Hey everyone.

A long season is finally finished.  I just got back from Australia about a week ago.  I was there for my last race as a Navigator, in the Sun Tour.  For those who have not yet heard, after eight years on the Navigators, I’ve finally switched teams.  Next year I’ll be riding for Sierra Nevada/Kodak Gallery.  Now that the season is over I’m made the temporary switch from full time rider, to full time contractor as I build my house.

The Sun Tour was my first time to Australia and the only dissappointment was that I didn’t see any Kangaroos, besides the dead one on the side of the road.  The race went well.  Phil was 4th overall, and Hilton won the sprinters jersey as well as a stage.  I was 7th on a stage and otherwise had a decent tour, despite getting a cold the night before I left.  I had a day to explore Melbourne before I left.  I spent much of the day, taking in the sights of the city with Phil, who I haven’t seen since Redlands.  Melbourne was cool.  They’ve redefined the back alley, from a horror flick scene to a great place to hang out and have coffee.  The buildings were an interesting mix of modern and old.  Normally I hate modern design, but in Melbourne they’ve managed to blend it with classic design in a way that fits.  I thought the city was really beautiful.

The big news is my team change for 2007.  After a good long run at Navigators, I decided I needed a fresh environment.  So far, the Sierra Nevada/Kodak Gallery Team has really good to me and I’m really looking forward to riding for them.  The change has left me feeling really excited and motivated for next year.  I can’t wait.  I’d like like to thank all the staff, management and especially the sponsors of the Navigators Insurance Pro Cycling Team for all the support you have given me over the last eight years.
The end of the season means that I can work full time on my house for awhile.  After the problems we had with the other contractor (Steven Florinski is his name. Don’t hire him), we have finally started again.  The new contractor has been great.  Progress has been slower than we’d like, but that’s due to the weather.  He has been out there on week-ends and in the rain, so that we can get the roof up before it starts freezing.  Richard McPhee is his name…hire him.  I’ve been going crazy with the chainsaw, clearing an area for my wind turbine.  In the last couple of days, I’ve cleared about a half acre of forest.  I hate having to cut the trees down, but more trees will be saved by not using electricity that pollutes.  For those who are thinking of installing a wind turbine and would like to see the one I picked, the website is: www.bergey.com.  In the next couple of weeks, I’ll be painting and installing my turbine tower, making a foundation and tower for the solar panels and installing my well pump.  If anyone would like to help, you’re welcome to stop by.  If you’re serious, I’ll pay you.  I need an extra hand out there.