Bud thinks he's taken a serious beating in the forums this year. He said on our road ride yesterday. He is a little heavier this season and he has not had the sheer intensity of training that he usually has by this time. Consequently, he cannot beat up on his friends like he's used to.
On yesterday's ride, I was impressed with him. He has actually been training, trying to loose the weight. He has upped his intensity and volume as well. He can now hide his pain and suffering, but you can see it if you know what to look for (Bud: "Gee, those blooming trees look nice..."). Most importanly, he can now pass off on any attempts that I try to stop for pizza or pastries -- a far cry from earlier this season. We did 5 1/2 hours of up-tempo paced riding yesterday with only one stop in New Hope -- I had a big coffee and pecan pie, and Bud just ordered water. It actually felt guilty eating so much when he was passing on the carbo-feast. He is trying, I thought.
Rob set me straight later. Bud is not fasting by staying away from pastries -- he stays away from them because they soak up the effects of the Monster energy drinks and 4 soda's per morning Bud consumes before every ride. Soaks up the Monster...