Save the Tour of Missouri and my week on the bike

If you are reading this - Do this!

Contact Gov. Jay Nixon and tell him not to take the funds from the Tour of Missouri.

573-751-3222
or
http://governor.mo.gov/contact/
or
Fax:
(573) 751-1588
or
Postal mail:
Office of Governor Jay Nixon
P.O. Box 720
Jefferson City, MO 65102

Here's my editorial: I know a little something about government, politics and American History - so here it is - When in the hell did Missouri politics become so screwed up (I know, since Thomas Hart Benton was not re-elected in 1851). You would think Democrats, especially state Democrats would not only support cycling, but support the use of tax money to generate revenue - spending money on shit like this seems to be very much in line with the Democrats. However, in our state we got Democrats calling for smaller government and fiscal responsibility - like the greatest Democrat of all = Ronald Reagan. I swear to God, Arthur Laffer must be secretly advising the Mo. Dems. You would think that the Democratic Party would cater to cyclists and want to expand energy saving cycling initiatives = not that the Tour does this, but by not only generating economic revenue (and not just for St. Louis or KC, but small towns all across Missouri), it also promotes cycling. Missouri is ranked as one of the most unhealthy, active living state in the US We even had former Republican Gov. dumb-ass Blunt negotiate in the settlement against Ameren the expansion of the Katy Trail. All state democrats are doing is yelling that private money, not public funds should be used for the Tour (Cut Taxes, Increase Entrepreneurship, Reagan)! In 2008 Peter Kinder (R) ran against Same "douche" Page (D) for Lt. Gov. All that Sam Page did in his commercials was blast the Tour of Missouri, totally ripping on not only the Tour, but cycling. How could I support this dude! and for that matter, what is wrong with Missouri Democrats. My favorite Democrat sell-out is Sen. Jeff Smith, who is co-sponsoring legislation with Jane Cuntingham - WTF! What has happened to the Democrats in Missouri - when did they become Republican ideologists! Gov. Jay Nixon, quit being a Republican - you dumb-ass!

Rib - America.

Well, I should be in prime training mode, especially with Chicago in two weeks, but my side still freaking hurts. I skipped Tuesday Night crits to rest but did a nice ride down Grant's Trail and I rode the Hub ride on Wed. Things were going fine until Ladue and the sprint up that big hill onto Mason. My side felt like needles as i tried to deep breathe, causing me to fall off the back. I could have caught up before the steep part of Conway, but I was not happy, so I became content to peddle in alone. I skipped Thursday and did a nice easy ride on Friday.

Saturday was Judy's third century - The Firecracker 100. Way to go Judy! This century was anything but a firecracker = Rain like needles and head winds every direction but one. When we got the tail wind, you would fly. Many did not finish this ride. At one point, we had over an 11 mile stretch straight into the headwind. Judy and I rode the tandem and Andy Berger rode with us. We had a great time. I was hoping to race Babler, but I was wiped out from this ride - so tired I woke up for knucklehead and went right back to bed!

The 4th - Wet, Wild and Painful - Like the Tour de France (say it like Bobke)

The fourth of July - Well, I came off a great week of riding only to land in the crapper.
Blog follower Stephanie Nadeau was in a crash and hurt herself - A get well goes out to her!
Also - My the Lord Bless Lance on his road to his 8th win - Fuck the FrenchThe prologue was cool - but today's stage finale rocked - monster crash and Cavendish is a stud!

Thursday - Went on a nice recovery ride from Tuesday and Wednesday over to Francis Park and followed the Gateway crit course 5 times around. Should be a very fast course - very wide streets and the one short hill should do a job separating the field hopefully.

Friday - Just like the Lord, a day of rest. I was planning on a big weekend of riding = Saturday with The Hub and Sunday a longer Knucklehead ride with a scouting expedition around Babler. I went rock climbing with the wife and kids and Cory, Jay and her daughter. It was fun - Gracie is like a spider monkey! By the end of the night she was tackling 5.11 climbs - Show off!

Saturday - The 4th! No Hub ride - it rained a lot - I mean a lot. The parade was pushed back until 11:00. Even though it almost goes past my house, The family went up to The Hub and hung out in the front with Andy and his daughter, Dave Smith and his daughter, and Ron and his kids. That night i went over to Andy's house, drank beer, shot off fireworks, and walked up to the Webster fireworks - a fun time.

