annual reminders.

it takes 1 WEMS race to remind me of why, although i'm slow as molasses and really more likely to injure myself than race well, I get up at 4am and haul my crap to Wisconsin for silly long races. It's the people. Having spent some time at other kinds of races this spring, the counterpoint is amazing. Everyone- fast and slow- is just super friendly.

I try to give back by cheering and beering, and some volunteering. But nothing can make up for folks who say "you're doing great" and are patient about finding a good place to pass when they lap you (Chris, Carlos), folks who smile and say thanks when you cheer them on (Ron, Amy, Bubba), folks who get up at 4am to make a race happen (Brittany and the Pedal Moraine crew), folks who are willing to tent up with a laughable crew of slow riders (Mike, Alex), or folks who offer to stop riding in the middle of the race to offer you help (dude in the Salsa kit??). Good times. Thank you.

Ben got his first skinsuit this weekend. Naturally it's too big for him. I'm so jealous. If I ate 1/4 of what he does, I'd be pushing 200 lb.