Erin Bishop's Blog

Feels Like Spring!

2012-02-27T15:01:00.004-05:00

The calendar wouldn't agree with me, but the signs of spring are all around us. My daffodils are in full bloom, birds are singing, and the grass is greening up. We just celebrated Conrad's third birthday and, later that same day, Jeremiah headed out for the season's first big travel adventure - to Genoa, Italy for the big Cannondale Factory Team media camp.

We all sat still (almost) long enough to get this family photo!

I'm in the middle of some important organizational work for the 2012 edition of the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo. In March, we're going to have a new web-based fundraising program to launch - and this means that the charitable mission will have a greater reach and hopefully an even greater impact on the community.

The event's website is also due for a good round of updates in March - with many new sponsors and supporters coming on board, and lots of big news and announcements to be made.

It's also that time when I start to think about the spring garden tasks and the vegetable garden we'll soon be tending. Last year our favorite (and unexpectedly so) garden greens were three varieties of kale. It was the first time we'd included kale in our garden, and now I'm already considering devoting an entire bed to the stuff!

Lately I've been doing some running (though you might recognize it better as jogging) as an efficient way to stay in shape. I love running, but it's been a long time since I've been able to run without developing symptoms in my right leg/knee that prevented me from having to rest more than run. Until now - and I have no clear reason why. Last fall a few of my friends and I ran (well, mostly jogged/walked while pushing strollers) in the DR100. We had a great time, and I remembered how much I loved to move on my own two feet for a change. After that, I kept running a few times a week - slacked off between Thanksgiving and Christmas - but picked it back up in time for a fun First Night 5K run with another good friend. The very next week I found myself searching online for another event to look forward to. Now, I'm registered and ready for the Shamrock 5K - a trail run in our neighborhood park. I even ordered some "real" running shorts to reward myself and my commitment. And even though it might be a bit of a stretch, I'm teetering on the brink of clicking "Click Here to Pay and Complete Registration" for a half-marathon that will take place in May. The form is just waiting on my computer desktop. My approach is going to be simple: I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. Just keep going slow and steady, having fun all the while.

This is sure to be another exciting year, with ups and downs like all of them.

Thanks for finding your way back to my 'blog.

- Erin

A Thousand Words...

2011-08-07T10:41:00.008-05:00

You know the saying about pictures being worth... Yeah, that one. I'm going to let the photos do the talking today.

Since I last checked in, we've traveled to some great races. Conrad and I were able to make it to Bonelli Park to see Jeremiah win both the Cross Country and the Short Track events at the season's PRO XCT opener. (the above photo was taken at the Bonelli event by www.MichaelNegrete.com) Wow, that series just wrapped up a few weekends ago. The US "pro" series sure doesn't last very long!

Since the season opener, Jeremiah's had probably the best season he could have! I'm already off track from my blog photo post, but some great news to share is that he was invited to attend the Olympic Test Event that took place on what will be the Olympic mountain bike course. Jeremiah finished fourth! It was a happy experience!

Conrad and I also joined in the racing excitement in Monterey, California for the Sea Otter Classic; Windham, New York for the World Cup and camped for a week in Pennsylvania for the Trans Sylvania Epic. Lots of fun experiences and racing excitement. But our travel has paled in comparison to what Jeremiah's been up to. So, we've made many trips to and from the airport (if we shuttle Jeremiah there, we often spend time at my parent's farm). Conrad is growing increasingly interested (obsessed) with maps, street names and directions. This is our most reliable map when it comes to getting to and from Grandma and Grandpa's house and Dulles International Airport.

In other news, Conrad is riding his bike FAST these days. He does laps on our neighborhood's IMBA trails. For now we stick to Take it Easy, the beginner trail marked with green blazes. But last night he announced that when he "grows big and has pedals on his bike, I will ride fast on the rocky red [advanced] trail!"

Between the two of us, it's usually Jeremiah who is scurrying closest to Conrad saying be careful, slow down!

Trying to provide a place for Conrad to anchor his fun in our backyard - he's been known to wander - I dreamed up this teepee.

Wow, I typed more than I thought I would/could. Since I'm still at it, I'll shamelessly plug the event that has been taking up a LOT of my time lately...

Check it out, thanks to this special event I'm learning how to use photoshop, dreamweaver and all other kinds of tools and social media!

www.AlpineLoopGranFondo.com

Not bad for this negligent blogger!

Thanks for checking in,

Erin

Organizing Time?

