Sweet!

So I owe Jane a pretty huge thank you for putting up with my call tonight and hopefully lunch Sunday will help pay off some of the debt. I am up and running on the new computer, wireless and all. I even got my email connected. Feels pretty cool since this is very much so not my thing, at least not anymore. There was a time when I could do this stuff with out much thought but years after not working with systems sides of things and simply not having to with DA always doing that stuff at home, I for one simply forget. I guess it would be similar to my knowing sign language. I used to help teach it and could carry on simple conversations but after years of not working with it, I'm lucky if I remember the alphabet.

Working from home today was pretty nice. I still think I might work more hours when I do that though but I guess no commuting makes up for it. I'd been feeling pretty good earlier this week and then last night the coughing hit me again and I woke up this morning feeling like my rib cage had been hit by a sledge hammer. Worst part is that there is just nothing to be coughed out at this point. It's that really deep type cough though and man if it doesn't just kill if I can't stop it quickly. The odd part is that I feel really good as long as I don't cough. I'm hoping the next two days off will help me get over it. I shoveled this morning and even attempted a work out but that was just a bit too much to ask of the lungs. More coffee and a hot shower.... ahhhhh. :-)

Well I'm off to finish wiping my life off the other computer. Tomorrow could prove to be a stressful day so some sleep wouldn't hurt either. Maybe I'll find the Ambien to help make sure I get some. The sleep gods haven't liked me in a long time and adding in coughing fits certainly isn't helping.

Tomorrow is Het Volk and should be a pretty exciting race.
Good Luck to Will, Meatball and the Slipstream gang!

Good Sleeps All!
Nic

Inspiration

I recieved an email that included a link to a pretty motivational Oprah episode that was a shortened version of a lecture done I believe back in September 2007 by Randy Pausch. The video hit a couple cords with me and this man's drive to living life to the fullest is a reminder of things we talk about all the time and still quickly find forgetting. His full lecture at Carnegie Mellon is located on YouTube: Randy Pausch's Last Lecture.

The item of the elephant in the room reminds me that I need to finish a book and the belief to have fun is something that is just really important to remember to do in life. I love following the guys in cycling but as with them, or any sport, or things your passionate about, if you're not having some fun while doing what you love, then seriously, what is the point?!? The Oprah clip is about 11 minutes long and I think the full lecture is just over an hour. I hope you find the time to take a look. I highly doubt you would be sorry you did.

These are two statements that stood out for me and can pretty much sum up so many of lifes choices and lessons lived... "Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want." "Brick Walls are there for a reason: They let us prove how badly we want things."

Lunch Break

I just got off the phone with John and I still say, I could talk to him for hours with all the stories that he has. He's the reason I follow cycling and how I started following C. His sharing all the stuff he does is one of the reasons I love it so much. It's like keeping up on the goings on of my brothers through dear old dad! Getting updates from him on C and the gang always makes the day a little brighter and today was certainly no exception.

I talked to him a few times while he was out at the race and today's call made for a great lunch break. The crashes that went on and him seeing the CSC family and the epic 7+ hour day where it took hours for the guys to thaw is the kind of stuff I could listen to for hours and then probably listen to again a few times over. I'm not sure if it's because I love following these guys and they've become like admirable hero's of mine or if its because John shares the stories with so much heart but I can never get enough and the stories - they NEVER get old to me. :-)

I've watched the Overcoming DVD and C's and Freddie's broadband racer entries and I'm not sure how a person could not love Jens or after last year's Tour and the cute commercials, not have a soft spot for Fabian. When I hear stories of Jens cracking C up with how his kids kick him out of bed and Fabian's big bear hug hello, it really makes me want to meet them even more.

John's red-eye flight home Sunday night and the "bug" that hit the peloton along with many of us watching (not sure how that worked but somehow it did) has taken a toll on him but hopefully he'll be able to stop for a hello tonight.

Yesterday I had come across the VeloNews interview of Christian from last year after the TT and I have to say, I found it pretty funny with the "Awesome TT yesterday!" comment from Neal. Funny, as I think that same comment was made by most this year. I've followed C long enough to know the boy can TT and I loved it last Friday when he flew! He looked pretty good up there on the podium and those pics of him with Uma on Sunday - too cute.

Long Day

Today seems to be never ending. I got up early to check on weather and decided it would be best to work from home. It's a great advantage to be able to do it but right now, being like 8:30, and still on the computer I have to wonder if going in wouldn't have made for a shorter day. I got a lot done but I think I work longer when from home. Oh well.

I shoveled this morning and it only took about an hour for my lungs to recover from coughing. Felt great shoveling and then came in and the coughing fun began. Ouch. After that though I really did start feeling better overall. Friends were freaking me out telling me this bug going around lasts for weeks. Can't afford that so I'm glad it's improving. Just in time to meet the group I used to work with including John and Peg tomorrow night for celebration drinks and catching up. Hopefully I'll continue feeling better and hopefully there won't be too much of a hangover. :-) Seeing those guys is always so much fun!

Haven't looked at the new computer all day and after working with the work one all day, it will sit until tomorrow. Still need to go shovel the end of the driveway now that the plows are all done so I don't have to do it tomorrow. I'm signing off and hopefully will make to bed before midnight. Still don't sleep much and have a book or two to read from so the night is still young!

