Day 11
Want crack? A conversation with a former drug dealer.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Day 10
Chicago Criterium
What am I doing here?
After 499 miles in 7 days I decided that a National Race Calendar event is a good idea. For those who don't know a NRC event brings out the best of the best Pro bike racers in North America. Anyway, I borrow my friend's car, who lives in the suburbs of Chicago, and eventually find my way to Grant Park in downtown Chicago. I do the Master's 30+ race because why not do two races after riding all week. ;) I took my chances during that race but nothing materialized and I finished 15th. Anyway, I pick up my number for the Pro race and while I am pinning my numbers on my jersey I realize I am sitting next to Freddie Rodrigez from Rock Racing. Actually I am sitting next to the Rock Racing criterium team which includes Kayle Leogrande, Mr. Druggie. After a while I realize that I am in way over my head and this field was stacked. Alex Candelario and his Kelley Benefit team, Ivan Dominguez and his Toyota United team, Jonnathan Page and even Astana's Chris Horner. Basically the who's who of American Criterium racing. Fortunately for me I excel at these races because they are fast and safe because there is no time to screw around and cause a problem. Anyway, after about 10 laps my legs were Jello and I decided to throw in the towel since all I was going to do is take a chance at crashing 2000 miles away from home or finishing 50th place. Great experience though.
Chicago Criterium
What am I doing here?
After 499 miles in 7 days I decided that a National Race Calendar event is a good idea. For those who don't know a NRC event brings out the best of the best Pro bike racers in North America. Anyway, I borrow my friend's car, who lives in the suburbs of Chicago, and eventually find my way to Grant Park in downtown Chicago. I do the Master's 30+ race because why not do two races after riding all week. ;) I took my chances during that race but nothing materialized and I finished 15th. Anyway, I pick up my number for the Pro race and while I am pinning my numbers on my jersey I realize I am sitting next to Freddie Rodrigez from Rock Racing. Actually I am sitting next to the Rock Racing criterium team which includes Kayle Leogrande, Mr. Druggie. After a while I realize that I am in way over my head and this field was stacked. Alex Candelario and his Kelley Benefit team, Ivan Dominguez and his Toyota United team, Jonnathan Page and even Astana's Chris Horner. Basically the who's who of American Criterium racing. Fortunately for me I excel at these races because they are fast and safe because there is no time to screw around and cause a problem. Anyway, after about 10 laps my legs were Jello and I decided to throw in the towel since all I was going to do is take a chance at crashing 2000 miles away from home or finishing 50th place. Great experience though.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
RAGBRAI
First Full Day
OMG it is humid here.
It is the first morning and I feel like I'm in the jungle. I cannot wait until the sun breaks from the clouds.
I get to the meeting site after an interesting ride with a driver that was too interested in talking rather than driving. Anyway, he took the wrong turn twice and manged to add about 30 minutes to the drive but I eventually made it to my destination on the outskirts of town. I find myself alone sitting in a church parking lot in a rural area outside of Missouri Valley, Iowa.
This is definitely not California. Anyway, I start building my bike and eventually one of the church members show up to set-up for the rest of the charter that is about to arrive. A very nice person but I had that creepy cult feeling going on. Maybe it is just my California upbringing but I told myself that I was going to stay away from the Cool Aid.
This is definitely not California. Anyway, I start building my bike and eventually one of the church members show up to set-up for the rest of the charter that is about to arrive. A very nice person but I had that creepy cult feeling going on. Maybe it is just my California upbringing but I told myself that I was going to stay away from the Cool Aid.The bus of riders finally arrive and I hear the familiar voice of my friend Scott. Now the fun begins. We manage to get situated and ride out bikes into town to check out the scene.
RAGBRAI
(Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa)
Arriving in Omaha
Want Crack?
I'm in Council Bluffs, Iowa, which is just over the river from Omaha, Nebraska, for RAGBRAI and was walking back to my hotel after looking for food when a young lady rolled down her window and started talking to me. I was joking around with her when he asked me a funny question and my answer was "Well, I am not on crack." Her answer blew me away. She said, "I don't have any crack. Do you want some crack?" Welcome to Council Bluffs, Iowa (basically Omaha, Nebraska)
I'm in Council Bluffs, Iowa, which is just over the river from Omaha, Nebraska, for RAGBRAI and was walking back to my hotel after looking for food when a young lady rolled down her window and started talking to me. I was joking around with her when he asked me a funny question and my answer was "Well, I am not on crack." Her answer blew me away. She said, "I don't have any crack. Do you want some crack?" Welcome to Council Bluffs, Iowa (basically Omaha, Nebraska)
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