BikeLove in Lucca

Didn’t take my camera today... bummer too! I had a great day. For the first time in ages, I rode by myself. Nothing against riding with anyone here- I really like them all- but when you get to ride by yourself, you get to do YOUR ride. It had been so long since I had gotten a chance to have my mind wander and just do what I want on the bike. Today- that was what I got to do.

It was, once again, a spectacular day. I decided to try and get myself lost heading toward the ocean. I wrote down my address and phone number, grabbed 30 euros and headed out. It was so much fun to just explore and ride around. I ended up finding a great route and just felt wonderful. I had been really tired from all the racing and training--- so I had been worried that I needed another rest day. But today, I just had to hold myself back. I kept looking down at my power and realizing that I was going too hard... that felt good. It was beautiful too- the flowers are really starting to explode and the hills are brilliant. Wow.

So, then it was back to the casa where I finally got chapter 2 comments done and submitted to my committee. I will hear back soon, I imagine- and then it is just a few more pushes to finish things up. It is so hard to believe that this big chapter of my life is very likely coming to an end. I can hardly begin to realize it. My final deadline: May 21st... I will give my public defense where I get up there and tell everyone and their mothers what I have done for the last 7 years. All are welcome to come. I need to start working on my talk soon... that is my next step.

One funny thing- Tyler Hamilton is staying at the house here. He and his wife just bought a place in old Lucca, but until they move in, he is staying here and training. Anyway, I was on the phone with Andrew when he left to go for a ride. He had just gotten here and I had not met him yet. As he rolled by, I said, “Hi. I’m Brooke”, since everyone had been doing quickie introductions but I was on the phone. He said back, and Andrew heard, “Hey. I’m Tyler”. I then said to Andrew, “Yeah, that was Tyler Hamilton”. “SHUT UP!” “No, seriously.... he is staying here.” So, then anytime that Andrew heard anyone in the background... “Oh, what? Did Lance just stop on by? Who was that? Lemond?” Haha... Nope... just Mario and Tyler. Mario has not been riding with us lately since he got sick. Had some nasty infection.

That is all for now- Mark? I thank you for your generous supply of capital letters. I really appreciate them.