Back in Flagstaff

We are now back in Flagstaff-after a 20+ hour trip from Germany to the US. Everything was included on the trip: people getting sick on the airplane, seats in the middle, delays and again seats in the middle as well as seperated from each other...But we made it and all of our luggage made it as well.

We forgot to write about the Circus we went to. It is called Weltweihnachtszirkus and it has many many famous artists. There were also some really cute cyclists from Mongolia. Check this out:

The things flying aroun in the air are plates. So the girls were riding a unicycle with one leg only and the other leg held plates and those plates were thrown from one girl's foot onto the other girl's head. They caught around 5 plates like that and at the end one of the girls caught a teepot with her head only while riding the bike. By the way: the unicyles were about 1.50-2 meters tall!!!

Back in Flagstaff we went Cross Country Skiing-what a great workout. Here are some pictures:

The end of January will be our first bike race for the 2008 season-the Swiss Crit in Phoenix.

It is surprising that you can go skiing and road biking on the same day in Flagstaff-the streets are clear of snow, but in the ski trails are full of it. But we are expecting a snow storm next week. We might have to go to Sedona to train then.

One thing is for sure: OUR BUTTS HURT FROM TRAVELLING!!!

Italia

What a country! I got back from Italy yesterday. I spent 5 days with my teammate "The Bazz" and learned the Italian/Bazzana way of life in Bergamo, Italy. I had a great time and valuable experience. A big thanks to Bazz and family for the excellent hospitality. I hope I can return the favor in AZ someday.

This post will be mostly pictures since they can explain the beauty much easier.



We went for a hike in the hills the first morning. Bergamo got its first snow of the winter just in time for my arrival. This is actually a pic of Cene a few kilometers from Bergamo and the village where Bazz lives.
Bazz with his girlfriend Anna and her 7 year old son Patryck.

These were the views that greeted us on our ride in the hills outside Bergamo. Amazing scenery here and according to Bazz Bergamo is not the best of Italy. I hope I make it back someday to see the rest.

And what would a trip to a european city be without visiting the old city and seeing the castle/fortress. Its an amazing experience to walk by buildings and on roads that were built so long ago.

Tomorrow we're heading back to the US. We'll be working for Cliff Bar this weekend at the Rock n Roll marathon Expo in Phoenix. Next week back to my real job - training. I'm really motivated to get back on the bike and log some long rides. The vacation has been great but its time for structure and familiarity.

Happy New Year everone!

Ciao, JR