During the course of the day, before the parade, I took the shop cruiser and rode home to get some 4th of July hats for my kids. Hoping off the cruiser my foot caught the beer holder on the back and I almost wiped out and bit dust - I caught myself but seriously strained my muscles in my side or bruised my ribs - something fucking hurts. Riding is out for the moment as I can hardly move. If it doesn't get better by Tuesday - I'm calling the doctor.

Sunday - I really wanted to ride - I set my alarm and woke up, but my side was killing me - not to mention the hangover - so I slept in!

On a wacked out note - My wife told me the singer Pink just bought a Giant TCR Alliance and was out riding (You're supposed to buckle the helmet, stupid bitch): Made me start to wonder if cycling is becoming "Hollywood Cool." So I googled celbrities and cycling and was amazed how many celebrities are on bikes - Matt Damon - Jake Gyllenhaal (whoever the fuck he is) is a big cyclist - Toby Maguire - Patrick Dempsey (who ever the fuck he is)- Matthew McConaughey - Jennifer Lopez - and of course Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Zack Morris - Saved by the Bell) who is no wannabe - he is like a Cat 3 racer and a trackie - props to this guy - plus he is riding the TIME I want and got to fool around with Kelly!Even Jessica Simpson is staring in a movie in which she tries to work as a bicycle messenger:
Jesus, I guess cycling is becoming "Hollywood Cool"
The next thing you'll be seeing is Paris Hilton on a bicycle:

FUCK! - No helmet and a purse - stupid bitch - but come on, admit it, "that's hot"

Picking it up - and honoring those who have rode before

Ok - I did it. I took out a second mortgage on my house and committed to Gateway - $159.25. Jesus. The money is gone and the incentive is there.

The week so far:

Monday - did a nice spin on Grant's Trail with Adam, Tom and ElCevano. I need to keep these restful days in my playbook to keep my legs loose - I often forget about these days. When we returned to The Hub, Ron was still there counting the money and trying to balance the books from the crit. After he forced a beer on me, and made me help him, the front window started to rattle - David Mark came flying in yelling that kids were on the roof. We ran out the back - and sure enough - kids running on the roof. Ron yelled at me (douche) to call 911 - Ron caught them and the cops came. Although no charges were pressed, the kids were shitting bricks!

Pause - A solemn moment to honor those who have rode before: the late Farrah Fawcett (is it cold in here?):

Tuesday Night Crit - I felt really good.
With about four laps into the race - I decided to take a flyer off the front - I blasted by Bill and took off - soon two other guys - Dog Fish and Big Shark - were with me on a three man break. We line up on the hill and each took turns pulling. It was freaking awesome. At one point we looked back and no pack! At one point we were over a half a lap! The first two laps off the front were great - The third one started to hurt - The fourth - fucking pain. Into the fifth lap, the group caught us - but we managed to hold them off for a good 10 min. I drifted to the back of the pack for some much needed rest - at one point I thought this might be the end - however - I got my wind back and started to move up. With three to go I Punched my move near the front and started to work. I was in the final sprint and finished good. Eric S. took fourth and I finished on Lendell's wheel with a sit down sprint. I felt great and worked my ass off. After a refreshing snowcone courtesy of the ICCC - we rode home.
Here is picture of Alice in the C race:

Pause - A solemn moment to honor those who have rode before: the late Michael Jackson (This is when he took the lead in the Gateway Cup race at Lafayette in 2006 - I crashed out in turn two):


Wed Night Throwdown. I was a little nervous about my performance after the Tuesday night effort - but after we got going my legs started to feel great. We had a flat right at Geyer and Manchester and we got to witness the collective minds of tire changing champions Ron (golden lever winner) and Mathew (probably won some shitty tire changing award in his day) change this tire in slow-mo Matrix time. After the brief pause, we were back on the rode. Felt strong the whole way, riding aggresive, and keeping in the front of the group. The only problem was when we hit Conway - I know your thinking, blown off the back - well oh contrare (say like an uppity french douche bag)- I pushed to front and found myself in the top three. The problem was the guy in front of me ran out of juice and pinched me inside while a group broke to the outside leaving me trapped and pushed to the back of the group. I felt strong and wanted to take the pull. It was nice to arrive at the light at Ballas with the group!



