Last week was very busy but I did manage some trainer/roller time between everything. On Friday, some of the EAS sponsored athletes came to our office building for a meet and greet. Matt Hasslebeck (Seattle Seahawks QB), Mark Weir (Pro Mountain Biker), Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals Wide Receiver), Jen Perez (Pro Triathlete), Brady Quinn (Cleveland Browns QB) and Vernon Davis (San Francisco 49'ers Tight End) showed up to give a short talk and take pictures with employees. They all seemed to be genuinely nice people who really appreciated the reception they received.

Mark Weir's pump bike video.....



Saturday was a bit warmer so I was really looking forward to riding outside for the first time in two weeks. It was only in the low 30s and windy when I rolled out at 11:30 but I was so glad to have to chance to get out of the basement. It was a pretty uneventful 3+ hour ride. I was planning the ride the Arnold Classic on Sunday but I did push a little harder than I normally would the day before a race. It just felt good to ride the bike outside.
I spotted these Scottish Highland cattle on Saturday's ride.


It was warmer on Saturday but not that much warmer.

I did the Cat 3/4 Crit at the Arnold Classic on Sunday. I had no idea what to expect. It was my first race of the year and I had no idea where my fitness was as compared to everyone else. Arnold himself showed up to start our race. They called us to the line just before Arnold's motorcade rolled up. Arnold jumped out of his car said a few words and sent us off for a parade lap. We were suppose to do the lap and start racing the next lap. I lead the field around the course but as we made the last turn to head down the finishing straight, the motorcade was still sitting in the start/finish. The officials stopped us long enough to get the cars off the course and sent us off for the first lap of real racing. I led for most of the first lap but Grisvard passed me just before we passed through the start/finish and had his name announced as leader of the first lap. I drifted back and basically rolled around in the middle of the field for the next 40 minutes. I moved up with one lap to go but just didn't have it to move to the front. I started to sprint but just sat up and rolled through the finish.

Arnold stopped by to say a few words.

I guess Jeff liked Arnold's jokes.