03

September

0

Tour of the Dragon, Recap—a Doozy!

In short—for several reasons which I’ll share, I only completed 120 of the brutal, 160 mile course. The good news is that I am quite pleased at having experienced lengthy, sustained muddy/rocky conditions that I have never encountered before (I LOVE ‘firsts’) and how I performed in these conditions. And that I got to experience the people and geography of my beloved Bhutan in the meticulous manner one enjoys on a bicycle. I found myself saying out loud multiple times as I pedaled, “This is a f%&*ing gorgeous country! I am so lucky to be here now.” The multitudes of cheering kids along the route were a happy bonus. Despite my slow speed due to a couple of factors, and […]

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Category: Adventure

01

September

0

The 8th Tour of the Dragon (TOD), Pre-Race Thoughts

This years 160 mile mountain bike event across the country of Bhutan has 32 riders from multiple countries toeing the start line, including myself and one other woman. This number is down from past years registration numbers, which have averaged around 50. This is due in part to the conditions on the course this year—a lot of local riders have been scared away due to the possible odds not finishing. Bhutan is in the process of widening their main road that runs through the country. Right now about 70% of this road, that we’ll be riding on, is torn up and under construction. During monsoon season, which means daily rain, that equates to; land slides, mud bogs, and hard pack […]

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Category: Adventure

01

September

0

Tour of the Dragon Pre-Race Festivities Filled with Sacred Things

Today all the riders, in the audience of His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuk (HRH), went to a puja ceremony and toured two monasteries and temples, dating back to the 10th century. We then rode out to a sacred lake so HRH could light butter lamps, blessing the riders and praying for a safe passage on bikes across this geographically formidable country. It was a time for well wishes and bonding among riders. As I write this I am getting choked up—feeling so fortunate that I can take on this event in this country that I love so deeply. There are only two women in the race this year, a young Bhutanese rider and me (the one old enough […]

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Category: Adventure

04

August

0

Adventure in Bhutan

Adventure Travel Bhutan: After creating, planning and executing Expedition Bhutan, a 2-month trekking and mountain biking journey across the country of Bhutan in 2011, I could have never imagined the intimate and ongoing relationship I’d develop with this stunning, culturally intriguing country.          Since that first foray into the land of Gross National Happiness, I’ve fundraised for Bhutanese individuals and non-profits, and lived and volunteered there for more than a year in total, co-creating the Bhutan International Marathon and Half Marathon and consulting on additional sporting initiatives.           As I get ready to head back again in a few weeks to, once again, ride Tour of the Dragon, a 268K, one-day mountain bike event which traverses the country (see my post on my first finish), I’m reflecting on how much […]

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Category: Adventure

28

June

0

Sierra to the Sea

Kudos to the Almaden Cycle Touring Club (ACTC) for hosting the 30th Annual Sierra to the Sea Bike Tour this past week—a 450 mile/7-day ride across our beautiful state. About 120 riders plus staff enjoyed an impressive 7-day route from South Lake Tahoe to San Francisco on some of the most scenic and historic backroads our state has on offer. Each day of tough riding wound through little known towns, up memorable climbs and with views that remind us why we spend so much money to live in this state. I felt giddy, like a kid at Christmas each time we headed down yet another stretch of backroad I had never ridden. After sitting in a frigid river or swimming […]

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Category: Adventure

03

January

0

 Creating Our Future

Reflecting back on 2016 so many exciting, notable and moving memories come to mind. As I look forward to another fulfilling year I ask  the question—what do I wish to create in 2017? The long awaited Crossing Bhutan was premiered at Santa Barbara International Film Festival to a standing ovation for Ben Henretig, as well as several others festivals last year and I am now thrilled to share it with those in my hometown on January 27th—join us! My newest book, Dirty Inspirations, came out with a poignant and exciting book signing at my favorite, Book Shop Santa Cruz. I then took the book on my 8th trip to Bhutan, while once again supporting the Bhutan Olympic Committee in producing the 3rd Annual Bhutan International […]

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Category: Adventure