Amanda Miller

2009

This year is going to be an interesting year. I am super excited about it, but have a lot of work cut out for me. A little while ago I was given the opportunity to travel to France for a developmental program with USA Cycling. It’s a new program aimed at giving younger riders (specifically female) an opportunity to race internationally. There are 3 different blocks, each block being about a month long. After some decision making, I decided to take the opportunity. So this semester, I will not be attending school. The session I was invited to is from mid-March to mid-April, right during spring semester. I will return to school in the fall, but could not pass up this opportunity. It’s been a goal of mine for a long time. We won’t be doing as high of a level of races as the National team does. This is directed more towards “getting our feet wet” with the international scene. I don’t know very many details about the trip yet, so stay tuned.

Also, the 2009 Lipsmackers Professional Women’s Cycling team’s roster is finalized. Read the press releases here and here. Here it is:
Hilary Billington
Toni Bradshaw
Kacey Manderfield
Amanda Miller
Kate Ross
Anne Samplonius
Carla Swart
Anna Young

Our team camp is in March. Hopefully I will be able to attend. I know (or at least know of) most of the girls on the team. They are a super cool group and I am excited to race with them. Here’s to a great season!!!
-A

Santa Barbara Trip Recap

I’m back in Fort Collins now. It was sort of weird to be here the first few days. We got back Monday afternoon. I really cannot describe the trip with words. It was probably the best time I’ve ever had. I got to know people on the team a lot better. We had lots of good rides followed by relaxing on the beach. It was pretty much perfect. I don’t know what I would change about it. Rather than boring you with words, I’m going to post pictures (because that’s what I like to do). But first of all, here’s some stats for the week:

Number of days I spent riding: 8
Number of days we were in Santa Barbara: 9
Number of people on the trip: 18 by the time it was all said and done (a few arrived a couple days later)
Number of hours ridden: 29.27
Number of miles ridden: 450.58
Number of calories burned: 13,788
Number of times I rode in something other than bibs and a jersey: 1 (I started out with arm warmers on but they came off 10 minutes into the ride)
Average temperature: I’m guessing 73
Number of clouds we saw in the sky: 0
Number of flats I had: 0
Number of times we got pulled over as a group: 1
Total elevation gain: no idea, but I’m guessing near 50,000 feet
Best ride: 120miles, 6 hours 40 minutes, 7,000+ feet of elevation gain. Epic ride, awesome views, and great people to spend it with.
Number of times I was in a bikini: 1 (and it was hilarious)
Number of dolphins I saw: 4
Number of sea otters I saw: 2

Ok picture time!!

Group photo with the two best hosts (Sierra and Anna) from UCSB.

We did lots of climbing.

And lots of time playing frisbee on the beach (it was only 3 blocks from where we were staying).

Miles and miles of vineyards.

Caley and Erick concentrating hard on the waves.

Funny picture.
Massive. Tasty. Best burger ever.

This was one of the climbs – Gibraltar. A fire (named the Tea Fire) took place in November 2008. The road was still closed (sort of) and there was a lot of work being done in the area. It was eerie riding up through it.

More of the burned area.

Cheese(y)!
We did lots of cooking, good food! Here is Sierra (the main host) making banana chocolate chip pancakes.

Not sure how many brownies we ate. That seemed to be the main dessert dish.

My awesome tan lines. That’s what 30hours of riding in the sun will get you.

Part of the group chowing down on those previously mentioned delicious burgers.

I’m smiling, but really I’m thinking crap this hill is steep.

Wow that’s a lot of blue. But a cool picture.

Ok that’s all I have for now. I wish I was still in Santa Barbara. Ok maybe not right now because it’s raining there. But if you ever get a chance to go there, do. It’s an amazing place. I hope you enjoyed my pictures! I’ll post another update later. I’ve got lots of things to talk about!
-A

Moving

This site will be moving. It is now going to be at http://www.amandamiller.missingsaddle.com.

