Spring Break

     For the past two years, just before the San Dimas Stage race, my mom and I have travelled to Mexico for spring break.  Last year we went to Cabo San Lucas and this year we went to Puerto Vallarta. Going to Puerto Vallarta took my mind off racing, allowed my legs to recover and spend time with my mother.  We did all kinds of activities like snorkling, paddle boarding, canoeing. When we were snorkling we saw all kinds of fish that you don't normally see. The water was so warm and clear it made snorkling just that much more enjoyable. Canoeing was also great, the water was very calm.  Canoeing was very relaxing and fun.  Now paddling boarding was very fun, but also very difficult.  You have to have alot of balance just to stand on the board while the water is flowing beneath you but you also have to balance while paddling which is such a big challenge. The resort had some of the best foods, one of my favorites was the duck they served. And since it was an all inclusive resort we ate our fair share.
     We also went out into the surrounding area to see the sights. To my surprise being all that way from home what did we run into?  a Wallmart and Sam's Club!  Well I guess you just can't get away from some things. We went to the souvenir marts, we bought tee shirts for my Dad, and Step Dad, and other nice things to bring back for family.  We were able to get out and meet the people, who were very kind and nice to us.
    In closing I'm looking forward to next Spring break with my Mother because we always
have a great time when were together. Spending time with my parents is very important to me, because they are the greatest parents I could ever have. And spending time away from the bike did me some good, It allowed me to perform at my very best at San Dimas.


                                                                   See You next time Sean

Europe Trip

Early last week I returned from a two and a half week trip with USA Cycling to race in Northern Europe, cycling's homeland. Four other racers and I, all from different states and teams, raced four times. We raced throughout the Netherlands and Belgium. We were supposed to race five times but our first race got cancelled due to the horrendous weather conditions. We rode one criterium, in Roterdam, two kermesses, one in Rotselaar and one in Tienen, and the Haspengouw Tour which is a one day UCI race. In addition to the racing we rode in some amazing places including Valkenburg (where they held world championships last year) and parts of the Tour of Flanders course.

While we spent a lot of our time riding we also got the chance to sight see and visit many villages, towns and cities. We went to see the Tour of Flanders museum in Oudenaarde, got panekoeken (Dutch crepes) in Maastricht, and went shopping in Roermond. And on the last day of our trip we went to see Fabian Cancellara win Paris-Roubaix! From the caravan to the riders grimacing in pain, the experience was truly unforgettable. Watching a dust coated Sep Vanmarcke and Fabian float over the five-starred pavé sector at Carrefour was one of the coolest things I've ever seen.

When we weren't out and about we enjoyed repeatedly watching the 6 or 7 episodes that make up the English TV. We got to know each other and the older riders who were over there with us. And even did our school work.

This trip taught me more than I could ever imagine. On the bike, I learned how important positioning and being aggressive is, from racing against 240 guys on single lane roads. Off the bike, I learned that everyone has something to teach you, whether that be something to mirror or something not to do.

I hope to return soon to do more racing and more learning. Thank you to Team Specialized and USA cycling for the support to make this amazing trip possible.

Jason S