Austin was on the world stage this past weekend. Formula One arrived at our front door step, and the world watched to see if the United States could somehow find a way to embrace F1. Would Austin be the right place to do so? It is odd to have a “world championship” without having a premiere event in one of the world’s most important markets, yet this was to be the first grand prix on US soil since 2007.

On the Wednesday before the race, former F1 driver (and current BBC commentator) John Watson noted that the Circuit Of The Americas was the first US course deserving of a Formula One race since Watkins Glen.  Hallelujah, John. The last F1 race at Watkins Glen was 1980, so it has been quite some time since F1 has been successful in the US.

Until now.

Austin was ready to step onto the world stage, and Formula One was ready for Austin. It was a match made in F1 heaven.

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Let me start this post by saying that I am a cyclist. But don't think for a moment that I am just going to rant about crappy drivers. It's not that simple for me. I am a motorist as well.

I live on a street that has two northbound lanes and two southbound lanes divided by a median. There is also a very wide, well-marked bike lane northbound and southbound. It is a popular thoroughfare for cyclists riding to and from Austin and San Marcos.

As a motorist, I always try to be aware of cyclists. I have heard too many horror stories over the years, and I do my part to give them the space necessary to ride safely. With that said, as a cyclist I try to be cognizant of a motorist's challenge in seeing us and understanding how we function on the roads.

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This past week was one crazy week. In case you missed it, there was a Presidential election in the United States this week. The voters spoke. 

But with that always comes a day or two of commentary. The winning side is ready to move forward for the next 4 years, and the losing side bemoans it. Sadly, this year seemed to have far more fear-driven commentary in the days post-election. Maybe it’s just because people now discuss their thoughts in the realm of social media, and we all know how the digital world tends to make some far more “verbal” than they would be in real life. Thanks a bunch, Facebook.

Onwards with Episode 53 of the Rhubarb Report.

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I have had many years of guiding athletes through the maze that is injury recovery. I've witnessed not only the physical effects of injury and illness, but also the struggles faced by the athlete mentally and emotionally as they work their way through it.

I've mentored them through the process, offered insights, and advised them regarding the attainment of life balance throughout this challenging time in their lives. I have always seen injury not as a failure, but as an opportunity - to learn from the experience and to put good strategies in place for the future. Through it all, I have gained a deeper understanding of the psyche of the athlete and the fine balance between all the factors required to make it all work.

That is, until I became the athlete in question. It is amazing how when the tables are turned, your head spins with the reality.

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