The Cobra struck in the mountains today and promptly congratulated himself.  Confidence is not something Brother Ricco lack, then again if I was winning Tour stages when I was 23 I would be pretty full of myself too I guess.  Brother Voeckler had another nice go off the front, guess he is liking the way he looks in polka dots.  Also another good showing by the Garmin/Chipotle men, I really thought Brother Vandevelde was gonna get the V.  The way those guys are riding it is only a matter of time before a “Burrito Boy” is on the top of the podium.  My heart goes out to Brother Schumacher. That is an awful way to lose Yellow.  Keep fighting Brother!

As I write this I am sitting in an Econo Lodge in Reno on my way to Downieville.  With the temperature, smoke and acrid smell from the massive wildfires in California I keep expecting to see the devil himself at any moment.  The street address of our home for the night?  666 N. Wells Ave. Beelzebub you rascal!

You know as much as I want to hate A Tour and write it off the racing is just too damn good. If you had asked yesterday who would win the TT today I would have said Cancellara without even blinking. Schumacher? Damn, would not have guessed that in a million years. Also looks like Evans is going to do his best to make a liar out of me yet as he took a big chunk out of Valverde today. How about Chipotle/Garmin with 2 podiums in 2 days. I am gonna go program the GPS and ride over to Chipotle for “Le Burrito” tonight.

What can I say? Viva la France! I may have to take El Hammermeisters advice and get a dish when I get back from Downieville. Speaking of Downieville, anyone have tire recomendations? I have been running some 1.9 Kenda Karmas but, I think a fatter one would be better. Just guessing though since I have never done the race. Any insight would be appreciated.