Keep the kids on a leash...

The weather today was absolutely fantastic, and on whim, Jean-Daniel and his sister decided now was the time to go to the beach (the English Channel). Well for me, I had either the choice of a strenuous day of training in the bike saddle getting ready for some upcoming races, or a relaxing picnic and a stroll along the beach - it wasn't a touch decision.

So off we went... Jean-Daniel decided we didn't need the GPS and would go by "feeling"...well, we arrived later than planned, but nevertheless the village of Tréport was worth the trip! Snacking on fresh bread, wonderful (aka. "smelly") cheeses, and other simple French delicacies, we sat perched atop the white Normandy cliffs overlooking the blue waters of "La Manche" (the "sleeve" in French) - the cliff's edge a mere 10 feet away. And there we picnicked, soaking in the sun, the food, and of course the breathtaking view. Only in France can you picnic tranquilly, one misstep away from your death...I know of nowhere else where the rules were made to be broken quite like here in France - I find it refreshing.

The town itself was pretty cool too - a more commercialized than most French villages, but rather untouched in comparisoon to the American standard.

Definitely a cool afternoon to remember.

Now that's a good handle on history!

While on a mountain bike ride today, one of the riders asked me, "James Skyrme, isn't that the name of an old pirate? Didn't he sail with Black Bart?"

I've never had anyone in my 22 years in the US ask me this question. Yet this isn't the first time its happened here in France.

The French are a force when it comes to history!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_Roberts
This article gives reference a few times to this historical figure sharing my autograph.

Hockey First - Hosital Second

The final hockey match of the 2009-2010 season was today against Fontenay Sous-Bois. The last encounter with Fontenay resulted in 3 goals and 5 points next to my name on the score sheet, and needless to say, I was ready for the last lacing-up of the skates for the year. However, I would have a moment to forget before getting to actually lace up those skates.

While sizing-in my stick before the match, trying to remove a pesky section of tape with scissors, my hand slipped and I quite effectively inserted the scissors into my hand...Sometimes I'm not the brightest crayon in the box... Anyways, I managed to get the bleeding calmed to a minimum and jimmy-rigged a Kleenex and hockey tape bandage. Well, the classic hockey mantra of "it's merely a flesh-wound" pervaded and I decided to play through it anyways. Well, some time later I found that not only had the subsequent slap shots opened up the wound, but I had bled through the bandage and also my hockey glove - not exactly the most anti-bacterial environment. In the locker room following the game, even my teammates recommended a medical visit. In short, that's when you really know you're in trouble - hockey players giving you the "Dude, get that looked at!" medical advice.

So I showered and headed to the local emergency room where they stitched me back up and got me on my way in under 40 minutes.

Keeping life interesting...

Finally a Top Ten!!

Fighting off rain and overpowering wind gust for 60 km (with 13 hills and 13 hair-raising descents), I was able to finally land my first top ten placing in European bike racing!

Results

Look under the 3rd category - although they really screwed up the name this time "James Serin"...

Tyler Ferrar takes stage 2 of the Giro!

You gotta root for a guy who is as friendly and down-to-earth as Tyler is...

A great job done by the Garmin team to get Farrar into position and a super sprint at the end enabling the fast man from Wenatchee, WA to capture the biggest win of his career in the Giro d'Italia - Chapeau Mate!

Why I Race Bikes

To be honest, maybe the best part about racing two wheel machines in tight-fitting clothing is that wonderful after course bistro. After hours of fighting the wind, rain, cold, and suffering like a dog trying to maintain that fine balance between kamikaze speed and "don't kill yourself" you come home and you have a window of time where you can eat absolutely anything your little heart desires - GUILT FREE!!

Pop a top of some Belgian goodness - sure. Some cheesy chips with salsa - why not? Want chocolate but can't choose between dark and milk - go with both! Left over cake with double layer butter frosting...uh yeah, you earned it! That goat cheese pizza that been sitting in the freezer that you've been holding off on because you had a hilly race coming up - slam that! And then its dinner time!

Then you lay on the couch, watch some mindless TV and don't let yourself be bothered by anything else you have on your list of things todo. Because, even if there was a fire, your legs wouldn't get you out of the house anyways...

This may also be the reason why I don't look like your typical malnourished cyclist...and I don't win races with long climbs...but dangit...it's sure fun!