I Raced Today

It started fast thanks to me. I made the first front group but unfortunately the real fast dudes were not there. Right when we got caught they countered and I was sent to the "screw each other" group. We worked together about as well as oil and water to bring the leaders back. At some point 4 riders went up the road about 200 meters. I took a chance when our group lulled and tried to bridge. I almost made it... By like 5 meters... but I had a dude on my wheel! So sweet right? But he pulled through about as well as Matt F. does at TNW. So we both went back and that was about it. Me and this Topsport dude did most of the work and were getting a good work out in... On the last lap he told me to take a flyer and I did like a retard... I was about 400 meters to short and got 28th. I think we were sprinting for 15th.

Avoncriterium 39ste Trofee J.P. Monsere

Well that was the weirdest "crit" I have ever done. It strung out very quickly and soon gaps were all over the place. After bridging up to a few I found myself off the back in a small group. Our gap to the main peloton was about 30second for an hour. With me and couple other dudes working, we caught them! Then the attacks came and the break went clear sending me backwards again... this racing is mest up. I am still getting gaped going in AND out of corners. The only corner I didn't get gaped on was the one I could pedal. I got 31st. they paid out to 30th. My director was happy with me always being at the front of my group pulling and saw that I was strong enough to do a big race (interclub) on July 11th in Pittem. This was a good physical race for me but a horrible mental race… I just didn’t bridge gaps like I should have. I have a race today, Sunday and Monday.
My support group.

Product review!

This is really a two product review, but they go hand and hand. First up Cinelli “Carbo Ribbon” bar tape. As most of you know I am a big fan of the white cork bar tape. I have been using it for years and wouldn’t try anything else. But I hated cleaning it. It just sucked. The white when it’s white looks pro, but when it’s dirty… I mean come on. So I gave in. I installed this tape about a week before Collegiate National and look at it. It still looks great. It wraps better then cork, keeps white longer and just looks better. But you do have to wear gloves during racing. It tends to get a little slippery when wet. But I didn’t have any problems the other day. I give the Carbo tap two thumbs up!

It has taking me forever to find something to clean my white Hodz. Found it "Cif." It’s like wax on wax of. It’s so easy to do. I always have white hoods now. I am bringing a bottle of this stuff back.

MBK-Bicycle Line

I think this maybe will be my team here. I still haven’t figured out how it all works... But this is a letter from the Belgium Federation stating it's ok for me to be on that team till I leave. I think they travel quite a bit so maybe I'll be able to do some races in different countries or something... but I really have no clue.

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In other news that darn crit is full. But all is not lost. I am on a waiting list and if I show up they'll give me some money for NOT letting me race. That's right.

This photo is for you Grandma!

Fancy, these goats were having a "King of the Trampoline Battle Royal" when I rode by. I tried to take a photo but the all saw me at the same time, paused and then all in unison bahhhhhhed and came running. Good stuff. I am thinking about getting a goat for the Complex…

I love the rain... just not in crits.

The race started as usual being single file with many gaps. I bridged up to the lead group with some other dude. Went around a few turns and got shot back to the second group. Then is started to rain like hell with lighting/loud thunder and straight line winds. I couldn’t see crap and felt my front wheel coming out just going straight. Our group caught a dropped group from the front. I did way too much work to bring it back but you know... The sprint was a single file sprint that was started way early. I was felling my earlier efforts and tried but couldn't muster anything. I ended up sprinting for 17th and I got 28th.

I also met some dude that goes to University of Vermont. I think his name was Nick, sounded like he was out here on his own also.

Matt Hearts His Griffen

NVGP

For those watching NVGP in a few days. Please cheer on my good friends and teammates. Jason S., Todd E. and Colt T.. I think these dudes will be sticking there noses out there trying to do shit and get notice. Any support you can give will make them go harder. I think they'll be racing under blue RBM Richardson Bike Mark kits. If you don’t know them just follow Leslie around. I think she’s doing the leg massages.

Thanks

Who knows maybe next year we’ll have a full collegiate team strong enough to come out and play.

Cow Poop.

I showed up and got my Duvel.

I guess more then 20 dudes were pulled after one lap. Like they were told it was over before they got to the line. I lasted 4 laps, some with the main group, dropped group and off the back. I was told that this race was not at a normal speed.

I guess the race tomorrow has a cobbled climb and will be raining. Yippy.