2011-01-19T21:13:00.006-05:00

Since my last post, Jeremiah's early season has started to take shape. He has training camps, training races, rest weeks and the season's first big races on the schedule. Our soon-to-be two-year-old already has the prospect of a ten-week calendar commitment: Musikgarten. There's the excitement of my mom's new investment; a cute little house one block away where my brother will soon be our neighbor. I have best friends with upcoming weddings planned and jet-set 30th birthday extravaganzas.

I was getting overwhelmed as events were starting to vie for calendar space. I needed an organized view of what's to come.

A few months ago - years actually, it's all a blur - I jumped on the bandwagon and bought an iPhone. Yesterday I sync'd it to my computer for the first time. It was amazing; seeing all the events and reminders I'd added to my pint-sized calendar spread out in their full interrelated web on my laptop screen. (It was also remarkable to see how many of the events revolve around my pint-sized little boy and his developing little social scene.)

(Our little trouble maker in the blue coat)

After a few minutes, I felt like I really had a good grasp on all the plans that had been swirling around. Maybe I'll be less likely to over-commit now that I can see just how much I have going on. But, for me, the most profound aspect of all the days' chores, the weekly routines, and the season's plans is that for now my calendar - my life - is completely centered around the people and activities I love.

Words can't convey how fortunate I feel and how grateful I am to be doing what I am these days. With health and happiness, I'm not asking for more.

Erin

2011, Here We Come!

2011-01-05T12:45:00.004-05:00

Thanks for visiting my blog, it's been a while so I should kick things off with some polite chit chat.

How've I been and what's new? Well, life's as good as I could imagine it. I'm very fortunate to have so much time with our little guy. He'll soon have his second birthday, and he already has quite the social scene. We spend our mornings having fun and playing at home or going to story time at the library, toddler play time at the community center, play dates and playgrounds. We've discovered our local children's museum is quiet the place! I'd put off going until this winter when I knew we'd need some indoor options. We even know all the best "kids' corners" around town - at places like the indoor farmers market, the paint store, furniture store and orthodontist. (Can you tell where mommy runs errands?) After a nap - and some of my most productive adult hours of the day, we'll hit the town to run errands or hit the park to make good use of extra energy. I really miss the warmer weather when we were outside all day. But this too shall pass, and I'll complain about the heat in no time!

Even with toddler in tow, I've still been able to join Jeremiah on the road for some races. A nasty cold kept us away from the TransSylvania Epic, but we did get to help at the Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage Race. I drove the truck to and from the aid stations, and in the evenings cooked some big race dinners. We made it to the Firecracker 50, which was also Marathon Nationals, where I got to see what aid stations and the pits look like at elevation - it's pretty much all the same! It made for a fun adventure.

With a few big events nearby, sometimes the racing scene comes to us; this year's Hoo Ha at Massanutten was part of the Triple Crown race series. It was a real treat to have so many of our race-scene friends in our hometown for a change. Colt from CyclingDirt stayed with us, Trail Watch Dave visited (Conrad is his favorite Bishop) and many of the racers stopped by for dinner and drinks throughout the long weekend of events.

Late in the season we always make a big day out of the SM100. This year it was a reunion of sorts, with Allison Eatough and Tracy Posner and I each bringing our little ones for a day of playing outdoors in the National Forest.

Conrad has proven to be a big race fan! He loves cheering and watching the riders go by. Seriously, if he knows your name, he will cheer his little heart out for you. So make sure he knows what jersey you're wearing and what color your frame is - and you will have a fan all day!

One of the best weekends of the year was the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition mountain bike festival. We camped out in the woods, enjoyed group rides and big buffet dinners, camp fires and "bear hunting" - we hid one of Conrad's stuffed bears in the woods for him to find! The weekend was also our fifth wedding anniversary, so we snuck a bottle of our favorite champagne in our camping cooler for a special toast.

Before we knew it, winter set in, the holidays were here - and gone - and now I'm (mentally) moving on to spring. I'm in the process of moving our vegetable garden to a sunnier spot. It's former location was being shaded by the branches of nearby maple tree. I can't complain about the shade; If I could have one backyard wish, it would be that our neighbors all planted more trees. Please, please, please! Anyhow, I'm attempting to plan our veggie planting ahead of time - not just jump on the wagon when I see plants at the greenhouse. In addition to moving the garden, I've uprooted our compost pile. Due to the combination of adding to much material and then neglecting to turn it, literally it was growing roots... and tomatoes... and pumpkins. A new composter is on the way. I'm going to put it near the house so Jeremiah's coffee grinds and banana peels will have a final resting place other than my house plants' pots.

