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...or Crime Scene Sanibel. Yup, I'm a law breaker. I headed out Sunday morning for a long training ride. The temps were cool (77º and humidity making it feel 82º). But there was some over-cast, minimal breeze and some shadows to ride in.

I was warmed up and hitting my stride as I entered onto Sanibel. Note, the island has no traffic lights and only one four way stop sign -- which I approached, all by myself aside from the four cars turning right into their own lane. So I get to the only 4-way stop, nary a car in sight. I slowed down, hand signaled a stop, then a left and made the turn. Just then some guy yells "Nice stop!" as he turned right in a big 'ol pick up. Great. I spent the next few miles wallowing in my midwestern guilt, recounting the article in Road Bike Weekly I just read how 19% of the cyclist are responsible for the bad blood due to their violation of traffic rules. Make that 19.01% now. Sure, would NASCAR be as interesting if Dale, Jr. had to signal each turn? Or if Mark Martin had to yield to Tony Stewart? Of course not. But I just broke the law, pissed some guy off who will undoubtedly project his anger onto some poor cyclist following he rules. My apologies. I should know better having been pulled over earlier in the year for running a series of Sanibel stop signs. And, yes the cop was on a golf cart but I still contend it was gas powered!

So I continued on, letting the "incident" fade away along with work worries and focused on my goal. I ended at 52 miles and felt pretty good with out having a huge energy deficit. Really the only problem is the heat. I have noted this year my body cannot handle it as well as in years past. As soon as the sun rises higher and the Ma Nature cranks up the thermostat, I begin to fade, despite copious amounts of water, Cytomax and Shot Bloks. Anyway, I did it and I am pleased that my training is staying on course the best it can.

Looking forward to a three-day weekend!

LABstrong,