Oh the heat!

Maybe this should be the official team photo

Once again a post ride coffee shop break. These must be the hardcore coffee drinkers who want a coffee even though its 94 degrees outside. At that temperature I resort to the iced coffee at least.

You may recognize this spot where Forrest Gump was speaking to Vietnam protestors or where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I have a dream" speech.

I look like a goober in this photo but here you go anyways. Lincoln is resting his feet on my head. Thanks Sima.


Monday, Somerville, NJ - The Tour of Somerville I think is the oldest race in the country. Something like 70 years its been going on. Our main sponsor, Colavita, is from New Jersey and we wanted to put on a good show. With Tina winning again I think Colavita/Cooking Light showed we are one of the best. That was a another long day for me. They all seem long but moving around in the heat at times I thought I would cry out in frustration. Hot! The four hour drive afterwards back to Alexandria, VA seemed to take forever.

Tuesday - Today I had a day-off of sorts. The whole team went for a 4 hour ride that included some sightseeing in Washington DC. Turns out that was pretty interesting. Being a U.S. citizen I've never been to the DC area (I've never seen NY City either). I always say the best way to experience this country is on a bike so riding amongst some of the monuments is the way I'd wanted to do it. The best part of the day was at the Lincoln Memorial. I was a little behind the team so by the time I got to the top of the steps several of the riders were surrounded by a school group that wanted them in their picture. In addition the Japenese tourists were motioning with sign language to get pictures with the girls. I thought it was hilarious. A Japanese girl asked to get a picture with me and Sima. Wow! I must have looked "So Pro". Just imagine if you will standing with a Japanese family you've never met but they are so psyched to get their picture taken with you. Back in Japan they are going to show people photos of their trip to America and my face will be there with some sort of explaination how they were at the Lincoln Memorial and this group of cyclists came along blah, blah, blah. Funny stuff happens all the time!

Wed - I probably could do some work on the bikes but it is so hot outside I'd think I'd melt so I'm at a Panera Bread eating lunch and using the wireless. It's not as air conditioned as I hoped though.

Cheers For Now,
DJB

Baltimore, Merryland

MADDIE rocking the bike stand.

If you wear black knee-high compression socks, earplugs, and a thing over your eyes when traveling then you might be a pro cyclist. Can you name the rider?

Tina Pic Podium along with Jenn McRae and ?


Bike Jam – Baltimore, Maryland

On Saturday we raced in Baltmore, Merryland. Leaving Alexandria, Va to get to the race we ran into stopped traffic on I-95. Note to self, most people in Washington DC are probably getting out of the city for memorial weekend. Fortunately Tina along with her dad, Albert, were able to divert us around the jam and we arrived in plenty of time. I heard some folks were not as fortunate though and arrived with barely enough time to warm-up.

Tina won the race with her fantastic sprint again. What most people don’t realize is that it takes the effort of the whole team to deliver her into position. Tina gets the podium spot but it’s really considered a team effort. Way to go ladies.

Besides Tina winning, the other notables of the day were catching up with Eric “Blackhands” Jellum and Ken “No Sleep” Mills from Targetraining. Eric brought some supplies I needed from Wisconsin so that was greatly appreciated. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me at first but yes it actually was Pistol Petar Tomich working with the Navigator team. Good to see him! Of course it was nice to see everyone’s favorite ball buster Candice (no last name needed because everyone knows who Candice is. Kind of like just saying Madonna or Prince). Jim and I got to catch up with a Lake Placid friend, Jean Brennan, who is living in Baltimore for now. She said it didn’t occur to her that we would be at the race until she saw Jim walking around and then it hit her. I haven’t seen Jean for maybe two years so it was nice to know she is doing well. She used to race back in the day when Cannondale had a women’s team. Last but not least I ran into Heather and Bill Lebance and the grooviest 4 year-old I know, MADDIE! She likes to work on her bike, likes watching the Tour de France and her mom race, and listens to Jack Johnson. How cool is that! Next week the team is going to stay with Heather and Bill and I’m looking forward to seeing Maddie. Maybe go for a bike ride.

