Decision Times

North Carolina decided.

The State, with over 8million people, decided on Tuesday that Obama will be their candidate for the Democratic party in the November 2008 election. I was lucky to hear his speech given live, and marvel with the rest of the old white 'political strategists' and commentators on just how amazing he is at public speaking. Wow. Of course, the problem with voting today according to these commentators, is that the young people are registering and coming out to vote. In fact, North Carolina had a 38% turnout for voters on Tuesday - a new record for a Primary vote. The previous best was 31% in 1988!

But Tuesday wasn't just about Hillary and Barack. All sorts of voting took place, meaning we were all fortunate to receive pre-recorded phone messages and extra information about who to vote for on the school board:

Personally I found it all rather fascinating. And I liked the idea of being part of history in a small way, as the tide seems to have turned a bit towards Obama and people are becoming used to the idea of a black man as a presidential candidate.

Missy also got in on the action. The polling booths look just like Australian ones, with perhaps 69% fewer people around. The only difference I could gather was that in the US, when you vote you get a sticker. It just brings home the 'truth' that Australia really is like the US, only twenty years behind.

But last weekend I was back in the other end of the South which is home to: car racing. Unfortunately this was the closest I got to the Talladega speedway.

Anniston, Alabama was host of the Sunny King crit as mentioned previously - only 20 miles from Talladega. I was fortunate to have decent legs during the crit, winning two premes and spending an unfortunate amount of time off the front. The time off the front was really for publicity purposes, so I rode tempo as the announcer said nice things about TT1. All good. My gut ache returned mid-race, but I hung on and finished 20th, which would have been better had I not kept myself out of the running with poor positioning. Positioning, its all about positioning. Why am I such a slow learner?

We had some wonderful hosts in Alabama: Terry and his wife Jan, and Terry's brother Larry who hosted Morgan and I across the road from Terry's house:

Terry took us on a spin around his neighbourhood which was a terrific lactate disperser. He and Jan really enjoyed having us, and we were so overwhelmed with their catering - it was amazing!
The crew with Terry after our ride:
The South has a range of Kangaroo servo's, including a car wash they call the 'Wash-a-roo'

Petrol is cheap in Alabama compared to North Carolina. Up here its 3.62 a gallon! compare that to Australia, and they are only $2.50 short of matching our prices per gallon.

On the Sunday we drove back to Atlanta for the Roswell criterium. My cold had set in and it was by far the worse race I had ridden all week. No legs, no heart, nothing. I pulled out after 30mins. I did go off the front for a lap, but nothing there. Nada. Yuk.

Here is our mechanic, driver, organiser, pit crew support and radio info provider, Doug, on the Sunday for the men:

The local cops use Harley Davidsons for their police vehicles. Of course!

Joe corners on the crit:

Its been a week of decision times for me too.

Should I cut back on training and get better, or use this time to get fitter and faster?

Unfortunately, the cold has been hard to shift. It has now morphed into some yukky coughing. Todays ride, intended to be racking up miles, was cut short and an afternoon nap was ordered instead. I hate wasting this time on 'getting better' instead of training. Oh well.

Should I chase upcoming rides, or let the team sort it out for me?

I decided to enter the Wilmington GP as per my scheduled, on May 17th in Wilmington, Delaware. Supporting myself on this one, but have been lucky enough to find some host housing for the event. I might extend the stay and do a local TT when up there.

Where should I build the TT bike that was sent out completely unbuilt?

The TT bike which I will use almost exclusively in RAAM, came out to me in parts, but the local shops here weren't too clued in about prompt, cost effective and decent service. I was pretty disenchanted from the initial investigations, and had resigned myself to leaving it to later until Missy hooked me up with a triathlete shop, only an hours drive away. We check it out tomorrow, and I really hope they can assist and build it and be all nice about it. And know what they are doing. That would be so helpful. And I am so hopeful.

Can I resume training when out at the beach?

Tomorrow we are heading to the beach where Missy has an apartment. The bike is coming and the roads should be windy and flat. Perfect for some efforts beachside - if my cough dies down!

til then,

M