Downtown

What a busy couple of days. Today hopefully signaled a slight slowdown at work but I'm not holding my breath just yet. One big "project" as I'll call it for blogging purposes had a big doing today for our group. The other big "project" I'm working has a huge step finalizing soon but then enters further stages that me and Manager aren't sure quite what to expect since its newer to us.

Today...
Generally speaking, I'm kind of in the middle on going Downtown for work stuff. In the past I've generally always driven and ANYONE familiar with I55 knows that's usually not the brightest idea when it comes to sanity. I always justified it for liking to be able to come and go as I want (not that the 3+hours of commuting time) is much to brag about. Where I'm at there's not a totally convenient train station either, and certainly limited parking at the ones not too far away, so I just generally chose driving.

We needed to be downtown for hearings/cross stuff so I agreed to go with my co-worker. She refuses to drive but has some nice perks with the train. She has a parking permit for one which just rocks, and she used to be downtown all the time so she knows it well for getting around. Well she pretty much sold me on enjoying it again today. I say that though in having had her with me so there was no need to figure out where I had to go and having one of the coolest parking spots ever. She knew every building and block which is sweet.

The day was pretty much all of these things: exciting, enjoyable, boring, energizing, enlightening, sore, and of course, seemingly endless.

The walk to and from the train station was a bit chilly but I still loved it. Getting into better shape had a lot to do with that and the fact that it's not winter was a relief. I'm not sure where or how far the walk was but it was certainly under 2 miles. We took totally different routes to and from the IL building so I couldn't even guess the blocks.

Watching lawyers impress me and for me to feel like, okay, maybe the bucks paid really are justified, in some cases, and on the other end, leaving me shaking me head wondering what the hell the point of "that" was, I found to be great. And that happened all around. It was funny as there were many of them from ours to others and watching them all do what they do best was cool and really interesting to watch. I so wish I could've been there for one session yesterday but my other work got in the way. I work so many hours at times that today, to observe things going on was exciting. Kinda like full circle on some things. But it was also sore. The chairs are far from cozy and we were in the room for the entire day less a whole 30 minute break for lunch (which was much later than normal for many of us).

The fruits of labor I guess you could say were realized. We observed all day today for a 2 hour cross wrapped up in like 10 minutes for our immediate group. Now if that didn't make some of us giddier than crap, I don't know what could. It was like we finally got to see all that work and all those hours get justified. We had our shit together and it was impressive and felt really good after so many months of endless stress.

It was a long day with some enjoyable fun at times. I left the house at 6:30 this morning and didn't get back until well after 7. The train was sweet though and I now see why people like it so much. I caught up on a cycling magazine and got an easy work out in with the walking so sweet indeed. Plus I relearned the love of texting on my cell phone trying to not go bonkers through some slow portions.

I'm off to start up a new post to be posted soon. I met a pretty significant goal and I have some personal emails to go out. I have a really long way to go but this one has meant a lot to get to. I laugh as I've started a couple of the emails and I have a feeling Christian hasn't a clue as to just why I love him and the guys so much. To send them this email is feeling pretty good and has me smiling and ready to set the next goal. :-)

Have a good night. I'm off to catch up on my 46 emails from today and read up on the boys!

P.S. - GO READ UP ON WILL on VeloNews!!!

2008 Tour de Georgia - Final

What a day!!! After all the woulda, coulda, shoulda's flew yesterday it all comes down to this - Trent Lowe rode a great ride up Brasstown Bald and he finished 2nd overall on the Tour de Georgia! He also earned the Best Young Rider Jersey. I say "Way to go guys!" 1st place would've been sweet but you know what, they busted ass this week and I'm so proud of them!!!

I like Levi and I have to say he is pulling at heart strings with how professional he is. He is a great rider and a good person and I hope those that dislike him at least give him that. I congratulate all three on the podium today! Jobs very well done and amazing teamwork all around!!!

Today's stage was stressful. I say that as the coverage just sucked this week that WCSN had. To see bits and pieces of the race and then not even the entire last lap. Awful!!! Glad I didn't pay to not watch it! I will be very curious to see what Versus does next weekend with the coverage although if it's like today's, they'll just add more commercials to fill in the gaps! I might be a snob on the coverage as I watch as much (on weekends) live as I can and then to see crappy commercial filled recaps later just doesn't compare. But then again Versus IS busy with golf, bowling, bull riding, and fishing to give two craps to anything other than the Tour. (Oops did I type that?)

High Road won the stage today and big cheers for them! I love George (probably always will) so to see his team have success isn't hard to take. Tyler finished in the top 10 on the stage and I hope they entire team is very proud of the work they did this entire week. And congratulations to Christian on 7th overall!

I'm slightly happy for a brief break in racing for a bit. I will be glued to races Mike and Will and company will all be in coming up but hopefully by then work will be in it's proper place. :-) If I get some time this week, I'll update with pics that will show up tomorrow and anymore videos I find. Until then enjoy...

