Full travel mode right now, after a fun SunTour I had a week of walking in Melbourne. Then back to Boulder for 5 days and straight off to Europe. Had a great last 8 days, no bike. Just a nice break and some time to be an actual tourist. One interesting thing with cycling is that even though we travel a lot there isn’t always time to “see” the amazing places that we are traveling to. Whenever possible I try to integrate some time spent pre or post race to really see a location. So, had 3 days in Torino Italy at the enormous Slow Food Festival. Highlights of the weekend were the workshops that I took. Quite a few wine ones with my favorites being centered on the Burgundy and Bordeaux regions. Best class was surprisingly centered on tobacco. Beer made with small amounts of tobacco, cheeses wrapped in tobacco leaves, chocolate with tobacco. Some nice grappas thrown in their paired with the cheeses. This is what had to say about the Slow Food Festival.

After Italy I kicked around London for a few days. Had great weather and did my best to walk the city and get a feel for it. Walked as much as possible vs. using the Tube. I hate the Tube.

Back in Boulder now for a few short days of long rides before leaving for the last trip of 06….Japan.