Existential Motivation: Semester 3 is done... On to more fun!!!

I finished up my last final exam this morning, and put a close to what has been an extra-long summer semester. In the midst of extreme adversity I really surprised myself - I earned better grades in my 5 classes than I had in either of the past 2 semesters! I surely don't cough it up to being smarter (that will come over time), but to the existential motivation I live by everyday... Dad is watching down on me, cheering me on, and I'm continuing to make him proud. It certainly hasn't been easy...

After my exam I cruised up to Golden to the Yeti factory, and picked up my reward to myself - a new ARC-X frame and kit!

I am excited to race 'cross this fall, a venture I have not yet experienced! After watching a couple races last year and getting the hang of the crazy party that 'cross consists of, I knew I would love it! After all, running was my first love, and I wasn't too shabby when I was winning several D-1 races in college and earning All-American honors in cross country. On the track, the steeplechase was my favorite event, and in the inaugural year of the women's steeple, I got 4th in the Pac-10 championships. To me, 'cross is the best of all worlds - biking, running, and hurdling! Not to mention the mud, weather and adverse racing conditions. When it comes to mud, my Northwest roots prevail!

As soon as I got the new ARC-X home, it had to be inspected for approval by none other than the heads of the household: the kitties.

Guinness checks out the frame construction and rear triangle. She gives her approval on the sweet paint job and graphics!

Jameson weaves his way through the frame and comments on the superb stiffness and superior handling. He gives the thumbs up on the stability and quality!