Colavita/Cooking Light got a little more international this week. Melissa Holt has been added to the team. I’ve known Meshy (pronounced Me-She) and her boyfriend Jeff (pronounced Jeef) ever since they came to race in Lake Placid for the Cloudsplitter Classsic Stage Race. Anyone remember that race? Cool race but quite an effort to put on. Anyways, it’s great to have them here to race and teach us some Kiwi vernacular.

It’s a good thing I got out of bed that day. At the race I lent a pair of pedals to the Navigators mechanic, lent a helmet to a Colavita/Sutter Home rider who forgot his, and fixed a little girl’s bike which kept dropping its chain. I could’ve completed a perfect “hat trick” if I had a pair of shoes for a certain male pro rider whose race bag didn’t make it onto his team van. I won’t mention any names because that must be embarrassing.

Forgetting something became a source of anxiety for me when once as a junior racer I saw a guy in a parking lot before a race tear apart his car looking for his shoes. He forgot them at home! At that point the only thing he could do was walk around the parking lot asking if anyone had any shoes he could use. What a sucky thing to have to do before a race. Little did that stranger know the lesson he taught a young racer that day. From that day on I vowed to never forget my shoes, helmet, shorts, socks, jersey, wind vest, wind jacket, arm warmers, leg warmers, knee warmers, gloves, sunglasses (with extra lenses), chamois cream, race bottles, pre-race bottles, post-race bottles, pump, tools, license, money, safety pins, towel, water, food, drink powder, rain cape etc. When you think about it, my job is making sure I’m prepared with everything the team needs to race. I’m just working with a much bigger list now (bottom brackets, rear derailluers, 5mm bolts, 6mm bolts, brake housing, safety pins, towels, water, food, etc.) and 10 riders instead of just myself.

Like I said, I’m sure the people I helped at the race were glad I got out of bed that day. I’m glad that guy way back in 1985 forgot his shoes that day. You never know who you might impact in your life.

Here are some observations of mine about being a pro cyclist:
1. If you’ve traveled for 24 hours from New Zealand two days before a race you might be a pro cyclist.
2. If you race in the Montreal World Cup then rush to catch a plane, get picked up at midnight, go for a ride in the morning, and race the next day you might be a pro cyclist.
3. If you wear flesh colored compression hosiery with green shorts and one legging sort of sliding down mid-thigh at a Star Bucks in New Jersey you might be a pro cyclist.
4. If you go for a ride and happen to find yourself at George Washington’s house and get yelled at for riding on the bricks to read a historical marker you might be a professional bike team mechanic. God Bless America!

Cheers,
DJB

You got to be a member

Looking for a place to eat in Russellville, AR on a Sunday in a dry county. This place was a supper club and required membership to eat in its smoky atmosphere.


The team in the parking lot of Ruby Tuesday after nixing the supper club idea. After a weekend of racing, Audrey demanded we all get dessert.


Sometimes when the days are long, Jim will make a comment to the effect that at least I don't have to work on Huffy's in a bike shop anymore. Well, the neighbor of our host asked if I could adjust a few things on her daughter's bike. How could I say no. In this case, I waited 3 days to get to this one in 90 degree heat after 3 days of racing. I got her done though


Spent an evening in Nashville with these two. What happens in Nashville stays in ..........


Nashville Honky Tonks


Cool sign that I saw. I can't claim I know much of Ernest Tubb's music but some of the artists I like claim him as their favorite musician.

