Mountains to the Sea

Brian made it to Westport last week, after racing the US winter triathlon champs in Devils thumb, CO on the way. He was 2nd in this event... check out www.insidetri.com for the video and report. He was super psyched and is now travelling from NZ to Italy for the World Champs in March.

Congrats to our friend Keri Nelson for absolutely rocking it in a strong womens field to win handily. Way to go!!

In typical Brian style he came in 'all good' bar my not picking him up on time and starving. So we drove the combi to the nearest fish and chip shop so he could have some lunch. Fish, Chips a Paua pattie and some L&P later....

Westport has been having a heat wave trading in the usual wet weather for hot fine days. We taught a mountain bike clinic on Friday up in the old mining town of Denniston where a few locals are building some fine mtb tracks.

The kids where fantastic and keen so it was great. The rain didn't dissapoint and by the end of the riding it was absolutely pouring down. Some of the boys wanted to ride the trail down the hill... (hard core) but we guiltily turned down their invite and snuck off to the drifter pub and cafe down the hill in Granity to wait out the rain with a good cold one!

Saturday dawned clear and warm for the 25th year of the Buller Marathon. Westport has a population of about 5 - 6000 people yet Marathon weekend pulled in 2900 competitors so town was hopping. Brian hops in his first half marathon and ran a 1 hour 13 :47 to finish a nice 2nd place. Winning his 3rd pair of running shoes in a month (its good as we are the same size.... !) Not a bad week eh... Winter tri nationals on Monday (NZ time) and then a half on Sat at 23 degrees C.

Yesterday we rode down the coast to Greymouth... for a mellow spin. Ha ha... with a head wind all the way I was huffing and puffing my way trying to stay on his wheel. (good thing one of us had raced the day before!)

We turned up at Nana's place and where greeted with a stiff Gin and Tonic... I was on my nose by the end of the glass. Today we again went to Nana's for a dinner of Whitebait patties... the best thing since sliced bread.

cheers

Jen and Brian.

Day Off

I rode from Greymouth to Westport yesterday which on the MTB takes about 4 hours plus stops. I rode up there on friday with a pack and it killed my neck so yesterday put my bag on the bus (brilliant ... $4) ... Punakiki is about half way and has a really good cafe. A soy latte and tofu/roast vege pastie made for enjoyable commuting.
I have been on a honey kick lately, there are so many wild varieties around here. An organic roadside stand yesterday had Manuka and creamed Borage, adding to the growing collection in Mums kitchen. I think theres 5 different opened jars now ... oh well Brian turns up tomorrow so we'll get through them.

Today is one of those rare true days off, without work/travel or training. I have a recipe for a no added sugar/oils xmas fruit cake that I've been dying to make.

Our teamate Tomarra has set up her website check it out. Tomarra and Bruce Mulhfields blogs are: www.fitnesswithlupus.com www.racingat50.com

enjoy

Jen

the wild west coast

North of Westport is the 'Imagine Cafe'.. so far its been the best coffee .. which is saying something!

When the sun shines there is no place on earth like the West Coast of NZ.

I drove to Blackball yesterday to ride the croesus track and learned rather early on in the ride that swingbridges where a fact of life. carbon soles and stainless steel - makes me think of Lea's elbow.

Prior to the West coast I had an absolute blast In Nelson. Great riding, beaches, food, weather and people... what more can you ask for?

Bec and Lisa on the Rimutaka - Takaka hill.
Claudia and Bec.

The NZ champs where in Nelson.. I finshed 2nd to a speedy Anya. The most exciting part of the race was it being over and now I can Ride......But that said it was a really cool and challenging and fun course. They like it steep in Nelson.

My friend Bec has lent us her 1973 v dub combi van for our travels making nearly all my dreams come true!

Brian races in a winter tri tomorrow and then joins me on Wednesday. Can't wait.

Cheers

Jen