New Computer

I'm hoping Jane is laughing to her hearts content tonight from my calls. My new laptop came in today - 2 weeks ahead of the scheduled date, which is pretty sweet. Needless to say I am far from a computer geek so as I opened the box I almost prayed for one of those idiot proof step by step directions as to how get it up and running. There wasn't anything "that" simple included but I did quickly get it plugged in, powered up, semi set up, and now on the net so kudo's to me. For those that know me, know that this is something of a miracle as I've lost most faith in figuring somethings out these days. But, thus far, I have to say this new computer is pretty sweet. The next step is to plug in the wireless "stuff" and try my hand and getting all that going. Don't hold your breath - it may take a few more calls of Jane laughing at me to get it. I'm thinking at the moment that this weekend might be a better time to try it, although if the weather continues to this way, I'll be working from home tomorrow on the work laptop so who knows what will happen. :-)

I hope everyone around here made it home okay tonight. The roads were bad a few hours ago and I'm sure they only got worst. I made the decision to bring my work home with me tonight as with the coughing I've been doing, trying to shovel and then go to work might not be the best combination. I'll still have to shovel but at least then I can take a very long hot shower and let my lungs regroup a bit. I swear (not trying to be gross) but there can't be anything left to cough out. If I didn't cough, I'd actually feel really good. Just sucks when it starts as it hurts so much. The fever of 101.7 and 101.4 for a few nights certainly wiped me out. It was "really" hard to just sit back and watch the TOC online all weekend. Pure punishment! :-)

I hope everyone stays warm and drives carefully. I'm off to try and remember the actual web addresses to the sites I check regularly through my favorites on the other computer!

Weekend Recap

The top Three Celebrating: Levi, Dave, and Christian!!!

HUGE KUDO's out to Team Slipstream and especially Christian on his 3rd place overall!!! The team looked great this week and Millar most certainly gained huge amounts of respect and admiration from me. The team did great and guys like Cozza and Pate in the breaks were awesome. I for one can't wait to catch up with John later this week. I talked to him through out the weekend and I would imagine that the party tonight is a good one! And a huge shout out to George today! I was very happy to see him win the stage after all the time out in breaks he did this week.

I have to say one of my favorite bits from all the articles I read was on VeloNews and it kind of sums up the excitement! Those that follow C know that he can time trial with the best and Friday's TT put him on the podium where he stayed through today!!!

“I thought Dave [Millar] was going to have an incredible day today. He’s finally feeling very comfortable with the team and has become a real leader,” said Slipstream-Chipotle manager Jonathan Vaughters. “Christian was a surprise. That was f-ing awesome.”

On a blog I read earlier tonight the writer handed out awards for the week and C got the "Best Ride of the Race." On another fun bit that surfaced after the stages is the story of Bobby Julich's yellow rear wheel. The owner of the wheel shares the story and it's one I'm sure he'll never forget.

Dave Zabriskie is always a great read. He's been writing for USA Today all week. A bit of a gross note came from today's live commentary on CyclingNews. I believe I read or heard that Randi doesn't care for the beard either. Dave is Dave though so who are any of us to comment. He may want to note though...

12:07 PST

Dave Zabriskie just learned the reason why bike racers to not grow facial hair: he tries to blow his nose, and it just doesn't quite go clear of the 'stache. Eeeeew.

The TOC is wrapped up and Slipstream was awesome!!! They came out everyday to play and it was great to follow. Big Kudo's over to Will and the guys as well as they raced both Saturday and Sunday and from what I can find, it looks like Will finished 37th in Haut Var today!

2008 Amgen Tour of California

Tour of California - 2.HC
USA, February 17-24, 2008

Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
Start List
91 David Millar (GBr)
92 David Zabriskie (USA)
93 Christian Vandevelde (USA)
94 Thomas Peterson (USA)
95 Danny Pate (USA)
96 Steven Cozza (USA)
97 Thomas Danielson (USA)
98 Tyler Farrar (USA)

Prologue - February 17: Palo Alto ITT, 2.1 mi / 3.4 km
Results
1 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 3.51.21 (51.43 km/h)
3 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.05
4 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 0.06
7 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.08
9 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
10 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.09
12 Christian Vandevelde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.10
13 George Hincapie (USA) High Road
16 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana 0.12
28 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 0.15
32 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC
40 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.16
51 Freddie Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 0.18
60 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.20
62 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30

ATOC Video:BlipTV - Steven Cozza.

ATOC Video:BlipTV - Tyler Farrar.
ATOC Video:BlipTV - David Zabriskie.

Stage 1 - February 18: Sausalito - Santa Rosa, 97 mi / 156 km
Results
1 Juan Jose Haedo (Arg) Team CSC 4.03.29 (38.37 km/h)
6 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
9 Freddie Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing
13 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana
15 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC
16 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC
20 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
27 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
36 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
40 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
43 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
45 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC
48 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
66 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
73 George Hincapie (USA) High Road
100 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
General classification after stage 1
1 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 4.07.20
2 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.02
4 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 0.06
5 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.07
7 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.08
10 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.10
11 George Hincapie (USA) High Road
14 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana
21 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 0.15
23 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC
28 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
33 Freddie Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 0.18
39 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.20
41 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
78 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 5.26

ATOC Video:BlipTV - David Millar & Christian Vandevelde.

Stage 2 - February 19: Santa Rosa - Sacramento, 116 mi / 187.2km
Results
1 Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick Step 5.09.35 (36.125 km/h)
6 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
18 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana
20 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC
21 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
29 Freddie Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing
31 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
32 George Hincapie (USA) High Road
36 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
49 Jason Mccartney (USA) Team CSC
52 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
70 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
82 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
85 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
89 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC
98 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
107 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC
General classification after stage 2
1 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 9.16.54
2 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 0.01
6 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 0.07
7 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.08
9 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.09
11 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.11
12 George Hincapie (USA) High Road
15 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana 0.13
21 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 0.16
23 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC
29 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.17
34 Freddie Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 0.19
36 Jason Mccartney (USA) Team CSC 0.20
40 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.21
42 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
77 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 5.27

ATOC Video:BlipTV - Tyler Farrar.
ATOC Video:BlipTV - Tom Danielson.