Wearing different shirts

The re-cap from this past weekend's race in Russelville, AR:

For the Tri-Peaks Challenge it was Sima, Brooke, Audrey, and Sarah fronting up. The ladies rode well in breaks and got some stage podiums and GC placings as well. Much of the racing involved the climbs they had to do. With the temps in the 90's it made for hot racing in more ways than one. I covered several roles this past weekend. Mainly being mechanic and interim director while Jim was at home sitting in his tent in the rain. Because my main role on the team is the mechanic I usually don't wear the white team polo shirt. I prefer the dark colored ones for obvious reasons. But for my caravan duties I broke out the white one. I looked so director sportif!

In addition to the fine racing, I'd have to say we all worked together to get things done. The weekend flowed well. Leaving on time, bottles prepared, bikes ready, radios worked, good feeds from the car, allergy medicine hand-ups, no flats. Speaking of flats I think its rather funny that over the last two weekends of racing I've noticed how many flats the Kenda Tire team gets. Get it? The KENDA TIRE team is sponsored by a tire manufacturer. I think their support vehicle ran out of wheels for them. We are supplied with Michelin tires and highly recommend them. Over the last two years we've had probably less than 5 flats. And those were legitimate things like huge nails or shards of metal roofing. I notice these type of things and with all the flats the Kenda girls are getting, the Colavita girls are appreciating what good tires we have.

Spent the night in Nashville, TN last night on my way to Maryland. Sima and Sarah are driving the team car so we rendevoused for the night. Sima called some friends and they showed us around town. It was nice to relax with some food and music. Lots of music to see here even on a Monday night so I was happy to experience some. Live music in a small club is the best. I'm sure its even better closer to the weekend.

Well its getting well into the morning. I need to rack the bikes and get on the road. I'll post some pictures soon so check back.

See ya ya'll,
DJB

"In a van down by the river"

The team in Russelville going for a ride. Audrey sporting the fashionable cycling mesh stocking.


I'm sleeping in the van since our host has a cat. Awwww Choooo!


IN THE MOMENT. Times like these I'm happy. Just my thoughts and the bike. This is when its not just working on a bike. Its about doing something you love and being the best you can at it. Its what makes great art in the world possible. Its the art of the bicycle and its relationship in the world with its rider. (Is this the allergy medicine talking?)

Russelville, Arkansas - Good riding once you outsprint the dogs and ignore the comments from the a-holes in pick up trucks. Same to you kid and have a nice day.

Myself and 4 riders are here for the Tri Peaks Challenge. Its a 3 day stage race starting Friday. Not sure what to expect organizational wise from the promoter. I have a certain feeling its even less organized than Joe Martin Race. There is already some concern about the climb up to Mt. Nebo on Sunday. The girls drove it in the car and I got a call exclaiming how steep it was (18%) so I will do the best I can to provide them with some gearing that is appropriate. Since none of us have done this race before I don't have any compact cranks with me but I was able to track down some 38T chainrings. 38/27 will be the gearing of choice. It will still be about 20 minutes of suffering. Bike racing is supposed to hard and this is where it seperates those who can and those who can't go through the pain.

I know you all have been wondering how I'm feeling. Well thanks! My allergies are still here but its better. I found some medicine to take (Claritin wasn't working). I can't take it during the day since it makes me drowsy but at least taking it at night seems to help in the long run. I'm not the only one feeling the allergy syndrome. Apparently its kind of known to be like this in the spring time according to something I read in the newspaper.

My buddy Randy Wint had a birthday, which I forgot, so he made sure I knew this. Randy is the best person I have ever trained with back in Lake Placid, NY. These days most of his training revolves around the house he is building. Digging holes, pounding nails, stuffing insulation. Several years ago he lived on a property that had a barn which he converted into a workout area. Not really converted. More like swept the hay to one side and moved the tractor. From October to December I'd ride my bike a few miles to his place at 5:30 in the morning 3 days a week. In the barn we had a core strength and agility circuit set up. Just us two and the horses. It was very Rocky Balboa feeling. Imagine the day just dawning. Its 15 degrees with a slight layer of snow on the ground. You can see your breath in the barn. It was like a scene from when Rocky goes to Russia to fight. We termed these workouts our "Russian workout". A woman he was helping to train for the Ironman once came and just stood in disbelief that she was going to workout in this smelly and cold horse barn. That was a classic moment. She never returned after that one workout. Another friend joined us once but was so sore afterwards he never committed to the Russian Workout again. That year was one of my best years for skiing. My strength didn't fade as bad as it usually did in marathons. HAPPY BIRTHDAY RANDY AND LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN JULY!

