Suntan in a day...

Wow, it's an actual heat wave here in The Bay Area! In the past two days, i got more of a tan than i did all summer in Belgium!

Two days ago, I rode in the marin headlands offroad with my cyclo-cross bike. I had forgotten just how exciting it is to ride those trails. The views are just exquisite!

But what excited me almost as much as the scenery is the fact that i actually made it up all the climbs!!! The gradient alone of the steep climbs in the Headlands which hit about 20% would have been challenge enough for me considering i hadn't been on anything this steep in a long, long time - although there was the ride up the Koppenberg last month! But added to it was the dustball quotient on the trails due to the few-month drought and the recent re-grading of the trails. Wow, it was a real balancing act to stay on the bike at 5kph (3mph) for 15-20 minutes at at time.

I was also glad to have survived the tricep pain of having to tug on the bars with the arms ever so slightly bent in order to scoot back far enough on the bike to keep the rear wheel on the ground!! Note to self: next time, be sure to replace the bald tires.

I started my ride from the Tennessee Valley Parking lot in Mill Valley and headed up Coastal Trail, down to Muir Beach, up Highway 1 overlooking the Pacific Ocean, continued up Coast View Trail which has the most breathtaking views of the area, back down the trail, up it again, back down all the way to Muir Beach, up Green Gulch Trail, along Coyote Ridge, and back down the trail to the house. For those of you who've never ridden in this area, I HIGHLY recommend it!! It's definitely one of my most favorite places to ride. It is even more picturesque than la Roche en Ardenne (except for the castle) and most of Switzerland - if i dare say so!

Yesterday, I was kinder to the cross bike and kept it on pavement. We went up north through the little towns to Pt. Reyes so i could visit my favorite bakery - the Bovine. But don't let the name fool you - they have quite a few vegan pastries! My favorite is the morning bun. But since it is only offered on weekends, i had the maple oat cookie instead - YUM!! Then we headed back towards San Francisco via Highway 1. Again, i was treated to the most amazing views. Even though the ride was a little challenging due to the exhorbitant amount of climbing, i was like a little kid in a candy shop (OK, i guess i would be just as excited to be in a candy shop at my age!) Anyway, it was a blast to ride through familiar territory. I even got to pee behind my favorite bush.

Right now i am just finishing up this Sunday's article for the Marin Independent Journal (I am a columnist for them.) It's on "Don't ever lend your bike stuff to others." I recently lent my fixed gear - which i thought was indestructible - to my best friend. Turns out i was wrong - it was destroyed in more ways than i thought possible! Hopefully my experience - along with my tips to avoid uncomfortable situations like these - will prove useful to others.

And after that, I am meeting with my #1 sponsor - VANDERKITTEN! Hope they bring me one of those cool jerseys they sell on their site! It will be the first time we meet in person. It almost feels like a date - nervousness, not sure what to wear, etc! How exciting! Actually - now that i think of it - dates are a lot easier; you just have to show up in any old clothes, bring your popcorn and watch him perform for you. And if you like what you see, you can stay for the encore!

Above is a photo of me on my way to get my haircut by Maniche in Bon Air Beauty Salon. I was so afraid to go to a haircutter in Belgium where they straight-blade your invisible beard and send you off with a mullet, that i waited until i returned to CA. I guess the photo would have been more dramatic if i weren't wearing a head scarf.

Thanks for reading!

I'm BAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKK !!!!!!!!!!

Yes, back in the good old US of A. For the few days leading up to my departure, I was mixed with emotions: sorrow because i am leaving my Belgian crew of Johan, Jonas, Pannekoek, Ronny, Jenny, Peter the Kid, Sharon, Hilde, Mark, Jan, J-Rocket, Reyad, Serge, Juris, and a bunch of other folks with whom I've become friends - I am also leaving my little shoebox apartment (sans Tommeke whom I folded and put in my bike box), excitement because i will get to see my good friends and train in one of the most beautiful mountainous locations in the world, confusion because i will be out of my normal daily routine that i've set up in Belgium, all mixed with a drop of fear because i don't know how it will feel to live in the USA again after spending almost nine whole months abroad.

