Playing catch-up

It's really strange that I feel some sort of obligation to put up photos when I post to my blog. I'm the kind of person who likes pictures. When I "used to" get Velonews or when I'd read my brother's Pro Cycling mags, all I ever did was look a the photos. I didn't care what the actual article was about. No photos today folks.

Today is another lovely day in Oconomowoc, WI. I'm sitting here with Dave's dad while he's reading the paper. He had an MS ride coming up on the 5th and 6th of August that he's been preparing for, so I'm going to ride with him later today once Dave's niece Becca gets here. She's the co-pilot. It is completely chill here on the lake and I couldn't ask for any better of a situation after the fire. All of Dave's family have been extremely supportive, and I'd like to thank them.

Also, I would like to thank all the people who have helped me get back up and running. First off thanks to "Kenzie's" parents The Dickey's for there contribution, and promptness in responding. Lynn Ferguson who was our host in Jacksonville, FL. To my whole Aaron's gang, Kari & Glenn Bradley (love the photo frame), LeeAnne & Dan Asbury, Tracy Sproule and Julie Granger for their combined efforts of a visa gift card. Jeremy H-K for getting me home on the drop of a dime and being understanding to my situation. For the support of my teammates Shannon, Kenzie and Powers (thanks for the care package). Our hosts families in Penn. for the Triple Crown, Bob & Mare and there kids, Jeff and Kim. Hey to lil'Max. Thanks to Helen Kelly & Annette Beutler and my entire team for donating 1/2 of the Philly money. I miss you guys and hope you are well over there in Euroland. Renne Money, thanks for the box of clothes. To Laura Weislo, Emory Ball and all the BMW girls for the Old Navy gift card, To Sue & Chris Komar for the Target gift card. To The Fleury's and Hamblem's for the Napoleon Dynamite flip-flops. To Julie for the lovely outfits. Good job on picking the right sizes. And a huge thanks to my sponsor Aaron's for stepping up to the plate and helping me in getting started to furnish my new place. This will be a huge help. And to everyone who has sent their best wishes, phone calls and who keep us in mind. Thank you. I sure hope I didn't forget anybody cause I'll feel like a huge arse. If I did forget let me know and I'll stick you in here.

Okay, that was long and probably boring to read, but it's something I've been wanting to do and just haven't had the time.

Congratulations to Kenzie on her 4th place at the Holidaysburg RR at Altoona yesterday. I'm super proud of you. Good luck to you girls for the rest of the race.

So, Dave and I have been fishing for the past week at night. I was super excited to go, but I hadn't caught anything for 5 nights in a row. I was ready to give up. We ended up taking the pontoon boat out around 8:30pm, and was sure that this night would be no different. No fish for me again, but wait I caught two large mouth bass. One was bout 1.5 lbs. and the 2nd a bit bigger. Now I know why they call them large mouths. He swallowed the whole freakin' thing. I'm glad I didn't do it myself cause I get a bit timid when it comes to taking out the hooks. Other than catching some lil' 5 inch fish when I was 6 years old at Pike Lake in Minn., this was the first fish I've ever caught.

I'm sure many of you are wondering why I'm not at Altoon racing. Well, I've been having some major gut issues. It really hit me at NVGP after the long road stage. I was on the ground in the fetal position afterwards, and they've only gotten worse. Went to the Dr., chaged me an arm and a leg and part of my colon to tell me crap. You've gotta love Western Med. He told me to take Maloxx before I ride. Not the answer I wanted. There's always a pill to cure. So I went for a more holistic approach, suggested by Dave. I went last week for a colonic. Wow, what an awesome procedure that I don't ever want to experience again. I couldn't even last the entire time. I'm sure the lady was getting pissed at me cause I kept wanting to get up and go to the bathroom. Usually I enjoy when people massage me, but I was ready to punch the lady cause she just kept rubbing on my gut to the point that it was getting sore. Fortunately for as much discomfort as I went through I'm pretty convinced it worked. At least that's what I want to believe after spending $75 to have someone put a plastic tube and water up my bum. No more Brat Fest for me.

Now I'm gearing up for Bank of America, and will be ready to roll.

Tucson is coming soon!