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I sit here watching Le Tour de France, but I am sad. Usually watching the boys clad in candy colored spandex makes me happy. Esp when I can watch it with a roommate/fellow cyclist and we can share stories and swap jabs and cheers about the racers. But not this year. I am missing one of my friends.
My friend Matt Edmonds, a wonderful person, avid cyclist, and fellow geologist was killed when a drunk driver hit him and 2 other cyclists on a training ride in Tulsa (a 2nd cyclist was also killed). Matt was a huge fan of cycling. We used to watch the tour in our respective homes/coffee shops and then excitedly recount each stage. He got me to follow the Daphne and the Giro. We shared a fondness for Jan Ulrich and teasingly called Lance the Mighty Uniballed One.
But its not just him. KMac, vibrant, silly, and strong; had what could have been a catastrophic accident on June 2nd. She will thankfully recover.
Although I did not know Mr G from Portland Velo personally, my heart still hurts, he was a figure in OBRA and we are a close knit organization, any death hurts all of us. He was taken down by a twig. He fought a valiant fight, but the twig and fractured C2 vertebrae won that fight.
Who else? I dont think my heart can handle yet another. I hate this heavy heart. I am ready to be done worrying about my friends and family on their bikes. And I am tired of being sad. So please, my fellow cyclists, ride safe.
And finally, may there always be sunny skies, smooth roads and long descents for Matt and Mr G.
So there are always rules one has to learn when they move to a new area. Here they are (as far as I can tell) for the Durango area.
1) Texans are to Durango what Californians are to Oregon. But worse. They arent kidding when they say everything is bigger in Texas. People, cars, hair, obnoxiousness, and obliviousity (yes I just made that up).
2) You must like beer. Which really isnt a problem in my case, but there are the few odd people that might be an issue for.
3) Being a mountain biker is no longer special. EVERYBODY mountain bikes out here. I therefore need a new more interesting hobby...skin diving or mountain unicycling, or ultimate pinochle.
4) Most people here work at least 2 jobs to afford their ski/mountain bike bum lifestyle.
5) And lastly there are at least 3 dudes for every chick here. It makes for easy pickings, girls, come on down!
I must say its been a good run.
From the very beginning of my cycling career the people who comprise OBRA have made me feel welcomed and encouraged. I've only been racing for a few short seasons now, but all of you who helped me along the way are very much appreciated. I couldnt have gone as far as I have without you all.
I am sorry that I wont easily be able to race in Oregon for many years to come. I just moved to Durango CO for an AmeriCorps position working with the Western Hardrock Watershed Team. We are doing watershed management in rural and ex mining towns that have issues with acid mine drainage. We help mitigate these problems while rebuilding the strength of the community through a connection to the river and the history of the area. It is awesome. So far, 2 weeks into it, I love my job and my new town. The people here are amazing and are very appreciative of the work
Although this is a great opportunity and will lead me to super awesome places (like an MS and a PhD and a career) I am still sad to have to leave behind all the wonderful people who are OBRA. I am going to miss racing at some of the most beautiful places, the mud (yes I said it, I miss the mud - I actually aimed for a puddle the other day on the trail), and all the ladies that make racing so damn hard.
So, thank you OBRA. You will be missed.
I'd also like to give a special shout out to the ladies of the Poplollies for putting up with my mountain bike antics on the road. And to Peak Sports/Team Dirt/Gregg Rouse/Mike Ripley/Chris Brandt for helping me make this season a great mtn bike season. And especially Ripley for not upgrading me to a Cat 1 before I moved. :D
Though this training at 6500' elevation will hopefully come in handy when I do see you all on a bike again.
~Miriam
ROCKS! (because in Eastern UT thats about all there is, seriously, I dont think animals even live there)
In the land of the Mormons...I'm surprised that modesty hasnt gotten the better of this formation.
Only cool to a geologist.
Here we are descending through time as the road descends.
The drive over the passes is about to begin...(cue ominous music)
No, thats not you, the town dips down to the right. I wouldnt want to be drunk here, you might fall off.
Leaving weird little Oury
Avalanche Protection. Also notice the stream running across the top.
MOUNTAINS!!!
The road between Ouray and Silverton...the white line was the edge of a large cliff. My mother was really freaked out, especially around the hair pin turns with the 6x12 trailer.
This is what Pim did the whole way. 
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