Amber [+ 1]

Somewhere in the Pauillac Region (France)

Its been sometime since we all caught up with our friend Amber. One of the lasting memories I have of the San Antonio native was during our ride in the Pauillac wine region of France in 2003.

Amidst the beautiful scenery, with stops at random cemetaries [one of Amber's passions is to one day complete an album of images taken at cemetaries] and vineyards along the way [to do some tasting], we fell behind our guide on the ride back to the chateau.

With Sean plowing along, I hung back a bit in no man's land to wait for Amber, who was for once, having a spot of difficulty [whereas I had many of those types of moments in the mountains]. As she pulled up to me, she ever so kindly reminded me that as a "Texas-tough" woman if she really needed me, she'd whistle.

As I took off along the beautiful wind blown coastline, eventually catching Sean's wheel, I heard a whistle.

Today, Amber resides in Houston and at this moment [Friday the 21st] is giving birth to her first, a beautiful daughter, Avery Grace.

I'm sure I speak for the Crankset in wishing her the best and passing along a hearty congratulations.