Happy 5th Anniversary Honey!

Today marks the fifth anniversary of my wife Laurie being being diagnosed with Stage 3A breast cancer. Hitting the five-year mark without a recurrence is a big milestone in the cancer journey. To put it in cycling terms, Laurie is still climbing Alpe d'Huez yet she can do some soft-pedaling today.

While going through treatment Laurie came up with an idea to develop a musical based around her cancer experience. With the help of a very talented creative team* “UNBEATABLE, A Musical Journey” has become a reality. The show has been performed in Phoenix and Cleveland in a workshop/stage reading format. And just this past August, UNBEATABLE performed a showcase in Midtown Manhattan.

Yesterday Laurie and Eric Coble had the honor of speaking at Hiram College about the creative process behind UNBEATABLE. Laurie and I both feel that this is just the beginning of the many exciting things in store for UNBEATABLE and the great opportunities for her and us.

Laurie… You are beautiful, courageous, determined, and have a compassionate heart. Keep the turning the pedals over to your next milestone.


* The UNBEATABLE Creative Team
Laurie Frey - Co-Creator, Producer
Michael Barnard - Co-Creator, Director • Phoenix Theatre
Eric Coble - Book Writer • A fresh voice for the CH-UH School Board
Todd Schroeder - Composer/Lyricist • Todd's MySpace Link
Kevin Fisher - Composer/Lyricist • Kevin's MySpace Link
Journey Projects LLC - Everything about UNBEATABLE and more.
UNBEATABLE's MySpace Page

Nijs vs Wellens (Wonderboy vs Young Nasty Man)

Who will rise above the North East Ohio mucky muck?

Who will be the Wonder Boy... Martin, Evans, Sroka, Ziccardi, Ehrlinger, Marenchin?

Who will be the Young Nasty Man... Marut, Adams, Davis, Domenic, Thor, Burkholder?

Who’s destiny will unfold over the brutal months of autumn to claim the crown as victor over the Hydra of cyclocross.

Wrapped in warmth.

Over the last two days it finally got cool enough in Cleveland to justify wearing the Zank goodies. Every item has been some of my favorite things to bum around in after work or on the weekends. Yet there’s been one article of clothing that’s rose above the rest… the hoodie.

The first time I saw the Zanconato hoodie was when Mike was sporting one at 2006 Cross Nat’s. Overall the quality of the hoodie is top notch. It’s so soft, comfortable, and toasty. It’s like being wrapped in a chocolate chip cookie that’s just come out of the oven.


And for the cool factor, the back features the New Belgium flag. Nothing in the sport of cycling says cyclocross better than the Lion of Flanders.

Even though I might not place well at every cross race this year, I’ll still be in first place at looking good afterwards in the Zank hoodie while drinking Belgium beer and ringing the cowbell.

Blood brothers.

You've just got to appreciate the loyalty between fellow dopers (See Zabel supports Valverde's worlds participation).

Hey Zabel, here’s some friendly advice… Just shut your mouth and be thankful (See Controversy over Zabel nomination) that you’re even going to World’s you EPO injecting dick.