"Pimp A$$ Race Car"

For those who knew him as "The Wookie."

I don't think he'll lose the name, but Andrew is losing the hair! I think this is by far the best article The Racing Post has ever had! Read about it here. Page 12.

"Old Timer" Drive

Get'in it. This was just good timing eh?
One of my Belgium sisters.
Todd this climb is for you. I will go ride it easy next week.
Peter you only get this one photo to work with.
Thanks for the hat Alex.

Belgium Racing Fun Fact #1

When 200 or so dudes are single file and your bike is making a weird “clunking” noise and you can't tell what it is but the dude behind you is trying to yell at you in English your front wheel is coming off and has been for the last mile... do not keep pulling up on your bars. Every time he would do this his damn front wheel would go in and out of the dropouts. It was...Stupid.

You ask why I was on his wheel for so long? I couldn’t go around him.

30k fans showed up...

and 230 starters. Well I didn't crash Tom but was on his wheel a few times in the race. I stayed in this one a lot longer then my last two and I feel my legs are starting to come around. I saw racers even real pros going backwards faster then I have ever seen. Maybe in a few weeks I’ll be able to throw in a few “Nice Attacks.”

I was yelled at in this race a few times and even got into a Dutch English yelling match, then smiled. I think that made it worse. It would seem every time I touch anyone while going 35mph or go around corners with my bars on their thighs they all freak out. What the hell? Haha

My friends here took a lot of photos so when I get some I'll post.

I am going to go watch the race now on TV.

"Ahh the American"

This is what the beer drinking official said to me when I picked up my Euro. Today went a lot better. The dudes here go really fast out of corners and today the course had...easily around 30 turns on a 6.5 km course. We raced in the city so the roads were all types. They also push big gears here and I was told to do the same by my Belgium "advisors." Only 3 people finished the whole thing. And you’re right Todd. The lead group was only 10-15 yards up the road and we could never catch them. Crazy shit…

H-Wood my “advisors” here also looked at the position you gave me long ago. I think they wanted to push me back and lower haha. But they also said if I can hold it like I have it I’ll be fine. But I could tell they wanted to move it.

And dudes I don't think it would be wise when everyone is going slow tomorrow to throw in a "Nice Attack." it's a 178km race with more turns then today... You all should take bets to see how long I last.

I am also meeting some super cool people. Peter, Wednesday I will show you a car that will blow you mind. If you have ever seen this car I would be AmaZed.

Next Race

01/06/2009- OOSTROZEBEKE (W)
1.12B - ind.reg.wedstr.(100-120 km) Elite z.c./U23

Technische gegevens:

107,2 km - 670 EUR. - I: Café Vrij Polen, Hoogstraat 39, 8780 Oostrozebeke (056/668721). - U: 13:00/14:00/14:30 - K: Café Vrij Polen, Hoogstraat 39, 8780 Oostrozebeke - Contact: Vandermeulen Jacques, Kalbergstraat 3, 8780 Oostrozebeke (Tel.: 056/666779) (vandermeulen.jacques@skynet.be) - Extra info: 16 ronden van 6,7 km

My ride to the kust.

It only took a little under 2 hours to get to the coast.

Found a good club for Skibby


And one for Sickboy. I am not sure what all this means but it looks "fun" maybe...

This is why I am here.

First race in Belgium. This will probably be the most detailed recap so...

I rode to the course which was only about 20min away. I found the sign in by watching the other racers. Then I had to pay for my race which after turning my number back in was 3 euro and they the paid 50 deep (without chip timing of course.) What the hell is wrong with American racing?

Before the start as we were all lined up a cop car had to get through all the racers, so I got on the back of it and moved up towards the front. We started with more then 70 dudes on the line. After about 300 meters after the start I was sitting pretty in the top 10. Then the attacks came. Go hard then slow, then go harder then slow, then brake for the corner then go really hard (even in the top ten) then go hard and brake then go hard again. This went on more then I can count in a four corner 2.5km course. At some point following wheels I was off the front in a group of 5. Who thanks to me were not working well... Haha Then after going really hard for not a long time I shot backwards like a bullet. I didn't even get to struggle at the back. Only about 15 people finished the full race. Even if you were 300 meters off the back you got yanked.

