Across the Pond and Back Again

Free publicity, Ron. You better pay me for this!

I hope you enjoyed the myriad of pictures from my rampage across France. No, it wasn't a rampage, but I sure had a blast. I was sent off by Devin and Marc Gowler with a 4hr fest of pain on Memorial Day. I suffered. I suffered. I suffered. Got to France, stayed with the host family, and had a merry time embracing the culture. A bunch of sight-seeing and football watching, but not too much riding. I managed a ride for 1.5hrs on a 1974 Mercier (6 speed!). I totally owned my penpal, Sylvain. Yes, I managed to (inadvertently) drop a French teenager on my bike. I know, I know. Clearly, I was on top form! I will gladly give anyone who is interested a pain-stakingly detailed account of my trip. Just ask! The shop guys could probably retell it just as good as I could. Got back to 'Murica and got right back to work. The shop has been quite busy, combine that with the Webster Crit and you're in for some chaos. I did just fine for not having ridden in three weeks and hung in a hot 3/4s race with a couple of pathetic efforts. I was content. I've worked and rode since then and had a brief sickness scare. I raced tonight at Carondelet Park, not sure what would happen. I felt pretty good and even was up at the front for a bit. I tried to bridge Devin to the leaders. I gave him a little respite but I quickly faded. I finished the race and grabbed a sno cone on the way home. Had I not, I would have died. I'm happy to know I've still got some form and am looking forward to 'cross. The new bike should arrive next week!