The Honest Race...

Ok- I've got to be honest. (please keep sarcastic remarks re: title of post vs. content to a minimum - thanks ;-)

A big part of the reason why I've been a bit... umm... shall we say, 'absent'? is because of this:

I admit: I have an obsession. One where it consumes most every waking moments thoughts and actions. It last in full 3 weeks per year in July. Tapering up and off the week before the race and after.

The week before: This year Twitter fueled the anxiety. I searched twitter- figure out who to track, who will be posting most often and make sure those updates are sent to my phone. Lance, Levi, Johan and George have been enabling my dedication this year with prompt and regular updates. I'm even considering switching some of my monthly giving over to Livestrong. (He's making a good campaign people, what can I say?!?!?) I continue to prep by reviewing the course and plotting it on my calendar.

Remember my post on Running ? I think its' something about the graceful athlete that hooks me in. (There have been a number of times in my life I may have passed as an athlete- but NEVER a graceful one.) The rythm of running. The smooth power of a race horse. The tapping cadence of a cyclist.

But you know what else I like. NASCAR. and... Bullriding! The crash! The danger! The blood, bickering and brotherhood. oh I can't get enough.

65k/h + "oops"= Le road rashay

The Tour de France is all of that in one sporting event. It's NUTS! It's FUN! It's CRAZY!

I truly get soooo much enjoyment out of these 3 weeks. I still go to work, but I have been known to take a vacation day on a mountain stage if the time spreads are just right. Those in the office get used to me signing letters or offering to do some "busy work" early in the day so I can plug my headset in to watch and listen to the live broadcast on Versus.


My family has been accustomed, for some time now, to not seeing me much in the month of July unless its to go to their house and watch the re-run of the day's race (I don't have cable and therefor don't have Versus which is the US broadcaster).

I'll admit to spending an entire evening (ok- maybe more than one) just reading online updates and commentary on the tour, teams, course, french newspapers, Lance, Astana, team and tour controversy... I love it all.

Ok. I feel better. Honesty out. Forgive me?