Ok, I didn't go to bed and read. I decided to check several local friends blogs and see what the gang has been up to. Well much to my surprise I think they have been all out riding every stinking hot day because they ALL (except Sarah) seems to have the "Syndrome".
Note to my blog-slacking-friends.... y'all stop lurking on my blog and reading every detail of my boring life and update yours. I won't call names but y'all know who you are! Yeah, I love y'all too, blah blah blah....
Note to Sarah: DO GOOD in Leakville. You've trained hard... this ride is yours my friend!
Life is good...especially when you update your stinkin' blog HA!!!
Showing posts with label bike. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bike. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Thanks DWonn
DWonn is an Ironman... a local guy.. big heart, big smile, everyone loves him.
So why am I thanking him? Because he is a great POSITIVE influence.
He had a little trouble on his last Ironman and I read where someone made a comment something like, "All that training and then this happens. Got to be disappointed." You know what his answer was? "Not at all. I got in great shape and trained with some outstanding people and made a lot of new friends" Ok, it's not a quote but it is the idea and it was something like that. He says, and this is a quote, "All rides are good!"
There is one other piece I picked up from him. He was training and once sent out an email about, "I will not be drafting today. It's an all effort ride." I've used that the passed two Saturday's now. Oh trust me I draft with the best of them and why not but if you are going to train then it needs to be you either doing the pulling for the group or grabbing a solo ride. David has me thinking different these days.
Thanks David... I appreciate you!
I got in a 42 miler today and it was a good ride! I rode the river then out to the farmlands and tried to get lost so I would have to ride until I found my way back. It's a way to make myself ride more miles. Crazy, I know! I didn't stop until I got back around the bike rental shop. It was a continuous effort ride until that. After I stopped for a moment I started heading back to the car at the soccer fields in Burns Park but suddenly I turned and found myself climbing Ft Roots. It wasn't a fast climb or my best by any means but it was a good climb after the farmlands.
By the time I got back to the car it was around 10 and man oh man were there a LOT of people on the trail. Lots of bikes...lots! I waved and said howdy to folks along the way. It's funny how when my friends put on helmets and shades they all look alike.
The rest of the day was spent out in the heat working on my house. My grass is growing! We cut that tree down in the front and the wave petunias have gone insane... growing everywhere and really looking nice. I go over to the lock and dam and get unwashed river sand and pour it lightly in my yard and the grass loves it! Free sand! But don't get it for your kids sandbox like I did years and years ago. It's so fine that you never get it all off the kiddos.
Got a couple of new tunes added to my training Ipod play list... Green Grass and High Tides by the Outlaws. I loved this song in high school and it's still a great tune.
Life is good,,, hey it's the weekend!
So why am I thanking him? Because he is a great POSITIVE influence.
He had a little trouble on his last Ironman and I read where someone made a comment something like, "All that training and then this happens. Got to be disappointed." You know what his answer was? "Not at all. I got in great shape and trained with some outstanding people and made a lot of new friends" Ok, it's not a quote but it is the idea and it was something like that. He says, and this is a quote, "All rides are good!"
There is one other piece I picked up from him. He was training and once sent out an email about, "I will not be drafting today. It's an all effort ride." I've used that the passed two Saturday's now. Oh trust me I draft with the best of them and why not but if you are going to train then it needs to be you either doing the pulling for the group or grabbing a solo ride. David has me thinking different these days.
Thanks David... I appreciate you!
I got in a 42 miler today and it was a good ride! I rode the river then out to the farmlands and tried to get lost so I would have to ride until I found my way back. It's a way to make myself ride more miles. Crazy, I know! I didn't stop until I got back around the bike rental shop. It was a continuous effort ride until that. After I stopped for a moment I started heading back to the car at the soccer fields in Burns Park but suddenly I turned and found myself climbing Ft Roots. It wasn't a fast climb or my best by any means but it was a good climb after the farmlands.
By the time I got back to the car it was around 10 and man oh man were there a LOT of people on the trail. Lots of bikes...lots! I waved and said howdy to folks along the way. It's funny how when my friends put on helmets and shades they all look alike.
The rest of the day was spent out in the heat working on my house. My grass is growing! We cut that tree down in the front and the wave petunias have gone insane... growing everywhere and really looking nice. I go over to the lock and dam and get unwashed river sand and pour it lightly in my yard and the grass loves it! Free sand! But don't get it for your kids sandbox like I did years and years ago. It's so fine that you never get it all off the kiddos.
Got a couple of new tunes added to my training Ipod play list... Green Grass and High Tides by the Outlaws. I loved this song in high school and it's still a great tune.
Life is good,,, hey it's the weekend!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Great ride
Just a quick hit... It's Friday!!
Had a great ride after work yesterday. I got over to the sub then headed over and ended up with FGSG group. I really had planned to work on hills as a solo but decided at the last minute to ride on over to their start point. Got to see several of the old school. It was great to see JBar back out there and staying with the fast group even after being off the bike for a few. Jen Shaw was there as well as her fast as lightening husband Chris. Jen leaves today for RAGBAI (not sure if I said that right). It's called "rag-by". It's the big multi day ride across Iowa. It's also a big fundraiser for Liverstrong.
I sat on the back of the group (as usual...ha!) and even wasn't the last one up Ft Roots. After we came down the fast group has already circled the parking lot and was heading out. I broke off at that point and headed back to the car... so I thought. I ended up riding back to Ft Roots to climb some more. I can really tell the difference when I ride with the Ipod going. I really climb better with the music distraction... then the battery died. Bummer! All I could hear after that was my heavy breathing... sounded like an prank phone call.
Yes I am riding early tomorrow. I'm thinking from the house down North Hills then River Trail then the back way buy Camp Robinson to the house. Everyone will be riding early tomorrow due to the heat.
Life is good... even in the heat.
Had a great ride after work yesterday. I got over to the sub then headed over and ended up with FGSG group. I really had planned to work on hills as a solo but decided at the last minute to ride on over to their start point. Got to see several of the old school. It was great to see JBar back out there and staying with the fast group even after being off the bike for a few. Jen Shaw was there as well as her fast as lightening husband Chris. Jen leaves today for RAGBAI (not sure if I said that right). It's called "rag-by". It's the big multi day ride across Iowa. It's also a big fundraiser for Liverstrong.
I sat on the back of the group (as usual...ha!) and even wasn't the last one up Ft Roots. After we came down the fast group has already circled the parking lot and was heading out. I broke off at that point and headed back to the car... so I thought. I ended up riding back to Ft Roots to climb some more. I can really tell the difference when I ride with the Ipod going. I really climb better with the music distraction... then the battery died. Bummer! All I could hear after that was my heavy breathing... sounded like an prank phone call.
Yes I am riding early tomorrow. I'm thinking from the house down North Hills then River Trail then the back way buy Camp Robinson to the house. Everyone will be riding early tomorrow due to the heat.
