Natsukashii

9 days straight of afternoon/evening lightning & thunderstorms. Yesterday, I realized I hadn't seen monsoon-like deluges like this since Japan. Today's got a bit crazy. Heard about ping-pong sized hail warning for Weld county earlier, so didn't think it'd hit us...was expecting another bout of  liquid precipitation, not the frozen variety.

Near the beginning of the storm.

Luckily, we only got mothball sized & not the larger ones expected up north or it woulda been much badderer.

It just kept increasing in size & intensity.

It even raged  the compost bin & the cactus is in pain.

Wounded from battle....at least a squash & 2 zucchini
are still hanging tough.

We now have ventilated siding on the north & west sides.

It's not nice to fool Mother Nature.

Oh look. Blue skies.

Z'avez fini?

'Twas a rough weekend

Bad

Less than 1 ride!

Meanwhile, en France.....
Really Bad

Hoogerland after being catapulted into a barbed-wire fence.

Ass

He climbs out of fence. Lucky!?

Truly Badass!!

Hoogerland getting the polka-dot jersey AFTER getting run into above fence,
then continuing to pedal for another 35km.

Some roadies you don't fuck with.

GA Pass? It's doable.

Spikefest 2011

Good times, despite the pain.

Thanks for a fun downhill run, spike!

Oooooh that smell.

The veggies have begun. Lotsa salads have gnawed & I'm trying to come up with more ways to eat lettuce. Mally's garlic collection is coming along quite nicely.

That basement smells funky.

Wore out some stuff in the past few weeks, & got it all finalized last night. Got an unbelievable amount of time out of my WI chain ring - almost 18 months! Sure the SS chainline causes much less wear, but I found that there is a limit....especially if you as mass advantaged as me. Also had to replace a trashed rear tire & finally got it slapped on last night. Fresh meat looks so good!!

Stand back! I'm packing 2.4" in the rear.

And fortunately, it all came together just in time for the hippest, most- anticipated cycling event of the season. Car is packed, bikes are ready, rain's pouring down. Let's get gung ho!

Spikefest or bust!

Had a few good pedals up higher lately (4th of July spin & another w/PBR), so hopefully that helps lessen the inevitable pain.

Wheeeeelies!