"I love the smell of bag-balm in the morning.  It smells like.. victory."
Yeah, we're back.  And after 4th place last year, we've got a little bit of a 'tude going on this year (note the team photo).  We ain't havin' none of that 4th place 'stuff' this year!  I'm glad to see Pedal Power and the Blazing Saddle Sores back, too.  You guys spanked us last year, but we're stepping it up this year!  We lost our team celebrity from last year, Tim, (made cover of mtn biking mag) but we got the good old fashioned hard working tough guy, Volker, to take his place.  He may not be much to look at, but he's fast.  (Perhaps the fact that he's married to a pro racer babe and I'm single is a clue to which of us is easier to look at.)  Volker and I did this race together in '98, back when I was generally the faster one (at least I had that).  But those days are long gone, so I figure if you can't beat 'em, join 'em! That is pretty much my philosophy with Lee and Dave, too.  They are back and stronger than ever.  We've got a veteran team, we are finely tuned (note the individual photos), and we're excited to have some fun!  We'll see ya out there!