You've Been In The Pipeline Filling In Time

“ I need to want tomorrow again… to feel the pull of life
There are walls of circumstance around the years I have lost
A chameleon: A sociopath: A renaissance man
I had knowledge without wisdom and expectations unfulfilled
A self-indulgent spectator seeking refuge in my addictions
The eyes of youth and injustice have cleared…what do I do now?”

Too Legit To Quit

Mongo unexpectedly had the day off today, so I had to decide how to spend my time.

Of course, there was Regis & Kelly at 9:00 a.m....Channel surfing between 10:00 and 11:00...The View from 11:00 to 12:00...And that's when I realized I missed the Tour coverage on VS. All I can say is that my cat brought home some sticky catnip...Enough said!

After lunch, and catching up on today's stage on the computer, I realized it was going to rain...so I took a short nap.

When I woke up and it still wasn't raining, I knew I had to go riding...Mongo's performance this past week has been terrible. Heat, bad nutrition, stress...have all contributed, but lack of "seat time" is the real culprit.

Mongo hammered the hills in my 'hood for an hour and a half, doing at least twenty climbs in various gear combinations. Since I am a big-ring masher on the flats, when I spin at a high cadence on steep climbs, my heart-rate goes through the roof. Trying these different gearing combinations was very helpful in finding a good balance between cadence and power.

Keep The Shred Alive

The Vans Warped Tour just rolled through the ATL, bringing skateboarding and angst-filled music to the kids.

Of course, Mongo is too old to "appreciate" any of the bands rockin' the festival these days, but anything that combines skateboarding and stickin' it to the man...you can count me in.

His Name Was Ricco, He Wore A Diamond...

...And Mongo forgot to put him on his fantasy team.

Ricco outclimbed all the GC contenders in the final meters for an impressive stage win. Valverde 2nd...Evans 3rd.

Kim Kirchen, Team "40 Keys and a Mule" takes over the lead on GC.

All the contenders are within striking distance, and it continues to be a compelling race, but I am unfortunately regretting my fantasy cycling pool. It's not because I'm not doing well...It's because I'm now looking at every rider on my team as potential points rather than enjoying each stage however it might unfold. "Damn you, Stijn Devolder!"

If I can get Cunego and the Schlecks to step it up, and Zubeldia gets off his ass, I'll be looking good.

Say Hello To My Little Friend

He said he's the fastest man in the peleton...and today he proved it.

Mark Cavendish beats all the big hitters in the first field sprint of the Tour.

Team "Medellin Cartel" is riding like they're serious, and have several guys in GC contention to go along with their speedster.

I'm So Angry...

"Git ot off my vay!"

That's Pretty Cool

Danny Pate's ride for the first TT...U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

A surprising win on the day for Stefan "The Angry German" Schumacher, who also takes over the lead on GC.

...And Rock & Roll

Thor Hushovd wins Stage 2 after Pozzato and Cancellara run out of gas. A strong headwind finish suited the long, wind-up style sprinting of the big Viking.

Stage 1 winner and GC leader, Alejandro Valverde, was in the mix as well.

Mongo is very optimistic that this year's Tour will be exciting and competitive all the way through to Paris.

Return Of The King

It looks like Mongo's favorite cyclist, and one time grumpy old man, Greg Lemond, is lightening up a bit. Lemond has returned to the TDF in full capacity for the first time in nearly a decade.

Lemond is perceived as bitter because of his hard-line stance on doping and him questioning Lance Armstrong's achievements. That, along with his financial dispute with Trek, have kept Lemond at the fringe of the sport...where he has been portrayed in a mostly negative light.

As the sport cleans itself up and the shine on Lance Armstrong fades away, Lemond's credibility and legacy will also improve... and he will rightfully return to his place in the pantheon of legendary champions.

Fleeced

Forgoing the Primal Wear inspired Pablo Escobar jersey, Team Columbia unveiled their TDF kits. Sensible and boring...just like the new sponsor.

Mongo and Boonen and Alp d'Huez-Mike went on a Freedom Ride this morning to celebrate Independence Day. Last year, Mongo did a solo century, but today we just busted out a fast 45 at a 20.3 average. I tacked on another six miles before and after for a door to door (with climbs) 51 at 19.2.

I was so frickin tired after getting home that I peeled off all my stuff, dried off, and collapsed in bed for a three hour recovery nap.

Doscientos/ a.k.a./ 2 Hundy

On the eve of our country's 232nd birthday, Mongo is concerned about the future of not only our nation, but the well being of planet Earth. As we move forward through these unstable times, it is important for us all to remove our rose-colored and oil-stained glasses, and get serious about what it will take to solve the "real" problems facing the world.

We Americans will have a choice to make this November...Will our future be now, or will we defer payment for another generation?

Mongo Pusher proudly supports Barack Obama for President.

Scotty's Lament

“ Respect the life that came and went… accept the one that stayed
Across the wall is greener grass… I know it’s not for me
No misunderstandings in pursuit of a feeling
A clear perception of the ways of civilization
Smile now at the wash of overwhelming simplicity
Entertained by the minstrels in a fascinating aside”

Fantasy Cycling...Without Chicks

Mongo just sent in his picks for this years T.D.F. cycling pool.

Using a complicated balance of encyclopedic knowledge and my connections at the P.F.N., (Psychic Friends Network) I have come up with my top twelve picks. To accommodate the scoring system of said pool, the order of the picks might seem a little off, but these are my guys.

1. Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne)

2. Cadel Evans (Lotto)

3. Carlos Sastre (CSC)

4. Damiano Cunego (Lampre)

5. Denis Menchov (Rabobank)

6. Haimar Zubeldia (Euskatel)

7. Andy Schleck (CSC)

8. Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne)

9. Roman Kreuziger (Liquigas)

10. Kim Kirchen (Columbia)

11. Frank Schleck (CSC)

12. Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)