This is a late post of a previous rambling I had.  Being sick the last few days, I found myself with a renewed spirit to get back on the saddle and start the roll into the summer that won’t end til the winter.  I have committed myself extrafold to cyclocross this year – I have already ordered up my new frame and fork and my beautiful Kelly will actually be disassembled to use all the SRAM Force stuff on the CX rig.  I’ve enjoyed cyclocross enough that past couple of years that I figured that I’d actually compete this year and not just show up at the race happy to just hang on – but I knew that I’d have to upgrade from my beasty 26 lb. Surly to a more appropriate race rocket.  The riding will now start (seriously) to get the legs wound into shape for the summer months – the 100 milers, the dirty centuries, the 12 hour solo efforts – yeah its going to be bitchin’ this year – but it will be like it always is in the dirt – ridiculously funtastic.  I’m excited to take my little girl out to the forest preserves and have her eyes blown wide open at the beauty of dirt life.  Natural life.I was in Beantown last week Tuesday through Thursday – probably one of the reasons I got this damned fever was because of the amount I walked outside in the rain and cold with little regard to keeping myself warm.  It didn’t bother me – I was just sightwalking and checking out the downtown area.  I had been there previously and remembered parts of it.  While I was walking around I had run into an unfortunate soul seeking some assistance, I don’t like to hand out money so I offered something in trade – food, drink, or smokes – he chose smokes as he pointed out its a good commodity for him.  I walked into the CVS let him point out to a pack of Parliaments and transaction done, we walked outside and he lit up.  We spoke for a good hour – and the inevitable talk of how he came to be in his situation came forth with little effort and it was a natural avenue for his thoughts as I did have a curious look about me as his demeanor was a bit polished for appearing so helpless.  He used to be in college – and he never thought he’d make decisions to make it this way…..college he says – “I had potential”.  ”No, you ‘have’ potential” I said.  He gave me a half smile – I took that as a kind thank you.  He thanked me for the cigs – and off I went went.  Down a lonely wet cobblestoned street off the main square – and there before me a fence full of IRO track bikes and assorted fixies – about 10 of them all locked up in a jigsaw pattern on an iron fence outside of a bar.  I looked in the bar and there the messenger brethren were – with frothy mugs and the half depleted look on their faces of a day spent working, the glint of optimism of a good conversation.  It made me feel good – I continued my walk to the Beantown Tap – and I paid my regard to the Suffolk Law School students.  I had a text conversation with Dave Norton and my wife throughout the evening at the pub – funny conversations on both fronts.  I publicly admit now – that I am not f’ing Matt Damon or Ben Affleck despite my trip to beantown.