A week of Driving Natness: Tucson – LA – bako – SF – Vegas – Tucson
I have been trying to finalize team contracts for 2009 via an endless series of e-mail and phone tags. As this is my last free week before training camps start happening in Tucson, I simply thought ‘heck, I’ll rent a car and simply go visit all of them. It’s been almost a month since I’ve had a 3000+ km road trip. So with 12 notice I booked a rental car from the ‘Japanese’ level and fell asleep.
Picking up the car, I was actually downgraded to the Chevy Aveo which was a complete POS – don’t get me started.Leg 1 Tucson AZ – Riverside CA
The POS Chevy’s harmonics are activated by the side wind and the 7hs are spent in a singing wine glass. After 45min driving the check engine light pops on too boot. I DO have a great time catching up with long time friend, and ’08 Para-Olympic Medalist Anthony Zahn. Yes, I touched his medal.
Leg 2 Riverside – WestLake Village & K-SWISS
I walk in the door of the ultra slick building to a uber-life sized light up Anna Kournikova sign, and Chris Lieto handing out strawberries.
The miSOUL show (pictured right) is about to come on the market. As far as I know it’s a unique concept. A great shoe with 3 different insoles: racing, semi-supportive, and really supportive.
Situation A) you can use the same shoes for a speed workout and longer training run.
Situation B) One foot is more ‘jacked’ than the other. Like my right one. Insert the more supportive insole where it’s needed. This I am super excited about.
Erik, Ivette, and Ben have some great stuff going on for their tri-side of things there. The C3 team will be racing, and 
training in K-SWISS clothing for 2009 which is some of the best I’ve worn.
Leg 3 – Bakersfield CA
I think I was only in town for 3h. I managed to get in a spin with Evil (who had his house catch on fire TWICE in the past 3 days) and rocked out the new Action Sports clothing.
Leg 4 – San Jose/ Morgan Hill CA
I attended Specialized Bicycle classes, met Marc, the designer of my dream ride (which I own 2 of – red & white). Made the group ride, caught up with Murray, and was fig by Donnie (who was fresh off fitting Saxo Bank). There is enough to talk about here for another entry. I also got in a ride up Mt. Hamilton and some great chats with Cdn Jay Johnson.
Leg 5 – Mill Valley CA (and Ruby Skye, and Castro)
Dinner with my favorite Mauians – Bill and Kris. It was good to see them…
then a night OUT. WOW. Thanks Corey and Julz great time
Leg 6 – Vegas
The last part was impulse, but this was super impulse. Like decided 30 minutes before the exit impulse. I stopped by to visit the Classens – the kids had a treasure hunt set up for me and where crawling on the ceiling. Good times.
Leg 7 – Tucson
Snow storms, and ice for a few hours on the drive – fun, and then back to Oro Valley to meet up with new team mate and all round great guy Marcello. This was the weather forcast for the week… does it get better?
