SURVIVING THE WORST DAY OF THE YEAR....AGAIN

For the 4th year in a row i have survived the worst day of the year, without having been able to enjoy the best day of the year for nearly 5 years. Im talking, of course, about day light savings kicking in and the clocks jumping forward an hour. It has been so many years since the last time i went to sleep knowing that i could sleep for 10hrs, but only have it count for 9.....its such a beautiful concept. But instead i have had 3 of these bad days in the last 6 months, thanks to Tasmania choosing to change over a week before Melbourne. This, in reality, is not a massive issue for someone in my line of work.....i can pretty much just get up an hour later.....but its the psychological factor....i didnt sleep well at all on Sat night....it just doesnt seem fair.

INTRODUCING THE HOUSE....PART 1

The house is one thing....now take a look at my ride.....

So keep in touch and ill have more updates to come.....i think i like this video thing. It means that i dont have to type too much and i can just film in stead....im pretty sure that youtube gets more hits than my blog, there must be a reason for it......

By the way, just in case anyone is still interested i still dont have full sensation in my fingers and cant use my hands properly. Hand writing is a problem. Everyone says, dont worry, it will all come back, but its been 2.5 weeks now......when????

SICK IN CALI

Tour of California.....well what can i say....it was a great mix of fantastic racing coupled with some of the most painful days of my life. I woke up sick on the day of stage 4....looking at the profile of the day i was initially happy that it didnt look like an overly difficult day. Little did i know that i would turn out to be the worst day of my life. After nearly 8hrs of bone numbing riding i was unable to even undress once i reached the finish. 2hrs in the bathtub and i was finally able to take off my shoes and booties.....the funny thing is, i realise that this sounds like a major exaggeration, but 10 days later i can still not feel the tips of my ring or little finger on my left hand. This is me warming up for the prologue. I look serious, but i got my ass well and truly kicked. It was a strong mans course....and im not a particularly strong man it would seem.

So now im stuck, 10 days later, still recovering from my virus and having been smashed all weekend in the 2nd race of the year in Merced, CA. Ben Jaques-Maybes picked up where he left off last season and wound up on the podium both days. The team did a good job, challenged well by Colavita and Wohlburg.....but we made Rock Racing look stupid, which im sure is every teams major goal all year.

Merced criterium break (thanks to www.roadbikereview.com). You can see me in there if you look carefully.

Ben on the podium. He was on fire, despite suffering the same virus that i have. You just cant hold him down.

So now I have arrived at my base for the year in Lewisville, North Carolina. I cant believe how unbelievable this house im living in is. Keep an eye on this blog over the next few weeks, cause im going to have some introductions to my new pad. Ill do my best to keep some regular posts coming youre way.

TALES FROM TRAINING CAMP

SANTA ROSA, CA

When i first arrived Jan 30, I was greated by 3 days of consitant rain coupled with 4 degree temperatures. It was definately a shock to the system. But as is usually the case, the pre season excitement often overcomes most of these issues and you find yourself able to front up and ride in conditions you otherwise wouldnt dare. We braved the driving rain and low temps for our team photos that happened the day after i arrived. Still realing from a terrible hair cut before i left home, that was by far the worst part to deal with....as it will stick with me the entire year.

But when the sun finally did come out....Santa Rosa is a beautiful place for a training camp and one of the nicer places i have ridden in the US. Our massive mansion atop to hills of the city is certainly a great view to wake up to each morning...but not a great way to finish each and every ride.

NEW GEAR.....ITS LIKE THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER

Like the beginning of every season, getting the new gear is always an exciting part for any cyclist. Our new kit has, again, surpassed anything that we have riden in the past. The new colours for the team are bright and powerful. Lets hope that they can be seem as easily from the front of the bunch during the season.

The new team bike and kit in action. You may not be able to tell, but it is about 1 degree and raining....

The Pinarello Prince.....this bike deserves a special mention.....it is by far the most beautiful thing i have ever ridden. I cant even begin to explain what a sweet ride this is and coupled with the first sub 2kg groupset.....SRAM Red......this bike is the most special thing ever...check out some of the specifics of my ride.....

Frame: Pinarello Prince

Groupo: SRAM Red

Wheels: Easton

Saddle: Fi'zi:k Aliante

Not to mention my new TT rig.....

Last but not least....the new kids on the block.....

Aaron Olson: Nicknamed "PT" for his 2 years on the Pro Tour, Aaron is a great guy who will be of tremendous importance to the team and its direction with his energy and experience.

Joao Correia: I heard him described as a Portugese mobster...that fits for me. If you need something done, then Joao is your man.

Burke Swindlehurst: He is like a yoda. I think his experience and guidence will make a massive difference to the team this year. I look forward to looking to him and his leadership in some of the big races this year.

Jeremy Vennell: I tried last year to have this guy on my team and finally succeeded. The Kiwi is a champ and he will add strength across the board to this team.

Steven Howard: I have known Steve for a couple of years...the local Michigan boy has worked his way into the team after improving through the development team. He will add speed and give me someone to lead out from time to time.

Its a great mix and I am already looking forward to a great year. After a hard core training camp week, the Tour of Cali team is decided and we are going to do our best to rattle a few PT boys and hopefully look to take a stage somewhere during the 8 days.......

Later