view from the van

Albatross crew member Megan brought her unique sensibility to her photo race report here. Spoiler alert, report highlights include desert vastity, and the relationship between big quiet and big sky.

Also, an article about the women's field from Vaune Davis. She totally butchers my name, but all is forgiven as she puts a link to the page in the Bridgestone catalog that features my bike. Nice touch.

The Albatross Flies

There on the headtube of the Fuchsia Wonder is my little mascot. It is an albatross named Garmin, as it is responsible for navigation. Also, in addition to the standard bird-type wings, this little dude has a cape. Because sometimes, you need a cape.

At the end of a training ride that did not go as hoped (roadside nap was substituted for ambitious all night riding plans) I saw the little guy on the side of the road. I couldn't fit it anywhere else, so I stuck it under the straps I had added to the headtube, thinking I might stick a snack there sometime. There Garmin remains.

Thank you to my friend Karen for some info on my nomen omen.

I once again find myself with the alter ego of a bird not known for grace, but capable of covering the distance. It all started with the Davis Bike Club's lovely 600k Brevet to Antelope Lake this spring. About 50 cyclists started at 8pm. And then we rode bicycles for 375 miles. And the most wonderful volunteers in the universe had a delicious spread of tasty treats for us every 40 miles. Truly.

In the post-ride endorphin-fueled euphoria I decided it was time to revisit the 508. To the people who have supported my training and are poised ready to support my ride, you are the hard core heroes of the story. None of us, solo racers included, do this alone.

On October 5th, we take flight. Wish us tailwinds.