So far - my riding is picking up. I might even sign up for Chicago - I think I have the proper clearance!

Chillin' In Da Hood

Long week of cycling. Although I rode OK this week, I will say it was not a good training week. Every time I rode, I rode hard. When I should be resting, I did not ride - So every time I was on the bike, It was like full throttle - I want to be in top form by Gateway - It is a goal. To get there, I need to set two goals - First is eating right and the second is training right. Summer school is over this week so my plan is to go into effect soon.

First, the only photo of me at Winghaven - a picture of my ass (#587) - quite appropriate


Tuesday Night Crits - A good time - Temp was HOT, HOT, HOT. I felt OK - I wanted to lay myself out for part of the race - so I chose the prime. I took to the front, on 5th wheel going into the turn at the top of the hill and got blocked out by two Big Shit guys - however, good effort - unfortunately, I was toast. I finished with the pack. After the race the ICCC treated everyone to some nice refreshing snowcones!



Wed Night Throwdown - I hung on for dear life - Fell off on Conway but caught back on.

Thursday and Friday - Sat on my ass. I really want to ride the Marquette ride - maybe in a week or two.

Saturday Hub ride - fast, but not that fast. Started off really fast, but eased up after awhile.

Ok here it is - THE HUB WEBSTER GROVES CRIT!!! Bring it on...It was broughten!

Highlights from the day as seen by me:
Arrived at 7:00 felling very hung over from the night before - Went to a buddies 40th party and saw Gilbert Gottfried - Freaking hilarious.

The day began with set-up:

My job for the day was registration - set up and prepared for the chaos. Everything throughout the day went great - the beauty is having Ron Clipp as the promoter. The only complaint I had was this one guy who bitched about the extra release form - I tried to blow it off, but true to asshole form, he kept bitchin. I finally said, "you know who loves to hear complaints like this - Ron Clipp - he's right over there." The guy said, "that's Ok, I won't bother him." And I replied, "Now that's a good call." The best thing about Ron, he can out-crazy the crazy!

I must admit I did not see much racing - registration sucks - and is constantly busy. Everything comes your way- registration, questions, comments - it's like the focal point for people to go. The highlight was this one dude who got a one day license to race the Cat 5's. I swear the guy was not right - he showed up to race without a helmet, found one, and signed up for the Cat 5 and 4/5. I asked if he has ever raced before - The answer - I raced Collegiate at the University of Arizona! I was like, man, you're going rock out there. And rock he did - by crashing out a few in the field like Andy Berger before the third lap and riding like a nuthead. By the forth lap he was gone. After the race he came back to registration and wanted to drop out of the 4/5's - So, instead of letting him sulk away, I had to give him shit - like: I guess Missouri racing ain't like Arizona racing, is it? Man, was that funny.

The Saxton Kids did the kids race - super cool

After the race, they rode in the pace car for the 4/5's. It was hilarious seeing Gracie's head sticking out the rear window every lap with a huge grin on her face!


The best racing highlights included the super crash in the 3/4's - Ambulance and all and the great work int he 4/5's - coming into the last lap was The Hub train on the front - get the fuck out of the way!

If you want a detailed report - see Bill's blog

For the 1,2,3 race, registration was closed, so I jumped in the car for a ride, but ended up driving because Andy was sick of driving - as always - super fun.


And for the conclusion - it wouldn't be a Hub race without copious amounts of beer!


Good job to The Hub - a great racing team!

A View from the Cheap Seats

It has been awhile since my last update on the riding journal - so here it goes.

Saturday - did the Hub ride - felt tired. Took it easy and cut the ride a little short and rode with Ron. The group caught us and I rode with the group the rest of the way in.

