The “we’re living in Austria for the summer” adventure has begun.

Actually, it technically started a few weeks ago when Chris arrived but we won’t worry about that. I myself, cast off the bowline this past Friday. After arriving in Munich, Germany on Saturday morning, I dozed on the van shuttle most of the way to ourtemporary home for the summer, Sölden, Austria.

I immediately felt at home when the van pulled into town. Steep mountains surrounding a deep valley is the best way to describe Sölden (ironically rhymes well with Golden, our most recent hometown). The town is tucked away in the Tyrol region, somewhere in the southwest corner of Austria. We’re here until September while Chris manages a trail construction project at the ski resort. Thankfully, I can take my work with me 🙂

After settling in and trying to sleep off the jet lag, I got my bike ready for its first ride today. Coincidently it’s May 14, also known as Grandma Ruth Adventure Day. And yes, it’s also Mother’s Day (I love you Mom!) and my good friend Brian Smith’s birthday. Anyhoo – back to Grandma. Every year I celebrate the day of her passing with some sort of adventure. As long as I knew her, she was always seeking out exciting experiences, something that impacted my life significantly. Today, I’m very grateful that I remembered her while mountain biking in the Alps.

Memories aside, the riding itself was pretty stiff, even for just a warm-up day. The steep grades, both up and down, quickly reminded me of my last trip to this part of the world. Let’s just say I should be pretty fit and ready for anything when the meat of the summer hits.

Beyond the mountain biking, I’m really excited for the opportunity to live abroad. It’s something Chris and I have always talked about and now it’s in front of us. I think the timing is perfect and I’m ready to cherish every moment.