Stage 3 - February 20: Modesto - San José, 103 mi / 152.2km
Results
1 Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank 4.28.29 (36.94 km/h)
2 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
6 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.19
7 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana
12 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
13 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC
14 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
16 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
27 George Hincapie (USA) High Road 7.23
29 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC
32 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 9.22
45 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 11.59
101 Freddie Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 24.21
119 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
120 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
DNF Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 (stomach bug)
General classification after stage 3
1 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 13.45.30
2 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 0.13
4 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.20
6 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
7 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.23
8 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana 0.25
12 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.33
26 George Hincapie (USA) High Road 7.27
28 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 7.32
31 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 9.31
41 Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 12.13
65 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 24.31
67 Freddie Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 24.33
80 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 29.41

Stage 4 - February 21: Seaside - San Luis Obispo, 135 mi / 217 km
Results
1 Dominique Rollin (Can) Toyota - United Pro Cycling Team 6.56.08 (31.288 km/h)
2 George Hincapie (USA) High Road 0.18
7 Freddie Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 2.28
16 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
23 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
24 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana
30 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC
32 Christian Vandevelde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
35 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC
37 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC
38 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
47 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
73 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 6.32
94 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
DNF Thomas Danielson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
General Classification after Stage 4
1 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 20.44.06
2 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 0.13
4 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.20
6 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.21
7 Christian Vandevelde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.23
8 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana 0.25
12 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.33
21 George Hincapie (USA) High Road 5.17
26 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 7.32
29 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 9.31
53 Freddie Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 24.33
60 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 28.35
78 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 33.45

ATOC Video:BlipTV - Slipstream Warm-Up.

Stage 5 - February 22: Solvang - Solvang (ITT), 15 mi / 24 km
Results
1 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 30.47
2 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.29
3 Christian Vandevelde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.45
5 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 1.05
6 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 1.15
14 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana 1.42
23 George Hincapie (USA) High Road 2.13
24 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 2.18
27 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 2.24
29 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 2.25
47 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 3.16
49 Freddie Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 3.23
55 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 3.38
General classification after stage 5
1 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 21.14.52
2 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.49
3 Christian Vandevelde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 1.08
4 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 1.18
6 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 1.36
7 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana 2.07
11 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 2.58
18 George Hincapie (USA) High Road 7.30
28 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 11.11
29 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 11.49
51 Freddie Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 27.56
59 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 31.51
77 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 36.09

ATOC Video:BlipTV - Christian Vandevelde in Most Aggressive Jersey.
ATOC Video: BlipTV - Christian Vandevelde. ATOC Video:BlipTC - David Millar.

Stage 6 - February 23: Santa Barbara - Santa Clarita, 109 mi / 175 km
Results
1 Luciano André Pagliarini Mendonca (Bra) Saunier Duval-Scott 4.18.31 (40.616 km/h)
17 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
19 Christian Vandevelde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
20 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
22 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC
31 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana
35 George Hincapie (USA) High Road
41 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC
49 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
51 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
53 Stuart O’Grady (Aus) Team CSC
63 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC
71 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
81 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 2.44
91 Freddie Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 12.10
General Classification after Stage 6
1 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 25.33.23
2 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.49
3 Christian Vandevelde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 1.08
4 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 1.18
6 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 1.36
7 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana 2.07
11 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 2.58
18 George Hincapie (USA) High Road 7.30
26 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 11.11
27 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 11.49
50 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 31.51
75 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 38.52
81 Freddie Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 40.06

Stage 7 - February 24: Santa Clarita - Pasadena, 93 mi / 150 km
Results
1 George Hincapie (USA) High Road 3.50.57
2 Rory Sutherland (Aus) Health Net presented by Maxxis
3 Jason Mccartney (USA) Team CSC
4 Michael Creed (USA) Rock Racing
16 Freddie Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 0.12
22 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
24 Christian Vandevelde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
27 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC
30 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
36 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana
37 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC
39 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
48 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
57 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30
63 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC
76 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 3.03
Final General classification
1 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 29.24.32
2 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 0.49
3 Christian Vandevelde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 1.08
4 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 1.18
6 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 1.36
7 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana 2.07
11 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 2.58
18 George Hincapie (USA) High Road 7.08
25 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 11.11
26 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 11.49
34 Rory Sutherland (Aus) Health Net presented by Maxxis 19.14
57 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 34.41
65 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 38.52
69 Freddie Rodriguez (USA) Rock Racing 40.06
77 Michael Creed (USA) Rock Racing 52.12

Best Team - Slipstream Chipotle - 88.17.05 2) Astana -.16 3) Team CSC -8.44

2008 Haut Var

40th Tour du Haut Var - 1.1
France, February 24, 2008

Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30
Start List
101 Jason Donald
102 Huub Duyn
103 Will Frischkorn
104 Ryder Hesjedal
105 Christophe Laurent
106 Martijn Maaskant
107 Dan Martin
108 Kilian Patour

Results
1 Davide Rebellin (Ita) Gerolsteiner
10 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC
13 Chris Anker Sørensen (Den) Team CSC
37 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
57 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
58 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
101 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC
102 Huub Duyn (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30

Entries -
Lucas Euser

2008 TOC VeloNews Videos

It's been an exciting weekend to follow cycling! TOC is wrapping up in the next couple of hours. It's been great watching Christian, who is currently in 3rd overall after his awesome TT on Friday. I talked to John a couple of times yesterday and the whole gang is in great spirits! Go Slipstream today!!!

