i'm workin' on it...

so I have in fact returned from California, in one piece. It was a quite amazing trip. 10 days across the state, 8 stages of racing, and some amazing scenery. I'm working on putting together the whole story, and will post up as soon as I get to it. The Spidertech boys did a great job, half the team survived the race, or you could even say, big bear, as that was d-day for half out team. It was a tough day. I'd love to go ride it sometime, but 220km at elevation isn't likely my cup of tea.
I'm off in a couple of days to Saguenay, returning to the Coupe des Nations, a U23 world cup stage race. I was teching there last year, and back this year for more. most of the staff is new, save for Matt and I, so should be interesting. Gus our DS (w/ Spidertech) at Gila, will be there with the US team, that should mean good times!
I know there is a solid Internet connection, so watch for updates.

california update number one

day two just finishing here in Sacramento. Racing starts tomorrow in Nevada city, with stage one finishing here in Sacramento. Arrived Friday from Ottawa, and have spent the past day and a half building, tuning, and prepping bikes. Riders all have their bikes, which are to become spares, as they all received new rides for the race, plus new TT bikes to be assembled for the stage 6 tt. Add a couple of spares, and we're well over 25 bikes, for 8 riders, not including all the spare wheels, and so on and so forth. So business aside, its been good, excellent staff, great bunch of riders, everyone is primed for a good week, and hopefully a good result to add to it.
I think we have the largest bus of all the teams, will confirm that one, but its large, and wrapped in team logos.
Racing in the big time starts tomorrow. I am excited for it, although I have to say, even breakfast this morning was thrilling, seeing the likes of Tom Boonen, Marc Cavendish, Andy Schleck, George Hincapie, Bjarne Riis, Fabian Cancellara, and lots more, pure cool.
will add more as the week goes on.

california dreamin'

It is confirmed, flying out Friday morning! Ottawa->Denver->Sacramento. Looking forward to the AtoC. I will have laptop present, and should hope to have some updates along the route. Who knows I may make the jump and hook up a twitter accnt or something silly...

updates and news...

Well it has been a busy few weeks, and not much posting to show for it, such is the spring/summer season in my blogosphere..
Ste. Martine, opening round of the Quebec road season went really well. The team performed phenomenally, we had 5 on the start line, a good plan, and execution to follow. I was in it for the final sprint, and with 140 guys on the start line, the plan was to hang on for the ride! Gino would make the winning break group of 8 taking off any pressure for the team to chase. I was able to win the very fast bunch sprint to finish 9th overall about 50 seconds behind the break. Its been a good start to the season.
The next morning I was on a plane to El Paso Texas, and a short drive to Silver City New Mexico for a week at the Tour of the Gila, with Team Spidertech as the mechanic. It would be a 5 stage race of awesomeness. Defending Champ Levi Leipheimer was there, along with cohort Lance Armstrong, and many of the top US pros. Our 5 included Andrew Randall who would show well later in the week with some key breakaways, Mark Batty, Eric Boily, Simon Lambert-Lemay, and Charly Vives. Along with DS Gus Carillo, we had a great week, crazy weather, fast racing, and wicked (real) Mexican food!
All went well. Well enough in fact to get the call-up for next week's Tour of California. Fly out Friday, and super pumped about it! Will have a squad or 8, and DS this time will be Steve Bauer.
I'm not sure if I am more excited for Cali, meeting Steve, the racing, scenery, touching the Pacific for the first time or all of the above!
I hope to have a computer, so we'll post up if possible.
Once back it will be an on again off again fun month in June, which will include Coupe des Nations (Saguenay) and Tour de Beauce.
Fun times ahead!