

I am also quite the social butterfly as everyone wants to celebrate my recent engagement.  I can’t really complain.  I do like champagne!  My girlfriends from NC created quite the fun last weekend.  They even presented me with a gluten-free cake and a hilarious wedding cake topper. ..

Funny! My friends are the best.

We proceeded to have a night full of “photo shoots” and dancing.  My sister wasn’t there, so that just gives me another great excuse for a party later on!  I am now in Whistler and enjoying running in the woods.  I am going to a Madonna concert in Vancouver October 30th, and then to Mexico for real vacation!  I have so much to look forward to, and I am enjoying every day. The off season passes quickly. .. quicker every year it seems.  I do miss the sensation of flying downhill with the wind on my face.  I think I’ll be back on the bike next time I am in NC.  Here’s to more good times!

Posing with the girlfriends

Getting ready for the race, obviously

Don't we look fun!?

Thanks to my friends, I have salvaged a few Bachlorette photos.  Everyone likes photos!

Warming up for the big night

Well, I survived.  My computer didn’t, so I am typing on a borrowed computer and I will only have a few photos to post.  Interbike was as exciting as always, and I am still feeling the late nights.  I guess I am not as young as I used to be. . .

An anniversary of sorts. ..

It is always fun to catch up with friends and enjoy life outside of the bike racing world.  My girlfriends are the best, and they rallied to throw me a bachlorette bash on Thursday night.  We met up with the boys later and of course, had a really good time.  I can’t believe that five years ago I met my future husband at the circle bar in the HardRock Cafe.  Life really does come full circle doesn’t it?

Vegas fun with the Lopes, Laguna beach pals, and Hans Rey

I am in Whistler now, and headed back to NC tomorrow.  I am looking forward to runs with Meadow and lots of time to soak up the sun and enjoy the fall colors.  Hopefully sometime soon I can post some photos from the bachlorette bash, or maybe I am happy that I don’t have any at all right now!  Enjoy life and all it brings!