The Blog Is Back.....

Well it has been over a year since I deleted my blog "Monique & Benson's Great Adventures." A lot has happened in the past year. I started a new job doing research, took a number of months off the bike, fell more in love with Colorado, and became closer with my two boys Benson and Mauser. Now with a new year just starting and being back on the bike, I figure it is time to turn over a new leaf, and therefore, a new blog to intrigue, inspire, and inform my wonderful family and friends.

This year I am turning my focus to road racing. Something I have never given much attention to because it has always been about the mountain bike. I am very excited to be taking on this new challenge. Even though I raced road in college, I never really took it to the next level. And this year I have been given the chance by DFT p/b Treads Elite Women's road team. We are a well rounded Cat 1/2 team with ten strong women working together for the win. The team is also solid with full Cat 3 and Cat 4 women's squads. 2009 is going to bring a great season of aggressive and intense racing. I plan on spending my year working towards fine tuning my sprint again, as well as being a valuable all-around rider.

My racing season begins next weekend with two women's open crits. Saturday will be the "Oval Crit" on the campus of CSU, followed by a crit on Sunday down south in Colorado Springs. It will be so great to finally feel some speed in my legs after so much time off the bike. I started training again when I visited my friends in San Diego over Xmas break, and realized how much I do love the sport of cycling. Since then I have been riding the trainer daily after long days at work, and on the weekends getting out for group rides. The weather has been surprisingly decent for winter in Colorado. Now with the season starting I am hoping to get back into shape quickly. My first big race will be the Redlands Classic at the end of March. I have never done this race, and I am very excited about it. I am also planning on getting out to Bend, OR for the Cascade Classic in July. This season is going to be quite full with the team also looking to win the Colorado BAT (best all-around team), as well as the BAR (best all-around rider).

As for today, I am headed down to Morrison to meet up with a few teammates for a training session in the mountains. The day has started out well, the sun is shining, I am cuddled up on the couch watching "The Office" and drinking a cup of hot chocolate. I am happy with where I am in life, with just a few minor complaints, but nothing I can't fix. My boys are happy, and they should be considering how much fun we have here in Lyons. Summer is just around the corner, meaning less layers and those wonderful tan lines that make me not want to wear a bathing suit. I am so ecstatic about what this year is going to bring for me. And even more excited to share it with my family and friends. I want to finish by saying thanks to all those that have supported my racing through the years, and those that are there for me now during my return to the greatest sport that ever existed. Thank you!

Mauser and Benson

Cheers!

Mo