2014 is just about done, so there is no better time than the present to reflect on all the goodness of the year. I haven’t posted in a while, so this will serve as a recap.
But first, I start the year by riding at the Beerd Belly annual snow ride in Evergreen. A bunch of cool guys (and gals) get together and show off their beards and bellies (and consume beer)! No beard or belly for me, but I can partake in the ride and hydration.
January 1st Annual Beerd and Belly Ride in Evergreen
First, I knew I wanted to race some more enduro races, and second, I needed to take out my amazing truck/camper combo. Easy! Combine the two…
My best friend and truck/camper in my magical place – Moab
Starting in March, I drove out to the desert to enjoy Thaw, a festival in beautiful Moab. Anthony got me addicted to these back in 2008, so it has become an annual tradition!
I started the weekend by arriving early and installing a new USB compatible stereo in the truck. I’ve performed electrical work at my house, but never a car stereo. And to my delight, it worked, yay!
I installed my first-ever car stereo.
Afterwards, I enjoyed some super fun riding with someone I’ve looked up to for a while, Ruthie Matthes, World Champion, National Champion, and Olympian!
Thaw in March, you never know who you’ll be riding with!
During April, I did a solo jaunt out at Rabbit Valley on a trail near and dear to me.
Slipping behind the Zion Curtain
Also in April, after a successful proposal delivery, a few of us went to get pampered at Saint Julien Spa, and I got my first (ever) pedicure. I am really ticklish and really don’t like my toes, but to my surprise, I actually enjoyed it! Of course sipping on a mojito didn’t hurt…
My first pedicure at the stunning Saint Julien in Boulder.
In May, I attended Anthony’s 5th annual memorial ride starting at Yeti, climbing Apex (an abbreviated version since the main trail was damaged in the floods last September), and descending Chimney Gulch, then onward to Mountain Toad Brewery for beer and food.
Beating the storms on May 7th, for Anthony’s Memorial Ride
Hydrating at Mountain Toad
Collegiate Road Nationals were in Richmond, Virginia for 2014, and that is only about an hour drive from my parents. I flew in and we cheered on Ariana and CMU! It was fantastic, since they took the gold in the omnium.
Mom, Ari, and Dad enjoying the mild VA weather
On my birthday, I rode with Dave Chase and the Redstone Cyclery for their annual Lyons fat tire fest ride. We had gorgeous weather but sadly had several major injuries.
My birthday ride with my favorite Lyons crew! Photo credit: Jesper Kristensen
The group on May 24th! Photo credit: Redstone Cyclery
The first Big Mountain Enduro was in June with a series opener in Snowmass, outside Aspen. I missed these ladies! Seriously, we have so much fun, cheering each other on, riding fast, and having beers.
My jump fail…
October brought me back to Moab to race in the Ho-Down. We were dressed in costumes and, finally, I learned how to jump for a photo!!
Learning how to jump… (Photo credit: Corie Spruill Photography)
All in all, another successful year, I traveled a ton, visited old friends, met new friends, and continued to grow as an individual. Remember, it is the people that make this world a better place, and I choose to surround myself with likeminded folks. Those who play together, stay together.
For 2015, I will attend the Beti AllRide Clinic again to sharpen my skills, race these super fun enduro races, and be sure to laugh and hydrate often 😉
Cheers,
Carrie