Chitown!

So we’ve landed. And have mostly settled in. Just a couple pictures to hang and some odds and ends to get organized, but I’d say we are official Midwesterners now! 

Our road trip was truly amazing and something I’ll cherish, especially during these next 3.5 years here where Kyle will be working round the clock, “pushing boots.” Road trip post to follow. I need to get more photos published to our Tour de Wills album too. 

We’ve been having fun exploring our new city while Kyle’s in training and has nicer hours. We’ve gone on an epic tandem ride to the city, have gone rock climbing with my co-worker, saw the America’s Cup boats sail on freshwater for the first time, experienced a Midwest fireworks show, and have ridden many {flat} miles. 


I got a job! I had a nice break from Moment and the nice vacation, but was looking forward to getting back to work. I had sent my resume to a bunch of shops before moving and had a couple of phone interviews. I didn’t want to make the decision until we got here, got a lay of the land, and a feel for the vibe of the shops. We stopped at Velosmith the day we got to Chicago and met the crew. Tony took Kyle and I on a ride the following morning and I basically had an on the bike interview. A week later I started! It’s been a fairly smooth transition as they use the same system as my previous job and I’ve enjoyed streamlining their processes as well. I’ve even got my feet wet with a bunch of bike fits already! Check us out on the grams, FB, and interwebs. Or come visit me at the studio! 


I did my first race since the move and surprisingly had a blast! It was the Illinois  State road race which was a part of the Intelligentsia Cup. Really it was more of a circuit race. 9 laps of a 3.8 mile loop with a hill. I didn’t have any expectations but typically me and hills don’t get along during racing. Somehow I managed to hang on for the entire race and finished with the field. We also did the Goose Island crit on the last day of the series and I ended up 4th. Had a blast mixing it up and getting more comfortable with moving through the pack. On the final lap I moved forward and was sitting pretty but knew I had to make a move or I’d get boxed in. Wasn’t happy with how the last two corners were going throughout the race so I decided to take the lead and take the corners on my line and at my speed. Got a gap on the field and just held on for as long as possible! Would’ve been a great course for a lead out lady. 


We’ve also been introduced to the track racing scene at Northbrook velodrome. It’s all USAC racing where as San Diego was just done locally through the velodrome association. So that means I’m a cat 4 on the track. I’ll probably just stay a 4 since the season is almost over and start next year racing with the big girls. I became the Illinois state scratch race champion two weeks ago at the race my shop sponsors, so that was fun! And last week I won the state championship points race and earned this pretty cool t-shirt. (W1-3 winner gets a jersey). 

Cross season started last weekend! I borrowed a bike {thanks Courtney!} and teamed up with my co-worker Bobby for relay cross! I had so much fun! Lots of smiles and yet lots of pain faces. And I’ve got an exciting project I’m working on and looking forward to getting it built up. {Mosaic XT-1! Yes I’m spoiled} N+1, right?


We’ve already had visitors as Kyle’s mom and stepdad were in town for a weekend. We had the most amazing steak dinner in downtown Chicago. So good. Fun conversation and company and great food. Doesn’t get better. 

We’ve been climbing a bit at the gym. Kyle did a bouldering completion and we’ve even gone to Devils Lake, Wisconsin for a fun one day trip on the rock, which also included ice cream and a dip in the lake.


The Midwest is hot and humid. And stormy and steamy. And sunny and friendly. And it’s our home. And we have an extra bedroom so come visit! 

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