Rory Sutherland: The bald
Ian MacGregor: The Latest
Bicycling: Sivtsov Sneaks Into Lead
VN TV: Stage 6 post race: Levi Leipheimer
VN TV: Stage 6 post race: Trent Lowe

ROAD: Pre-race Levi Leipheimer - damn whipper snappers :-), Chris Horner - 2 dogs fighting over the bone and a 3rd jumps in and grabs it..., Tim Johnson, and I'm putting this one here as DZ just cracks me up! - DZ pre-race Stage 5
VN TV: Stage 7 pre-race: Christian VandeVelde, Rory Southerland
TBR: Jonathan Vaughters, Levi Leipheimer

One more reason to love argyle - "A special detour before stage 7"

Live Chat: CN, PC, VN

Stage 7 - April 27: Atlanta circuit race, 62.7mi/100.9km
Results
1 Gregory Henderson (NZl) Team High Road 2.23.53 (42.075 km/h)
4 Fred Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing
6 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
13 Chris Horner (USA) Astana
15 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
22 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
23 Rory Sutherland (Aus) Health Net p/b Maxxis
27 Scott Nydam (USA) BMC Racing Team
34 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
40 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC
48 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
53 Tyler Hamilton (USA) Rock Racing
56 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
58 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC
59 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road
68 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
87 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 1.08
95 Bryce Mead (USA) Jelly Belly Cycling Team 1.49
Final General classification
1 Kanstantin Siutsou (Blr) Team High Road 22.44.44
2 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 0.04
3 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 0.14
7 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 1.32
9 Rory Sutherland (Aus) Health Net p/b Maxxis 2.08
10 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 2.31
12 Scott Nydam (USA) BMC Racing Team 2.49
13 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road 3.19
28 Chris Horner (USA) Astana 5.33
38 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 8.51
40 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 10.02
43 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 11.35
62 Fred Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 24.21
65 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 24.56
89 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 39.05
92 Tyler Hamilton (USA) Rock Racing 41.32
93 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 43.06
98 Bryce Mead (USA) Jelly Belly Cycling Team 1.16.33

Points classification
1 Gregory Henderson (NZl) Team High Road 53 pts
2 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 35
3 Andrew Pinfold (Can) Symmetrics Cycling Team 28
Mountains classification
1 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 18 pts
Young rider classification
1 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 22.44.48

Slipstream: Lowe Best Young and 2nd overall
Timmy Duggan: One of those race days I'd just as soon forget
TBR: Greg Henderson
SpareCycles: Stage 7 Journal
DP: TdG - Stage 7
Spinnin'Wheel: All In The Family

Rory Sutherland: Getting it done
You know I already like following him so I have to plug his new website - www.justrory.com
I hope you check it out and read up on him! I for one can't wait for the audio to be going on the slang page!

A cute shot of some protection after 2 team cars collided earlier in the week.

VN TV: Post race Stage 7: Trent Lowe, Freddie Rodriguez, Levi Leipheimer, and Tom Danielson

Sunday Fun

So happy today is just about over. It's been a busy weekend and after catching some sort of bug that killed me Friday afternoon and lingered with a low fever, headaches, and just feeling sluggish, I'm looking forward to Ambien and some good sleeps tonight.

This morning's enjoyment started with some fun watching LBL (real coverage). Then afterwards I opted to stick with my Sunday bike ride even though I was dumped by my weekend riding partner. (I'm only giving you crap Jane - I know all to well how much work sucks on a weekend!) I have to say it might've been hard to get her to go anyway as it was chiiiiillllly! Low 40's is not all that fun. Still way better than what C rode in this winter here but still ouch. I am so close to a personal goal marker that not going is kind of not an option right now. The new bike rocked today and I am looking forward to more on it! I got back from my ride just shortly after TdG started up. The coverage really did suck so that was a serious bummer.

Did you ever hear a song and then it just sticks in your head and you can't get it out? Poor Meatball earlier today was tortured with one that I heard and I slaughtered in a dedication email to him. I'm hoping he laughed at me for it but it was bad in a funny (hopefully) kind of way. I had an entire pot of coffee before my ride so hopefully he will yell at Will for that new found addiction of mine as that clearly is what I am blaming this all on. I heard Uncle Kracker's Follow Me and thought of Mike. LOL Mike LOL! Instead of Follow Me, it was more on the lines of Follow Mike. Because the song is still seriously in my head I might actually at some point type up better wording of the lyrics than I did this morning and share but until then, just shake your head, laugh, and know it was bad - funny but still. :-)

Talked to John tonight just for keeping with tradition of calling and bugging him after races. I'm still very jealous of his travels and all of his cycling connections and fun. I'm really hoping we get to keep our lunch date with Peg this week although it might be my own schedule that actually interferes this time. Need to be Downtown for work Wednesday so the one day that was looking the best is off the table for me. Hopefully we can work another one out in its place.

Well, I think I am just about ready to sign off and chill before heading to bed. Since I still have serious sleep issues (the damn sleep gods really do hate me I think) I'm going to do the Ambien thing just to crash. I think in the past many weeks I'm averaging like 4 hours a night. And that's an average so you know some are like 2-3 hour nights in there. Stinks but not much I can do right now. Work is starting to come back into control but as that happens the housework and yard work head skyward. No winning. Still love it all though so its just getting through until the balance comes together again.

