I forgot how tough bike racing was until today. The day after sensations always have me feeling a bit off cue while time seems to take its own unique rate as I try to accomplish at least a couple of productive tasks without much succes. Updating the site is something at least. Yesterday Chloe and I made to the Dust Devil race held at White Tanks Park just to the west of Phoenix. There was a small turnout for this first in series of three events, but everyone was having a good time and enjoying the low-key event. It was a long race, doing five laps of the seven mile circuit had me out there for over two and half hours and most everyone else was three plus. Perhaps four laps would have been plenty, but it was a good time regardless.  I haven’t gone very hard for any length of time so at least I know that my legs still work a bit.  Of course Chloe was the fastest women, unfortunately she was also the only women in the field which meant that she got to ride with the guys.

We put our winning gift certificates together so that I could get a much needed SRAM chain and a highly sought after 19mm cone wrench – something that I’ve been in search of all season long. While driving to Swiss American we got to eat at In-and-Out Burger. My stomach is now two for three with this restaurant and it tastes oh-so-good so I’m offically calling my first experience a fluke.  This time the potato slicer guy cut his finger while going crazy with the machine. If you’ve been to In-and-Out, you’ve probably seen the potato cutter, but chances are you haven’t seen a guy get his finger cut in it! It wasn’t a bad injury and after a quick clean up and a band-aid he was back at it. He got off easy and it could have been way worse- exciting to see none the less.

Mid week I dissected my Fox Forx to do some maintenance and replace the wiper seals.  This was my first Fox surgery, but all went successfully and it’s working smoother than ever now. The best part was using the kitchen as my shop. Of course the worst part of the job was cleaning the kitchen once I finished things up…

And for the weather report…. Yesterday’s race was contested in 90 degree heat while today it’s a comfy 75 with full sunshine. The coming winter and its fall-likeness can’t come soon enough.  50’s will be perfect, if and when it ever cools off that much here.  Thanks for reading, TJ