I just noticed that on my last update I mentioned that Spring is a good time for a cleanse.  No kidding!  Right before I left for Chile, I discovered that I was dealing with “copper toxicity syndrome”.  Needless to say, I was not feeling that great, but there was nothing to do but get on the plane and deal with it when I got back home.  It was a very quick trip and my race was slow.  Chile was beautiful though, and I did manage to enjoy the scenery.

44 switch-backs up from the venue

After the race I took a bath in the river, ran through airport security still in my swimming clothes, and boarded the plane with no food.  I landed in Asheville ready to get my “healing” on.  I only had a week to start detoxing and recover before the first US cup in Fontana California.  It worked out pretty well and I came 5th on race day.  I am happy to be moving in the right direction.  Up!

Start line of the first US cup

Today I am driving to Venice Beach, CA for a photo shoot with Outside magazine.  I love doing photo shoots, so I am pretty excited.  It is for the June issue, so make sure to check it out!  

Tomorrow I fly back to NC for a few training rides in Pisgah.  Then it is off to South Africa, Sea Otter, Germany and Belgium.  I am going to be flying by then!

Stay calm, stay clear and take care of your physical body.  We experience our lives through our body, so don’t underestimate how much better everything is when you are feeling good!

I left bright and sunny California at the end of February.  I arrived in Asheville just in time to celebrate my parents 50th birthdays.  I had a chance to catch up with most of my family as well.  My brother Sam and his girlfriend Trish are expecting a baby girl April 11, so I am always excited to have a chance to see my niece growing!

The next morning I woke up to six inches of snow, so I put the running shoes on for a couple days.  Last weekend I raced the Snake Creek Time Trial in Dalton GA.  I won the race in 3 hours and 13 minutes and set a course record.  Sam won and set a course record as well.  His time was 2 hours 36 minutes.  Fast!  We both came away with some cash, confidence and smiles.  It was fun getting back to my roots.

The day after the race I was packing for team camp in Boulder Colorado.  Camp was a success even though it was freezing cold!  I am turning into a winter wimp for sure. I am now getting ready to head back to Asheville for one week before I race the Pan-Am championships in Santiago Chile.  I will post some new photos as soon as I figure out why my computer won’t let me!  I hope spring is inspiring everyone.  Spring is a good time to do a little cleanse for your body.  I have been drinking lots of organic apple cider vinegar whenever I see it in the fridge.  It keeps your body alkaline and your muscles supple.  Cheers!