Scream - Positive Energy

So, I have just downed my 4th cookie of the day.  I think I could easily shove about 5 more down without even gagging myself.  The kiddos got out of school early due to the high wind advisory along with more snow.  Yeah, more snow! 

Here is my good buddy Max - I think he is saying "WTH"

The past few days we have racked up 16 more inches, and you know what that makes me do?  Eat cookies. . . . lots of cookies!
I did my 5am workout this morning.  I think that calls for at least 4,000 calories of cookie consumption.

 I know that this blog is about being positive and having a great outlook on life.  Well, let's just say that we are taking a small break from that word.  Have you read the book "The Secret"?  I totally believe in the principals behind the book. 

So I walked outside and took a couple snap shots of the snow situation. 

Now, I am giving off positive energy . . . . thinking of a warm beach . . . . . .cookies . . . . . bikini (well, maybe not yet) . . . warm beach.  After a long winter of being cooped up inside "I LONG FOR A BEACH"! 

Yeah, it measures around 5'

My positive thoughts are currently focused on warm riding weather.  Alright, back to the positive attitude.  Thanks for letting me vent.

All WORK and NO play -

As you are aware, I have not updated the blog in a very long time.  This is sadly due to the fact that I have been working 24/7.  I am serious when I say 24/7!  Remember a while back I was trying to decide on which job to keep and which to ditch.  Well, I have been working endlessly on my plan.  I never thought it would require so much effort, lack of exercise, and a lifelong endless painting scheme.  Yeah, painting - so fun. 

My husband Brian is truly an amazing man. 

(old pic, but oh so cute - Bri with the boys)

He taught me the importance of hard work.  When we owned and operated the bike and snowboard shop he would go to work early - before the world was out of bed, and come home late - when all the world was sleeping.  He worked harder than his competition and it showed.  To this day he is the hardest working individual I know and builds the most beautiful bikes I have ever layed eyes on.  

The past few weeks we have been remodeling a building next to the bike shop.  This studio is going to be the new

I know that hard work = no play, but man . . . . I'm needing some exercise!  Thanks for all of your e-mails and comments.  They keep me going.  They make me want to work harder.  I know that true gratification comes from working hard.  But I also know that staying sane means adding a little play.  This weekend I'm heading to the mountain to go shredding with my boys. 

A little fresh air will do me good.  Can't wait for a new WORK week. 

The Bella Rosa website is currently down and under construction.  Please email me if you have any questions or just want to say hi.  info@bellarosabikes.com

Doctors said "Fail" Featured writer Shelly McKee

It makes me wonder how some people are able to overcome such incredible odds when it comes to mental power and the body.  How people run when doctors said they will never walk.  How the absolute impossible, becomes possible.  I love that Shelly was able to overcome her odds.  She has shown her doctors that hard work and mental stability make dreams come true.  Way to go girl.  Proud of you.

What motivates me?  Featured writer Shelly McKee

The single thing that motivates me the most is when my doctors told me that I would probably need hip replacements and knee replacements by the age of 30.  That was when I was 16 years old. When I turned 16 I was told that I have this connective tissue disease that effects all soft tissue in my body, and from they’re on forward I would have to be extremely careful with activities and just life in general.

Six years later I was finally able to get out of all the bracing and past the need for support to start riding a bike. I never thought at the age of 34 that I would be getting ready for my second season of racing. This coming year I have some big goals, as I did last year with getting through my first stage race -  that being the green mountain stage race. Cycling is becoming more of a lifestyle for me than ever before.

Now, all I think about is what is the next thing the next level I can get to that the doctors said I would never be able to get to?  I have been riding for about 12 years.  Six of those years have been mountain biking.  I then switched over to road and i'm in my 6th year of road riding.  I have my first season of racing behind me.  I am training hard now going into my second off season.  Currently I have a coach over looking what I am doing to get me ready for next year. Next year is going to be a big year for me since the Canadian Masters Nationals are going to be close to my hometown and I will be competing in the time trial, road race and more than likely the criterion.

Dean Alleger out of Sacramento California has been coaching me for the past year. Dean has been able to help me balance my training, racing, home life and work. With Dean’s initial interview for new athletes lets him understand you right away. The interview let’s him understand what you want out of your training, how many hours you’re able to put into your training in a given week, then asks about your health and any special conditions. With my special condition we were able to figure out what I could do and then move on from there. Over this coming winter there are many things planned for me with the up coming season with hopes of peaking twice and many stage races in my future. I cannot wait for the season to start with my first series of races in Rome Georgia this year.

Shelly Mckee

A New inFATUATION

Due to the long gray winter months here in Idaho, I have found that in order to stay sane you have to get your buns outside and enjoy the fresh air that Mother Nature has provided for us.  Studies have shown that getting outside during the winter improves our mood, increases our sex drive (WHOOT, WHOOT), and in general makes us healthier individuals. 

