Still Can't Sleep

Here are some more photos from the last month or so.


Eric (Targetraining) has no time for the paparazzi!


Um! I was sitting there cat!


John Ecks, Jean Brennan, and Tina's dad, Albert!


How does the self timer on this camera work again?


Okay everyone! I think I figured out the self timer thing. Get ready!

Trying to sleep

Group photo in front of Floyd Landis's childhood home


Going up the Manayunk Wall at Philly. Lots of people and they only get more intoxicated and louder as the day goes on.


Learning to scratch behind the ear.


Sarah with her impression of slipping on a banana peel.


I thought I'd post some pics and reflect on my day off in Lake Placid since I can't sleep. I've been all about comfortable beds lately. I think I'll start a rating system. I'm staying with my friends Joe and Jan in Lake Placid and I have to give the guest room bed a solid 7 (1-10 scale) which means its darn good. I slept till 8:00am this morning which is also a sign that it is quiet here too. Lake Placid is such a gem of a place. It hasn't been ruined too much. Someday it may but it is still small enough and out of the way. I was a little bummed to see that a Starbucks coffee is opening up on Main Street. Tourists will love it but I think it is out of place. It's the corporate stuff i don't like seeing. While i'm on the subject of Starbucks I think their latte's are lame too. I'm not the expert but I definetly like the espresso poured over the milk rather than putting milk on top of the espresso. I feel like they rush it. Like I said I'm not a barrista so someone correct me if I'm wrong about the technique.

It was pouring rain in Lake Placid today so I was not that motivated to go for a ride. This gave me the chance to do laundry, catch up with some friends, vacuum the van, Febreeze the van (it smelled like sweaty people), do some blogging, etc. Went to the Lake Plaicid Pub and Brewery for dinner with some friends and a couple of the riders who are here too. Saw more of my friends there too. Lake Placid feels like home to me. Spoke to a couple of local fellas that competed in their first Olympics this past winter. I've known them since they were junior skiers so it was interesting to hear about their stories and catch up on what the Biathlon scene is like for them. Although it's a winter sport I noticed similarities with the stuff cyclists go through with all the training and travel.

All in all it was a good day of catching up. Looking forward to coming back in 2 weeks for an extended stay to do some riding and more catching up.

Cheers,
DJB

Couer D'Alene

Riding in Idaho was awesome!

I started the ride down there.

More riding!

MY SPACE!

The swim start. Looks daunting and beautiful all at the same time.

For about the last week I’ve been in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho for the Ironman Triathlon event. Coeur D’Alene is a beautiful place and I had enough time for a few bike rides out into the mountains and along the lakes that are in the region. On Wednesday we did the expo set-up, which went well since we had 4 people this time. Keith, Ben (the new manager of the team) Shane (the intern) and myself. I had 10 athlete’s bikes to go over before Saturday and one complete build for another guy spread over 3 days so the workload was busy but manageable. No major bike concerns. The athletes brought their bikes clean to me, which was much appreciated. I think my seminar in April worked. I wonder if they thought I would charge them the “dirty bike charge?” My only stumper was a Power Tap that stopped working. Not being all that familiar with them do they ever work consistently?

On race day I spent some time re-charging my batteries with a nap and went for a bike ride. In the evening I went back to the finish line venue to hang for a while. I highly recommend anyone to check one out someday. It’s such a great vibe at these things. It’s not about winning. Most of the 2000 athletes know they are not there to win so the pressure is within oneself to just finish and have a great day. There are so many variables that can happen, even if you’ve trained right, so the attitude to except whatever comes your way is the biggest lesson to learn. For example, my pal Cassidy Phillips was on track for a personal best and within minutes he passed out at mile 14. Twice he refused medical attention. Many cups of chicken broth later he was able to finish. I happened to see him finish and he looked like he was a zombie and had to be carried away. After an IV to hydrate him he was back walking around and hanging out at the truck. Man!

I’m currently waiting to board a plane in Chicago that has been delayed. Jim is picking me up in Albany, NY and then driving up to Lake Placid to rendezvous with the van. Tuesday will be a day off spent in Lake Placid so I’m pretty psyched to catch up with some friends and go for a ride (if its not raining). Wednesday I drive over to Massachusetts for the Fitchburg stage race.

Wow! It’s almost July. Do you know what that means? TOUR DE FRANCE time. I’m not ready to make any predictions since I feel like I’ve been out of the loop lately. Of course Basso is a consideration. Landis is my sentimental favorite but maybe in the top three. Ulrich MAY put one in but I think he may falter to Basso.

Congratulations to my niece Kristin who got married this past Saturday in Buffalo, NY. I was in Idaho so wasn't able to attend another family function. Have fun on your honeymoon Kristin!

Here are a few photos from this past Ironman week. I still have to post some from the last month and will try to do that soon. Keep checking back.

BERNOUT!

Hail storm uses. Instant ice.

I'm not going out there! It was tough to watch the bikes get blown over and see ice balls bouncing off the tubes.

The team holding the tent so it didn't blow away.


Hello!

I see that the last time I posted was quite a while ago. I’ve had little time to keep up with the blog. I won’t mumble and grumble about it, but this has been the burnout time of the season. The races come one after the other which require travel logistics on top of keeping the bikes race ready. It can really affect ones state of mind with all the traveling, staying organized, and sleeping on floors. Sleeping in a bed is so much appreciated these days. I must be getting older because I used to be able to sleep on a concrete slab with no bad affects. I remember the day weeks ago I knew I was in trouble with the “burnout” when it took me 1.5 hours to drive a half hour drive because I couldn’t concentrate enough to follow the road signs. Then to top it off I stopped at a grocery store to buy some juice and snacks. When I got to the house I was staying at I realized I’d left most of the items at the store because I only grabbed the one bag. I really wanted that juice too! I felt a little better knowing my comrades on the other various teams had similar feelings of burnout even some of the riders too.