My first flight from Brussels to Philly proved to be a nice transition. I sat next to a Dutch guy who was also a transplant in Belgium so we talked about Belgian culture from our outsider perspectives. We also engaged in the usual Flemish conversations such as ganging up on the French and the French-speaking Belgians. My favorite of his comment was his response to my confusion about all the unemployed French-speaking Belgians who live just next to flemish towns where there are plenty of positions needing to be filled. He said, "They don't want the jobs, just the money." Harsh. I would guess his conclusion is based on their apparent lack of interest in learning Flemish, their country's other official language which is usually needed if you work in the Flemish-speaking section of the country.

Back in America, I was quickly aware that Americans slur their words! I never really noticed it before, but we are really hard to understand if you don't pay attention. Since i was out of practice, I had to ask the waiter in the airport restaurant three times to repeat what he said. It took me a few hours to adjust, but i am happy to announce that i am back among the ranks of the slurrers!

My first few rides quickly reminded me why I came back to train for the upcoming cyclo-cross season. Marin County has to be one of the best places to train. The mountains, open roads, temperate climate, and somewhat bicycle-friendly environment - among many other assets - make riding a bike here incredibly ideal!!!

My housing situation also adds a lot to the ultimate training experience. I live with my friend Don in Mill Valley when i am back here in California. He eats just like me (vegan and mostly organic) so our meals are superb. He also has a hot tub in the backyard and lives part way up the mountain so i get a bonus workout at the end of each ride - the street leading up to his house is almost seven minutes of climbing at 15% average gradient, reaching 23% in some places!!! I have been training myself to love the hill so it doesn't hurt so much - i'm not there yet.

Two months of this should get me in perfect shape to go back to Europe to face the strongest women cyclo-cross racers in the world! And the support of Vanderkitten, my new sponsor who treats me like a mud-princess, is the "cherry on the tart" - as they say in Flemish.

Mr. Darcy does it AGAIN !!!

I just found out that Mr. Darcy (AKA Kirk O'Bee of Health Net/Maxxis) won the highly coveted Stars and Strips jersey at the US Pro Criterium Championships!! I always get excited when well-deserving (and nice) people have moments of glory. This is his second time winning the jersey - first was in 2001. I have trained with him quite a few times when he's visited Marin (California.) He has always been the epitome of professionalism. (By the way, if you're interested in knowing how his nickname came to be, I discussed it with him when i interviewed him two years ago for my most favorite cycling website, pezcyclingnews.com.)

From reading the race report, it sounded like the harsh weather conditions turned the race into a live video game - bodies and bike parts flying everywhere! Brutal.

USA Cycling Professional Criterium ChampionshipDowners Grove, Illinois

1. Martin Gilbert (Can), Kelly Benefit Strategies-Medifast

2. Kirk O'Bee, Health Net-Maxxis

3. Shawn Milne, Health Net-Maxxis

4. Alex Candelario, Jelly Belly

5. Tony Cruz, Discovery Channel

On another note, I just had a crash of my own. bugger. For the past few rides, I have felt fabulous - both my body AND mind have been motivated to ride, which is not always the case. Unfortunately in the middle of my ride last Saturday, as I was powering out of a turn while simultaneously hopping onto the bike path, the chain decided to teeter on top of the big chain ring. When i put a bit of pressure on the pedal, the cranks spun freely while the chain sat in place, causing me to violently twist the bike. Within a millisecond, I was on the pavement assessing the damage. Luckily it was just superficial - some missing skin patches on the ass, knee, ankle, and elbow...you know, the usual spots.

What bugged me most about the crash was not the bike damage or even the handfuls of dough it is costing me in bandaids, but that it felt like I was being kicked when I'm up!! I really do believe that this feels far worse than being kicked when you're down. If you are kicked when you're already down, it's not like there is far to fall. But when you are kicked when you're flying high, the landing sucks.

After taking coach Elmo's obligatory two days off of exercising, I returned to it yesterday with a run. When you have road rash, you know to take it easy for a bit to give the body time to get over the shock and heal. But what I forgot was the other, seemingly more important reason to take it easy - the discomfort of road rash!!! While running, I was painfully aware that i had a right butt cheek - with every stride, my right butt bobbed up and down like a dead weight dropping on my raw skin. Note to self: when suffering from road rash, wear shorts that have a pocket anywhere other than on top of the bruise so the house key doesn't jab it with every step.

