Fires, Criteriums, and Dogs

Some of you may have noticed that I haven't posted anything for a while. There is good reason for that.

Last week was Speed Week (a series of criteriums in the southeast that draws the biggest stars of the American cycling world), and I was lucky enough to earn a place on the start list of the series. The first race was last Saturday night (April 24) in Athens. I had planned to update this blog as usual because all of the races were at night, so I had each day free. It was not to be.

On Saturday morning, I woke up to some bad news: my family's house had been struck by lightning and caught fire. My parents were there, and they and all the dogs got out unharmed. The house did not fare so well. We have spent the last week in a hotel (with four dogs), and Speed Week was pretty much a wash. (A little back story - my wife and I are living with my parents while we look for a house).

I was only able to race in four of the seven races, and the races I did start were marred by mechanical problems and lack of focus. I couldn't get my head in the game. I realized how much I take for granted this week. There is something to be said for having a home and "stuff."

I hope that each of you has had a better week than I have! Thanks for all the support. Check back tomorrow for a new post about stuttering.