Random ramblings...

It is good to be home after 2 1/2 weeks on the road. I think Tim really appreciates it too, but he is kind of sicky, so I try to stay away from him. Being home and on a mandated 'rest' for a few days, I have had time to catch up on our house. For those that don't know, we are in the final months of building our house. No stress here. Really.

Upon my return, I had some fun gifts in the mail! Check them out:

Pearl Izumi is my shoe sponsor and Tony Torrance is the man. I have tested their winter shoe in the past and they rock! And I really like these sexy Octane SL's. This is my second pair. Good thing I have sample mens size feet.

He also gave me these 'podium shoes' prior to my trip, but unfortunately since I got them I haven't seen the darn podium. Wait, it was too hot in Ohio (85 degrees and black goretex shoes.. Sorry Tony) I am working on future podium appearances for my shoes! But the purple even matches my kit! Not to mention, lightweight and I even ran in them in Europe. They felt great.

And now another favorite: Gore shorts.

Another great sponsor of the Monavie Cannondale team is Gore. Not only do their Gore Ride-On cables rock, but their gear is amazing. I have their pants, jacket, gloves, etc. from last year, but this is my latest gift. I am soooo excited to wear them. PERFECT for warming up for muddy cx races and keeping your skinsuit dry and clean and not overheating. And if you live in Portland, this is the time of year you start living in Gore!

Another luxury of some time off the bike is some extra time on the computer and returning e-mails, phonecalls, etc. I have had a lot of people comment and let me know that I am leading the CX standings right now. That is great, but realistically, it won't last long since I am not going to Boulder, so I can enjoy it for this week. http://www.velonews.com/article/84717/powers-butler-lead-cyclocross-standings It was fun wearing #1 in Louisville, but rankings are not a true indication of your speed. I have battled with this whole number game for the past 2 years, but now I seem to have 'won' it, or at least outsmarted it. Doing an early season world cup and having a decent performance has solidified my uci points to keep me on that front line for the year. It definitely was easier than running around to every UCI race possible picking up a few points here and there, and a heck of a lot more fun. I love racing world cups!!! The national rankings, however. That surprised me. I have not done that many races this year. Seattle & Tacoma got me off to a good start, then I went to Ohio and did the USGP. That's it. And somehow it was enough to sneak me up to that number one spot for a week. Now I am home for 2 weekends. Coach K may not let me race this weekend, but we shall see. If not racing, I will have my cowbell!