Oh, and another complication of road rash I quickly remembered is the required time re-calculation when trying to plan my day. I now have to budget in an additional 35 minutes when getting ready to leave the house - time to unravel all the stickers and bandages, delicately shower the afflicted areas, thoroughly dry them, apply anti-this-that-the-other ointment and re-wrap it all. Again, bugger.

This Friday, I am back to California. After spending so much time here in Belgium, I have really come to love it here. It feels like home. It's going to be strange to go back there.

Proud to be a Vanderkitten !!!

Yippidy-friggin-doo-dah...I am officially part of the infamous Vanderkittens for the upcoming Cyclo-Cross season. What an honor!!!

I am so excited to start racing in the hot new VDK kit that i have been counting down the days; exactly 57 until my first race - Gloucester, MA on 13 October!!!

And as a bonus, their femininely stylish line of casual clothing will surely prevent my being called 'sir' ever again!!! Be sure to also check back with their site periodically to view their lingerie line coming soon. Until then, you can see it modeled by Mandy - my new VDK teammate and rockstar athlete.

Photos of the new team kit will be posted on my blog shortly. I have already seen it - smokin' hot!!!

OK, enough ranting - please visit VDK Site to see what I will be wearing this winter and visit their VDK blog to follow our travels!

I want to thank you ALL for your superb support over the years. Throughout my successes AND failures, I have never felt alone. Knowing that people are out there wishing me well makes what i do, including all the sacrifices I make, that much easier ...even bearable when it gets tough!!

If you want to read the press release announcing my addition to the Vanderkittens, you can click on one of these links or just read it below:


Vanderkitten Blog

Vanderhoot Blog

GeWilli Blog

Cyclingnews

Daily Peloton

Vanderkitten Signs Christine Vardaros to 2007 Women’s Cyclocross Team

Vanderkitten, Clothing for Women Who Kick Ass, announces the signing of UCI Elite cyclocross athlete Christine “Peanut” Vardaros to lead its newly-established women’s cyclocross team. Christine will fly the flashy new Vanderkitten colors—a standout pink-plaid team kit, while piloting a Vanderkitten team-edition Ahrens Whole Shot cyclocross frame in World Cup, Superprestige, and US National Series races. The Mill Valley, CA native who spends much of her season based in Leuven, Belgium finished last season ranked 22nd in the world, earning herself a spot on the US National Team for the 2007 World Championships.


"We are thrilled with the opportunity to work with Christine,” says Vanderkitten co-founder Dave Verrecchia. “Having a top-level racer who’s dedicated to sharing her knowledge and experience with her teammates and other female cyclists of all ability levels is invaluable to our growing cyclocross team. Christine doesn’t just race—she’s a journalist, a cycling rights advocate, and an animal rights advocate as well. Her community involvement lines up with Vanderkitten’s goals to do some good in the world while having fun on bikes.”


Christine will provide mentorship and support to the women of Vanderkitten’s cyclocross team, which is a grassroots team open to cyclocross racers of any ability level. With Christine’s help, Vanderkitten hopes to bring more women into the sport of cyclocross—whether they come from road-riding, mountain-biking, or non-cycling backgrounds.

Says Christine, “I chose to ride for Vanderkitten particularly because of what it stands for; permission for women to be athletic while retaining their femininity. Vanderkitten not only encourages women like me to play rough and dirty, but also provides us with feminine clothing so we look sexy as we sprint through the mud. Vanderkitten sends the message to women around the world that it is possible to be powerful and athletic while maintaining poise and grace.”


Vanderkitten is currently looking for US riders of all levels to race in the team kit, and take advantage of stellar team pricing on the hand-built Ahrens Whole Shot frames. Complete bikes are also available at team pricing for a limited time, thanks to Vanderkitten sponsors FSA and Reynolds. More information can be found at http://www.vanderkitten.com/.

To join Christine on the Vanderkitten cyclocross team, or to inquire about frames and team kits, email Dave Verrecchia at dave@vanderkitten.com. To learn more about Christine, visit http://www.christinevardaros.com/.

