THE FIRST CALL CAME AT 8:07AM THIS MORNING. 

Hi, it's Big Dog.  I'm just checking in with you.  Saw you signed up for Santa Barbara.  Wanted to see if we're going to work together or just go head to head or what... you know.  Because you know me... I'd rather have a break.  I'll tell you right now, DougieD is probably the strongest guy I know right now and he's 100%.  So, just want to see what your strategy is... call me.

Wow!  That's quite a message.  Intel, strategy, teaming up.  

Next call was from JackMack.  We were talking biz about 10am.

You going to Vail this weekend, to do the MTB endurance races.  No, I'm heading to Santa Barbara for the rare road race.  You're one tough lady to race 6 hours... that's so hard.  It's not that bad, we only get 5 laps in and I go 2nd... Barb has to do 3 laps.  Go get 'em.  I will, just wanna have fun.

TD checked in around 1pm.

So what's the plan?  Breakaway together would be fun.  I know, I'd love that too.  But, it's risky.  A better plan might be...

Emails and texts peppered the day.  New guys, like Legal Eagle, askin: What should I do today and tomorrow?  What should I eat day of... all these questions that never arise before our weekly Saturday "social rides", which are way harder than his Cat V race will be.  He'll be fine, has no idea he's already riding at a very high level.

The last was Frosty, swingin' by to pick up a canopy.  Me n Gonzer are racing the 2 man at Vail.  You two will kill it. That's the plan.  Have fun.  Always.

It's race time,
make your calls.