The Real Deal Report

It's Over

2004-11-03T09:03:00.000-06:00

What an election. I was starting to get concerned early in the evening but Bush started coming strong at the end. Kerry and the Dems won't give up though. Even now, the Ohio officials are saying that the lead is insurmountable, but CNN still won't give Bush Ohio. If it were the other way around they would be dancing on the ceilings for Kerry. Even Ohio Dems are saying Bush won.

The Dems and the media are trying to tear this country apart. They need to give up.

One things that I'm really pleased about is that in the eleven states that voted on the ban of gay marriage, 11 states said yes to ban them. That just goes to show you that the majority of people in this country don't buy the whole gay agenda. I for one do not believe that gays are born that way, it's their choice. I just don't see how God would create someone to then go out and do something that God himself calls a sin. So then gay people have to be evolutionist. They evolved that way apparently.

This country has a moral fiber that is unmatched. I hope that this Bush can take this nation in a positive direction.

Tubes, Who Needs 'Em?

2004-10-31T11:12:00.000-06:00

This weekend was a wild and wacky weekend down in NW Arkansas. I got down there on Friday afternoon, and Mike and I went on a ride on his cross bike, and I rode Vince's. We did some fun gravel roads, and were feeling good. We were just taking it easy, riding and shooting the breeze. Then he flatted. No big deal. This takes a couple of minutes to change. He took out his tube, then he took out his CO2 cartridge, but he didn't have one thing: his CO2 adapter. I didn't have one with me because I wasn't on my bike. So since I'm from Africa, I decided we would have to do the African thing, which is figure out something to do.

We had stopped by a bunch of trees, and I saw all kinds of leaves on the ground. A light bulb went in my head and I knew that we could use them to at least get us home. We stuffed that stinking tire with all the leaves that we could fit in. By this time it was totally dark, and his light didn't even have batteries in it. We rode the last over 30 minutes in the dark. Crazy fun.

Saturday morning we had the big group ride with the Tyson team. We even got to take our picture. It was really relaxed and we had a good time riding. We took it really easy, and would wait for the group to regroup at the top of bigger climbs. It's just kind of neat to me that it used to be me that everyone was waiting for back when I started, and now (and I'll never be confused as a climber), I'm one of the ones waiting. I'm not even attacking on climbs even. I'm just spinnin' up the hills.

Saturday night, we had a meeting with our team director to talk about our training plan for the next year. He took a ton of time to make one up, and it's going to be awesome. I'm really looking forward to next season because I believe that these guys are going to take me to a whole new level of racing.

I love racing.

Fire Tony Larussa, Toughest World Series Ever

2004-10-28T08:18:00.000-05:00

The toughest World Series for me to watch is finally over. It was the toughest because the two teams were my two favorite teams in baseball. I wanted both to win. I didn't however want the Cardinals, my top team, to lay down and die. It didn't even seemed to me like they tried.

That all comes down to coaching. I haven't liked Larussa since he screwed up the chemistry of the lineup in the 2000 NLCS against the Mets. I just believe that he's overrated. He took the top team in the majors in 1988 and they lost in five to the Dodgers. In 1990, he again took the team with the best record and got swept by the Reds. The top player for the Reds that series was Billy Hatcher. Who's Billy Hatcher? Exactly. This year he taked the team with the best record and what happens? He gets swept again. Ridiculous.

I'm done with him. What is it with coaches in STL anyway. Mike Martz sucks. Whoever coaches the Blues probably sucks. I wouldn't even be surprised if the coach of the indoor soccer team up there sucks. I don't know. It's just wrong.

The Red Sox Will Break Your Heart?

2004-10-18T16:26:00.000-05:00

Last night, I gave up on my boys. The last thing I said before I turned off my light was, "The Red Sox broke my heart again." They were down by only one, but Mariano Rivera was coming in, and he has been lights out. So I went to bed to get up and not be tired for work this morning.

I woke up, turned on Sportcenter to see that the boys had come back and won it on a David Papi Ortiz home run. Dramatic stuff. Watching the highlights even made me yell. Could this become the most dramatic turnround in sports history. The first step is today. Pedro is on the mound, so there is a chance again for a win. Tomorrow, Shill is going to be on the mound, but there is no telling what he will be able to do with his ankle. Regardless, I won't be quitting on these boys til the last out. I don't care if they break my heart again. The didn't wilt away like they could have. They sacked up and made it a series. Let's go boys.

I BELIEVE.

