Check it out...

Just got this from a teammate.

http://www.dothetest.co.uk/

Cuz...

You know... it's Pi Day.

Anyway, last weekend we did a little bike racing. At some point during my first race someone decided I was 'Uninhibited'. Not sure if it was me riding my bike or my itsy-bitsy jersey riding up my back that earned me this distinction but either way, I'm going to enjoy the spoils.

Sadness

We had many little stories to share from Saturday's shenanigans but in light of the tragedy that struck the NorCal cycling this last weekend they all seem insignificant. While we didn't know either of these cyclists well we had raced with each of them often over the last few weeks and admired their skill, fitness and humor. Just Saturday, while racing, Matt rode next to me and gave a good natured heckle about the fit of my kit. It's still hard to grasp that a day later he was gone.

While I struggle to come to grips the randomness and the senselessness of Sunday's events I find myself wanting to supplant my sadness with anger. Like many of us, it's easier for me to be angry than sad. But in searching for someone to blame I find only victims - the riders, their close friends and families, the cycling community at large and yes, even the driver. And without a focal point for my anger I'm left to face the sadness.

Peace and be safe.

Week to week...

Same roads, two radically different races.

Last week the wind was blowing, clouds threatening rain but the racing was a blast. DBC put their boys on the front and drove the pace all day long. Working in pairs, the men in orange would pull our little pack through the wind until they blew and had us moving at a pretty good clip. By the end there were only 15 of us left. The data showed a 2.5 hour race at what is typically a hard crit effort. I was destroyed but enjoyed every minute of it.

Yesterday was back to negative racing. The team in yellow and the team in red had superior numbers, enough in fact to try a couple different approaches to winning the race. Alas, they both had their minds set on the bunch gallop at the end so 70 of us went into the last turn together. Sure, there were a few attacks along the way. Attempts by other teams to make things interesting but team tactics are clearly not the strong suit of the Cat 4's. I guess when you're doing hypoxic math 2 in 70 odds is better than 1 in 5.

As for me, I didn't fight hard enough for position on the last significant hill. I watched the daredevils charge down the other side suspecting they wouldn't make the corner. My suspicions were confirmed as I rounded the corner and found riderless bikes in the road. I came to a complete stop and then chased my ass off to try and catch the pack. At the base of the 'feed zone' kicker I caught the back of the pack and then drove hard to get around those who were loosing contact with the business end of the race. I caught the back of the lead group right as the front was cresting the hill...another pack finish. After reviewing the data I have to agree...it was a nice day for an easy group ride.

World Gone Crazy...

When it seems the world's gone crazy...

• The White House is occupied by cowBoys who like to play with guns.


• The former first couple show their true political spots.


• The far right panders to the basest American fears...and it works.


• Indecision among leaders leads to chaos...locally and globally.


• You learn 1 out of every 100 American adults is incarcerated...more if their skin is brown.


• Known blind spots in some reveal hidden facets of others.

When it feels on the verge of being out of control it's time to close the door, unplug the phone, shoot your TV, sit in the sun and take a deep breath (or reach for the Thin Mints).

Ooph..what a weekend

Well, it's going to take me a couple of days to recover from this one.

Saturday was the unofficial opening to the Road Racing season and like most years, well attended in all fields. The wind turned what is normally a rude awakening to the reality of NorCal road racing into a major suffer fest that none will soon forget. As I got ready to race the reports were trickling in from the first wave of races...brutal pace and no place to hide. Many had packed it in early, unable to hang on or close gaps opened by others who couldn't hang on. The message was clear...stay near the front and race smart. I managed to stay with the front group to the end but had no kick left in my legs for a sprint. Thanks to DBC for keeping the pace fast and the racing interesting.

Sunday was the Five Course Potluck Wine Pairing Birthday Dinner. We ended up with a great menu: Lentil soup, lamb tagine w/Asparagus, mixed green salad pears and raisins, an awesome cheese course and pear-puff pastry tartlets w/pomegranate syrup. Wow, everyone went all out... the food and wine were awesome.

Unfortunately, today the piper needs payment.

Thanks to A.T. for the great photos.

PS GS cookies arrived this weekend...deliveries will be made soon.

Celebrity Quiz

This guys was standing with Bjarne Riis during the awards Monday. Ali and I feel like we should know who he is but can't figure it out. We're looking for a little help from the fellow bike nerds out there. Who is this guy?