Good luck in 2008 - i hope you have a brilliant season and show a lot of people exactly how good you are!  It's going to be a big year.

Hi Tom - Thank you so much for making the trip to Chico, California for the annual Chico Velo Cycling Club Holiday party! Everyone thought you rocked!!! Hope to see you out here again soon - and bring your bike - we have hills here!!

Hey Tom...you gave an autographed jersey to my son Jakob (6) who has since passed of cancer....I wanted to send you a thankyou letter from him/ pics in the jersey, as well as one of my Spokelet bracelets(which raise money for childrens cancer)....If there is a way to contact you or send you these things please get back to me..and thank you again...JEFF 

Hi Tom!

It was great seeing you at the reunion.  Now that you are famous, how much could I get for some old pics?!  Just kidding!

I wish you continued sucess! 

Hi Tom!

While I was unable to ride yesterday, I was there in the audience with my son for your talk. It was great! Very inspiring and from the heart! You have overcome so much to this point in time, but as you said, it has only made you stronger and prepared you for this moment in your life....

While I won't speak for everyone, I hope you felt the love and support for you yesterday!  Everyone there appreciated you sharing your time. All of us in eastern CT wish you the best in 08 and beyond!  Go get it!  Best of luck!

-Al Lyma

Tommy D

Yo what's happening?  On behalf of the Fort Lewis Cycling Alumni, we'd like to see you bring back the online chat...we could call it Sqwuak Talk!!!

Where can I get those white Nike shoes?

Tom, this is your year!!!  I am a huge fan of yours and I hope to see you break out and dominate this year with your new team!!  YOUR ROCK!

Hi guys.  Wish we could have got together for more Halloween dress-up...  :-P  Tom, can't wait to see what happens this next year.  We're your biggest fans!

hi tom,
can you please tell me shortly, what do you need to get up to the pro's level?and what does it take to make this big step?
i am moving now into junior's and i am racing in europe, and in israel the junior's race with the U23 and the adults.
can you please tell me what is your opinion?
thank you very much!
Amos

Tom and Kristin-
Thanks for taking the time to swing by BISSELL this weekend and spend some time with the GR cycling community. I still can't believe I had the chance to ride with you guys, especially on your first outdoor ride since surgery. Best of luck in 2008 with Slipstream.

Hi Tom,

I just opened up the latest issue of Pro Cycling and I saw your column. I noticed we are wearing the same sling. I rubbed a curb and got ejected on a training ride. Wee I can fly!! Stage 4 AC joint separation. ouch.
It sounds like we had the same surgery. I'm at the 6 week mark also and my new SWorks frame came in so I'm starting to get back out there.
Good luck with the new team.
I'm looking forward to seeing you on Versus next season.

AD. 

Tom,
Thanks for the autograph you gave me at Stage 1 of the TDG! I have it framed in my room with your Race 2 Replace poster next to it!
I was really hoping to see great results in the Vuelta from you as I know what a great rider you are. But bad luck found you, keep your head up and I look forward to seeing you on Slipstream I know you will do great!

Sincerely,
Alex Spook, 15

Happy Anniversary Tom and Kristin!
Pack a lunch and go on a ride!

The "Go Fast" Durango BMXers

Hey Tom!  Nice to see how well you're doing.  The 10 year ELHS reunion is approaching.  Will we be seeing you?  Bring your "Kenvy".

Cheering for your 2008 comeback!!!  Get well and get back out on the bike!!!

Tom & Kristin,
Hope you are recovering well. I just returned to the bike yesterday after a truck hit me while out training. Multiple fractures including my left scapula. It took me off the bike for 8 weeks. I completely understand the frustration of having such an injury but things get better. Yesterday I felt the pure, sweet joy of riding my bike outside again. I'm sure you will feel it sooner rather than later. One thing that has gotten me through it knowing that all great champions have faced the worst before they shown their best. I hope its the same for you as I it will be for me.