Cheers,
DJB

Joe Martin Recap

View from the caravan car. Jim on the radio relaying info to the ladies.

Here comes the Health Net train in the men's race.

Blood on the tape. The things I come across. One of our girls had a little crash and left me some blood to mark the occassion.

The little seen world of traveling in the caravan during a race. Its a world all its own with its own rules and protocol. Its an exciting time.


Heading to Russelville, AR today after a busy weekend. The team did great. The busy race life for me was even more draining as a result of my allergies/cold I had to deal with. Its not often I'm feel that under the weather. I think I'm allergic to Arkanasas. Hopefully I'm coming around.

This race is an NRC race but the organizers run it like a rinky dink amateur race. I'm surprised at the lack of professionalism. It seems that they receive suggestions every year but don't pay any attention. I hope we don't have to return. Sounds harsh I know but apparently year after year it has problems with no effort to improve. Mostly its the women who get shafted. Less prize money, less support etc. That's too bad that most promoters feel that way because the women's racing is just as action packed as any men's race and they put as much heart and soul into their profession. The women should get just as much money and prestige.

On my way see ya. I going to sneeze my way through another day. AWWWW CHOOOOO!

Joe Martin Stage Race Day 1

Loading the bikes on the van is not my favorite task I partake in. Remember to whistle why you work. They look good though.

When there is all that red on the podium then loading the bikes doesn't seem that bad.

All long day yesterday getting bikes ready. Some of the girls I haven't seen since California. That means I haven't seen their bike either. Nice to see the ladies. The bikes needed more than my routine going over. Today was long too. Late morning drive to the start. Race finished aabout 5:30. Ate a burrito. Washed bikes. Check over. No tires to change, sweet. Go to bed 10pm. Get up at 5:30 for a double stage tomorrow. No offense to the promoter but why not just make it four days if you want four races. Double days are taxing for all involved. I think I'm getting a sore throat which is making me cranky on top of being tired so I'm signing off now.

Colavita/Cooking Light placed 1, 3, 5 today. Nice racing.

Good Night,
DJB

The View

Not much to write about. I thought I'd post a couple scenic shots from the ride I did in Chattanooga, TN. Great riding! A nice city too. It doesn't seem all that crowded and has some sights I'd like to come back and see. Seems like a hidden gem that someday will probably become "the place" to be. I highly recommend a visit.

Anniston Alabama

Gina, Iona, Tina and our host ,the lovely Patty King.

I felt like striking a pose. Imagine I have a tuxedo on and you'll understand what I was going for. Perhaps I'm conversing with Frank Sinatra.

Hey what is this big red vase for!

What! I was relaxing in the parlor luvy!

Tina winning. Wow! No one is even close to coming around her. Once again, very impressive Tina. The lap before, Gina took the big money "gamblers" prime. Impressive also. No contest with those two on the team.

Photo Show

I title this one "Sunset from the van"

Candice said if I squeezed her head really hard it helps the headache go away.

I seem to pick the wrong lane a lot. Both lanes on either side were moving but not the one I'm in. Atlanta is great.

Sweet Tea Ya'll

Hey, I'm alive and kicking in case anyone was wondering. Its been hard to get wireless or computer access since I left Milwaukee almost two weeks ago. Keith Meyer gets upset that i haven't provided any updates. I think he is my biggest fan. I'm going to autograph a t-shirt for him as compensation for "blog slacking". If anyone else would like to compete in the "I'm Doug's Biggest Fan" contest, please send me an explanation describing why you are the biggest fan and I will come up with a nice meet and greet with me.

