Mary, yesterday, winning her third National Championship.

It would take a long time to document where Mary McConneloug came from to where she is now. I have been fortunate to witness a good part of it. When she was just starting to race, I saw her sparkle. She was not very fast, but she had something in her heart. I could just sense it. I put her on my team and probably filled her mind with too much minutiae, for a beginning rider. If a teacher ends up learning from their students, Mary has taught me a lot. It's such a gift to have seen a rider go through the entire range of ability levels, like Mary has.

At right, Winning in '06 (in her silver Levitator socks)




Left, sporting the 'Retro D' logo socks at the first World Cup XC in '07

I am so, so proud of her. She's a three time National Champion, now, and an Olympian (the only US womens mtb rider at the games in Athens). Proudly, she has been with DeFeet her whole career. She uses all of our products. Her partner and co-rider on Seven-Kenda is Mike Broderick. He's an all-around stallion, no matter what he's doing. Together, these two have compiled a lifetime of experiences, already.



Mary and Mike Broderick = Formidable Team


Since I'm barking and wagging my tail at the good fortunes of our friends, I'm going to stand on my hind legs and ask for a treat. I made a call a week ago as to what would happen in this Tour de France, and it has been nothing short of SPOT ON. The race is being widdled into a battle between Tinkerbell and Peter Pan. This could well turn into a showdown in the final time trial, a week from now. My call that Boonen was the fast one and would 'get his wins' this year. SPOT ON. Easy call, you say? He's gone years without stage wins. Woof, woof!