decapitated squirrels and new baby

I could never imagine how tired I am from baby number four. It really isn't him that is wearing me out, even though getting up every two hours is a pain (especially for Brooke), it is the two year old. Ethan is not used to having another younger one around and very needy and clingy. But I am getting by with my riding. I hope someday to have legs like that picture!

I am surprised that Doug has not told his decapitated squirrel story yet. It is very entertaining and I don't want to steal his thunder. But I will entice you a little...It involves a pair of Zipp wheels and a squirrel darting across the bike path. You will have to wait for further details of the story.

GC Connection Orders

If you are interested in ordering GC Connection jerseys, vests, jackets, or shorts I'm now collecting orders and money. The team colors and look will stay the same (No changes). If you want to know the cost go to champ-sys.com and look at prices. I want to place the order by 13th of March (two weeks). Just remember that for special items we need to have 10 orders of that particular item. So, I think if your ordering jerseys, vest, jackets, or shorts will be your options (remember to check sizes and items). You can place your order with a reply to this blog or send it to asuttlemyre@weber.k12.ut.us. In years past we have gone with the $40 jersey and the $60 short. Both are great. I road Lotoja in the bibs and the only jersey's i use are the $40 GC Connection jerseys. I love my jacket and this year I'm hoping to get a vest ($42).

In other bike related news Doug is still killing it. Yesterday he road by my house to make sure I got out on the bike. A few minutes later I was dressed and ready to ride. Luckily for me I was fresh and he had already road 5o + solo miles. We road out to Willard Bay, up to Mountain Road, and back to Doug's. He finished with a strong 90+ miles and I got some time in the saddle. The new frame is great and I'm loving it. Thanks to all those who have helped make that graduation present happen. The other graduation/10 year anniversary present is coming along as well (New tandem). I will post pics of the new bike when it is all completed (or Doug can because it is at his bike shop). Until then ride hard and remember spring is coming.

Up Dates

This is the National CX venue as it looks now some two months after Nationals. Not as scary!

The last day at Nationals. Quite a difference from today.

This is what this off camber rise looked it at Nationals.

This is what it looked like two months later. This little rise took out a ton of riders, not today.

This is the corner I crashed on in the last lap of Nationals. It doesn't seem quite so tough today.

I was doing some wave dodging. I love the ocean!

This is Alissa's and Robbie's temporary beach home. They have moved back to Hillsboro already.

The Pacific from Alissa's beach home.

The newest Cottle, Andrew. Being held by his loving brother, Ethan.

Brady really is a coach. His kids, as you can tell in this picture are intently listening. They lost in double overtime. Betty and I had a great couple of weeks in Oregon visiting our kids and grandkids. Our newest is going great. We were able to help Brooke and Brady, and it was great. Brady and I road everyday as he commutes some 15 miles one way to his school. I didn't enjoy the cold rainy day rides, but Bub just accepts that as normal. We stopped in Bend on our way home to let me bore Betty with the details of each corner. It was great to see and I got butterfly's just coming back. I can't wait til next year. Ride safe. Doug

Saturday Ride

After riding with GC Connection of Saturday, I now know I need to put in some serious miles to hang with Doug. The man is still a monster after cross. He is still killing it. Great Job Doug!!!
So I'm officially back to commuting to work, running (30 mins a day), and lifting with my Conditioning class (squats, push press, leg extensions, and bench). Right now my riding plans are to build a good base again for the rest of Feb, and then start intervals in March and maybe then I'll be able to keep up with Doug.

Ride hard, ride safe, but make sure you ride