To celebrate the Fourth of July, we had some people over for a cookout.  We lit a fire, had s’mores, a bucket of margaritas, and had an egg race.  The egg race was Mike’s idea, and to make it more interesting, we had to carry a drink in our other hand.

Trevor and Dave going head to head!

Trevor passing it off to Bobby Lea, Mike’s partner in the Olympics.

Mike and Jason getting towards the end.

We even got Dylan outside to join us, so the teams would be even. Mom played too, but she’s hanging off to the left with her hood on.

Mike Friedman’s nickname is Meatball because he looks like a meatball while riding (or something).

The Fitchburg State Circuit Race on Friday went really well - except it kept pouring intermittently.  But I got some great pictures. Luckily, we were standing under a tree and didn’t get too wet.   I was able to take some great photographs.

Yesterday, after he and his father left for the Mount Wachusett race, I came home from the parade and saw our green and white cooler in the kitchen.  I opened it up, and all of his water bottles were in it.  I immediately called him and left a message: “Mike, did you forget the cooler?”  While debating with my dad on if I should bring it or not, Mike called back, and yes, he DID need the cooler.  His dad was about to leave to go get it, but I offered to drive it up.  I could get there in half the time, and the race was starting in just 15 minutes.

I ended up getting to the feed zone before Mike’s dad (he was stuck somewhere else around the course).  Bram (his dad) gave me instructions on how to feed him (which is holding out a water bottle or food for the cyclist to grab), and if the pro men ride by, I need to stand out for Mike to recognize me, and feed him.

I ended up feeding him about five times (they fed nine times), and it was very fun.  The very first time, I was very nervous and asking other feeders how to stand (Bram had said “at a right angle” and I didn’t know what that meant). I saw the black Ford with flashing lights, and that was my cue to get ready to feed.

The very first time, I had a bit of a panic attack.  My heart was racing, my fingers were numb, and I had to sit down.  After that, though, it was fun to see Mike up close, and have the experience to be involved in the race.

Jason was there with me, and got some great pictures!

Me yelling “MEATBALL!!!”  Mike says it was more like “Here Meatball Meatball Meatball.”

Mike says the fact that he’s not even looking at me or the bottle is a great thing.  I did very well feeding him.

It looks so relaxed here:

And. . . . release!

Very fun and exciting.