News from the Peloton

Hey Gang,
>
> Just because race season ended, do not think for a minute that I would
> stop my weekly dose of self therapy.  For most of us racing has ended
> and some are taking a break while the x-mas stars are gearing up for the
> all important Fun-ride season.  God help us if we do not win the Las
> Vegas Century.  I took a little vacation to Hawaii last week just to
> rest my tired bones and eat a lot of seafood.  It was a little weird not
> having my bike for 5 days and I am paying for it now.  When I came back
> I did a hard training ride and somehow injured my left knee.  I am
> nursing myself through recovery and hopefully will be back up to full
> speed soon.  Since we are now officially in the offseason, the local
> news and rumors will be the only thing to report on for a while.  Keep
> in mind that these are my personal opinions and views so if you do not
> like it or get offended, feel freeto chime in.
>
> I heard a rumor that McGhies will not have a team next year.  I do not
> know the reason but I was told it had something to do with sponsors.
> Again, this is a rumor and I am not an investigative reporter, but it
> got me thinking.  I just wanted to say remember your sponsors and all
> the sponsors in your everyday choices.  I have T-mobile because they
> sponsor cycling, if they did not I would change.  I try to go to local
> shops that sponsor rides and racers.  I can not afford a Porsche but if
> I could I would buy one from Gaudin because they sponsor the sea of
> yellow.  I drink Monster because it is the best shit on earth.  Money in
> this sport is hard to come by so make sure you thank all of those people
> that make racing possible.  On another note, if you ever get some tech
> support at a race, make sure you drop a 20 on the mechanic and let him
> know you care.  It kills me to see guys at races that get free service
> and parts and than bitch because it took them too long or it did not
> work right.  You would be surprised at how much a little gratitude will
> get you the next time you are in need.  I have seen Shimano work on
> Louie's bike for hours because they know that he cares and is one hell
> of a spokesperson for them.
>
> THE CHICKEN REPORT
>
> Detective Michael Anderson of the Las Vegas Metro Police Department
> participated in the Western States Fire and Police Games in Phoenix AZ
> last week.  In true Paul Tracy fashion, he dominated the event.  He won
> all of the stages as well as the overall for his category and the
> overall for the whole competition.  I know he was very proud of hit TT
> performance as he took out Mike Williams from Cal Pools.  If you are not
> sure who Mike is, he was part of their state championship TT team.  Gret
> Job Chicky.
>
> Mike and I went to Socal this weekend to train.  On Saturday we headed
> out for 85 miles of tempo work.  As we were rolling down PCH, a fit
> looking female rider passed us in Laguna.  Now most of the time this
> would not register on my radar as we were just out doing tempo work, but
> both of us noticed the Flexpoint Jersey right away.  We were very
> surprised to see none other than Amber Neben out doing some spinning.
> Now if you have not heard of Amber she is one of the few American Woman
> actually making a decent living as a Euro Pro.  She is one of the best
> riders in the world and the smooth spin gave her away.  We rolled down
> PCH talking about her outstanding season.  I think she was more
> surprised that we knew her and recognized her as she rarely races in the
> US and not many of us follow the woman's pro scene in Europe .  Chicken
> asked her the usual training questions about what she was doing this
> time of year and than she left us on PCH to go do the canyon.  We looped
> back around to Newport and than back to Papa's house for dinner.
>
> Sunday was spinning with Papa to try and loosen up my knee.  We kept the
> ride easy and had a good time letting Papa pull us around so he could go
> home and tell mama that he stretched our necks.  I have to say that for
> a 70 year old man, he can still get the legs rolling pretty good.  on
> the way home me and Chicken had to push a little to stay with his old
> ass as he kept upping the pace on us.  I do not think he liked our jokes
> about him being gay!!
>
> I did not hear much about any of the local training rides but I am sure
> I will have plenty to report on once the Las Vegas Century is completed.
> Hope to see all of you out at the Century.  Hopefully my knee will be
> better and i will be out to the ride.
>
> Random Thoughts:
>
> WOW, what a week Horner had.  He was 5th in the Copa Sabatini and than
> he goes podium with a third a couple of days later in the Emillia.  I
> guess the Paul Tracy spirit wore off on him.  I sure hope that Cadel
> lets him have some freedom to go for the win in Lombardy .  Cadel is only
> a few points behind Di Luca in the Pro Tour standings and could win if
> he places higher than Di Luca.  That might not be good news for Horner
> as he may have to be team bitch.  I know the feeling my brother but
> soldier on.  Some of you probably have no ides who I am talking about
> because it does not involve Tuesday Night Worlds.  Do not worry, you are
> better than these riders and the Pro tour can not hold a candle to TNW.
> Keep the faith.
>
> Mrs Diamond has been out training with some of the riders from Rock
> Racing over the weekend.  She has also gotten the services of a very
> good coach.
> Look for big things from her this year.
>
> Got a rumor down in Socal that Thurlow and Strickler left Sonance to do
> their own masters team with Giant.  Of course this is a rumor but it was
> from a pretty good source.  Those of you in the 45+ category, pay
> attention.  There may be some different teams to battle with next year.
>
> Tour de Tucson is right around the corner.  I heard that Collins was
> taking a large group of guys to take the title.  Fastest man in Nevada
> up for grabs.  Hey jay,  are you going to come out and play??
>
> Did you see the lay out for the Tour of Utah.  This could be the
> toughest race in America next year and Burke got the nod to be the tech
> advisor.
> Mark, let him know we need a masters stage race to go with the Pros like
> Cascade so we can come up and play.
>
> Boss says the new Uni's are going to be sweet.  hey Boss, can you send
> out a preview so we can check them out???
>
> Anyone know when Jay is supposed to get here and pretend like he lives
> in Vegas so he can get all that freee swag from the team??
>
> Keep training and I will see you on the roads.
>
> Jim Robbins
>