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!