Redlands and Introducing Phil the Thrill

Posted by mattcrane | Filed under Uncategorized

Turns out I’ve been drinking decaf the past week-or at least it feels like it-because I have had very little to say, which for me is virtually unheard of. Historically this means that I’m in a good place racing wise, so after this past weekend’s tune up in San Dimas, I should be firing well for Redlands…or at least that’s the plan.

Speaking of San Dimas, I feel a shoutout is in order for Phantastic Phil Gaimon after the nice little win he snagged in last Saturday’s road race. Phil made a good move at a good time and used his considerable strength to
hold off the field to within a bike length at the line. He didn’t get much mention in the press for virtually riding away from the pack at 7km out, but if he can uncork more days like that one, it won’t be long until he gets his dues.

Anyway, following the San Dimas Stage Race, I have been staying with the rest of the team at the Rubio household in Redlands. There is more food here than I have ever seen at a host house, so I’m enjoying myself immensely.

The Redlands prologue tomorrow will be a good test and it’s a course I like a lot, so I’ll be looking to move up on last year’s 17th place, although with the large and strong field present, perhaps I should have an eye on improving in time and not standing. Regardless, this promises to be a good four days of racing, and I’m looking forward to it.

Reistad and I did a school visit today and got the local kiddies jazzed up for the event, although I may have dampened their enthusiasm somewhat when I tried to explain the intricacies of stage racing, as they were after all no older than ten. However, they were well behaved given the tantalizing lure of Jelly Beans promised on good behavior. Some even gave us hugs after the demo! Social control would be so easy if the government maintained the sweet tooth we all have as children…

“This is big brother speaking: do not be alarmed, today’s chocolate snack break will commence as sheduled contingent on quotas being met as prescribed by comptroller b…”

Well, time for me to get to bed so I can rest up enough to suffer in speedy fashion, likely for a bit longer than 10 minutes, but ideally not much more than that…not much more or at all if things go my way…

Eat more Jelly Beans…

Crane

Here’s Phantastic Phil being fantastically creepy at our tour of the Jelly Belly factory. Creepy facial hair=creey facial masks.

Permalink | March 24th, 2009

One Response to “Redlands and Introducing Phil the Thrill”

  1. Crazy Fan in a Cow Hat Says:
    March 26th, 2009 at 5:17 pm

    12th at 9:44.43? Isn’t that about a 30 sec improvement from last year? Woo Hoo! I should have humped up the hill and watched from the finish so that celebrations could take place in real time but “someone” forgot the map resulting in several km of walking before we ever got to the start.

    Go Jelly Belly!!!!!

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