The following thoughts have nothing in common

Forest Park is one of the greatest spots in this city. My friend and I walked in it last evening as the sun was setting and I realized how important the park is to me and so many other people. Not only is it the largest in the US, it also hosts professional tennis matches, has a great golf course, nice running and biking trail, and let's not forget the AMAZING museums. The history behind the park reaches way back to the 1900s, and it still resembles it's ancient look while staying modern. I'll bet everyone in this city has a memory or two of doing something spectacular in the park. I know I do.

I want to go pro. I'm getting stronger and smarter on the bike and want to continue my improvement. I will cat up soon and am ready to take that next level. However, I need to find the right coach and team. I really want to go to a training camp, so I have contacted the USWDCP for information. If you have any advice, ideas, or openings, let me know.

M.I.A.'s new album, Kala, is FANTASTIC! You can hear a definite growth in her songs. She kept her usual style, but experimented a bit more. I highly recommend going to Vintage Vinyl and buying it - you get a free headband with the purchase.

My friend and I are planning a 3 day ride for the fall season and I am STOKED! Does anyone know of a nice place in the US to ride in the fall? We're open to ideas.

Gunshot heard in Tower Grove Park

...and as I rode Charles in Tower Grove Park, he blew his front tire off the rim. This, of course, happened just as I rode by an unsuspecting runner. The little man told me he thought he was being shot at. I had to laugh...all the way home...because he said that.

So, I fixed the tube and found out the tire was ok to put back on. I rode over to Mangia with Eggo (riding bikes with friends who ride bikes is WAY fun), then rode over to the Black Thorn to meet Truckey and her boys who are friends. We watched the Cardinals lose horribly to the Marlins (THE MARLINS?!) and laughed about scary mothers and racist south city hoosiers at Friendly's.

My CT Scan looked normal to the radiologist, but I still have to hear from Dr. Dooley. I think it will be normal. I just have to deal with post-concussion symptoms, such as my tinnitus being worse, lightheaded, tired, etc. As long as I can ride my scooter, do intervals on Baby Bomber, and race I am happy.

Newest member to my 8 bike family - Charles

My co-worker gave me an old Royce Union 3 speed internal hub cruiser for FREE. I never knew life until I met this bike. He is dusty, with fenders, great tires, super comfy saddle, and Euro-style brakes. I shall name him Charles. I have been dying to find such a bike since I got back from Italy. The Italians all ride old, klunky cruisers EVERYWHERE and look so happy and comfortable on them. I now know why. I can't wait to ride Charles to meet some friends for beers tonight. I have about an hour until I start running errands...I'm going to go for a quick ride.



I'm getting a CT scan of my brain this afternoon. I'm not worried. In Madison, a co-worker of mine slammed my head against a concrete wall and gave me my 5th concussion. I was nauseas afterwards and have had killer headaches since (it's been 8 days). So, my neurologist, Dr. Dooley, decided it was best to check for slow leaks of blood in the brain. Excellent. I don't think there is a leak, but it is procedure and therefore another waste of hundreds of my dollars. Oh how health insurance in the US makes so much sense!

Italy, England, Missouri, Wisconsin

Pleasant and tantalizing events have been taking place in the past few months. I went to Italy...

...and England...


...and carried my enthusiasm into the Missouri State Criterium Championship...

...as well as the Vespa store...

...and continued all the way to Madison, Wisconsin for Trek World 2008. I spent most of my time working hard, studying new products, and spending time with the newest, most profound addition to my life-a person who graces this earth each time he opens his mouth or moves his body.

Basically, my trip to Europe changed my life for the better. I am more optimistic and happy than I have ever been. I've hit a few road bumps along the way, some bigger than others, but manage to keep it rubber side down. I now have new friends, better friends, and supercalifragilistic friends who unfortunately do not live in St. Louis (you know who you are).

My family is doing well, work is going well, I've been riding my bike like a monster, and reading a fantastic book about Sandra Day O'Connor for some extra strength conditioning.