After 6 days without internet, cable, or home phone service, i finally got it all back just before the ride tonight.

I left in good spirits and feeling well rested, i've been really taking it easy the last week or so. Set out for the ride tonight under absolutely perfect conditions, clear skies, cooler temps, little wind.

The ride was good, i stayed near teh back most of the time, just chatting and relaxing with the boys. Found out the composition of our team for the upcoming 24hour race next weekend. Wow is all I can say. Andrew Watson (nat'l #3) among several other really fast guys, i will be hard pressed not to be the slowest on the team!

We did a big sprint going up horseshoe valley rd and onto the 3rd. I was able to get up for 3rd place, the 2 in front were too far, and i started from the very back of the group of 30.

Coming back into town the pack stayed pretty together with 2 guys going off the front. Instead of my usual chase em down plan, i decided to stay with the group and give the sprint a real go for a change. I was feeling great, spinning my 52x11 gear with power in my legs to GO. It's amazing what some rest days and really low mile days can do. I hung back waiting for someone to move, when I caught Don making his move, i stood up and went with him. He had easily 2 bike lengths on me, i managed to get one back almost right away. He then was holding me to virtually no gain and i figured 2nd was it, then as we neared the crest, he began to slow up, and I felt like i could take him before the top! I dug deep and managed to pass him about 5' from the "line" it was great!

Hopefully I can do that this Sunday after our race with a "cat 4" climb!