Cast of Characters Chapter 3

During a 7-day stage race like Altoona, one day seems like the previous day (ie-Groundhog Day). Up by 7am, coffee/breakfast, load bikes, transfer to start, unload bikes, tire pressure, get caravan car ready, start line hangout, tell stories with other mechanics, 3-4 hour race in the caravan, load bikes, drive back to house, unload, wash bikes, change tires as needed, check over, lube, eat, shower, maybe relax, bed by 11am. It's not neccesarily all in that order. It depends on if it's a morning or afternoon start. Either way it's a long day for 7-days. I work with some nice girls and really appreciate when they notice that their bike worked well and they let me know that.


While sitting in the team car during a race one of my jobs besides wheel changes or bike changes due to crashes or flats, I help Jim pay attention to the race radio. When there are breaks up the road the officials broadcast the ride's numbers to each team vehicle. That way each team knows who is in the break and plan their strategies. Moving pieces like a chess game. My notebook shown here may look like chicken scratch but it is a log of that days events. Rider numbers, names, team groupings, bonus sprints, QOM placings, post-race drug testing. Like many mechnics you learn to listen to race radio with one ear and the rider radio with another ear in addition to taking a quick cat nap.


There are only a few times throughout the season where riders and staff can become normal people. These are fun times because the business of racing is off our minds and we can just relax. The last night of Altoona there was a host family barbeque. Besides Team Colavita the Expresscopy team joined us. I've worked with some of the Expresscopy riders before that were on Colavita or Quark so it was nice to all have a few laughs.


I should have used a little sunscreen while in the wheel pit. Red Face.



After Altoona we headed to Winston-Salem, NC for the week for a couple of crits in Charlotte and Winston. This is our host's dog Pielot who is one cool dog. He never tires out from dog play. It was nice to see this little guy again. The minute I walked in he seemed to remember how much fun we had last year.

Cheers