Hope all had a good weekend!!!
Congrats Slipstream on GREAT teamwork this week and recover quickly Timmy Duggan!!!
Good sleeps all!

2008 Liege-Bastogne-Liege

94th Liège-Bastogne-Liège - 1.HC
Belgium, April 27, 2008

Enjoyable race this morning! And quality coverage (less a few feed hiccups) that was music to I think most eyes and ears after this weeks crap coverage of the TdG. The race seemed almost too fast this morning as it was over with quickly. Great racing though!

Little young'in Andy Schleck has to, by far, get my vote as my favorite to watch this morning. That kid attacked and did everything he could to set up Frank (his big brother) for a possible win. At like 22 years young, he just continues to impress me and will remain a favorite for years to come as he continues to get even better. I remember C's video diaries and when C talks about his goal - to beat Andy in every race they're in, that truly would be a great year! Andy has talent and I just LOVE watching him and Frank paired up together. I miss those guys on CSC!!!

Sadly Frank didn't have enough left at the end and finished third to Valverde and Rebellin. Frank doesn't seem to have a big punch at the end but if he had the legs and had gone for an attack just a bit further out, he might've done it for the win but all in all, a good race with good results! I'm saddened to see the month of April almost to a close.

One surprise this morning was seeing Bettini fly up the road. He's not one I follow but it was an impressive little show. He looks a bit thinner and the ribs must be healing up well. Being the World Road Champion, its nice to see him back in the mix again.

VN: New climb will spice up LBL
VN: Evans, Cunego favorites for Liege
PodiumCafe: LBL: Rating the Faves!
Slipstream: A little ice and a lot of luck for Liege

Live Reports: CN, PC 1 & PC 2, DP

Results
1 Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 6.44.04 (38.756 km/h)
2 Davide Rebellin (Ita) Gerolsteiner
3 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC
4 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 0.30
5 Christian Pfannberger (Aut) Barloworld 0.40
51 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30 4.09
90 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30 8.11
112 J.Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30 12.00
117 Huub Duyn (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30 14.24
118 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30 17.11
125 Michael Barry (Can) Team High Road 19.31
DNF Kilian Patour (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30
DNF Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30
DNF Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30

Slipstream: Ryder's Liege: Beautifully brutal fight to the end
VN: Valverde scores again in Liege
Bicycling: Valverde Too Fast At Liege
PEZ: LBL'08: Valverde Shoots Down Brothers in Arms!
CW: Valverde takes LBL for 2nd time
Team CSC: Schleck Brothers in Top-Four
Team CSC: Frank Schleck: Proud fo Younger Brother

Graham Watson: Liege-Bastogne-Liege Photos

2008 Tour de Georgia - Brasstown Bald

I totally stole this from Blacknell's photostream. He popped it on PC this morning and I just loved it!!!

Oh my... what a day?!? The coverage bit the big one at the end once again from WCSN. Nothing on the peloton for the longest damn time and then to not cover Trent and Levi finishing? WTF?!?! I was on the edge of my chair at the end way more than I should've been but man-o-man... what happened? Trent was doing awesome (and damn if he didn't do a great job today!) and then Sivtsov attacks and Levi didn't go? Trent was on his wheel with every move and the kid just rocked today. Brian over at PC called Sivtsov early on in the day and he did it, he won the stage - and got the yellow jersey - poop!

I can't even begin to imagine what is going through heads tonight or what the team atmosphere is. There are time bonuses tomorrow but Trent isn't a sprinter. I'm almost forcing myself to think that they thought Levi was going to go with a kick and that's why Trent didn't go with him. Just don't know. Today was a hard as hell climb and with reading that Levi didn't have it to go, Trent might not have either. I'm waiting for more interviews and comments before I jump on some of the woulda shoulda fires.

I delayed calling John as I was almost afraid. I don't see away to win the overall now and I'm just bummed for the team. It is SO easy for those of us not there and not in the moment to say the woulda, coulda, shoulda stuff but ouch, this was a bummer. I seriously hope you have that drink John! All those miles the past few days and then for today. Make it two John and have one for me after that!!! Hopefully tomorrow's call will be better.

One really enjoyable highlight of the finish I have to comment on is Mr. Rory Sutherland! Race camera coverage sucked so bad we had no idea who was where and it was like out of absolutely nowhere, there was Rory! He finished 4th! I wish I wasn't so in awe as Rory is a great rider but wow, that just was like - where the hell did he come from?!? So huge congrats to that boy tonight! I still encourage you to drop him an email as he deserves as much loving as he can get! His blogs are great and his friendly duty of trying to hook up Matt is hilarious. Great ride today Rory!!!

Last thing before I post this and head off to read up on Liege-Bastogne-Liege for tomorrow morning. I hope you check out the pics on CN today. The "Push me up the hill PLEASE" signs were pretty funny on Ivan Dominguez and JJ Haedo!

