Merced eatery

I was scouting around for food between races on Sunday and was lucky enough to come across this Cinema Coffee Shop, 661 W Main St in Merced. They have kickass sandwiches and were very friendly. It's next to.. well.. the Cinema of course, just a couple of blocks from the course.

I'll be going back between races again on Saturday, as McLane, they tell me, is on the same crit course, just backwards. Sans alleyway madness luckily, since we're likely to see over 100 riders in the p/1 race.

Dinuba weirdness

I had a very strange 45 min during the p12 race. There were 14 guys in the race. Six had already lapped the 'field when the team sends me up the road. I think the idea is that I could lap as well since no one was going to drive the pace. instead I was stuck in a real no mans land where I didn't see a soul for 45 min. I did see Ken Hansen behind me, off the distance.

I've seen more riders during all the TTs I've done!

The 'mudder'

Couldn't resist but to go to Merced yesterday, hacking lungs and all. On top of it, it was pouring during the p1/2, during which I only needed to watch while Bosch and six others lapped the field.

Anyone have word on Bucholtz? He was down for a long time after skidding out on turn two. Hoping nothing too serious? There was a rumor that it was a broken hip, but that wasn't confirmed.

The 35 race was completely dry, but I guess all the riders didn't get the notice, cause we only had 9 guys!

Got sick

Sorry to missed the great lineup out at Snelling today

Mentoring accepted....

Anyone that has raced with me knows that I'm a work in progess. IE: I don't always get all the race tactics, though I'm getting there.

So never worry about giving me a word, just no need to yell it really, or be angry. I'll always take advice.

Riding with the new team and getting the advantage of all their experience is just great, beyond what I expected. Just tell me when to go, when to sit on, and I'm all over it.

Santa Rosa 35+ Race

My enthusiasm once again outmeasures my race smarts....



The race started pretty slow and I wanted to speed things up. Took a flyer, not really thinking that it would turn into much, but once Nathan (Infovista) was taken up to me the dye was cast.



We went medium hard for ten minutes and got a good gap. Started to see a chase of 4 or 5 riders that turned out to be two Clovers, one Strawberry, one VOS? I laid it on hard for two laps and couldn't see them anymore. Out of sight out of mind, but more on them later.



With 10 to go we could see the back of the pack. I didn't want to lap cause I knew Nathan had a plethera of teammates to help him win, so I started to go easier, but we couldn't really avoid getting in there with their speed and the fact that there was a chase behind, so in we went.



Right off the bat the talk of the end game starts and I'm all alone, so with three to go I attack the pack and get away. Some guy in light blue (ala Astana, see pic) takes it upon himself to help Nathan up to me. Not sure what this guy was up to. Nathan sits on my wheel and wouldn't work for the last two laps since he wants me to go back to the pack with him, or have me take him to the line for a win. Not a good situation. Tried to shame him into it, but...



Just before the last turn I can see Bubba Melcher burst out of the pack making a beeline for us. I didn't think that the chase had also lapped but obviously they did. I start to sprint to at least salvage second but was pretty cooked from being on front for three laps. Nathan didn't even see Bubba so should be happy with the win, cause he almost got him at the line, and did get me. Third was a little bitter after all that work.



I'll bring the teammates next time.

Thanks to Carol for the photos!

Come on Justin

4 seconds out of the points: Check it.

I bet he'll make his mark tomorrow.

Dibble beats the entire p/1 field. Nice. Now that I think of it, how is he still a 2?

Me and Fast Freddie..

...I make it sound like we're friends. We're not, but I did jump on an attack or two of his which was fun if a little painful.

Had a great time out with the (almost) full team for the first time. With six of us rolling on the maiden voyage we got 4th and 10th out of a really tough field.

Eric got in the early break that stayed away. Nine guys well represented by the teams (BMC, Slipstream, Kelly Benefits, Rock Racing didn't make it!).

Brian powered away for 10th and pack win.

that's the damage

ok, its not that bad is it. At least the sherrif is here.

FW: house of pain police action

this guy took out sean today.we're still waiting for the sherrif. Sean's fine though. He just about took off the guy's mirror afterwards.

Brian and I went one/two

Brian and I went one/two at the eb today. Pretty sweet...