In Europe

At the moment I’m in Geleen which is located in the Netherlands just across the border from Belgium and close to Germany. A rider on the team by the name of Paul who grew up around here picked me up from the airport. It was just over 100 Kilometers back to where I would be staying. He and I talked about the team, our countries, and cycling. He speaks pretty good English so we were able to carry a good conversation. He doesn’t actually live with the team but lives near by. We arrived at where I would be staying and it’s about what I expected. It’s a small apartment building where we have a few rooms. We have three of us in my room. There’s plenty of room so that’s nice. After arriving I put my bike together and headed out on a ride with Paul and one of the teammates that just got here from Japan a few days ago. I looked at my watch and it was like 3:00 am back home. All well it’ll be good for the legs. It’s pretty hot and humid today. I would guess about 80 to 85 degrees. I couldn’t believe the guys I was riding with were wearing full leg warmers and arms warmers. They made me sweat just looking at them. The ride was great and the roads beautiful as we headed on narrow roads through fields, along rivers, and through towns. I’ll take my camera tomorrow. I just got back from the ride and took a shower. Everything’s a bit weird and it’s hard to communicate with people but that’s how it goes. I think I’m going to go get some food in me and take an hour nap.

Well I got food in me but haven’t taken that nap yet. I think I’m going to try and hold off for an early to bed and sleep as long as I can thing. Some of the guys have been here since January and say they really like the town we’re in. There are a lot of people out riding there bike, many for transportation but a few for sport. A lot of the rides don’t wear a helmet. The people here are great. I just wish I could communicate with them. I can’t wait to race! I’m really excited to race in Spain. We’ll ride tomorrow and rest. Sunday we race in Belgium. I think there will be some cobbles in that race. Monday we’ll fly to Spain. As long as I can get online I’ll keep everyone updated.

Brad