Being the first time I’ve ever travelled to America, I’m really trying to make the most of everything. This has involved lots of road trips, crazy amounts of internet research on the region and trying to squeeze all of those things into the hours I’m awake.
One thing I had set up before I left Europe was a training ride with Aaron Schooler who rides for H&R Block/Kona. Being based with Elite Athletics World here in Portland, we were lucky they had already got us clearance to use a first class training ground at a local hotel. We had a lot of fun and it was my first cross training session involving all of the elements of cross that I’ll use over the season. I must say at this point that my Major Jake is an unbelievable bike and I’m looking forward to racing it all over Europe this winter. Having been on Carbon bikes for many season, I wondered how it would feel, but it’s amazing.
The next thing I wanted to fit into the trip was a look at Mount St Helens. Being so close to it and sharing a name, I felt it would be nice to see a volcano first hand. So we took in the views and I even did the tourist thing and brought a mug from the visitors centre. I’ve worked out how to hold it already so that all you can see is Helens, so hands off everyone else!! I’m praying it gets back to Europe in one piece.
I’ve been trying to keep things American, but it seems sometimes you don’t need to try; America sometime inflicts itself on you. On our return to the Elite Athletics World base in Portland, we came across a van that had been modelled to look like a pig. You have to see the picture to believe it……..only in America.
Having won my first race, I called in the promise that Stef had made to me, that I could take a trip to Victoria Secrets so we drove to Redmond, Seattle and went shopping for the afternoon. While the guys were drinking coffee, recovering from the Burrito and Karaoke of the night before, I shopped till I dropped.
The first 2 races of my trip have been fantastic. I was made to feel really welcome, the support at the course was amazing and the help I’ve had from Elite Athletic World was perfect. I’ll be sad to leave Portland, but Las Vegas will hold just as many fun experiences, and the chance to meet the rest of the Kona crew. I’ll be at the bike show on Wednesday and Thursday, as well as racing on Wednesday night at 7pm. Its going to be a full on few days and I can’t wait.
www.eliteathleticsworld.com
www.sleepathlete.com
