Look around once in awhile.

Chris Davidson recommended I update the blog. Thanks for the inspirational uplift. Actually it was more like update the freaking blog already Doug. I thought I didn't have any material or witty thoughts worth mentioning but I forgot I took a few pictures at the Nature Valley Grand Prix. The race went pretty smooth and the ladies did well. It kind of came and then went. My highlight of the week was the annual Chipolte burrito feed after the downtown Minneapolis criterium. I was looking forward to it for two days and planned my meals and snacks for peak "hungriness". I also discovered a great listener supported radio station called The Current. Google "The Current" and you can listen via a webcast version.

Got to meet Bill Armas and Calvin from the Park Tool company which is located in St. Paul, MN. Park Tool is our supplier of bike supplies such as tools and repair stands. The riders probably aren't directly associated with this sponsor but it helps us mechanics do the great work that we do so I was pleasantly surprised to receive a shiny new repair stand and work table from Bill. Thanks guys! Calvin writes a great piece on the Park website dealing with all things mechanic. He also took a picture of my tool box which you can find on the website too (www.parktool.com). Only mechanics would find this mildly amusing so I wouldn't expect anyone to spend their free time searching for it but it's flattering to me I guess and makes me blush like a little boy who was praised for a job well done in gym class on archery day. HA!


When I tell people what I do for a living many guys think I have the life traveling around with a bunch of woman bike racers. Here's a reality check. When not racing, bike racers are resting and elevating their legs and wearing their compression socks. It's not always exciting but it certainly can be amusing to look around once in awhile. THOUGHT OF THE DAY...take a look around behind you and you may see something you might not be expecting. Got to love it!


I thought this was a good picture of Alex signing some jerseys. The "future of the sport" rode strongly even though she was covered in road rash and bruises from crashing on day 1. Alex won the QOM jersey signifying the best climber in the race.


I set up the trainers in the shade of the Jelly Belly team RV. Very colorful place to warm up.


To put a face with those black compression socks in the back seat of the van... Here she is...Miss Jamaica... Iona brings me great coffee from Jamaica. I don't consider it compensation for bringing me a dirty bike at all. I consider it a friendly gesture from one coffee lover to another to please her steely-eyed mechanic who actually can smile once in awhile. NO PROBLEM MON! (my sister Amy gave me a t-shirt with that saying on it. I wonder what happened to it. It would be nice to have it again)

What's next? I'm headed to New York state for a little family time and then on down to Seven Springs, Pa for Nationals. Then up to my stomping grounds of Lake Placid for Ironman with the TIMEX team. After that it's back to PA for the Altoona Stage Race.

Cheers for now.
Doug