Hey everybody.  The big races are coming up and the legs are finally working.  I’ve been at home for the last few weeks since coming back for Europe.  Although I wasn’t as strong in Europe as I would have liked, I gained a lot from the racing over there.  After a few days rest, I got on the bike again and felt way better than I have all year.  As I said before, I’m working with coach Mirek Mazur again.  He’s been having me do lots of tempo intervals, in big gears, that range from 10 to 30 minutes.  The first day I tried them, it felt like I was ripping my legs off, but after a week, I was much more comfortable.  They seem to be working.  Last Sunday I did the Niagara Classic and won.  Yesterday I did the Hills of Somerset Road Race, in New Jersey and was second to David Frattini.  Unfortunately, the finish line was not marked clearly and David and I were not sure if we were looking at the finish line or not.  He figured it out before me and jumped.  I was coming around him, but I needed another 20-30 meters to pass.  Oh well, at least I know I have good legs!  Tomorrow is Tour of Somerville, followed by Captech Classic, on Thursday and Lancaster on Sunday.  I’m really excited for these races.  I’m lighter than I’ve been since the last time I Philly and I feel better than have since then.  Mirek is doing great job.  He really knows how to push riders to their limits and it feels just like old times, to be working with him again.  I’ve always said that he is one of the best coaches around and now I’m reminded of that fact.  I recommend him to anyone who likes to work hard.  Check out his webpage:  www.mazurcoaching.com .

Hey everybody,

I’m finally home and rested.  The racing in Germany didn’t go as well as I had hoped, but I still raced aggressively and I feel stronger now.  I took a few day to rest and now I back to training again.  After a break for a couple of years, I decided to start working with my old coach, Mirek Mazur, once again.  The last time I was working with him, I won Philly - so hopefully he’ll beat that kind of form into my legs again.

Construction on the house is officially under way.  The excavation is done and after the compaction test results come back, work on the foundation can begin.  I’ve been out there, during the last few days, to bury the well pipe and to cut up some felled trees for firewood.  It’s awesome finally see some progress.