Life is good... even in the heat.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Aww man... a BAD CI moment!
It was a bad CI moment but it wasn't anyone's fault but my own.
I head out to meet the guys and see if I could at least keep up. My warm up ride to the ride was rocking along at 20mph. I felt good and strong.
Got to the ride start point and talked to Yale and Rebecca for a few then over to see how skinny Chris (Ironman) has gotten over th past few weeks. 17 lbs off! Awesome. JMar came up and I was thinking man this guy has dropped a few too. Come to find out he has dropped 25lbs.
We grouped all up and started out and we rolled nice along the way then finally hit the road and the pace picked up. I was in the back but was holding steady with them. We climbed a short hill and I was still there. Then I felt it... on no... come on CI stay in place. The on and off connection can make a CI user go insane. It's like a transmitter buzzing in and out. I reached up and the thing was hanging on my helmet strap. I had to pull out and fix it. Finally got it half good and thought maybe just maybe I can catch the job if some had slowed up a tad. As I was riding along a long lost stranger named Keith Hill came buzzing by and I jumped on his back wheel and we cranked it out at 23mph for a while. Then it happened again. OK, I'm ticked now!
There is a small piece of CI tape that wasn't sticking tonight and because of that I had to abandon. It's really funny how a very small piece of tape can change a man's whole attitude from rider to whinny little pig! HA! I just didn't as much tape these time and I paid for it.
But all in all it was a GREAT ride with the gang. I think there were 35 of us at the start. I got to see lots of friends I've not seen in awhile as well as a lot of people I've never seen before. When you can keep up with those kids, even in the back, then you know you are riding stronger! It was just what I needed!
Oh yeah, before I forget... very very happy anniversary wishes to Chris and Rebecca Irons! I cracked up when Chris said he was going home and having a nutri-shake by candle light tonight. That's the spirit!
Life is good... especially when friends celebrate anniversaries!
I head out to meet the guys and see if I could at least keep up. My warm up ride to the ride was rocking along at 20mph. I felt good and strong.
Got to the ride start point and talked to Yale and Rebecca for a few then over to see how skinny Chris (Ironman) has gotten over th past few weeks. 17 lbs off! Awesome. JMar came up and I was thinking man this guy has dropped a few too. Come to find out he has dropped 25lbs.
We grouped all up and started out and we rolled nice along the way then finally hit the road and the pace picked up. I was in the back but was holding steady with them. We climbed a short hill and I was still there. Then I felt it... on no... come on CI stay in place. The on and off connection can make a CI user go insane. It's like a transmitter buzzing in and out. I reached up and the thing was hanging on my helmet strap. I had to pull out and fix it. Finally got it half good and thought maybe just maybe I can catch the job if some had slowed up a tad. As I was riding along a long lost stranger named Keith Hill came buzzing by and I jumped on his back wheel and we cranked it out at 23mph for a while. Then it happened again. OK, I'm ticked now!
There is a small piece of CI tape that wasn't sticking tonight and because of that I had to abandon. It's really funny how a very small piece of tape can change a man's whole attitude from rider to whinny little pig! HA! I just didn't as much tape these time and I paid for it.
But all in all it was a GREAT ride with the gang. I think there were 35 of us at the start. I got to see lots of friends I've not seen in awhile as well as a lot of people I've never seen before. When you can keep up with those kids, even in the back, then you know you are riding stronger! It was just what I needed!
Oh yeah, before I forget... very very happy anniversary wishes to Chris and Rebecca Irons! I cracked up when Chris said he was going home and having a nutri-shake by candle light tonight. That's the spirit!
Life is good... especially when friends celebrate anniversaries!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Climbing( gasp) up(gasp) Batesville( gasp) Pike (gasp)
OK, I confess, I day dreamed in church. It was just one of those Sundays. Pouring down rain and where I sit in the crows nest the rain is just above my head and good ole CI picks up that sound really well... even turned all the way down! Oh y'all don't act like it's never happened to you. HA!
We grabbed a quick bite at Applebee's then home. Terri is in post-convention mod so that means be quite and don't mess with her nap. I've learned over the years. See wives, can teach husbands a few things. I know I know dear... don't put that stoneware thing-a-ma-gig in the dishwasher... I'm learning.
So after an hour my food seemed settled and I headed out. Batesville Pike here I come! It was Sunday afternoon "we need to go to WalMart" time on the back road but as usual folks were very good to me. As busy as that one stretch is they have always been good drivers.
I tried to save all the energy I could for the climb but I do have a climb to get there as well. But then this is my hood so either to are climbing or coasting... that's the city of Sherwood and North Little Rock. HA!
When I stood to climb my chain slipped a couple of times but I figured the problem and was able to correct while riding. It's always so funny when people pass me climbing back there. If there is a passenger they will almost always turn completely around to see if they really saw someone riding a bike up that hill. I was so glad there was no headwind climbing today. Seems there always is and there have been times it almost made me get off and push.... usually in the early spring. You know, those gusty 25mph winds.
You know how I talk about when my heart rate is up and I seem to hear better? Boy, was I hearing on that ride! Whoa!
I've got to fine something that will keep the sweat out of my eyes!! I don't really want to wear a headband but I may have to.
I read my emails late this afternoon and found out I missed the "Plan B" for the PoP ride that was scheduled this morning. I could have rode with my buds and ate afterwards. I'm missing the guy pretty bad this days. But I keep telling myself, I'm training good on these hills and it will help me to ride much better when I do get to ride with those juvenile delinquents. Oh heck yeah, they are all younger than me. Serious I think there are only a couple that are older.
We grabbed a quick bite at Applebee's then home. Terri is in post-convention mod so that means be quite and don't mess with her nap. I've learned over the years. See wives, can teach husbands a few things. I know I know dear... don't put that stoneware thing-a-ma-gig in the dishwasher... I'm learning.
So after an hour my food seemed settled and I headed out. Batesville Pike here I come! It was Sunday afternoon "we need to go to WalMart" time on the back road but as usual folks were very good to me. As busy as that one stretch is they have always been good drivers.
I tried to save all the energy I could for the climb but I do have a climb to get there as well. But then this is my hood so either to are climbing or coasting... that's the city of Sherwood and North Little Rock. HA!
When I stood to climb my chain slipped a couple of times but I figured the problem and was able to correct while riding. It's always so funny when people pass me climbing back there. If there is a passenger they will almost always turn completely around to see if they really saw someone riding a bike up that hill. I was so glad there was no headwind climbing today. Seems there always is and there have been times it almost made me get off and push.... usually in the early spring. You know, those gusty 25mph winds.
You know how I talk about when my heart rate is up and I seem to hear better? Boy, was I hearing on that ride! Whoa!
I've got to fine something that will keep the sweat out of my eyes!! I don't really want to wear a headband but I may have to.
