To Cali and Back, or 2,600+ miles!

We just returned from a delightful workation (work + vacation) in California! We were able to attend Sea Otter, one of the bike industry's biggest trade shows, and work with my previous cycling sponsor, Primal Wear.  And just as we did for Mexico, we drove our aging Suzuki there and back. Sitting inside our 12 year old car, I started fantasizing about a new Subaru...

On our way out to the Laguna Seca Raceway, outside of Monterey, we were able to squeeze in some quality family time and visit relatives on both sides of our families.
While we were staying with my Gramma in Santa Barbara, we checked out their local zoo. Little known fact about me-I could live at a zoo! Which means while I could stay all day, Hal and Gramma were done after about an hour.

Gramma and I and a macaw!

And of course we did our typical biking, running, and hiking gig. My wonderful aunt took us on a super steep trail, in preparation for her own Grand Canyon adventure! So grateful to have relatives who appreciate the outdoors...





After our short but sweet time in Santa Barbara we decided to drive up the coast, on Hwy 1, on our way to Sea Otter.
We stopped in Morro Bay, where childhood memories of sea otters and seals resurfaced.  One thing I had forgotten about the California coast, it's almost never bright and sunny-always foggy and overcast.

On the waterfront in Morro Bay

Once we arrived at our hotel in Carmel, we went to work at the venue the very next day. And by work, I mean hanging out with great people, riding bikes, and 'modeling' in different cycling kits (outfits).  A huge thank you to the folks at Primal Wear for inviting us along and making it so easy and fun! I doubt we would ever have attended Sea Otter as regular consumers, so it was great to have an excuse to go and play, I mean 'work'!

"Working" hard in the hotel lobby...!

Some people have asked me whether or not I missed the racing at Sea Otter (I raced at the event professionally in 2011 and 2012) and my answer is "NO".  I thoroughly enjoyed my racing while I was immersed in it, but now that I'm on the other side, I'm much more relaxed and able to experience the whole event. Not to mention Hal was with me, and Delta Rose! I'm ever thankful for the opportunities and experiences that my racing afforded, after all, I wouldn't have even known about Sea Otter if not for competing, but now I am very happy and content with working on the retail, coaching, and development side.

And it is always nice to come home after being gone for two weeks, yet another perk of a small condo. No yard maintenance and minimal cleaning!
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for our next adventure-running Moab's White Rim Trail!