Back from Europe and still flying high...

Jay and I just got back from spending the last 2 weeks in Europe - hanging out in Belgium, France, and Germany. I would love to blog about every last adventure that we had, being on the run from sun up to well past the witching hour, but there is just not enough time in a day to do it all. So, instead, here is a mini-wrap up of all of the highlights...

The main, absolutely breath-taking, unbelievable thing that happened was that Jay and I got engaged! On April 6th, while in Brugge, Belgium (which is like a small Venice, filled with canals and midevil architecture), Jay took me on a carriage ride through Brugge. We sat beneath a blanket on the chilly night, listening to our guide, Lynn, tell us about our surroundings. Half way through the tour, Lynn stopped to give the horse a break, allowing us to take pictures or wander for 5 minutes. It just so happened that the carriage rest stop was at the Lake of Love where, legend has it, if you kiss your fiancee or loved one at the Lake of Love, you'll have everlasting love.

Jay took me onto a small dock off the canal off of the Lake of Love to "take a picture". While we held each other, he looked into my eyes, telling me he loved me, asking me to marry him. I think I responded with "you're kidding", but I saw the look in his eyes as he got down on one knee and pulled a beautiful diamond out of his pocket. Of course I said Yes! We kissed and hugged on the dock as a passing tour boat cheered as they had seen the entire thing. A beautiful swan swam up to the dock to check out the commotion as well. Jay put the ring on my finger and we held each other tight. It turns out he was filming the entire thing, so we can see it again and again! I don't remember any of the things Lynn pointed out on the second half of the ride because I was so lost in his eyes....and I still am. I am the luckiest woman in the world!

Next to that, the rest of the trip, even though just as amazing and unbelievable, just doesn't compare.

Not only did we get to watch the 2 Days of De Panna, Tour de Flanders, Gent-Wevelgem, and Paris-Roubaix, we rode them too! I got 258 miles in while on vacation, Jay did more than 400! While he did the full Amateur Flanders (265km or 160+miles), I did the 75k version - which included the last 7 bergs of the pro race.

When we were staying in Cobrieux, we were one block off of the Paris-Roubaix course. We rode the course all the way to the velodrome, finishing with our 1.5 velodrome laps and throwing our hands in the air as we crossed the finish line. For those of you Roubaix-buffs, we did sections 1-6 of the course. One day, we actually rode a couple blocks through Cysoing with the TMobile team as they practiced!

Jay and I even trekked across Europe to catch the Supersuckers in Stuttgart, Germany. It was more than 1300 km of driving, endless stories, and fortunate happenings. Not only was it a ass-rocking good time, but we got to hang with Eddie, Jessica, and Quattro after the show! Jessica gave us congrats and hugs when we told her the news (she even recognized us from the NYE show in Park City!)

Spring was in full bloom and love was in the air. Temps reached 80+ degrees, wild daffodils spread across the fields, and the cherry blossoms decorated the trees. I am hoping to get more stories out on the web soon, but in the midst of unpacking, getting reacquainted with work, and moving, I have found little blog time. : )

All I can say for right now, is that I am on Cloud 9 and unstoppable!

Absolutely in love,

Kristy Kreme

La Belgique ici nous venons

Belgium, here we come!

Just days now until Jay and I will be hoppin' the jumbo jet for some smooth sailing across the pond. Paris, Belgium, Germany....3 pro tours.....riding along the European countryside........2 weeks without emails or voicemails.....great company.....Priceless!!!!!

I am off to Belgium to see the Tour de Flanders, Gent-Wevelgem, and Paris-Roubaix! I've never left the country before, and I can barely contain myself. I know we're going to have an amazing time exploring, riding, laughing, and seeing stars!

Bike Love in Belgium!

Before we leave, I just want to wish everyone a Happy Easter and a wonderful time! See you in late April!

Riding, loving, and Living,

Kristy

Exhausted

This weekend went by so fast, I forgot to take pictures! But it was fun, none the less.

Friday started off right, taking out Lucky for a great commute to work at 5:00 am! Jay rode me into work to make sure I didn't get lost during my first commuter ride. All day I was flyin' high off the great ride, only to reverse it home. I made it all the way back solo, only peaking at my map once to hit the right twists and turns all the way back to the Greenway. With legs warmed, I made a pit stop for a change of clothes and hopped back on the bike for a slick ride down to the shop for another team night....one that went until the wee hours of the morning, but for all the wrong reasons......Jay's keys went missing, and we searched desparately to find a way to just close up the shop and get home. KK came to the rescue big time with the spare key and a ride home. KK, you're the best!

We licked our wounds and fell asleep, prepping for the 60-sumpthin' temps on Saturday and a great ride ahead. Jay, the Chucker, and I waited for the fog to burn off before we hit the roads, west-bound for Lake Minnetonka. Over rolling hills, through the enchanted forrest, and into quaint little Excelsior, Chucker set a fast pace. Unfortunately, the cupboard fell off the wall at home (LITERALLY!) and Chucker had to bail. Jay and I kept pedaling, out around Lake Minnetonka, stopping for a treat & coffee in DT 'Tonka, and then returned to our route.

Soon after leaving the coffee shop, the sky began to warn us with a light sprinkle. We kicked it into the highest gear we could and focused on home. By the time we hit the Greenway, the rain was coming down. Luckily, the air was warmed and we had on an extra layer. With the end in sight, my engine reved and my reserves kicked in, driving sweet Casper in for take-out, and home in no time.

I annihalated my dinner, and lazily readied myself for one of Steph's infamous Bday parties. This year was a "Fav TV Character" theme...Jay and I went as Hogan's Heroes extras. : ) We closed out Saturday night hangin' with Downtown Julie Brown, Buffy, Jane Jetson, June & Ward, and so many more. Even Red Green took some time to teach us a couple phrases in German. Steph, it was a great party! Happy Birthday!

Sunday we got out for a lazy ride, since my legs didn't want to move from bed...I actually slept in until noon! I felt like a kid again. We rode out to Bloomington very moderately, and it was just the thing I needed. Casper deciding to tell us she needed a tune up, but she stuck it out to finish strong. After some home made vittles and some great Italian racing, we laid low and said goodbye to the weekend.

Now, we wait impatiently for Belgium to get even closer! Tick tock tick tock. I can't wait to be in Europe : )

In love with riding, and riding in love,

Kristy Kreme