I Think I Saw the Great Pumpkin

2004-10-17T09:58:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was finally able to ride outside again. It was no beautiful. Sun was shining, birds were chirping. I loved it. I was doing the TT loop and when I rode by the Jones Farm Pumpkin Patch I decided I would pedal in and see what all the fuss is about. There were tons of families picking their pumpkin, and there is even a cornfield maze there. It's a shame I didn't have a cross bike, or I would have ridden the maze. That would have been a sight.

On another note, it looks like they may have found some more evidence that Barry Bonds took THG or some other designer steroid. I've yet to pass any judgement on the guy, mainly because I know what it's like to be accused of taking stuff even though you know you're not on anything. Back when I was competing in the bench press, I really improved really quick betwee two meets. I had gotten a coach who had totally changed my technique and learned how to eat properly to fuel my lifting. There were whispers though. The facts are looking too much though like he took stuff. Does it sully his record though? We still don't know whether or not steroid use improves your power hitting.

Are You Freaking Kidding Me?

2004-10-16T08:53:00.000-05:00

Friday was looking so beautiful. A little windy, but the sun was shining, temps were even getting closer to the 70 degree mark. I could not wait to ride. Even though I had to do a lot of lifting of boxes during the day, I WAS going to ride outside. I couldn't get the smile off of my face for that sheer fact. Then something happened.

4:30. Just thirty minutes to go before I'm off for the day, and off on my bike. Suddenly these dark clouds come in, and the temps starts to drop. I'm convincing myself that the rain is going to stay away, but then BOOM, here it comes. So then I have myself convinced that it's going to pass. So it starts to rain even harder.

So I did my first indoor training session yesterday. I got the rollers out, watched some tv and rode my bike. Today and tomorrow are going to be nice though. WOO HOO.

Am I in Belgium?

2004-10-14T13:45:00.000-05:00

So it is raining again. I can't believe it. It seems that whenever it looks like things are going to start looking up weather wise this week, it just gets worse again. It rained the whole trip back on Sunday, it rained all day on Monday. That didn't freak me out because Monday is my leg workout day in the gym anyway. Tuesday though it was raining even harder, and I just couldn't bring myself to ride on the rollers. I figure I'll have to ride them enough this winter, there really isn't a need to get sick of them already. Yesterday though seemed like things were finally changing. Sunny and 65 degrees. It was so great to get outside to ride again. I just took it nice and easy and didn't push it at all. I should have been wearing baggy shorts because I just looked like the old dude riding in the park.

Today though, the rain is back. Apparently we aren't even going to make it up to 45 degrees either. I really don't want to do the rollers tonight, but it looks like I won't have a choice. Got to start getting myself motivated now.

RED SOX VEE yankees

2004-10-12T19:21:00.000-05:00

I was bummin' when I drove home tonight after work, mainly because I wasn't riding my bike because of the rain. I figured since I was on my October chill time, I was definitely not going to break out my rollers. I'll have to ride those enough this winter. If I start riding them now, I'll hate them by December.

Then, as I checked the mail, things started looking up. First, I noticed that the new Nashbar catalogue was in. Then, even more exciting was the new GQ that came in featuring one Lindsey Lohan. I've been looking forward to the mag for two weeks, but GQ had a publishing problem, so they didn't get it out on time. Thanks though for finally getting it to me.

And above all else, the Red Sox and the Yankees start their series tonight. My favorite NL team, the Cardinals is in it to win it, and my favorite AL team, the Sox look great. I'm hoping and predicting a Red Sox-Cards World Series. I want that matchup bad. If I had to choose from dating Linsey Lohan and that World Series, I would take the World Series every time.

I'm rambling, so I better stop. Hope the stinking rain stops tomorrow so I can ride my bike.

Backyard Burgers and a Rebecca St. James Lookalike

2004-10-11T12:19:00.000-05:00

Had my last race of the season on Saturday. It wasthe Tour de Heart down in Marion, Arkansas. I won itlast year, so they had me back this year and let merace for free. They even had me take a pic with themayor of the town at the start/finish line. So that was pretty cool. It's a non-sanctioned race, so they start everybody together, but there is an understanding that the true blue racers start up frontand the rest hang back while they get going.

This year there were about 20 of us licensed riders. All4's and 5's. Back Yard Burger had six guys. I was solo. Nobody else had teammates that I knew of. We got going and stayed together for awhile. Then Backyard Burger started sending guys on attacks, and I was the only one strong enough to reel them in. Each time that I would reel one in, I'd sit in until the next attack.

