Had a chance, during my flu break today.....

.....to take a look at some pictures of northern California races from this past year. I had a particular interest in the Masters 35+ 1/2/3 category.......probably because of the fact that my chances of racing in that elite group is almost zero. More likely, it's one of the most interesting racing categories out there.....with some interesting racers.

One thing I noticed in all those pictures is that my beloved Campagnolo is alive and well. With the Lance-man hoppin' on a Shimano-equipped Trek.....and much of the mass produced bikes out there covered in Shimano stuff(including my own Trek!), I was happy to see someone other than just the Pros racing on Campy. If you look at some of the pics, I noticed quite a few of those Masters racer studs on the 'Nolo.

I love Campagnolo. When I first started out back in the day, everyone was on Campy. Sure, there was some Shimano and Sun Tour stuff out there. But most everyone was on Campy stuff. And you know.....it rocked! I have a few bikes here that still have the old Campy components on them, and they're still ticking. I even have a Campy Super Record rear derailleur on one of the old mountain bikes - and it puts up with massive abuse......and keeps on shiftin'. And although the new stuff looks pretty hot, I still love that old school Campy. Don't get me wrong - the new stuff is a work of art.

I don't know - part of me feels guilty knowing that my road bike has, what Eric Norris would call, ShimaNO all over it. But another part of me.....well......just doesn't care. But still, every once in awhile, I feel that Campy twinge gettin' to me. It's almost like a reminder - of good old days long gone; a boy and his trusty Campy-equipped Benotto bicycle out on the open road; long rides in horrible weather; epic races; growing up in a racing world few knew about. It was unique. But also very fun....and very memorable.

And so, when I look at those Masters pics today, I smiled - there were Campy bikes all over the place. And, of course, you've got Joe with his Campy tat on his arm. Dude, that's guts.......still not sure I could do that.....but, hmmm......you never know. If I ever get to the Masters 1/2/3 category - yeah, I'd do it. 'Course, I'd be in sort of a contract to ride Campy the rest of my life. But I guess things could be worse - I could have tattoo'd Zeus component group on my arm back in the day!