'Running' to Feed the Hungry.

So it's been awhile since I've felt like posting anything. Life certainly has a way. It's that 'way' that I sometimes have trouble finding. And sometimes it's not the 'finding' that troubles me, but the 'way' itself that's disagreeable...but no matter, rest assured, I always come around.

Is the past behind us?

Had one of those dreams last night. You know, the ones where you tell yourself, "This can't be real," but you're so captivated that you just roll with it, then find yourself scratching and clawing, desperately grasping for that invisible thread, that thin air, that unreachable, imaginary something that will keep the door open and not allow it to end. Then, you wake up.

VOS Stage Race.

Being on time is something I could get used to. Getting up at 4 am to get to Nicks to meet Erin and Wilson by 5...not so much. But there I was, early...of all things!

First time doing this race for both JB and I. Having Wilson and Nick there to fill us in on the details of each stage was helpful. I guess you really don't know what you'll have to bring to the table until you're sitting there, fork in hand, ready to throw down so I really didn't know what to expect. JB and I were reg'd for the 2's and Wilson, the 3's. First up for the 14 mile TT was Wilson with a start time of 12:49. He was off and running while JB and I warmed up. I could feel the back of my throat parched and couldn't seem to quench my thirst.  I rolled up to check in, JB was already off and running. I was just in time to step up onto the start platform with 2 in front of me. Starting from a platform, another 1st for me. Wasn't sure what to expect.

Welcoming the New Year with open arms...

...while giving 2010 a swift kick in the ass as it ran out the back door!

Nah, 2010 was another fun year for my boy and I. AJ grew stronger as the season progressed earning his CAT 2 upgrade in less than 5 months as well as a trip to Canada to race for a week with, and against some of the strongest Jr. racers in the World. Unfortunately Dad wasn't able to go, but I was there in spirit. He was awarded the MVP of the DBC Jr. Race Team. He competed against the strongest Jr's in the nation up in Bend OR where we met a "Cool as the other side of the pillow" kind of couple who opened up their home for us for the week. I continued to throw down for my team in the M35+123's while earning myself a CAT 2 upgrade as well. We both had a year full of learning and growth, both physically and emotionally.  We continued to meet new people, make new friends, and strengthen the good friendships we already had.

My how time fly's, flies...crap Idunno.

So, April was the last time I had the time, energy, or inspiration to write anything. Well, I've certainly had the inspiration, just lacking in the other two departments.
Where to begin...I guess I could start with the AJ officially leaving his Dad in the dust a few months ago  and CAT'ing up to a 2! And on his 18th birthday no less. It was something special to watch as the entire Pro 1-2-3 field sang Happy Birthday to mah boy before his very 1st race as a CAT 2 out at the Golden State Crit.
This past June AJ competed in his first ever Jr. National Championships up in Bend OR. (see pic <---)

AJ...Jr. Nats Bend OR...contemplating.

But I guess the biggest news, of course, is AJ making the 2010 Mid Atlantic Development Team for Le Tour de l'Abitibi which is basically the Tour De France of Jr. racing. Teams from all over the world will converge in the city of Val-d 'Or Canada in Quebec and compete in a 7 day stage race with no rest days.
The team is a composite squad put together from Jr.'s all over the nation. AJ submitted his race resume a few months back and lo and behold, he was chosen. He, along with 4 other boys from around the U.S. will join forces and race against the best Jr. racers from all around the globe. Sadly, Dad can't go with him, but it'll be good for the both of us... 

Top Sport Stage race

Whew! What a weekend! It's been a difficult month or so of hard racing for me. I'd been watching the reg for this race and wasn't sure whether or not I was going to do it, but after watching teammates Judd, Dan, Robin, and Steve throw down in the P12's out at Land Park and Jones'n super hard to be out there with them...that, combined with Judd rolling up afterwards and pointing at me with a forceful, "You need to be out here with us!" then following it up with a, "Don't you want to help AJ out in the P12's too!?!" sort of jump started me in to seriously thinking about getting my upgrade points.

Madera Stage Race 2010

It's Friday afternoon and I found myself up in Auburn at Bicycle Emporium getting a 9th hour hookup from Bill "Bubba" Morengo on a TT rig for AJ. I'll save my PG-13 readers from posting his initial response to my asking if he'd be able to get it built and rolling in 2 hours. Funny though it may have been...it's the visual that would send it over the top. Bill, being the kinda guy that would send Sinatra back to wardrobe for an overcoat, gave me that disgusted "Uncle Vito" look, "Pshhhh" then hollered out to Nando, "Hey Nando, you wanna hook up your compadre here and build him a TT bike?" "Chure, no-prollem!" Nando says without skipping a beat. I've gotta tell you, without the help of a good hearted bike shop, those of us who race on a budget, would never be able to continue to do what we love to do.