chapter 11: all I ever wanted was to be a wooly muffler on your naked neck.

For all intents and purposes today was the final Delaware Cyclocross Coalition of Delaware Practice of the year. It was a good day as the group of DCCoDers included: Slick Rick, E-town, Leo, DennisBike, Tom (papa smurf), Lisa Lisa, Spot Paul, Conair, Dave (the Belgium work horse), and the Dan the man (hope I didn't miss anyone). Joining us from Baltimore's own C3 or ADG I'm or is it Joe's (sorry guys I can't remember you team name) were Auer, Heidi, Morgan and Miles. Also joining us was Team Snow Valley's own Harshman.

The "getting to know you Laps" were fun as the course was probably faster than anytime I can remember this year. That was cool. We settled into doing some efforts to keep sharp and make final tweaks to our technique as we all prep for the Nationals next week. It was fun.

just before practice got going, Tom (papa smurf) presented me a super sweet set of pink rudy projects to match my helmet. The case was signed by some of the members of the DCCoD. Tom said it was in appreciation for all the work I did for the DCCOD this year. Aside from the occasional email or Julie McCoy duties, I'm not sure what I did, but frankly, I was flattered. It is an honor to be a part of the DCCoD.

As we were winding down and playing in the barriers, yeah I'm still trying to clean up that nasty switch footed dismount (which is pretty okay) and remount (which is just horrible) Dan the man, came over and told me he was impressed with how well I rode today. Dan does three things well ride, read the news and screw, he's done one of those things today, wanna guess what's next? But I digress, I was very flattered by his comments.

Huh, imagine that flattery before practice, flattery after practice. That's pretty damn good day in my book.

After practice a group of us stopped down at the cafe napoli to refuel a bit. I started with a Caesar salad that tasted great, despite a bit too much dressing. Miles and I split an artichoke, tomato, and garlic pizza. It was divine. I let Miles take the 2 left over pieces home, I spent the afternoon thinking about that pizza, and smacking myself in the forehead repeating "stupid, stupid, stupid."

you know I don't have a great starting position for next week, but I feel good, I'm riding well. I'm excited to give my best whatever happens out there, I'm gonna leave my best out on the course Friday. I keep hearing the stones in my head "you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might find you get what you need...."

Tom sporting the assos kit that screams, "I'm papa smurf hear me roar!" I gotta tell you as much as we liked this on the cross course, the waitresses at the cafe thought it was even hotter.