Congraduations Lance

Armstrong, not that miscreant we have for a congressman.

The guy retires having won an unprecedented 7 tours in a row. Four years later he comes out of retirement as one of the oldest (but I think 2 years off the oldest) in the race and wins third place alongside someone who is about 10 years younger and a guy who was probably still in diapers when Armstrong began his career in the amateur ranks.

You must have an ego to get to this point in the sport. Yet when his teammate Cantadore violated the team orders and took off for his own glory, Armstrong worked with the team that day losing valuable time. Would that have made the difference and gotten him the yellow jersey? Probably not, but he must have been tempted.

Now it appears Astana is dissolving although I haven't heard anything official about that. Armstrong apparently is starting up a new American team backed by Radio Shack while Contadore is rumored to be leaving Astana as well and I think Johan Bruyneel has announced his departure too. I do hope Bruyneel ends up with Radio Shack. He has a great record.

So where does that leave Levi Leipheimer? I sure hope he bolts and goes with Radio Shack too. He is one of my favorites. And what of George Hincapie? I had heard that he was staying at Columbia, but someone has since told me that he is rumored to be maybe leaving too. Levi & George joining in on Radio Shack. That would be terrific. And if they could get Kloden too, they would sure have a contender.

My 4rth of July yellow jersey

My brother, the captain*, and I bike from my house to my sister's house on major summer holidays. We started doing this when she lived in Hightstown and continued with the tradition when she moved in to her current house near the I-295/I-195 intersection in 1995. So I guess we'll heading towards 20 years of beach blanket beers.

Why Boo's house? Well because she has a large deck and a swimming pool. There may be other reasons, but those will do for now.

I expected the usual ride for libation and food on this 4^rth of July. My brother punked out with some lame excuse about his wife breaking her leg so I had to go solo. Instead to swinging by Thomas Sweets in Princeton for a nice ice cream break, I decided to go for broke. I don't know. Maybe I was inspired while watching the beginning of the 2009 Tour de France.

I rode about as hard I am able. Now I'm overweight, closing in on 60, and smoked for almost 50 years (3^rd grade until about a year and a half ago) so I'm not Lance Armstrong in disguise. Or believe me, it is a very good disguise.

Anyway I mashed up the big 8-10^o hill on Great Road and kept on going. I was pooped when I got there, but when I looked at my speedo, WOW. I finally broke the two hour barrier. A new record for the ride. To celebrate, I snap a picture for proof**. Of course I immediately phoned my brother and allowed as how he must be the anchor.

Ok, so I guess there will be no yellow jersey for me, but it was a glorious day in the pedals anyway.

* The captain at our August 2001 family reunion (Boo's house of course)


** My record documenting my sub two hour timing.

Happy Birthday Peachy

Today is Peachy's birthday. Congratulations.

She still has a job in this economy. Congratulations again.

visit her neglected blog at http://lauremdoes.blogspot.com/