I figured this one guy was their main guy so when he attacked with about 6 miles to go I went and covered and it was just the two of us. I told him that if we worked together it would just be the two of us. He told me he wasn't there to win it and dropped back. I tried to stay solo for awhile but with 4 miles to go I knew that I couldn't keep it the whole way so I let the group catch up with me. As soon as the group got close BB launched two guys in a counter attack and I couldn't respond. I didn't know what to do. I ended up 7th overall and second in my age group.

That wasn't all that happened for the weekend though. I got down there Friday night in time to still be able to do a little ride. I forgot how easy it is to ride on roads where there is not even a litte rise. Then later that night I went over to Steve and Tina's to say hi to them and their kids. I've known them for 6 years now, but this was the first time I've seen them in 2 years. Their oldest daugther Courteney was there for Fall Break from college, and well, she grew up dude. She looks just like Rebecca St. James. Courteney, Tina, Kyle and I played Yahtzee for my first time ever. I won, so at least I got one victory on the weekend. Little did I know that the time I spent there would be my highlight of the weekend (and that's even if I had won the race).

Saturday night and Sunday morning I went to church at First A/G. I love that church. I don't know what it is, but somehow God brings me to that church when I need it most. Every time. He did it again this weekend.

Great weekend.

Defending the Title

2004-10-07T13:20:00.000-05:00

In 45 hours I will begin my defense of the Tour de Heart win that I had last year. It's a short 16 mile race, totally flat, and so, totally fast. Last year I raced a really smart race and took the win. This year, the overall winner gets 100 bucks. I want it bad. If I don't win the race, whoever wins will have had to suffer.

Bikes Plus is supposedly sending a whole crew of five to team up against me to take my title away from me. I won't have it. I say bring it on big boys. I'll be wearing the Tyson jersey and riding the red Kestrel.

Speaking of the red Kestrel. That bike just wants to go too fast all the time. I have to put my hands on the breaks to keep the speed down.

16 miles. 100 bucks. MY TITLE.

My Letter to Newsweek's Editor

2004-10-04T13:51:00.000-05:00

In your article "Trouble over Oily Waters," your last paragraph disturbed me. In it you state that the African union will no longer recognize governments put in place by a coup, which is a great thing that has happened. However, you follow that up with a line that shows how misinformed many American journalists are about African politics and its history. You state that the people of Equatorial Guinea wish that that ruling had been in place 25 years ago when the current president overthrew his uncle, Macias, in a coup.

Macias was not someone that the people wanted to keep in power. He was a ruthless dictator that killed more people per capita than Idi Amin. He believed that he was god, and so did not allow any worship to take place other than worship for himself. He was a cannibal that would eat his many fallen victims in order to gain their powers. He also did now allow education in the country for fear that if young people were educated they would overthrow his government.

Teodoro Nguema Mbasogo, the current president, is not the greatest African president in the continents history. I disagree with many of the decisions he has made. However, he has allowed religious freedom, growing education reforms and many other decisions that have made the country much better than when I first moved there in 1987.

This coup attempt was not for humanitarian efforts. It was for oil, and the billions of dolllars that this country could produce. Just because this is taking place in a tiny African nation, one the oil execs call "The Little Kuwait," does not give your writers an excuse to make misinformed and slanted statements.

Arkansas Riding Rocks

2004-10-02T17:47:00.000-05:00

I headed down to Rogers to spend the night with Vince and MAK so that I could join up with the Tyson team for their Saturday morning training ride. The three of us headed to Fayetteville on our bikes, so we had an hour in before we even got to FBC. The crew headed out from the bike shop and we did 2.5 hours of nice easy riding. I love climbing when we're chillin' in the offseason. You gotta love keeping up with the studs up hills that normally they would drop you. Once back at the shop MAK and I headed back home on the bikes. So we ended up with a little over 4 and a half hours and over 3000 feet of climbing. A great day was had by all. Each time I'm with the Tyson team, I'm that much more happy with my decision to join them.

Great Article for End of Season

2004-10-01T07:28:00.000-05:00

I saw this on the ultrafit e-tips, and thought many of you fellow racers would appreciate what it had to say.

