Dropping off the face of the earth

Yeah, so it has been a while since I have updated this thing. I have been pretty busy. Riding went well through Froze toes; however, a few turns this week have set me back just a bit.

I rode quite a bit last week, and on the day of Froze toes, I was out for a long day rather than a big result. I rode for about an hour before the race, and about 1.5 hours afterwords to get in the mileage I needed. The race was as easy as it ever has been, with great weather, and virtually no wind. Somehow, two of Tilford's chronies, Doug Plumer and Bill Stolte managed to get up the road early and stick it to the finish. I chilled out most of the race about mid pack, which was about four times the size it normally is. After the first lap, I moved up a bit to make sure nothing crazy was going down. Towards the end of the second lap, Butthead, Eathan, and a few others managed to clear the field with ~ 2 miles to go. Shortly after passing the 1mi marker, I began turning some screws and brought the field up to the 5 before the finish. I figured it was a "make it or break it" situation. Well, depending on how you look at it, I would say I broke it, because I ran out of steam with about 50 meters to go. Oh well, I got my long day in anyway.

I am no where to be found in the picture, but my dad was manning the camera...don't worry, I still love you dad.

Monday was the day of my final. Just before planning on hopping on the bike, I checked my voicemail only to retrieve a very disturbing message: my father had an accident while cutting down some tree branches. I got a hold of my mom, and she said dad was scheduled for surgery, and that I should take my exam, and get home afterwords. Dad had just gotten out of surgery by the time K and I managed to roll into Rolla. He had broken his jaw in 3 different places, had several lacerations along his tounge, face, and chin, and was suffering a concussion. Needless to say, my father and our family are very lucky that his injury was not more serious. K and I stayed in Rolla for a few days to make sure dad was back on his feet. He is doing well, but will have his jaw wired shut for the next 6 weeks. We are thinking about you dad.

I managed to get a short ride in in Rolla, while my pops was resting. However, all of my workouts this week have been a wash. I have been tired from the travel, all the time on my feet, and the emotional stress that comes with the situation. I have opted to stick around town this weekend, in luie of heading south to Oklahoma to race with the guys. I am hoping by the end of the weekend, I will be back on track.