I read my emails late this afternoon and found out I missed the "Plan B" for the PoP ride that was scheduled this morning. I could have rode with my buds and ate afterwards. I'm missing the guy pretty bad this days. But I keep telling myself, I'm training good on these hills and it will help me to ride much better when I do get to ride with those juvenile delinquents. Oh heck yeah, they are all younger than me. Serious I think there are only a couple that are older.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Training and Echo Conference
Rolled out this morning but too late to catch most of the group rides. I spotted a training ride for the BDB 100 I think that was grouping up about the time I rode past the sub. There was the River City 5K finishing up and what a crowd! That run seems to get bigger every year.
I knew I really wanted to return to the farmlands so I did... solo. I have been experimenting with this New Zealand drink called Honet Juice. I got a couple free samples and tried it out a few evenings ago. Jimmy-the-cricket! When the ride was finished my legs felt fine. Here I was with sweat stinging my eyes and so much dried on my sunglasses and I had repeated Ft Root 4 times and rode the trail and I still felt this good? Gimme another hit! I will be the first to say that I will have to cut it with some juice our something. It's a tad strong but boy did it rock!
Back to the solo ride. As I was heading out I spotted the Hotter than Hell training ride coming back in. They had a nice group. Then there were small groups of 4-5 riders coming in. I just cranked it out and was thrilled to look down and see 20mph almost every time.
Coming back in I had some headwind but just dropped down on the bars and kept it going. I felt stronger today than almost any ride this year. It's great to be back out there!
When the ride came to a complete stop... I was over by the dog park. The first thing I noticed was the ski dock out in the middle of the competitive water ski park. Man did I ever want to go dive in and swim out to it but swimming is not allowed in this part of the Arkansas River.
Spent the rest of the day working around the house. I get to play chef tonight in our kitchen!
Now ya start with a stick of budd-ah...
Hey I'm all registered for the Echo Conference (www.echoconference.com) in Dallas! I'm really getting excited about this! Some of the best worship media and marketing people in the country are going to be speaking or conducting breakouts and labs. I had planned to fly but by the time I go to the airport, wait the customary 2 hours, fly an hour, spend 30 minutes trying to get off, another 30-45 minutes renting a car, finding the car then finding the hotel... shoot I could have driven and been there by then. There is a Watermark studio tour as part of the pre-conference perks. I love Watermarks media. The afternoon has Media Shout lab which I will probably go to. I use Easy Worship but hear a lot of good things about Media Shout. Lunch and Dinner are both part of the package. Then at 7 one of my favorites will speak... Mark Batterson. I've been a lurking to his blog for almost a year now. Other guys I can't wait to see are Phil Cooke, Tim Stevens and Cameron Ware! Check out Cameron's church! It's mind blowing fantastic!! http://www.visualworshiper.com/ Cameron is to me the greatest in church visual worship graphics.
Life is good... especially with a thundershower so I don't have to turn on the sprinklers!
I knew I really wanted to return to the farmlands so I did... solo. I have been experimenting with this New Zealand drink called Honet Juice. I got a couple free samples and tried it out a few evenings ago. Jimmy-the-cricket! When the ride was finished my legs felt fine. Here I was with sweat stinging my eyes and so much dried on my sunglasses and I had repeated Ft Root 4 times and rode the trail and I still felt this good? Gimme another hit! I will be the first to say that I will have to cut it with some juice our something. It's a tad strong but boy did it rock!
Back to the solo ride. As I was heading out I spotted the Hotter than Hell training ride coming back in. They had a nice group. Then there were small groups of 4-5 riders coming in. I just cranked it out and was thrilled to look down and see 20mph almost every time.
Coming back in I had some headwind but just dropped down on the bars and kept it going. I felt stronger today than almost any ride this year. It's great to be back out there!
When the ride came to a complete stop... I was over by the dog park. The first thing I noticed was the ski dock out in the middle of the competitive water ski park. Man did I ever want to go dive in and swim out to it but swimming is not allowed in this part of the Arkansas River.
Spent the rest of the day working around the house. I get to play chef tonight in our kitchen!
Now ya start with a stick of budd-ah...
Hey I'm all registered for the Echo Conference (www.echoconference.com) in Dallas! I'm really getting excited about this! Some of the best worship media and marketing people in the country are going to be speaking or conducting breakouts and labs. I had planned to fly but by the time I go to the airport, wait the customary 2 hours, fly an hour, spend 30 minutes trying to get off, another 30-45 minutes renting a car, finding the car then finding the hotel... shoot I could have driven and been there by then. There is a Watermark studio tour as part of the pre-conference perks. I love Watermarks media. The afternoon has Media Shout lab which I will probably go to. I use Easy Worship but hear a lot of good things about Media Shout. Lunch and Dinner are both part of the package. Then at 7 one of my favorites will speak... Mark Batterson. I've been a lurking to his blog for almost a year now. Other guys I can't wait to see are Phil Cooke, Tim Stevens and Cameron Ware! Check out Cameron's church! It's mind blowing fantastic!! http://www.visualworshiper.com/ Cameron is to me the greatest in church visual worship graphics.
Life is good... especially with a thundershower so I don't have to turn on the sprinklers!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Workin' for the weekend!
Workin' for the weekend! Love that song... still!
There are several rides up for grabs for the weekend! There is Miss Vick's Century which is a fun ride through the country. It's also a great mix of folks. Starts Saturday morning at 7 over at Willow Park.
There is a dandy 60 miler heading out from the sub about 7. These folks are building up for the ride over in Texas (Hotter than Hell 100 in August). Been there done that and almost dies out in the middle of no where! It was record high temps that year and was 100 degrees by 11 that morning.
Sunday has the Lolli-POP. This is one of the funnest rides around! Everyones best pal Robb heads up this puppy and you get to climb a mountain. Since it's on Sunday and it's my month to do media at church services I have to pass. Bummer! I could use the training so bad. It's also a "no drop" ride so that means you aren't left out along some country road all hot and sweating while the bears and panthers and wolves stalk you. The end of the ride goes into a lake. Oh but let me tell you about the end of the ride... you turn off of the smooth road on to this grainy paved road. It's just enough to mess with you mentally but the road seems to go on forever! Many of us have had "Come to Jesus" moments there at the end. Yes, it's crazy insane. But then Robb has this great saying... The faster you pedal the sooner the pain stops.
I ordered a CD for the land downunder. It's a great band called Compliments of Gus. They aren't on ITunes yet but said they should be there in about a month. Ok, guess what the price of a CD is when the currency changes from US dollars to AUS? 24.95!!! Yikes. Makes me miss my 9.99 ITune CD downloads. But hey, they are a new band and I enjoy the tunes. I had actually heard them while listening to Rodney Olsen on Sonshine 95 over in AUS. He played the tune and they have it set up where you can click on the band that is playing or had just played and get website info and such. I emailed o the contact us link and within minutes I got a reply. Holy smokes... it was one of the band. He even sent me "Your Eyes" tune with his email. Thanks Jared!
