A week in Colombia with UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling

I'd never really thought of going to colombia

I had to get a new passport for this trip. I hadn't left the US since 2009, and even then that was just a trip to Canada. This was my first overseas trip of note since 2008. To be honest, I soft of took a leap of faith that the team had taken care of everything, I couldn't even point to Colombia on a map until a week before we left. No kidding, I swear. On the plus side, I did study Spanish in high school, and have on and off since then. So, you know, I can say, 'donde estas al baño,' and 'un mas café por favor.' The important stuff.

In general I wasn't ready for the ruggedness of the landscape, or the kindness of the people we met. Both of which, far exceeded my expectations. Plus, I was able to spend the week with some pretty awesome athletes, who were really living into the moment and loving it.

I WAS NOT PREPARED FOR THE BEAUTY OF COLOMBIA.

The colors of the landscape, somehow blend beautifully with the colors of the buildings. I suppose this is on purpose.

There was something really lovely about the simplicity of a country outpost for training camp. Simple roads, simple meals, and friendly faces.