Cheers,
Matthew
http://matthewbarrowclough.blogspot.com

Tom and Kristin,

Thank you for the updates on Tom's condition.  My work is focused on cancer survivorship research, so I have always marveled at the ability of some to take their tremendous adversity and use it in some positive way (some as motivation, inspiration, character change, focus, etc).  I have no idea why this year has turned out the way it has for both of you, but I firmly believe that no matter what the outcome of the 2008 racing season is (and I have high hopes for you both), there will be a lot of good that will come to you as a result of your resolve.  Thank you so much for keeping us updated and informed.  Best wishes to you both for a speedy and full recovery.

Have a great weekend,

Christina

Tom-Hello from the USS Abraham Lincoln! Glad to hear your surgery went well. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and a injury free season next year! I also enjoy reading Kristin's articles. Thanks Kristin!

Tom,
Once next year starts on Slipstream, I know you are going to have a really cool website incorporating plenty of argyle!

Hey Tom,
From reading about your health it makes me ask this question, "are you repopulating your gut"?  With the stomach problems and now with surgery(I'm assuming that they've given you antibiotics), are you taking supplements to repopulate the good bacteria in your gut?  I was a very active and healthy person and two years of antibiotics and some other things really screwed up my health.  Would hate to see you get worse.
A caring fan,
Jeff

Tom,

The shoulder may hurt but you can still flyfish. I may be coming to Durango and would be happy to show you. I could be coming to visit with Rick, (my coach), for some structural analysis.

tcr@ccrgroup.net

It can actually be a good rehab exersize.

Get well and look forward to 2008 - it should be a big year for you, best of luck, you rock...

Tom: Matt sent me your Wikipedia entry and I followed it to here. We send all our best wishes for a speedy recovery! We chat with your Mom from time to time and she and your Dad are mighty proud of you (bet you already knew that).
Scott & Rhonda Daniels (your neighbors)

Hope the surgery went well.  Have a nice offseason and speedy recovery. I'm looking forward to seeing you on the road at the Tour of California

Tom, good luck with your recovery from surgery. You have many fans here in Georgia, and we salute you with a cup of Brasstown Bald Blend!

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

I was really excited that you finally were healthy and getting to race the Vuelta.  So I really felt for you when you crashed. 

Here's to a speedy recovery and a better 2008 with Slipstream.

Heal up and crank it soon Tom!  All the best for you and the new squad. 

Tom, let this light your fire for the new squad next year.  I know you are destined for greatness and we will see you better than ever next year.  I will be watching again on Brasstown in April.  I'm sure I'll see you at the front of the field.

Hi Tom, saw you and Kristin heading out on a hike today, glad to see you are up and about. Hope the surgery goes well and that you heal fast. Good luck with the new team!

I wanted to cry when I heard about your crash.  At the start of this season, I said to myself, Tom is going to really have a great year.  This is the year.  Despite all the difficulties, I still believe it is. I thing sometimes we learn more about ourselves and what we are capable when things don't go the way we have planned. This year will no doubt make you a stronger person and a stronger cyclist than you have ever dreamed. I know it seems hard to fathom now, but soon Tom.  Soon.

Tom and Kristin,

I just wanted to write ( like many others have-- I was scanning through the guestbook ) and let you know how that you both have a ton of fans.

Your efforts on the bike, and smiles off it,  translate to everyone. And Slipstream is an awesome move--don't change the argyle.

Sorry about the crash and injury. Its tough to say you'll come back stronger--but a ton of people think you will. You'll win lots more.

Oh, and love the coffee.

Tom - Hope your recovery goes as well as possible.  Possibly the only person more bummed about the crash than you and Kristin was me.  I sat and stared at the computer screen hoping the next update was a correction as to what happened.  Take care of yourself and let it be known you have a TON of people waiting for your return!!  Best wishes, Joel

Well this has been a year with many bumps in the road for you . . . remember that the bumps that we pass over only help to build our character and make us stronger.  We know that next year will be a fantastic one for you . . . and as always we'll be cheering you on as you ride for you new team.  We're sure you will be on your trainer and back on the road again soon.  We'll be looking forward to cheering for you in the Tour of California and any other race that you are in . . .  Have a speedy and healthy recovery!!!!  Please tell your wife we enjoy her messages and hope that she has fully recovered from her injury.

