I thought I would share a few pictures from our trip to North Carolina for Christmas this year to kick off the first post of the year.
Sara’s parents moved to Hayesville, NC approx. two years ago, retiring on 50 acres adjacent to and overlooking Jack’s family farm that he lived on when he was a little boy before moving west. I must say the old Roger’s home is a bit worse for the wear but the walls still hold a lot of memories. Jack’s uncle mentioned he has thought of tearing it down on several occasions but has yet to get around to it, I imagine just a little to hard to see of those memories disappear. As for the new home, it is beautifully located on knob just above the mountain pass known as Sally Gap. 
Above Jack, Sara and Amelia standing outside the old Roger’s home. Left, looking up at Jack and Roxy’s new home overlooking the valley below
Knowing I was headed to a more cycling friendly climate for Christmas I made sure the bike was in toe. That said having never spent any time in that part of the country I had no idea what to expect. I can however, assure you that I was expecting hills not mountains and was pretty skeptical of how much fun the riding would be. All that would quickly change as I started researching the area only to find out that her parents live with in riding distance of some of the Tour de Georgia’s most notably stages, most including the feared Bald climb.
It did not take me long to realize those hill are indeed mountains. They may not be tall by elevation standards but they are steep and have plenty of elevation gain to them, something I was reminded of over and over again as I coaxed my carcass to the top of said mountains. But more then the climbs it was the narrow, banked, swooping road that put and perma grin on my face. The road riding was truly amazing, and opened my eyes to a whole new level of riding enjoyment. I would be describe them as paved singletrack.
Needless to say the training miles ticked away effortlessly when compared to the alternative of slaving away on the trainer back in Montana. Once the 10 day visit was done I had managed to climb all the featured climbs in the Tour de Georgia, logged over 350 miles, and felt as though I was finally getting back into the groove of things on the bike.
It was wonderful to spend some quality time with Sara’s parents. Amelia was like any good child most interested in the wrapping…
… Sara and I enjoyed our gift, our own starter family. Although I must admit the custom BBQ apron was a close second.
