Steve Tilford

I know I said I was going to post something about the Lance extravaganza after the 2nd episode, but I don’t have the energy right now. I didn’t get much out of the 2nd night. Here’s the best piece I’ve read so far on the deal. It’s by Bonnie D. Ford, and it’s a commentary for ESPN called Still moving reflexively in the rubble. Pretty good title. I’ll do something eventually.

I did manage to get out on my bike for over 3 hours yesterday, even though the wind was gusting up to 40 mph. I tend to try to ride in side wind as much as possible when it’s blowing that hard. It was a chore. I don’t feel exactly normal on my bike yet. I’ve only ridden 3 times outside since I crashed, so it is to be expected I guess. My shoulder is much better than it was a week ago, but it’s never going to be even 50% without getting it fixed.

I’m flying to California this afternoon to do a little mini training session in the warm, 75 degree weather, plus get a super secret, maybe not so secret now, tune on my Di2 shifters. I’d tried my best to locate the USB cable that allows interface between the shifters and a computer, but couldn’t seem to come up with one. So, I’ll take the shifters to the maker I guess. Not very green.

I’m packed super light. Didn’t really decide to go until yesterday. I don’t understand how airlines price their tickets anymore. It used to be a week in advance, or two weeks, a month, etc. Now the prices go up and down all the time. A ticket to San Diego was $556 on Southwest and $150 to Orange County. Coming back it was only $86. That is on Frontier, where bikes fly free. Pretty good deal in these times.

I am looking forward to just riding a few days, and resting if I feel I need it. It is 12 days until I have to race, so I’m going to play it by ear. I was going pretty well just a week ago and am not sure I’m still not okay. Hopefully I’ll figure that out soon.

We’re going to Louisville on Sunday, really just one day before I have to ride a qualifying race for start position. That is really not an issue and I am looking forward to racing a little before the race. I like racing a course more than once. It lowers the chances of making any silly mistakes. And I’ve already made at least one big mistake recently, so I can’t really afford a bunch more of the stupid ones.

Okay, I’m going for a ride this morning, then heading to the airport. It is going to be weird getting off a plane and it’s going to be like summer. I just remembered I should grab some short pants to wear.

From Dave McIlwaine, Cyclingnews.com

The last 24 hours have been pretty awful. Actually, just the last 22 hours, the drive to the airport was fine. And just a $10 tip to get my bike on the plane is anyways nice. Then it started.

I had maybe the worst flight of my life and I’ve flown a bunch. I went to the very back of the plane and purposely sat with my left arm against the window to free my right shoulder. Soon a guy came and sat in the isle seat. Then right when they were about to close the door, a huge couple came in. The woman was much bigger than the guy. And, of course, they came to the back and she “sat” in the middle seat, next to me.

There is no way she could fit in the seat. Her rolls on her stomach hung over the armrests. Then her arms extended even more. 1/3 of “my space” was occupied by her arm. Thus, I felt like I had to try to shrink and I did this by curling in my shoulders inward. Pretty soon, my bad shoulder was aching badly.

Eventually, my lower back joined the shoulder and started seizing up. I had to pee, but there was a zero percent chance that the woman beside me could extract herself from her seat.

I don’t ever get claustrophobic, but I did on that plane. I started sweating and getting sticky. I found myself looking at my watch every couple minutes. It seemed like time was standing still. I endured this for exactly 2 hours and 41 minutes and it seemed like days.

I had anticipated getting at least two hours sleep. I got zero. Worse than that, I was stressed the whole time.

I got to California and my bags arrive, which is another highlight. I had barely enough time to walk to the flight, the bag guys did a good job. But, while I was waiting for my bags, I started feeling weird. Sick at my stomach, dizzy, etc.

So, long story short, I’ve been laying in bed for the last 15 hours, with the stomach flu I guess. I don’t get the flu much, so I’m not exactly sure, but it is horrible. Stuff coming out both ends at random times. I haven’t eaten anything in 24 hours now. I have drank a few glasses of 7 up, though.

I thought that maybe the issue was beet juice. Trudi made me a big glass of beet juice before I left. But, she drank it and is fine. I’ve never had beet juice and I doubt I will anytime soon again.

It’s supposed to be in the upper 70’s here today and I think I’m just going to be in bed all day. The one thing positive, it is a super fast weight loss program. I was going to try to lose 2 or 3 pounds before Louisville. That is already gone, plus some. There is always a silver lining I guess.