It's like that awful, cross-chaining sound...

Still trying to piece together a cohesive view of this weekend's activities, I've decided to focus more on the lesser things involved: objects that enhanced our racing experience. Let's start with:

1. my Gamin. I commend it for not taking us on toll roads, but why would it suggest the Turnpike when we were 3 minutes from the ITT? At one point, I think it told us to "keep right, then keep right, then make U-turn when possible"

2. Ray Ban's. We referred to them as Roy Bahns, though, as we got them in Shanghai for ~3$ each. Don't mind the glass lenses or the fact that they don't fit on your face properly. Simply enjoy them as they fail to intimidate others and graciously whip wind into your eyes. At least you know if you would happen to fall with them, there is a better chance of going blind...

3. 3M Adhesive Spray. Definitely suggest this for any race. Not sure how it holds up to hotter races or long road races, but it held up well this weekend. We simply sprayed it lightly over our numbers and shazam. Look how our numbers now delicately contour the dreamy body of Tyler as compared to Drexel Dan. Drexel Dan..... It also takes so much less time to fit right onto your jersey.

4. Eye-catching bar tape. Again refer to the Tyler photo. Keep a lookout for glow-in-the-dark for the pro twilight crit this Saturday. It might be impossible to grip in sweaty conditions, but where else can you accessorize with neon green? Bling...

5. DZ-Nuts. It is one of those try-it-you'll-like-it deals. And if you don't end up liking it, well then I guess you're stuck with the rest of the tube. But it (your money) does go to a good cause (Dave Zabriskie).

6. Derailleur hangers. One definitely saved Charlie's addict frame, though I wish I could say the same about Chaz, himself. My hanger, however, was crucial in constant misshifts and chainsucking. Of those cheering on Saturday's crit, I manage to hear "Aw man, that sounds awful."

7. McDonald's. I wasn't surprised to see any other cyclists as we were driving from the ITT to the crit on Saturday. I felt my Angus burger reacquaint itself with my mouth once in my race. Max retasted all of it... during his race... Even A racers know how to do it up.

8. Grease Truck? I don't know where we were, but how didn't I ever before have chicken fingers, cheese steak, mozzarella sticks, and french fries in a hoagie roll? WTF mate?!

9. John Hunter's wife's cookies. Yes, he is newly-married, and yes she made cookies for us. And yes, again, to the fact I found out about them three days after the race. Someone inhaled them...

10. New kits! Why didn't we ever think of becoming completely unnoticed in order to do whatever we want? It has been working out great. And plus, having white on your bibs just means more grease stains! Doubely-double style points.



All of these combined are so much more powerful than any blood packet can do for your performance. We are currently working on race number holder things for installation on rear brakes. If you have McGiver-like ideas, pass them forward. Also look for us for a possible sampling of our number idea. One can look forward to a future weekend that is New Jersey free...




Jay G.