I love the Western US. I could not live in any other part of this country. Whenever I look across the wide open spaces of the west and see seemingly endless mountains, canyons and mesas covered in pines, junipers, and sage brush, I know I am home. On Saturday, I was in a bad mood on my ride. I had a long training day on Friday, so I was feeling tired and uninspired. But as soon as I climbed through the pines to the top of the ridge, this was my view. My mood immediately improved. I took in the scenery, savored the warm sunshine, and just loved being alive. To me, moments like that are the greatest gift of being an athlete.
