Hey Everyone!
Sorry it’s been soo long since I have posted any news. Mick and I are just working on settling back into home.
We are both pretty exhausted, but it’s nice to have each other!
The trip went very well! The first place we stopped at was Vigo, Spain! The first World Cup Down Hill of the year, so you can imagine the excitement of everyone.
Not only was it the first race of the year, but it was my first World Cup race, not to mention my first pro race. It was quite intimidating at first, because I have hardly been riding down hill, and it was my second race in three years! But once I got all suited up, and got on the course, I had a blast!!! Blast… that’s kind of a funny word. Anyways, it was a lot of fun, and a great learning experience. At the end, I came in 20th. Which is not what I wanted, but I came down safe, and had a very good time!!!
The best part of that race, was watching Mick cross the finish line with the fastest time!!! Everyone was screaming with excitement!!! Everyone knew he deserved it!!! Especially me!

There were soo many things in the past that held Mick back from becoming the Champion that is in his heart, but not any more. Everything in his life is new this year, and I believe it is a show to us that God is doing something new and better. Our God is a God of second chances, and third chances, and fourth chances….etc. etc. etc. He is just a Good God!!!
It is soo AMAZING to watch someone who is a Champion at heart finally become that Champion in what they love to do!
The next place we went was in Portugal! It was a small town called Lousa! Man was this place cool!!! We met some really cool local riders and went out to eat with the local mt. bike club. They were so hospitable and kind to us, and I just want to say thanks! It was a very good time.
After Lousa, we headed for Lisboa, Portugal for the Lisboa Downtown Race. This place was soo much fun! It was a race down the highest stairs in Lousa. It was soo slick, and sometimes on your practice runs, they would have to jump in front of you to stop you because they could not stop the traffic in time. On my race run, 3 pedestrians ran in front of me. It was Crazy. People would be trying to touch you while you passed them on the course. It was like you were a famous person or something! It was pretty cool! I got 11th there.
That race was my last event on that trip. I messed up some stuff on my bike that wouldn’t allow me to keep riding. But that’s ok, because I accomplished a lot while I was there, and now I would get to be there 100% for Mick! Which I always enjoy!!!

Germany was our next stop. We met up with the CUT freeriders, and that was a lot of fun. Germany was pretty cold and rainy though. Mick and I mostly rested up, and enjoyed the ride. They did a small comp at a local Germany National race. I ended up getting to be one of the judges, which was pretty fun. It was a great experience!

Skipping a few days, we were now on a “SUPERFAST FERRY” cause they’re super fast. That is where I got to writ my last letter to you all.
It was a little hard not to feel sick on that thing, but with a little mind control, and the distraction of watching an old couple get down on the dance floor, I was able to enjoy the ocean drive.

Scotland. A very beautiful place, and a very cold place. The people there are soo nice though! That always makes your stay much nicer. We stayed in a hotel called the HIGHLAND HOTEL, which is a very nice place. Where we were staying, there are soo many stairs it’s crazy! So the first day, I went and ran stairs for 45 min. I thought I was going to hurl…….after I passed out. But, I held it out, and it became my daily ritual…..well, at least until it started to hurt my knees. That’s when I discovered they had a gym there. Then I became a foreign gym rat. I love working out, and I haven’t hardly been able to. So any chance I get, I am in.

Mick did well during his practice runs, but had a crash in his race run. It looked like it was a harsh one too. He was pretty warn out from all the traveling between races, and this course is super gnarly. So it didn’t end up being the best race for him, but that’s ok. Everyone has their courses. I’m still proud of his efforts. He is an amazing rider, and all around athlete!

So now, it was time for me to head home! I had an big event I was invited to back home, called the TEVA MOUNTAIN GAMES. I had been nominated for female mt. biker of the year, and I was excited to get the chance to be a part of history. These awards are like the Grammies of Extreme Sports. So it’s quite the honor to be nominated for them. To top it off, my mom and dad and sister were all going to get to come and be a part of this exciting night. I was looking very forward to getting dressed all up with my sister, and hanging out with my family.

Mick had to be at a World Cup Race in Germany, or else I know he would have been there with me. But that’s ok, I wanted to be there for him just as much!

Now we are both home, and recovering from that month long journey! Exciting! Yes! But it’s soo good to be home. I’m sorry it took soo long to write to you all. I have not been feeling soo good, and I just took some time with my husband to recuperate. So thanks for being soo patient and checking back in once in a while. I feel much better now.

So you all have an Awesome Time!!! Remember to keep the rubber side down!!! Mick says G’Day!

RIDE’N ON AND ON!!! AND ON!!!

HANNAH LEIGH HANNAH