Last Day at Interbike.

For the last day at Interbike, everyone was a little tired. We were swamped as soon as people heard that we were finally selling everything that we had. I got to talk to some potential sponsors for myself which was a lot of fun. We put in another long day, got to eat some good food, have great conversation, and get a tiny bit of rest. Now there is just a matter of a long drive to Denver...
This is my roommate Rob.

Burritos, Texans, and Tandems (Day 2 Inside Interbike)

After another long day at Interbike, I have a couple minutes to look back at my pictures and think about what happened. There are girls in tiny outfits everywhere. I smell like cigarette smoke after walking through the hotel. I got to tell Lance Armstrong that he helped me through my Dad's cancer treatment. My friend, Alicia, recommended his book when my Dad was diagnosed. Lance was roped off from the masses, but I snuck between the scaffolding to shake his hand. I was amazed that he seemed sincere when I talked to him for two minutes. He thanked me for sharing my story and it meant a lot to me. I also got to meet Ivan Dominguez today. He has worn Rudy's for a while and when his last team broke up, he wants to ride in the best. Sweet. After work, we went to a crit race at the Mandalay Bay. It was fun and we saw Dave Zabriskie walk by. I would love to talk to him for his warped sense of humor. Oh yeah, I also got to hang out with the Garmin Chipotle team. I realized while typing this that it seems like I just walk around and see the famous people. In reality, we bust our butts working, and while getting water, food, or going to the bathroom, you can literally just run into these people. It feels good when they seek out the Rudy Project booth though.

Vegas inside

We started the indoor part of Interbike yesterday. I was able to be starstruck a few times. Michellie Jones was there to say hi to us, I was able to meet Shonny Vanlandingham, and Leonard Zinn stopped by our booth as well. We were busy as usual and it was really fun to meet many of the athletes sponsored by Rudy Project. Competitior Group is a sports marketing company that threw a party at the Venetian last night. It was fun to mingle with many industry people and try not to talk about work. The night continued in true Vegas style after that. I haven't slept much because we have been so busy, but last night was just pure masochism. Until tomorrow my friends...

Vegas Day 2

Today was the last day of the outdoor demo at Interbike. I was able to meet people from companies like Cervelo, Kuota, and Pedros. The cool thing about working for a company like Rudy Project is that people from other companies respect your product. We were swamped again today at our booth and I look forward to being indoors tomorrow. We were outside in the heat all day, but luckily, Fizik was able to hook us up with some coconut gelato.

Las Vegas day 2

We were out of the hotel by 6 am this morning. Stopping to get ice, water, and some caffeine, we headed into the desert. We set up our tents, tables, helmets, glasses, and tried to beat the heat. We stayed in the shade, but it hit the high 90's way too early. It was busy all day and people really responded well to the new gear for 2009. We closed up shop about 6pm and headed back into Vegas. We stopped for dinner and sat at our table next to three decent crossdressers. Unlimited ribs stuffed us beyond reason and we found ourselves ready for bed by 9. Then we found a screwdriver in our tire. I watched everyone else change the tire and felt very proud of my team of mechanics. It is 11 pm and I am going to bed. One more long day outside at the out door demo before we move into the Sands Convention Center.

Drive to Vegas

This week, I will be in Las Vegas working for Rudy Project at Interbike. It started after work. I jumped on the bus to Denver and crashed on my friend Chris' couch. Early the next morning, we loaded the Uhaul and set off West. Burger King for breakfast and I snacked on gummy bears, chex mix and soda. Pretty normal road trip stuff, but not what I am used to.
After just under six hours, the Broncos football game started on the radio. That helped pass some time. I tried to constanly nap, but when that didn't work I would watch our gas mileage. (We averaged 9 mpg.)
We only stopped once to catch the last 10 minutes of the 4th quarter of the Broncos game. About 80 miles from Vegas I saw the first casino offering an all you can eat buffet.
13 hours after we left Denver, we arrived at our hotel tired but in good spirits. Our room was fine but the other guys came over and said, "Our room smells like throw up, and the lights don't work". I found this funny until they threatened to sleep in our room. They got everything figured out. We are meeting before 6 am tomorrow, so I am going to bed now.

K-Town?

It has been a long time since I have shaved my legs. I was quite excited to do it last Saturday night. It wasn't because of a night out at the bars, rather I rode 100 miles in the Buffalo Bicycle Classic on Sunday morning. We had beautiful weather, the aid stations were the best I have ever had (tacos, almond butter and Nutella on graham crackers, sandwiches) and the ride was gorgeous. We rode from Boulder past Carter Lake, all the way to Horsetooth Reservoir near Fort Collins. I got to wear my new Bear Naked tri outfit which was surprisingly comfortable. It it scary that I could ride the 100 miles and still feel pretty good. I took it easy and was hungry for a couple of days, but it puts the idea of doing an IM into my head.

5.11?

I am going to see this movie next week. I am very excited. I have been rock climbing a lot and finally remember what it is like to be nervous, exhilarated, scared, and happy all at the same time. I am hoping to practice traditional (trad) climbing next week as well. The main difference is with sport climbing (what I do now) there are big metal bolts in the rocks that you attach your rope to. It is safer.

Wikipedia says: Traditional climbing, or Trad climbing, is a style of climbing that emphasizes the skills necessary for establishing routes in an exploratory fashion. Before the advent of sport climbing, the normal style of unaided rock climbing was what is now referred to as "traditional". Trad climbing usually involves the leader ascending a section of rock while placing their own protective devices as he/she climbs. Route finding, effective gear placements, self control, and good climbing skills are essential. Normally, such climbs are not previewed or rehearsed on a top rope (with or without tension), and emphasis is placed on passing difficult sections on the first try. As a form of free climbing, only the limbs and body of the climber are used to effect upward progress, and protective devices are placed solely to catch the climber in the event of a fall.

I am currently reading "The Iron Heel" by Jack London. It is interesting that it is from the same author as White Fang and The Call of the Wild. It was written about a hundred years ago and it could have been written yesterday.

Stoked

Bree Wee has a great outlook on life. I read her blog often and I am constantly impressed by how humble this girl is while kicking some major butt. Trying to qualify for Kona IM twice, but not quite getting her slot, she just raced IM Kentucky. Just going there would be scary enough for me. This blog post of her inspired me, a lot. I signed up for the Buffalo Bicycle Classic (70 miles) and the Boulder Backroads Marathon (half marathon). I love to compete and it has been too long.
I recently got a shipment of my Bear Naked products. I was stoked to find out that there were over 3,000 applicants and only 100 athletes chosen. So far, the granola has exceeded my expectations. It gives me plenty of energy without any hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, or preservatives. The also outfitted me with a bunch of gear to wear while training and racing. Look out for pictures soon. Another great thing about Bear Naked is that they work with the National Arbor Day Foundation to help plant trees across the country. I like that.
I am currently reading Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods". It is about his hiking/camping trip across the Appalachian Trail. Inspiring.
Today I made peanut butter cookies with chocolates chunks after running 6.4 miles. Life is all about balance. Hopefully they will let me use the kitchen equipment at work to make pesto using basil from my garden.