No one yelled at me but I did see the middle finger and some aggressive bike handling. Tater would do well here if he was faster. But all and all it was ok I just kept my mouth shut... I think in a few weeks I'll be able to do better. Next race is Monday then Tuesday (Tom Boonens first race back) all within 30 min riding distance from me.

Bummer, I don't think I made the betting board yet, damn 3 weeks of rest... Who the hell would put money on me anyways? Haha

I think I needed one of these in the race.

Ann-sophie got a new Vespa.

Maybe I am not in Belgium.

Dad I'll get you a shirt! But first I have to do well in some races or donate some sperm...

O gezzzz. I guess you can that the hick out of the south but you can't take the south out of the hick.

What? A good looking Ford?

Can you get this in America?

Right when I got back it started to rain.

Gianni thought his bike was going slow, so he wanted a new one
Fancy Pants. Dude you can have sheep and orther farm animals in town!!!

Small roads, big farm trucks. This thing was in the middle of town.

I think he was trying to give me the middle finger...

Team

Marc set me up with a team. They just came back from France last week! I think they are going to put me in some smaller races, then if I go well I will go to the big ones! I think... Haha

2nd Day

I got in after a long flight and had to drink a beer or two. Today Marc(Dad) is going to take me to the town councel to declaire that I am here, then later in the day he has been so kind to set up a meeting with a club here! I think that means I might be able to do some bigger races. I took some photos of some cool cars that were at a "old timers" drive, Ill post soon.

Opus

I made my point and then "pulled out." I was second in the first sprint and then just kept it going over the hill for some reason... I have't been riding hard since Nationals and felt "weird." After two laps recovering I was like why am I going hard again. So I pulled out. I saw my highest HR in years at 198 and my legs feel rested. I was kinda angry for pulling out but I had beer and hanging out with friends on my mind more then I did the race. It was fun seeing everyone. I ended up 8th... Not to bad for only 3 laps of racing and 2 recovering, lame...

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Does the sun ever shine up here? You dudes legs are still white... Haha

I should post something.

I woke up with a headache, school is done, I think I passed all my classes, I'll be in Belgium in a week, I want to keep those cute little cats, I can't wait for Opus and I haven't seen my family since Turkey Day.

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After Opus will be a good time to go and get some drinks.

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I'll be at the track Thursday night with my Grandparents to heckle.

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I still want to see a kit like this...

RIP...

my little Hood Rat girl.
Against all odds the Eastside brought us together and the Eastside has taking her away. She will be missed greatly.

Nationals

Went ok... I made it over the first climbs with the leaders and even passed Todd, but proceeded to get dropped on the descent... Something about not being able to see right or being able to hold on the bars. Todd passed me a few miles down the road and made it back up to the front. 2 other dudes and I kept the front group at 30 seconds for a lap, but we never put in an all or nothing chase... Stupid. I finished 49 which is a lot better then last year. Jason and Todd made the front and Todd got 16th and Jason 20th. I didn't get to do the crit... Jason was off the front a couple times, that's about it.

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In a few weeks I'll be in the holy land and I feel great.

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Opus is on my calender next week.

Masturbation is very safe -- but not entirely safe.

Webmd...
"Unlike sex with a partner, masturbation can't give you a sexually transmitted disease. Nor will it subject you to the muscle strains, pokes in the eye, and awkward moments that can come with partner sex. But masturbation safety isn't guaranteed. "Masturbation is just about the safest sex there is," says Cornog. "But the laws of physics and biology don't stop operating just because someone is masturbating."

Frequent or overly vigorous masturbation can irritate the skin of the penis, as the average guy knows all too well. Less well known is that habitually masturbating face down -- for example, by thrusting against a sheet, pillow, or even a carpeted floor -- can injure the urethra in such a way that urine exits the penis not in a stream but in a hard-to-control spray. Barbara Bartlik, MD, a psychiatrist and sex therapist in New York City, says she's seen facedown masturbators with urethral trauma so severe that they are no longer able to use a urinal and must urinate while seated.

In certain extremely rare instances, masturbation and partner sex alike can cause penile fracture. This painful condition -- actually a tear in the tunica albuginea, the whitish tissue surrounding the penis's spongy layers -- occurs when an erect penis strikes a hard object or is forced downward. A medical emergency, it often necessitates surgery."

Sometimes...

i need a reminder.

Put the skickers down!!!

What do you think?

