Hello, MD peeps. No, I have not retired to a nunnery. (As if they'd have me . . . ) I was on vacation in the Outer Banks, and as soon as I returned, my laptop promptly crashed. It's in Computer Hospital right now, so just a quick note from work during my (late) lunch break.

So, you all had much nicer weather here than I did in OBX. The wind is always blowing down there, but it was truly howling for much of our week, and we had quite a bit of rain also. I brought a bike, but didn't ride much -- 10 miles up to the Wright Brothers Memorial, some sightseeing there, 10 miles back; and 25-ish miles another day. I personally think the riding in OBX is dull as dirt, unless you go over to Roanoke Island and then to the mainland, which I didn't get a chance to do this trip.

My left knee was also plaguing me while I was away; it's been bugging me off and on for a few months now. It never actually hurts, and I can't really see much when I look at it, but sometimes it feels weirdly swollen/puffy, and I can't bend my leg all the way. Since I got home Friday night, I've been doing 25-35 mile rides in my 'hood (around the airport, mostly), and I commuted in today (first day back at work), and my knee seems much better. I'm really on the fence about the Civil War Century this Saturday, though; my knee still feels odd when I'm slooooowly grinding a big gear (which is the equivalent of what I'll spend all day in Thurmont doing. ) I'm going to have to wait until very early Saturday morning to decide what to do.

Bob, a visit from the BF gang to the "24 Hours of Booty" ride would be very cool! (I'm jealous that I won't get to go to that Columbia pub with you all, though. ) 24 HOB is a "no alcohol" event, but if someone should happen to sneak me some IPA in an opaque bike water bottle, I'll invoke the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.