Rory Sutherland: Missed by that much
VN TV: Post race Stage 5 Rory Sutherland & Tim Johnson
VN TV: Post race Stage 5 Danny Pate
VN TV: Post race Stage 5 Levi Leipheimer

ROAD: Pre-race Tom Danielson, Pre-race Dave Zabriskie, Pre-race Levi Leipheimer
VN TV: Pre-race Stage 6 Tyler Hamilton
VN TV: Pre-race Stage 6 Chris Horner
VN TV: Pre-race Stage 6 Trent Lowe

Live Chats: CN, PC, VN

Stage 6 - April 26: Blairsvill/Union County - Brasstown Bald/Towns County, 88.4mi/142.3km
Results
1 Kanstantin Siutsou (Blr) Team High Road 3.47.16 (37.568 km/h)
2 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 0.10
3 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 0.16
4 Rory Sutherland (Aus) Health Net p/b Maxxis 0.33
9 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 1.38
11 Scott Nydam (USA) BMC Racing Team 2.24
12 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC
24 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road 3.19
35 Chris Horner (USA) Astana 5.35
47 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 8.57
50 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 9.38
52 Tyler Hamilton (USA) Rock Racing 11.02
55 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 11.27
61 Fred Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 21.25
77 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 21.43
91 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 22.16
102 Bryce Mead (USA) Jelly Belly Cycling Team 23.19
106 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 24.03
DSQ Michael Creed (USA) Rock Racing
General classification after stage 6
1 Kanstantin Siutsou (Blr) Team High Road 20.20.51
2 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 0.04
3 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 0.14
7 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 1.32
9 Rory Sutherland (Aus) Health Net p/b Maxxis 2.08
10 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 2.31
12 Scott Nydam (USA) BMC Racing Team 2.49
13 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road 3.19
29 Chris Horner (USA) Astana 5.33
40 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 8.51
42 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 10.02
45 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 11.38
70 Fred Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 24.21
72 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 24.56
95 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 39.05
98 Tyler Hamilton (USA) Rock Racing 41.32
99 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 41.58
106 Bryce Mead (USA) Jelly Belly Cycling Team 1.14.44

Slipstream: Lowe 2nd on Brasstown; 1st BYR; 2nd overall
VN: Sivts-who? A primer on Kanstantin Sivtsov
DP: Stage 6
Julie: Tunnel Vision

TBR: Rory Sutherland (how awesome was that!) and Kanstantin Sivtsov

Slipstream Twitter - summing up the day: #*$@!!!!!!! (posted just after 6:30)

2008 Tour de Georgia - Stage 5

One more day closer to Saturday! I tried watching some of today's stage and hope to catch a replay at some point. WCSN had no audio for the longest time which, when trying to get other things done, makes keeping tabs on the race much harder. I finally decided catching it on a replay might be more productive for the day.

Great news on the stage is that Trent Lowe climbed into the Leader's Jersey!!! I am really excited for the team right now. Following C for years and to see him (and the team) so happy and almost relaxed and enjoying it all brings many smiles. Talked to John again earlier tonight and asked about Tom missing the split. I still think Tom could win the overall as when he is on, HE IS ON!!! Many cards for the team to play tomorrow and hopefully Levi (hard to say when you like him) cracks ever so slightly to give the guys a bigger opening. Gosh knows that if C is right there and wins this thing - oh boy!!!

I had called John originally to actually give him an update I read on Davis Phinney and that is such a great bit of news! He's having fun down there and I look forward to a call tomorrow. The stage will be a killer and I can only pray WCSN gets their crap together as video and/or audio issues tomorrow will not be taken very nicely. Julie was a much braver girl than I today so make sure to read: TdG Stage 5: My Kingdom for a Moto.

I laughed yesterday with C's comments on taking his radio out during the TTT. When I talked to John and heard he was in a car. I have to say, it made me laugh thinking C took the ear piece out to avoid hearing Dad yelling in the background. Venga! Venga! Venga! The TTT replay is up on the site so I hope if you haven't yet that you check it out. Tom and C joined the booth about 2:07.35 into the coverage and was the highlight of the commentary - if you ask me. :-)

VN TV: Update on Timmy Duggan prior to Stage 4
VN TV: Stage 4 pre-race Trent Lowe
CN: In the daily notes, check out "Slipstream sets up key players"
Rory Sutherland: Tradesmen

VN TV: Stage 5 pre-race Christian VandeVelde
VN TV: Stage 5 pre-race Jason McCartney
VN TV: Stage 5 pre-race Tim Johnson

Live Reports: CN, PC, VN

Stage 5 - April 25: Suwanee - Dahlonega, 133.4mi/214.7km
Results
1 Richard England (Aus) Bissell Pro Cycling 5.15.15 (40.862 km/h)
2 Rory Sutherland (Aus) Health Net p/b Maxxis
3 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road
6 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
8 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC
9 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
11 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
12 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
14 Chris Horner (USA) Astana
19 Scott Nydam (USA) BMC Racing Team
24 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 0.17
27 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC
42 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 0.37
68 Fred Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 1.32
76 Michael Creed (USA) Rock Racing 2.28
97 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 15.12
99 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
103 Tyler Hamilton (USA) Rock Racing 29.43
105 Bryce Mead (USA) Jelly Belly Cycling Team 36.00
General classification after stage 5
1 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 16.33.29
2 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
3 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
4 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 0.04
5 Chris Horner (USA) Astana
7 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road 0.06
9 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 0.13
13 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 0.17
16 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 0.30
18 Scott Nydam (USA) BMC Racing Team 0.31
30 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 0.59
44 Rory Sutherland (Aus) Health Net p/b Maxxis 1.41
60 Fred Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 3.02
63 Michael Creed (USA) Rock Racing 3.21
97 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 16.55
100 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 20.21
103 Tyler Hamilton (USA) Rock Racing 30.36
110 Bryce Mead (USA) Jelly Belly Cycling Team 51.31