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My little "Hood" Rat. She is back to biting and running away when I spray her with water. I think she's fine. :)

Camera Time!!!

So you can't go to Fort Collins to watch the Collegiate Nationals? Well you can watch it live online right here.

Matt Sauls, aka: "The Boss" ,"Mr. Entertainment", "Tater tot" I think there is more...

Can you do this?


He also had some sweet no footed stop'es.

We won Conference!!!

After a two year "something..." we got it back. And Todd is an all star for grabbing the mens' "A" overall.
So it has been my job all year to clip in and go... Last year in this race I think I got lapped with Collin like 4 or 5 times. haha This year Collin was able to solo to lap the field and I was able to do my job and stay off the front for awhile at the start and was able to counter Jason's attack on Chad for a few laps and stay in for the sprint... This was the best race I have had all season and I was glad Leslie was there to see it. I think Nationals this year should be fun for us. O yeah... Todd and Morten lapped the field too. ;) Todd is one fast skinny dude who can put out the watts like no ones business.


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Yo Eric, I think our team down here puts our "Yelling Team" to shame... Hahaha.

Double the Pleasure, Double the FUN!

I'm going to Texas this weekend!!

Drive-in bar, here I come....only in Texas :)

Sorry Dudes

My performance today was far from respectable. Good thing my team rocks!!!

Nice tans at Opus dudes

You people are white as hell...

Cheap Chip timing solution found!!!

It's true folks, I have found the best way to solve every promoters dilemma on whether to chip or not. DO IT UP!!!

For the small fee of $.50 per rider I Michael Lalla at "Chip" Timing Solutions will give split times, overall times, and even placings after the officials make it official. This is a small fee service with big rewards.

You don't even have to wear that stupid thing on your ankle or get any thing wrapped up in your spokes!!!

With this new technology I don't even have to be at the race. Just send me the results over the Internet and with in 10 minutes I'll have everything your costumers want posted on my fancy new "chip timing" Website. Guarantee!

Remember folks this is the be all and end all solution! Act quick this opportunity won't last long. My employee Chip is a busy dude.

To Bikethrow.com:

This is my press release.

Remember...

these days?
My uncle had one. He wasn't that much older then my brother and I. We used to steal and destroy all his cool stuff. But my bro and I played with this thing for years. I am almost certain we still have it laying around at home.

I found this bad boy on a site that sells cool stuff.

Texas Fun Fact #3

Every day is interesting down here.

I was buying egg dye stuff the other day... and the woman asked how many kids I had. And I was like... "I got a good 10-15 years before I need one of those." Maybe I'll be "mature" enough then.

Also some girl asked one of my friends if I was married. Really? That's a good ice breaker. "Hello my name is... Brittney (most likely her name, I think I have at least 5 in every class) are you married? Do you want to be?" Yeah, that's going to work.

"How old are you? And your not married?" I have heard this many times.

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If you don't go to church or married by the time you're 18 or 19 something is wrong with you.

Thank "God" we have a lot of out of state'rs mixed in at our school.

All in good humor Texas folks. ;)

Thank you Loren for the photo.

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I was down to 150lbs and hit my highest watts in a long time in a 1 minute sprint interval 1,223watts.

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Kitty is doing well. She is getting a bath today, she's a dirty hood rat.

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I can't wait to do an OPUS in a few weeks!!!

Ft. Davis Stage Race

Remember I love doing stage races...

Hill climb: I didn't go into this race with a plan... I should have. With no real chance, I should have. A break went without me. Over some time I talked to my teammate who is good at TTs and the decision was made for my to try and bring some time back. Unfortunately we talked about this a little to late but I was able cut some time. I started the climb in last place and after I recovered I was able to finish mid pack.

TT: I zone two'ed it.

Road Race: I just wanted to help my teammate stay up on the GC to make some money. But 5 miles in we were both off the back by ALOT. He pulled out and my group was able to get back to the main group. As soon as that happened I attacked... I stayed out there for a long time getting good camera time. I was finally cough after like 30 min or so. I rested for about 5-10 min and went off again. I was able to stay out again for a long time and went over the first mountain pass out front. I was caught on the descent were I was resting up to go again but I went off the back never to see the group again. It was good training and I rode like I can ride, so I had fun.

The long drive home.



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Next up is a Wednesday night crit in Fort Worth where I look at doing really well.