Gila west coast here we come from the east

Howdy All

I said I would make sure I kept everyone updated - I am out in Silver City, NM supporting Nate Wilson (racing the cat 2 race) and Blair Berbert (racing the pro 1 race). Blair was 2nd last year in the cat 2 race - so when we went today to preride - sure was nice having someone know the roads.
Yesterday was travel day and a rather long day - but all that matters is we got in safe and the bikes even more safe - thank God everytime TSA doesn't destroy another bike. Yes traveling is a blast with a bike anymore NOT......we got in, got the rental car, picked up Jacob Miller (Blair's Kelley teammate) and started our trek towards Silver City. Another Sienna rental van (had one at Mt Hood 2 yrs ago and it rocked) - packed to the top with bikes and wheels and tools, and oh yeah - 4 people. Arrived in Silver City about 4ish I think- opened the door to our vacant rental house - and Nate was right - NO stove. OMG. How much Subway can one person eat at a stage race - I guess I will be able to answer this ? by the time I leave the Gila...this for real no joke... We unpacked, too cracked to put bikes together. Went to of course Subway #1 (I going to work this one...) - the boys are off getting Subway round 2 now...then we went food shopping - what can one cook with a single hot plate and a toaster? Then last stop was Walmart to buy air mattresses and blankets and towels.... I was exhausted and that air mattress - well no Hilton room but sure felt good.
Today we got up and put the bikes together. Showered all the travel scuz off and then we rode the TT course. Man - talk about all UP and all DOWN. That sums it up. No joke. Going to be a very fast back in - Nate on the Jr gears going to be tested but we here to fight each day and that what we will do. Tomorrow the race starts - they have approx 100 miles of racing tomorrow with a climb at the end. Rumor is Lance A to be in this very cafe I am working in - later tonite. Of course (until I buy a Blackberry or similar) I have to find a wireless. Chances being that when I saw we had no stove in the house - likely no wireless and I was right. Damnit.
It felt great to ride my bike; I cleaned it cmpletely this AM and there is nothing like a clean totally spotless drive train. Thanks to the person who taught me this yrs ago. I felt Fast!! today.
I am now getting caught on all mail. I am always so thankful my clients have the patience to know I am going to answer all ??? -hard when I travel. Going to have to get a tech gadget I guess; I love technology but also think if we get so caught in up tech gear - we forget to find peace. But I think this has to come from within yes. The contrast between east (DC area esp) and west - the pace - always freaks me out. Same as power/HR - too much of this and no memory of RPE - how you feel - bad thing. Gotta have the instincts in bike racing.

My boys are ready! Very ready. Nate - I started with him 4 yrs ago now - watched him develop into now racing the cat 2 race at Gila - and if lady bike luck is on our side - we can do some serious damage. Nate is 1 pt from his cat 1. Yeah - rock on. Blair B is ready to go uphill fast - this I also know. But in bike racing - gotta have the luck. I will make sure I post results here ASAP post race - so stay tuned.

Ciao from Javelina country. Yes I forgot my damn camera UGH. Blair has one so I will try get some great pics. To all the juniors bak home - you can all be here one day. Hope you all had a great junior ride today. Miss you all.