First Real Ride of the Year

I headed out west toward Fletcher this afternoon, not sure where I was going and Ran into Jorge. It was good to see my buddy. We decided to ride up to Coon Rapids to his place. After meeting his family and seeing the rest of his Tour of California pics (Man, they are awesome!), I rode to Blaine to My In-Laws for dinner. I think I logged about 25-30 miles. I felt great and it was so much fun to ride with a friend. Now if we just miss the snow tonight we will be golden!
Erik

My Immune System

This is the second weekend in a row, I am down for the count with a cold or the flu. I am going to try to get out for a decent ride tommorrow AM anyways. I can hardly wait for spring to finally get here as I think it is finally getting to me. Good luck to all of you folks on the metric century this am. I am jealous!
Erik

MILLAR'S TALE - Part 1

Good Stuff

MILLAR'S TALE - Part 2

Good stuff

Big Fella On a Bike

This is a cool article on StarTribune.com. This is the audio slide show. There is an article as well. Coming atcha with the positivity.
http://www.startribune.com/slideshows/16799551.html

Self Reflection

I just read my last blog and realized I have really become negative on here. Instead of commenting, I have started to criticize. I will work on being more positive!

The Tour invites....

As guessed by many, Slipsteam-Chipotle got in the tour. Astana was left out. Agritubel and Barloworld are the other continental teams included. Every Pro Tour excluding Astana got an invite. I wonder how Rabobank was able to get an invite with as much scandal as they had at last year's tour. It weakens the argument ASO is using to exclude Astana to include Rabobank. This goes to show how messed up the guys that are running cycling really are. It is not rocket science. Be consistent. Be fair and you have a stronger argument. The ASO is just as bad and incompetent as the UCI and WADA. Time to tear it all apart and start over!

Barack Obama: 'A More Perfect Union' (Full Speech)

Obama's speach on Race and this Country.

The UCI Sucks

We have heard on more than one occassion that the anti doping testing is to invasive. The UCI and the Belgian Cycling Federation decided to give all kinds of ammo to the anti testing folks by attempting to test Quick Step Rider Kevin Van Impe by showing up at the Crematorium while he was finalizing details for the handling of his recently deceased son's remains. They showed up and demanded to test him on the spot. This is completely ridiculous. No apology was issued just a statement that sensitivity should have be better used. What dumb@sses.

update

The spin bike is back, thanks to Stu at trailhead. The Orbea was dropped off and is getting tuned and maybe a new chain and cassette. It'll be back Monday. Sounds like everyone is already out riding. Looks like another year of catching up for old Erik!
Erik

Barack Obama: Judgement to Lead

the beatles - let it be

Let it be..... Indeed.

Jorge at the Tour of California 2008

Vaughters Schmoozing.

Pate ready to get in a break!

Gotta be the coolest guy on a bike for 50 miles.

Boonen in his first tour of California

The World Champ!

Jorge, Erikspeaks Correspondent, Fellow Loon, and Resident Champlin Peloton Fashionista traveled to California for the second year in a row to witness the biggest and most important stage race in the United States. He has a knack for getting close-ups of all the biggest riders. Here are a few of his shots. Thanks Jorge!

Cycling.tv

I watched Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne on Cycling.tv today on the free bandwidth. Really jumpy and low Res but fed the cycling appetite. The commentary is very good. Any of you out there subscribing to the premium channel? I am wondering whether it would be worth it or not.
Thanks,
Erik

Het Volk

Phillipe Gilert wins Het Volk for the second time in two years. The weather is bad and it sounded like a great way to kick off the Classics Season. Slipstream put in a good showing with an 11th place showing. I just might have to pick up this one on DVD. If you get time check out Slipstream Chipotle's new website. It is really good.

Ice Ice Baby

I am joining with skibby and bringing back the Vanilla.