Lucky

Jason Mraz sings my feelings today:

Lucky I'm in love with my best friend,

Lucky to have been where I have been ,

Lucky to be commin' home again!

Can't you just hear me singing?

After a long flight and a few time zones, we are back home. This blog didn't do such a great job of reporting Connor's races but perhaps you got a taste of his Belgian experience and a feeling for "Where in the World Dave O'Leary has been! I love being his travel partner! What great travels we've had together as we've faced this life hand in hand. Where in the world will Dave O'Leary go next? Stay tuned.

Stage 2--Still have Yellow Jersey (by 3 seconds)

Recovery Drink Time

Post Race

Post Race

Adam Leibovitz USA Keeps Yellow Jersey

Try riding on these

Stage 2 was a tough 130 km. The USA Director, Ben Sharp said this on twitter: "i just rode 50km of today's stage. it's difficult, all up and down, open cross wind and descent on cobbles. i know the team are up for it."

There were several crashes and a few dropouts, 174 cyclists completed this stage. The boys worked hard and barely kept the yellow jersey by 3 seconds. Hope they slept well last night and are prepared for a hard ride today. All of Belgium teams will be working double hard to ensure that we don't win. This racing is much more difficult than in the U.S. Well, how can I say that, I am not the one doing it. We will have to ask Connor that question. We were talking to some parents from Great Britian yesterday and she shed some light on a few things. We learned that this race is hightly competitive and is by invitation only. She said these are some of the best junior racers in Europe. Her son was in 2nd place and on the podium with Adam after the Prologue. It is fun to see the fans come out in these small towns. Connor did well, he came in 25th place today, which was (the 1st of the U.S. team) but the other boys on our team were close behind. His level of fitness amazes me. Stay tuned, today is stage 3. Anything could happen in this final stage.

Stage 1

Close to finish-laps in city
On the road

Just a quick update on yesterdays race. It was a 119 km road race. The weather was perfect. The races don't start until about 3 p.m. which seems so late after all of the mornings we have been up before the sun in the U.S.
The U.S. was defending the yellow jersey, won by Leibovitz the day before in the time trial. I am really beginning to understand that in a Stage race, the race is won in the time trial. Each second counts toward your overall score and so your ranking at time trial can make or break it when the GC is calculated. The racing is fast and hard. There were around 200 in the field. Dave and I made 1 stop to wait for the team to go by and then waited at the finish. Connor was holding his own. A good long road race is his thing! He positions himself well and is always close to the front but not doing all of the work. When the racers enter the destination city, they circle around (crit like) for 6 laps or so. Nathan Brown from the U.S. was leading a break off group that carried a 36 second lead on the pack, that is until the last lap. (Connor in the front of the second pack along with some of his team so I am assuming that their job was to block. ) Then of course things change. The U.S. did not win the road race but by virtue of GC time, should have kept the yellow jersey. However, the host city messed up and the boy winning this stage was awarded the yellow jersey. Ben Sharp's(USA Cycling) last twitter post said that a mistake was made and we do indeed keep the yellow jersey by 8 seconds. Too bad that the podium experience wasn't realized; cute podium girl, nice flowers, great photos. Oh well. Today's race is again at 3 p.m. and this one is 130 km. The boys were good and tired after yesterday's race, and boy were they dirty from riding all of these farm roads. I am glad I didn't have to clean the shower after that crew cleaned up and I am feeling sorry for whoever cleans their bikes? I am not sure but they do have a mechanic and a masseuse, and someone who hands them their jackets the minute the race is over, so maybe someone cleans their bikes? I am making this sound like a muddy cycle cross race but it wasn't that at all. It was fun to watch, oh my goodness what a scene. It was like a mini Tour de France, it was a car parade. Motorcycles (many of them) headed the race out along with the race car. There was an official course consultant car, there were scores of team cars that raced along with the riders. That seems like an accident waiting to happen! The team cars moved fast sometimes right along side a rider. The U.S. boys all performed well and from what I could see, they performed well as a team. If we seem short on details it is because we don't really talk to Connor. We are just mice in the corner, staying away and letting him live this experience with his team. We don't speak the language and so don't always know exactly what is going on until we can see it with our own eyes. Anyway, we are off to Stage 2, hope this post made sense. Go USA!

