I'd Say This One Hurts the Most.... And This One ROCKS the Most !!!

As the family cyclist I guess I'm due to air my thoughts on Alexandre Vinokourov failing a drug test at the Tour de France; thus having himself and his entire team kicked out (actually they were "invited to leave" and accepted the invitation) of the Tour.

I'll say Vino's failed test hurts more than any other rider who has flunked his blood dopey test. Vino is to the cycling community what Ronald Reagan was to the Republicans. He's a hero, he's worshipped, he's seen as all that is right with pro cycling. And now he proves to be as fallible as an old man on a witness stand who just can't "seem to recall" any of his improprieties.

When Tyler faltered I cringed, when Floyd allegedly compromised his body I was crushed, but with Vino I am absolutely devastated... but numb. See, I've been on merry-go-round so many times I don't even know if I have the capacity to care.

I spent about 5 minutes today making excuses... perhaps the amount of blood lost by Vino in his crash (thus requiring around 60 stitches in his knees and elbows) meant he had to have a blood transfusion. Though not kosher I understand you have to take emergency measures in a trauma situation. Then I find out he got his blood transfusion the day of the stage where he tested positive-- over 1 week after his crash.

Vino, welcome to my irrelevant doper hall of fame.

But I'm still jacked up. Stage 16 is tomorrow and it's sure to be a hoot. Big Bill and I are taking lunch back to my house and gonna get our Tour fill... prolly while wearing spandex.

Happy Birthday
How can I be depressed about Vino when GNR's Appetite for Destruction celebrates its 20th b/day this month. Wow, 1987. I was 16-years-old and so terrified of Appetite's album art that I refused to buy it for a while. However, like many other folks, when I listened to this cassette (yes kids, I'll explain this "cassette" thing to you sometime) the first time it was freaking unreal. If I ever needed a reason to convert to a full-time metal head this album was it.

I confess that I listen to some bad music but this one I do not regret. Appetite changed the face of music and I still consider it one of the best rock albums of all time. I'm still known to hit it on the iPod while doing a workout.

But those guys found way to piss away their talent, fame and fortune... much like Vino. Welcome to the jungle Vino, you're gonna diiiiiiiiiieeeeee !!!!