Here's (exactly) What (the hell) Happened:

Starting Tuesday morning I:

• flew out to minnesota
• raced in the prologue
• did pretty well!
• raced in the st. paul crit
• got jettisoned out the back so fast it made my head spin!
• did not make the cut for the next day
• how the hell did that happen? 
• well the course was pretty tight
• and I am still a little frazzled from my crashes at mt. hood
• but I was one of only three guys not to make the cut
• ouch
• you suck
• wallowed in self pity
• "I'm not a bike racer -- I'm just a SHAM, pretending to be a bike racer!"
• drank a few beers
• felt awesome
• realized the elkhorn classic hadn't started yet
• made a flurry of phone calls (team manager, elkhorn-bound teammates, etc.)
• made a flurry of internet arrangements (rebooking tickets, checking elkhorn rosters, etc.)
• crossed my fingers that they'd let me into the race
• flew out to seattle
• got picked up by the team van and drove to Baker City
• begged and pleaded that I be added to the roster
• raced the road race
• got third!
• raced the time trial
• got fourth!

And that pretty much brings us up to speed.