Terri is at convention this week and Em is babysitting so I'm meeting Tyler over at his office and we're going to see Wanted and then grab some food afterwards. Nice to have an adult son to do stuff like this with. Since he is a video motion graphics pro he will probably talk all the way through the flick telling me how they did all the effects. HA!
We got one of those hot afternoon thunder storms that kicked the lights out in several downtown areas this afternoon. It's going to feel like the Amazon when I leave in a moment.
Life is good...even when you can't figure out what ride to do!
There are several rides up for grabs for the weekend! There is Miss Vick's Century which is a fun ride through the country. It's also a great mix of folks. Starts Saturday morning at 7 over at Willow Park.
There is a dandy 60 miler heading out from the sub about 7. These folks are building up for the ride over in Texas (Hotter than Hell 100 in August). Been there done that and almost dies out in the middle of no where! It was record high temps that year and was 100 degrees by 11 that morning.
Sunday has the Lolli-POP. This is one of the funnest rides around! Everyones best pal Robb heads up this puppy and you get to climb a mountain. Since it's on Sunday and it's my month to do media at church services I have to pass. Bummer! I could use the training so bad. It's also a "no drop" ride so that means you aren't left out along some country road all hot and sweating while the bears and panthers and wolves stalk you. The end of the ride goes into a lake. Oh but let me tell you about the end of the ride... you turn off of the smooth road on to this grainy paved road. It's just enough to mess with you mentally but the road seems to go on forever! Many of us have had "Come to Jesus" moments there at the end. Yes, it's crazy insane. But then Robb has this great saying... The faster you pedal the sooner the pain stops.
I ordered a CD for the land downunder. It's a great band called Compliments of Gus. They aren't on ITunes yet but said they should be there in about a month. Ok, guess what the price of a CD is when the currency changes from US dollars to AUS? 24.95!!! Yikes. Makes me miss my 9.99 ITune CD downloads. But hey, they are a new band and I enjoy the tunes. I had actually heard them while listening to Rodney Olsen on Sonshine 95 over in AUS. He played the tune and they have it set up where you can click on the band that is playing or had just played and get website info and such. I emailed o the contact us link and within minutes I got a reply. Holy smokes... it was one of the band. He even sent me "Your Eyes" tune with his email. Thanks Jared!
Terri is at convention this week and Em is babysitting so I'm meeting Tyler over at his office and we're going to see Wanted and then grab some food afterwards. Nice to have an adult son to do stuff like this with. Since he is a video motion graphics pro he will probably talk all the way through the flick telling me how they did all the effects. HA!
We got one of those hot afternoon thunder storms that kicked the lights out in several downtown areas this afternoon. It's going to feel like the Amazon when I leave in a moment.
Life is good...even when you can't figure out what ride to do!
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Training my wheels off!
Now that life has settled down a moment for me I got in some good riding! I headed out July 4th morning and had a great ride. Well after I stopped acting a fool and fixed my bike while riding. I do the dumbest things sometime. My front brake was a tad too tight so it was like riding with my brake on for 7 miles. Actually, it was good that I did that since it made for a more intense training session and man after I release the brake I was moving along good. It was like turned from headwind to a strong tailwind.
On the way back I just was having too good of a time and turned opposite from where my car was and took one like hill. I rode the backside of Burn's. I was not attacking the hill at all and had my tunes playing in one ear and listening for cars in the other. I kept thinking I was hearing a clicking noise. Sure enough a couple of Carve riders smoked my tuna on the climb. I busted out laughing when they passed. Now here's the nice part... I caught up with them at the top of the hill and it was one of the guys who work at the crit races, Chris S. He has something to do with video but I've never asked him what he does or who he works for. He is a really nice guy. Always friendly. Super rider. As I got to the top of the hill I saw a group down a little way but never saw them catch up. I'm sure they had been hammering it out there and were taking it easy. These guys don't know what slow means!
Back over to the river and it was wall to wall people. Everyone out having a good time for the 4th.
This morning I headed out about 7:30 and enjoyed another great ride. Legs were not tight like I expected so I give them a run at it. I did some repeats of Ft Roots and some sprint drills. My first climb up Roots was pathetic! I was gasping for air at a stinking 6mph in places. Wha?! The next 2 climbs were much better! I got a thumbs up from a rider who I passed going down as he was climbing then as he was coming down I was climbing back up again and it was a nice little perk.
I wanted to head out west and ride but I'm being a real snot with my gas these days. That's sad.
Well, I'm excited to have time tomorrow to go out and ride yet again! I keep thinking... farmlands! But then I feel like I need the climbing work to get my legs back.
I'm doing better on my eating, thanks to Chris! You are an inspiration my man! A real inspiration! Terri did pick up some homemade cookies from the Farmers Market today by the Amish. We found them last year. I did eat one so I have to work that nasty thing off tomorrow.
Hey the Tour de France started today! Oh yeah! I whole month of bike racing on TV everyday!
Life is good... even with a cookie in my mouth!
On the way back I just was having too good of a time and turned opposite from where my car was and took one like hill. I rode the backside of Burn's. I was not attacking the hill at all and had my tunes playing in one ear and listening for cars in the other. I kept thinking I was hearing a clicking noise. Sure enough a couple of Carve riders smoked my tuna on the climb. I busted out laughing when they passed. Now here's the nice part... I caught up with them at the top of the hill and it was one of the guys who work at the crit races, Chris S. He has something to do with video but I've never asked him what he does or who he works for. He is a really nice guy. Always friendly. Super rider. As I got to the top of the hill I saw a group down a little way but never saw them catch up. I'm sure they had been hammering it out there and were taking it easy. These guys don't know what slow means!
Back over to the river and it was wall to wall people. Everyone out having a good time for the 4th.
This morning I headed out about 7:30 and enjoyed another great ride. Legs were not tight like I expected so I give them a run at it. I did some repeats of Ft Roots and some sprint drills. My first climb up Roots was pathetic! I was gasping for air at a stinking 6mph in places. Wha?! The next 2 climbs were much better! I got a thumbs up from a rider who I passed going down as he was climbing then as he was coming down I was climbing back up again and it was a nice little perk.
I wanted to head out west and ride but I'm being a real snot with my gas these days. That's sad.
Well, I'm excited to have time tomorrow to go out and ride yet again! I keep thinking... farmlands! But then I feel like I need the climbing work to get my legs back.
I'm doing better on my eating, thanks to Chris! You are an inspiration my man! A real inspiration! Terri did pick up some homemade cookies from the Farmers Market today by the Amish. We found them last year. I did eat one so I have to work that nasty thing off tomorrow.
Hey the Tour de France started today! Oh yeah! I whole month of bike racing on TV everyday!