I'm also looking forward to seeing how the 2011 race schedule falls into place so I can better imagine the excitement of the year ahead. Right now, the season still holds the anticipation of an unopened Christmas present. I know it's going to be good, but I'll have to wait and see.

Happy New Year!

Erin

California Dreaming

2010-03-28T11:59:00.003-05:00

With Jeremiah participating in a slew of early-season races and special events in California this spring, Conrad and I joined him on the road for our first big adventure of 2010. Prior to our trip together, Jeremiah spent two weekends in SoCal racing, training hard and getting a general lay of the land for the weeks ahead. Then after a week at home, all three of us flew out for the next big set of events.

He'd flown before, but how was it taking a just-turned-one-year-old on the plane? We lucked out big time. Conrad cuddled up and slept nearly the whole way!

Landed in LAX and headed straight for a hotel near Bonelli Park in San Dimas, where the first round of the US Cup Triple Crown took place. I got Conrad settled in while Jeremiah drove around the hills to pick up his new Cannodale Factory Racing (CFR from here on out) Scalpel to assemble for the weekend's racing. Our east coast jet lag had us saying 'rise and shine' around 4 a.m. the next morning. We were the first ones to breakfast, strolled around San Dimas before In Cycle had wheeled a single bike outside the shop, and watched Jeremiah ride off to train on the course well before lunch time. It was starting to feel like we really could travel and bike race with a toddler in tow!

The first race weekend was a lot of fun. We saw many of the familiar racing faces whose presence we might take for granted until they disappear into winter's off season. I especially enjoyed the weather: warm enough for shorts and sunblock, but still pleasantly cool. Conrad romped around the park playing with pine cones, spotting airplanes and picking dandelions.

With a course that zig-zagged through the open space, the races were great for spectating. Conrad watched from his Chariot while I tried not to make a fool of myself in the XC feed zone - it'd been a while since I'd handed up a bottle. But each feed went smoothly and I'd cheer Jeremiah on after he raced by. Conrad almost slept through the short track race, until he woke up just in time to see Jeremiah race through ahead of the pack. Jeremiah didn't know how many laps were remaining until just one to go -none of the riders did- so his off-the-front attack had even him guessing. He settled back into the group and sprinted to the line for fourth place - good work for a "marathon guy."

From San Dimas, we packed up and relocated to Whittier where we stayed with Jeremiah's CFR teammate, Tinker Juarez and his family. They'd only been moved into their new home for three weeks when we arrived, but they had completely settled in and we felt at home and relaxed.

Staying with the Juarez family was definitely a highlight of our trip.

It was fun to watch Conrad as he warmed up to Tinker's three-year-old son Joshua. By the end of our stay the two of them were taking turns chasing each other around the first floor. A cute encounter involved Conrad tumbling toward one of Tinker's towering bookshelves filled floor to ceiling with trophies from his many races. (Jeremiah could have spent days examining the trophies and asking Tinker to recall each of the races!) Joshua quickly jumped between Conrad and the lowest shelf, arms outstretched, and said sternly "these are NOT toys!" Such a cutie, and so well behaved! I hope Conrad took note.

A more frightening experience was being jostled awake at 4 a.m. to an earthquake. I'm pretty sure Jeremiah yelled "earthquake" and I yelled "get the baby!" (who was fast asleep in the middle of our bed). We bolted to the door, where I stayed put with Conrad (who was still asleep somehow). Jeremiah, Tinker and Terri scurried around in the hallway, checked on Joshua and Tinker's mom Rose. All was okay, so the only productive thing to do was go back to bed. But I couldn't settle my nerves so easily and tossed around for an hour or so before falling asleep again. When we woke up later that morning, the news was covering the event and said it'd been a 4.4 magnitude with the epicenter one mile to our west and 13 miles straight down. After talking about it with people who've been through some earthquakes, they all seemed to agree that for the magnitude, that one was a pretty violent shake.

From Tinker's house we moved on to an area closer to the start of the next race. Our little car was packed tighter than tight with all the riding and baby gear and I was getting nervous because we were running low on gas. The plan was to drop Jeremiah off at the start of the Vision Quest course so he could get in a good day's workout and preride. As we made our way up Black Star Canyon through Silverado, I pulled over and made Jeremiah tack on a few extra miles. I really thought we were approaching the middle of nowhere and I was going to be stuck with rental car packed to the gills, without gas, with a baby, in a canyon where the residents obviously don't want to have anything to do with anyone. In hindsight, I should have realized that L.A. was just around the bend and it would be alright.