Belgium Update

Each day here is great starting with a couple of hours on the bike in the morning and touring this wonderful country after that. The days are long with the sun up early and light until 8:30 PM so lots of time to see this beautiful place. We are staying in an Orchard area called Borgloon and all the trees are in bloom which makes the rolling hills green and white (blossoms). Every where we drive, usually on small country roads, we see castles, beautiful churches or cathedrals, and quaint towns with bakeries, butchers, chocolate shopes, etc. Each morning I start my ride with a fresh croissant so despite any calories burned while out I am still am packing on the pounds. Watching Connor and the US Team has been great and I should post a video today from the prior two races.

The Prologue (Time Trial) in Borlo

The Prologue or time trial works like this. Each boy starts on a ramp as the time is counted down. He takes off and the team car races behind him. The car is equipt with a loud speaker and they yell things (what I don't know). Each boy races the clock. Connor's time was probably 6:47 (according to Dave's watch). I don't know where he placed yet but I do know that the yellow jersey went to Team USA--Adam Liebowitz with a time of 6:21 (30 seconds faster than the winning time last year). So, I think Connor should feel like he had a great ride. Now, we will be defending the yellow jersey!

Tomorrow is a road race (who knows how long. I went to ask Dave and he is back in fetal position, snoring softly and approaching that blissful REM state. Wish I didn't find that so illusive! More tomorrow. Keep tuned.

Enjoy the photos.

The "Follow Car" lining up to follow Connor
Con Dog!

5, 4, 3, 2, 1, GO!

Father & Son, I have seen this scene a million times and it still touches me.

USA Cycling Van and Follow Car

Wow, that leg looks great in USA gear!

In the warm up gates, next up for the time trial

Pre Race Thoughts of a Mother

It’s race time! Several hundred young handsome cyclists flood the narrow streets of Borlo anxiously awaiting their moment to compete. This small Belgium town has had a sudden onslaught of testosterone and bicycles. Excitement is in the air and you can almost hear the beating of their hearts, or is that my heart that can be heard above the crowd? Cycling words are plastered everywhere; on cars, signs, bikes and bodies. Familiar words like: Trek, Jelly Belly, USA Cycling, Lotto, Specialized, to name a few of the English words. The boys have become moving billboards for the cycling industry.
Dave is pacing. This what he does prior to race time and I am thinking. Thinking and wondering what thoughts run through the mind of a 17 year old boy prior to competition. I have learned to love the sights and sounds of these competitions: the spinning of wheels, the clipping of shoes into petals, the sounds of encouragement. The sport of cycling is a gentlemen’s sport, low key, and relatively calm. There is no fighting and few words are exchanged after competition. There is not the yelling you hear at football games or the crowds cheering as basketball players dunk the ball. I have had to learn to contain myself and act like a lady, sans too much screaming. This sport doesn’t miss the “Ra Ra” because the cyclists are not waiting for the approval of the crowd, there will be little of that. They are here because they love the sport; they love to cycle anytime and anywhere. That has to be the case because they spend hours doing just that, far from the “madding crowd”. They pedal through heat, rain, snow and sleet. They spend hours and hours in the basement without a coach to bark commands or applaud accomplishments. So here I go, indulge me for a moment. Ra Ra Connor! Ra Ra for all of the young men and women who head out day after day on their trusty bicycles to add to their fitness bank and hone their technique. Ra Ra Connor! I couldn’t be more proud—not just because you represent the USA but because you have found one of the “loves” of your life and you nurture it with dedication and time (oh, that was my heart thumping, it is the heart of a proud mother). Good luck son, no matter where you place in the races, you are a winner in my book because cycling has taught you how to win the game of life. I love watching you pedal your way to success.

Off to the Races

I have had trouble sleeping (at the right times) since we arrived. Dave is curled in fetal position and approaching his REM sleep and I am wide eyed, working on scrapbook pages. Thankfully, I brought my computer which has been my friend in the late hours of the night. Here is last night's page. Yesterday we crossed the border into Germany and spent the day roaming around Aachen. It was fun to be in Germany again. Dave expected that I would be able to show off my language skills but he was sorely disappointed (how long has it been..34 years?). He however continues to amaze! He can take any language and put a portugeuse spin on it, and "Voila" he is speaking Dutch, German, French...just name it!

Today, we are "Off to the Races"!

