I know, I know, I’ve been slack in getting my posts up regularly.  I do have some good excuses though.  First, I didn’t have my computer at camp since it is being paddled across the Pacific from New Zealand (it had to go back for repairs); second, there wasn’t free internet in the hotel rooms so I couldn’t hop on Lauren’s (my roomie) computer 24/7 either; third, since I have been back in Ft Collins, I have been preparing for the movers to FINALLY arrive with our belongings; fourth, I still don’t have my computer.  And, starting tomorrow I won’t be living at someone else’s house where I have a computer to use so until my own finds its way across the pond, I won’t be writing much.

Anyway, training camp was great.  Although the weather wasn’t as great as it was in CA for some other teams, it all worked out good for us.  The first week was the coldest, which was perfect since we had so many other activities going on we hardly got to ride our bikes anyway.  The second week, when we were “free”, brought in some pretty nice weather which was perfect for longer rides.  It was still cold and dirty at higher elevations, which the mechanics weren’t too happy about since it meant they had to wash our bikes, but down around 5000 ft it was sweet.  And most important, it didn’t rain so there were no days of training inside (except for people like Phil who were doing 3-a-days).  Besides the training, there was good bonding time off the bikes.  We are going to be just as tight as last year, and what’s even better is that we are a month ahead (compared to last year) in all of our preparations on and off the bike.

A few highlights from camp included Thomas running in the wall as he walked off the elevator while reading his GPS contraption.  Go figure - the GPS couldn’t tell him he needed to turn?  Or had it just not reconfigured yet after he missed the turn?  He literally walked straight into the wall and even scrubbed up his knuckles, too.  The best part was that there were at least 3 of us who witnessed it, and for which he was so embarressed he turned and ran straight outside.  Then there was our rookie, Nicole, who showed up for our first ride in her Skins compression tights.  But Nicole is a sponge so she quickly learned the proper “roadie” dress code and I am sure she will never make that mistake again.  Good on ya, Nicole.  And then there was Matt (aka Horsepower or just HP) who seemingly forgot to kick his horsepower into gear when he fell over slow motion style, while still clipped into his pedals, because he couldn’t pedal through a deep section of dirt.  Right on, right on.  And there was the day that Lauren called out flat so we all pulled over to wait for the car, which was 5 minutes back after it had gotten stuck behind traffic, to change her flat but to my amusement it turned out that I was the one with the flat but just didn’t know it since I hadn’t heard the tire pop.  Duh, duh, duh.  And last but not least, for those of you who were at camp you must be waiting for this one…a certain Navigator (I won’t name names) who did an Irish jig (that should give you a clue as to who it was) in Lara’s skinsuit!  Hysterical!!  Fall off your chair funny.  And if I build up the courage, I just might post the video, too.  Oh, and if you are ever bored, just ask Hilton for some stories because he’s got a few funnies to throw at ya.

Now I am back in Ft Collins wondering why the hell I am here since it is snowing AGAIN!!  At least this week is an easy week since I am resting up for my lactate test with Corey on Friday.  An hour here and there on the rollers won’t kill me, I guess.  That is unless I try standing up because then they just might launch me (I am not that good on them you see).

I suppose I should get some shut eye soon since tomorrow is going to be a long day.  The movers will be here in the morning and will probably still be around in the afternoon which means I’ll get to spend the evening unpacking.  I guess I’ll be playing decorator for awhile now.

Next time I post it should be from my own computer which means I should also be able to post pictures, too, so stay tuned.

MM