where i first learned about vodka...

back in the mediaphex days, we did work for the HP Women's Challenge (the largest woman's cycling race). i spent my time covering the race shooting from the back of a motorcycle, in ditches and gutters and hanging from high brides and tree limbs.

every year, the racers and their coaches would throw huge hotel room parties after the event's closing ceremonies. the room to be invited to was the Lithuanian's... it was an exclusive party. Rosa and Youlanta were twins (!) and very, very euro-hot (above-left). Dave Yasuda and i were invited up to the room and were greeted by the twins' coach (above-right). he rushed up to me, embraced me and started pouring warm smirnoff down my throat. i forget exactly what happened later (and am still unsure how i ended up back at home). i know that he and i polished off that bottle and most (if not all) of another. neither of us understood the other, but his warmth and affection has (obviously) had a lasting impression on me.

hp cancelled its sponsorship of the women's challenge a few years later and the event was unable to find another sponsor... and was abolished in 2003. i was lucky enough to be a part of it for 3 years, and i miss it and the fabulous women who road in the race terribly.