As you know, the previous 2 races were just a "get your feet wet" experience in small towns dressed in each boys local gear. The stage race that starts today will be in USA Gear and working as the US National Team. That may involve even more competition (and elbows)? It is a 4 day stage race with today being the Prologue (time trial). Go USA! Good Luck Connor!

I Have Died and Gone to Flower Heaven

Day 6 & 7 Goodbye Brugge, Hello Holland!
After a 3 hour drive (which felt like a minute to me because I slept like a baby), we arrived in the Netherlands, checked into our hotel and went straight to the beach. The North Sea was as grey as the sky but the sand was pristine, the day warm, and the sound of the waves calming. No matter the dull sky, we enjoyed a long barefoot walk down the beach as we talked and searched for shells that we thought would delight Abbie. We dined oceanside on warm soup and then walked through this charming beach town. It was calm and quiet as high season is yet to come. We were grateful for the low season and enjoyed the solitude.

Morning brought the day I have anxiously anticipating…Keukenhof, the tulip fields. I was taken back 30 years ago when I was a student with BYU, studying in Salzburg, Austria. I clearly remembered traveling to Holland in May to see Keukenhof. It was one of the highlights of my Europeon experience and today’s trip did not disappoint. Once again, Keukenhof was a highlight for me. Although not as sunny as the day 30 years ago, it was all that I had hoped for. Dave patiently walked the gardens with me and indulged me as I bought tulip bulbs that will arrive at my home in September. What a great souvenir, one that will remind me of this glorious day for years to come! This way, I will be able to share Keukenhof with all of you (assuming I can get Dave and Connor to help with the planting).

Kermasse Waarshoot

2nd video

Kermasse Waarshoot

1st video of Saturday race.

North Sea - Tulips

Today we drove from Brugge in Belgium to the North Sea Coast in Holland. It feels much different than Belgium. Our hotel is on the coast but the room is the size of our motor home bedroom. Tomorrow we will see the tulip fields in Kukenhof and hope that they will be in bloom. Have seen huge fields of Daffodils that are brilliant yellow.

Nourishment while cycling

This morning I took a beautiful bike ride along the canals. It is so peaceful and charming. After being out about an hour I realized I was hungry. As luck would have it I had a power bar, gu and some sport drink so I knew I could eat, however none of which sounded very appealing. Fortunately I was rescued from anything healthy when I found a Belgian bakery that had fresh apple pastries, loaded with butter. I was able to wash it down with chcolate milk, which tastes just like the hot chocolate. I think tomorrow I will leave the power bars, gu and sport drink at the hotel. DOL

Evidence of Joe

All this time we beleived that Checchio

was italian, yet everwhere we look we see evidence that he is really flemish Maybe his real name is Checchiosteke and he is hiding some deep dark secret about his past. When he tells us he has been going to Florida and Mexico, we now know that he has been traveling across the atlantic to do some tree trimming like that he does on Mount Springs Road.

2nd half of race

Attached is video of Connor racing in the Kermasse Beernam earlier today. There will actually be two posts as the video when combined is too large to submit.

Tour of Flanders - Kermasse Beernam

Today started out with a lot of excitement. First Julie fell on the narrow steps walking out our front door. It is a worn slate and very narrow. She twisted her ankle and went down on her back. She is in pain, but has been a good sport and walked all the way to the Market Place to see the start of the Tour of Flanders. What an event. It was like the Super Bowl with tens of thousands of people jamming the streets behind barricades and cramed into the Market Square. We found a table at a restaurant near the stage and watched from behind as they brought up each team. We then walked to where we could get a view of the entire caravan and peloton of riders. It was all very exciting and to top things off, this afternoon we get to go watch Connor race. I will also be adding some video from yesterdays race in Waarshoot. He was right in it and unfortunately hit a cobblestone and flatted. There are things we can and can't control and getting a flat tire is clearly out of our control. He is a good sport and we were thrilled to see him and his team mates. We are excited he has earned this opportunity and are proud of his efforts. Oh, by the way we sat and drank hot chocolate and ate waffles waiting for the race to start. What a place. Video of Connors race attached

More Photos from Brugge-More of Day 3

This is one of the only Michelangelo pieces outside of Italy!

It is in a church on Market Square. Beautiful!

Canals in Brugge

Oops again, don't know how to cut without redoing all of the uploads.

Daffodils by the Monastary

We rented this 2nd floor flat for 3 days

Brugge, Belgium

More of the Brugge Skyline

Oops, didn't mean to post this twice

Enjoy, we certainly are.