Sunday morning - Knucklehead - Felt really good - except for a "little" problem. While we were waiting for the ride - I had to take a major dump - It was really bad. I tried to sprint ahead to Starbucks on Clayton in the strip mall - ran to the door and... They were closed! There is hardly anything open at 6:30 on a Sunday morning. So I sprinted to Schnuck's, ran inside and the bathroom was locked. I was in shit hell. Rode across the street to the other Starbuck's and... SUCCESS! So, after I dropped 5 pounds and missed the ride, I decided to ride Clayton to Kher's Mill and ride the route backwards until I caught the group. The Hub guys were on the front (Kevin, Ron, Adam, Mark) and I joined in. It was a great ride - the best was Mark who got up front and laid the hammer down. We got stopped at the light at Baxter and I looked back and Mark demolished the ride - all that was left was us!
Mark The Anihilator!
Tuesday night crits - rode down with Kevin and raced - felt really good. The race started out and there was a crash on one of the early laps on the back hill - I was behind it but was able to move around it. A gap formed and I tried to sprint to close the gap and instead pulled to whole group back together. Oh, well. I was doing great and with three laps to go moved up into great position. Some dude was yelling for me to pull through the group but with three to go - I held up. I do not know if that was a mistake or not. The last lap got really sketchy and bunched up - guys were bumping like crazy and I got pushed back and finished with a group sprint.

Wednesday - did The Hub throwdown and felt really good. Although the pace was a little slower - I stayed with the whole ride and finished strong. As we went through RocK Hill, the Hub ride caught up with Team Rev's ride and I saw Judy and finished the ride with her - I know, I'm romantic!
That night we had the Webster Crit meeting complete with...beer! We stayed at The Hub pretty late drinking and planning!

Could not ride Thursday or Friday for personal reasons.

Saturday - did the Hub ride and I felt really good. Took it a little slow with some good pushes. When we got back to The Hub, members from Jelly Belly - in town for Winghaven - were there doing a plubicity thing for the Tour of Missouri. It was cool talking to a few of the guys - and the best was the free shit!

Sunday - Winghaven. Hubbers Bill, Bryan, Robert, Eric, Greg and Eddy

The big race - the only NRC race in Missouri. It was awesome having the Sram cars and motos with Zipp wheels following us and two police on motos leading us. Cars with guys with cameras were all around us while racing. Our race was really early and I arrived latter than I wanted to and so I was only able to take one warm-up lap - instead I took two and lined up at the end of the pack for the start with Bill and Robert. Eddy was on the front line. We than sat and waited at least 30 min. in the heat because things were not set up. We did have some scenery to keep our minds off the wait, unfortunately the heat factor increased (I was not as descriptive nor detailed as Bill! - but the socks with the shorts kicked ass!) Finally the race got under way and the three of us moved up nicely after the first round-about. Tucked in down the big hill and up the short steep climb there was the first big crash on off to the side. The race was going fine except for the back stretch. Guys would break hard into the really sharp turn and then blast it through the major hill on the start/finish line. The fourth lap, I was headed down the back hill and up the steep climb and right next to me - another big crash, taking out a few guys. When we came into the turn for the fifth lap, I was on Eric's wheel and was hurting big time. The temp was really hot and I had drank very little water. The heat was totally getting to me. The sprint out of the corner left me falling off Eric's wheel and falling off the pack. By the time we cleared the second round-about and headed for the hill to the start/finish line, I was gassed and lost all contact. My race was over in a bad way. I regrouped with Eddy and robert and we punished ourselves to stay in the race. We all finished somewhat together. Although I was not there for the sprint, Bryan said he ran out of gas going into the hill, Bill sat up and blocked and I think Eric finished in pretty good standing. After the race we were all so dehydrated and zonked that we just sat on the grass unable to stand because of the heat. When we finished the temp was around 97 and climbing.

Other races I saw:
Mark and Michael raced in the Master's 1-4. I didn't see much of the race - I was passing out at the time but I did see the end and Mark - a steady blog follower!- finished with the pack in the sprint - an awesome job considering the talent in the group.

The ladies race featured Alice and Kate. Kate followed my racing strategy and Alice stayed with the group and finished strong. I had recovered by then and took a couple shots:
Kate:
Alice:

Alright Louie - ville

Louisville: Title=Jamie Curtis from Trading Places - you know, "Alright Louie"

First let me give props to my wife on her second century of the year - way to go Judy! With company from Andy Bergermeister, Judy rocked without me. 2 down, 3 to go.

Well, I have been out of the normal regiment for a week and I am sure I have ballooned to a fat ass. The Louisville trip is done to grade AP Exams and hang out with some buddies. By hang out, I mean beer, food and more beer. An example:

The Famous "Brown Sandwich" from the Brown Hotel in Louisville: 1/2 pound of Turkey, heavy bread and a Bashamil sauce with cheese I do not know the mount of weight that has been gained here, but to get ready for Winghaven I am going to have to do some pretty hard-care detox.

