Taiwan Here I Come!

After dropping AJM off at the airport back in April, I decided it was my chance to go race my mountain bike. I headed up to the Napa Valley Dirt Classic, Firestone Walker, and then to the NMBS. After three weeks of racing it was time for a little break. I immediately hopped on a place and flew across the pond to join Andy. What a treat! I had never thought about going to Taiwan.

Of course on the way to the airport I did the whole circus act of lugging my bike box through the parking lot, onto the shuttle bus, into the airport, and to the check out counter. Nobody ever understands what is going on, let alone the price to charge for the bike. Thank god it was an international flight, the bike was free.

After standing in line to check in, I was rushed through the security line, and then it was time to board the plane. But I ran into Andy's boss. He invited me into the lounge, but really I did not have time to wait around. I wanted to load up on some food. I can not stand airplane food, so I always remember talking to Andy once he gets through security and he always stops and grabs something to eat and sure enough there was a resturant right by the gate. I grabbed myself two burritos and I already had almonds, fruit, and drinks in my back pack. I figured that would hold me over for the ten hour flight. I then boarded the plane and made the last few phone calls with friends and meet my neighbor.

My neighbor was Taiwanese, he was going back home during his break from school in Denver, CO. He was super nice and friendly. He had a great time catching up and talking about traveling, family, significant others, and what to do for the next eight hours. So, we watched lots of movies, read a bunch of magazines, and tried to sleep.

The whole way across the ocean the sun was shining. I finally opened the shutter to see if I could see anything besides the sun, clouds, and water, and holy smokes, perfect timing, there was Mount Fuji! It was so cool! I got so excited! I kept the shutter up hoping that I would be able to see some more cool things coming into Nagoya, Japan, but the weather got worse and I could not see much more.

When we landed in Nagoya I thought we were back in Seattle, WA it was so foggy and wet. I guess it was a new airport and not very busy either, because there was not many people, shops, or signs to lead us to the next flight. Thank god, Chuck was with me. He took me to the lounge where we hung out and tried to get online, but the signal was too weak.

Finally, it was time to hop on the next flight to Taipei, Taiwan. This meant I would be on the same island as Andy. I could not wait! I still had to fly a few more hours and then drive another hour or so. By this time I was having a hard time staying awake. I napped most of the way to Taipei. I made it throught customs with my bike that came out with my bag on the carosal. Again, you never know what is going to happen with your bike.

Once I exited the customs, Andy had informed me to turn right and there would be a driver with a sign waiting for me. I turned the corner and sure enough there were plenty of people standing there with sign, but I could not find my name. I looked around, one guy approached me, but then immediately another guy barged in wanting to help, so the first guy left. After trying to translate and figure out what was happening I looked up and down the line of drivers again and sure enough the first driver was mine. That one guy just wanted my money. So, again the driver wanted to help with my bags and bike, but was confused on how to help, so I said forget it, I will take care of it, you just lead the way. He sat me out on the curb and went for the van.

Yeah, he came back to get me. I was a little worried, but figured he looked and seemed like a nice guy. We loaded up my gear and I proceeded to sit in the front seat. I am sure he thought that was weird too, but I like to see where I am going. Sorry! Shot gun! After driving for forty-five minutes to an hour we turned off the highway. I thought we were getting onto another freeway, but it ended up being downtown. I figured we must be close.

Sure enough, there were plenty of lights, actually christmas lights wrapped around palm trees and signs. Finally, he pulled up on the sidewalk and got out. I must be there. All of a sudden, my door was opened, three guys were there to help, I tried to go back and help with my bike, but someone pulled me away. It was Andy! O'Yeah, hi there, XOXO! Andy explained to the bell boys what and where to take it and off we went. The hotel was amazing. The enterance was beautiful. My mom would have really liked the massive flower arrangements. We took the elevate to the tenth floor, where Andy had been living for the past month. It was a realy nice room, especially with the extra decore of candles and bubble bath. Thanks Andy!

After catching up with eachother about the past month we finally crashed! Yeah, I finally made it to Taiwan. Andy's home away from home.

Fontana Update Rev. 2

The quick and dirty: PODIUM at the first Marathon Nationals race of the year! 3rd place is a good way to start the season, it can only get better from here too. More detailed race report to come later.

Fontana Update

Hey Guys! I'm sitting in a hotel room down in Fontana, CA. O'boy, it's so exciting! So, I decided to check out my Blog. But first thanks to Andy and Ben for creating my Blog. Now, they are going to have to show me how to use it and update it. Just leaving a comment is to high tech for me! Alright, I got to get going for this weekends NMBS Marathon and Short Track. I already have alot to share. I'll catch up with you all after the races. Wish me luck!

Recent Results

JoJo's been racing! 2nd place at the infamous Napa Valley Dirt Classic, followed by 5th at the Firestone Walker Mountain bike Classic down south. The first NORBA Natz is right around the corner!