Day 3-Damme & BruggeDay 3-Waking up in DammeDay 3-Waking up in Damme

The Courtyard at our Inn "Verschare"
Dave in front of our home for the night

Day 3-Waking up in Damme
Waking up to the rooster’s call, a brisk morning walk in the cool breeze, listening to the birds chirp gladness of the new found Spring, watching Dave ride down the street on his new “breakaway” bike and enjoying the hourly sound of church bells. Ahhhh the joys of this small town called Damme!

Later this morning we will go to a little town Dave found on his morning ride and finish off this 5 star morning with breakfast. How simple life seems in this sleepy little town. This is a moment to freeze! I am sitting in the sun on the courtyard patio of this charming hotel, writing in my journal, a rare and precious moment indeed! Can’t wait to see how this day unfolds.

Heard from Connor and can't believe that he is complaining about the food. We have had steak, frittes, apple pastries, croissants, choclate, cheeze, and I could keep going. Today I rode to the ocean following canals through the most spectacular countryside. Saw pheasants everywhere and the trails are incredible with no traffic. Tomorrow I hope to ride part of the Tour of Flanders course in the morning (the real race is on Sunday), which is a huge international race with the top teams from around the world. They are setting up for the race now (see video) in the town square. Then we will be off to see Connor race and should be posting later. I would write more but some stroop waffles are in the kitchen waiting for me and I should not make them wait any longer. Love Dad

Day 2-Oostende & Damme

Day 2-Oostende (on the coast & Damme

Dave eating fresh fish from the street vendor


Looking from canal across to cathedral at town square in
Oostende

Oostende

Village of Damme, Belgium
The view on my morning walk




Our day on the coast included:

• a long slow stroll down the pier
• snacking on fresh fish from the open air market
• hot chocolate at the tea house
• window shopping
• walking, walking and more walking
• a tour of the beautiful gothic cathedral
• a drive along the coast to a little village by the name of "Damme" where we spent the night in a charming hotel "Verschare"

All in all, a perfect day! (Even by Dave's standards)

Day 1-Brussels

Day 1-Brussels

The Grand Place

Dad, checking out the chocolates!

Grand Place, Brussels

Mannequin Pis

You can't see the "stream" in this photo

After almost 16 hours traveling, we have finally arrived in
Belgium! The 6 hours in the Chicago airport seemed long but thanks to half an Ambien, I slept well on the 8 hour flight to Belgium. Unfortunately the expired Ambien didn’t do the same trick for dad. Upon arrival, we immediately checked into the Marriott in Brussels, showered and forced ourselves to “hit the town”. We took a bus downtown and boy were we glad we did. The drive would have been harrowing. The bus ride itself was a kin to a taxi ride in Italy with the bus just inches away from the closest car.

We sat down in the Italian Section of Brussels for a bit of oven baked pizza. Who gets pizza when they first arrive in Belgium…but we were starving and couldn’t wait. After sitting for an hour, we felt rejuvenated enough to venture out sightseeing.
We gave ourselves a walking tour. Of course we had to see the "The Mannequin Pis", the famous statue of the “little boy peeing”. They dress him up for different occasions and on this day he was dressed in a smart jacket and looked so professional doing his job!
The streets are lined with chocolate shops galore. We did treat ourselves to a macaroon in one of the bakeries (absolutely delicious) but decided not to eat chocolate for a while due to the addictive qualities of the substance. We’ll let you know the verdict when we finally partake. I am sure it will be tomorrow.
We went to the Grand Place, and wow, was it Grand. This is a full town square of buildings built in the late 1600’s to house the guilds; butchers guild, cabinet makers guild, etc. I will post some photos but they will not do justice to the architecture of this town square. Magnificent!
The window shopping was fun and dinner at La Belle Epoque topped off a perfect day! Oh, did I mention that before dinner, we drove to see "Atomium" an incredible gigantic atom, (probably 20 stories tall) that was a work of art built for the world's fair in 1958. It lights up at night and once again, no photos would do it justice. (I didn't take any because I left the sd card at the hotel in my computer.
Oh by the way, we couldn’t wait until tomorrow to taste some belgian chocolate. We are in trouble now. We will be rolling home in 2 weeks.
We wondered about Connor all day but can see on the family blog that he made it safely.
Hugs and Kisses to all of you. Wish you were here!