Heading Back To Spain

This scene in Atlanta reminded me of the "Up in the Air" promo photo.

There is nothing "typical" about travel to Europe. But my trip Wednesday into Thursday was pretty smooth.

My new backpack was ready.

I was able to enjoy first class travel on my flight to Atlanta. There, I enjoyed some time in the Delta lounge, something now permitted when traveling on an international ticket. I made a good decision to eat before the flight, as it turned out to be an Air France flight for the trip over the pond. That means three things: no "economy comfort" seating in the first four rows of economy, meals that are not as good as on a Delta flight and a movie/music selection that is not as extensive.

I did enjoy the company of a gentlemen from Annapolis – Mitul – who was on his way to India. A self-proclaimed "idea guy," we had some very interesting conversations. I'm going to keep in touch. And if you see a bike race taking place on the deck of an aircraft carrier or a barge or other large boat, that was originally his idea...

On to the photos:

I ate here last month before my trip to Spain. Couldn't pass it up this time.

Mitul and I posed by this athletic "teamwork" photo at Charles De Galle airport.

It was a very cold morning in Paris. The jetway was absolutely frigid.

Off To Spain

These sure looked nice (and new). Too bad I'm in economy on my eight-hour flight to Europe.

Atlanta – It's "Groundhog Day" in the cycling world. The time of year when everyone ventures off to training camp before the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

For me, this means a flight from Omaha to Atlanta, then on to Paris, and finally to Valencia, Spain. It's a much longer haul than most of the staff and riders (who are mostly exclusively in Europe) have to endure. But it's one I have been making since December of 2010. And for sure, the warm temperatures in Spain will be a nice change from the (sometimes bitter) cold of Omaha.

The south terminal at Eppley Airfield was nearly deserted Saturday afternoon.

I've never heard of this place, but the food was pretty good.

The view from my seat in Delta's Sky Lounge in Atlanta.

Tonight's The Night

This stand in the Atlanta airport was selling Final Four gear this afternoon.

From 64 teams (really 68) to two tonight, I am glad to be back in the United States for the NCAA men's basketball championship. The game is in Atlanta and I happened to fly through the city this afternoon after my original flight was changed. (I was supposed to go through Minneapolis.)

So how are everyone's brackets doing with everything on the line?

Veronica
Championship: Gonzaga vs. Kansas

Olivia
Championship: Ole Miss vs. Kansas

Julia
Championship: Louisville vs. Kansas 
Winner: Louisville

Lauren
Championship: Duke vs. Minnesota

Emily
Championship: Duke vs. Georgetown

Dad
Championship: Louisville vs. Kansas 
Winner: Louisville

"Zahn"
Championship: St. Louis vs. Kansas

It looks like Julia and I are the only two with a chance to win it all, since Louisville is playing Michigan for the championship (at 8:23 p.m. CDT). But we can't leave out Jon – who has Michigan winning over Louisville. (Bridget had Ohio State playing Kansas for the title). Julia told me to "make it sound like he's going down." But that's hard when he picked the two finalists correctly, Julia!

Don't forget to stay tuned in after the post-game ceremony for this year's "One Shining Moment" video. And if you can't stay awake until after 11 o'clock, check out Deadspin's "Dumb Shining Moment" video.