VeloNews has some good video's this week of the riders at TOC:

2008 ATOC Stage 6: Health Net-Maxxis rider Rory Sutherland talks about the days break.

2008 ATOC Stage 6: PreRace with Astana rider Chris Horner.

2008 ATOC Stage 6: PreRace with High Road rider George Hincapie.

2008 ATOC Stage 6: PreRace wtih CSC rider Bobby Julich.

2008 ATOC Stage 5: Race Highlight.

2008 ATOC Stage 5: Slipstream-Chipotle rider David Millar talks about the time trial.

2008 ATOC Stage 5: After the TT with Slipstream-Chipotle rider Christian VandeVelde.

2008 ATOC Stage 5: CSC's Fabian Cancellara after the TT.

2008 ATOC Stage 4: High Road rider George Hincapie talks about the epic day.

2008 ATOC Stage 4: PreRace with CSC rider Fabian Cancellara.

2008 ATOC Stage 3: Race Highlight.

2008 ATOC Stage 3: Post race with Astana rider Chris Horner.

2008 ATOC Stage 3: Post race with Slipstream-Chipotle team manager Jonathan Vaughters.

2008 ATOC Stage 3: PreRace with High Road rider George Hincapie.

2008 ATOC Stage 3: PreRace with Slipstream-Chipotle rider Tom Danielson.

2008 ATOC Stage 3: PreRace with Astana rider Chris Horner.

2008 ATOC Stage 3: PreRace with Slipstream-Chipotle rider David Millar.

2008 ATOC Stage 2: New race leader and Slipstream-Chipotle rider Tyler Farrar at the podium.

2008 ATOC Stage 2: Post Race with Slipstream-Chipotle team manager Jonathon Vaughters.

2008 ATOC Stage 2: Injury update with High Road rider George Hincapie.

2008 ATOC Stage 2: PreRace with Slipstream-Chipotle rider David Millar.

2008 ATOC Stage 2: PreRace with Slipstream-Chipotle rider Danny Pate.

2008 ATOC Stage 2: PreRace with Rock Racking rider Mike Creed.

2008 ATOC Stage 1: Post Race with Astana rider Chris Horner.

2008 ATOC Stage 1: Post Race with Slipstream-Chipotle rider Tyler Farrar.

2008 ATOC Stage 1: PreRace with CSC rider Jens Voigt.

2008 ATOC Prologue: Interview with prologue winner - CSC rider Fabian Cancellara.

2008 ATOC Prologue: Behind the podium with Slipstream-Chipotle rider Tyler Farrar.

2008 ATOC Prologue: A conversation with Astana rider Chris Horner.

2008 ATOC Prologue: Jonathan Vaughters predicts Tyler Farrar will have a strong showing in the prologue.

2008 ATOC Prologue: Outside the Slipstream-Chipotle team bus with Taylor Phinney.

2008 Trofeo Laigueglia

45th Trofeo Laigueglia - 1.1
Italy, February 23, 2008

Slipstream Chipotle P/B H30
Start List
111 Jason Donald
112 Huub Duyn
113 Will Frischkorn
114 Ryder Hesjedal
115 Christophe Laurent
116 Martijn Maaskant
117 Dan Martin
118 Kilian Patour

Results - 183.3km
1 Luca Paolini (Ita) Acqua Sapone - Caffe Mokambo 4.39.13 (39,389)
2 Daniele Pietropolli (Ita) LPR Brakes
3 Ariel Maximiliano Richeze (Arg) CSF Group Navigare
95 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30
109 Michael Barry (Can) Team High Road
114 Huub Duyn (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
128 Craig Lewis (USA) Team High Road
129 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30

Stage 5!

What a very cool day to be glued to the computer! Christian finished 3rd! And yes Peg, you beat me to making the note! I did enjoy you yelling at me for not updating you fast enough with what was happening. I think the John in you came out! Tee hee!!! HUGE KUDO'S to C though as that is just totally awesome. Then to have Mr. Miller in 2nd! Very, very cool! Frankie Andreu had again picked DZ to win. His comment on the newly updated, and pretty awesome team website was way to him regarding the prediction of the stage!

After yesterday's horrible stage with over 7 hours on the bike for the guys and the rain, today hopefully was a relief - if there can be one. I've been sick the past couple days and I think just watching the race yesterday brought on my 101.6 fever last night. It actually hit 101.7 but that was only during my impatient waiting for the NyQuil to kick in. The cough is still here in force but the fever has been much lower all day today. The better weather in which to watch the guys today and great results helped too!!!

I'm off to get some rest. Make sure to check out Versus tomorrow and since it's Saturday, tune into the ATOC's website for really good live feed!!! Good luck to the guys and good sleeps to all!!!

Very Exciting!

Okay... If you're not a fan of cycling - you really should be! Yesterday's Stage 3 of the TOC was filled with excitement from start to finish. I'm lucky enough to get to listen to the live feed from the website while I work and as things catch my ear, I take a look at what's going on. Yesterday was hard not to want to watch the entire stage! I ended up calling John a couple of times as it just kept getting better and more intense.

If you have an opportunity, the live feed from the ATOC website is pretty good. It's the entire race(!) from start to finish, not just a recap of it like on Versus at night. I'll admit with flat stages, the recaps are often enough but yesterday, the recap did nothing to show the efforts and work put into the results. I'm a huge fan of Slipstream and yesterday those guys just impressed the hell out of me. Plus yesterday, DZ was Frankie Andreu's pick to win the stage so that got him into things even more!

