This year's Hawaii trip seemed better than ever for several reasons. Here are a few in no particular order of importance. There was a great island vibe this year. Last year I felt depleted from such a hectic schedule. This year the workload for the week was perfect. Just busy enough during the day to enjoy my job and then having the mornings and evenings to hang out with good friends and stick our toes in the sand. I learned to embrace the fact that the island has some magic vibe if you let it take you there. I think we all felt it this year from the staff to the athletes racing.
Besides work, I managed to get in several rides including a freak crash which has wacked my knee/hip out of alignment. It was an similar crash as Lance had when his handlebar got stuck on a fan's feedbag. Except I jack-knifed the front wheel in a pot-hole (more like a crater) while riding one handed to wipe the stinging sweat out of my eyes. Luckily the traffic at that momemt was not heavy. Once again the island vibe protected me. Ha!
My other goal this trip was to surf. Way back in April, Rachel Ross from the team said no matter what, the day after the race she was taking us surfing. I was pleasantly surprised to get an e-mail a week before leaving for Hawaii that she still remembered. Although the surf conditions weren't that good, I did get going a few times. My interest is peaked and for some reason I really want to do more. Even though the waves were few it 's still a good time to paddle out and hang out chit-chatting. It's like sitting on the chairlift when going skiing except it's warm. I got to thank Rachel, Rambsey, and her best friend Moni (sorry didn't get the spelling of her beautiful name) for arranging all that. I even watched her kids while they ran into town. Talk about a great kid life. Going to the beach everyday to play.
For some reason I only took a few photos this year.
Me waiting for 6am taxi in Milwaukee.
Beside's TIMEX athletes, I often help out some of the other pros. Here is Lisa Bentley's Cervelo that needed some adjustments. (The best was a guy I met who politely asked if I could look at his shifting. In all of 5 minutes I handed his bike back to him and said to take it for a quick test ride to make sure it was good. He came back and told me that he'd taken it to two bike shops and 3 mechanics but it still shifted poorly after each trip. He was amazed and very happy that I was able to take care of it for him and wouldn't have to lose sleep over it anymore. He apologized for not having any cash on him so he came back later with a nice tip. I love that kind of stuff. Gosh I'm good!
Vicktor Zyemstev's brand new 2008 TTX. One of only 3 that were available at the time. The guys from Trek were there and are super supportive of the team and the feedback I can give them. Some things of note were the Bontrager brakes. Nifty and light. We also had a show bike which I built up with the SRAM red components. That cassette is really chi chi. Machined out of a solid block of aluminum.
On race day I did a ride of my own and joined up with the bike course. This is the lead man. No idea who. Later on in the evening the finsh line became a beacon of positive energy. The bleachers were packed and people lined the finsh straight several deep. Dancing and singing like it's big Mardis Gras. TIMEX throws out a bunch schwag from 9pm until midnight during this party. It's crazy how people go nuts for t-shirts and hats. With all the dancing and running around it's like 3 hours of aerobics but totally worth it to watch the folks who have been out there for 15 or more hours finsh with huge and emotional grins. Some of the stories bring tears to your eyes. Even the men's and women's pro winners came out for the festivities and to welcome folks across the line. If you ever get a chance to watch an Ironman even, don't miss the last 3 hours.
My boy Special K. Always willing to whip up some breakfast potatoes. The best wingman a friend could have. Here's to you Mr. Timex watch guy....
A picture perfect sunset. Enjoyed by this guy and on the island of Hawaii. ALOHA!
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