The holidays brought a visit from out of town family and a long time off the bike. Today is day #8 without ride. My fitness has likely taken a hit but the time away felt good with no self-imposed pressure to ride and a week away from work. I just hung out, relaxed, put on a few pounds and cleared my mind. When Friday or Saturday rolled around I began looking forward to the next ride and, right now, I actually want to race Tuesday.

Being so busy last week with other things, I haven't been able research who I can and cannot pick for the Tour. One rider I know that will be in my picks is Andy Schleck, so I only need to pick two more.