Life is good... even with a cookie in my mouth!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
And even more trouble
I kid you not!!! What I thought was some melted ice in the ice chest leaking out really was a hot water heater leak! Thank goodness it was out in the garage! Turns out it was the little faucet gizmo and just needed to be tightened up more. Who tightened it in the first place??
I told a coworker, "You better put me on your prayer list because I'm going down the money pit really fast these days!" OK, now you are not going to believe what happens....
1) The air was only $7,419 rather than the 10-12K horror stories folks have been telling me!
2) I fixed the hot water heater myself being the techno genius I am!
3) We caved and got a hotel room for Saturday night.... I got the cheapest in North Little Rock I got find. It turns out to be a beautiful suite that was very comfortable and quite and the free breakfast included fresh waffles made there! I didn't eat one since I'm trying to lose weight but by did that surprise! Waffles at a free hotel breakfast?!
4) The weather has been cooler than normal! Tonight it's supposed to be 65 degrees and right now I'm in the den with the windows open and the fans going and it's just 80. Not much humidity at all so it's really nice.
The things a prayer can fix!!!
I started a new home project today and it's limbing up my trees. I'm actually going to cut a couple down that have just gotten too big and sort of leans toward the house. When we moved in back in 1988 these were little trees.
Hey the TOUR DE FRANCE starts on July 5th! Oh yeah baby! The tour! There is a lot of tv spots about a "new page", "A new tour". I'm looking forward to Stage 17... the big mountain! Huez! Who's gonna wear the yellow? Oh man, I don't know this year.
Last Friday night I toyed with the idea of getting up Saturday morning and driving over to Tour De Oink. It's abut 45 minutes or so up the road and a fun ride but as I got up I looked at the radar and there was big rain moving into that area. I stayed parked on the sofa and watched my niece Shannon on the morning show talking about water safety. She always does a great job on TV.
Life is good... since a friend prayed and got me out of financial meltdown!
I told a coworker, "You better put me on your prayer list because I'm going down the money pit really fast these days!" OK, now you are not going to believe what happens....
1) The air was only $7,419 rather than the 10-12K horror stories folks have been telling me!
2) I fixed the hot water heater myself being the techno genius I am!
3) We caved and got a hotel room for Saturday night.... I got the cheapest in North Little Rock I got find. It turns out to be a beautiful suite that was very comfortable and quite and the free breakfast included fresh waffles made there! I didn't eat one since I'm trying to lose weight but by did that surprise! Waffles at a free hotel breakfast?!
4) The weather has been cooler than normal! Tonight it's supposed to be 65 degrees and right now I'm in the den with the windows open and the fans going and it's just 80. Not much humidity at all so it's really nice.
The things a prayer can fix!!!
I started a new home project today and it's limbing up my trees. I'm actually going to cut a couple down that have just gotten too big and sort of leans toward the house. When we moved in back in 1988 these were little trees.
Hey the TOUR DE FRANCE starts on July 5th! Oh yeah baby! The tour! There is a lot of tv spots about a "new page", "A new tour". I'm looking forward to Stage 17... the big mountain! Huez! Who's gonna wear the yellow? Oh man, I don't know this year.
Last Friday night I toyed with the idea of getting up Saturday morning and driving over to Tour De Oink. It's abut 45 minutes or so up the road and a fun ride but as I got up I looked at the radar and there was big rain moving into that area. I stayed parked on the sofa and watched my niece Shannon on the morning show talking about water safety. She always does a great job on TV.
Life is good... since a friend prayed and got me out of financial meltdown!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
The vacation write up
Ok, fair warning... this post may be like a bad Uncle Jonathan's slide show for the 70's. Did y'all ever have to sit through one of those? My uncle Bud went to the Holy Lands and one time we had to sit through a 3 hour slide show when we went to his house.
Ok, so last Friday we dropped the pup off at the kennel and headed to Benton to pick up my parents. Then back to Little Rock to pick up Tyler then to Terri's office to pick her up. The drive to Hattiesburg was fun and we were all excited. Got there and checked in and then find out the rooms are on the second floor and there is no elevator. I was warned that Dad would not be able to walk much at all. We take the wheelchair when we have to walk much to transport him around. I decided to take a chance because it was that or smoking rooms. No thanks.
We got to the steps and up he went! He did a great job. 14 steps up and that's a marathon for him. We crashed in the room and there was an Outback just across the parking lot so Terri and the kids and mom walked over there and ate but they also made an order to go and Tyler brought it back over to the room before they got to sit down at the restaurant. Dad crashed sound to sleep after that. It was sort of a sense of peace that the tables were turned. By that I mean I, the son, was watching my Dad sleep and staying to be sure he was comfortable and safe. I couldn't help but wonder how many times he watched me as I slept when I was a kid. It was one of those "life is good" moments.
The next morning we had the hotel free breakfast and heading out around 9:30. Once again, everyone laughing, talking and all excited. We knew we would be on the beach that afternoon!
Around 1 we stopped by Terri's folks in Navarre and took a break and called the condo to see if it was ready. When it's just with the kids we can go on over and hit the beach until the condo is ready but with senior parents you have to be flexible. We drove on over and the condo was still a few minutes away from complete so we drove around looking at the beach homes and then they called and said it's ready!
Oh the fun of unloading a van of stuff! The parking lot looked like a summer camp. Everyone was unloading and all of us dad's were cracking up about how much stuff our families bring but the dad's can fit a week's worth in a gym bag! Ok, I did have a t-a-d more... a bike and riding gear. Em, being the teen daughter she is, had a suitcase the size of a third world country and it was full! I knew it would be even worse going home because she was going to hit the shops.
First morning sunrise
The water was almost swimming pool clear all week! Also no rain all week! Yes, that does make it a close to perfect beach vacation.
Sunday: Played on the beach, back and forth to the condo, Crab Trap for Fathers Day, then watching a sunset.
Monday: TATTOO day! I got a "A" with a razorback. I know... photos... I don't have one on my camera but Em might with hers and my niece Melissa took a really funny one. I'll post it, I promise! AND... it's on my manly upper arm so you don't have to worry about what the photo will be of! HA!
Tuesday: Beach - eat - beach - sunset - fireworks - sleep. Yes, fireworks! Every night at 10 there was a family in the building who shot off nice fireworks! It was like the end of the day at Disney!
Wednesday: Beach - Em took me shopping for cool looking Dad clothes. By the way... Sancony running shoes are only 15 dollars at the Silver Sands outlet mall! Terri got some. I hit up Polo, Banana Republic, Nike, and Bass!
Thursday: Beach, family shrimp cook off and back to the beach.
Friday: Let's just say...**repeat**
Now all the other vacation stuff:
There was Tri going on Monday morning! Everyone got excited because we could see a group of folks swimming down the shore line. I thought of all my friends who have gone from cycling to the "dark side". One guy was really smoking the swim! There are some old poles in from of our condo from a pier back before the major hurricanes so it was a perfect turning point. Out of the water and running down the beach they go! I really wanted to go down and cheer them on.
