Tubulars, Mufflers, and Stuart

So I have had a good few days. I glued my own tubular on with no one elses help and wouldn't you know it I succeeded. Bet I had a few people who never thought I could do that. Second, I took my car into Tuffy yesterday and today received a brand new exhaust, the price was steep though, nothing. It was under warranty. Last I had a run-in with "Stuart" and he brought me a book from his bookstore, which was "600 tips for better cycling". He also mentioned he had looked me up on the internet and I was a little creeped out, but it did feel good saying he was impressed. Lastly, I received an email today from a student who wants to be a sports psychologist and he wanted to pick my brain a bit. Here are the emails contents.

Hi my name is Ben Devries and I am pursuing a career in sports psychology. I was asked to pick an elite athlete who is relatively new to a sport and want to see what drives athletes to suffer and why they are pursuing certain goals. I picked you because I knew your name and I am a big cycling fan and I always see you around Kalamazoo riding. Anyways I hope I receive a reply and I thank you for your time.

1. Why did you get involved in the sport?
I started with the whole Lance craze to be honest. I was sick of running and realized I was not very good at it so i gave cycling a shot and I am happy I did.
2. Who or what challenges you to perform at a higher level?
I challenge myself everyday to do something that I consider worthy. I have had ups and downs like every athlete or person, but you will always remember the ups more than the downs.
3. What is your mindset before a race?
In the past it was go out and have fun, lately though it has been all focus, focus on maintaining good position and not riding stupid.
4. What would you say is your biggest asset?
Aggressiveness. Sometimes it plays against me, but i would rather try because that one time it works it will feel so good after it is said and done.
5. What would you say is you biggest flaw?
I tend to care way too much no matter what I do. I am a very giving person and can go overboard, but I am working on that.
6. What is your average training week?
Really depends on the race, I try to focus on things and play races out in my head. When you know the courses everything is easier to consider. But I train hard and I train a lot!!!
7. What would be your ultimate goal in your sport?
I would like to say racing up one of the giants of cycling. Ventoux, Galibier, Motirollo, and seeing everyone around me suffering because that is what its all about.
8. Do you consider yourself to be a confident person?
I have my doubts about myself, sometimes daily, but I have realized I have a lot more to offer as a cyclist than being a champion. I am confident that I am taking the necessary steps to better myself everyday.
9. Do you ever race against anyone who "scares" you?
I used to be scared of some guys, but now I realize everyone is human and no one can do anything I can't do, well sort of. But no I am not scared of a bike race or anyone there.
10. Would you ever resort to cheating to acheive a goal?
HELL NO, I do not cheat. I hate people who cheat. Anyone who cheats has a lot to hide, or they are not truly happy with who they are.
11. Finally, what truly drives you?
What drives me is my urge to be better, better than the day before better than the last minute even. I used to get complacent when I was running. I found with cycling that you can never be the best unless you are willing to sacrifice a lot, sometimes everything you hold very close. So what drives me, knowing that when I am not out training that someone else is and I am losing out because they are getting better!

Any other questions that you have Ben I would be glad to answer.

I am talking to Chris Boer currently and he says the Tour is gonna suck, but I want to read it for myself, but I hear Jan, Basso, Mancebo and a host of many prolific names are out of the Tour. WOW!!! Go take it Floyd!!! OUT!