It was alright after all, we got gas and Conrad and I had breakfast before venturing to Laguna Beach. Conrad put his feet in the Pacific for the first time. It was a spectacular day, and I'm going to let the pictures do the talking for me.

For the last five days of our trip we stayed just between the beach and the foothills, a good compromise that allowed Jeremiah easy access to good training and Conrad and I were occupied with things to do.

In Laguna Beach, we visited the Crank Brothers headquarters, and even though it's probably been said a thousand times - those guys have an AWESOME location. I'm convinced their products are so cool because their desks are about 200 meters from the beach. Work? Vacation? Both? Nice.

Throughout our trip we tended to have early dinners since that's what parents do when they don't have a resident Grandma. Eating early added a nice sense of relaxation to our evenings. By no means was our trip a vacation, but it was nice to enjoy our little family being together when we would have otherwise missed Jeremiah from the cold east coast. And, after the Vision Quest we took Conrad on his first trip to the zoo - the San Diego Zoo! This experience was incredible and Conrad totally enjoyed himself. He loved it, and we loved that he loved it! Lots of photos are up, but more are still coming, to the Gallery at left.

I could go back over the trip a hundred times with more exciting events and recollections. It seems like so many new or exciting things are happening all the time. And when you're a bike racer surrounded by bike racers, or a new mom surrounded by other new moms and little ones, things can begin to feel ordinary. But, when I try to step back and take it all in, I'm thinking we've got it pretty extraordinary right now.

:-) Erin

Movie Makin

2009-11-25T09:57:00.002-05:00

The baby and I had some free time yesterday, and we decided to taunt Jeremiah with this little movie we made. Will it go viral? Probably not, but we might develop a cult following. HA.

Sugar, Sugar

2009-09-19T15:34:00.008-05:00

Last summer, on the Forth of July, Jeremiah won the Marathon National Championships. A few weeks later, he took his second national championship of the year with a victory in the short track event at Mt. Snow. Then he charged through the American Mountain Classic, winning most of the stages and the overall title. He was super fit, super fast and super light. (He is still all of these things, but this is a tale about last year. I digress.)

I’ve been lucky enough to accompany Jeremiah on many of his adventures; share in the victories and take pride in his accomplishments. You’ve probably seen us pre-riding the race courses together, and I’m often handing up bottles in the feed zones or cheering from some remote location on the course. The stories I could tell seem endless, full of great characters and usually bring a smile when I recollect them. Already my mind is wandering again. (I'll try to post them here more often)

The arrival of a long over-due package in this week’s deliveries brings up a fun story that I’ll tell today.

Last year, as Jeremiah was ramping up for what would become an amazing season, we looked ahead at the summer calendar. There were so many variables to piece together: Cape Epic, the UCI World Cup, the US National Series, National Championships, Worlds, not to mention the US Olympic Team qualification criteria on top of it all.

There’s a cliché about shooting for the stars; if you miss, at least you’ll hit the moon... Well, this held true, and though Jeremiah wouldn’t make the Olympic team, he would have a stellar season, nonetheless.

Anyhow, part of pulling together the fitness and form for a racing "peak" is dropping down to what Jeremiah calls "race weight." For someone as lean as he is, the last two or three pounds are the hardest to shed. Jeremiah's see-it-and-want-to-eat-it appetite makes delicious food hard to resist, and I don't think he'll mind me saying so.

So last spring and summer, we tried something new. Jeremiah decided to incentivize me for helping him achieve his race weight.

Just what could he use to tempt me? How about the sugar bowl matching my china?

I bit that hook.

In the following weeks, I would do my best to keep Jeremiah away from buffets, chocolate shops, bakeries and just plain old gluttony. I smacked his hand away from more cookies, muffins, scones and chocolate bars than I can remember. I was the party killer when beer was involved. It was all in good fun for me, and a great reminder of his goals for him.

So, this week (about a year overdue and spurred on by the imminent discontinuation of the pattern) I claimed my reward.

Victory is sweet.

Yet, I can't help but chuckle at the sugary irony of it all.

-Erin

Summer Time

2009-07-22T20:51:00.002-05:00

To say I have been negligent in updating this blog would be a bit of an understatement. But rest assured, even when I'm not blogging about it, I've been having fun and staying busy.