Future World Champion

His name is Lukas. He lives in Everberg, Belgium - a real hardass Flandrien. One day he will be a World Champion. His cycling career started off with a shiny red Scott mountain bike given to him earlier this year. He was so thrilled with his new two-wheeled machine that, like any 6 year old future World Champ, he immediately created a loop adjoining the front yard with the farmland in the backyard and rode it fifty times nonstop. Upon completing the 50th lap, he fell to the ground, completely drenched in sweat with the hugest comically oversized grin on his face.

Photos of Lukas in action to come...

A member of the cross family in need of help

Back in 1998, I had my first introduction to cyclo-cross in the form of local San Francisco outlaw races put on by the DFL Cycling Team. The events were held in September, just before the "official" season started. They attracted some really wacky creatures, most of whom were cross-dressed in some rather odd combinations; maybe one guy would combine a mary poppins top with a full nightcrawler fishnetted bottom, while another guy would be dressed in a full-boobed bikini top and schoolgirl skirt complete with matching wig and makeup.

The "official" season in Northern California was very similar to the DFL races, but bigger and more organized; the events were just as lively and lighthearted but with fewer cross dressers. With this type of atmosphere, all newcomers like me felt instantly welcome! Back then, only a few of the racers had cross bikes. The rest of us showed up with our mountain bikes. Luckily, Joe Breeze - my sponsor at the time, helped me to equip one of my Breezers with a rigid fork so I had one of the coolest, lightest rigs on the local circuit!

After a season of fumbling around the NorCal courses, doing the two-step remounts and smacking the barriers due to intimely dismounts, I felt i was ready for the National Cyclo-Cross series called The Super Cup. With two lessons from Coach Elmo where he replaced all my previous knowledge of the sport with correct info, I was on a plane - with my tiny borrowed cross bike - to the first Super Cup race in Philadelphia.

As you can imagine, the whole season was a humbling experience! Thankfully, I had a lot of support along the way. Coach Elmo continued to give me absolutely priceless lessons while other top cross racers helped me out with tips and advice so my learning curve was expedited. Among the many folks with much-appreciated advice were Mark McCormack, Tim Johnson, Mary McConneloug, Mike Broderick, Ronnie Pires, Ann Knapp, Dale Knapp, Mark Gullickson.

But the two who stick out the most are the Jacques Maynes brothers - twins Andy and Ben. Over the years, they have both taken the time to help me with my riding style, technique, and even mental approach to riding the course. Whatever information they had that would benefit me they shared freely. By helping me out, they were also letting me know that they believed in me!

Just yesterday, I heard that Andy had a bad crash during the last corner of the Memorial Day Criterium held May 31. From reading his "get well blog", it was a VERY NASTY smack directly into a lamp pole that left him with some serious body damage. Since I live in Belgium, I just heard about this!

Anyway, he is on a slow road to recovery so I want to publicly send get-well-vibes his way!!! Even though I'm on the other side of the world, I still think of him as part of my original cyclo-cross family!! I also heard that they are holding a raffle to help offset his exorbitantly high medical bills.

Thanks in advance for visiting his blogs and showing your support!!

Best,

Peanut

How ignorant am I...

For the past month I've patiently watched the billions of corn fields in Belgium get thick and high with the thought that I will soon be pigging out on some fresh corn. Every time I'd pass a field, I'd think about how I will prepare my flagship ear.

Now that the corn is finally as high as an elephant's eye, I figured it's time to visit the local market and get cooking; I finally settled on oven-roasted style with rosemary, olive oil, sea salt, pepper and a little bit of lemon to tie the flavors together. YUMMY!!!

Last night, as i stood in the vegetable aisle of my local market, I came across a glitch in the plan - no corn. What a disappointment. This evening, as i shared my story with Johan during our usual tuesday night coffee, I got a response I was not prepared for. He basically told me, "Silly girl, the corn is not eaten by Belgians." Just as I'm trying to figure out to what countries it is exported - maybe it is sent to EVERY country since it seems to be enough to wipe out world hunger, he adds, "It is for the animals." WHAT!?! Horror, confusion, and dismay simultaneously overloaded my head. FRIG!!!! Apparently they grow all that corn as winter feed for the livestock. Johan clearly got a kick out of my shock.