The temperatures are falling, the racing calendars are thinning out and most of you are beginning to wind down your season. When you do, you will get not only a much-needed respite from training, but also an unparalleled vantage point for an honest review of your year. You can look back to see whether the modifications you made the year before produced the desired results. You can decide whether a tweak here and a twist there may produce better results for the upcoming season. But what are you forgetting? Think hard. That's right! The same thing you tend to neglect during the training year: proper recovery. If you've ever wondered why there are so many articles about recovery, it's because you, or at least the majority of cyclists out there, don't pay attention to them! So don't make the same mistake this year. Get out the hot cocoa and your training log (it may be in the trash or buried underneath your dirty laundry-find it!) and get ready to examine the three areas in which you may have shortchanged your recovery: physical, emotional and mental. Be merciless in your assessment. It can only help you in the long run. Physical Post-Workout Recovery Did you consume some calories within 30 minutes of finishing workouts-every time you worked out? Commercially available recovery drinks are the easiest route to consistent post-workout feedings. Next year, get the drinks ready before you work out-if you're lazy before the workout, think how you'll feel when you're done. Did you eat full, nutritionally correct meals within two hours of the end of your workout? Again, advance preparation is key. It is more efficient to make multiple meals at one time. Placing some of these meals, in addition to healthy snacks, at home and at work will make it far more likely that you will take advantage of them. SleepConsider how much you actually slept while you trained and raced. Here's a hint: eight hours of "sleep" in which you wake up several times because of a snoring mate or restless pets is not sound sleep. In the future, you may occasionally have to separate yourself from your mate or kick the dogs out of the room-for your own health. Also, try cutting your lunch break a little short and taking a 15- to 20-minute nap. You'll be far more productive at work and on the bike. Always nap on weekend days, even if you have to explicitly block out time in your schedule to do so. Lifestyle From here on out, if you are not training, you are recovering. And if you must heap physical stress on top of training, make it as light as possible: mow the lawn in the cool of evening or morning; use a cart at the grocery store instead of lugging heavy bags. When you relax, really relax. Sit in the air conditioning, and watch a movie lying down on the couch. He who is a blob at home is a dynamo at races. Emotional Socialization Did you jettison what used to be your social life in order to train more? Was it worth it? Social contact is necessary to be totally healthy, so schedule social time if that's what it takes All training and no play makes Johnny a dull boy who isn't fully recovered. What's more: deprivation impedes motivation. If you begin to feel like your training is taking you away from people you miss, you begin to resent it. With resentment comes unproductive-or missed-workouts. Circle of Concern Did you waste valuable energy worrying about things over which you had no control? Getting upset at the rain accomplishes nothing productive. Berating yourself over a bad race doesn't change your performance. When you go into next year, try to limit your circle of concern to things over which you have control and use the extra emotional energy to fully recover. Mental RelaxWas there any point in your busy day when you were not thinking hard? How about not thinking at all? Cyclists tend not to believe this but the truth is that a tired mind can be as bad as tired legs because the systems that regulate your body do not know the difference between stress from a ride and stress from the office. So instead of rushing through the day at breakneck speed, chugging coffee, eating lunch at your desk and never stopping, take a few minutes to empty your mind and really zen out. Look at it as a challenge: emptying your mind is much more difficult than filling it. Quit thinking for just a few minutes; quit worrying; quit mentally working on something. If you must, read the comics or a book (not a training book!). Just turn that noggin off for a few. Be SmartAs you approach your training and racing future, remember to think about recovery. Notice how you feel when you are rested and when you are tired. Learn about the warning signs of overtraining and then heed them. Work to clear your mind of negative thoughts about your past performances and focus on the positive aspects of your current performance. Your brain, your legs and the people around you will be glad you did. This is only a short list of the possible areas in which you can look back at your season to improve recovery habits. Hindsight is 20/20, says the old cliché-take advantage of this clear perspective of your past season to brighten the view of the next season.

Chillin' on the Bike

2004-09-30T22:15:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year in which us cyclist, except for those studs racing down in Florida this weekend, again start riding with chill as our main focus. It felt so weird to ride so easy the last couple of days, but I don't mind. I still love going fast, but this relaxed time on the bike also gives you a lot of time to think. I can't complain about that. So here are some of the random thoughts that went through my head yesterday as I rode.

"Which show am I going to watch at 8, King of Queens or Bernie Mac?"

I ended up watching the Apprentice which was on because of the debates tonight.

"Why is John Kerry so orange?"

"Why did Liz ever date that guy?"

"I wish Reno 911 would have a continuous season."

"STLbiking.com is a great forum."

"Why aren't there more people out riding today?"

