July 22nd, 2009
Hey all,
Hey all,
The blue-touch paper was burned in significant quantities last night. Meeting at the west side of Mercer Island, the groupetto rolled out under azure skies and tropic temperatures. An early pace line, driven by Boom-boom Langley, quickly rolled up the early solo break-away efforts. TJ and Jefe led the early rollout, then the Masi team rep rolled to the fore, cranking the pace as the south end of the island neared.
The first signs of weakness appeared at south end of the island.
Team Geriatric's BJ "Get me my walker, dammit" Kaehler attempted to climb the small rise only to learn a hard truth... You gotta bring money to the game. You can't shoot pool with a rope. Better to learn that on the bike than hear it in bed! Whoa Ho! Them sandals ain't for racing. Three lungs beats a pair any day.
As the selection was made, Doug, Nick and Jeff began their surgical dance of nip and tuck in and out of the drainages of Mercer Island. TJ and I rolled into the east side turnaround where an annoyingly well recovered Doug was already turned around and ready to head out.
Jeff took up the pace again on the reverse traverse of our course. As the pace increased on the west side of the island, Team G-ratic once again found out the commuter training program guide apparently was missing the "speed work" chapter...
It was not pretty...all this reporter can tell you is that "four guys finished ahead of me. Way ahead of me." I learned another lesson: You can't drown in your own sweat. But you can try. And at certain speeds, the sweat gets blown out of the brow pad and drips down your nose and glasses and into your eyes.
Thanks again, and hope to see you next week. Have a good weekend!
Brian