According to Johan, Belgians do not enjoy corn like we do in USA - in fact they rarely eat corn at all. He followed it up with his mimick of an American eating an ear of corn, wielding it like an old typewriter.

Another vegetable that is coming into 'season' now is the turnip. In the photo you can see turnip fields planted next to the corn. I suppose they are for livestock too. bugger.

I am not easily impressed...

but last year I watched a cyclist over twice my age attack the others on the old guys ride. As we approached an overpass, he jumped the field and gained a bunch of meters within five seconds. Once he crossed the virtual sprint line at the top of the overpass with a huge-ass gap on the field, he slowed down so the peloton could swallow him up. My hero.

Unfortunately just as the riders caught up, the "ring leader" ripped him a new a_ _-hole for disrupting the steady 28-30kph pace they always keep. As the guilty party passed me on his way to the back of the pack, i jokingly mimicked the ring leader's berating. He turned to me and said, "I was feeling good so i gave it a go." Again, my hero.

Last Tuesday, towards the end of the old guys' ride as the riders were peeling off one by one, a rider attacked the field, got a gap, then pulled up to a cafe, dismounted and walked in (surely for a beer) just as we passed. For a split second I wondered if he was my long lost hero of last year.

It turns out it was the same guy! Now that the ring leader retired from the ride since he could no longer keep up with the pace or continue to slow the riders down to accomodate his gradually slowing pace, the rest of the riders were free to have fun! And that was exactly what this feisty rider did.

Two days later, I saw him again on the ride. He was everthing I imagined him to be - total stud!! His nickname is Bonaventure (good adventure), 74 years old and in fabulous shape! Just before I snapped these photos, he turned to Eye Candy and firmly professed, "I am strong as iron - strong as a lion." My hero.

Who needs nightclubs when there are post-Tour crits?

Last Monday - the day after the Tour de France, I was lucky enough to see one of the many post-Tour criteriums. Even though the winner is pretty much not a surprise it is still just as fun to watch my heroes go round and round. Two heroes in particular I enjoyed watching were Bart Wellens - one of the World's top Cyclo-Cross racer and Frankie Vandenbroucke, one of cycling's infamous bad boys!



I have followed VDB's career for years - partly because he is VERY HOT but also because he is an immensely talented rider. I look forward to the day that he reaches his potential - from what i've read, mental issues have held him back. But he must be doing something right because every year he continues to secure a cycling contract even with no proven ability to show up at races. His proven talent as a media magnet (most likely due to his looks, charm, and sordid life) must be enough to keep the sponsors interested.



It was amazing to see so many folks show up for a local race - there must have been at least 30,000 spectators. The riders spent the first few laps riding at about 15kph so we could all identify our favorites, take photos and profess our undying love to VDB (OK, well maybe i was the only one!) For the remaining 50 laps, the guys took turns getting into breaks. I would have almost believed i was watching a spontaneous event if it weren't for the breaks of five guys with thirty seconds up the road getting caught in the distance of 2k on a very twisty course.



But i still had fun watching Danilo DiLuca (Giro d'Italia champion who donned his full pink kit), Bart Wellens, Axel Merckx and the rest of my favorites get into small breaks! But we all knew that DiLuca would win and yes, no surprises.



The street party surely continued into the wee hours of the morning but I left immediately after the finish to prepare for my own training the following morning!

By the way, we are finally having wonderful weather here in Belgium - 29° today! Next week they predict rain every day, though. That's belgium.

As i watch the riders head to Paris...

I'm filled with conflicting emotions. But for the next few hours, I will put all negative thoughts aside so I can be excited for the riders as they celebrate the brief solitary moment they have to enjoy the race. While watching them smile and laugh while engaging in idle chit-chat while riding at a cyclotourist pace, I can only imagine how they must be feeling. Their Tour is coming to a close. They must be relieved and excited among about a billion other emotions.

One emotion you don't get to see on TV is post-tour depression that may set in for some of the guys as soon as the morning following the Tour. I could imagine that it would be weird to wake up without a purpose for getting out of bed. Maybe this is part of the reason there exists a series of post-Tour crits. OK, those are strictly run for the money! Apparently they pay the racers WELL just for showing up!

