Getting Back On The Dog That Brung You...Or... Running With The Horse That Bit You

Did the 23/2300 Hammerfest loop today for the first time since "The Crash" a couple of weeks ago. The Sub-18 is still in dry-dock for repairs, so I've been riding LPE exclusively.

I'm feeling pretty good and should be ready to make a triumphant return to the rear-middle of the peloton this coming Monday.

The Erik Zabel Haircut...

...Giving over-the-hill sprinters/dopers/champions one more chance to shine in the spotlight.

(Photos:CyclingNews)

Josie's On A Vacation Far Away

When you were needed, I wasn't there

When I was hiding, you looked away

When you provided, I stole your trust

When I transformed, you stayed behind

When you loved, I qualified the reason

When I withheld, you built the wall

When you became numb, I kept the wounds fresh

When I understood, you were gone

I Understand Why They (Cancellara Strong-Armed The Peloton Into Protecting His Teammates) Did It But...

Come on!!!

I thought this was a race.

(Photo:CyclingNews)

There's A Crack In The Mirror

"Mysticism is the mistake of an accidental and individual symbol for an universal one."

(Ralph Waldo Emerson)

What's New In Douchey?: The Sunday Ride...Flat Bar Roadie Haiku

In my draft for miles

Ditched his girl to attack me

Then I made him pay

Independence Day: Mine Looked Something Like This

Crashes?...I Don't Need No Stinking Crashes: I Am Petacchi And I Have Had Many Women...Va Fanculo

The "Juice" is still fresh from February.

(Photo:CyclingNews)

The Best Three Weeks In Sports: TDF Predictions Sure To Go Wrong

10. Alexandre Vinokourov...If Contador is going to win, then A-Vin will need to be with him most of the way. His ego and talent are good for a top ten.

09. Robert Gesink...He deserves to be much higher, but his lack of experience and the uncertainty of team leader, Denis Menchov's form make this a safe pick.

08. Cadel Evans...I wanted to place the "Face Spinnaker" higher for all the obvious reasons, but his team ain't that good!

07. Levi Leipheimer...This may be the last go around for the "Li'l Bronze Medalist", and he still has the goods for a top ten placing on a powerhouse team.

06. Ivan Basso...The rejuvenated Basso has a top four team around him, but after a Giro win against second tier talent, a podium finish against this competition is unlikely.

05. Andreas Kloden...This guy gets top ten finishes at Grand Tours in his sleep. After getting hosed by Contador and Armstrong at last year's Tour and still managing to finish sixth, "AK47" is a good bet to do at least as well this year.

04. Roman Kreuziger...The real star of Liquigas has a chance to do great things at the Tour this year. Consistency has always been an issue, but a podium spot is not out of the question.

03. Andy Schleck...His results have not been that great lately and there is a long TT (His weakness) at Stage 20 that will probably decide the race. That being said, there are lots and lots of mountains on this year's route...and we all know that Andy can climb.

02. Frank Schleck...This is going to be the Tour for "Fleck". His form has been great this year, including much better results in TT stages, and Andy will die for him if it means a win for his older brother.

01. Alberto Contador...Duh!...But it ain't gonna be easy.

11 Hundy

Mongo did the SBFNR this evening...and it was a lot of fun. There were only eight of us, including two racer-chicks, and the pace was actually quite brisk.

My wounds are healing as fast as they do, and I still have quite a bit of inflammation in my lower leg and ankle, but LPE and I were able to "represent" and be respectable in a group of quality riders.

I probably would have received more accolades for my effort in lieu of my injuries had "Soon To Be Cat 3" MC-Lean not done the ride on flat pedals...wearing khaki shorts, boxers, sneakers, and a Smyrna Bicycles work shirt.

Two Guys One Cup

Hinault...(In French) "Ha, ha, ha. If he beats you, I will have you killed!"

Contador...(In Spanish) "Ha, ha, ha. You're like my crazy uncle, Francisco. Now get you're left hand off my ass!"

(Photo:CyclingNews)

Time To Stop Fishing And Cut Bait...Or Something Like That

Due to the fact that my prognosticating skills are world-renowned and I am in a cutthroat, TDF Fantasy League, Mongo's official picks will not be posted until after midnight tonight...Though I don't want to give anything away, let's just say that "someone" isn't on my list.

The Stoke: Just In Case You Forgot How Much Fun You're Missing

(Photo:KidWiz)