"Why are the OCC guys hammering so hard when there's no races for a long time?"

That's about it yesterday.

MMM, BURRITOS

2004-09-28T21:43:00.000-05:00

I wanted to take it easy on my ride today, so I went over to the bike path and about ten minutes into the ride I ran into Brad and a guy named Kirk. Kirk is from STL but he has an office down here in Springfield and Brad coaches him. They were also just doing a nice easy recovery ride. So I joined up with them and then Jim Farasy from the OCC joined us as well. We just tooled around and had a great time. Afterwards, Brad, Kirk, Melissa and I went to Qudoba Mexican Grill. It was actually a little on the healthier side than most Mexican places. Very similar to Chipotle, but the burritos are smaller. It was good stuff. Thanks Kirk for the great meal.

Mercy, Mercy, Mercy

2004-09-27T14:41:00.000-05:00

What a weekend. Drove down to Fort Smith on Friday night, walked into my hotel room, and I suddenly felt like a pro. My new teammate and friend Mike Macdonald had been comped a room at the Residence Inn there in FS. It was so stinking nice. I felt like a domestic cat V. I saw a hot tub, and I had a feeling that I would have to use that thing on Saturday night.

After a fitful night of sleep I got up early so that I could get ready for my first of four races on Saturday morning. The race got started, and I could not believe that I still had something in me after taking so much time off this summer. The pack was chillin' and I was feeling good in the top ten, and then the dreaded PSSSSSSSSST sound when a flat happens. It was even more dreaded because there were no free laps allowed because we were on five to go. I was ticked for a little while, but my friend Melissa calmed me down and gave me a lot of encouragement. That afternoon in the 4/5 race, I was simply in it for grins. I got dropped, but lasted about 25 minutes in the 40 minute crit. My legs were done.

Saturday night was the racer's dinner at the Rib Room. I would have to say that this was definitely one of the highlights of my weekend. I sat with Melissa and her stud boyfriend, the one and only Brad Freaking Huff, and the rest of the Mercy girls. I was a good boy though. I didn't even flirt.....too much. It was a great opportunity to get to know Melissa even more, and I couldn't be happier for Brad to be with her. They are two great people, and they make an even greater couple. I was starting to get tired, and was really looking forward to the hot tub back at the INN so I left. Apparently, I left before all the drama went down. I'm cool with that.

Sunday, I woke up so much more rested, and as soon as I rode the course one time, I was suddenly a lot more confident. A break went pretty soon in the race, and the chase group was me and 3 Mercy guys. Mercy had 2 guys in the break ahead, so the three ticks were not going to do any work. I would take longer pulls, just getting us a little closer, then I saw that the break had quit working together. I heard Lonnie Kennedy tell me that it was time to get them, so I put the hammer down and caught them in that lap. I tried attacking the group, but it didn't work. I ended up 7th. That afternoon I tried to do the 4/5, but started cramping up on the second lap so I pulled up and shut her down for the weekend.

The true blue highlight of my weekend were my opportunities to pray with people before their race, and even share about my relationship with God. Wearing the Tyson jersey, I noticed people let their guards down around me much more than when I was with ICCC. I had people asking me to pray for them. It was wild. I talked more about my relationship with God, and Christianity in this one weekend of racing, than I had in all my races put together for the ICCC. I'm a missionary to the cycling world.

I'm sure glad that God has allowed me to race again.

To The Ends of The Earth

2004-09-23T14:50:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite Praise and Worship songs right now. I've only heard it sung at one church, but it is very inspirational.

Love unfailing, overtaking my heart.
You take me in.
Finding peace again, my fear is lost in all You are.

And I would give the world to tell Your story
'Cause I know that You've called me,
I know that You've called me.
I've lost myself for good within Your promise.
And I won't hide it. I won't hide it.

Jesus, I believe in You.
And I would go, to the ends of the earth,
To the ends of the Earth, for You,
Alone are the Son of God, and all the world will see
That You are God. You are God.

Just Pedal

2004-09-22T14:11:00.000-05:00

The Road of LifeAt first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know Him. But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal. I don't know just when it was that He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since. When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable it was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds. It was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!" I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure, and when I'd say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand. I gained love, peace, acceptance and joy; gifts to take on my journey, My Lord's and mine. And we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away. They're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light. I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it; but he knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten, scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ. And when I'm sure I just can't do it anymore, He just smiles and says... "Pedal

Ripping Cables, Breaking Hearts

2004-09-20T02:37:00.000-05:00

What a weekend? I had a great time this weekend at STL. It seemed that as soon as we got to STL, I hit the ground running. On Friday night, we got to my Uncle Paul and Aunt Yvonne's at almost 10, and even though I was super tired, Yvonne and I talked for awhile. It was great getting to talk to her again.

