More photos and unexpected opportunity

I have some photos that were taken on-course during last week's race. I figured I'd share them. The Devil Dog Duathlon is looming ahead in 2 weeks. That will be the longest du I will have completed so far. It will be a 5k run, 30k bike, 5k run. The venue is Camp Pendleton which is the Marine Corps base in Oceanside. While I never was stationed there, I've been aboard plenty of times for stuff when I was in the Marines. I will thoroughly enjoy being aboard a military installation again...even if only for a race.

Don called me at work today with an unexpected surprise. He knows a guy named Monty who is affiliated with the LA Tri Series at Bonelli Park. I think this guy goes way back to it's early days. He's also acquaintances with the founder of Quintana Roo bicycle frames. Those that are into the tri scene need no additional explanation. I would be surprised if the brand were strictly a west coast thing. Anyway, next weekend (March 21 & 22) they both will be hosting their annual clinic. Don will be going and invited me along. Presumably because I'm competing and he thinks I would benefit and enjoy such an experience. Apparently there are quite a number of professional cyclists and triathletes that attend and it's a real down to earth event. You eat with these people, can get professional fittings, and basically pick the brains of these athletes in a real casual setting. There are 2 rides I know of that are hosted according to Don. One on Saturday and another on Sunday. One ride is on the TT/Tri bikes since it's a flat ride and the other is a road bike ride similar to what you would encounter if you rode up Palomar Mountain. The AMGEN Tour of California went up Palomar if anyone watched the last stage. In any case, I expect to get two days of good solid riding in with people I would never stand a chance otherwise getting to see, listen to, talk with, much less ride with. I'm sure if there's any fun competition involved I'll find myself quickly spit out the back as I fully expect. It's an experience I can't pass up.