Slipstream: Timmy Update: Stable after successful surgery
Slipstream: Lowe takes yellow at Georgia!
Slipstream: Timmy on the mend and proud of team!!
VN: Full recovery expected for Tim Duggan
Ian MacGregor: Surgery for Timmy...

As always video's at ROAD are rockin'! I "finally" pulled my head out of my butt and realized how simple the links were. I'm blaming it on no sleep. Today they have DZ pre-race stage 5, Jeremy Powers brushing his teeth, Lucas Euser, Tom Danielson, and Dave pre-race stage 4

And an exciting note - looks like The Broadband Racer is back with video's! I loved them with the rider diaries (C and Freddie were awesome!) and it looks like Frankie Andreu is heading interviews here. Frankie had been doing bike reviews on there earlier this year so I knew it wasn't a lost site but the diaries were just so awesome as they were unscripted and usually of themselves and teammates. So Yeah!
Rory Sutherland on his 2nd place in Stage 5. Trent Lowe takes the Yellow on Stage 5. Trent pre-race Stage 5. Christian VandeVelde after the TTT. Jonathan Vaughters Strategy. Chris Horner with TTT. Tyler Farrar one step closer to yellow. Scott Nydam on the TTT.

VN: Brasstown Bald climb will determine Tour de Georgia

A Day @ Home!

I finally got a day at home. I did have a few work things to do but it was done pretty quick and certainly early. The rest of the day was mine and man, did it feel great! This week started stressful and had a few hours packed into it and then suddenly there was a day to take some breaths. I looked at my desk yesterday morning and it should probably be marked as a fire hazard.

Yesterday was one of those days at work where everyone was pretty fried and hot deadlines were finally wrapped up. I watched a good portion of the TTT while double checking work and filing some stuff. After a meeting in the afternoon I opted to head out. With work lap top in hand out the door I went. I stopped and p'd/u my bike that got tuned up. I then looked at the new bike I've been checking out again. I'm happy to say, that I picked that new toy up this morning! I got home and off for a ride I went with it. It was just a couple miles as I had a to do list a mile long but I LOVE the bike! What a huge difference from my mountain bike.

After that fun, Numb Nuts stopped over to help me with a few things. It was his birthday Wednesday and I was happy to see him, although I am still pretty bitter with Wieser and him getting so sick. I told him today that Wieser should really come back here. He knows it too. But, with that irking aside, he again was of great help today. The lawnmower got checked out, the entire yard got cut, the screen that Perdy flew through the other night got fixed, the garage door wheel thingy got replaced. If I hadn't gotten so sick this afternoon, a lot more yard work would've been done. I did get the dead patch of grass ripped up and dirt put down and seed covered. It amazes me with how much there is to do this spring here. I love doing almost all of it and in years past - less a few things - I did them alone anyway but with work being what it has, I feel like I'm about a month behind here at home.

Of course the weather tonight has just been lovely - NOT. The thunder and incredible lightning has had the girls all stressed out. Midnight has calmed down a lot in her old age but there were a few times where it even unnerved her. P of course has never been a huge fan but as of now she's sleeping away - on my foot. Not sure how that helps her but it seems to. As long as she can be on or "right" next to me. I had wanted to fertilize the yard but with as heavy as the rain is I'm almost glad I lost a few hours to not feeling well. This is a serious storm. The yard, trees, flowers, and bushes all need the water but man this one is certainly letting us all know it's here.

This weekend is super busy. Hopefully this storm is something that will be done by early tomorrow so I can do more outside. The race tomorrow won't be missed - unless of course the audio and video finds more hang ups! I also have a ton to do in the house so that should take up most of the night. Then Sunday there's the last stage of TdG and L-B-L which should be a great race to watch! Of course with all the Internet viewing I still want to get in a good ride. Although this week (first Sunday in awhile) my ride will be solo - which of course means that I'll be going to the tried and true forest preserver here. Love trying new paths but prefer company in case they seriously kick my butt! The one here will probably have me taking the mountain bike but we'll see.

I'm off to watch a few more video clips! Have a great weekend all!!!

Davis Phinney

Great news today reported over at Cycle To - Davis Phinney, after 8 years, was with out tremors!! I am so exicted for him and that by far has to be some of the best news of late.

Make sure to take a look at the article.
Also check out the very cool 4 part interview done.

2008 Tour de Georgia - Stage 4 - TTT

GREAT DAY TODAY! And the picture above says so much! I was glued to the TTT today. The guys at work picked on me a lot today but the meeting got delayed until the race was over, how sweet was that??? (For those thinking that watching was such a no-no today, feel free to share your home number, I'd be happy to call you when I'm working one of my lovely 80 hour weeks. LOL!)

