That time we hit up Pepper Palace and ate all the sauce

Posted on by Lindsay
In case the name wasn't obvious, our title sponsor Pepper Palace offers a huge and delicious array of hot sauces and related items. I love food sponsors because food, but even I knew that trying too much sponsor product during a store visit could end badly. Fortunately, the manager was kind enough to keep a supply of chips, bread, and ice cream to help idiots undo their painful, burning mistakes. If you have a chance to visit a Pepper Palace store, I highly recommend it because few things are more invigorating than lighting your insides on fire with condiments. [caption id="attachment_5810" align="alignnone" width="600"] So much burning.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5811" align="alignnone" width="600"] The ladies of Pepper Palace.[/caption]

Phoenix Rising

Posted on by Lindsay
It's been nearly a week of living in Phoenix and because I am an asshole with a short-term memory, I've pretty much forgotten that everybody back home is still suffering miserably through a chilly winter. As a sign in our condo says, "Phoenix: Where Summer Spends Winter" (but then goes on to say "...and where Hell Spends Summer.") It's so nice to ride in shorts and cultivate my sunburn! And now that I have made enemies of you all with my bragging, I will mention that I have a cold, it hurts to breathe, and I'm hacking up phlegmballs. See? There is fairness in life after all. The week has been uneventful, aside from the part where we're all living off zinc, emergen-C, and paranoia. It's almost a relief to already be sick because when you are in team housing, it's only a matter of time. At least I have ...continue reading.

BOOM Goes the Dynamite

Posted on by Lindsay
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 ...continue reading.

Day 7 in which I change my favorite color to terra cotta

Posted on by Lindsay
Journey: Albuquerque, NM to Flagstaff, AZ Number of times I gave the finger: It was dark for much of my drive, so why bother? Cups of coffee: One mug brewed by Mr. JBV himself; strong, dark, delicious. The man has eight different ways to brew coffee in his kitchen, so I expected nothing less than perfection. Biggest accomplishment: I peeled and ate 2 hardboiled eggs while driving. Didn't take my eyes off the road, didn't drop below 80mph, didn't eat any shell. HELL YEAH. This is going on my resume. After leaving Canyon, TX, I drove to Albuquerque, NM (which I spell by typing "albuququq" and waiting for autocorrect to step in) to spend the night at John Verheul's house. We'd previously only interacted online, but when he saw I was driving west, he kindly offered to host me. After telling my parents that I planned to spend the week in strangers' homes that I booked ...continue reading.

Day 6 in which I prevail upon the kindness of strangers

Posted on by Lindsay
Journey: Canyon, TX to Albuquerque, NM Number of times I gave the finger: None. Today was all hugs and puppies and candy. Cups of coffee: 2 cups with my lovely Airbnb host and 1 latte from Palace Coffee Company, the warmest coffee shop I've ever visited. Personal growth moment: Eating salmon out of a can at a gas station. Let's do that again never. Morning dawned warm and bright in Canyon, TX, which was great news for my plans to do a 4-hour ride into Palo Duro Canyon. Hooray! Sunshine! The weather app (WHICH I CHECKED, YES, I DID) said it was going to get cooler and windy in the afternoon, so I dressed accordingly and set out on my bike. Admittedly, it was very windy. But with the sun shining, I warmed up quickly and stripped off my gloves and headband. Things seemed to be going well. Thirty minutes in, I started ...continue reading.

Day 3 in which I struggle to understand America the Beautiful

Posted on by Lindsay
Journey: Memphis, TN to Oklahoma City, OK Number of times I gave the finger: 2, including an aggressive two-hander. Cups of coffee: 2 cups at my host home this morning; none mid-drive because rural America. Instances of panic because the gas tank was empty with nary a station in sight: 2 Number of times Pitbull references himself in songs: NEVER ENOUGH. Personal growth moment: On day 1, I traveled in jeans and boots. On day 2, I traveled in jeans and sandals with socks. On day 3, I traveled in pajamas and sandals. It's a good thing I'm not traveling tomorrow, or I'd end up wearing a trash bag. Today was a long day. After a night with little sleep, I awoke to pouring rain in Memphis. The scheduled ride was so structured that I'd intended to do it on the trainer anyway (because the best way to enjoy a trip across America is by pedaling indoors facing a ...continue reading.