I have to thank Chris Davidson. I hope you’re still reading my blog buddy. I read his diary entry last night on cyclingnews.com and it reminded me that I have a cool job even if it’s draining at times. Glad to hear he felt similar after connecting with another cycling enthusiast he met. For you cycling geeks give it a read. It’s a good insight into the world of mechanics and a Dickies spokes model.

I think the “burnout” may be behind me so I’ll try and fill in the blanks of the last several weeks. Keep checking back. Right now I’m traveling to Idaho in the TIMEX truck for an Ironman. Shane picked me up in St.Paul, Minnesota an hour after the last stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix. Talk about switching gears. One moment I’m Colavita/Cooking Light and the next I transition into Timex. At least with two of us driving I get to sleep and replenish some brain cells

Since I’m coming off of a 5-day stage race that is what’s fresh in my memory (anything before that I’ll update later with some pictures probably). This year’s race will go down in the journal as epic. Mostly because of the weather (thunder storms, hail, wind) which tested the ladies fortitude and legs. Unfortunately we did not have luck on our side for this race. Oh well that’s racing. An un-timely crash and chase in the crosswinds hurt our overall team strength a bit. Although I’m not a runner, when one of my girls is in a crash or needs a wheel change (which by the way is not often) adrenaline takes over and I turn into Carl Lewis sprinting from the car with wheel sets in arms. We even orchestrated a sweet bike swap in about 15 seconds. Nice! It’s quite a rush but I really should train for such moments with a little more stretching because one day I may blow a hamstring. Jim posted some great race reports, which I will plagiarize because they say it all.


Hard day in the saddle

by Jim Williams

The second stage of the Nature Valley Grand prix was nothing short of epic. The day played out like stories and lore of days past. A huge wind greeted the 130 women who lined up for the start of the Cannon Falls road race and the Colavita/Cooking Light team had its sights set on winning the stage and gaining the 15 second time bonus to move Tina Pic up on the GC to challenge for the overall win. What seemed like a reasonable plan was derailed like a speeding freight train on a kids toy track. Colavita/Cooking Light's first mishap of the day occurred when Sarah Tillotson was able to miss a crash that occurred in front of her only to be slammed from behind by a rider who had her head down and was not watching ahead. Sarah quickly got on her bike and started pedaling but soon needed a bike change as her derailleur was close to getting stuck in the spokes of the wheel. At the same time as this was happening Gina Grain also had the misfortune of getting hit from behind and dragging a rider, whose handle bars that were stuck in her wheel, for about 50 feet. It wasn’t but another mile or two up the road that another crash occurred in the vicious cross winds and this time Meshy Holt, nursing a sore tailbone from her crash in Philly once again went down, also involved was Tina Pic who had tried to ride her bike but was unable. Realizing that GC threat Pic was down, the Lipton team went to the front of the field and drove the pace taking advantage of the misfortune of the Colavita/ Cooking Light Riders, and attempting to eliminate GC threat Pic. Teammates Iona Wynter, Sarah Tillotson and Sima Trapp dropped back to pace their team leader but the chase back on was interrupted by a 2 and a half mile cross wind gravel section which detonated the Lipton lead field. When the damage was finally surveyed, there were 4 groups on the road and only Sue Palmer Komar had made the front selection. With the majority of the Colavita/Cooking Light Team driving the third group, a desperate chase ensued but would never come back together. On the finishing circuits Sue Palmer Komar fought hard and was able to finish 6th on the stage and moved up to 5th on GC. While the Colavita/Cooking Light Team seems to have had a bomb go of in its string of good luck the team will continue to defend Sue’s GC position and go for stage wins as the tour continues.


Gina Grain celebrates birthday with 3rd place finish and a storm for the ages

by Jim Williams

The Nature Valley Grand prix is turning into a survival contest for the Colavita/Cooking Light Team. Tonight was supposed to be a downtown cycling celebration in Minneapolis but it turned into a little bit of everything with an emphasis on wet and wild adventure. One hour before the race a sprinkle started from what was expected to be a quick passing thunderstorm. The sprinkle grew to a hard rain and then to sideways sheets of rain. The staff had set up the temporary race camp sandwiched next to 2 big buildings and huddled under their race tent with Sue Palmer Komar and Gina Grain to weather the storm through. The rest of the team was out warming up and had to seek shelter in a bus stop. Every minute when the rains seemed as though they should be letting up they some how managed to come down harder until the rain turned to hail and then the hail got larger and larger. Form the loosely protected area those in the tent were able to watch tents from other teams blow apart and then had to run out and rescue equipment that began floating away after the streets flooded over the sidewalk. Sue Palmer Komar the wise experienced racer put on her race helmet to protect her from the flying chunks of ice and Gina Grain laughed and claimed, “this is the best birthday present ever” When the storm finally passed and the damage surveyed, the only lose for the Cola vita/Cooking Light team were the race radio’s that got a drenching even though they had been put in zip lock bags. The upcoming race was shortened and for the third year in a row would be contested on slippery wet roads. Nerves were high as a wet crit course usually means crashes but the team had been equipped with high friction Michelin rain tires and everyone stayed up right during the race which was fast and aggressive and strung out single file for its duration. Colavita/Cooking Light rode a conservative race and at the end rain specialist Gina Grain gave it a go at the line and was able to earn a spot on the podium and even more reason for the team to celebrate with her. .

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.