Conrad and I flew to Salt Lake for a jam packed weekend at the MonaVie Super Regional Convention. It was amazing to say the least. Photos from the firework-filled expo are up in the Gallery. We had a great time and celebrated Jeremiah's first Father's Day with the MonaVie Cannondale team and the Gillespie family, including Conrad's first glimpse into the world of pretty pink girly girls. Eva and Stella doted on him all weekend long, and he loved it.

Next up was Park City where Cannondale was hosting the international sales meeting. It was a great time! What made this part of the trip most memorable were the incredible people. Imagine meeting a company's entire "corporate" staff... and feeling liked, welcomed and appreciated with genuine enthusiasm. That's truly what it is like at Cannondale. Absolutely refreshing. I think that's part of the "Good Fight!"

Okay, back home to the east coast. Been spending a lot of time with our family while Jeremiah's on the road. I haven't been in one place for very long and my voicemail and inbox are piling up. If you're in Harrisonburg and haven't seen me around, it's because I haven't been. I feel like throwing myself a welcome home party just to get to see my friends. And, despite the craziness of the coming and going, I'm already looking forward to taking Conrad to the beach to visit his Hokie Godmother, DR! Gimbel in her new MTV beach crib. (How's that for a you-called-me-out-on-my-lazy-blog shout out?)

Next week we'll be cheering on Jeremiah as he competes in the Intermontane Challenge in Kamloops, British Columbia. And I'll be assembling IKEA furniture until my fingers bleed. HAHA.

Now I'm just rambling.

Here are some photos from our most recent fun, many more are up in the Gallery...

I'm still on the planet, but gravity is the only thing keeping me from going off on a tangent.

- Erin

Getting in Trouble

2009-05-02T11:42:00.004-05:00

Here at the Bishop house, we've been getting in trouble lately.

Don't tell the Baby Police, but Conrad is a rebel and spent the afternoon taking a nap on... his belly! He really liked the new perspective, cooing at his animal cards for some time before dozing off. (And don't worry, Mom was close by the entire time.)

Then there's my trouble making... I was very excited to go out for a trail run the other day. It was to be my first day back on the trails since a few weeks before baby's birth, and I was ready to go! With Jeremiah's advice, I made a plan to walk to the trails, then hold back with an easy 30-minute jog, and walk home. My brother Josh would join me to see the secret back-route from one park to the other, and keep an eye on me.

We walked briskly to the park, began jogging up a cinder path toward the trails, crossed through a game of frisbee golf as quick as we could (don't mess with those guys or they'll break out some creepy dungeons and dragons moves on you) and were about to step foot onto the beaten trail. I was elated! I think I held my head up higher, proud of my rebound from oh-so-pregnant to actually running again, and doing it in my skinny shorts too! Reality struck me down from this cloud in an instant - the instant I planted my first foot on the trail, the following foot found a string of barbed wire, hidden by some leaves, and I wrecked like I hadn't wrecked in years! Before I knew it, I was flying through the air. As Josh later put it, I hit the deck "like she was sliding for home plate!" The impact was spread out between my elbows, palms and knees, and as Josh recalled to Jeremiah, "it's amazing that she didn't bust her face up, too!"

It was amazing. And so, I was reminded yet again to appreciate each day that I'm able to go outside and enjoy the world in good health and great spirits!

I feel great to get out and really move again. Now I'm in the market for a jogging stroller so I can get out for a run even when Jeremiah is away. Any suggestions?

:) Erin

Chocolate Bunnies

2009-04-16T21:05:00.003-05:00

This is what happens when you gorge yourself on chocolate bunnies all morning...

Conrad was too sleepy to sit for a photo, or he's too smart and didn't want to look like he enjoyed being stuck with bunny ears!

There are more photos, including some shots from the 'Burg Roubaix, in the Gallery.

Happy Day!
Erin

Spring

2009-04-11T14:40:00.003-05:00

It's springtime in Virginia!

We've planted a small forest of trees at our house - a new maple in Conrad's honor from his great grandma, some kawanzan cherries, another eastern redbud and a dogwood. I'm also strengthening our front border with a mass of sea green junipers and rose glow berry bushes.

I enjoyed taking some photos at the farm last weekend, where plants blossom about one week ahead of those here in Harrisonburg. This is my favorite...

The rest of the photos are linked in the Gallery.

This afternoon, Jeremiah won his first road race of the season! There are some great stories from the day - he's sure to have the play-by-play on his blog or at the MonaVie-Cannondale.com site.