For years I have watched my husband enjoy the winter months Nordic skiing.  He heads to the local track and skate skis for his daily dose of goodness.  Now, when  it comes to cross country skiing I can say that it honestly just about bores me to tears. However,  I have found my new love -  it's a lot like cross country skiing, but faster.  I LOVE that word!  FAST!  Anything that will make you go fast, and gives you a workout is my kind of new love.  So, lately I have been putting on the skate skis and have been taking short lessons from my awesome husband.  Here is how things have been going so far.

Stand up, glide for one second, fall down!  Stand up, glide for two seconds, fall down! . . . . . . . . REPEAT. . . . . .REPEAT.

Man, this takes serious balance.  I'm not quite ready to show you how I look doing this, because it will end up on the next  episode of funniest home videos.  Well, here are a few good techniques that will help get you started.  Also, if you are interested in learning what equipment you will need for skate skiing go here.  Good luck to you girls.

Banana-Strawberry Goodness

Alright, so I am not a protein shake freak, but I also don't love choking down chicken breast 24/7.  Here is another great recipe to add to your pre-workout routine.  Whip it up before your intense spinning class - you will have mounds of energy you never knew you had.

Banana-Strawberry Smoothie


1 scoops vanilla protein powder (your favorite)
3 -4 strawberries, frozen
1/2 banana
1/2 cup water
1 tsp flaxseed oil (optional)
Ice cubes
Blend and enjoy!

Jeans and Bike Fit - Featured Writer Jill Shirley

I have known Jill for a long time.  To me she resembles an Olympic athlete.  Strong body, and a strong mind - she has no limits.  It wasn't until recently that she jumped into the sport of cycling.  She contacted Brian and I interested in a women's specific fit.  A bike that she could have for years to come.  A bike that would fit her.  Jill's bike!  After her build and her cycling event I asked her for a few words regarding her custom fit.  These are her amazing words. 

A Great Pair of Jeans - Featured writer Jill Shirley
A dear friend of mine once explained her love of cycling like this,

"One of my very favorite things to do in this world is to be in a place where I can feel the wind. Growing up it was always perched up on a rock or a peak in my mountains, the wind would blow and I would feel as if it was cleansing me, blowing all of my stress, my worry or fear into the valley below.

I have now lived in North Carolina for almost seven years and it has been hard to find the perfect spot to sit and be cleansed by the wind.  I have felt an ache in me to be back in a place where I can have a daily dose of height and wind but here I am, in this beautiful but relatively flat green oasis.  So finally, finally I have found something that fills me with that same familiar thrill.

My bicycle.

I can go so fast, the wind rushes over me and as I gaze over the corn fields, the red barns and the beautiful sky I feel cleansed."

Though my words are not as eloquent as hers, I feel a love for cycling as well. It's the peace I have when I'm out riding. I don't know if it comes from the rhythm of the cadence, the solitude and beauty of the miles and miles of fields around me or just the pure peace I have of letting everything go... just for a few hours. Nothing else matters for those couple of hours except me and my bike.

Almost every cyclist I have ever talked to has shared with me basically the same eerie phenomena; you and your bike become one. I know, I know, it sounds a little bit "Star Wars-y" but honestly, in order to achieve that complete peace while cycling, you have to become one with your bike. Your bike needs to be an extension of you. The bike you ride makes all the difference in the matter.

Riding the right bike for you can either make or break the love you have for the sport. If you ride a bike that doesn’t fit you correctly, you may never find that perfect peace. I was lucky enough to have a Bella Rosa custom-made bike made specifically for me. Custom-made bikes ensure a perfect fit whereas stock models are just that, stock. If you think about it, it makes perfect sense; everyone is built so different, why would you settle with one that isn’t made just for you. You wouldn’t borrow jeans from just any friend, would you? That friend would have to have the exact same build as you. In fact, I dare say that you’d rather wear your dirty jeans that fit you good rather than wear someone else’s jeans that don’t fit you at all. It’s like that with custom-made bikes. You’d rather look into having a bike made specifically just for you than ‘try’ to make those stock models work for you. I LOVE my Bella Rosa bike. As dorky as it sounds, it’s just an extension of me that works in complete sync with my every move. I’ll be looking forward to greeting you out on those long roads of complete peace and beauty.
Jill Shirley

IT'S A GIVEAWAY!

Alright, I'm not much for giveaways because no matter how many times I enter something I NEVER win.  Let me repeat . . . NEVER win.  So, this is going to be super duper easy for one of my 4 readers to win one of these adorable little kid tees.   Well, actually I do have a few more than 4 readers but who's counting.  Choose from orange or white.

How to enter…

• “Like” us on Facebook  and spread the word about our site.  Tell your friends about Bella Rosa Bikes. 
• Then come back here and leave your comments to win! Seriously, we LOVE comments, and definitely don't get enough of them.  These amazing women writers need your support.  They need to know that others are learning and growing from their amazing stories. 

The lucky weekly winner will be announced January 23. Happy day to you all!