Scott is in Iraq

[Trek420]

Lemme see what I've got, might have some Bauhuas history, the famous German school of art that founded so much of modern design was closed by the Nazi govt.

[KnottedYet]

Holding your son in my thoughts, along with my brother (who is also a bike nut).

We usually aren't allowed to know where my brother is, which is nerve-wracking, but he's on a supply ship full of explosives at the moment so it's probably best that is kept secret.

I'm glad you'll get to see your son at Thanksgiving!

[Crankin]

I empathize, Knott. Although we know Scott is at "Fallujah Base," he spends most of his time off the base, interviewing locals for help in locating "bad guys." He is not allowed to tell us anything. On the other hand, I am glad he is no longer the guy whose head is sticking out of the top of a Humvee, with a machine gun.
Of course, I was the mom who allowed no war toys...

[tulip]

Of course, I was the mom who allowed no war toys...

Funny how that works. I have a friend who didn't allow her daughter to play with Barbie dolls; in fact, my friend actively ranted against Barbie at every opportunity. Now her daughter is 15 and is a complete Barbie doll! My friend is beside herself, of course.

Best wishes and thoughts to your family, Robyn. I admire your level head.

[Crankin]

Thanks, Tulip. Your story reminds me of someone I know. Actually, Scott's little girlfriend from pre school in AZ. Her mother is an archeologist, more comfortable slogging about on dig sites than wearing make up or doing anything girly. She never encouraged any girly stuff for her child. I laughed out loud years later when I found out that she (the daughter) was a model all through middle and high school. In fact, when Scott saw her when he was a senior in high school, his comment was, "She's hot, but ditzy."
OK, enough off topic.

[Trek420]

Crankin,

Scott rides? Seems he can run there too:

http://www.competitornorcal.com/feat...ce-series.html

[bmccasland]

My former boss did a stint in Baghdad, as a civilian (Corps of Engineers), and he wrote us about the races they'd have, at that time the civilians could run in typical running gear, but their body guards would run in full battle dress, trading off as the race around the Green Zone would progress. He was humiliated and in total awe at being passed by a woman soldier/guard. Just when you think you're hot stuff, being passed by someone wearing an extra 45 pounds...

[Crankin]

Scott was a Cat 3 racer at age 16. He was the #5 ranked junior in the US for 2 years; he rode for the same team as SheFly. When he did his brief stint at U of A he rode with the team a bit and did several trips up Mt. Lemmon with various pros who live in Tucson.
He didn't ride at all from the time he enlisted in 04 until last winter (07) when he brought his bike to San Diego. He rode a bit with a club, but said they were all my age! It was kind of hard for him to find time to ride, too. Then he went to Virginia for schooling for almost 5 months. We did ride together last summer when he was home and I must say, he is still a flying machine, even on his old Serotta that is sitting in our bike shed. He has been running and swimming since he enlisted (this from the kid who cried through all swimming lessons) and he runs like a 5:45 mile...
I don't know how many of these races are in Fallujah. I think most of them have been on Army bases, not Marines. But, I will definitely tell him about them.
One of the things he noticed when he was riding here last summer was how many more women are riding now, compared to 6-7 years ago. In his words, "Man, all I have to do is sit with my bike in Concord Center and the women just come up and talk to you."
Of course, those are the words of a 23 year old.