Wednesday, May 16, 2007

California Sunshine...

The availability of sunshine in this country is about the same as the availability of snow in Bakersfield. It’s not quite that bad, but I could definitely use a good sunny day. A permanent cloud seems to follow the US riders throughout Europe, but at least it provides shade for us to race in. Mornings in this house are very unique. Since the sun rises so early, all the windows are equipped with "bomb-proof blinds" (probably remnants of WWII) that take a strap, similar to a tow rope from your car, to open. However, light still seems to get into the rooms from the "automated fluorescent lights" that turn on and off at random times. So if the light doesn't wake you up, you are treated to the yells of Ells (the head honcho of the house and Noel's wife). Actually her yells are more comparable to a shrill shriek or war cry that you cannot possible understand. If you are unlucky enough to sleep through this, the blinds are yanked open, and it’s not the light that hits you (remember the cloud) but the ear splitting groan of metal blinds ascending an "un-lubed" rail (picture nails on a chalk board).

The riders stumble out of bed, find their slippers (no walking around the house barefoot or you will hear the wrath of Ells), and proceed to kitchen. This is one of the few times that all of the riders come together. The largest pieces of the freshly baked bread are the first items to go. If you hesitate in your room, you usually wind up with the smaller, end pieces of the loafs. Yogurt, cereal, and milk are gathered on the table (for those that are more aggressive pans are taken out to make scrambled eggs), and the yawning athletes shuffle around the table, trying to find their laptops that were left downstairs from the previous night. The familiar sound of the computers starting up fills the room, and the clatter of typing begins. You can tell by the expression on each rider's face whether they received an email, or a comment on their Facebook, Myspace or blog account. A smile or a laugh indicates they probably received something from their friends our family. This is one of the better times of the day, because receiving mail from back home always makes you smile. Slowly the yogurt cups and the cereal bowls empty and laptops begin to close. Riders go their separate ways at this point, some get ready for a training ride, some get ready for a race, and some go back to bed (usually to woken up by Ells again- I think she thinks it is a game).

Today was another recovery day, used to spin out the legs and attempt to get them back to racing conditions. We waited for a gap in the rain and then proceeded on a long ride following the canal and local villages. By the end of the ride we somehow found ourselves in another coffee shop. We were treated to an English speaking waiter (well, he tried to speak English), and once he figured out that we were American we were lucky enough to hear his stories about Greg Lemond. This guy was apparently at the TT where Lemond beat Fignon to win the Tour. He gave us a full lecture on how strong Lemond was, and how he was the first to use TT equipment. He didn't really mention anything else, but his stories were long enough to take us through two cups of coffee. Once a gap in the rain appeared, we wound our way back to the house.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Just to let you know it's been sunny, warm/ hot, slightly windy and smoggy! Today is suppose to be a 142! So the air is getting good and thick for you when you get back. Make sure you do what I told you to do when you got there! Go to the fastest guy, punch him in the throat and say "I own you BI ATCH!" :)

Courtland

oldfart said...

Gooooooooooo - Grant. We're following your writing closely !!
All are enjoying your efforts !!
Be safe - Love , old Poppy & Alicia

Mike said...

Grant,
I'm an 'ol college buddy of "oldfart". I am enjoying your stories and suggest that if it turns out you are not successful racing bikes you can sure write exceptionally well. Good luck!!!!