The Chicago Criterium was yesterday, and I achieved my goal before the race even started.  I had heard Chris Horner was going to be there, so I set a goal of shaking the Legends' hand.  Better than a start line hand shake,  he was hailed to our team tent by JK, and came over and talked with us like he races with us every weekend.  So as not to sound like a stalker, I will just say that I can confirm that this guy is the real deal.  Seemingly unaffected by his legendary status in the Pro ranks.  Thanks alot man, I really respect what you have done, and appreciate your humility.  We talked comfy shoes, about someone who might have missed him for 3 weeks in July ; ), and cross racing.  

Our whole team and alot of their families were at this race, under the tent and the big tree's.  It was super sweet.  This team is like a big family, lots of really good people. 

As far as the race goes...  After narrowly missing the STATIONARY pace car at the start, we got off to a comfortable pace for a while.  Then the uber break was formed and the Peloton fell asleep at the wheel for long time.  During this time, I attempted to follow a strong dudes' wheel off the front, looked behind me, only to find Ivan Dominguez on my wheel.  He then came past me, slowly, staring at me as to say "Do you know who I am?", or "Who the #@^& are you" or something.  Kind of intimidating.  I was like "hey, I work here.".  Anyhow, it was nothing special after that until about 5 to go.  Oh, Josh Carter from ABD won this $1000 Prime, and I rode up to him and said "kick ass dude!".  He was like, "thanks".  He is one strong man.

I would like to thank my teammates for sharing H2O with me!  Only about 15 minutes into the race I nailed a manhole cover and lost a full bottle.  Thanks guys!  Also to Julian for his help too. 

With 5 to go the cycling version of Ultimate Fighting Challenge (typical for the last 3 weeks of racing) started.  In a nutshell my plan was to start moving forward at this point to position myself for the sprint.  At the second to last corner I was 4th wheel and proud of myself.  What happened in the next 300 meters is a blur, save for the absolute insanity of people diving this way and that.  I had to stop pedaling 3 times, hit the brakes, shout, shout, dive, dive, and come around the last corner.  Sprint, and take 32nd overall.  I am very proud of my result today.  Exactly 2 years ago, I was a cat 4 getting dropped.

The COOLEST venue I have raced, well organized, and super cool Pro wow factor made for a really neat race experience.  I am looking forward to next years version!