On the Ranch

One of the best parts of my job is being in Customer Service. And when orders come in from 8 different countries around the world in the past month, it feels as though Dude Girl, while I wouldn’t yet call us a global brand, is, well, kind of a global brand. GiddyUp! Japan! GiddyUp! The Netherlands! GiddyUp! South Africa! GiddyUp! Canada! GiddyUp! England! GiddyUp! Australia! GiddyUp! North Wales! GiddyUp! Philippines! We aim to find our way onto your backs and into your hearts! Thank you!

Weekend before last, I tested the fit and function of a new jersey we’re offering for 2012 in the Sierra’s outside of Bishop — a little out-n-back up toward Lake Sabrina. This descent is rated as one of the Top 10 Descents in America by Bicycling Magazine (4,577 feet over 15.39 miles). I wondered why. It’s long and steep enough to fly but gradual enough with big sweeping turns to relax and enjoy the speed. Plus, looking down into the grand desert valley below with the White Mountains in full view is spectacular. Breathtaking.

I wore our Dude Girl GiddyUp Knickers, Armwarmers and Vest and found both perfect for our ride. I kept my GiddyUp Armwarmers and Vest in my back pockets most of the time, but it’s nice to have them if you need them and there is almost no reason not to carry them, as they are small and light. We have a new shipment of black GiddyUp Knickers and our GiddyUp Armwarmers ready for the taking but in limited supply. Now is the time to get yours — they won’t last long.

Post ride, we found ourselves at Schat’s Bakery, and meant business when we tore our first hunk of Jalapeno Cheese Bread. Moist, chewy, hefty. Wish it was organic, but the way they tout the Bishop water used in all their baking, you’d think Schaat’s bread will cure your ills! We felt pretty good.

Oh, and don’t miss a dunk in the hot springs — there are many throughout Owen’s Valley. Go hunting for your favorite. After graduating college, I learned of these on numerous climbing trips with my good friend and climbing partner, Hugh Driscoll. Whenever I pass through the area, I always try to soak. The grandeur surrounding my favorite rustic tub is immeasurable. Dramatic. All seems right from the vantage point of the Tub.

All my worries washed away while out on the XC ski trails today. After an hour skate, as I sat back down behind the wheel of my car and reached for my crackberry, I realized that for the entire time I was out gliding — water streaming from my eyes, and peals of laughter bursting from my belly — there was not a moment that I thought about what I had to do at the office. It was a little slice of heaven that rejuvenated my soul. And I found inspiration and re-ignited passion for my work once back in the office. Over the past several years, I’ve missed so many of these simple but profound opportunities for joy. Don’t.

Amazing 3 days at Yoga Journal Conference San Francisco! If you’ve not taken yoga classes from a Master teacher before, make it a priority this year. It’s like the experience of drinking a cup of Peet’s Coffee after drinking Folger’s all your life, or dining at French Laundry after eating at McDonalds. Don’t get me wrong, there are lots of great teachers in the world who you will gain much from, but 1 class from a Master teacher can really shift your perspective and practice in a huge way.

I took classes from David Life and Gary Kraftsow for the first time. Amazing… so far, my favorites are Sarah Powers and Seane Corn. Beautiful, life changing classes. I’ll be blogging and emailing about upcoming workshops and study programs in case any of you would like to join me for an informal, mini weekend retreat somewhere. So much to learn and discover.

A real, live Cycle Betty! Inspired by our very own Cycle Betty T-shirt, which will be available next Spring!  Thank you and Congratulations to Allison Quast of Mount Pleasant, MI and the Mid Michigan Cycling Club!

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Thanks to Blase Design for sheer amazingness every time. Light it up out there girls! Click here to learn more about our latest Hot Rod.

Seattle Dude Girls and those visiting Seattle: Don’t miss this HUGE Warehouse Sale! Starts this Friday and runs all weekend! GiddyUp! Tell your friends! More info here!

So grateful for my life that allows me to know people like Susie Stein and Nickie Luse, and work with stores like Up & Running in Dayton, Ohio…

Susie and Nickie just sent me on the most beautiful 5-miler this morning. Flew right by the Wright Brothers’ old home! (get it?)

Getting excited for the Dirty Dude Girl Trail Race tomorrow! C’mon Dayton, I saw you all out there running this morning — come out and get dirty with us tomorrow!

Oh, and there are some cool new Dude Girl duds in the store too, just for this event!

Get one for your Dude!