You would be smart to keep me safely behind you. About 2.5 weeks ago and about 20 miles into a training ride on dirt roads, without my helmet, I managed to parlay a blind curve into a head on collision with a small truck. I think the only damage to my bike is an over compressed front shock. My head, and the vehicle, in that order, fared worse. I was knocked silly as my right frontal lobe dented the truck frame and put a hole in the radiator. I somehow gathered my bike and staggered into the shade of an oak tree. The truck was inoperable. The following truck was driven by two U.S. Marines recently returned from Iraq. They began assessing my head injury by asking me annoying questions like ‘what month is it?’ ‘do you know where you are?’ ‘who is the president?’ all of which I would have trouble answering under ideal circumstances. I was carted off to the emergency room but came through with 6 stiches, a black eye, some road rash, bumps, aches, and pains, but what might ultimately be descibed as bizarrely minor injuries. Not only is it likely I will have no lasting damage but some might argue there has been an improvement in my disposition. I will send a photo to your e-mail.

Anyway, beside attempts at sacrificing my health for the amusement of others, my ultimate goal here is to get you all fired up for this weekend. Believe BIG and kick ass! We will be anxiously watching for the results.