Iron Horse and Update

So much has happened since my last post. I complete my first marathon mountain bike race....and finished despite carrying about 4 water bottles around with me that I never drank:) And had the honor of racing in a local stage race with all our local favorites and one of mine, Alison Powers.

However, my favorite trip so far as been Iron Horse. Located in Durango, Co; the iron horse is by far one of the most spectator friendly mountain bike course in colorado. Last year we spent several laps riding over a fly over which the crit was also using as part of the course....think mini circus. This was the opening to a ride into a bar, down a ramp, and followed by come technical features. 

This time however, the ramp was switched out for a teeter totter....and a couple of other obstacles! Still ranks as one of my favorite mountain bike racers in the world! But the best is yet to some, below are some pictures from out trip down there which involved riding some awesome single track in Salida, CO. For those that know it, the trail Uncle Nasty doesn't seem as bad as it used to be! Always a good sign. And the best is hanging out by the river after the ride watching the kayaks while eating lunch.

But I think the most amazing part is the Rio Grande National Forest where we stayed the first night. Amazing pictures to follow. I was able to swing a quick trail run in the morning besides the creek in the early morning light. I can't imagine a better life. 

Or the amazing scenery that we woke up to the following am.

We even finished the trip with a campsite in the national forest on the colorado trail saturday night. Don't recommend this in Durango since we later found out this is illegal after being awoken by a forest ranger the following am!

And the race? Super fun but early on had a mechanical cutting me off from the lead group and resulted in some chasing to a 9th place finish. In the money, so I'll take it!