Santa Barbara Day 3/4

Today is a rest day, and a well deserved one. We’ve been here for 5 days now (including today). In the past 4 days, I’ve ridden over 14 hours with total mileage around 200. I haven’t seen a cloud in the sky yet. Temperatures have been hovering around 70-75 degrees. Really couldn’t ask for anything else. It’s been perfect. That being said, words don’t do justice nor do pictures. But here’s a small picture story to give you a tease. Enjoy!

We got pulled over the other day. The cop scared us from the start. He started taking down names. Then he was like “just kidding” and told us we needed to stop at stop signs. Off we went. It was humorous because people were stopping along side the road taking pictures of us. Our group was around 20 people, so I’m sure it was a sight to see.

I love Santa Barbara!

Such pretty views!

Riding up a hill that was in the Tour of California last year.

Lots of beach time. It’s been our routine to head down the street (the beach is 3 blocks away) and watch the sun set after a long hard day on the bike. A few of us have gotten in the ocean for an “ice bath” a couple of times. It’s relaxing.

So pretty!

Toes in the Pacific!

Erick, Branson, and Roger gave each other mohawks.

Mountains + ocean = heaven.

4 more days of riding, then it’s back to Colorado. Check back for more later!
-A

Santa Barbara Day 3/4

Today is a rest day, and a well deserved one. We’ve been here for 5 days now (including today). In the past 4 days, I’ve ridden over 14 hours with total mileage around 200. I haven’t seen a cloud in the sky yet. Temperatures have been hovering around 70-75 degrees. Really couldn’t ask for anything else. It’s been perfect. That being said, words don’t do justice nor do pictures. But here’s a small picture story to give you a tease. Enjoy!

We got pulled over the other day. The cop scared us from the start. He started taking down names. Then he was like “just kidding” and told us we needed to stop at stop signs. Off we went. It was humorous because people were stopping along side the road taking pictures of us. Our group was around 20 people, so I’m sure it was a sight to see.

I love Santa Barbara!

Such pretty views!

Riding up a hill that was in the Tour of California last year.

Lots of beach time. It’s been our routine to head down the street (the beach is 3 blocks away) and watch the sun set after a long hard day on the bike. A few of us have gotten in the ocean for an “ice bath” a couple of times. It’s relaxing.

So pretty!

Toes in the Pacific!

Erick, Branson, and Roger gave each other mohawks.

Mountains + ocean = heaven.

4 more days of riding, then it’s back to Colorado. Check back for more later!
-A

Santa Barbara Day 1/2

We arrived in Santa Barbara Saturday morning after 19hours or so of driving (yes straight through). We even drove the strip in Vegas – amazing! Went for a short stroll when we arrived.

Sunday was a good ride. Almost 2 hours of climbing. Amazing views and awesome weather. It’s like 70degrees here, clear skies, and perfect! I am so excited for the rest of the week. Ok now for pictures because that’s really the fun stuff! Enjoy!

Vegas!

Riding along the coast.

Wine tasting!

Tons of amazing views!

Sunset at the beach, 3 blocks from where we are staying.

Some of the team hanging out in the tide.

That’s all for now! Check back for more!
-A

Santa Barbara Day 1/2

We arrived in Santa Barbara Saturday morning after 19hours or so of driving (yes straight through). We even drove the strip in Vegas – amazing! Went for a short stroll when we arrived.

Sunday was a good ride. Almost 2 hours of climbing. Amazing views and awesome weather. It’s like 70degrees here, clear skies, and perfect! I am so excited for the rest of the week. Ok now for pictures because that’s really the fun stuff! Enjoy!

Vegas!

Riding along the coast.

Wine tasting!

Tons of amazing views!

Sunset at the beach, 3 blocks from where we are staying.

Some of the team hanging out in the tide.

That’s all for now! Check back for more!
-A

News

Check back soon for a recap on my 2008 season. Also, I’ve got some big updates to do for 2009.

Heading to Santa Barbara, CA tomorrow for 9 days of riding in the sun and 70 degrees. Yay!

News

Check back soon for a recap on my 2008 season. Also, I’ve got some big updates to do for 2009.

Heading to Santa Barbara, CA tomorrow for 9 days of riding in the sun and 70 degrees. Yay!