In addition to Easter, tomorrow is also the 'Burg Roubaix! Rumors are flying. Nick Waite is just over them thar' hills in his WVA motherland, will he sneak over for the gravel? Chris Scott has readied with a "Pro Tour Taper." Jeremiah will have to rally... two races in two days. Can he throw down, or will McKeagan seek his revenge? Conrad and Ethan are planning to watch the action as riders pass by the bonfire. I've got my cowbell ready. It's sure to be rowdy.

- Erin

Problem Solved

2009-04-07T12:59:00.004-05:00

Being somewhat of a zombie these days, when I'm not attending to Conrad or catching up on everything else I'm neglecting in the process, I have found myself staring blankly into space. I remember that I used to spend a lot more "quiet time" before life got hectic. When was that, 1999? Probably. These days, I'm rather enjoying a return of quiet time, even if it is only made possible by my lack of energy required to do something more noisy.

The other day, Conrad and I were resting - quiet time - in my old bedroom at my parent's farm. He was shifting his gaze between a pineapple-like finial on one of the bed's four posts and the dark mahogany mirror beyond it, fascinated by the contrast between these shapes and the wall. Well, my mind was wandering yet going nowhere, when all of a sudden thoughts of shapes, outlines and silhouettes lead me to remember a brain teasing puzzle that had vexed my family for a few years. Suddenly, and bizarrely, the method of solving the puzzle was clear to me! I had to find that puzzle and try my luck.

I found the puzzle, still in my old closet. I took the pieces from the box and within a minute replaced them to form the silhouette of the elusive rabbit!

I'm still not sure how that happened. Why did my brain choose that moment to work with such clarity for something so irrelevant and long forgotten, yet this blog will probably have ten misspellings and be littered with sentence fragments.

Oh well. When a problem is solved, I shouldn't complain!

Erin

Zombie Momma

2009-04-01T21:27:00.004-05:00

Just one month into the world of motherhood and things are starting to settle into a predictable routine. To fully embrace this concept, you have to accept the idea that predictions may vary and that routine does not imply scheduled. But, a predictable routine is 100% better than what I would have expected at this stage in the game. I'm having such a good time getting to know my new little one, as he gets to know the world!

Conrad has fully known the difference between day and night for a few weeks. Recently he dropped one of his night-time snacks from our predictable routine, and now I'm getting a full night's sleep divided by one early morning wake-up call... not bad! I've found that my feeling of restfulness is entirely dependent on just when during my sleep cycle I'm awoken by his hunger pangs. Some nights I'll get plenty of sleep, but feel like a zombie. And zombies do some crazy things during the daytime... like take the trash out to the curb a day late and wonder why no one else has readied their rubbish for removal. Oops!

I'm ready to get back out on the mountain bike trails, now all I need is a new Scalpel to match Jeremiah's. Maybe if I ask nice...

Little Muscle Man

2009-03-09T11:28:00.003-05:00

When Conrad isn't baby-cycling with his Daddy, he sleeps like a champion (we are so lucky!). Even in his sleep he likes to show off his arm muscles.

We're having a great time getting settled into what's becoming our new normal. Enjoying time with family and friends, getting out and about in this incredible pre-spring weather, even sleeping with the windows open!

The birthday season continues, today we're celebrating Jeremiah's 33rd year spinning around the sun!

Thanks to everyone for the wonderful well wishes and congratulations,

Erin

Bringing Home Baby!

2009-03-04T13:09:00.002-05:00

It's only been one week since Conrad was born, and it seems like forever - in the best way - and just yesterday all rolled into one! Everything seems new, even our house has an added warmth to it. We are definitely enjoying each and every moment.

It's been icy cold in the 'burg, but we're looking forward to spring-like highs on Friday - the perfect weather to take our new stroller for a test spin around the neighborhood. Spring is one of my favorite times of the year, and it seems so fitting to have Conrad arrive just in time to see the rest of the world begin to awaken with new life.

Having the time of my life!
Erin

Creepy Baby

2009-02-03T12:16:00.002-05:00

Here's a photo of the baby that Jeremiah and I used to practice parenting tasks at the hospital last week.

Jeremiah thinks the baby is better suited for a high school sex ed. class aimed at scaring kids out of having babies.

Look into his eyes. Imagine him saying, "You don't want me, do you?"

HaHa. Now I'm getting back to work.
Erin

Tweet, Tweet

2009-01-25T13:46:00.004-05:00

I'm trying something new (to me) - Twitter. If it sticks, I'll embed a widget on the sidebar of this page. We'll have to wait and see.

