Like all good things

As if on cue, I managed to destroy my only pair of this year's team bibs just before my planned final race of the season, the Lost River Classic. The team did a great job hosting the race, and I won't pretend to take any of the credit for its success. Also, big up to "sig." for a well-earned top ten.

My first impulse is to call this season a disappointment. I felt my form improving coming out of the collegiate season, and I anticipated at least a few strong results over the summer. In the end, the only results I'll even happily claim are 10th, 15th, and 20th place finishes at Poolesville, Washington County RR, and Reston, respectively. This season wasn't a disappointment; it was an important learning experience. And for those who don't understand, and ask, "did you have fun?" Short answer, yes, long answer, of course not.

I've got good sensations about my medium-term future in bike racing, especially when it comes to being a part of a team, rather than simply wearing a team's kit when I ride and race. DoJ doesn't just mean Department of Justice.

In the meantime, I've got other things to finish off. In four weeks, I'll be finished with my last requirement in my MA program. Somehow, I totally lucked out, and my last course is War & Conflict in Africa. Being in class is like rubbing my face in a bowl of candy while intravenously consuming pistachio pudding. Absolutely euphoric. If you work for an organization that has even as much as a finger in this field, please, please hire me.

Listening to Neon Bible. Praying the road rash goes away before my one week off-season is over.