2019 (...18, 17, 16), Where Did You Go??? Cliffs Notes Version!

You know the saying, "time flies when you are having fun?"...well it's true! I don't know how many times I told myself I was going to share my experiences over the last few years only to be distracted by another adventure, obligation, or life event. Well this time I'm putting my foot down!

Before getting too in the weeds on the most recent events, I thought I'd share what stood out to me the most over the past few years since I last blogged (I know, now people vlog).

2016 - The Year I Fully Embraced Cyclocross

2016 was the first year I committed to and embraced a full season of cyclocross. I dabbled in cross here and there in the past but had yet to give it an honest go since mountain biking was always first priority. This year was different. I really wanted to grow in the sport. With the help from my new coach Rebecca Gross, I made a real go at it. It was a break through year where I found myself battling for the podium on multiple occasions and learning so much from each race. I finished the year strong and that momentum carried me into the next year.

 

2017- The Year of Friendships

Exploring Fort Ord with two of my besties, Sara and Kackie

After few year's being back in California we finally found "our" people. You would think that it would be easy to meet folks in such a populous area, and it was, but meeting and connecting are two different things. So this was the year that strong bonds were formed with amazing people that I hope will remain lifelong friends. 

With The Frieden's in Nevada F'n City!

2018 - The Beginning of the End

But first a short intermission....

Cyclocross Nationals - Reno, NV. I enjoyed a front row start with Katerina Nash. How many people can say that?

2018 started off with a bang by having the opportunity to race at my first National event. It was fun and exciting! All things considered, the altitude (not my friend) and relative inexperience, I did fairly well. I look forward to the next time I can attend CX Nats!

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What we didn't know at the beginning of the year is that things were about to change, FAST!!

Looking out over beautiful Lake Sonoma

During our time in California so many adventures and struggles had come and gone. Victories, defeats, and everything in between. I knew my career was coming to an end but it came about a year earlier than I expected. After 20 years in the Coast Guard it was time to retire and move on to the next phase of life.

After much deliberating we agreed that we would move to NW Arkansas, sight unseen! It was a leap of faith and we just believed the universe was guiding us in the right direction. So late last fall we pulled chocks on the Bay Area and made one last stop to spend Thanksgiving and say goodbye to our friends in the Sierra Foothills. It was bittersweet.

We arrived in NW Arkansas in mid-December just before Christmas.

2019 - A New Beginning

Wait a minute, did you say Arkansas!? Yes, Arkansas!!!  A place we've never been and had no ties but now find ourselves living and loving. It's a magical place in the midst of the Ozarks that is filled with warm people and a cool vibe. We've been here almost a year now and I still feel like we hit the jackpot. Super grateful for all that we have and I will be taking a look back at the year's highlights shortly.

Not a shabby backyard!

2019, to be continued....