the pretty landscape of the AZ desert - this just happens to be the view during the desert duathlon guess they could've worked harder on those hill climbs - they are still smilin:)

I think one of the greatest places to spend february is in the Arizona Desert.  After living in Arizona for 3 years we made the move back to Canada but I love to go down to Arizona and get some early season training and riding.  It is always a treat to catch up with the athletes that I coach down there and to bring a couple from Canada down to see the great training opportunities.

This year I spent a week at the Black Sheep Inn - also known as the casita's at Wim and Nancy's - what a treat! Great friends, great food and great training!   Sue Taylor joined me for the week in addition to a few extra days and Kirk came down for 2 nights enroute to Tucson.  In addition to catching up with Stef, Mike, Brenda and Marc a good week was had.  We finished off the week by doing the Desert Duathlon.  A great venu out in McDowell Mtn Park - just outside of Fountain Hills. This is truly one of my all-time favorite events and I encourage everyone if they get a chance to try it. Even if you are out there training for an Ironman or a 1/2 IM it is always fun to play with some speed.  Results can be found at http://www.ceptiming.com/results_misc.cfm?year=2008&raceNum=123

So a great time was had and more fun is to come!