Tom, keep positive.

Hope your surgery goes well and that your training resumes soon.  This is going to show how tough and really talented you are, and I'm looking forward to seeing this play out in '08.

Hey Tom,

I could not believe it, when I saw you where in the crash today... after all the bad luck you already had this year, you get this on top of it... well this can only mean 1 thing... you will have a blast of a season next year...

Take care keer your spirits up
I hope your recovery goes well!!!

Best wishes
Lore

What a shit year 2007! Good luck at Slipstream 2008:-)

Glad to hear you're joining Slipstream.

Hey! You´re the best Tom. I hope you can do the best Tour of Spain ever and win the overall!! Even I´m not American I wanna you to win.

Yes!!!!!!! Go Argyle. I am super stoked you signed with Slipstream. What a perfect fit. I look forward to to a great healthy new season with the new American powerhouse.

Hey, Tom! It was nice to meet you yesterday, thanks again for the autograph! You’re awesome!!! Hope you'll do fine at the TT tomorrow!! Good luck at the Vuelta and all the best for the future!!
Veronika

Good to hear/see you riding again!! Good luck in Germany and Spain.
Erik

i am glad you have recovered. go for vuelta

GO TOM!!!! I am so glad you are feeling better.  I was shocked to see that you were not in the Giro which lead me to your site and your FORMER health issues.  Go get the Vuelta!

Dear Tom,
Just go to the Vuelta and attack!  The speed at which you passed me on Mt. Evans this year was the most impressive and humbling experience of my riding career.  Who's going to be able to stay with you in Spain?  No one.  You're ready to light up Europe.

My names is Julien, I am french, I am with you for the turn of Germany and the vuelta, I hope that you the form will have!! You are my preferred cyclist!

GO GO GO TOM !!!!!

Good to hear you're feeling better Tom. I picked up the same thing in Nepal and had it for a few months and felt as weak as a kitten - can't believe it wasn't diagnosed for so long! You must feel like a million bucks now.

Glad to hear you're going to be at San Sebastian.  PJ says you are motivated.  Kick some butt!  

Tom-
Glad to hear you're "fixed".  I suffered through the same illness for 4 months after visiting India last year... and cannot believe you had it for years.  It made cyclocross and xc ski racing a real challenge for me.  My girlfriend says she feels Kristin's pain... living with a person infected with Giardia is hell!  Make sure you stay away from the milk products now...JT

Glad to hear you're feeling better Tom and congratulations on Mt Evans! Great to see the pics and brings back memories of when I did it in 2004. All the best!

Is it time yet?  Waiting on pins and needles to see you back on the bike.  Good luck tomorrow!

Hi Tom,
Rosemarie, Maria and I are really glad that you are feeling well and performed so well in your recent hill climb. Keep up the great work. Please give our best to Kristin. We hope to see you in Tucson.
The Hanelins

Hello Tom,
I just wanted to drop you and Kristin a line to tell you how proud Troy and I are of the both of you: not only because you chose to race at Fort Lewis College, but that you are committed to racing and continue to represent  Durango and the sport with such integrity. I met you years ago through Rick and watched you both race here in Durango. Troy and I both want you to know that you have fulfilled our wildest dreams of what we thought cycling could be at Fort Lewis. We faithfully follow your careers and count you both as the reason that in the early 1990's we drove our selves to exhaustion to develop the college team here in Durango and asked Rick Crawford to help us mold a system that would produce champions. Thank you for your  work ethic and honesty on your website. When you ride the Tour for the first time, we will be the two old geeks wearing FLC jersey's screaming at the top of our lungs all along the way.   Please accept our heart-felt support in what ever you and your wife do!  Best Regards, Carmen Dille-Hachmann and Troy Hachmann.