There is a post-Tour crit in Aalst tomorrow that I may watch if it doesn't rain. Tommeke is the main attraction at this one. If you have never attended one of these events, it may behoove you to make the trip. They are more of a spectacle that the Tour itself!

Usually, the events start in the afternoon with the womens race, some junior and cadette events, then the main attraction - the traveling circus. Sometimes the circus includes pros riding around at about 5kph stopping to sign autographs or pose for photos. Other times they ride around with their kids. Often some of these loops include a convertible with highlighted pros sitting in the backseat flanked by blonde babes of course. The riders really play it up for the crowds! The final series of 'races' start at about 10pm while the festivities run through to 4am!

Since the course normally passes multiple cafes, the drinking starts with the first events at about 2pm. By 10pm the crowd is outright hammered which surely adds to the spectacle of the event! Since I am a good girl, I will promptly leave at 9pm to be in bed by 10 - joined by Tommeke. I will fold him in half, take him off the stage in my living room and tuck him in under the covers. Never cold feet on this guy!!

Cycling Team Doctors UNITE !

YES, perfect timing for an organization like this. Anything that works towards giving pro cyclists a better name is a good thing.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
American Association for Cycling Team Doctors
July 23, 2007

Invitation for Membership to AACTD

The Organizing Committee for the American Association of Cycling Team Doctors (AACTD) would like to announce the launch of this new organization whose mission is to serve as an interdisciplinary collaboration of science and health care professionals inspiring excellence in the care of cyclists. The invitation for membership is going out to doctors who have already expressed an interest in this undertaking. It describes AACTD's goals and planned activities. Press inquiries should be directed by email to info@aactd.org.

# # #

Dear Doctor,

The Organizing Committee of the American Association of Cycling Team Doctors (AACTD) would like to invite you to consider applying for membership in this new organization. Our mission is to create an interdisciplinary collaboration of science and health care professionals that inspires excellence in the care of cyclists. We feel that the time is right (and the need perhaps urgent) for American sports scientists and health care professionals to organize and to be a proactive force for good in our sport. Our plan is to be as multi-disciplinary and inclusive as possible; towards that end, we're inviting doctors of all types (MD, DO, DC, PhD, OD, EdD, DPM, PharmD, etc.) to consider membership in AACTD. Please forward this to anyone else you think may be interested in joining us as we work to get this new organization off the ground. We're considering several activities that you may find interesting and useful in your care of cyclists and the development of your practice:

* Annual Assembly (likely to be held in conjunction with the Tour of California or Tour of Georgia)

* Educational programs, seminars, CME activities
* Mentoring program
* Team placement assistance
* Development of "primer" for cycling team coverage
* Online Journal Club
* Anti-doping efforts
* Support of Cycling Medicine research
* Training camp for members and possibly non-members which might include physiologic, stress, and pulmonary
function testing accompanied by related Sports Medicine / Cycling Medicine educational activities
* On-call collaboration for team coverage

Obviously this is an ambitious undertaking but one we feel will be well worth the effort. We will need the energy of all new members to make this happen. Again, please forward this to anyone who you think may be interested in this exciting undertaking. Note that we intend to include membership categories for students, doctors-in-training, and affiliated professionals.

Best wishes,

The Organizing Committee

American Association of Cycling Team Doctors (AACTD):

Helen Iams, MD
Cheyenne, WY

Kevin Reichlin, DC
Boulder, CO

Michael Ross, MD
Philadelphia, PA

Prentice Steffen, MD

San Francisco, CA

Just canceled my cardboard Vino...

maybe i will order a Cadel Evans instead. Apparently he is rumored over here in Belgium to be the only clean yellow jersey contender at the moment. I'd also like to think that Levi Leipheimer is clean considering there is talk that he is Vegetarian - when he's not vegan at home!

I plan to keep my Tommeke, though. I'd imagine that anyone as outspoken as he's been lately would most likely be drug-free during the Tour. And it helps Boonen's cardboard case that he is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay easy on the eyes! Yeah, total hottie (if you overlook the mini-mullet action.) On another note, did you know that New York uses the word "shlong" in lieu of "mullet"? It stands for short-long. I found out, though, that this word is not widely used - or rather has another meaning, when I got some bizarre stares after using it in California.

