17 October 2011

So many things...

Got back from "work" late last night. I put work in quotations, because as much running around as was done, and as little sleep as I got, it was a HUGE amount of fun.
The location, Wilderness Adventure @ Eagle Landing, was perfect. There are no words to describe how great it really was. If you are into the outdoors, regardless of pastime, take 4 or 5 days and go there. Thank me later...
The riding is perfect. It sits in a valley, so you can either follow the valley road for a 'flat' ride (read : rolling), or you can ride out of town and climb the 10k to the top of Potts Mountain. It's no alpine pass, but it'll give you what you need. Pro teams could host training camps there, without issue!
I also made nearly two dozen new friends, including pro-dogs Chris Monteleone and Kelly Benjamin. The two of them are hella cool, down to Earth, and just really nice people to be around. Congrats to Kelly on a career in cycling that most would give a finger (or more) to achieve. Big ups to Chris as well, as he climbs the ladder to the top. Remember his name, as you'll hear it in the future!

I feel proud, honored and blessed to be a part of something as wonderful and unique as TotalCyclist DivaCamp. Big thanks to Chad Andrews for allowing me the opportunity. I've made friends, and memories, through this experience that I will keep with me for the rest of my life.

Some of the iron hanging on the Lodge porch...


The views did not suck....

Kelly B.

Monteleone and Loralie (Diva) near the top of Potts Mountain.

The little face you see above belongs to "Cowgirl". She's a Aussie Cattle Dog that attached herself to us as soon as we arrived. The staff @ W.A. explained that she belonged to a real jerk-off (my words) that lived up the road about 3 miles! He just lets her run free through the countryside. She has the battle scars to prove it. In light of all this, she was the most loving, attentive, and good natured pooch. "Cowie" chased me around when I was riding my cross bike, followed us everywhere we went, slept on the couch in our cabin, and met the Divas with a giant doggie grin when they returned from rides.


I could write volumes about all of the conversation, laughs, smiles, and tears (talking to you Kelly!).

See you all at Spring DivaCamp!

2 comments:

Anitabfranklin said...

Love it, Mark.

MM said...

We missed the original 3 Divas. You were all spoken of often and with huge mountains of affection!
I REALLY wish Anita had been there for the Zip Line.
"Oh my stars" would have echoed through the valley...