Several mornings I got up and rode my bike along the beach. Sunday morning I was the only road bike and I was bummed. As the week wore on there were more and more. Favorite morning was when I was riding along and Team Jeep came riding up behind me and invited me to jump on. Ok, this was like riding with Fast Girls Slow Guys on Red Bull. OMG!!! These guys were riding along and talking and I'm sucking air so hard the crabs are flying off the beach and straight to me! I had that yummy copper taste in my mouth of lungs begging for mercy. I stayed with them until they stopped to chart their route. Ok, this is all flat land in Destin and I looked down after I bidding farewell and my top speed was 27 mph! I guess I was in the vacuum and just not worrying about the speed because I would have blown had I known that. And I have to admit... there was some nice tail wind.
I also visited Robin (a guy and the owner) and Amy and Lance at Robin's Bike and Fitness. It's on 98 by the Melting Pot restaurant. They are the FL dealer for Obrea so they got all excited when I told them about the place in NLR that houses them. Robin rides and Orca and Amy has a Dive. One of the other locals who happened to be in the shop also has an Orca. They bragged and bragged about the awesomeness of the bike. Oh and Lance... he is the big Boxer. He had a Livestrong dog collar on. Robin's office had all the paper numbers you put on your jersey for event rides. They were the wallpaper border. There were also George Bush with one of the Robin's/Destin jerseys and Bart Starr had been in and bought a bike. Super nice folks so if you are in Destin, look them up! They didn't have a Destin jersey in my size... bummer!
Gotta stop for now but will write more later!
Ok, so last Friday we dropped the pup off at the kennel and headed to Benton to pick up my parents. Then back to Little Rock to pick up Tyler then to Terri's office to pick her up. The drive to Hattiesburg was fun and we were all excited. Got there and checked in and then find out the rooms are on the second floor and there is no elevator. I was warned that Dad would not be able to walk much at all. We take the wheelchair when we have to walk much to transport him around. I decided to take a chance because it was that or smoking rooms. No thanks.
We got to the steps and up he went! He did a great job. 14 steps up and that's a marathon for him. We crashed in the room and there was an Outback just across the parking lot so Terri and the kids and mom walked over there and ate but they also made an order to go and Tyler brought it back over to the room before they got to sit down at the restaurant. Dad crashed sound to sleep after that. It was sort of a sense of peace that the tables were turned. By that I mean I, the son, was watching my Dad sleep and staying to be sure he was comfortable and safe. I couldn't help but wonder how many times he watched me as I slept when I was a kid. It was one of those "life is good" moments.
The next morning we had the hotel free breakfast and heading out around 9:30. Once again, everyone laughing, talking and all excited. We knew we would be on the beach that afternoon!
Around 1 we stopped by Terri's folks in Navarre and took a break and called the condo to see if it was ready. When it's just with the kids we can go on over and hit the beach until the condo is ready but with senior parents you have to be flexible. We drove on over and the condo was still a few minutes away from complete so we drove around looking at the beach homes and then they called and said it's ready!
First morning sunriseOnce we got unloaded we sat out on the balcony a moment and then that was enough of that stuff! Time to head the water! We headed down to the waterline and what was the first thing we saw? Yep, a shark! Swimming along like he owned the place! That was the one and only time I saw one or heard about one all week.
My mom holding her sunglasses and having her coffee while watching the sunrise.
My mom holding her sunglasses and having her coffee while watching the sunrise.The water was almost swimming pool clear all week! Also no rain all week! Yes, that does make it a close to perfect beach vacation.
Sunday: Played on the beach, back and forth to the condo, Crab Trap for Fathers Day, then watching a sunset.
Monday: TATTOO day! I got a "A" with a razorback. I know... photos... I don't have one on my camera but Em might with hers and my niece Melissa took a really funny one. I'll post it, I promise! AND... it's on my manly upper arm so you don't have to worry about what the photo will be of! HA!
Tuesday: Beach - eat - beach - sunset - fireworks - sleep. Yes, fireworks! Every night at 10 there was a family in the building who shot off nice fireworks! It was like the end of the day at Disney!
Wednesday: Beach - Em took me shopping for cool looking Dad clothes. By the way... Sancony running shoes are only 15 dollars at the Silver Sands outlet mall! Terri got some. I hit up Polo, Banana Republic, Nike, and Bass!
Thursday: Beach, family shrimp cook off and back to the beach.
Friday: Let's just say...**repeat**
Now all the other vacation stuff:
There was Tri going on Monday morning! Everyone got excited because we could see a group of folks swimming down the shore line. I thought of all my friends who have gone from cycling to the "dark side". One guy was really smoking the swim! There are some old poles in from of our condo from a pier back before the major hurricanes so it was a perfect turning point. Out of the water and running down the beach they go! I really wanted to go down and cheer them on.
Several mornings I got up and rode my bike along the beach. Sunday morning I was the only road bike and I was bummed. As the week wore on there were more and more. Favorite morning was when I was riding along and Team Jeep came riding up behind me and invited me to jump on. Ok, this was like riding with Fast Girls Slow Guys on Red Bull. OMG!!! These guys were riding along and talking and I'm sucking air so hard the crabs are flying off the beach and straight to me! I had that yummy copper taste in my mouth of lungs begging for mercy. I stayed with them until they stopped to chart their route. Ok, this is all flat land in Destin and I looked down after I bidding farewell and my top speed was 27 mph! I guess I was in the vacuum and just not worrying about the speed because I would have blown had I known that. And I have to admit... there was some nice tail wind.
I also visited Robin (a guy and the owner) and Amy and Lance at Robin's Bike and Fitness. It's on 98 by the Melting Pot restaurant. They are the FL dealer for Obrea so they got all excited when I told them about the place in NLR that houses them. Robin rides and Orca and Amy has a Dive. One of the other locals who happened to be in the shop also has an Orca. They bragged and bragged about the awesomeness of the bike. Oh and Lance... he is the big Boxer. He had a Livestrong dog collar on. Robin's office had all the paper numbers you put on your jersey for event rides. They were the wallpaper border. There were also George Bush with one of the Robin's/Destin jerseys and Bart Starr had been in and bought a bike. Super nice folks so if you are in Destin, look them up! They didn't have a Destin jersey in my size... bummer!
Gotta stop for now but will write more later!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Home based training
I have always thought it was sort of funny to drive some place to ride my bike. If you've been a reader then you know my hood is nothing but hills. Well duh, isn't that what I need to be training on to become stronger? So last evening I did a loop that I rode before. I actually looped it 4 times. The first was the hardest because there is no flat riding before you go up or down. The 3rd time was the easiest because I was in the groove.
Sooo I think with the gas prices I'll train in the hood and only ride the river on the weekends... but then I'll have to ride to the river to ride the river. Ya know?
