Exile in Fatsville

Day 4 of no riding. I'm resting the legs, knocking out a couple of projects at work, and preparing to head to NYC on Thursday and Friday. I also feel like I'm getting fat(ter). Maybe it's a common reaction to active folks who take some rest time, but man I really feel it. Oh well, Saturday will be here soon enough. Saturday's plans are to rise early, load up the Gunnar and head out for a 3-4 hour LSD mountain bike ride. I have given some thoughts to riding the Katy Trifeca (Lost Valley, Matson, Klondike. 3 parks connected by the Katy Trail.) Problem is the Tour of Missouri will be coming through that direction later in the day and there may be quite a few people out there. I was hoping for a little less crowds. We'll see.

Speaking of the Tour of Missouri, I think it's a great thing for cycling in the state. Sounds like the good turnout may exceed the organizers plans and with the weather forecasted, we should continue to have good crowds. It would be nice have ToM as an annual event. Most folks have no idea how competitive road cycling works and what to expect. However, the thrilling speeds and the sights and sounds of the approaching peloton is more than their senses are prepared for. As a result, they tend to come away more endeared to the sport than before. That's not a bad thing. Back in July of this year, while watching the Tour de France roll into Paris, we talked with some students who were seeing their first professional cycling event. To a person they were instantly hooked by the spectrum of colors and the coupling of human energy and machinery. (I wonder if this is why NASCAR is so popular??) However, for less than $1000 and average Joe can purchase the gear to simulate the experience. Try that in NASCAR!

Is it Saturday yet???