Prologue

What can you say about a 2.5 mile ride? I went out for a short warm-up, did a quick 2.5 miles and finished with a short cool-down. A whopping 9 miles total. But I know what's coming so the miles were relished as the next 1100 are going to be difficult. It's not the daily miles that are tough, it's the accumulation. The day after day drudgery of getting yourself back on the bike for more. Trying to eat the right balance of foodstuffs in the right amount. Staying hydrated. Staying healthy. Staying interested.

I won't be seeing this for a while

This morning found me in beautiful Door County, WI so after the big ride I was able to enjoy the scenery and refreshing beaches that this part of the country has to offer. I even took a ferry out to Washington Island. I've been to all 50 states but had never been to this part of my own state. There's not much to do on the island and that's the point. Go to Schoolhouse Beach and just relax. A nice way to keep the legs fresh.

What do all serious Tour riders do the night before embarking on a grand tour? Go to the drive-in theatre, of course! Modern society no longer seems to have a need for drive-in theaters so the few remaining ones should be cherished. It's a magical time to sit on top of your car or in the back of your pick-up on a beautiful summer evening enjoying a movie, the night-time stars and the occasional meteor. Even a movie as disappointing as Disney's Ratatouille is more tolerable in an outdoor setting.

A rat as a French Chef? Even Disney couldn't pull it off.

In the real Tour de France Prologue American George Hincapie was a surprise as he came in third in the short time trial. Hincapie, hardly a time trial specialist, claimed to be disappointed by not finishing first. This strikes Elvis as odd since Hincapie has never won a time trial in a major race. At 34 and near the end of his career what made Hincapie think that he could win such a specialized race? One would have thought, given his record in short time trials, that he would have been positively beaming at a podium finish. Hmmm...