Nothing but time on the bike

My future vacation, at the top of the climb of the Tourmalet!

I'm sitting here watching the World Cup thinking about getting on the bike. That's where I've been every day this week. Whether it is riding with Colin, riding to the beach, riding in the hills with Craig for 9 miles of mountain biking, or pushing my limits for 36 miles on Saturday morning, the bike has been good to me this week. Although I did not get as many miles as I had last week, it was close with over 150 miles. I think I am ready for this Saturday's ride. There was little pain in the legs this week and the legs felt really strong. It was neat yesterday pushing really hard and going faster over 10 miles than I have gone in the past (other than an organized ride).

Only three days of work this week and then it is off to Seattle. It will be nice to see everyone together and spend at least a little time together. The drive is not going to be exciting but it will be okay when we stop and can see all together.

After this weekend, my focus will change on the bike. It will go from long rides to more leg strength and speed. Seven weeks to the HHH.

It was nice to see at least one American have a good time trial. Landis put it together to get to second place in the GC. I am getting tired with the flat stages. It is time to get to the mountains and see the serious contenders for the GC step up and play. I do not have any worries that minutes can be erased in the mountains. It has been good to see T-Mobile step up and win a few stages with Ullrich out. I am just wondering when CSC will show up and do something. DZ has been weak and Julich dropped out with a broken wrist. O'Grady has crashed and lost huge chunks of time. Maybe another on the team can step up and get something done. If you remember from the 2003 TdF, Lance was down over 4 minutes after stage 7, only to make it up in two days in the mountains. Granted, there really isn't any Lance in this year's race but that doesn't mean that Levi can't make up 6 minutes in the mountains either. It will take a major break away to get it done but it can be done. Do I think Landis and Phonak will let that happen, definitely not but if you are down over 6 minutes and you want to win, you have to make things happens. I love the TdF. I found some pictures this guy took while on a bike tour in France during the TdF. This would be a great vacation: ride and watch the tour!

Christine asked what I would do if I couldn't ride my bike. I don't know what I would do other than try and find an equally intensive activity that burns as much energy. I feel so much better after riding, plus I am able to focus and think while riding. Also, I think I can ride for a lot longer. As I was driving to work the other day, I saw this gentleman on the bike. He wasn't going very fast, had on bike shorts and a jersey with a nice helmet. He must have been 80+ years old. That's how I see myself, hopefully with Christine right beside me on a bike. What else can I say but...

Vive le Tour!