I had a bet with some friends that Emily would hit the new Wal-Mart Supercenter which opened this morning by noon and sure enough she texted me a few moments ago and was there.
Sooo I think with the gas prices I'll train in the hood and only ride the river on the weekends... but then I'll have to ride to the river to ride the river. Ya know?
I had a bet with some friends that Emily would hit the new Wal-Mart Supercenter which opened this morning by noon and sure enough she texted me a few moments ago and was there.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Chenal 9 is awesome!
We caught the 4:20 showing of Indiana Jones at the new Chenal 9 Imax. Although Indy wasn't the Imax movie it was still an awesome theater. I had pre-ordered tickets last Thursday and I dropped the girls off and parked the car. There was supposed to be a self service booth but I guess they didn't have it ready yet. Anyway I gave Terri the debut card because you have to use the same card you order your tickets with. I walked up and tried to find the booth thinking Terri and Em would be there but they were in line at the window. Of course they couldn't find the tickets in the system at the window but they thought and it was on the print out sheet. Guess it was just new business tweaking that needed to be done. We walked in 20 minutes before showtime and the only seats left were the front two rolls. I thought, oh crud! But I LOVED it up there! It was so loud! There was one explosion that really shook the seats.
I enjoyed the movie. Has all the usual Indy stuff.
Well, I think lunch has digested so out to ride!
Life is good... even with explosions and snakes in a dark theater!!
I enjoyed the movie. Has all the usual Indy stuff.
Well, I think lunch has digested so out to ride!
Life is good... even with explosions and snakes in a dark theater!!
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Saturday 06.07.08
Woke to an overcast morning but hey, it's a Saturday to no complaints here!
Drove over to work the registration table at the bike races. By the way it cost a little over 500 dollars to drive over to Little Rock today. These gas guys, I swear.... uh, never mind...
Like I was saying ... the races. I pulled in at 7:30 and there was already a crowd. thinking to myself, "Gee, they've got the race fever today!" Come to find out they were about to shoot a Chainwheel Bike Shop TV spot. I bet it will run on VS during the Tour de France next month. Carve/Chainwheel always has some nice spots.
So we watched them shooting the spot and started getting the racers signed up. Not many Cat 5's today but a mass of folks for the 2nd race( Cat 4/5) and the 3rd race was packed!! Those are the big dogs who are either up and coming, which is really what the 4/5's are, or they have been racing for years. There are guys that I just watch and shake my head in amazement.
One of my favorites this season has been Robert Mooney. Good all around guy and a real kick-your-butt rider. Ok we had head wind on the homestretch and it was a little snot head too. Every time I looked up there seemed to be Robert on the front pulling. Again and again and again. The Cat 1,2,3 racers were even talking about him. Last sprint to the finish and he is in the middle of the pack... those guys let him do ALL the work then ran for the gold. We all know who really won that race! After the race I spoke to Robert for a moment and he was talking about how when they came around that last corner it was like hitting a wall when you turned into the wind. Gee, from watching him, you would have never known.
Another fav is my pal, Yale. I like to watch him because he is real catty (in a good way). He watches the peleton and works it. Stalking. HA! Always comes out in the numbers. His wife Sherry and everyone's favorite super kid, Braxton, was out there cheering him on.
We had our women out there ripping up the course today as well. Sarah held her own in the first race and Rhonda and Kimberly chased each other in the second.
After I finished up and the final race was going and my partner in crime Ron had registration area broke down and put up I left and stopped on my way home and rode my training ride for the day on the river trail. Oh that wind... geesh! HA! As I looped and started heading back to the car I spotted Charlie. Charlie is one of those heart of gold guys and his wife is the same. Super nice folks! We rode together back to Burns Park and talking the whole way. I love this CI!!! I would have never been able to do this last year! Anyway, I was telling Charlie about my next big ride and he was all over it. Looks like the City of North Little Rock may jump on board as a sponsor!
Serious folks, my mind is blown with the love and support so many of you have for these crazy rides and mostly for the hospital. It just warms my heart! I know I know... that's cheesey...but true!
Got to see most of my family last night at Liam's 1st birthday party. Everyone is non-stop talk about our family vacation! Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait!!!
I'm outta here! Heading over to catch the Indiana Jones movie and the new theater that just opened yesterday.
Life is good...even with the headwind!
Drove over to work the registration table at the bike races. By the way it cost a little over 500 dollars to drive over to Little Rock today. These gas guys, I swear.... uh, never mind...
Like I was saying ... the races. I pulled in at 7:30 and there was already a crowd. thinking to myself, "Gee, they've got the race fever today!" Come to find out they were about to shoot a Chainwheel Bike Shop TV spot. I bet it will run on VS during the Tour de France next month. Carve/Chainwheel always has some nice spots.
So we watched them shooting the spot and started getting the racers signed up. Not many Cat 5's today but a mass of folks for the 2nd race( Cat 4/5) and the 3rd race was packed!! Those are the big dogs who are either up and coming, which is really what the 4/5's are, or they have been racing for years. There are guys that I just watch and shake my head in amazement.
One of my favorites this season has been Robert Mooney. Good all around guy and a real kick-your-butt rider. Ok we had head wind on the homestretch and it was a little snot head too. Every time I looked up there seemed to be Robert on the front pulling. Again and again and again. The Cat 1,2,3 racers were even talking about him. Last sprint to the finish and he is in the middle of the pack... those guys let him do ALL the work then ran for the gold. We all know who really won that race! After the race I spoke to Robert for a moment and he was talking about how when they came around that last corner it was like hitting a wall when you turned into the wind. Gee, from watching him, you would have never known.
Another fav is my pal, Yale. I like to watch him because he is real catty (in a good way). He watches the peleton and works it. Stalking. HA! Always comes out in the numbers. His wife Sherry and everyone's favorite super kid, Braxton, was out there cheering him on.
We had our women out there ripping up the course today as well. Sarah held her own in the first race and Rhonda and Kimberly chased each other in the second.
After I finished up and the final race was going and my partner in crime Ron had registration area broke down and put up I left and stopped on my way home and rode my training ride for the day on the river trail. Oh that wind... geesh! HA! As I looped and started heading back to the car I spotted Charlie. Charlie is one of those heart of gold guys and his wife is the same. Super nice folks! We rode together back to Burns Park and talking the whole way. I love this CI!!! I would have never been able to do this last year! Anyway, I was telling Charlie about my next big ride and he was all over it. Looks like the City of North Little Rock may jump on board as a sponsor!
Serious folks, my mind is blown with the love and support so many of you have for these crazy rides and mostly for the hospital. It just warms my heart! I know I know... that's cheesey...but true!
Got to see most of my family last night at Liam's 1st birthday party. Everyone is non-stop talk about our family vacation! Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait!!!
