the state we’re in

My major connection to the Olympics is that I am a big fan of the opening ceremony section where we compare our tracksuits to the other tracksuits. Sometimes I also feel it is necessary to access my hidden emotions of patriotism, of insecure parental attachment, of misplaced community by crying at the advertisements*.

Apart from that, I don’t really watch any specific events although – arguably – four years ago I was not into cycling. I would say that I like the Olympics about an equal amount as Eurovision.

However, I now have a soft spot for Anna Meares and I feel like I could muscle up for some out of timezone watching come gold medal o’clock. But I wouldn’t exactly say that I was the Olympic blogger of choice.

So I was a little surprised to receive this nice email from Sinu Patel asking if I could support an upcoming women’s cycling event in Boise, Idaho which was a lead up event to the Olympic team selection in the US.

I think I could pretty much say Sinu had me at hello because they used the words “I am reaching out to you on behalf of the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport (NAGWS). And I love to be reached out to. I don’t know if Exergy are nice but they don’t seem to make epo so I feel like I can give them some free air time. Green-Edge-AIS are over then, with the Specialized-Lululemon crew, who basically have the only team kit I’ve actually wanted to purchase.

The other complete winning factor is that they are having a (cue ALL CAPS) cycling haiku competition, and you know how hard it is to combine my interests.

SO – IF YOU ARE MY ONE READER WHO HAS EVER COME FROM IDAHO, EVEN IF YOU WERE JUST A SPAMBOT, I HOPE YOU ARE READING.

WHAT – The tour is starting soon in your town. Like, this weekend.

WHERE –  Boise, Idaho. A Town Where I Once Had a Penpal. Remember penpals. Before the internet, we had penfriends.

WHY – This tour will showcase the power and excitement of women’s cycling. Get out and see it. It is same same but different. There is a lot of lycra and bikes and people with special sunglasses. There is quick legs and slower legs. There are people with bike short tan. To be honest though, what there really are are athletes who train hard, ride better and faster than you (Lance Armstrong doesn’t read this blog I am pretty sure) who deserve your kudos and respect for all the hard work that they have put into making their personal skill a credible talent. Once upon a time in the bad old days, they wouldn’t let ladies ride bikes because they would have to show their ankles. Now you’ll see a damn sight more than an ankle. You get Jam Tart, G&D and the whole kit and caboodle.

DID YOU HEAR ME BOISE IDAHO READER?

I hope so.

Please get me a lululemon kit, because THEY DO NOT SELL IT IN AUSTRALIA.

Thank you Idaho Reader, it’s been real.

* This is a result of the incredible amount of “they’ve already won” type language which occurs typically as the young starter is on the blocks. Gets me every time.