Grinding

The Tour de France ended up being one of the best in years, in my opinion. I got lucky & somehow managed to pick the podium. Armstrong & Contador clearly aren't going to be exchanging pleasantries anytime soon. Armstrong has a new team for 2010 & has his sights on dethroning Alberto. Does Versus write this script, ala Vince McMahon?

The Tour

The Tour de France has been exciting to watch this year. I don't care for Cavendish, but you still have to give him his props for winning four drag races, with the beautifully choreographed assistance of his teammates. For GC focused fans (yours truly included), the first dozen stages have been fairly uneventful. Well folks, this is about to change, and maybe as soon as Friday. There are five or six stages in the next week that could yield some epic bike racing. Team Astana still has all the appearances of a shaky house of cards-Contador's little sprint at the conclusion of Stage 7 either was an act of an impulsive spoiled brat, or a declaration of exasperation over having Lance as a teammate. Armstrong has shown that he can hang on the flat stages, but the question of his climbing prowess has not been answered, in my opinion. I think he is relaxed & focused, but without the unquestioned loyalty of his team, I think he will have a very difficult week ahead. So, here are eDLoNNiE's predictions for the podium; 1) Contador, 2)Andy Schleck, 3)Armstrong.

Pep Talk

Lance talks with Eddy Merckx -- powered by http://www.livestrong.com

OK, I'll admit, I'm cynical (big surprise to those who know me). But, with the prologue & two road stages of the Tour behind me, I want desperately to buy into Lance winning this race. I'm already rooting against Contador, which is exactly what LA wants in this arm wrestling match for the proverbial headnod that Johan will have to give to the eventual front runner for Astana.

Constantly Learning

I worked with a guy who, it turns out, knows Bob Dylan & a lot of other folks who played in the 60's in coffee houses. I didn't believe him at first, but then after talking to him for quite a while, it turns out that the guy is on the up & up. He desribed Dylan as an enigmatic character. I think that term also describes his music: some of his compositions see their full potential when performed by the writer, and some don't see their full majesty until rendered by someone with a more conventional set of skills, such as this masterpiece by Adele, backed up by the KeRNeLesQuE noodlings of Jolls Holland; enjoy!

Almost at a Loss for Words

Michael Jackson, the self christened "King of Pop", died today. The whole situation leaves me confused. If the man did what was alleged, he's going to get what's coming to him(believe it or not, I believe in a God). But, as a bubblegum pop worshipper, I have to admit the man could produce some amazing tunes; from the utterly brilliant Jackson 5 offerings, to his solo material ("Off the Wall" is way better than "Thriller"). The last 25 years or so of this man's life is totally bewildering to me- how in the hell do you reap all the money that "Thriller" generated, and end up poor?

Beauty

I'm finally getting out on the bike a bit. I can't believe July (RAGBRAI month) is almost here. I'm always interested in the Tour de France, no matter who's riding. This year looks like it may be a free for all- that's a great thing!

B2B recap

I'll first direct you to the originator's ride report. eDBiLLy & I rode the route on fixies & had a great time, save for the layover at Bob's, due to the influx of cyclists. We were both sporting new prototype CiTy BiLLy jerseys (I'll post images soon), which performed admirably (wool is still an under rated fabric). Instead of regurgitating a ride summary, I'd like to post some observations. It's amazing the difference in mindset, when you're riding fixed; you look forward to climbs (you can easily stand & reposition yourself on the saddle) & dread the descents. You don't mind headwinds, but start to hate tailwinds, if your gear inches aren't high enough to allow you to maintain a reasonable cadence. K-BiLLy & his better half, Laura, did a great job of hosting this shindig! Next BiLLy ride, Schnoctobeerfest!