With the weather in NYC in the single digits and the race season starting in a few weeks, what better way to beat the trainer than to go out west in search of some pain in the sunshine. 

Palm Springs, California fulfilled all my expectations.  The desert climate and some killer hills made the suffering even better.  Of course, enjoying local food and dipping my sun scorched legs in the pool was also priority.  I highly recommend the Tramway climb.  This road left me heaving and, with a wide grin, wanting more.