Day 1 Day 2 The 2008 MS 150: Day 1, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway Click on any image to see a larger photo in a separate window.

Stonebriar Mall Parking Lot, Frisco, Texas, 5:36 a.m.; the Irish begin to assemble Hoisting the colors of the team   It was COOOLLLDD that morning; long sleeve jerseys were a wise choice The Money Shot-we are ready to RUMMBULLLLL!

Hey El Capitan, you awake yet? Last minute details and trying to stay near the warm engine; nice door magnet Time to get In. The. Zone. 'Just stick behind me, boys and we'll go straight to the front'

What you can't see is that my wife Vera is shivering; it's a cold 50 degrees at dawn and in the shade "May the road run downhill in front of you, may the wind be always at your back"-traditional Irish send-off 86.1 miles and 6 Break Points later....Texas Motor Speedway; it's still not exactly warm; 1:41 p.m. Kinzer hears from some of the troops

Clutchin' on some donated Miller Lite-this is definitely Miller Time Tent decor = Team Spirit; massage therapy awaits as well A good shot of our setup-Tour Bus + Tent= one rockin' good time A view of Tent City-the alcove where we were; visiting would have been easier if the wind hadn't been gusting at 30 mph

Technically, this is the Finish Line for Day 1 A rear view of the Texas Irish tent site; nice McTexLaw flag! More frivolities at the campsite; how would you feel after cycling 86 miles? Meanwhile, on top of the Tour Bus...notice the beads hanging off the sides

Looking down from the Tour Bus, Take 1; what's that garbage barrell full of? Looking down from the Tour Bus, Take 2   Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who's the happiest camper of all? 3:06 p.m.

Whereupon we all went to our hotels or homes, cleaned up, went out for dinner, and immediately went to bed. Well, except for me, because it was time for NASCAR at BRISTOL, BAYBEE! Be sure to check out Day 2