The Tour of California has come and gone and all that’s left now is my Best Dressed Team Award. Well I would have to say that it’s a tie for me between the Rock and Republic black kits and the simple, clean, and crisp blue and white of Quick Step.  Very different kits, but both really cool in my opinion.  I like that the R&R is all black, but you really can identify it as the R&R team kit, love the barb wire you can see below on Cippo.  Of course it helps that they have a really cool company logo. 

And the Quick Step is just so clean, so pro, it is looking good on all of them.  It’s obviously a simple kit design, but it is complete in it’s own right.  And on to the less fortunate of my jersey design contest: 

While I loved Slipstream’s idea to have fans design the kit, I really can’t say that I love this kit.  I don’t think it’s the actual design that went wrong here, but maybe the colors?  Still, I have to give Slipstream credit for being bold and distinguishable, even if it’s unfortunately unappealling to the eye.

 As for BMC, I would like to applaud the attempt at simplicity.  However, I think this kit is more appealing as a design for Scuba Diving equipment than a cycling team.  But those boys are cute, they can make any kit look good out there.  So good luck with the scuba shorts. 

 Now Astana seems to have done something terribly wrong and designed a women’s team kit.  The kits would be real cute . . . on a girls juniors team.  These are very flattering for the curves n stuf. I am thure the aqua ith jutht really thlimming on the thighths!

N finally back to Rock and Republic.  This kit also doubles as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Halloween costume.  Honestyly, this kit ain’t so bad if it weren’t for the fluorescent green stripes all over the crotch area.  And on the positive side, I do like that they are thinking fashion forward in cycling . . . something that we could all use a little of here. 

Just a little something to think about now that the tour is over.

“Dear MartinaYellowBug,

signed,
hernando go poutingly”

Dearest Hernandy,

It breaks my heart to read of your dilemma.  Unfortunately, this situation is all too common in the working/cycling world.  However, there are some pro-active steps you can take to make this situation better for both you and your employer. 

You much gently guide your employer and co-workers to the idea that they are NOT actually the boss of you even if they are the boss of your working environment and tasks.  Funny concept, I know.  There are several ways to do this:

1. Never actually follow a schedule.  This way, people adjust to the idea of you being in and away from your text at all hours of the day. 

2. Actively seek tasks in your employment where you frequently must leave your desk.  I understand that it is in the cyclists’ nature to want to sit down all day for recovery, but you have got to cause a little confusion in the office by carrying on tasks that are located all over the place so that people can’t actually get ahold of you easily, and this also makes you appear extra motivated to accomplish those undesirable tasks around the office. 

3. Try going in to the office on the “early schedule”.  In my experience, I don’t think that the “early” people actually show up when they are supposed to, but I get the impression that the people on this schedule are entitled to a floating half hour of free time throughout the day. 

4. Accomplish all your work ahead of schedule if you can.  Why would they mind your riding if you have already finished your work duties above expectations? It’s a win-win situation!

5. Finally, sometimes you just have to get out and ride.  You have to focus on what it is you are trying to accomplish on your ride and don’t let any scowls from co-workers stop you.  When you get back from your ride, you are going to have to put your nose to the grindstone and hammer out some incredible stuff, but that’s the price of 90 minutes of cycling joy.  And when you return to your work with happiness, a positive outlook, healthy fitness, and a good work ethic, I think your co-workers and boss will be happy that you took a 90 minute lunch ride. 

So Michael, please go take your 90 minutes of freedom.  You deserve it and I believe it is truly a win-win situation for all parties involved.

Love Yellowbug

Paolo Bettini is one of my fav’s!

A very cute booty shot.  I hope blue shorts just make the booty look good!

I promised Frank Pipp that he could be on my blog if he took his jersey off and this is what we got for the his lady fans.  Still looking good after a a hundred mile stage!

This is the yellow jersey wearer of the C.C. (that stands for Cuteness Classification).  Unfortunately RK has had an awful flu all week since the prologue, so he is definitely under the weather and especially not enjoying the long descents in the cold weather but he is still enjoying the tour. 

Rory S. begged some people to take his autograph so I could get some pictures for his mom.  He thinks he’s famous or something, but I had to teach him how to use a Sharpie!

And here is another contender in the Cuteness Classificatin, Johnny S. Sundt from Kelly Benefits.  Don’t worry, he didn’t get chubby, he just shoveled some recovery treats in his face and then smiled big for the camera.  But sorry girls, the last I checked JS and his blond curls were madly in love with a beautiful Sugar Mama on the East Coast. 

And so the boys are on the road racing and I am back home in Oakland and back to the grindstone.  The Women’s Amgen race was awesome with the ladies of NorCal flying for February, so I think this is going to be a very fast year around here!

Yesterday we did some special Valentine’s themed graffiti for RK in his first Tour of California.  Another long ride today, big pizza dinner, team meeting in the hot tub.  Taitt had a hot valentines date last night while the rest of the girls stayed home for a pizza. Today we are heading for an easy ride with Rosy from Ritchey Logic to get a little bit of rest before the women’s Santa Rosa race.  The end.

Yesterday was a busy day with a handful of hours on the bike and then heading to Marin for team photos by Garrett Lau.  The girls all looked fab for head and bike shots and the on the bike shots speak for themselves.  Photo, talent, vision, and patience credit all to Garrett for being our team photographer for the last five years! 

Today we headed out for a hilly 4.5 hour ride with some unbelievable views.  I think we really wore ourselves out riding today as all the girls are lounging around the house and eating tons of food.  We have an awesome 12 mile climb (Pine Flat) and our house is positioned right at the base, so it’s great for people who feel the need to get in a few extra clicks on the bike.  Yesterday a few of us were riding up there and almost got run over by Levi Leipheimer and his posse of training partners while they were descending the climb.

So lots of recovery tonight, hot tub, and a glass of wine to go with the scenery and so we can rest up to get on the bikes for another four or five hours tomorrow!  Everyone is getting on great together, we are lucky to have so much positive energy - it makes you feel good to be with teammies who have got your back.  Speaking of that, teammie Chrissy Ruiter was kind enough to actually do my intervals with me!  Now that’s love.