The Dirt Field

When I arrived in Phoenix on Friday, it was with mixed emotions. I was thrilled to have successfully driven across America without getting arrested or killed or stranded on the side of the road (in that order of concern), but also sad to be pulling off the highway for a while. I’d have to actually start wearing respectable clothing and eating food that requires refrigeration. TRAGEDY.

[Also, it is now Monday and I am still wearing the same outfits anyway.]

The highlight of arriving in Phoenix was getting to see my teammates. And holy shitballs, it is awesome to be with my teammates. They are already my home away from home. We moved into our team condo for the week and promptly exploded all over the house; every surface is covered with helmets, glasses, bottles, Chomps, sunscreen, and snacks.

Sunday afternoon was the Sun Devil Criterium, our first race of the season. It went really well; Julie, Suzanna, and I launched multiple attacks and I had ample time to work on my time trial skills while riding solo off the front. (Lesson of the day: Thinking, “THIS HURTS OH BARF THIS HURTS” does not make pedaling feel easier.) With a few laps to go, we took control of the front of the race, set tempo, and led Sarah out to win the sprint while Julie nabbed 4th. HELL YEAH! And I left my taillight on the bike the whole time because safety first.

Then I rode around Phoenix in the dark for another 90 minutes because Coach Sue said to and she is the boss. I was thirsty and out of daylight and ready to take off my chamois, but if she says ride, I ride, because that is what you do when you believe in your coach. I trust her to make me the best rider possible and I trust my teammates to be an awesome family of killer riders, and between these two things, I know this season is going to be fantastic.