Last weekend was NOBC’s 43rd annual Tour de Louisiane. I did this race last year, and for all intents and purposes, it marks one year of bike racing (sanctioned, that is). Instead of a blow-by-blow of exciting Cat 4 action, I give you a list of things I’ve learned this past year:

• Learn the difference between stage races and omniumns. Sometimes sprinting for 5th over 7th doesn’t really matter.
• Read your race bible.
• Even though people wear jerseys with pockets, they will still litter. Let’s be PRO like Ted King.
• Never race on brand new equipment, test it out first.
• If you are not grabbing a bidon in the feedzone, stay clear of the feed zone.
• Don’t ride your road bike like a cross bike, at least while you’re paying money to race. Unless this is to avoid a more expensive crash.
• Having a plan is better then no plan, even if said plan rarely gets put into action.
• Aero gear works!
• If the race is slack enough, you can carry on a full conversation with someone and it helps pass the time and is a good way to get to know your fellow cyclists.
• More hydration.
• Pit wheels.
• It’s perfectly OK to get naked at churches, cemeteries, parks, schools and downtowns.
• Have fun.

Keep Spinnin’
Boedi

Following below are two days in two galleries.

Begin.

Get that gram.

Hambone.

Nate’s mechanical – broken spoke nipple. He then chases for the next 52 miles. Oof.

Cycling detritus.

Second to last is better then DNF.

Deep profile rims and steel tubing is one sexy look.

Time trial cool down for Chris Reed.

Shane’s amazing Merckx.

Fin.

It was hot.

Beer, bikes, buds.

TMNT shoes.

The Mayor of Covington leads out the 1/2/3 race.

The lookback. Benie Flores on his way to the break.

I might have stuck my nose out a bit too much for this one. Guy taking the inside line said, “Whoah”. Sorry, man.

That fire.

NOBC’s Mark McMurry rolls to the pit with two flats.

Winning sprint.

Winning sprint.

Winning sprint.

Pack sprint.

Pack sprint 2