The accuracy is a little dubious, but the Sitemeter over there on the right went past one million this evening.
It is hard to believe.
I think, all things considered, that we'd all have preferred never to have had to go down this road, but it has been a trip that none of those involved will ever forget.
Everyone here is more or less winding down. There isn't that much news, nor much to say. After all the words, we suspect darned few people have changed their minds about a lot of things since, oh, about mid-August 2006. That's kind of sad, because a lot of information has become available -- but it has mostly been used to reinforce positions that had been pretty well locked in place in an instant.
Our hopes, at this point, are that
- Those with eyes will have learned that the WADA system is not setup to ensure substantive due process.
- Statements by Alphabet-soup organizations will be taken with skepticism similar to that given denials by athletes.
- The final award is made by CAS is be well-supported and logically consistent, unlike the AAA result.
- Subsequent events are perceived to be rational and fair.
We also hope that Floyd Landis and his family can eventually reach peace.
No one can ever say he gave up. Despite all the pressure, he's held his position of innocence since the beginning. He'll have paid all the penalty possible, and he's going to carry forward with that as baggage no matter what the underlying truth.
One step at a time he's had to make decisions, and we hope he feels that most of them were well-advised, well-considered, and well-chosen. There will always be nay-sayers who will point to any number of steps and say, "he shouldn't have done that", probably starting at becoming a professional bike racer. Where do we go now?
For all the complexity of the pro-cycling environment, it remains an exciting, beautiful, and multi-layered sport. Landis has the gift, and it sad not to see him there on the Brasstown Bald, doing it today.
As for TBV, the natural lifespan of this endeavor is probably coming to an end, at least on the daily basis. We started as a lark, to share things between Mr. and Mrs. TBV. We've been variously thrilled, shocked, and horrified at various times to find that anyone else cared.
Thanks to all who have contributed material, commentary, criticism, and support, especially Paula, who has been doing the heavy lifting on the daily posts for a very long time. Ride your bikes, watch the races, and know that life worth living has complexity and challenges. You don't always win, or figure it out, but you should give it your best shot without regret.
For me most of all, love to Mrs. TBV, who has been behind us all the way, even when it has been personally very difficult. As with many other things, we could never have known going in where it would lead.
TBV
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