Kentucky

Headed down to Kentucky with a slew of scholars inn riders to Frankfort, KY yesterday in the morning. To my surprise the team worked really well together controlling the pack and chasing down moves. Seeing as it was my first race of the year I was a little unsure as to how the legs were going to hold out but it ended up alright. I think SIB took 3,5,8,13,19...with a few more threw in there as well so pretty good showing especially for a first year team. Kevin went off the front with about four to go and when he did I was sitting about ninth wheel and he sort of just slides away. Before I knew it he had a pretty decent gap and I thought oh shit I better get to the front and try and slow this honky down so he can solo away. Did a halfway decent job of slowing it down with the help of patch giving a little guidance sitting second wheel. I told him I'd lead him out but wanted to keep the pack off Kevin took first priority...Kevin ended up third as that last half lap got stupid fast and I got swarmed by a slew of people able to hold on for 13th. Overall good day for scholars inn team though and even the announcer was giving us a lot of credit in not only the 3's race but all other categories as well. Give it another go today in Richmond.

One Week into Summer

I can hardly believe that it's been nearly a week since graduation already. This week the weather seems to be transitioning into the summer season as everyone waits for pools to open and to hit the lake on boats. My personal transition into the daily grind of work instead of going to class for a couple hours a day definitely took its toll on me this week as I was definitely burning the candle at both ends this week. Staying up late with friends and waking up early to complete various experiments that I'm a subject for marked for a long week.

Logged some decent riding this week finally as it was for the most part my first full week back on the bike with some regularity. It felt good to have the knees finally cooperate as they were starting to really bother me toward the end of Little 5 season. I was planning on racing this weekend up in Winona Lake but I feel like I'm not quite ready for the race scene and don't want to throw away any money just to get my ass handed to me. Looking forward to heading out to Iowa on Memorial Day weekend for 4 big races. This might mark my first races of the season so it will be fun as there are a bunch of spectators and lots of riders. I'd like to slip into the top ten for at least 2 of the races and want to really do well at Quad Cities which is the last of the 4 crits. The most famous though is the snake. A winding cobblestone crit that is easily the most terrible thing I've encountered in cycling.

A picture of the snake from last year. Perez said I don't leave much of a draft; I beg to differ...

Went to a few gatherings this week as well. Lylepalooza at Scholars Inn on Monday followed by a terrible movie that definitely was not my choice. Word of advice if you're thinking about going to see Something Borrowed you might as well stay at home and smash your fingers in the door instead. Tuesday I was feeling surly and so overwhelmed by how terrible that previous day's movie adventure went that I decided to go see the new Fast Five (Fast and the Furious) movie and was impressed. Of course its a little out there but nonetheless pretty sweet cars and fight scenes! Wednesday marked the infamous Wednesday Worlds but just as the legs were feeling good and opening up my back tire blew out so I limped it home and my night finished rather uneventful. Since then just hanging out and going to experiments and work. Today I went to lunch with my buddy Andy to Smoking Jack's Rib Shack and got the Catfish sandwich: so good!

A teammate of mine, Kevin set me up on a little date with a girl on the track team: Caitlin Engel. I was a little uneasy about it at first but figured I'd give a shot to go out and have a little fun. Turns out she's pretty cool and very competitive as we immediately started making bets about various games and low and behold I was the ultimate winner as I had to do a little research with the help of a friend in finding a hidden gem of a picture taken earlier this year...

She's a steeplechase runner and had an unfortunate turn of events on this hurdle. Ha she's going to be pissed about this but I just can't resist. And to be honest I've got a way better one of her but I'll save that one for another rainy day. In all seriousness though she's a badass and I wish her the best of luck this weekend at the Big Ten championships out in Iowa.

Looks like another rainy weekend in store for Bloomington; go figure.

Goodbye Indiana University

Walking out of my last final was absolutely surreal this afternoon. I knew it was coming but at the same time after you turn in that last exam and walk down the hollowed halls and finally progress outside of the building it hits you. It was a beautiful day in Bloomington this afternoon so upon completion of my final undergraduate endeavor I strolled to work nice and slow and took in the sights, the weather, and the smells of springs. 4 years here in Bloomington have shaped my life in ways that I will never be able to tell and I'm glad I will be here for another month or so to grant Bloomington the proper goodbye. When I was walking to work today its funny of the things I thought of that suddenly come rushing into your mind. Things such as how many times I've walked down this sidewalk, or the number of visits to the union to print off notes for class. 4 years seems like such a long time but when I look back on it I can remember many days back when I was sitting in my room at Manchester College with the big decision of whether or not to transfer to IU. Talking with family friends and finally convinced by my good friend Blosser to go look for apartments I made the choice that when I think about it more was probably the best decision I've made or probably will make.

The actual commencement ceremony was pretty cool. I wasn't sure how I was going to like it being that there was going to be so many graduates but it was nice. I think the best speech of the day was giving by a fellow graduate, very professional and light-hearted at the same time.

Partying with the McFall's at Nick's English Hut was a blast on Friday night as well. I'm really going to miss that family a lot come college football season and not being able to go to their amazing tailgates. Truly an incredible family and I owe it all to my good friend Alex.

Indiana University it's been a great 4 years; undoubtedly the best thus far in my life and I highly doubt any will top them! So many memories are swirling around my head that it seems impossible that there was enough time in that 4 years to accomplish all of them.

The old man and I prior to the ceremony

It only took 5 years but I've finished. All of that for that little red folder!

Just want to throw out a big thank you to anyone that has supported me over the years to make this dream possible. My family, friends, teammates, coaches, coworkers, and many others. Couldn't have done it without all of you!