Sherman Park. Raced the 4/5 30+ and the 5b. During the 4/5 30+ it was pouring out. I ate a bunch of the fresh tar and gravel that was on the course. Tastes better then youd think. Hopped off the front for a while to see what I could do and it seamed like fun. It was fun so I stayed off for an extra half lap. Got gobbled up and ate some more road. No need for a water bottle in this race. I think to myself how much fun Im having and wind up trying to lead someone out that turned into chasing after Seguin. Wound up in 5th and was happy. Man its great having a lot of teammates at a race to cheer you on. Note to self, show up early and stay as long as you can. Additional note to self, yell ridiculous words of encouragement to other with xXx on but or chest. Teammates: see two previous notes. Wind up working the course and having fun throughout the day. My girlfriend was on the way and this would be the second race shes seen me in (first was my very first race at the Half Acre Crits). Im tired when the 5b starts but I feel like I have a good chance to win cause Im going to relax. Mike Seguin is talking to Ryan Fay so I poke my nose in to listen. He drew a map of the course, pointed to a spot and said "Start your sprint here" "Dont let people know your sprinting" "Dont get out of your seat". The spot he was pointing at was very early. A good 100 meters before I would have ever thought to do something. Last lap comes up and I start building speed right where he said. Came from about 25th to win the race. Thanks Mike. Your awesome for many reasons and you helped me win my first race.

Fox River Grove. Fathers Day. I head up with my son, mom, niece and girlfriend (Irene, by the way) come. Totally awesome. Must remember to try not to swear. Didnt have time to warm up so I use half the 4/5 30+ to do so. Pull myself out of the race 5 laps in or something. Wow. That hill is making my legs burn. This is great. My son (Griffin 8yo) lines up to do the kids race. Hes nervous and its perfect. Huge smile on his face. I just wanted to eat him. He does well and I feel one of those feelings that make being a dad the best thing in the world. Anyway...I digress, this is a race report. Cat5. The neighbors are out and there is more of the aforementioned cheering. Im totally digging the family vibe. I didnt have the legs or get clipped in correctly (DOH!) to get up to the front but slowly passed guys the whole race. On one lap I see that Ken Mitchel (SpiderMonkey, errr Get a Grip I mean) has pulled himself out and is standing on the side. I scream "Oh My GOD!!! Ken Mitchel is here" passing by him once. I believe one of my teammates said "Oh come on!" Hey, it took my mind of that stupid hill for a moment. Finish 25th and had a freakin blast. This race is on the calendar for next year. Other highlights: xXx kicking some bunker doodles, Im upgrading to the 4s now, hosing myself down in some dudes yard, bringing enough food so that I didnt have to eat grass. Fun fun fun. Racing the bicycle is fun.