I feel like someone has his boot pressed firmly against my chest. At some point yesterday morning, my ribcage became really sore, so much so that it actually became painful to breathe. This happened once before in high school - apparently, I had some kind of inflammation in the tendons of my ribs due to a viral infection or something. Since it was viral, the doctors at the hospital couldn't give me antibiotics, so they told me to go home and take some ibuprofen. It feels better than it did yesterday and I can breathe a little easier, but it still sucks. At least I slept until 1:00. I love having days off where I can sleep for twelve hours.

I probably shouldn't mention this, but I've never actually listened to the Downward Spiral in its entirety. I usually started at March of the Pigs because that song is awesome. I'm a bad, bad man.

Last night, some fuckwad stole one of the roof rack trays from my car. It was locked, too, so I've no idea how they got it off. Fuck this city. At least they got the tray that was a little wonky. I hope that the thief uses it and his bike falls off, only to be smashed by a semi or go flying off a bridge or something righteous like that.

In other news, to increase my real estate holdings on the internet, I've created a new blog. This one is dedicated solely to bike racing. Danville tomorrow! Get stoked!

Yesterday, I managed to get up early enough to drive out to Blue Marsh Lake with my friend John and a couple of guys from the Guys team. There's a 30-mile loop with some pretty good XC riding. Nothing terribly technical, but there's a couple of good climbs in there. I still suck at climbing, but nevertheless managed to complete the course in 2:45, which is a hell of an improvement over the 5+ hour time from last year. Granted, I was riding a single speed that time around, but I've still improved greatly. I still had some energy left, and I know that if I absolutely had to, I could have gone out for a second 22-mile loop, especially if I restrained myself a little more. This bodes well for the Stupid 50 in three weeks, especially if I can drop a couple of pounds by then.

I just have to remember to bring sunscreen.

Iron Hill next weekend! I wish I had someone to sucker into being my race support and handing me bottles after every lap. I've still got time to coax someone into doing that...

Iron Hill is the next race in my itinerary, then Danville, then the Stoopid 50 at State College on the 14th of June. Ouch. That means I've got about a month to prepare for that. Luckily, I've been managing to wake up early and actually get riding/gym...ming in before work, training with HEED and other supplements, and I've been stricter with regards to my diet. If I can do the 50, I'll be stoked. That doesn't mean I'll do the longer courses at Michaux this year, but I know I'll do better in the sport races. I really hope to do well when the collegiate MTB season rolls around.

I know Bryan's going to hate me if I manage to get the 50 under my belt - I'll be completely useless and destroyed the day after.

Muddy. Fun. I know it looks like I'm about to cry or something, but I was actually having a blast. So seldom do I actually get to ride in such sloppy conditions. The 50 degree weather wasn't even that bad after the first five minutes of riding.

French Creek was postponed until August. I was actually looking forward to another muddy race, but given that I need the cash, working instead of racing was probably better.

I bought some HEED, Hammer Gels, and hemp protein powder. I've been waking up earlier, working out more, and feeling better about riding. I'm serious about this racing thing.

Michaux sometimes feels like less of a mountain bike race than a total beatdown. Somehow though, it's still a freaking blast.



Yes, I did bring my computer camping.



At times, I feel like I would be happier just riding my bike instead of having a social life. Bikes are awesome.

I was going to take a picture of the weather forecast for Carlisle, PA, the town near which Michaux State Forest is located. I'll sum it up though by saying that there's a very good chance that the race will be rained on. Not rained out, just rained on. I'll be camping in the foul weather as well. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to a wet, sloppy weekend of rocky, muddy brutality.

I really think that a good number of mountain bikers are closet S&M freaks. Just sayin'.