Tour is done - Discovery wins!

What a tour it has been this year. With all the allegations of doping, the dopers themselves, the expulsion of the yellow jersey wearer, it still was a magnificent event. An article on www.bicycling.com asked if people still believed in the tour. I'd say, definitely yes! Perhaps the bigger question is why? Monday night I got on the bike and headed towards the hills. I did not feel exceptionally well but took up the five mile challenge. It was painful but I pushed harder than I had in the past. I kept the cadence high. What a sight from the top of the hill but also what a wonderful journey to get there. I still believe in the tour for that reason. I can partake of the pain and the joy that these riders feel. I don't know what it is to run a 4.2 40 yard dash or to block a 320 pound defensive lineman or to dunk over Ben Wallace. I do know what it feels like to suffer on long climbs (see the Col de Hamilton in San Jose, CA) or to feel the rush of riding along at 25+ MPH. I can do what these pros do with the same equipment, just not with the speed. I do love the Tour and have ever since seeing Greg pull back 50 seconds in 1989 in the final time trial.

Congralutions to Alberto Contador, Levi Leipheimer, and all of Team Discovery for the success that they all have had in this year's clockwise stroll around France. Contador was spectacular in the mountains and Levi was superb in the time trial. It is hard to believe that the three weeks have already past.

Back to Oregon, I rode over 100 miles this week - a stroll in the hills, some rolling hill work, and two flat episodes - C joined me for 85 miles of the journey. The legs are feeling good as I am starting to see some real decrease in my weight. With continued effort I will get down below 200 pounds in the next few weeks. Yoda better watch out! Under 200 means I might starting running again!

Work is rolling along. This week was catch up for being out so much the previous two weeks. Last night, we went to Old Fashion Days in Newberg. They put on quite a show with a lot of music and spectacular fireworks. I was impressed and glad that we fought the bugs and late night to watch the full moon filled night sky light up with the fireworks.

Finally, just a reminder - Please notify WADA, the UCI, and your team of your whereabouts, you'll never know when they'll come knocking to collect a sample.