Just got done with stage two of the Joe Martin stage race here in Arkansas and am waiting patiently for my massage at our Extended Stay Hotel! Today we rode pretty well…Scotty got in the break and Richie had a nice little dig at the end but we came up empty However, there are still two more stages and then I get to go home….yay!

Was hoping that for this years edition of Joe Martin I could get back to the form I had here in ‘05.  Unfortunately, that does not seem to be the case soo far…maybe I need to “Nair” my chest like I did back then? However, the chemical burns which led to a bloody belly button and ooozing nipples were not that great! There are still two stages to go  though so there is time…

Some pictures from our hotel…

 Scotty Zwizellski…my roommate…for most of the year since we are pretty much on the same race schedule.  Good thing he is an okay guy except when he talks on the phone to his girlfriend…kinda grosses me out!

 The VIP room at the extended stay hotel occupied by Teddy King (Tour de Georgia KOM jersey holder) and Dick London (Tour de Georgia stage winner).  They were obviously appalled that a low life like me would interrupt their dinner for a photo…sorry guys!

 Kaycee our “team mom” massaging Joao…she must have a hard time finding him under all of that hair? Think he could actually use some of that Nair!  Kaycee rocks by the way…thanks for putting up with us!

Aside from that, today I got to see two massive turtles (one dead one alive), several dead armadillos, and a cyclist go off the road into a creek or as they say here in Arkansas crick! Plus, Two fellow racers in the race today told me they read my blog…which I thought was cool and nice talking to you guys! 

later, g.

While out riding yesterday Scotty and I came across across a place that would be suitable if we ever were to move to Alabama…

 …things have to be good here!

Woke up this morning only to find it raining here in Alabama which definitely put a damper on my pre-race hour spin.  Hopefully it clears up by this afternoon/evening for the race! 

Aside from that I am no longer a ”Guitar Hero” virigin after playing yesterday…

 Terry and Cindy Phillis rocking out to “Welcome to the Jungle.”

 Unfortunately I lost to Scotty…guess I had to let him win something after taking a few sprints from him on our ride earlier in the day!

later, g.

This entry is dedicated to my teammate PT (for those not privy PT = former Pro Tour rider and teammate Aaron Olson).  Anyway, I thought he would be proud of my short and sleeve rollup technique applied today in the Alabama heat!

 Scotty and I rode to the highest point in Alabama today….wonder if Ronnie Van Zandt ever visited the highest point in Alabama?

Wow, come to think of it on this trip I will have been atop the highest peaks in Georgia (Brasstown Bald - 4,784 ft), and Alabama (Cheaha Mtn - 2,407 ft)!  Too bad I was not doing Tri-Peaks in a couple of weeks because I believe a stage of that goes over the highest point in Arkansas (Mt Magazine - 2,753 ft)!

later, g.

Today marks day number three of Scotty and my stay in Alabama and so far things have been awesome…well except for the recovery!  Thanks to the Phillis family for being such great hosts and thanks to their three daughters for keeping Scotty and I rather busy.  Anyway, here are some photos…

 I am sure that not many of you knew Anniston, AL is home to the Worlds largest chair…at least I was unaware!

 While not riding Scotty and I have been sharpening up our reflexes playing Galaga!

 Third and fourth graders are huge fans of the trampoline!

 Scotty can throw it down with the best of them!

 From the trampoline it was onto the swings…

 That was short lived…since I think I am a bit too big for the swing.

 After a quick rest…

 It was time for a little motorcycle riding…

 Then a little chalk artistry on the driveway!

 The finished product!

Okay, off to jump on the trampoline some more….

later, g.

This week Scotty Z. and I are having a little romantic getaway in Anniston, AL!  We are staying in the pool house of the Sunny King Crit race organizer…thanks Terry and Cindy for providing us with a great place to stay!

The two of us will be staying in Alabama through the weekend and racing the Sunny King Crit on Saturday and Roswell Crit on Sunday.  Then on Monday we will be driving the team car to Fayetteville, AK for the Joe Martin Stage Race with teammates coming and going for both races.

Anyway, this typing is tiring me out and I don’t want to feel like more piss than I already do by disrupting my recovery! Time to watch “Sweet 16 Blingest” which is on MTV at the moment!

later, g.