Tom:
You are a class act!  To see you at the switchback just below treeline on Mt. Evans 2 hours after you had won the race, and cheering on us mere cycling mortals was just plain cool.  I did a double-take and then shook your hand as I went by and had a smile on my face for the rest of the race.  Congratulations on your win and stay healthy......Thanks for the lift,
Paul Jensen

Hey Tom hope your recovering well.  I just signed up to sponsor you for the livestrong miles challenge, so be sure to take a lot of my cash in the Veulta.  Next year will finally be the year for you to make/be available for the Tour team.  I think an Alps stage win is in your near future......
Regards,
Mongoose

Tom,
After you are done with your big-gun antibiotic treatments, be sure to take plenty of probiotics for your GI tract.  Antibiotics kill many of the good bacteria in your GI tract as they get rid of the bad.  This can effect your overall immunity and health.  I'm glad to see you are coming back to form.  I hope to see you riding in the Tour de France next year!  We are all pulling for you!

Good luck with your recovery-hope to see you on the podium in Paris in the next couple of years.

Congratulations on winning at Mt. Evans!  So glad you are back on the bike and doing well.

Congrats on Mt. Evans! 

Part of becoming the best is developing the instincts of a Badger, a Killer, a Boss or a Cannibal, and knowing when to trust those instincts.  You knew to come to Colorado, your team challenged, and you stuck. You were right.  You win, your team wins, and your fans are excited. Now get your poker-face on, let your bike do the talking, and show them how fast you can climb a podium.

Tom, I really am sorry that you are not in this years Tour de France.  I was looking forward to watching you climb the mountains in France this year in helping Levi win the tour.  You are an outstanding teammate and I know Discovery will miss your spirit and sense of team!  I wonder if you would consider racing for a team that will support you in the future?

Tom and Christen,
Wishing you both a speedy return to full health.  Tom you're an inspiration to me and I sincerely hope to see you at the top of the podium of at least one of the Grand Tours in the near future.  Christen, thanks for the heartfelt diary entries!!
Everything happens for a reason, and in the end, everything happens for the best.  I have no doubt you'll both come back stronger and better than before.
All the best,
John
ps any idea why the official Team Disco site is no longer kept up-to-date?

Tom, good to hear it's going better. Good luck in the rest of the season. Maybe some good results again in Spain?
Cheers,
Erik

Tom,
Forget China or Maylasia, don't drink the water at your favorite fishing hole!  No more mountain stream water for you buddy.  Let's stick to the tap or bottle version.  Giardia has totally taken over the Sierra's, so I'm sure the Rockies aren't any different.  We may have better doctors here in the US, but we have the same bad bugs.  Good luck with your road to recovery.

From your biggest fan from CT!  Its good to see your getting better, you also made it in the local newspaper "The Day" !! Before you know it you will be back on fine form.  Hopefully well see you in the Vuelta!

Hope to see you @ Mt. Evans....you could do the Citizens ride....Ha

Any chance you could do Mt. Evans as a warm-up, before your next big race?

Best of luck Tom. I'm glad to read you are feeling better and I look forward to seeing you back in the peloton soon.

Tom,  I hope you and your wife are back to good health soon.  I'm glad you stuck up for yourself and got the treatment you needed in the states.  Your health is your career, and don't let anyone jeopardise it even if it your employer.  Kick some butt in the Valuta.

Hey Tom,
I am so glad you are feeling better.  I have missed seeing you at the Tour De France coverage and on the Paceline pictures.   I was so excited that you were going to be on the tour team this year.  I know that has been a dream of yours for a while.   But,  you just have to look at it like there is a reason for everything. 
I look forward to seeing you at the Tour of Missouri.  I am sure you will be back in excellent shape and gunning for the victory there. 
God Bless and continue to heal totally. I Wish a speedy recovery for Kristen to.  That really sucks for her also.   I am recovering as well with shoulder surgery back in May.  I haven't been on the bike for 2 1/2 months,  and I am really getting depressed cause I can't ride and this time of year is when I turn into a animal with the Tour going on and riding.  So as least you are back on the bike.  I can't even get on my trainer yet, and I am going crazy.

Your Team Discovery/Paceline fan.  I am the lady that was hanging around the discovery bus alot at the Tour of GA in the Discovery Jersey/ Vest and you signed my vest.  That was awesome, Thanks a bunch.
If you are ever training in Ga, my husband and I have an open door and I am a Sports Massage Therapist. 

