The Tax man cometh..........

Wow, I sure do love taxes. Can you say, Payment Plan? I just about fell out of my chair when I saw what I owe...............

Last week was not fun at work and my training suffered. Logged thirteen hours on the bike and most of that was this weekend.

Had a 4.5 hours sufferfest on Saturday. Ryan and I both brought our hammers on the ride and took turns beating each other over the head. The good news is that I am able to recover at a really high heart rate.

Sunday was a relaxed ride in Yellowstone. Had to turn around and head back to the car at the 40 mile mark because two buffalo were standing across the road and had no intentions of moving. Headed back towards West Yellowstone and spent some time doing hill repeats and ended up with 85 miles on the day.

Our team gear showed up today and we are really happy with the results. Voler did a great job and now it's time to prove that we deserve the gear. Pictures to follow shortly...........

Jennys trip to St. Paul was a success and she said that the wedding dress is not crushing her ribs. We can all focus on having a good time now that Jenny is comfortable!!

Only 5.5 weeks until the big day. I am really, really looking foward to the week in Belize. We are staying at the Turtle Inn which the guide books say is the most luxurious place in Belize. I'm not going to do anything except swim, eat, read, drink and relax.

It's snowing right now and I am having a little trouble dealing with the bi-polar weather. Yesterday was sunny and fifty and now it's freezing cold. Just when you think the major layers can go away...

Managed to paint a couple more walls this weekend. The house feels so much more inviting with some color so I think I will find time for a couple more this coming weekend.

That's all the boring stuff I have for now.

Another boring bike update....

Yeah, you already know what I am going to write about. This week I trained a lot, blah blah blah, heart rate this and average that.

Well, it's true. This year I have been biking a lot and I am loving every second of it. Work has been pretty hectic so far this year and it has been a great relief that my employers (and now my official bike sponsors) have been understanding of me leaving work at five to puruse my passion on two wheels. I am feeling better on my bike than ever before. I think that after a year and a half my lungs have finally caught up with the altitude and are able to process oxygen. Combine that with not hammering away on the bike every ride and I am starting to get my legs back.

Ryan and the guys on Bechtle Slade Cycling Team have been patient with the slow training regime and I think that everyone is starting to feel that the winter fat is melting away and we are on our way to a great season.

We are sponsoring a junior rider this year named Akeo. This kid is an all star cross country skier and decided to use his power on the road for some fun and excitement on two wheels. He has seriously impressed my with his power on the hills and his willingness to tuck in and drop like a stone down the hills.

We have regular Tuesday / Thursday rides and Akeo has been attending them and showing everyone that he is commited and excited about the bike. Some of the Thursday night rides have also turned into the designated speed work night so I have been limping home on some pretty tired legs.

Last Saturday was again a long distance day. Headed out at 9am with 5 guys and Drew and I finished out the 106 mile loop. The last 30 miles was straight into an absolute viscious head wind. I am starting to think that the Livingston loop is a bad idea until later in the spring when we can start earlier and get through Livingston before the wind really picks up. Imagine riding along at 12 mph with your heart rate at 150. Not fun and a total waste of time. The ride was great for the most part thought because 60% of the ride had a wicked tail wind.... 28mph without even trying. Did the loop an hour faster than last week.

Our new team kits ship tomorrow so my Grandstay stuff is finally going to collect some dust. Not going to recognize myself when I look down to grab a water bottle.

Wedding planning is in full swing and Mulv and I have to dedicate our time to get things organized. Our parents have been saviors in this regard. We cannot thank them enough for steering the ship and keeping us on track. Mulv is heading home for the weekend to get the dress fitted one last time. I am staying behind and working on song selection and looking through our ceremony material. In the next couple of days we are finalizing food for the grooms dinner and reception. Hope everyone likes McDonalds.

Hope this finds everyone doing well and keep the rubber side down.