Tuesday, November 18, 2008   For the first days of my arrival, I
was training at one of the local velodromes outside of
Melbourne.  DISC (Darebin International Sports Center) is not
just any local training facility but an indoor 250m!  Yes, these
folks are spoiled and don't even know it.    After a bit of
"negotiating" with the track manager, I somehow managed to have
the track all to myself for 2 days in a row.  Sounds nice,
right?  I suppose I have been spoiled by having the best
training group in Colorado Springs.  Not only do the coaches
provide a supportive and challenging environment but my training
partners provide lots of entertainment.  (thanks Dean and
Blatch!)  Anyway, I figured out quickly how lonely the track can
be.  Luckily I found friends... bowling friends.  Bowling...
Aussie style. Don't laugh!  It is a very serious sport here in
Australia.  So serious that there are uniforms, correct shoes
and hats, lots of cheering, and, no doubt, competition.  This
was their little halftime pep rally.  Oh