Good Luck geting back to full speed.
May the wind be your sail at your back.

God Bless
Lisa Millslagle

Kristin and Tom, I hope both of you get well soon and back on the roads.  Kristin, thank you for the wonderful updates and the great articles.

Thanks for the update Kristin.  So sorry to hear that you are now the one in need of care.  I am glad to hear that Tom is getting much better.  What a relief it must be to know exactly what was going on (I'd imagine not knowing would add a whole additional layer to the suffering).  I hope you both get well soon and are back on the road soon.

I'm so sorry to hear Kristen has suffered a setback as well.  I believe the tremendous resolve you both have will no doubt bring you both back, stronger than ever.
I wish you both nothing but the best!

Tom,
Get well soon so you  don't get passed by a couple of girls and can ride that last hill into town!!!!!
On the road....

Tom,

I turned on the Tour de France today hoping to see you at front of the pack. When I didn't see you, I knew something was up.

I'm so sorry to hear about the illness. It sounds like you are doing better, and I know you'll be driven to get back there next year.

Keep up the strong work!

Jeff

Hey Kristin!
great write up on your page...well done. There are many fans of Tom out here that know he will be back very soon. heal quick Tom, and then give them hell!

Tom,
The measure of a man is how he stands up to misfortune. Hang in there buddy.

Dear Tom and Kristin,
This year was not how I pictured it, as I was AMPED & READY to suit up in Fort Lewis College TD colors and bring the Rocky Mt. Mojo to the TdFrance and fuel your hill climbing fire.
Permitting you regain control of your health Tom, turn this out to be your best season  by getting stable, fresh and conditioned to best your TdVuelta record. The champions I respect most are like you, hill climbing / time trial extraordinairs. You have made great progressions from excellence and your future is bright! You are my greatest hope and I look forward to see you back in action come August. I'm glad your back home addressing your health. Be sure to not let the power antibiotics wipe out your healthy digestive bacteria by eating yogurts and etc. Thanks for including my misfit pix and more from the Amgen Tour on your web site. Also, I had constructed a new custom TD Fort Lewis College bike jersey in preparation for you and your mascot at the TdFrance.
Would it be possible to send you one? If so what size are you (shirt and bibs) and where should I send them? I wish the both of you rapid recovery!
See you in Cali or Georgia! Best Regards
Your Rocky Mountain Fightin Elk

Good luck in your ongoing career, dude.  I hope that despite the brutal business side to the sport - you guys seem to be treated like meat if you aren't winning races - you are enjoying your rides.  I'm going to Durango/Silverton next weekend and how can one not enjoy the epic mountains in your neck of the woods?!?

TD - Sorry to hear about the illness and no TdF this year.  However, I have a feeling you'll be a fixture in France come July for years to come.   And you'll be putting all challengers in a world of hurt with all of your pent up desire.  Hope u r able to kick this bug and ride the Vuelta this year.  Best of luck! Ciao,
Jon

Get well Tom!  We're all pulling for you!

Tom - your illness is very similar to what my son is experiencing. It Started with a slow down of his digestive system. After almost 2 years - it finally looks like it is Lymes disease. Get tested - if you catch it early you will recover quickly.
Good Luck

Hi Tom,
Have you considered seeing the doctor George went to when he had stomach problems?  Just a thought.  Wishing you health so you can get back to what you love (and what we love watching you do).

We are so sorry to see that you won't be in the TDF. We were so looking forward to rooting you on--as others have mentioned.
We know that you'll be rocking soon.
Go Vueleta!!!
Take care.

Tom,

Sorry to hear that you wouldn't be able to be a part of this year's Tour de France team.  Hope that you've been able to get over the stomach virus, and are make the podium in the Vuelta. 

Keep up the great work!!

With warm regards,
Steve

Hope you start to feel better soon. I know what it means to be sick and it seems that know one can help. Hang in there you will get better.

Tom,
You are my favorite rider, and I know that you will get your's. The podium at the Vuelta and Dominate 08. You kick ass!!!!!!!

