FROM THE DESK OF ROMIL DAQUILA: Fall Fitness 2009...

My boss reminded me yesterday that our location would not be open today till 1 pm due to Westerner Days (as far as I know it is Red Deer's own little version of the "Stampede"). I was happy about this because it meant I'd have a free morning and this would be short work week. A short work week means more opportunity to get other things off the ground.

This summer has flown by and fall is really just around the corner. The transition from our wedding through to the campmeeting has practically eaten up the summer. While I took some time to recover, it is now time to get down to business and and really focus on what comes next. I cannot really say anything more on the subject until I have some concrete plans but I'll be sure to do so once I do!

I've been keep track of this year's Tour De France mainly because Lance Armstrong is back racing. I've kept track of Lance's racing career since about 2002. I have a number of books authored by him and others that cover his story. He was one big reason I got back into cycling in back in 2006. During that turbulant year between 2006 and 2007, I must confess that the happiest moments I experienced were on the back of my bike and I gobbled up everything that was Lance.

Lance is doing well and even if he does not win the overall tour I think he will place high in the general classification. That is pretty amazing for a 37 year old rider who has not ridden for 3 years. This year there are others who deserve to win including Alberto Contado and Levi Leipheimer who both ride for Lance's Team Astana. I would be happy to see both do well.

There is a hunger in me that simply wants to be back on the bike and also back on the road of health. I made great strides when I first moved out here last year but a few things have stalled that progress. I believe more than ever, I need to be strong and healthy.