CX Worlds Souvenirs

Upon arriving at the race venue in downtown Louisville, I quickly realized that much free swag was to be had.  KK, Thomas and I made our way through the tents picking up any thing we could get our hands on - like kids in a candy shop.  Only a 1/2 hour later did we realize that the racing had already begun, however, it was only the junior boys racing and let's be honest, who cares about them?

Later, on the way back to the hotel, it became obvious that I should use my vertical advantage to take one of these off a light post to take home.  It will soon be hanging in my basement.

I have to say though, that the best souvenir would be meeting a tall drink of water by the name of Barry Wicks under the Kona tent.  Having not been selected to represent the United States, Barry was at the race  as the team manager and Kona representative.  We hit it off quickly as men of significant height often do - here we are together, friends forever.

Barry brought his own cross bike to the race and when I asked him what size it was he replied, "it's man sized" Here was a man, one of the "twin towers" of the US CX world, validating my manhood to the world! I could have burst!!
"It's for sale, you want it?" he also said.   I laughed, knowing that my Wife would not be too pleased if I came home with yet another bike, I declined and quickly put the thought out of my mind.  Later on at supper, after consulting with my good friends who only have my best interests in mind, it was decided that this was too good of a deal to pass up - an almost new, massive, top of the line carbon cross bike for the cost of the wheels alone.  I left supper early to call my new best friend to broker the deal.

Best weekend ever!!