Monday, December 19, 2011

No More Snow!

The first half the World Cup season has come to an end and I am finally home after a 12 hour flight, cancelled flight and 8 hours at the San Francisco airport. I am still pretty jet lagged, but ready to recharge and spend some quality time with my family.


Our last race was in Winterberg, Germany, which can now be considered one of my least favorite stops on tour. After the weather issues we had all week and throughout the races I am sure I am not the only person that has gripes about Winterberg. Winterberg is notorious for always being rainy and this time was no different, except for the fact that mixed into the freezing rain was snow, hail, sleet and more snow. The only way to describe the day to day life in Winterberg this past week was miserable. The good news is all the women on our team are officially snow chain certified and can put chains on and take them off, which comes in handy when snow turns to rain and then back into snow and back to rain. Needless to say I am glad to be back at home in California for a few days in my warm bed, not having to worry about waking up early to defrost the truck and put the chains on. I never have had a true white Christmas and this past week has truly made me appreciate a California Christmas. Happy Holidays!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

World Cup #2

After a somewhat disappointing start to the world cup season in Austria we drove the nine hours to La Plagne, France for World Cup number two. La Plagne is where bobsled was during the 1992 Olympic games and has not been used for a World Cup since 2002 when our coach, Todd Hays won gold in two man. This will be the first time women’s bobsled will have ever been on this track, so it is an adventure for both veterans and rookies alike.

After arriving at the hotel I had to take in a few minutes to look around and appreciate the life that I am lucky enough to live. We are in the thick of some of the most beautiful mountain ranges and we are staying in a resort with a pool and hot tub that over looks the incredible view. So far I have not been disappointed with any of the meals we have been treated to. Last night we were served a 4 course meal, which included some local cheeses and meats. I have never thought of cheese as a delicacy, but this was like no cheese I have ever tasted before. I could go on and on about the dessert or the croissants we had this morning with our home cooked eggs and chocolate muffins, but my mouth is started to water as I write and wait for the next meal. Needless to say we had to continue to remind ourselves today that we are not here on vacation we are here to compete and win for Team USA. I am looking forward to the week to come and am confident that all three of our U.S pilots with be a threat for the podium.