I could not have been happier for the team. To see C and company fly over that line was totally awesome. And then it was nerve racking! Waiting to see what Astana and Team High Road would do, jeepers. And then to have Tom and C in the both chattin' away while Astana was on course - that rocked! The one dope announcing drove so many of us nuts today. Did he seriously forget Timmy was tied up in the ICU? Come on! The smack chat that went on was fun to watch. At PC we wanted them to stay in the booth and not give the other guy back his headset. (I don't think any of us like him.) I'm warming up a bit more to Nathon. His failed test here at Elk Grove last year was an appetite suppresent which I don't understand but at least he gets what the race is about.

Sitting here tonight I was thinking about Timmy Duggan and I wish I could do something more than send prayers. I decided it was time to make a donation to JustGoHarder. And I ordered coffee from them too. It is the least I can do and since Will has me becoming a coffee snob, giving theirs a try is easy to do. I encourage you all reading this to do the same. I kind of hope others will think to do the same. What a good way to show him support!!!

Once again Julie writes a recap way better than I ever will. Make sure to take a read on her entry - TdG Stage 4: Argyle Smile. The commentary she comments on truly was a load from "radio guy" as she has phrased it.

I talked to John tonight and can I just say that I so hope lunch next week doesn't get moved. He was there today, in a car on the track(!) and it was exciting to hear some tidbits!!! I can not wait for tomorrow's stage and Saturday - OH BOY! Oh, and yep, I'm working from home tomorrow so yahoo! Laptop for work up and running with personal laptop streaming the race. SWEET! I've gotten to talk to him about my bike too and, as it's silly, it makes me feel better (you know me, the one who knows nothing, he, the one who know a tad bit) that he thinks its a good one for me too!

Going through and reading up on the day, I have to wonder - does Zabriskie have a Yiddish word for Argyle Kick Ass?


Rory Sutherland: A racer's race
VN TV: Stage 3 pre-race George Hincapie
VN TV: Stage 3 pre-race Chris Horner
VN TV: Stage 3 pre-race Rory Sutherland

Ian MacGregor: Thursday morning Timmy update
Tyler Farrar: Georgia podium finally!
Jonathan Vaughters: To suffer is the currency of racing
Slipstream: Official Timmy update

VN TV: Stage 3 post race Tyler Farrar
VN TV: No TT Bikes
VN TV: Stage 4 pre-race George Hincapie

Live Reports: CN, PC, VN

Stage 4 - April 24: Road Atlanta (TTT), 10mi/16.1km
Results
1 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 19.36.86 (49.285 km/h)
2 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
3 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
4 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
5 Chris Horner (USA) Astana 0.03.41
6 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
10 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road 0.05.20
17 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 0.12.72
20 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC
21 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 0.21.69
29 Scott Nydam (USA) BMC Racing Team 0.31.65
38 Rory Sutherland (Aus) Health Net p/b Maxxis 0.40.86
48 Michael Creed (USA) Rock Racing 0.52.35
49 Tyler Hamilton (USA) Rock Racing
89 Bryce Mead (USA) Jelly Belly Cycling Team 1.28.14
90 Fred Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 1.29.52
95 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 1.54.63
96 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
General classification after stage 4
1 Gregory Henderson (NZl) Team High Road 11.17.59
3 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 0.15
4 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
5 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
6 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
8 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 0.19
9 Chris Horner (USA) Astana
12 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road 0.21
16 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 0.28
19 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC
21 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 0.37
24 Scott Nydam (USA) BMC Racing Team 0.46
42 Tyler Hamilton (USA) Rock Racing 1.08
43 Michael Creed (USA) Rock Racing
65 Fred Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 1.45
67 Rory Sutherland (Aus) Health Net p/b Maxxis 1.56
69 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 1.58
100 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 5.24
116 Bryce Mead (USA) Jelly Belly Cycling Team 15.46

Ian MacGregor: Slipstream TTT with Timmy on their mind
Slipstream: Argyle takes team time trial!
JV: This win's for Timmy!
Slipstream: Lowe Best Young Rider, Farrar Poiints Leader, & SS/Chipotle H30 top team overall
Spare Cycles: Stage 4: Slipstream
Felt: Slipstream wins Stage 4 TTT in Georgia!

Make sure to check out Road again. They've got Papa Georgio, JV, and Tom Danielson. I was bummed they didn't have another fun one with DZ but there's tomorrow for hope!

VN TV: Stage 4 post race Bobby Julich
VN TV: Stage 4 post race Tom Danielson
- Have to laugh with the comments about JV's comments to the guys during the race after hearing C say he pulled his radio before the stage. Love the "Just Go Harder" stickers on the back of the seat posts! A little HTFU mojo going!!!

2008 Tour de Georgia - Stage 3

First and foremost - thoughts and prayers to Timmy Duggan tonight while he recovers at the hospital. I love cycling but I for one, do not enjoy hearing or reading about or watching crashes. When they happen, I find myself glued to it but I don't like to see them and if ever given a say, they would not happen. Timmy was involved in a serious crash and was taken to the hospital (read "Duggan in stable condition after bad crash in Georgia"). The shots of him while I watched the replay tonight did not look good laying there on the ground. God speed with wellness and recovery.