Of course I am not surprised by Vino's positive test and Chicken's departure, but it hurt nonetheless.

I didn't know Vino personally, but I still felt personally betrayed by him. OK, maybe betrayed is a little overdramatic. How about if I call it "disappointed".

To many - including me, Vino was a courageous hero. His aggressive racing style that livened up otherwise dull races (think back to last year's ride into Paris, for instance) was an inspiration. Every time he would attack the charging peloton for the win, it was proof that dreams can come true if you take a chance.

Vino prooved that wheel followers are just that. By following wheels, you will make it to 3rd place on the podium at the TdF - assuming it is a drug-busting year. But if you want that coveted top spot, it takes determination and a truckload of GUTS!

When the news went public that Vino tested positive, I was teary-eyed. Again, I wasn't surprised after watching him pull a Landis (or a Hamilton) two times in the tour to snag those two victories, but I was disappointed. It was as if my belief in him was just a fantasy; maybe it is not possible for dreams to come true when fueled solely with hard work, guts and determination.

Any bets on who will win the tour? Do keep in mind Cadel's sentiment that there is no prize for the highest placed clean rider.

Reporting back from Belgian MTB Championships

Yesterday, I went to the Belgian Mountain Bike Championships officially to support J-rocket but unofficially to catch a glimpse of my superhero working his magic on a mountain bike - both were accomplished! Between textbook bottle hand-offs to J-rocket, I watched Sven Nys glide through the twisty, technical course and land on top of the podium. Exquisite riding indeed. Just beautiful. If I could only get my hands on a cardboard Nys...sorry Tom.

As J-Rocket and I pulled into the parking lot two hours before the start of his race, we were greeted with dry ground and looming rain clouds. With thirty minutes to go before the race, the heavy clouds emptied on us. Jan returned from his warmup just in time to jump in the car.

From our dry vantage point, we watched a parking lot full of spectators and racers scramble for cover - except for one sole rider who was determined to get a warmup in. During the heaviest, chilliest period of the rainfall, he set his bike up on the stationary trainer, placed his water bottle and other various unctions on the roof of the car, and started to pedal. He lasted about 45 seconds before having to get off to collect his unctions which were dispersed all over the parking lot by gusts of wind. He got back on the trainer for no more than two minutes before packing it all back up in the car and piling in himself to escape the elements. That must have been the shortest warmup I've ever seen (not counting the non-existent warmups that even I have been periodically guilty of.)

I waited as long as i could before heading up the mountain (ok, well it was actually a small hill but it felt like a mountain when taking into consideration the inclement weather and steep, wet singletrack I had to climb - 10 minutes worth, mind you!!) to the start line. Two minutes after the gun sounded, the rain was replaced with sun which put us all in better spirits.

***Note the two slowest guys off the line are the eventual 1st and 2nd place finishers

Twenty minutes later, Sven Nys completed the first of seven laps with a thirty second advantage over pre-race favorite, Filip Meirhaeghe. My friend Sam "Pannekoek" Malfliet rode in 15th position while J-rocket arrived shortly behind him.

By the end of the second lap, Nys' lead jumped up to a minute. But more impressive was Pannekoek's ride. He moved up to FIFTH!!!!!!! (He is in the photo to the right, just behind the eventual 3rd place finisher.) When he passed me, he looked stong, fresh and in good spirits (based on the beaming smile he flashed at me.) J-Rocket was working his way up too, looking better than he did on the drive over when he was bitching about how much manual labor he had to do the previous day on his dad's orchard when a water pipe broke.

By the third of seven laps, Nys continued to build on his lead. Unfortunately Pannekoek's glorious performance was over. He came by me in 20th position after losing valuable time due to a broken pedal. What a bummer. Since he is beloften (under-23 category), he had a chance for the title of Belgian Champion. I yelled at him to be strong and keep fighting but it's so hard to do that when you've been knocked down like that. I wish i could say i don't know how crappy that feels. Fight is what he did and he finished the race somewhere in top 20 - a fine result considering most of the field was lapped.

