First taste of cold. Fall is in here

No one likes dragging the bike out on cold,dark,rainy,freezing days to get the miles in. Winter makes you wish you choose a different sport cause the choice between Roubaix reruns on the trainer or the Andy Hampsten imitation outdoors, is not a great choice
But none of that matters on the first fall ride. The cold is a nice change, not a crushing pain. You can imagine you are in your own "Race of the falling Leaves"
Today was that day. It was 39' when I walked my dog and 44 when I started to get ready to ride.
First ride with knickers,toe covers,wool socks, and
embrocation. Fall in New England is here. Last weekend it was almost 90
and today it didn't break 50. This is my favorite time of year to
ride-even if it adds a few minutes to getting dressed. Where did I put all
that winter gear? Where is my other glove? All true cycling nerds get
pumped up at the smell of obscure embrocation potions.
Enjoy it while it lasts...............

Team America still in action in October -otherwise known as cyclingnews

Check this top ten from today's Giro dell'Emilia
1 Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team CSC
2 Davide Rebellin (Ita) Gerolsteiner
3 Chris Horner (USA) Predictor-Lotto
4 Riccardo Riccò (Ita) Saunier Duval-Prodir
5 Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre-Fondital
6 Cadel Evans (Aus) Predictor-Lotto
7 Sylvester Szmyd (Pol) Lampre-Fondital

Most of these guys have been at the front of races all year! That is impressive from Ricco and Shleck to Evans and Rebellin. But Horner, who still hasn't signed a new contract, is charging! Just goes to show you that maybe there is no off season and you need to be ready to go at all times.
Then in today's Belgian cross news 2 Americans are in the top ten at the Grand Prix de la Région Wallonne. Trebon th and Page 9th!! That is big.

Good Luck Jalabert

Laurent Jalabert was one of my favorite cyclists. A sprinter who remade himself into an all arounder capable of winning what he set his mind to. In Light of his long tenure in with Manolo Saiz, I would imagine he has as many skeletons as trophies in his closets, but none the less he animated many one day races and grand tours.
Since retiring he as run three marathons(including a faster NYC time than Lance) and is competing in the Ironman tomorrow in Hawaii.
Not unlike Zabel, Jalabert was a class act.