More Trans-Sylvania News and Views

The latest media push from the folks at Trans-Sylvania Epic made the rounds yesterday. Some good information in there (a quote from me), some suggested information, and some that was left out. I can't remember which is which, but here's what you should know.

First and foremost, Cush has been writing a blog for the TSE. That's great news. I've been worried about my little buddy ever since Mountain Bike stopped being a magazine (again). It's great to see him still writing, although I think he's being paid in Amish cheese wheels. Not only did he write the piece about Mark Weir that I linked to awhile back, he just posted up a very interesting tidbit. Apparently the competition in the men's field just got hotter. Barry Wicks and his occasional partner (race not life) Kris Sneddon are coming to this year's race. I'm sure this would be a concern to Jeremiah Bisquick if he were actually coming this year, but he is not (I think). Wicks was so confident that he could've beat Jeremiah that he was going to race in a most casual manner wearing flip flops and carrying his dog Mr Fluffer McNutter Butter is his Eleven81 Baguette Basket (Hawley part number bagbask 5150).

Apparently Barry has yet to tell Mr Fluffer McNutter Butter that JB will not be there this year. He will be so sad. He hates hair gel.

In other news...

The field at the 2011 TSE just got 73% more handsome with the announcement that Grig Martin will be coming back with his fire fighting gal pal and destroyer of all things in her path, Rebecca Rusch.

"I feel so warm basking in the glow of my own dazzling good looks. You should try it some time."

Yes, the man who is so good looking that he's actually the torso model for Club Ride apparel will be back.

Doesn't ring a bell?

How about the guy who stood on top of last year's single speed podium at the TSE but still got a lesson in respect from third place?

Yeah, that guy.

This puts me in a conundrum. Dough, who took second place last year, is also returning. Kelly Klett, who crushed me at the Southern Cross race last month, will also be there. So, do I blow off the whole race and hang out in the back of the field with eternal fourth place Dave Cormier and Peter (who has only beat me at the weakest point(s) in my life ever) or do I sack up and try to hold my shit together for a whole week? This would take a level of commitment that I'm not sure I'm ready for... I mean Grig didn't drink one beer all week until the final day. That's some pro level stuff right there.

And those fancy duds? Although I tried to mock him with my faux Club Ride apparel on the last day of the race, I was no match for him in terms of handsomeness... so out of spite I took him out when I got the chance. Bastard.

I have two possible plans. Show up, drink beer, mock Dave Cormier, hound Weir for his autograph all week, and be a general nuisance...

or

Win the Topeak Ergon Base Camp video contest, use the early May momentum to kick start a training regimen, maintain a competitive body weight, stay away from beer the whole week, practice proper podium etiquette, distance myself from bad influences, purchase handsome clothing, drink recovery drinks, take naps...

Hmmm....

That second list is much longer.