Happy Birthday

The day broke with anticipation for a great day, we were headed to the Central Valley for the start of the "99 Point Series." The first of several races, the Merco Credit Union Grand Prix, an "L" Shaped course with smooth pavement and a full turnout of athletes. Some notables include Chris Horner of Astana, Fast Freddie of Rock Racing and Nathan Falk of IC3. Greg Phipps and I arrived early for the festivities providing him enough time to gather his things, get registered and run through his warm up routine.

I too gather my things along with my race number 365. What an ironic beginning to a crazy series of events that would transpire over the course of the next two days. I will eventually find myself in a five or six man crash where I tumble to a stop from more than twenty-five miles per hour. Meanwhile my bike maintains its upright hold on this world. My car, bike and bike rack will be in a strange accident when a woman's car backs up out of control without her at the wheel. A dear friend of mine will wake up in a strange hotel pre-race only to find his car broken into and things stolen. And I will flat out of a winning break that I helped establish at the Merco Credit Union Road Race. Happy Birthday.

As I begin a new year leaving behind 365 days of my 32 I think to myself, 'how long will I keep this up? Will I race long enough to join the ranks within the 45+ category like my dear friends Ted Torribio, Darryl Smith, Carl Canaparo, Eugene Beyer, or Stephano Schiafino? Where will I be in 5 years?'

I have worked hard (not necessarily smart) and along the way have found bits and pieces that have resulted in me being MFAed, Employed, Cat 2ed, Married, Befriended and otherwise Routined. But lately I have wondered what defines me. Is it my character, cycling, my career, my financial status (i sure hope not) my faith, my possessions, my marriage. Or is it my weaknesses, sin and fear. For, were I to rely completely on the affirmation of that from which I was created I would find my true worth and value. None of the above things would continue to matter. I would not need, nor would I want because I would have.

Until the end I remain the same for another turn of 365. Next race Pinole Team Time Trial, Berkeley.