¡Ay, caramba!

In response to Brian's previous post on T.V., the only thing I really hated about not having one was the fact that it meant missing the media blitz surrounding Lance Armstrong (www.lancearmstrong.com) racing his final Tour de France. How exciting that he won his seventh consecutive tour; a nice way to bookend the highlights of his cycling career of dominating this race since his re-entry into the sport after successfully battling cancer. Despite the latest attempt by a French newspaper to slander his name, the inspiration instilled in the world both personally and professionally by Lance Armstrong is par none. In retirement, his energy typically channeled into training will be re-focused on the Lance Armstrong Foundation (www.laf.org). He chartered this organization in order to raise awareness and funds for cancer research, and support. But, still ... it would have been great to watch his last race unfolding over the three weeks in July when it was televised. If I hadn't already read his books, It's Not About the Bike and Every Second Counts, immersing myself in those texts would have brought me the near equivalent of ringside seats courtesy of the television.

Actually last year Dasani, who sponsored the U.S.P.S/Discovery team, held a drawing to win a bike or a book. I entered myself into that drawing and much to my surprise actually won a copy of his second book, Every Second Counts! This year, when a neighbor of mine was facing his own extreme battle with cancer, I gave his that very book which I had won. I figured it was a lucky thing to win it, so by giving it to him I hoped in turn it would bring him luck as well.

-Kelly