It started out early in the day with Steven Cozza making a valiant effort to get up to the break away. Then on the climbs, there is Millar and Zabriskie leading the Slipstream guys. I know Zee can climb but it still impressed me just the same. For a bit, every move Levi made, Dave was right on his wheel. The guys (missing a video feed or moto camera or something yesterday) seemed to struggle to keep us up to date with who was where but that only seemed to add to excitement of watching. Once Levi got a gap, you just knew that DZ would hook up with Millar and C and the gang trialing not too far behind. When that happened, it floored me to hear that Cancellara was in that group too! The guys hauled butt and I think most of us watching were sitting on the edge or our seats hoping they'd be able to pull it off and catch Levi but the gap was kept to 19 seconds! On a stage where a minute or more wouldn't have been dismissed, 19 seconds works. It was awesome. Would've been close to perfect had they caught him but still - what an effort!!! The guys like Millar and Cancellara made some serious noise and Slipstream and CSC tried with everything they had. Huge Kudo's guys!!! I am very impressed with Millar this week and I will surely be glued the next couple of days.

I got an email from John last night and C was never dropped from the groups yesterday as what was thought with the haziness of who was where. Per him, that last 25K was awful! Still huge Kudo's to him and the boys for giving it all they had to try and get Levi back.

An enjoyable article this morning was found on Bicycling.com in the Boulder Report on our beloved Mr. Zabriskie. I recomend the read if you have a few minutes. Here's a shot of the back of the Slipstream jersey. Pretty funny.

Latin Lesson

Today, being a bit stressed and most certainly pretty tired, I received a latin lesson from a co-worker that was almost priceless. :-)

He heard about my stress last night dealing with Mr. Dumb Ass's (DA) 10:30 drunken, button pushing, "get under my skin and irritate the crap out of me" call and knew it would be a long day today for me with not having gotten any sleep (this after a day yesterday that began with me being awake before 3:30 am and at work just after 6:30 - damn those sleep fairies, I swear they have something against me!).

He's known me since I started here so he is pretty familiar with Mr. DA. At lunch, while I'm trying to watch some TOC on their website (very enjoyable this week I might add) I start getting calls and emails from Mr.DA. It just about pushes me over my limit of what I can take being this tired and my co-worker sadly hears this going on. He comments on how I really don't need this right now and I couldn't agree more.

As he's trying to help ease my tensions today by throwing out some jokes (which I am pretty much known for always being in a good mood, laughing whenever possible) and those not working very well, he comes over and hangs up a sign that reads:

"Nulli Bastardo Carborundum"

It translates to - "Don't let the bastard grind you down!" It brought a quick smile and some fun conversations to the rest of the afternoon. :-) It wasn't much and I hate that people at work see the stress DA causes me but at least today I was able to pretty quickly put it aside thanks to a quick latin lesson from my co-worker.

2008 Tour of the Med

35th Tour Méditerranéen - 2.1
France, February 13-17, 2008

Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
Start List
71 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA)
72 Jason Donald (USA)
73 Timothy Duggan (USA)
74 Ryder Hesjedal (Can)
75 Christophe Laurent (Fra)
76 Trent Lowe (Aus)
77 Daniel Martin (Irl)
78 Christopher Sutton (Aus)

Stage 1 - February 13: La Crau - Hyeres, 120km
Results
1 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 2.40.48 (40,858 km/h)
17 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.10
49 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
57 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
63 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
79 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
83 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
100 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
106 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30

Stage 2 - February 14: La Londe - La Garde, 135km
Results
1 Jimmy Casper (Fra) Agritubel 2.46.41 (48.59 km/h)
11 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
21 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
33 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
34 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
46 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
47 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
56 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
83 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.14
General classification after stage 2
1 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 5.27.15
11 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.14
21 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
33 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
34 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
45 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
46 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
54 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
83 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.28

Stage 3 - February 15: Rousset - Toulon Mont Faron, 100km
Results
1 Alexandre Botcharov (Rus) Crédit Agricole 2.37.42 (38.05 km/h)
14 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 2.06
20 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 2.28
23 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 2.39
36 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 3.53
60 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 8.07
61 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
70 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 10.11
80 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 12.41
General classification after stage 3
1 Alexandre Botcharov (Rus) Crédit Agricole 8.05.01
13 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 2.16
22 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 2.49
23 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 2.52
36 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 4.03
57 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 8.17
58 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
66 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 10.21
78 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 12.51

Stage 4 - February 16: St Cannat - Marignane, 150km
Results
1 Leonardo Duque (Col) Cofidis - Le Crédit par Téléphone 3.40.12
12 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
20 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
47 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
48 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
50 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
67 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.13
70 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
105 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 3.51

Stage 5 - February 17: Sauvian - Gruissan, 115km
Results
1 Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Cofidis - Le Crédit par Téléphone 2.41.20
20 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.35
26 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
72 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 6.57
75 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 10.55
76 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
100 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
102 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
104 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
General classification after stage 5
1 Alexandre Botcharov (Rus) Crédit Agricole 14.27.08
2 David Moncoutié (Fra) Cofidis - Le Crédit par Téléphone 0.45
3 Michael Albasini (Swi) Liquigas 1.08
12 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 2.16
40 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 8.17
54 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 13.09
56 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 13.25
62 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 14.23
75 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 18.30
81 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 20.54
85 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 23.11

Time down in the Ice Box

What a weekend?!? Once again I am not sure where the time has gone but I have enjoyed another break with less work and more rest. Today I spent a lot of time working out while taking breaks to warm up and doing what I can to clear out favorites and cookies from the computer. The whole time I kept wondering when and IF the rain was ever going to stop. The storm that rolled in late last night has kept the sump pump going all day. The rain was a pure down pour earlier and even in the basement, you could hear the hail and wind tourmenting the house. The back yard, it looks like an underground pool at this point.