Tyler gets 3rd in the stage, he moves up to 2nd overall, and he's now in the lead in the Best Young Rider class. Score! Not a bad day for teamwork. Now, if Slipstream can completely kick ass tomorrow maybe he can move up into the overall lead. Wouldn't it rock to see them win the TTT and Tyler into the lead - get well to Timmy with that!!!

I'm very jealous right now of John. He called me today on his routes in heading to the airport to go to the race. I say this a lot but it really is a lot of fun talking to him, especially about all things cycling. I had just grabbed my keys and sunglasses to head out to the gym. I saw the number and happily took the call. He's really busy right now so the gym can just wait a bit. He was really encouraging with a goal I've almost met and we shared some good laughs on C. (read: "Team time trial adding twist to Georgia") I was over at the Bike Shop to look at bikes on Sunday and finally got to talk to him about it and ask him his opinion on the bike I'm looking at. I'll probably wait to buy it (maybe) until we have lunch next week just to make sure. :-)

A goal I've been working on is just about here and C actually had a part to play. Last year's Vuelta was pretty impressive and motivating to me but there's more to come on all that. I gave John a buzz tonight to see if there was anymore news on Timmy. Man, that just bites with that crash. I've always become fans of C's teammates and today's crash reminded me of Saul Raisin and Stuey.

I hope to catch some of the TTT tomorrow. I believe Slipstream can rock this thing. I think the team's thoughts will really need to be focused. No mistakes can be made. Time to drop a good luck off to C and then I'm going to finish watching today's stage. (Okay, not that you could tell but but after watching for a bit, that was one fast finish. I still think the coverage sucks but I will take that over nothing at all!)


VN Videos: Post-race Stage 2 Levi Leipheimer

Rory Sutherland: Stage 2 - Coming Around
Rory has a new email address for Georgia. - roryingeorgia@gmail.com - drop him a note and good luck and feel free to throw questions and comments his way. He responded to them (I think all) from California. What a sweetheart. Not sure if he'll be able to do that again as I'm sure his inbox gets pretty full now. To think he thought he's not totally loved by us and we wouldn't want to read from him. :-)

Timmy Duggan: Behind the scenes at Georgia
VN Videos: Pre-race Stage 3 Dave Zabriskie
VN Videos: Pre-race Stage 3 Tyler Farrar

Live Reports: Cycling News, Podium Cafe, VeloNews

Stage 3 - April 23: Washington - Gainesville, 108.2mi/174.1km
Results
1 Gregory Henderson (NZl) Team High Road 3.55.45 (44.309 km/h)
3 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
5 Fred Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing
11 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
14 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road
16 Chris Horner (USA) Astana
20 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC
21 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
22 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
48 Tyler Hamilton (USA) Rock Racing
49 Scott Nydam (USA) BMC Racing Team
53 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
55 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
62 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC
64 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
79 Michael Creed (USA) Rock Racing
88 Rory Sutherland (Aus) Health Net p/b Maxxis 1.00
101 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 3.14
115 Bryce Mead (USA) Jelly Belly Cycling Team 5.00
DNF Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
General classification after stage three
1 Gregory Henderson (NZl) Team High Road 10.58.17
2 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 0.09
9 Scott Nydam (USA) BMC Racing Team 0.20
11 Fred Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 0.21
18 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road
20 Chris Horner (USA) Astana
24 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
30 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC
42 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
45 Tyler Hamilton (USA) Rock Racing
46 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
47 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
57 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
64 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
66 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC
77 Michael Creed (USA) Rock Racing
86 Rory Sutherland (Aus) Health Net p/b Maxxis 1.21
99 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 3.35
117 Bryce Mead (USA) Jelly Belly Cycling Team 14.23

Slipstream: Tyler 3rd in sprint, 1st Best Young, 2nd overall
VN: Henderson takes stage 3, overall lead in Georgia
DP: Stage 3
Spare Cycles: Stage 3: Henderson wins crazy downhill sprint, High Road 1-2
Road: Again, fun videos to view - Tyler Hamilton, Zabriskie - just love him, and Tim Johnson and Rory Sutherland (these guys are always good for laughs)

Ian MacGregor: Timmy's post crash condition
Slipstream Twitter tonight: Things are looking better for Timmy. Hopefully we'll have good news tomorrow morning. JV

2008 La Fleche Wallonne

72nd La Flèche Wallonne - 1.HC
Belgium, April 23, 2008

Good but wet race this morning. Started pretty early and of course work is interfering. I've got it on in the background tonight in replay mode - almost done. :-) I'm happy to see teams like High Road getting some wins. Sponsorship is on many teams minds these days and good riders, good coverage, clean racing, and some wins are helping help - at least I certainly hope so. Enjoyable to see Cadel racing well, seems like he's changed a bit this year from last. It would've been interesting to see him and Horner drillin' it in races but such is things. Horner with his smile is always a good guy to keep an eye on.