This has truly been my first visit to the "South". Its a part of the United States I've never really experienced. Part of the time I stayed with Tina and Chris Pic who live just outside Atlanta, GA. The Atlanta area has a lot of traffic. That's about the biggest thing I noticed. Not for me. Sitting in traffic to me is a huge waste of time. Especially at 11:45 pm on the way back from the airport. What's with all the traffic at midnight.

The race in Athens, GA was high profile. Great University town atmosphere which made for the largest crowds I've seen at a race. It was nuts. The girls raced well but luck dictated 2nd place for Tina as a result of a well timed attack by Jenn McRae. Its not often I get to see the Pro Men race but this time I did. It is easy to sense the speed of the pro men as they go by. Had to hold on to my hat when the peloton went by. Hung out with Black Hands Eric from Targetraining in the pits. There was a huge crash so he had some action.

The next day was the Roswell Crit. Again Tina was 2nd. I actually had to change a wheel in the pits that race. I think its amazing how little action I get in the races as the team mechanic (knock on wood). It was a reminder that anything can happen. I was a little inattenive at that moment since a local guy kept asking me questions over and over..... As a result the Victory Brewing mechanic had to get my attention to let me know I had a rider with a rear flat coming in. Talk about springing into action. No worries though except that the local guys doing the nuetral service jammed the chain on me since they got to her first. In these situations a well timed hip check gets me right in there. No hard feelings brother!

One of the things about my job has nothing to do with bikes or cycling at all. It is the amazing people I get to meet from all over the country. Gina and I stayed in Athens for a week with Ron and Vicki Keenan. For the two of us it was a chance to check out Athens a bit and relax. I'm always curious why people would open up their homes to complete strangers. Ron and Vicki were so gracious with their hospitality. They wanted us to feel at home and they certainly did accomplish that. My bed was so comfortable that I felt guilty about sleeping in it (most of the time I get the floor or the futon). Nothing to do but catch up on some sleep, ride my new Blue bike (I forgot to mention I have a new Blue RC6 full carbon frame that I've been dialing in. It is probably the best bike I've ever ridden), a little bike work, and enjoy the company of Ron and Vicki. Our last night Gina and I did the local Wed night shop ride. It was nice to hammer a little with a group although they should announce where the sprint is a little earlier rather than 20 metres from the line. I realized that after a while that many in the group thought I was one of the Pro Men Colavita riders. That's probably why they didn't announce the sprint line. I had to "fess up" to the one kid because I just couldn't live a lie like that. Little did they know that the real star was Gina Grain who probably took it easy on them.

After the ride, Gina and I met up with Ron and Vicki who took us to a popular Athens restaurant called "The Grit". One of the best meals I've ever had. It is a well know vegetarian restaurant. Has a connection to working local musicians and the many bands that have come out of Athens (REM, B52's). Ron insisted he buy Gina and I t-shirts to comemorate our visit. Funny!.

The next race was in Anniston, AL with Iona, Gina, and Tina. Besides Tina winning and Gina taking the gambler prime with 2 laps to go, we once again were priviledged to stay with another awesome host. Patty King is the owner of a very large car dealership in Anniston. The best words to describe our stay was SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. I get the impression she is a very influential women in this area. The girls enjoyed her a whole lot and she enjoyed hosting the number one women's team even though she said she hated them for being so skinny and muscular. Friday there was a reception put on by the promoter at a local vet clinic. We got to tour the facitly and look at the animals too. Mostly cats and dogs but a few other things like a snake. Some were sick or injured but some were just being boarded there. A huge Bull Mastif named Snookums was my favorite. I wished I had my camera and it made me wonder if I would have liked to be a vet or vet assistant.

My parking meter is just about expired so I have to go (I'm in a coffee shop in Chattanooga, TN). I try and get some pictures posted later.

Is this update good enough for you Keith?

DJB