Top 3 Reasons for a Cyclist's Blog-Slacking

1. The results have not been blog worthy.

2. The author does not have form to brag about.

3. The author left his creativity in Belgium.

I've been working part-time at a local shop which hasn't been bad at all. I ride to work and fix bikes all day... definately could be worse! Raced some of Superweek and did the Chicago Crit last weekend (see #1). I won't be going to Nationals as I had planned but will race out the remainder of the season here in MI. There are a good deal of criteriums through Labor Day, which should keep me semi-motivated and occupied. So until #1 and #2 change and #3 gets shipped back to me,

Peace

The Low Down on ToPA

It was a new experience for the team to have to defend the leader's jersey from day 1. I also have a new found respect for the top level domestiques who spend hours on the front of a race keeping a break in check and finishing the stage 15 minutes down. That's how I spent the first few stages. Unfortunately our team could not hold the jersey into Pittsburgh but it was still a sucessful week. 4 days in yellow and a stage win. Despite a crazy and dangerous last stage criterium the rest of the race was organized and the courses were tough. For being in the US, the ToPA exceded my expectations in terms of organization and race quality. I do have to say that on the final day the live TV coverage was a higher priority than rider safety, which I believe is totally wrong.

I left my teammates in Pittsburgh as they were headed back to Belgium for the Tour of Liege. I'm now in MI and will spend the rest of the summer racing locally and trying to earn a buck or two. I do plan on racing the U23 National road race in August but other than that I'll be rolling mostly crits... just my forte...not.

So if any MI folk know of any part time work, drop me a line.