General Update

The following is pulled from a recent email I wrote. It generally summarized what's going on here.

My living situation is good but has downsides. It's a bit lonely and the shower has no pressure (and is in the kitchen). No oven means no pie, stone floors mean cold feet. I do have plenty of room for my bikes and my Lithuanian roommate is entertaining. He's a retired cyclist, that is to say, he is a handyman with lots of good stories. As a junior he trained in the USSR, rode 100 km per day. As a pro he rode for a Colombian team. At 40 he grouts tile and walks around the house in his speedo style undies; it's like I have a crystal ball.

Cycling here in Belgium is the best thing. Partly it's just great to be immersed in a culture so infatuated with cycling. People here have a general knowledge about cycling similar to most Americans' knowledge of baseball. Love it or hate it, they know who's who. As an athlete it is especially significant. I have my room because I went into a bike shop, described my situation and was put into contact with someone who owns a house for exactly my purpose. I guess it's like automatic credibility. Also, the fans are rabid and the racing is high quality and abundant.

Training is pretty good, though the weather is too cold. I'm experiencing big mood swings with training this year, more so than I've noticed before. So at the moment things are looking good, I have energy and motivation. yesterday I felt pretty bad and didn't want to do anything. I've just finished a rest week, so now I'm feeling good. Ask me in two weeks and I simply won't answer... too down. Fortunately, I have no urgent obligations and I can afford crippling lethargy.

Generally I'm feeling very good about the upcoming racing season, I'm stronger than ever and better organized, too.