I haven’t raced for a month. Mostly by choice, but it doesn’t really matter. Brian, Bill and I are driving to St. Louis this afternoon and racing a criterium in Edwardsville, IL tomorrow. There is a $5000 prizelist and it isn’t that far of a drive. We were thinking of doing Elk Grove, but that didn’t seem to happen. I kind of hate Elk Grove because there is a PRO 1 race and a 1/2 race. The 1/2 race is better to do because it is actually racing and the PRO race is super controlled with leadouts for time bonuses. I’m not so big on a race being decided on a 8 minute TT and then time bonus sprints, but that is the scenario they’ve stuck with for the last few years.

I went to a small high school reunion last night. It wasn’t the official reunion, but just a gathering of maybe 40 people from my high school class. I went to the 10 years pre reunion get together way back, but haven’t been in town when it was happening since. I was surprised that everyone seemed to be in pretty good shape. The 10 year reunion was an eye opening experience. Lots of kids running around and guys polyester pants. This was much better. I’m glad I was around town this time.

It rained last night and it is steamy now. 98% humidity and it’s supposed to get to 98 degrees today. I’m going on right now, since I already missed the early ride here. I don’t like waking up and getting on my bike first thing in the morning.

Okay, I just got back from an hour and a half ride. Our roads suck. Our infrastructure is going to shit. I don’t think there is enough money out there to fix this huge problem. I nearly pitch flatted two or three time just riding through the neighborhoods getting home. Very depressing. Better get packing.

Photo from the gathering yesterday. Gene Edwards , Brent Sledd, Martine Padilla, Lucy Miera, and me.

Lucy Miera and Marcia Hecht looking great.

Drove to St. Louis yesterday and we’re driving to Edwardsville, IL to race this afternoon. It is going to be ugly. Pretty hot, mid 90’s and muggy. We rode an hour this morning and it already seemed muggy. It is amazing how much stuff you have to gather to go to a race. We in the full size diesel van and it kind of seems like a hassle loading and unloading bikes to ride. Boy am I spoiled.

I often think of how spoiled we are, as Americans. Complaining how cold it is in the hallways of the hotel when it is 100 degrees outside. Ice machines that spit out virtually unlimited ice for free in all hotels. Free sugar for the taking at any fast food restaurant/Starbucks/everywhere. It is truly amazing what we take for granted. I wish we’d appreciate it a lot more.

Okay, I don’t feel that great riding. Heat hasn’t been bothering me too much the last week, so I’m cautiously optimistic that I’ll be good. We’ll see.

Pre ride ride. Everywhere is under construction.

Back of the van, not even full.