Another fighter was J-Rocket. He kept the battle up until the treacherous descent kicked his front tire's ass, causing all the air to come out. His goal was to finish the race without getting lapped. Well, goal complete. He pulled out before getting lapped - i suppose it is probably not what he had in mind. At least he lasted five of the seven laps to get a good workout in. The guy in the photo to the right didn't have that opportunity. His chain broke during a crash immediately after the start.

After the race, I chatted with Adeline who was courageous enough to give the course a go - as a devout road racer AND on a borrowed bike! That was a brave move considering the highly technical terrain. She says she placed last but Jan - owner of Fietsen Goeman - pegged her as finishing somewhere top ten. I think she was being modest.

The photo of J-rocket and Adeline is courtesy of Big Bad Wolf. His other photos from the event can be found HERE. THANKS Adri!!

AND if you want to watch a video of Sven Nys crossing the line, courtesy of Adeline, click HERE.

"Who is going to be Belgian National MTB Champion?"

"Not ME" were the first two words when i clicked on the subject header of the email from Jan - aka J-Rocket! Two weeks ago, Jan raced in the Elite category at a Flanders Cup mountain bike event that took place a few towns from where I live. (Note the difference in his appearance from the beginning of the race to the end! haha!) Against a strong field of Elite riders, he placed somewhere around 20th, which i found impressive - especially considering he has a real job that requires he spends most his time on his feet.

Most of his competitors are "professionals", meaning that they do not have to hold a traditional job to pay the rent; maybe they are lucky enough to get paid for it, live at home with mommy and daddy, have a gainfully employed girlfriend/wife (think Cat. 2 male road racers in USA), or are a trustefarian (forgive my misspelling, clearly i am not one of those!)

The email Jan sent to me with the "mtb champion" title was regarding this Sunday's Belgian National Championships. The way the categories here in Belgium are broken down, you either race Elite, cyclotourist or Masters. Along with most racers, Jan has no real category to call his own. If he races the Elites, guys like Philip MEirhaeghe will lap the merde out of him, and if he races with cyclotourists, it discredits all the hard work and dedication he puts into training; his exquisitely low body fat will be wasted. AND if he loses against guys with picnic baskets and camelbacks, his ego could be crushed - he IS only a guy, you know!

In USA, mountain bike racers have multiple categories to choose from: beginner, sport, expert, semi-pro, and pro. AND each of these categories (excluding semi-pro and pro) is further broken down by age. If Jan raced in USA, he would most likely be categorized as an Expert 25-29.

Well...he chose to line up with Meirhaeghe - a brave guy indeed, especially considering he prerode the course yesterday and reported back that it is very heavy (challenging terrain)!

Veel Succes Jan en pas op!

My tranquil spot in Belgium...

My first trip to belgium was about five years ago. I came here to race two World Cups (Wetzikon, SUI and Heerlen, NED) and be ready for the World Championships just in case the US National Team needed me (I was 1st alternate - that year they only filled 4 of the 5 spots allocated to USA for Worlds.)

That trip was the farthest I'd ever been from home - in fact, it was the first time I had ever been to Europe! I read the brochures and travel books but I really had no idea what to expect.

The moment I arrived, i put my bike together and headed out for my first Belgian ride. The first street I hit was called N253 - it connects Leuven (where i stayed) to Tervuren. Even though this simple, winding, undulating road was filled with bad pavement, no real room for cyclists and lots of blind turns which made it a bit of a safety hazard, I was overjoyed to come across it!!! It reminded me of home - of Paradise Drive in Tiburon, CA to be precise.

At least once or twice a week, when training in California, I'd ride along Paradise Drive - a small undulating road that overlooks the San Francisco Bay . I'd use it mainly for tranquil recovery rides . As goofy as it seems, finding that stretch of road in Belgium was a sign to me that everything was going to be okay. And it was! I didn't get to race the World Champs that year, but I did place top 10 in the two World Cups!

The photo is of N253. I have since ridden it about 100 times. And just like Paradise Drive in California, every time i ride it I discover something new. On this ride, I discovered a beautiful little pond.

Coincidentally I now LIVE on the road, but on the other side of the highway from where I took this photo.