Spending a lot of time down here in the ice box (aka basement) today is really making me look forward to getting my new lap top in a couple weeks. Not being one to know a great deal on computers, I've spent hours checking them out the past few days. Thankfully places like Gateway and Dell will listen to what you want to use it for and "build" you one to best suite you. Then with that info as a solid starting point, it's on to checking out deals and packages that meet that. A little nicer than shopping for a car but still stressful in wondering if a decision made is a good one. Thus far I think I've checked enough things out to be pretty happy.

Yesterday I spent some time going through a boatload of pics that I had of Christian. Last fall he gave me a signed jersey and I'm getting it framed. The guy doing it tells me to include some pictures to frame with it and it sounded easy at first until I had to decide which ones to include. My goal was to keep it from 2005-2007 while he was on Team CSC and after a late night, I think C would like the ones I've pulled out. I used to pull the stuff I found of him and send it to John since John was blocked at work from cycling sites. It surprised me a little to realize how much stuff I had.

In going through emails earlier I found a nice article on Slipstream Ego's I thought I'd share. There's a pic of C from the Postal Days. The article explains C's role a bit and shares some notes from the riders.

Hope everyone had a nice weekend and stayed warm and dry!

Score for Slipstream!

What a great day to be following Cycling! The Tour of California's Prologue is over and how exciting! A congrats to Fabian and huge kudo's to Slipstream who finished with 4 riders in the top 10 with Tyler Farrar on the podium in 3rd!!! So cool!

Some VeloNews live coverage:
01:28 PM: Zabriskie is looking good
He's really powering through the course. We should see him close to the finish in a couple of minutes. You really ought to see the Snidley Whiplash mustache he's sporting today.

01:32 PM: Stuart O'Grady
is on route. Man, we thought he would be quitting the sport after the crash he had at the Tour last year. He must have taken the advice of his wristband to heart, eh?

02:21 PM: We said he was in good shape
Farrar has turned in a 3:56.4 and he's the new leader.

02:52 PM: Vande Velde
Slipstream's Christian Vande Velde has finished with a 4:01.234. Nice ride!

03:19 PM: Cancellara
BLOWS them all away! He finishes with a 3:51.211, that's 4.7 seconds better than Wiggins' time. WOW!


Tyler's comments after the race:
American Tyler Farrar (Slipstream-Chipotle) set the best time midway through the 132-man field, posting a 3:56 that was good enough for third on the day. “I’m certainly pleasantly surprised of course,” Farrar said. “I knew that the form was good, and the course was good for me. It’s an honor to be on the podium with Brad and Fabian, they’re the best in the world. It’s a fantastic way to start the week.”

2008 TOC Preview

Happy Valentine's Day All! Hope you've each had a sweet day!

I'm quickly falling behind with my emails as work is kicking back up but I wanted to make sure you could check these video clips out. They're from the Versus Tour of California preview that aired last weekend. I'm linking the cool clip of Team Slipstream and the one of Team CSC. The hour preview was a nice intro. There's a quick recap of TOC 2007 along with a few others.

This weekend we get Tour of Qatar on Saturday and TOC on Sunday and then TOC the rest of the week although I don't think it airs until like 10 pm each night.
Versus Tour of Qatar coverage:
Saturday, February 16th @ 6PM ET
In 2008 the Tour of Qatar will be one of the landmark events to kick off the cycling season. For the 7th time, on Sunday the 27th of January, more than 130 of some of the world’s leading riders will be at the start, intent on arriving at the finish on Friday the 1st of February and focused on capturing the gold, silver or blue jersey or the team ranking, according to individual talent and ambition. This race marks the 2008 debut of americas hope for this years tour de france, team slipstream presented by chipotle. But Tom Boonen has made his mark on this race and will look to continue his winning ways.

Tour Headlines Today

I read a blog or two earlier that truly had some opinions. Part of me understands organizations not wanting scandals this year so they are opting to say enough, you're simply not invited. But, it doesn't appear to be the same treatment accross the board, where if that was truly the incentive to say no to a team for previous issues, then wouldn't there be a few more being told they're not getting one? Another part of me says, Astana, like others, are putting changes in place to improve and move forward from past mistakes. So, with following that, wouldn't the new group deserve an opportunity?

I'm a fan of most of our US cyclists (especially those camped in Girona) racing over in Europe and I will admit I feel really bad for Levi and Chris Horner today. I believe they are some of the good guys and to not be able to see them ride in the Tour is disheartening. I think we all have opinions (good, bad, and indifferent) on Johan and Lance but to have watched Levi and Chris get to the levels they'ves gotten and then not be able to compete for reasons not of their doing is disappointing. They're good guys and they're really talented and they give many of us someone to cheer for and be excited about.

Being tired and a little run down right now I find myself not knowing what to think. For now, I'm going to continue getting excited about the TOC coming up this weekend and I'm going to be cheering for C and Team Slipstream (and still keeping an eye on Jens and company from CSC). I'm ready to watch some good racing and ready to see some of my favorites back on TV and getting the season rollin'!

