Moving

Packing...off the grid.

36th Overall

The USA Crit Speedweek is finally over. Sean raced all six races and until Friday night was in the top 30 overall. Friday night he wrecked with 4 laps to go destroying his shifter, helmet, and kit. Thanks to Jim Taylor for sewing up Sean's head wound (6 stitches behind the ear), Sperry for extra kits, and Paul for the shifter. Unfortunately, bad luck must happen in threes because he hit a rider who slid out in the rain on Saturday and Sunday two guys collided in front of him taking him down as well. Luckily, Saturday and Sunday was not as severe and only a little skin was lost. Sean finished 36th overall and received payout since they paid 40 deep. Take away the bad luck and I feel strong Sean would have finished in the top 20. I stayed at home this weekend relaxing and preparing for my final week of work and moving. This weekend my folks come to town and we'll be playing in Savannah. Thanks to Eddy for some great pix!

Crit Carnage

This picture was taken in Spartanburg, SC on Friday night. Although this is not during Sean's race, two of his teammates are in the picture, at the bottom of the pile. Sean wrecked in a later race and has six stitches in his head. More on his overall results to come. When skin hits the pavement nasty things happen.

Athens Call Up

Wheels for Meals

While Sean was in Athens I stayed in Clemson. Visited the farm, rode the Wheels for Meals metric century with the team, skied, and finished with an open water swim and practice ride on the Clemson triathlon course only to drive home in time for the Georgia Southern club sport banquet. WHEW! Sean received coach of the year, the president of the club received president of the year and I was awarded advisor of the year. Thanks team! It was a busy and fun weekend! Thanks to the girls for waiting for me at the end of the ride. The last 3 miles of took me 15 minutes! It didn't help teenagers moved signs around the course and we rode some extra miles in the mountains! Thanks to Jennifer for the birthday cake, dinner, and helmet! I love it! Next weekend we start moving preparation.

Athens Twilight

A few good pix from Athens. Sean raced well, even with a broken seat. He got 40th out of 150 guys, which only 73 finished. More races this week...

Betryal

I know the relationship between my bike and components is not harmonious. This is especially evident on my mountain bike. I ask, she fusses; I lube, she whines; I clean and she ignores. On my road bike; however, this relationship has appeared healthier. She shifts smooth upon request and I admit, I've taken it for granted.. assuming she'd always be there when I demanded. I should have known better. Last night in the first Nestor Cup A Race she proved to me I pushed her too far. She attempted to go out in a blaze of fire and take me down. With only 20 minutes into a 45 minute criterium she started to fuss and rumble, shifting on her own whim, and ignoring me. I knew things were going to get ugly. I moved to the back of the pack and out of corner two she broke the derailer hanger, snapped the derailer in half, and broke the chain. Luckily, I held her upright and came to a quick stop. I was commended for my bike handling skills and most of all, not taking down a pack of 40 guys. I should have known in the end, she'd betray me.