Sunday Sundries

We had a team "meeting" at Dargan's on Friday night, during which much important business was discussed. Unfortunately I can't remember any of that. Good thing I had a camera to catch some of the happenings.



Notice that Ron and Carissa are sitting next to each other. We probably shouldn't allow that in the future because they got into a fight. Well, it wasn't much of a fight... Carissa kicked his ass and he cried like a little baby.


I'm happy to report that I didn't get groped by Flood, although it appears Brewer wasn't so lucky.



As the night wore on, it seemed that TnA was making quite an impression on Ben's girlfriend Katie. He fascinated her with the underlying physics of clincher-versus-tubular rolling resistance, aerodynamic properties of round, oval, and triangular tubing, and the principles of anaerobic work capacity. Doesn't she look enthralled???

Apparently Flood is deep in thought too.



[Edit: just in case it is not clear, I'm just trying to tease my teammates--please don't think it is mean spirited. I love these guys!]


More proof that bike racing is a life-long affliction (not sure that's the right word... maybe "addiction" would be better) After a mandatory pee break before the Sunday Worlds this morning, who rides up to me but none other than Hans Mortenson, sporting an old wool Danish National Team jersey. Hans is an old-school bike racer who learned his trade riding echelons in the cold North Sea winds of Denmark. Way back in the day, he taught me the importance of always knowing where the wind was coming from and how to ride in it. Not enough people "get it" today. Anyway, Hans gave up the road for MTB in the early days (mid 80s?) and was one of the early pros in the dirt. But then he got used to the soft and easy SB life, and gave up the bikes around 1990. Cold turkey. That is, until a couple of months ago when back in Denmark he entered a Masters race and all that adrenaline came rushing back. So now he's back out riding a few days a week and wants to race. Hans Mortenson--just another junkie that can't get the monkey off his back.

Finally, and more importantly, the Stingrays won the Central California Coastal area championship yesterday with two victories in two very close evenly-matched games. Afterward, an informal poll of parents revealed mixed feelings. On the one hand, it's great for the girls because they have worked hard and are getting some nice recognition for their efforts. On the other hand, the team will now be playing and practicing into Febuary as they prepare for the state championship tournament. It's a tough commitment for players and parents. My opinion? Rock On I say. You never know when you'll get the opportunities again.