Have a good night and stay warm!

p.s. Jane called trying to cheer me up earlier. She was driving and she comes up behind this car that has a sticker on it that says... "Fat people are harder to kidnap!" Now if that bit of humor doesn't help bring a smile when feeling tired from working out, what will?!? Just smile, life's too short not to!

Fast Freddie Broadband Racer Video's

I haven't followed Freddie Rodriguez as religiously at C but he certainly is one of the good guys to watch and almost always full of heart and fun! Sadly, his website hasn't been updated in awhile. I'm not sure what happened with broadband racer but the video diaries the guys did are fun to watch - enjoy...

Episode 6 - Tour of Denmark

Episode 7 - 2006 Vuelta Prep

Episode 8 - Lost Tapes V1: Volta a Catalunya

Episode 9 - Lost Tapes V2: Training in Girona with "friends" on C's b-day.

Episode 10 - Lost Tapes V3: Tour de Suisse, chats with Robbie

Episode 11 - 2006 Vuelta

2006 Wrap Up Interview, Part 1 - Look back on '06

2006 Wrap Up Intervirew, Part 2 - Worlds, US Pro and 2007

Meet Piglet!

I had to share this picture Jane sent. Her and John have stray cats in their area (they're not even in hodunk cheeseland). A week or so ago, they coaxed this cutie inside from the cold as they were worried she wouldn't make it. They took her to the vet to have her looked over and it was discovered she had a big gash on her side (the shaved area) that was getting infected. It was a very good thing they got her in from the cold and to the vet when they did. They operated, cleaned it all up, and sent her home with the funny cone thing so she could heal up. She's already a part of their family and is doing good. The poor things is pretty cute and I'm sure she's really happy to have such a good home.

Frickin' Cold!

The weekend has quickly disappeared. I'm sitting here tonight catching up on cycling, reading emails, and trying to warm up. Currently it's -3 and with the wind (which can still be heard roaring outside) it is stated to feel like -23. Good God, can it get much colder!?!

I've always liked snow and enjoy the season changes that we get in the Midwest but at this moment, I can do with out having to shovel again for awhile and I would love to be able to let the girls out with out having to put a coat on just to open the door! Earlier this week, I got Miss Heather giggling with my complaint on shoveling one morning. It was the morning after one of the big dumpings we got and I had already shoveled one round the night before. The mounds around the driveway and especially at the end of the drive, were to the point in which they were at my limit to toss the shoveled snow up and over them. Being the girl I am, well... I throw AND SHOVEL like one and if we had not gotten the rain we did, I'm pretty sure I'd have been screwed. Luckily the piles went down and they are eagerly (that's how they are) waiting to be back up to tree branch height again before season's end.

Talking to my mom the other night, she said they had gotten about 10-14 inches from the same storm and that quickly shut me up. She has a snow blower but still, that much snow at a time, is too much! One nice thing, if there is such a thing, I try to keep in mind though, if it is snowing - chances are far greater that the temp is way better than the single digits, and most certainly better than this negative degree crap! I think I'd rather shovel than freeze!

Squeezed my fat butt in my jeans from like a year and a 1/2 ago so that was a good feeling this morning- well almost, maybe after I figured out how to breath in them again. It was nice to feel something good from all the working out. Last night, while trying to struggle through the elliptical (still sore from Friday's DR appt) I decided to go hands free for awhile as it forces some focus and a better leg work out for me. Then I decided to try it backwards. I have to say it felt really good once I got it going - up until that point in which I lost focus on what I was doing, and almost fell backwards. The thought of hitting the concrete sunroom floor caused me to quickly refocus. Luckily I grabbed the handle and only ended up killing one finger and it's nail. I'm now wondering... should I be wearing my bike helmet while ellipticalling?!?

On a little different note, this morning I ran to Jewel for a couple things and I swear - the kid bagging my groceries, he looked like he was lucky(!) if he was 10. My friends that were over this afternoon just laughed. But, I wasn't exagerating. It wasn't like I thought he was just a young kid and I don't want to accept I'm "in" my 30's now, and "kids" (anyone under 21) are working, this kid really looked like he was lucky to be 10, okay maybe 12! Aren't there laws against that?!? That of course got the whole doctor discussions going and I was promptly told I was not old enough to feel like my doctor was too young to be one. Too Fun!

Well it's getting a little late. If I didn't struggle to sleep, I'd have long signed off but that just doesn't look to change anytime soon so maybe I'll read some more of Mr. Frischkorn's recommended Happiness Hypothesis. So far it's been good but in the past week, I've read two other books in between chapters that require less concentration. I'm seriously thinking I should've waited to read it until the hours at work slowed. Anyways, hope you have a great week and for goodness sake - STAY WARM!!!

2008 Etoile de Besseges

38th Etoile de Bessèges - 2.1
February 6th - February 10th, 2008

Start List: Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
91 Blake Caldwell (USA)
92 Jason Donald (USA)
93 Huub Duyn (Ned)
94 Michael Friedman (USA)
95 Christophe Laurent (Fra)
96 Martijn Maaskant (Ned)
97 William Frischkorn (USA)
98 Kilian Patour (Fra)


Stage 1 - February 6: Grau du Roi - Grau du Roi, 154km
Results
1 Jan Kuyckx (Bel) Landbouwkrediet-Tönissteiner 3.33.32 (43,272 km/h)
9 Michael Friedman (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
10 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.05
15 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.10
43 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
60 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.39
73 Huub Duyn (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.23
77 Kilian Patour (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
153 Blake Caldwell (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 24.47
TC Blake Caldwell (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 (fractured hip)


