Austin is covered with red roses in a field of yellow, polka dot and green - the LAF forces have arrived. Every year, it is like a huge family reunion - thousands strong, who LiveStrong. Even the Omni Hotel folks are wearing yellow 2004 LAF tee shirts instead of their business attire. Move over, cowboys and punk rockers on 6th Street, the Ride for the Roses contingent is movin’ in.

I arrived Thursday night - fought the traffic on I-35 from the airport. It can’t be over ten miles and it took me forever. Its like a Los Angeles freeway commute. The Omni was starting to come alive, so I hung out in the Lounge area and said hello to a bunch of RftR folks. I chatted with a construction guy - trueborn Texan who knows nothing about cycling, but thinks that Lance is the best thing that has ever happened to Texas. He wasn’t a part of the LAF group at all - he just saw my hat and sat down to say Howdy. He told me that he’d never owned any kind of shoes but cowboy boots his whole life.

The Peloton Appreciation dinner was last night, and it was great. About 900 of us got together for a little dinner and other festivities. Good food, good drinks and good people. Bob Roll was the emcee, awards were handed out and then Robin Williams came rippin’ in with his high-speed, manic wit - I love that guy! Sheryl sang and got Lance to join in - he needs to keep his day job on wheels, but he was pretty good! College did a little emcee bit and sounded like a Pro... Bobke, Sheryl, Robin, College and Lance - all great, down-to-earth folks that the crowd obviously loved .

Today is the Expo and then tonight is the Conversation with Lance, so the day is gonna be full. But, for some Postie stuff - congrats to Max for being in the running for the Best Dutch Rider - the Gerrit Schulte Trofee award for the most victories.