THE COBRA GETS BIT

Riccardo Ricco goes down for doping and his team Saunier Duval pulls out of The Tour. When are these guys going to get a clue? So much for "The Cobra"! I didn't like him anyway.

THE HAUTACAM INSPIRES A LITTLE HILL CLIMB

Watching the guys climb Hautacam last night must have inspired me this morning. I got up and headed out on the bike early this morning. As I got by the stadium, I noticed that I had plenty of time before I needed to be at work. So, I took a ride to the top of the Camp Smith. Coming down at 40+ was better than a cup of coffe for getting me pumped up for the day.

At lunch, I did the Hickam Hammerfest. Stayed at or near the front for the whole ride. Did some paceline training with Ben A. and Dev. Then the fun began. Ben S. and Ben A. started talking about the plan for the finish. I was given the go ahead from Ben S. to take the sprint. He warned me to watch for Dev. Soon after we rounded the last corner, I saw Dev going for it. In the excitement, I took off after him. He and I were in an all out sprint together. It was great! Then we both died. I quickly realized I had pulled the ultimately rookie move by countering his attack too early. I should have stayed with the other three guys that were leading out until we were closer to the finish. Man, you can learn something everyday with this group. Too much fun today!

STARTING THE WEEK OUT RIGHT

This morning I got out of the house a little early and decided to get in a few miles on top of my 13 mile commute. So, after getting to Pearl Harbor I headed over to Hickam for the ride out to the tower and back. I pushed it pretty good and got in a good 25 mile ride before work. My plan is to ramp things up a bit and may do a trip up Camp Smith on the way home.


Griffen update: All parts in or on order. All I need is to pick up some cables and then the build begins. More detailed update coming soon!


In Tour news, my wife's "new man" took yellow today. She picks "her men" when they show her they are tough. Last year it was Vinokourov after he crashed and then took the stage the next day. Then he was busted for doping, hope this isn't an omen. I recorded it on DVR and can't wait to get home and watch the action with her.

HAWAII STATE CRIT

Sunday I did the Hawaii State Criterium. This race was put on by HACC and Momentum Multisport. It was a good day of racing and there was some exciting action. Take a look at the photo finish in the women's race. Shannon Cutting edges out another racer for the win.

My race, the 4/5 category, had the largest number of racers. It all started off with a big bang from a little cannon that was shot off. This was an exciting race. I narrowly averted a crash when someone in our pace line slid during one of the turns. Another rider had to go off road but stayed upright. I end up 4th in my age group. I believe I'm getting better at this but still have some learning to do.

The big dogs did their thing at the front.

The rest of us did our's a little ways back with visions of the lead group dancing in our heads.

I spent the end of the race working with Lindsey, which was a big help.

Wow! Steve shows us what he's made of! What determination!

BUSY WEEK

With my XO and the Senior Chief I work with on leave, it has been crazy at work. I have enjoyed the ramped up pace, though. It has been more like being on a boat. This shore duty has been a little too laid back at times, but that has been good for riding, running, swimming, etc. I did manage to keep up with my riding by commuting in every day this week but one. It is about a 13 mile trip one way so I got in a few pretty good rides this week and one run. I didn't make it to the Thursday HACC ride which was a bummer.

Thankfully the Tour de France started this past week. This is the time of year all us cyclist wait for. The Versus channel has been showing The Tour all day, every day which has been great. I can always turn on the t.v. and catch some great cycling. So far it has been a great race and looks like it could be anyone's for the taking. VIVA LE TOUR!

THE RIDE AROUND THE ISLAND

Yesterday a group of us met at Hickam Gym at 0600 for a ride around the island. The ride was planned due to Scott Kimsey's upcoming move from Hawaii. However, changes came up and Scott found out he wasn't leaving and he wouldn't be able to ride either. Regardless, a group of 13 of us rolled out for our "ride around Hawaii". Some planned to do part of the trip and the really crazy of us were set out for the whole thing. It was a great ride and Scott even ended up meeting us later on the road.

We had our first and only flat within the first 10 miles, not bad.

Dev snaps some shots while Jeff fuels up.

There was some great scenerary along the way.

It was a great trip. The only other incident was a crash that took out a couple of riders. The heat was extreme, especially when we got to the dreaded Pineapple Hill climb at about mile 90 with temperatures in the 90's. This part of the trip was a bit rough for me due to the heat and I believe a little poor nutrition planning. John and I ended up finishing the ride up together after my stop for some food and recovery. Thanks to John for sticking with me. When we got back to Hickam we saw Scott who said the other group had gotten there only about five minutes ahead of us. We ended up riding 120 miles in about 7 hours!

A TRIP TO MOMENTUM AND A MOMENTOUS TRIP

Drove down to Momentum today and couldn't help picking up a couple of things. One of my bottle cages broke and the other isn't holding well...good excuses to buy some new ones. And I had to pick up a new water bottle to go with them.

Tomorrow we are meeting at 0600 for a clockwise ride around the island on the bikes...about 112 miles. Should be a blast. Here is a copy of the route I pulled off Dev's blog. According to Dev, this is the same route as the original Ironman Triathlon back in 1978. Interesting.