Stage 2 - February 7: Nîmes - Saint Ambroix, 149km
Results
1 Stefan Van Dijk (Ned) Mitsubishi-Jartazi 3.56.40 (37.83km/h)
13 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle
25 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle
48 Michael Friedman (USA) Slipstream Chipotle
58 Pat Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle
76 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle
98 Huub Duyn (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle
99 Kilian Patour (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle
General classification after stage 2
1 Jan Kuyckx (Bel) Landbowkrediet-Tonisst 7.30.12
8 Michael Friedman (USA) Slipstream Chipotle 0.10
11 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle 0.15
17 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle 0.20
25 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle
56 Pat Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle 0.49
87 Huub Duyn (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle 1.33
89 Kilian Patour (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle

Stage 3 - February 8: La Grand'combe - Les Salles du Gardon, 138km
Results
1 Iouri Trofimov (Rus) Bouygues Telecom 3.37.29 (38.099 km/h)
25 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle 1.01
37 Pat Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle
57 Huub Duyn (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle 1.59
78 Jason Sl Donald (USA) Ipstream Chipotle 10.53
96 Michael Friedman (USA) Slipstream Chipotle 15.04
112 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle
DNF Kilian Patour (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle - H30
General classification after stage 3
1 Iouri Trofimov (Rus) Bouygues Telecom 11.07.41
10 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.11
21 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.40
49 Huub Duyn (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 3.22
70 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 10.58
79 Michael Friedman (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 15.04
86 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 15.14


Stage 4 - February 9: Allègre les Fumades - Allègre les Fumades, 151km
Results
1 Angelo Furlan (Ita) Crédit Agricole 3.29.53(43,367 km/h)
10 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
20 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
47 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
68 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
100 Michael Friedman (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
108 Huub Duyn (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
General classification after stage 4
1 Iouri Trofimov (Rus) Bouygues Telecom
9 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.11
21 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.40


Stage 5 - February 10: Gagnières - Bessèges, 145km
Results
1 Borut Bozic (Slo) Cycle Collstrop 3.08.59 (46,036 km/h)
27 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
48 Michael Friedman (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
62 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
71 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
107 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
DNS Huub Duyn (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle - H30
General classification
1 Iouri Trofimov (Rus) Bouygues Telecom 17.46.33
2 Gianni Meersman (Bel) Française des Jeux 0.52
3 Pierrick Fedrigo (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 0.57
11 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.11
21 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.40
69 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 10.58
78 Michael Friedman (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 15.04
82 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 15.11

2008 Besseges Stages 2-5

Pulled from Slipstream's website:

Besseges Stage 5: Maaskant attempts valiant break and Frischkorn finishes 9th overall
Today's final, high speed stage (average 46k/hour) was just what Dutch rider Martijn Maaskant needed to shift his game in to high gear. After joining a breakaway with four other riders, Maaskant attacked and solo'ed for about 20K before the field swallowed him up with 5K to go. Will Frischkorn finished the five-day stage race 9th overall.
Most of the riders from Besseges will head to Girona this evening to recover and train. Though Jason Donald and Pat McCarty will go on to do five-day Tour Med stage race starting Wednesday, February 13. They will be joined by Timmy Duggan, Ryder Hesjedal, Christophe Laurent, Trent Lowe, Dan Martin, and Chris Sutton.


Friedman's Great Escape
Micheal Friedman on today's 120K breakaway:

"Don't quit, don't give up, fight till the end. After yesterday's blow out with the climb and GC, my job was simple. Be really aggressive, make the breakaway, and take pressure off the boys. Jason and I both had this job, and we worked as a tag team initiating and following."

"The break went on a large descent. I bolted across using my cornering skills and what normally is gravitationally challenging--my ass--to shoot up to them. From there we rolled it evenly until the final 25K where we had to haul ass to prevent the unpreventable today, getting caught by the peloton with just 3K to go."

Besseges stage 4: Friedman Attacks, Maaskant finishes 10th, Frischkorn moves up to 9th overall
Team Slipstream/Chipotle H3O dug deep today and came back strong from yesterday's thrashing. The start of the 151K loop kicked off with several breakaway attempts. It was at the 35K mark, on a descent, that Michael Friedman made the the big break of the day along with four other riders.
Halfway into the race, the break had a four minute gap on the hard chasing peloton. Unfortunately, the break was caught just a few kilometers from the finish and the stage finished in a massive field sprint. Martijn Masskant finished 10th and Will Frischkorn moved up from 10th to 9th in the overall classification.
Director Sportif Lionel Marie said tomorrow's final 145K stage should be animated. "Watch for fireworks tomorrow because we plan to attack on all fronts."


Besseges stage 3: Reality Check
With a double ascension of the Col de la Baraque (631M), today's decisively difficult stage 3 took its toll on the team. Only Pat McCarty and Will Frischkorn were able to hang on to the peloton over the second ascension of the climb. Michael Friedman has fallen out of the top ten in the overall classification but is still looking for a stage win.
French rider Kilian Patour started the stage sick and did all he could to finish. But after vomiting twice and then feeling dizzy on the descent, he decided it was time to call it quits. He will head home to recover and we all wish him well.
Two men short, the team will regroup for the 151K stage around the Fumades and a possible stage victory.


Besseges stage 2: Friedman moves up to 8th in GC
After several break away attempts, Thursday's 149K stge from Nimes to Saint Ambroix finished in a massive field sprint. Martijn Maaskant was the highest placed Slipstream finisher at 13th. Michael Friedman's 48th place finish managed to move him up to 8th overall in the general classification.
Today's decisive stage 3 is a figure eight-shaped circuit that includes La Baraque (631M), a category 1 climb.