Saturday morning, I was up at 6 to meet up with Bobber to try out his Kestrel. We met up with former teammates Bill and Paul, plus some random dude that was at the park when we were about to leave. About 45 minutes into the ride, I went to shift, and my shifter cable broke. We had to jerry rig the cable so that the bike was in a gear that I could at least pedal up hills. We got back to Bobber's house and then over to Big Shark to get it fixed. Thanks Bobber and Big Shark for hooking me up. I like this Kestrel a lot.

That afternoon my roommate and I went up to Belleville for Matt and Mo's wedding. Mo and I were cheerleaders together back at Evangel. My stunt partner from back then, Ann, was also there. It was great to talk to her again, and it was weird seeing all these people from Lewis there, and it was just like we were all EU students again. Same cliques, same attitude. And I wonder why I didn't like it too much?

Sunday I went out for another ride on the Kestrel, and really put the bike through the paces. I went hard. Then Paul and I went to a Cardinals game, and even though they lost, it was a great time. On the way back we went to The Feed Lot and ate good food.

When we got home I was tired, but I absolutely loved the weekend.

5 and a half days away from the COMEBACK.

It's Time To Go

2004-09-17T19:49:00.000-05:00

It is finally time to head out for the weekend. I'm really looking forward to this trip, and a full one it will be. First, I have a nice 3 hour ride with the boys in STL tomorrow morning, then I have a wedding to go in the afternoon. Then on Sunday, my roommate Paul and my cousin Jeremy(maybe) are going to the Cardinals game. Too bad that their playing the Diamondbacks, and Pujols better be playing. Have a great weekend one and all.

On My Way To STL

2004-09-16T22:04:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow I head up to STL to see my cousins, go to a wedding, and ride my new ride with my friends and former teammates Bobber, Bill, DK, and Paul. No telling who else might show up. The more the merrier though. I love riding with the other guys, and will miss getting to train with them more often, but the new team has already opened up their arms to me like never before.

One of the guys on the team, Mike, is going to be volunteering at the races on the Mercy weekend, so he's been given a free hotel room. I get to use the hotel room, so it looks like I'll be doing a whole weekends worth of racing. AWWW YEAH!!!! I love racing, and I miss it more each day that I'm not doing it. September 25 cannot come fast enough.

Today had a fun training ride. I was riding along, when I saw two guys chillin on the side of the road. I stopped to check and make sure that they didn't have anything wrong with their bikes, and one of the guys is the French professor over at Evangel. So I rode with he and the other guy for about 30 minutes. Made for some fun. Then I kept riding along, and some dude on a mtb came right in front of me from the other side of the road. I didn't see him coming. He's trucking along, looking back at me trying to keep a distance, and I'm just laughing to myself at him. As soon as we get to one climb, I absolutely motored by him, and gave him "the look" just so that he knew not to mess with me. I didn't see him anymore after that.

Check you later everybody.

Skewered

2004-09-16T00:02:00.000-05:00

What a crazy day at work today. I was going around like a chicken with my head cut off, but I got through it okay. I only had to stay 30 extra minutes, although I could have easily kept doing stuff until 7. I had to get a ride in you know. So while I was on my ride, the little quick release thing on my skewer fell off. I don't know where it fell off, I just know that it did. Crazy stuff. I got put on Team Tyson tonight as well, and I am their last person from out of NW Arkansas that they are going to put on their team. It's a great team, and I'm so glad that I have been given this opportunity. Well, take care everybody. Check you later.

The Blog Begins

2004-09-15T02:54:00.000-05:00

So for those friends of mine that like to keep up with me, but I can't email each and every one of them, here is the blog for you. I'll talk about cycling. I'll talk about God. I'll talk about politics. I'll talk about all kinds of stuff that you'll find both interesting and boring.

Cycling right now is starting to go well. I'm about to make my comeback race in a week and a half. I'm so looking forward to it. I needed the time away, and I didn't know if I was ever going to race again, but I will. September 26. Van Buren, Arkansas. It's been since March 27th that I last velcroed on the shoes and pedaled up to the start line. I'm ready.

SD