Upgrade!

I recieved an email today from USA Cycling telling me I was awarded my upgrade. Fun fun. Now I just need to get faster so I don't embarass myself. Check out this form. That's what I'm talking about.

Is it Cyclocross Season Yet?

Yesterday I rode in a long sleeve jersey and knee warmers. The weather here has been crazy. Last week it was like 90, then it rained HARD all weekend, yesterday it was chilly. Today was back to normal with high humidity and temps in the 80's. The lawn and garden look awesome though.
It's 65 degrees with a nice breeze as I type this, and I heard the neighbor's AC turn on. That's sad.

I submitted my race resume to USA Cycling for a category upgrade request. Hopefully I get the upgrade soon, as registration for the National Championships opens September 15th at midnight. I'm also mulling over getting a UCI licence and racing some UCI races in Ohio and Iowa, although I'm not sure how you go about getting one. If I get the upgrade, I won't be able to hang with Wisconsin's best anyways, so I might as well race some bigger races, right?

On the equipment front the bike will stay largely unchanged from last year. New cables and housing, a bottom bracket, and probably some fresh brake pads is all she'll need. This week I'm gluing up some tubulars onto the wheels Brian and I built last winter.

Training is going as planned. My resting heart rate is insanely low, and LTHR is pretty high. Intervals start in earnest the beginning of September, and the barriers will be put in the yard after Labor Day. I'm sure one of these weeks Brian and I will start our little cross practices in the park. A few days ago I bought some running shoes as I'm going to incorporate running into CX training. Crazy. We'll see if it actually makes me faster.

Mary has the Chicago Triathlon this weekend along with Heathrow and Pammie. The pics are from last week's local aquathon.

This Can't be Good

From Velonews.com:

Contador plans Friday announcement
By VeloNews.com
Filed: August 8, 2007

Tour de France winner Alberto Contador has scheduled a press event this Friday in Spain, but says he will decline to answer reporters' questions after he reads a prepared statement.

Contador issued a release Wednesday notifying media of his plans to read a statement at the offices of Spain's national sports council - the Consejo Superior de Deportes - in Madrid.

Contador will be accompanied by Discovery Channel team director Johann Bruyneel.

Since winning the 2007 Tour de France, Contador has been the subject of heightened scrutiny regarding his possible involvement with Eufemio Fuentes, the Madrid doctor at the center of the Operación Puerto doping investigation.

While both Fuentes and Contador have denied working together, German anti-doping activist Werner Franke has reportedly provided investigators at the World Anti-Doping Agency with documents detailing the rider's work with the notorious doctor.

Contador's Wednesday news release did not state a reason for the announcement, and added that the Discovery rider "will not offer a press conference after the reading of the communiqué."

Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel

On its journey across the globe the little Chouffe wondered through beautiful hopfields. The overwhelming aroma of these little hop flowers such as Tomahawk, Amarillo and Saaz mesmerized him.

Back at home in the Ardennes he crafted a new recipe combining this dizzying array of hops with the depth and body of his favorite style "Tripel." Thus, our little Chouffe's new inspiration Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel was born.
Word.

A Day in the Life

No effects pedals here.

Presence of the Lord

This video sums up the festival nicely. Clapton, Winwood, Trucks, and Bramhall II. Presence of the Lord indeed.

Went Down to the Crossroads

Yep. Last Saturday Mary and I and her parents went to the Crossroads Guitar Festival. A week later I think I finally have my wits about me to blog about it. Needless to say, it was f'ing awsome!

Here are my highlights.

Bill Murray hosted the thing, and was hilarious introducing "Chicago's own, Eric Clapton."

Johnny Winter needed assistance walking out onto the stage, and sat slumped over in a chair, ready to die at any moment, but holy shit he could play fast. Quite the dichotomy.

John Mayer and especially Derek Trucks showed that 20 somethings can play a mean guitar.

Vince Gill. Who knew he could rock out?

Robert Cray is the man. And Jimmy Vaughan. Those guys know what they're doing. So smooth.

Jeff Beck was rip your face off loud. Crazy awesome!

When I think of Steve Winwood, I think of his organ playing, but he can play a mean guitar. He had the best guitar solo of the entire show on "Dear Mr. Fantasy."

So thats about it. It's stupid to write about a concert when you can see and hear it, so I'll post some videos. I'm pretty sure I'll never see anything remotely as wonderful as that ever again. Here's two reviews from the Chicago Tribune. Here's the main review, and the wrapup. Here's the MSN page. There's a bunch of videos there as well.