Winter Work, Older, & Training

The past few months have been just outstanding. I have bounced around from Grand Canyon, Death Valley, and the Sonoran Desert for work trips. Getting to hike down South Kaibab multiple times has kept my hiking legs in shape; yet with more and more time being spent on the bike it is starting to feel like spring.

40th Birthday

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I spent the weekend before my 40th b-day with a group of friends, hiking to Clear Creek in the Grand Canyon for a backcountry women's get away. 4 friends, 40 miles, 4 days! I've always wanted to head out to Clear Creek, luckily Allyson was able to get a permit for us. So worth it.

I then headed to Malibu with Jason & Luca on my bday. We got an amazing airbnb located on the waterfront.. with my favorite cycling climbs near by in the Santa Monica Mountains. It is either up or down when cycling there, and I adore it. We were able to take Luca hiking a few times too. He seemed to love it.

Guiding Death Valley

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The past month had me guiding in places that allowed for camping front country and backcountry.. each with their own challenges. Death Valley had record breaking wind of 70mph the day before our cycling tour started, creating an interesting start to the Climate Ride! We got in a ton of great miles and climbing, even while guiding! A friend and I were able to make a side trip to ride up Dante's View!! It did not disappoint.

Superstition Mountains

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This past weekend I had the pleasure of leading a strong group of women through the backcountry of the Superstitions Wilderness here outside of Phoenix. We spent 3 days hiking and 2 nights camping. I've never seen so much water out there!!! Stream crossings, along with multiple rain showers on us.. including hail a few times!? Yikes, but wow did it make for the sunshine portions stand out!

Home again!

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As I return home, it's time to really kick my cycling into full gear. Yesterday I did a century ride to Bartlett, always a butt kicker. Ended up with 100 miles and 5,400ft gain. With minimal work trips on the April schedule, it allows me the time I need to crush some miles in preparation for the cross-country trip. As such, I'm walking out the door to go riding..