Tom, I was really disappointed that you miss the selection for the TDF! However, anger works for me and I'd love to see you show up at the Vuelta with a chip on your shoulder the size of Pikes Peak! Remember, "I'm not riding this year just to sit-in". Go kick some ASS! :)

TD hang in there, be patient, rest and get better. Always tough when waiting on people to "Practice" medicine, but eventually help will be on it's way. The ride to the top is always sweeter after ridding to the depths of the valleys. Better days ARE ahead for someone like you.

 "DON'T PANIC!"-Douglas Adams

Hey Kristin,

I am sorry that Tom won't be there at the Tour. I was looking forward to cheering him on. Oh well...

Things will get better and I am sure Tom will get his change. Maybe... next year he can be a 'Leader' for the team at the Tour? :)

Get well soon! That's the most important thing....

Hey Tom,
So sad you are not riding in the TDF, but you need to get better!  Met you at the TOC when you guys arrived in San Luis Obispo.  Get well soon!

Nooooo! I can't believe my man TD is going to miss the TDF. I was so looking forward to you dropping the hammer up the mountains of France. I hope you get well soon, and prove what Disco left behind during the Tour.

Just a short note to let you know that all of CT wishes you the best. Hope you are feeling better soon.....    Dan

Damn!    I was soooo waiting to watch you rip the Alps & the Pyrenees as you have done on our own Colorado roads:(   But not so much as you were I expect.   But this way you can smoke the Spanish on their own hills in September!  Best wishes.  Rememeber, green chile kills any thing bad that may live in the stomach:)

So sorry to hear about your illness.  I'm also disappointed not to see you in action at the Tdf.  I believe things happen for a reason.  Next season could very well be your season! 

Please don't lose heart over this setback.  There are still plenty of races to win!  I look forward to seeing you in action at next year's TdF.

Dear Tom:
So sorry you are sick!  I hope they find if it's Giardia or something else treatable and you are back to 100% soon!  You are such a sweet guy and such an inspiration working to put in programs for young USA cyclists!

I just heard you are going to race in Missouri.  OMG...I'm starting to roll out the red carpet right now... Woo hoo!

hallo tom,
im sorry to hear from your illness and that you do not come to the tour. your vuelta jersey which you signed at home for me is hanging in a big frame in my office. mike did a great job. are you coming back to europe this year and do we have the chance to ride for a day together in germany, france, cc. on the weekend i will race the in wiesbaden germany german masters. mike has all my contact datas stay in touch hasta luego

Hey Tom, I check the page every day to see when your back in action. Take your time getting healthy, so that you can come back strong.

TD-You're back in Durango...the best place to get healthy and get your strength back.  You'll be at 100% before you know it and this will just be a really bad dream!

Thanks for the update Kristin.  I have no doubt that your support is a huge motivation for Tom.  Tom, I am a huge fan and know that despite the setbacks you have suffered this year, there will come a time when you can showcase all the hard work you have put in.

Best of luck on a speedy recovery!!

Thanks to Kristin for posting an update on your condition. I've been checking the website every day since you left the Dauphine for the latest. I'm glad to hear you're coming home for much needed medical condition. 

I'm a diehard TD fan and have been critical of the team's lack of support for you in the past and am even more so now that I've read Kristin's take on the situation. 

My thoughts and prayers are with you. You are amazing!  Get well and come back to fight the good fight!!

Tom,

Just wanted to offer a word of encouragement and support.  Keep fighting the good fight and things will work out. 

I'm a big fan and can't wait for you to get back on the road.  Though I'm admittedly a cycling novice, I perceive that you have a great deal of talent that is waiting to burst out.

I have been disappointed in Discovery's support of your efforts - especially last year when you had one bad day in the Vuelta.  You can't find out about the heart of a Champion (Armstrong/Landis) until you have enough faith in the athelete to let him show you his heart.

I hope they have some faith in you old boy!  Give 'em hell!

Hey Tom,
Everybody gets sick it happens..   You are a great rider on the best team in the world.    The sky is the limit for your potential..   Get healthy and you will be kicking butt again soon    

Tom, I'm devestated you cant ride this year.  I was so much looking forward to cheering you on via the TV.  God Bless, and I hope you get well soon!