I’m forgoing my normal training log this week in order to write a special note of cycling-based Thanksgiving—real Thanksgiving is better done in the real world, not on the internet—the net is better suited for reconnecting with high school friends and comparing their lives to yours. So it is in the tradition of the tremendously lazy writer that I present this list of bike things I am thankful for, as I am busy starving myself in the lead up to Thanksgiving so I can eat tremendous amounts of traditional foodstuffs.  

Firstly and foremostly, I am thankful that I have not sustained any "spouse-level" injuries this year. Spouse-level injuries are the ones that tempt your significant other into staging an intervention or getting an injunction to keep you from ever touching a bike again. These injuries usually involve an extended hospital stay, extensive rehab and/or death. Needless to say, these injuries can really cut into your riding time.

I’m thankful that everyone who sustained a spouse-level injury is healing up.

I’m thankful that my wife doesn’t know the full retail price of all of my bicycle equipment. 

I’m thankful that my wife may be too busy with Thanksgiving to read my log this week.

I’m thankful no one’s been decapitated for stepping on Cadel Evan’s little dog.

I’m thankful that I can run into a Jeep, land on the hood and ride away without a broken bike or without being dead.

I’m thankful that Mark Cavendish hasn’t undergone any extensive media training yet.

I’m thankful that JV’s sideburns may now be older than some of the U-23 riders he signs.

I am thankful for the look on Gilbert’s face when he attacks.

I am thankful for the looks on everyone else’s faces when Gilbert attacks.

I’m thankful for having large teammates, as I can follow them in high winds.

I’m thankful Chris Castaldi is healing up.

I’m thankful Connor Castaldi is healing up, I will need a high five soon.

I’m thankful that sometimes both tires on a bike go flat.

I’m thankful for excitable cat fours.

I’m thankful that bikes don’t need to be inspected like cars, as mine might not always pass (I emit emissions).

I’m thankful that I only ordered Canadian Viagra off Chuck Coyle’s laptop.

I’m thankful for 99.9% of the drivers who I share the road with.

I’m thankful for not stabbing the .1% that piss me off.