I'm sorry to say this, but I have made the official transfer of my blog to sadamson.wordpress.com.  I know, I know, right when I started building a fan base, but this new site so friggin sweet I just can't deny it.  But thanks to msn for hosting my blog until now, you have done well.  There are many great features, but just no adaptability/personalizability.  I'm sorry.  So I hope to see you soon at my new domain!

SA

• 19 DAYS TIL WORLDS!!!

I had a pretty good ride today in the rain.  Well I guess it was more like drizzle, but it was hard enough that I wanted to put my rain cape on.  I also had first real hard intervals since I've been here, which was nice.  I was supposed to do more tomorrow, but I think I'm going to take it easy because I got into the Otegem race on Monday.  And I've also been confirmed for Scheldecross on Wednesday.  Sweet!  Now I feel better, lots of racing coming up and then some good taper time.  I think this should work out perfect.

Now I just have to figure out my road season from here.  I'm hoping I can pull it off and turn it into a wicked road season like Hopping did last year!  I'm sure it will work out.  Have a good one.

SA

Well I don't have a whole lot to say now. We've had a pretty slack day. It's kind of nice to have a little break from racing and take some time to just chill. Oh and clean bikes... My fridge is stocked again and all is good.

I just want to say that the guys at cyclocrossontario.com are awesome! When they found out that this trip was entirely self-funded they set up a program for people to donate to our cause. Wicked! So feel free to check it out and donate!

But it's off to do some more sitting around doing nothing now!

SA

I have never failed, I have merely found 10 000 ways that won't work.

Hahaha, I'm so punny! I mean, funny...

Well yesterday I went to race in Sint-Niklaas. Jos was able to drive me and Greg again, which was really nice. It was raining pretty good as we were driving there and when we parked we all just sat in the car for a while. Eventually I had to get out to use the washroom and to sign in. I knew I was getting start money but I don't think I really believed it until it was actually in my hands. 25 euros... but I was getting paid to race! It had kind of been raining of and on, but it was pretty decent for the start.

The course was really muddy and flat, a couple running sections, a beach section, a tough off-camber section. I really liked it. I think I might just like everything over here. I had a decent start. All the Lotto-Predictor guys were there showing off their new kits and pushed me up a couple spots. I was in the middle more than at Diegem, but I had no problems and I think I was able to be more aggressive. I felt really good, like I was able to make up lots of spots for most of the first lap. I had trouble with some sections, especially where it was more of a slog with just power getting you through it. Once it spread out I was pretty comfortable and just riding though. Same thing, I felt good technically but not so good power-wise. I have a big break to work that much out though. It was also cool to be riding with Johan Van Summeren, I think that's the only time I'll ever be able to say I rode with Protour rider! He was pretty much just joking around, but man, was he bad technically! My bike was getting really dirty and I wanted to change but I couldn't find Ryan until the 4th lap and by the time I came around on the 5th lap, I was lapped, so it didn't really matter. Oh well. I finished 5/8 laps, not that great I guess, but I had fun, and still got 45 minutes of pretty good racing in! I ended up 43/64 starters too.

And then I got called for doping control... what a waste that was. I guess I hope I'm not taking anything illegal that I don't know about. It was my first time to doping control and it's very extensive and interesting. I was also there first out of the ten so I didn't sit and talk with Groenendaal or anybody... but I got to go home earlier. I was also lucky that I had to go right away, so I didn't have to wait at all.

We got home and it was dark and wet so I tried to wash everything as fast as I could. Then I came in, ate some dinner, sat around for a bit, and then we went out to a pub around the corner for our New Years! It was pretty cool. I'll put some pictures up later. I had a Kriek and a Jenever. The Jenever was very interesting, but I can say I've tried it now!

I think that's all the really interesting stuff that's happened since my last post and I think Greg wants his computer back, so that's all for today.

SA

• Many of our New Year’s resolutions may actually accelerate our pace of life instead of helping us to slow down. In a quest for greater productivity and efficiency, we overschedule our days, then rush through meals, drive impatiently, and wonder why the joy of living eludes us.

  Carol Odell, who writes a business advice column, says that slowing down can positively affect our lives at work and at home. She believes that rushing can cloud our judgment and cause us to overlook important things and valuable people. Carol encourages everyone to slow down, and even suggests the radical idea of welcoming red traffic lights and using the waiting time to meditate.