A Mental Vacation

Today marks my second full day here in Santa Barbara and I cannot believe what it is doing for my state of mind already. Its like there is something in the air and when I breathe in a simple happiness rushes through me. I truly do love it here.

I joined in on the Sunday group ride that meets up in SB and is dubbed "Sunday Worlds" by those in the know. And yes, "Worlds" as in World Championships. Everyone rides it as a race, sometimes to a very negative extreme...this is the exact ride that I broke my ribs on last year when someone decided the yellow centerline didnt matter on this very important World Championship sprint. Oh well, it an be perfectly fine if you understand the risk you take and dont take yourself too seriously.

That being said, I forgot how high the intensity can get on the ride. Kim Anderson was also there yesterday (HTC-Columbia rider who left this morning for an ACTUAL World Cup race in China) and she made me, and all the other guys, hurt a ton. It was fun and I enjoyed coffee with the crew afterwards. They all said it seemed as though I never left, I guess SB really is a part of me. I missed them a lot, but its good to see that some things never change and will always be there when you're ready to come back to them. All the traveling and moving I have done in the last twelve months have made good-byes a lot easier. I used to get over-emotional and feel like the world was ending when it was time for things to change. Now I no longer say good-bye, I say see you later. The people that matter will always have time for me when I am back in town-whether that be Santa Barbara, San Diego, Santa Monica, San Francisco, or anywhere else for that matter.

The air in Santa Barbara also seems to bring back a lot of my positivity. I am excitedly looking forward to what the rest of the season will bring. Less stage racing and more criteriums bodes well for my performance and self confidence. Here's the schedule so far:

May 9th: Paramount Grand Prix- Carson, Ca
May 16th: Sacremento Grand Prix- Sacremento, Ca
May 22nd: Downtown Santa Barbara Criterium- Santa Barbara, Ca
May 30th: Barry Wolfe Grand Prix- Los Angelas, Ca
June 25-28th: Elite Road Nationals- Bend, Oregon
July 5-25th: Superweek- Chicago, Il and Milwaukee, Wi

All crits all the time with the exception of the Nationals Road Race. Yesssssssssss.

That is all for now. Time to hit the beach :)