Pricelss...

So after hacking up some blood, high fevers, and a VERY soar throat. I feel almost 100% today... I really am just sad I spent all my money (plus some) on a doctors visit!!!!! but I already said that... So, now broke Stephanie is going to walk her butt over to get her blood test results, breath in the sweet Durango air, and say "auvoir" to all the things she planned on using that money for on her week long vaca. I will just have to enjoy Cal-i-forn-i-a without spending a damn dime.... Just the way I have for most of my life not having much cash to spare. I have had to be frugal, but one thing being on tight budget has awarded me when I am thoughtful enough to consider it, is sweet memories...



When Alister and I were living out east we were (still are) extremely tight for money, but we still decided to use our last nickles and dimes to take a trip into New York City. It was my first time going into the city. We had a great time just looking around, taking pictures and enjoying each others company and it will always be remembered as one of my favorite weekend vacations. I guess what I am trying to say is that. Yeah, money can be happiness a lot of the time. It sure helps at least. And you always really do need some money, but the best part about living is getting to spend living it, broke or not, with a good friend, an interesting place (most places are interesting if you just keep looking) and a good attitude... you can have the best memories. In fact, this probably isn't everyone, but I think most of my favored memories are when I was hurting for some cha ching.



Having an empty wallet does get old when its all of the time, and I do love to indulge; bikes, some close, getting my hair cut, and eating reallly good food. But the best things in life... well, they really are... Priceless.

Redlands 2011

After my fabulous experience at Redlands Bicycle Classic the previous year I was quite distort to think that Alister wasn’t going to race it this time around. But last minute after Alister had a great performance in Tucson and San Dimas he scored a spot onto Monster Media through Phil Ziajhek. I felt confident that Alister could do quite well at this year as he was going even better than last! BUT since it was SO last minute I wasn’t sure I would get to go. But it worked itself out as most things I really want do and we figured it would be a lot cheaper for me to drive his bikes out than for him to fly them out with him.
I drove a loooong lonely drive of 12 hours by myself in our ol’ elantra. I am not sure how I made it. I think after a certain point I was just delusional … Delusional until I started to breath in the fresh green smelling spring air of San Bernadino county. My senses were suddenly awakened and I knew I had made it to my dream like city of Redlands. The city in which I think I really started to fall in love with Alister.
The host housing was great! Just above Sunset Drive were the best of the stages takes place. Alister was getting a head cold the first few days that was awful, but regardless he did immaculately. He didn’t do as well obviously as he would have like in the prologue. (last year he got 14th) and in the road stage he was so sick and pushed himself so hard he threw up on himself! He rarely does that. But in the crit he did better than he did last year as he managed to stay away from the crashes, but what really mattered was the Sunset Stage. The final stage was where it really matters and last year he couldn’t finish, but this year he managed 18th! Boy will I tell you! I don’t think I have ever been so excited to see the finish of a bike race before! I didn’t even think Alister was going to finish the final Stage on Sunset because he was sick, but he really did so well! A lot of the countries paid pros couldn’t finish, but Alister head cold, throwing up, and all pulled out with 18th!
I got sick with what he had almost immediately upon our return back to Durango. I think just because of how horrible I felt I gained a lot more respect for Alister and his ability as a bike racer. I was wining and suffering all day when I was just sitting with a box of tissues on my sofa and he, feeling the same way at the peak of his illness raced 124miles in 100 degree weather! S.T.U.D
The team he was riding with was packed of some really experienced riders that didn’t bring any drama or excuses. It was refreshing to be around racers that kept it strictly business on the bike. No bull shit excuses, just some seriously smart and talented bike racing on all their parts.
The family that hosted us was adorable and so kind. Brian, Patty, and Maddi. So cute… Again another beautiful experience in Redlands soaking up the rays in the feed zone, getting my tan on while Alister did all the hard work. I LOVE IT!