Met up with Tom Z. from Truman U. at Kirksville

Yes, I did give him the customary Big Shark crap like God, Big Shark riders are like roaches - they are everywhere, they multiply and could survive a nuclear war, bikes and all (after all, they say "Big Shark" on them - the words themselves are like a nuclear force field) - Tom is one heck of a rider and a few of you probably recognize him from Masters races - he used to ride with Jelly Belly before Big Shark. I rode with Tom one day and we rode the Masters Nationals course in Cherokee Park. It is a cool as hell course 5 miles with one substantial climb (not as steep as Herman, but longer) and another noticeable climb. It is an awesome course that winds through the park - it does have some good turns. Tom smoked me up the two aforementioned hills - come on, I'm a suck-ass cat 4 and I read exams for 8 hours.

Did do some solo rides and one group ride with the Cycler's Cafe.

This was supposed to be a Tuesday Night Throwdown - this was told to be the racer ride at throwdown pace (a step below race pace)
The ride: for a group ride - it was huge - I guess about 50 guys - all racers from mostly three teams, the biggest was Team Louisville - and it was a drop ride. I sported The Hub kit in Louisville determined not to embarrass the store and the hood - and I did not disappoint. The ride was really cool. This ride took over the streets - I mean, the entire lane, blasted through stops, etc - It was a wild. Tom took over at the front with another guy and my ass landed near the upper middle. This ride had a lot of build-up. This Cat 4 guy next to me said when I asked about the ride - you picked the best one, Cat 1 and 2 guys up front, Blah, Blah, Blah, etc. I will not knock their ride, I had a great time, however, these are a group of guys in desperate need of a Tuesday Night Worlds Crit. This ride was like a road race, guys jockeying for positions, covering breaks - all on the road with cars - in this way it was a little crazy. The pace itself was fast, but these guys have never done The Hub Wed. night throwdown. This ride was almost all flat and needed some hills - however, when we pulled off, there were only about 20 guys left. I could have done more, but with not knowing the course - I am far from Tom, knowing me, I would get to the front, hit the only hill on the course, and blow up! So I was fine were I was and I covered two breaks.

OK - coming home to the land of milk, honies, and my biking. From Louie-ville, peace out (man, was Jammie Lee Curtis hot as hell in that movie)

A Damn Stupid Move

Riding: Monday Night - renewed the Monday Night fixed Gear ride - It was an awesome night. We left when it was still light. In attendance was Andy, Tom Eaton, and El Cavano. We had a nice headwind going out - mostly downhill and a delightful tailwind going back. The pace was great - an awesome ride.

OK - now for the Stupid moves. Tuesday looked horrible as far as rain - so I bagged on Tuesday Night Crits - and the rain never came. The race would have been dry and by the time it rained, I would have been home. So... no riding for me

Wednesday Night Throwdown - Man was this tough. Either I'm a fat ass or I'm fucking slow (or both) I was second from the front going down Geyer headed to Geyer Hill (which is a very steep two tier hill) At the base before the turn, Chris Miller comes up and says - let's attack, or some shit. I politely tell him no, I want to be here in the end. Well off he goes - I do not chase, but pick up the pace around the lead guy into the hill - I hold the front of the whole two tier hill and edge up by the top to Chris' wheel, closing the gap. Chris begins to pull the stretch to Clayton and then falls off leaving me to finish the pull. By Clayton, I was smoked. When we turned on Clayton, David Mark and Danny F took massive pulls up front. The Pace was something like 27 mph - super fast considering the incline. When we hit the light at Ballas, Bill says next to me that he was 5 seconds from bonking - My response was - your ten second ahead of me - I'm out. We continue the ride and I fall off on Clayton but am able to catch up and on Conway near the top, but once again, close enough to catch up. I was toast on the sprint. I swear I never recovered from the first part. I looked like I was beat too - so much so that people commented - AHHH!

I'm off to Louisville for the week. Yes, I'm bringing my bike and I think I hooked up some group rides - will see how they go. Also, wish Judy luck on her second century on Saturday. Andy Berger will watch over her. As a parting shot - check out this dude's mailbox I ran across while out riding: