There is just something in the air here that makes me happy.

The Summer Festival, it's the perfect get-a-away from it all.
Sitting on my bench watching the amateur cyclist go by just feels good.
This was my favourite spot in the entire world.



I wasn't going to let them pull me away from this spot to compete this year.
My time racing at the Festival was over, even if it was a tradition.
Life goes on and I needed to let other kids experience the joys of winning.

There is nothing like that feeling of crossing the line in 1st.
Lifting your arms above your head and screaming to the top of your lungs;
I would do anything for that feeling again, it's been so long since I experience it.

Winning my local cycling event wasn't good enough for me. That was too easy.
My next challenge was a week away, just waiting for me.

After begging and pleading my case to Fernando Alonso,
I will get the chance to prove my worth at the Amgen Tour of California.

It's now or never.
I haven't had a good result all season.
My cycling career was riding on this one race.

"Can you please stop crying? Chloe, let's just talk about this. Please?"

This was not how I planned today would go. The exact opposite actually.

Chloe stormed out of the bedroom and into the kitchen.
I didn't know what to do, or what to say that would make this better.
So, I started playing around with the faucet. "Look hunny, I fixed the sink."

But, there wasn't a joke I could possibly make
that would lighten the mood that I had just induced.

"I'm sorry. I did what I thought was best for our family.
I see now that I have made a huge mistake. I can only ask for forgiveness."



That was all I could say. But, she continued to cry.