Rash

Sure, we may see a hike in divorces, but what about all the soon to be COVID-Boomer babies! I am pretty sure not all spouses/couples are applying social distancing to their genitals.

@Craig_D I have no doubt the medical services there are sufficient, especially for injuries since extreme adventure is sort of their calling card, however there is no way their healthcare system is robust enough to handle a rapid spread (none are as we are finding out). They have decent infrastructure, but I would not select CR as a place I want to ride this thing out in.

@KHilgendorf Not an expert (on anything), but I have to imagine that the death rate climbs somewhat rapidly once all the hospitals are full which is what I believe, in large part, the social distancing measures are targeting.

@M_Ware As for Costa Rica, we were there while everything was ramping up here. We weren't plugged in all that much, however most the folks we did encounter were from the US so we occasionally were updated on the hysteria. Locally, towards the end of our week it was dominating their news coverage, however most of it was simply recapping the situations abroad. CR wasn't directly dealing with it, however I have to assume with all the tourists it won't be long.

We are essentially self-quarantining since we returned. In large part due to the fact we had to go through 3 airports to get home and were on pretty full flights for all the legs - don't want to be the reason all our friends/family get sick. We just want to do our part to try to "flatten the curve" even if ultimately we are destined to get it at some point. Additionally, with my wife's health conditions it makes it a little scarier if she were to contract it. School is cancelled and I work from home, so other than having two kids who are tired of each other at this point, it's not a huge hardship for us like it is for others.

I did have to go get groceries/essentials upon our return and was surprised to find empty or nearly empty sections of the stores. Lots of empty shelves. 0 toilet paper or cleaning supplies at Target, Walmart or Costco. This with only 10 confirmed cases state wide.

Many people have suggested we should have stayed in CR. Believe me, once we heard school was cancelled we contemplated it, at least casually. With a good internet connection, I could have just worked from there without issue - especially in light of the time zone similarity. However, the reality is I don't want to get stuck there when it hits under any circumstances, much less with my wife's ongoing treatment.

All that said, once this all clears and it's safe (for everyone) to travel, I highly recommend CR!

He was already informally a member of the team, now it's just official and he can jump into a few races for a hard, motivated ride. Matches up with Ineos' reach into other areas/sports. Seems like a great deal for him and not terrible for Ineos either.

Thanks to everyone here I was able to make a great comment/joke* about all the vending machines being emptied out amid rumors of a takeover by a Canadian company. Not worth repeating, but basically I was able to name numerous items that would soon be included in the restock.

*based solely on my personal level of satisfaction.

on the road shoes v mtn bike shoes - mud is something to consider, but for me it comes down to how much potential is there for having to hike a bike. some races like to include sections that are unrideable or the conditions on the day won't allow for it. I hate walking in road shoes - hate it even more when it's off road/off camber conditions.

The other consideration is technical terrain. if you think you might be pulling your foot a lot due to sketchy sections or tight, crowded turns, that is usually easier in mtn bike shoes - not to mention they provide better traction when you actually touch down. Most gravel rides won't really present these conditions, but something to consider.

@M_Ware Christmas can't really get any better as far as I am concerned! I will get my wish in for next year though that she can finally follow up "still in complete remission" with "and no more chemo". If any of you elves are connected to the big guy, put in a good word for her.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Roosters!

I think the true piece of shit part was already well established by the fact he was testing on his own children.

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