This morning I had PodiumCafe and CyclingNews on to hop in and read when I could. I laugh (good for the morale) with some typings and I got busted for a laugh at one point. We're all serious trying to polish off stuff. The guys look at me and of course they start harassing me about stalking Brett Favre. I mean really, it's not football season and even in the season I don't follow it that much. I just love my Packers and Brett over most. My accident appearing in the packer news site didn't help my argument back then trying to cut the chatter down. I love the group, but seriously? Football talk - now? It's all about cycling and the fever for good stuff is here. :-)

Watching it looks like Dan Martin and Huub Duyn were doing some serious work today. Break aways and bridging and staying upright is always good. Looked like Millar set up Ryder pretty well but a flat at a prime spot knocked him back a bit. Like in P-R I would love to see less mechanicals and flats and see these guys just hammer it out up with the favored leaders. They've got it and man, keep a good eye on the next couple years as the young'ins develop even more. I for one am really excited about the future of racing. :-)

Michael Barry's Diary - Domestique life

Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
221 David Millar (GBr)
222 Jason Donald (USA)
223 Huub Duyn (Ned)
224 Ryder Hesjedal (Can)
225 Christophe Laurent (Fra)
226 Daniel Martin (Irl)
227 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA)
228 Kilian Patour (Fra)

Slipstream: FW preview: Hesjedal, Millar & Martin top bets

Results
1 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team High Road 4.35.29 (43.45 km/h)
2 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 0.01
3 Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre 0.02
39 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30 1.34
50 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30 2.49
76 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 5.13
78 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC
109 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30 9.40
111 Michael Barry (Can) Team High Road 9.48

Slipstream: FW Results: Pain & Rain
Ryder Hesjedal: La ill-timed Fleche flat
VN: Kirchen steal Evans' thunder at Fleche Wallonne
PEZ: Fleche'08: Wet, Mur, Kirchen!
CW: Kim Kirchen takes the High Road at Fleche Wallonne
ProCycling: 72nd Fleche Wallonne - Reports & Photos

Tour de Georgia - Stage 2

Today was a hard day not to log in and try to watch some of the race, especially the last 2 laps. Slipstream went up front and I had to rely on PodiumCafe and CyclingNews live report to follow. Work is just too hectic right now but popping in for quick reads is working, for now.

Tonight I'm watching the rerun on WCSN and as much of a hassle CTV can be at times to get into for some, the coverage is generally always pretty good. WCSN is choppy to say the least and these two talking aren't focused on this race right now. Add in coverage drops and it's just a blast - not. Nathon's test results at Elk Grove last year (if memory serves right) would've knocked him off the podium and Meatball into first. It was an appetite suppressant but still.

Hope to read Julie's take on the stages. She's always does a great job and is a complete joy to read. Have a good night all! More racing tomorrow!

Rory Sutherland: Guess who's back, back again
The Durango Herald: Locals open Tour de Georgia
TDG Blog: So why was Danielson in the break?

VN Videos: Pre-race Levi Leipheimer
VN Videos: Pre-race Christian VandeVelde
VN Videos: Pre-race Tyler Farrar
VN Videos: Pre-race Freddie Rodriguez

Road again has great videos and I am convinced there are no ways to get a direct link. If anyone knows how, please share. They've got Levi, DZ - always funny, and Fast Freddie

Stage 2 - April 22: Statesboro - Augusta, 116.9mi/188.1km
Results
1 Juan José Haedo (Arg) Team CSC 4.32.35 (41.403 km/h)
4 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
8 Fred Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing
25 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road
34 Chris Horner (USA) Astana
35 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
37 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
40 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
50 Tyler Hamilton (USA) Rock Racing
55 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
56 Scott Nydam (USA) BMC Racing Team
57 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC
77 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC
82 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
90 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
97 Rory Sutherland (Aus) Health Net p/b Maxxis
100 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
102 Michael Creed (USA) Rock Racing
117 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 7.38
118 Bryce Mead (USA) Jelly Belly Cycling Team 9.04
General classification after stage 2
1 Ivan Dominguez (Cub) Toyota - United Pro Cycling Team 7.02.39
5 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 0.06
9 Scott Nydam (USA) BMC Racing Team 0.13
27 Chris Horner (USA) Astana 0.14
32 Fred Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing
36 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road
39 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
43 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
47 Tyler Hamilton (USA) Rock Racing
51 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
57 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC
61 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
64 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
74 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC
77 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
102 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30
107 Rory Sutherland (Aus) Health Net p/b Maxxis
108 Michael Creed (USA) Rock Racing
117 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle p/b H30 7.52
119 Bryce Mead (USA) Jelly Belly Cycling Team 9.16

Slipstream Twitter: "Gringo Grande" as Tyler was known as by the Cuban teams at the Tour of Bahamas has gotten another 5 seconds in bonus.
Slipstream: Farrar 4th in sprint, tied up in Best Young Rider race
Spare Cycles: Stage 2 Journal

Unrelated to TOG but a cute shout out to Christian - Whitnall Park Criterium I have looked for his past Track stuff with little luck. He certainly had great success on the track and he's been awesome to follow on the road since.