POSTING AGAIN (thanks for the reminder BLUE DAWGS) - TOUR OF MISSOURI PART II

I am back from our leg of the Tour of Missouri. I must say what a cool experience that was.

I got asked to volunteer, on behalf of my school, at the finish line of stage 2. Along with me, 4 seniors and a teacher from my school also volunteered. I felt it was an opportunity neither I nor the students could pass up.

I have to share a couple things about the race and my job, in particular:

1. The description of my job (medical chaperon) was deceiving. First the name sounds like I might be helping riders in need of some kind of medical care.....NOPE. The actual job description, received post agreement, stated that I would be assisting USADA in the testing of the athletes (as a witness). Good thing I did not have to watch them urinate...but my job was so very uneventful...I found my guy, walked with him to the TESTING RV, checked him in and left...I got to stand around for 3 hours for 15 minutes of work....mind you, I loved all three hours....but...........

2. The atmosphere at an INTERNATIONAL event, such as this, was totally cool. I found myself with goosebumps a number of times....especially the first time the riders and the PELOTON came into sight....SO COOL.

3. The American athletes....we SO VERY COOL and extremely kind to the spectators...some even asked me for directions and advice...very nice guys.

4. The athletes...non-Americans.....are TINY fellows...now I know I am larger than the average guy...at 6'2", but these guys were TINY....maybe 5'5" and 115 pounds. Mark Cavendish, the stage winner, the BIG HORSE, and if you listened to the commentators on TV all summer ... THE BIGGEST, STRONGEST, FASTEST man on wheels.....Strong and Fast, most definitely, but BIG...not a chance.

5. Mark Cavendish....is a STUD. He is FAST. He is a ROCKET. He is a BULLET out of the barrel....he is the MAN. So very impressive to watch him fly by with another stage victory....2 stages in the TOUR OF MISSOURI and two stage winds.....ROCK ON MARK.