iowa city is sort of like everywhere else.

we arrived around 6pm after 7 hours in the car from Eau Claire, WI. It would have been faster but an hour outside Iowa City, in Waterloo IA, Ben saw a train doing a shift change and had to stop for photos. We waited for it to go again, since there were power lines in the way of the shot from where the train was sitting, and after 20 minutes it still hadn't gone anywhere. So we went to Taco John's, and then to Iowa City.

Then, we joined our team(s) and retired to the pool. And drank. And drank. Of course, Ben didn't, but the rest of us made up for it. Then, we engaged in shenanegans. And more shenanegans.

I had a conversation in the lobby that was a bit louder and less discrete than it should have been and I'm massively guilt tripping about it, though it was all true. My ears were still ringing from the car ride and I just spoke too loud.

Everyone's here, it's sort of fun to see everyone again, both Chicagoans and those we've traveled to MI, Madison, OH, Toronto, and maybe even NJ with. Fun times.

Thanksgiving was good, I love my family and of course had a relaxing good time. On the way to Eau Clarie, Ben and I worked with Audrey to invent the Official Illinois State Cyclocross Awesomeness Champion award, presented by Rock Lobster and Half Acre. Stay tuned, the winner will be revealed at Montrose Park between the 1/2/3 men's and the 4a men's races. Oh, yes, it's OFFICIAL. Because we said so!