This email just in from Lance.

Okay, game on, old man.  I figure it is only fair to give you fair warning that I am coming after you at Black Hills this year.  Beginning today I am laser-focused on the next five weeks of training with the sole intent of besting you by at least one second on September 12.  Don’t let my five mile, 40+ minute run this morning fool ya’; I’m registered and all in, baby.  This is it; the Cutter battle royale that everyone has been waiting for.  My youth, good looks, and smarts vs. your old age…No Excuses!

Remember the recent RAMROD Blues post where I wrote about giving up my active life for a sedentary one. Forget it. Game on now. How many times can a guy take being called “old” in one email?

In actuality, Lance is younger, better looking, and smarter than me, and I’m spending a week in California without my bike right in the middle of the five week-build. The Vegas oddsmakers will no doubt favor Lance, but I’m wiley, and I intend on making him earn the victory.