Cheater!!!

Do you want to know how you get up Brasstown Bald when you weigh nearly 200lbs and you're completely cracked and seeing stars?? You get not 1, not 2, but 3 grown men to help push you up the steepest section. This photo cracks me up because I remember that cycling ethics was the last thing on my mind at that point. I just wanted to be able to start the next day by any means possible. This photo was taken by Amy whom I met at Tour of Missouri this year.
So, I'm definitely in offseason as confirmed by my recent resurgence of a nightlife, the liklihood that I be spotted at the local IHOP or ice cream aisle of a 24hr grocery store after 10p.m., and the unliklihood that I've been seen outside of Boulder on a bike in the past 2 weeks (exactly once). However, my hiking form is coming around. I'm feeling pretty fast on the dirt paths of the foothills. :-) And I built up a cross bike and so have been hitting the gravel a little and practicing mounting/dismounting a ton (make that 10min. worth where I racked myself a good one and called it a day). I think I'm ready for some cross racing! I may start jumping into some local races as early as this weekend, so if you want a good hearty laugh come out to the races and see me get throttled handily. Sounds like fun to me!
I hope you're enjoying your autumn!

Ouch

Yesterday hurt...a lot. So much so that I've been claiming that it was one of the hardest days I've had on a bike. The 90mi course was finished with a 46.8kph (29mph) average. This was on a very challenging, hilly course with no flat road anywhere. It was a good thing that we had total participation on the team trying to get in the break, because there were probably a dozen or so serious breakaway attempts that were absolute leg breakers for those in the moves. The decisive break didn't go until 100k into the race. I was a tad smashed by the end but still tried a late move (1500m to go) that was weak and extremely futile.
After the stage, BJM and I were asked to sign some autographs at the Michelob Ultra tent (race sponsor). Our appearance fee consisted of one cold Michelob each. Mmmmm..recovery.

After falling victim to a viral infection and dropping out after St. 1, Jeremy has taken a new career path? as a t.v. commentator for the race. Have we found the next Paul Sherwen?

Okay, 3 stages to go. Gotta stay attentive and keep out of trouble.

Missouri update

Those of you giving me a hard time about lack of updates - this will have to do. Now get off my back!!! (Matt, Don, et al) :)
The TT yesterday didn't go so well for me. I felt flat about the whole day and really haven't been feeling all that great for weeks now. I'm not sick or anything, I just think the long season is starting to wear on me a bit. We have 4 days of racing left in the season though, so it's a good time to let it all hang out, take some chances, and have fun racing.
My Dad and uncle Don came to Stages 2 & 3, which was cool. At this time of year, I'll take any form of extra motivation I can get. Rumor has it I could get a Mom appearance this weekend too. Lucky me!
So, if you'd like better race updates and pictures, etc. - I suggest you visit www.podiuminsight.blogspot.com. Lyne is at all the races (it seems) and does an awesome job of covering the races, taking pics, and providing unique insights. Plus, if you scroll down through her ToMissouri posts, you'll find my latest fashion choice with regards to haircut and facial hair and an opportunity for you to vote 'yay' or 'nay'. Good for cheap entertainment. Thanks for reading. And the countdown continues....4 to go.

Pick out the good in any situation

The Highlight of my Saturday. The rest I can do without. photo courtesy of Su'zi:k.