If you hope to rekindle the passion with your husband...

Don't let him "customize" your bike. Apparently, Clint thought it'd warm my heart if he made a very special bike for me using Trek's "bike design" feature... Needless to say that if I ever buy a bike that needs a "special paint job," I'll handle it myself. This isn't exactly strong support for getting your design degree at Ga Tech...

On Looks Alone...

Which would you choose?

2009 Specialized Ruby Pro

2009 Orbea Diva (this one comes in several other colors: lime green, blue, hot pink)

2009 Trek Madone 5.5

Tomorrow we'll talk components, price and geometry.

It's Not What You Think.

The day comes when you awake to a refreshed state of mind, one where the past no longer haunts you and the future seems within reach. You forget where you've been and you look forward to new adventures. No longer do you morn the loss of the old or wish for what you simply can't have. There are no regrets, no plans, no apprehension, no frustration. You simply let go and realize there's nothing to fear - you can find a way to do this.

The intoxicated state has worn off and the feeling of excitement is gone. It's time to let go and move on to bigger and better things.

The Elephant in the room

He sits in the corner and watches me. It's almost as if he smiles at me from time to time...but I know he only exists in our heads.

We move in circles around him and act as if he doesn't exist. We look through him and around him and in any direction that makes it appear as though we are unaware of his presence.

According to theory, ignoring the obvious will actually cause it to extinguish.

What's Up: A few quickies...

1) Less Rides + More Work + bad weather = grumpiness and unhappiness. This sums up my current mental state.

2) It occurred to me recently that my birthday isn't really that far away... In honor, I created this:


3) I got a Garmin 305 and, so far, it has been the greatest and worst thing that's happened to me in a long time. Makes me want to ride...but also makes me analyze my performance. The end result? Cristy needs to ride more, work harder and get better.

4) On the home front: I got good news today. If you're in the loop then you know...if you don't know and want to - ask. Also - #1 seems to love her new school and things are going well!

5) I am bike crazy and want a new bike so bad that I have dreams about carbon fiber. I don't know whether to just fork it over and get over the cost or wait a year, train harder on the bike I have, and then get one. Of course, being the type of person who likes instant gratification, I, of course, want it now. The reasonable side of me (stop laughing) says to wait. The whole problem with me being barely over 5 foot tall complicates this whole situation quite a bit as well.

6) As of this morning, I have lost 17 pounds since November 22nd. This was much needed weight loss and it has helped my self-esteem considerably. Unfortunately, I still have lots of work to do and I'm a little sad because some of the damage of child bearing just can't be fixed in the gym.

7) Speaking of children, my beautiful son will be 2 on Monday. I can't believe it was that long ago (already!) that I gave birth to ginormous (I love this word but darn if I know how to spell it...) baby #2. You'd have thought I'd have called it quits after #1!! In case you are wondering, there will NEVER be a #3. And I'm very comfortable using the word "never".

More later...

Ladies night out - and Ken and Fred

Last night the ladies of Southern Crescent Cycling met for dinner and drinks at La Parrilla Mexican restaurant. As with any "ladies event", the night isn't complete without a few of our favorite fellas so Ken and Fred joined in! Below are a few shots from the evening:

Belinda (Fionna's daughter) and Melanie (Ken's daughter): The youngest additions to our group!

Belinda stole my heart and we had a great time going through my purse, playing with balloons, eating teddy grahams and playing patty cake!





Ken and his beautiful wife Zuzana get close for a photo!

Awwwww....Fred and Ann huddle up for a great picture!

A group shot: (From left to right) Molly, Me, Marina, Heather (up a little), Belinda, Fionna and Ann

There was considerable discussion about what to name our ladies group since we've agreed to let "diva" die....

My Best Friend in the whole wide world, Heather. aka Vinny or 4get2remember...

Awesome guy #1 (Ken) who I was lucky enough to sit across from

Marina - who BETTER be back riding with us this summer...

Molly (who will undoubtedly be ticked that I managed to get a photo of her)

Ann - my faithful riding companion (except for today...LOL) and other "best friend".

Fionna - future winner of Ironman Kona!!





Last but not least, awesome guy #2: Fred - who looks after us all!

Drool...

Orbea makes awesome bikes. The Orbea Diva is sitting pretty close to the top of my favorite bikes list - but guess what's hotter than this incredibly hot bike? Finding out that it comes in my favorite color...