But the day has come and I officially cashed in my second epic of the year last for the 2010 Backroads Staff Ride in Spain. I wish I could narrow it down to a more specific event, but it was really just the whole shibang! I had a hard time taking pictures because I was a little too in the moment, enjoying the rides and time with friends (new and old). I didn't want to stop or slow down to set up a shot, I just wanted to go go go!
Here is a little taste of how it went down:
Day 1- meet at the bus station and bus 2 hours to high up in the Pyrenes. Bust out km with breathtaking views of the mountains, a couple good climbs and a great windy descent back to camp for a staff meeting (complete with beverages), a cookout and dance party hosted by one of our regional managers, DJ Tanya. Things are just getting started. 
Day 2- The jet lag wore off for most of the US leaders and the trip kicks it up a notch with a 22km climb up and over the mountains. I was clicking along when I passed a kid pumping some tunes. Screeeetch! Hold up. I'm riding with this kid. Turns out he's from Portland! Not surprising. Music and Portland go hand in hand. Temperature at the summit: 3 degrees celsius. Why didn't I bring booties?! Followed by a 26km descent to a picnic lunch with warm "blue" wine by a small waterfall. Back on the bikes we head to the hotel (with several breaks for swinging) and discover that our hotel is actually paradise, overlooking a medieval bridge with sunny balconies and connecting rooms. We took a horse-drawn carriage ride to dinner (I'm not joking) and enjoyed a meat-filled (classic Spanish style) dinner at a local restaurant that opened just for us. I soon found out that the leaders were not joking when they said they had warned the owner that people may be dancing on tables as Dire Straits got the party started. Ridiculous. After deciding that we may have to re-varnish the floors and tables the leaders herded us all into vans and shuttled us to the proper disco. Again...open just for us. My partner in crime, Jessie, and I danced well into the morning before walking back across the street to our hotel. How did that get there? Magic! [I would also like to point out that Jessie happened to be at my first "epic" of the year as well, Chamonix. Where she goes, cool things follow.]
Day 3- I think this was my favorite ride! Not just from the trip, but pretty much my entire life! We went uphill for 6 km then downhill for over 20. I don't know how that adds up, but I like it! It was perfect asphalt and graceful turns with two perfect white lines painted on either side of the single-lane road. It looked like a bike race track and we could see our friends further down the line while we coasted along. Eoin behind me making race car noises...pushing me into high gear. No way I'll let an irishman beat me! Awaiting at the bottom: cappuccinos on cobblestone streets. Unbelievable. Back on the bikes, climbing again...6km up then 15 down to lunch. Great company and delicious food with prompt service. Finish the 100km and roll into . Next stop Salvador Dali Museum! So surreal. Ha! It was incredible. I could have spent all day there, but still enjoyed the treat. Dinner: tapas. More laughing and sneaking away for an earlier bed-time. 
Day 4- Last day. Already! We had some big rollers in the morning and ate our lunch in (another) medieval village then rolled the rest of the way to the beach. Picture it, two days earlier I was at 1800m freezing in the pyrenes and now I'm at the beach, sweating in the sand! Amazing. I chose to do the long option despite the discouraging hills and ominous warnings from the leaders (the ride was actually called, ")and it was worth it! Gorgeous views and Alex waiting at the top with juice and potato chips! Raced the boys down the big hill and onto the dirt bike path for a cyclocross style 8km finish! Our final night hotel is overlooking the water with a little beach party going on out front. Food, food and more food. Oh...and massages! Followed by a nice(r) dinner in the hotel restaurant then a quick superman change to get ready for the send off...our private foam party at the local club. It was soapy, slippery and silly and the manager of Europe was dancing on the bar in a swim cap. How does this happen? 
Dear Backroads,
I love you. You rock my world.
Sincerely,
Erin
You couldn't wipe this smile off if you tried. Pictures are slow coming as I compile my friends' photos together, but this should get you started. They might be a little backwards chronologically.
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