- Erin

Gear

2009-01-19T10:06:00.002-05:00

Over the past two weeks, we've busted some serious moves around our house. Jeremiah helped with the big, heavy and caustic jobs (new carpet, rehanging doors and painting) and we've pretty much checked off our to-do list.

With this behind us, Jeremiah hit the road for Clemson, South Carolina and my thoughts turned toward things that are not-so-necessary yet fun and distracting.

Like picking out this custom tote bag that will soon be filled with all things baby:

While Jeremiah's been away, we had some frigid days in Harrisonburg. The highs were around 15 degrees, the low... about 2! Weather like that doesn't make me wish I could go mountain biking, but thinking about the fun I usually have in Clemson this time of year does. Nevertheless, everything is going very well, I'm healthy and happy, and with any luck I'll be back in the mtb saddle by the time the trees are starting to bud. (I just turned and looked out the window - it's snowing.)

Bundle up nice and warm, and hit the trails for me!
Erin

2009 - Times, They are a Changin'

2009-01-02T12:36:00.003-05:00

2008 ended with great festivity and much celebration. I made a few trips to NOVA to visit friends, watch a holiday performance, tour the White House, enjoy lunch at the Old Ebbitt Grill and check out the decorations in the Willard Hotel. At the White House, Laura did a great job decorating (the whole place in just 12 hours), and the patriotic theme suited the setting. At our house, Christmas tree cutting was delayed by one thing after another, until the weekend before the holiday when I declared there would be no tree this year. Now that the holidays are behind us, and I don't have a tree to dismantle ornament by ornament, I'd say it was the best decision ever. But, I'm no Scrooge!

We enjoyed a trip to Staunton's Black Friars Playhouse for a performance of A Christmas Carol and a look around the Stonewall Jackson Hotel.

I even got plus-sized dolled up for dinner and the annual Solstice Party! This year the Harrisonburg crew partied at the Carpenter's place, and while the setting was new, the celebration was as good as ever and the gift exchange a riot as always.

Now it's 2009 and we're getting ready for big changes across the board. I've always looked forward to new and exciting, but the amount of new and exciting we've got going on one all at one time is almost ridiculous. It's going to be a wild and fun year!

Erin

Something New and Exciting

2008-12-02T15:49:00.004-05:00

It's been a few weeks since my last update, but that's not to say it's been quiet.

I've had a great time this fall on some late-season cyclocross road trips with Jeremiah, most recently venturing down to Asheville, North Carolina where the weather was unusually chilly and the racing was nail biting. Hendersonville was a great little town, and our hosts were the best!

Though I've not been the avid biker lately, I have been hitting the gym for yoga, Pilates and my new favorite - the elliptical trainer. What do you call working out on an elliptical? Running? Spinning? Elliptisizing?

Anyway, getting to my yoga class on time requires me to finish up on the elliptical around 5:30. While elliptisizing, I channel surf between the local evening news, CNN, Oprah (yeah, right), Cash Cab and Nat Geo's Locked Up Abroad. I'm a sucker for trivia, but Cash Cab has a lot of commercials, and I've found myself watching "true stories of people who have ended up miles from home, in a foreign land in a situation beyond their worst nightmares." It might be the programming schedule, or just my dumb luck, but every Monday and Wednesday night features the same old story, just substitute the characters: Down-on-his-luck guy decides it's a good idea to run drugs/money/gold from one sketchy third world country to another for the promise of an all expenses paid vacation and fast cash. Can you see where this is going? Yeah, well apparently there are enough guys who didn't see it coming to create an entire television series. But I get off the eliptical at 5:30, so I don't know what happens to them after they "realize this was a bad idea."

I've also returned my attention to the working world. For the time being, I'm back to freelance writing, web design, marketing and event consultation. I'll probably scale it back for a bit starting in February. But I'm having a great time, and am excited to have contributed some magazine features to my alma mater JMU.

It seems like tons of things are going on, but I definitely enjoy squeezing in some time for fun projects like picking out fabric, cloths, gear, books and toys.

Who'd of thought my world would turn into a modern zoo so quickly?

- Erin

In Virginia...

2008-10-17T08:04:00.002-05:00

we have apple orchards. This time of year as fall starts to settle in, the apple trees are in full production.

Last week, Jeremiah and I headed up toward Broadway and brought home a peck and a half of green apples, many of which have already found their way into apples pies. Delicious!

It's also the time of year when lots of folks head up to the Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. Interestingly, VeloNews contributor Bob Mionske has some advice about that bike ride.

