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Wrenchin' in the USA: The Chris Davidson diary 2005
Chris Davidson is a mechanic for Shimano Multi-Service doing neutral tech support at road and mountain bike races..
Chris' diary entries show us what life is like inside the pits and give an insight into the mind of a mechanic.
Winding up for Worlds
Joys of the travelling mechanic
Greetings Cyclingnews readers - Chris Davidson here in the Denver airport on my way to Florence for the Giro di Toscana.
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I'm heading to Tuscany for the Giro this coming week, then Madrid for Road Worlds the following week in support of the US Women's Team. It is going to be great to once again work for a number of riders that I have worked with in the past. I will also be reunited with my friend Ken Whelpdale in Spain; he works for the Gerolsteiner ProTour team and will be the US men's mechanic for Worlds.
The last couple of days have been pretty hectic in preparation for the trip. I've written before about how I'm always a little scared about flying with my tool case. Foreign travel brings another level of complexity and additional concern. For this trip I had to enlist another 'bag' to get the required supplies and equipment across the pond. A little deception perhaps, but I didn't get this idea myself. I use a hard sided golf case to transport the workstand and other supplies that don't fit neatly into other luggage. This method works well in protecting my stuff and does not draw undue attention at airport security. All went smoothly with my 'golf clubs' at the airport check-in today, all except the $127 excess baggage charge. Not all bad considering I got a workstand, bucket, brushes, soap, radios, car decals, umbrella, wash shoes, car wash detailing stuff, floor pump, rags, towels and frame number mounts all inside. And under 70 pounds total. My girlfriend refers to it as the 'coffin'. Regardless, it's pretty effective for the task at hand.
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First stop for me is Frankfurt, then Florence where our swanne for the trip is picking me up. We are staying in Viareggio for the duration of the Italian race - check this site out; the prologue kicks things off on Tuesday night with a quick 1.8km in the heart of Pescia. I've got about 24 hours from my arrival in Italy to get everything ready for the race. It should be fun. The Italian week will be a lot of work, two days of the race have double stages. Lots of logistics and maps to master. I am looking forward to it.
I have to thank a couple of guys that really helped me get everything right for this trip. Both Karl at Pedros and Brett at Ultimate Support have been essential in getting me the things I need for this trip. I am fortunate that I can call on them for help when I need it.
Well the Lufthansa 747 that I am waiting for just pulled up to the gate, so I will report more when I get on the ground in Italy. Talk to you soon-
Chris Davidson