This weekend the Rocktown Cutters are heading up to some 'cross races in Delaware and PA. Should be a fun time.

See you out there,
Erin

Half Time Celebration!

2008-10-14T13:08:00.000-05:00

I'm excited because today I get to say '20 weeks down, 20 weeks to go!' Not to imply that I think it's going to be downhill from here, but I'm going to enjoy any milestone I can right now.
:) Erin

Change the World

2008-08-28T14:24:00.003-05:00

If you're reading this you probably already "go by bike." But now, we can add up all that pedal power and see what kind of benefit it has. Trek has a nifty widget, below, that will take you to a fun interactive site where you can tally up your weekly commuter miles.

If nothing else, it's a great visual to see how quickly the miles add up!

Enjoy,
Erin

Bike Racers in the Family

2008-08-07T11:37:00.004-05:00

You know your blog is bad when Jeremiah tells you to get it in gear! Well, I've got a few pictures that will make him jealous he didn't get them posted first...

Last week I received some family photos from west coast Uncle Brad. My Aunt Julie's grandfather was a bicycle racer, and from the collection of winnings pictured here, we're all pretty sure he could've challenged Jeremiah to a track race... and won.

Check out the tiger skin covering that trophy base!

Talk about a trophy case. And, notice the note on the photo, "some of his prizes." Whew!

As for me, I had a fun July, attending Jeremiah's races in Windam and Mt Snow. It was an incredible experience to cheer him on during the Short Track National Championship race. I'll make a deal with you; my next blog will include photos, and I'll link to the video I captured of Jeremiah making what would become the race-winning attack!

For now, I'm tired again and am going to take a nap.
Erin

When it Rains...

2008-06-17T07:56:00.006-05:00

Lots of good stuff to report, so little time to do so. We've been out and about and on the go.

It poured in Harrisonburg last night.

Nohohan gave a smug look and nodded when the clouds parted and the sun burned through the falling rain. I went outside to investigate. My photos are up in the Gallery.

Over the most recent weekend, Jeremiah and I journeyed over the mountains deep into West Virginia for the Appalachian Classic mountain bike festival. With time trial, short track and cross county races, for Jeremiah, it was a great opportunity for some high intensity training/racing. For me, it was a chance to survive.

The time trial was first on Saturday afternoon. I didn't have any mishaps to speak of, just tried to find that perfect pace that I would be able to maintain without collapsing before the finish line. In all of my spring adventures, I'm pretty sure I never tried to ride that intense and I had a difficult time settling into a good steady rhythm. I almost croaked of heat exhaustion at the finish... but I reached the finish! About five minutes later, the pain was gone, and my brain had already played that amazing trick on me - what I'd just done was fun.... a great time... I'd do that again.

Good thing it worked. I was signed up for the short track event that took place a few hours later. I watched Jeremiah and all the other pro/expert men race around the course and I got excited about giving it a try. It was just Betsy Shogren, Mandi Riddle and myself for the women's race, so we lined up with the sport men. I was surprised as my legs were able to power up over the first climb. I passed a guy or two, was passed by a guy or two, and saw Betsy up ahead getting ready to rocket down the descent to the whoop-de-chute. I settled into what was a difficult pace. I go hard up the first 3/4 of the climb, then find a manageable gear to make it the remainder of the way without exploding, crank it into the big ring for the ridge and then try to recover on the descent. I enjoyed dropping into the finish chute and trying to preserve my momentum around the sharp u-turn back onto the climb. This routine worked pretty well until I fell victim to the most unimaginable mystery pain that came out of no where and practically paralyzed me. How's that for drama? But seriously, my gut hurt in ways that are indescribable. I didn't know what was about to happen, but I knew I didn't want it to happen in public. I ducked under the tape and headed for the woods! I writhed around for a few minutes, but nothing happened. Got gas? So, I climbed back toward the course and it still looked like so much fun. I jumped back in where I'd been riding - rules? When I got to the start/finish again, after a noticeable 3-lap absence, I was like "I'm Baaa aacck!" A few laughs from J.R. and I knew I was good to go. So I had a great time and finished up another four or five laps.

We enjoyed the evening listening to the Weedhawks sing about hillbillies and love, had some tasty pizza down the road at Gino's and hit the hay tired from an afternoon of racing fun.

Sunday was the cross country race, and that is a whole other story so maybe I'll wrap this one up and fill you in later.

Photos from the weekend are up in the Gallery. Look for Down-Home Racing.

- Erin