I'm outta here! Heading over to catch the Indiana Jones movie and the new theater that just opened yesterday.
Life is good...even with the headwind!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
River Trail video
This make a take a moment to load... sort of long.
Enjoy a little sample of the River Trail
I'm not sure what this section of forest is called.
I've always called it the Emerald Forest due to the Emerald Trail coming off of it.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Kaki King and CI's
Finally music to my ears! It's Kaki King! I get it with my CI!!!!
I came in and Terri had August Rush DVD playing and the music was awesome through my CI. I kept turning it up more and more and it was clear! This was the first time I had seen August Rush and it's an awesome movie. So far music just hasn't been a strong point with my CI. But tonight it was right on. I was listening and thinking to myself am I really hearing it this clear? I turned down my hearing aid and just enjoyed the movie and music with CI only. I came back to the laptop and listened to several sample cuts and ended up downloading the whole Kaki King CD called Dreaming of Revenge. So far it's awesome! I have always been a fan of guitar and this really made me believe the CI can handle music.
Got in a late afternoon ride on the river yesterday and Edgefest, a music festival named after a radio station was an hour out for starting. This is a head bangers ball. A mass of black t-shirts and mascara. The kids are alright.
I spent the afternoon with my house church at River City cooking hot dogs for the low income and some homeless folks in that area. Since it was a cloudy and sprinkle sort of afternoon there was a lighter crowd. Still good though.
I bought an IPOD for the family to use yesterday but guess what, the plug is a tad different than my hearing aid jack. It goes in and I can here music but it doesn't have that connecting click that you normally feel. Working with the CI fine. Got to make a play list for my flight next week.
Saw the list of hospital folks going to Disney Institute next Sunday. Wow! I'm way out of my league here! VP's, Directors and docs. Can you say n.e.t.w.o.r.k.???? HA!
Life is good!
Geo.
I came in and Terri had August Rush DVD playing and the music was awesome through my CI. I kept turning it up more and more and it was clear! This was the first time I had seen August Rush and it's an awesome movie. So far music just hasn't been a strong point with my CI. But tonight it was right on. I was listening and thinking to myself am I really hearing it this clear? I turned down my hearing aid and just enjoyed the movie and music with CI only. I came back to the laptop and listened to several sample cuts and ended up downloading the whole Kaki King CD called Dreaming of Revenge. So far it's awesome! I have always been a fan of guitar and this really made me believe the CI can handle music.
Got in a late afternoon ride on the river yesterday and Edgefest, a music festival named after a radio station was an hour out for starting. This is a head bangers ball. A mass of black t-shirts and mascara. The kids are alright.
I spent the afternoon with my house church at River City cooking hot dogs for the low income and some homeless folks in that area. Since it was a cloudy and sprinkle sort of afternoon there was a lighter crowd. Still good though.
I bought an IPOD for the family to use yesterday but guess what, the plug is a tad different than my hearing aid jack. It goes in and I can here music but it doesn't have that connecting click that you normally feel. Working with the CI fine. Got to make a play list for my flight next week.
Saw the list of hospital folks going to Disney Institute next Sunday. Wow! I'm way out of my league here! VP's, Directors and docs. Can you say n.e.t.w.o.r.k.???? HA!
Life is good!
Geo.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Is that screwed in your head? Cochlear Implant story
"Is that screwed in your head?"
No, look (I take the CI off and stick it to a metal food rack)
OMG!!! That's sick!
I'm now laughing...
Geo, everyone thinks that is screwed in your head.
Let them think that man! If they're gonna mess with my head, let's mess with theirs!
Does it bother you?
No, not at all. I suspect it hurts as much as putting on a pair of glasses.
Serious?
There's nothing to it.
Can you feel the magnet under your skin?
Not really. Not any more. I can feel when the magnet connects with it but it's the same feeling as sticking a magnet on the frig. You feel it pull together then you hear it coming in. I wish I could tune in a radio with it. That would be great for meetings. Actually I bet in a couple years I can program it to open the garage door as I drive up!
ARE YOU SERIOUS?!
Sure, why not?
Man, you are so lucky. You always get the coolest equipment.
(Note to CI friends... do you have that new program that opens the garage door yet?!)
*********************************************************
Well I got home yesterday and the streets were dry and the air was so southern (that translates to humid). I stopped by the bike shop and picked up some new gear. Ok bike bud's brace yourselves.. I didn't realize I was this bad... I bought some new riding shorts. Specialized! I realized the other day that my favorite shorts were... OLD! I bought them before I did the ride-around-the-state-tour! I kid you not! No wonder I'd been having "issues" (Ironman & Ironmaiden, stop laughing, it's not funny! HA!). I haven't changed my shorts since 2005?!!
HA!
I also am looking at a new seat but y'all already know that. So I'm talking to Dan (I think is his name). He's the new manager at the Bike shop just down the road from the house. I love this shop but now that Dan is running it and plans to make some great changes it will pump life back into it. This guy was some knowledgeable and helpful. Anyway I was talking about the new seat. Nope, he was not going to sell me just any ole seat... they now have a cushion thing you sit on and the seat you need comes in a certain size. (Ok OK... fat butt... I know!). So the seats come in in a couple of weeks and I'll get fitted and get a new one. I plan to leave the bike at the shop while I'm in Orlando on business for the spring tune up.
Got home and rode around the neighborhood. Hills and hills. Either up or down. Going training though. It was a good ride... lots of sweat.
Oh, when with a bud to lunch yesterday to a place downtown called Luvah. Oh man! It's awesome. They have these mini burgers that you can get 3 of any kind you want. I ordered 3 funky but oh so good ones. A hamburger with crab meat... who would have thought?
Life is so good!
Geo.
No, look (I take the CI off and stick it to a metal food rack)
OMG!!! That's sick!
I'm now laughing...
Geo, everyone thinks that is screwed in your head.
Let them think that man! If they're gonna mess with my head, let's mess with theirs!
Does it bother you?
No, not at all. I suspect it hurts as much as putting on a pair of glasses.
Serious?
There's nothing to it.
Can you feel the magnet under your skin?
Not really. Not any more. I can feel when the magnet connects with it but it's the same feeling as sticking a magnet on the frig. You feel it pull together then you hear it coming in. I wish I could tune in a radio with it. That would be great for meetings. Actually I bet in a couple years I can program it to open the garage door as I drive up!
ARE YOU SERIOUS?!
Sure, why not?
Man, you are so lucky. You always get the coolest equipment.
(Note to CI friends... do you have that new program that opens the garage door yet?!)
*********************************************************
Well I got home yesterday and the streets were dry and the air was so southern (that translates to humid). I stopped by the bike shop and picked up some new gear. Ok bike bud's brace yourselves.. I didn't realize I was this bad... I bought some new riding shorts. Specialized! I realized the other day that my favorite shorts were... OLD! I bought them before I did the ride-around-the-state-tour! I kid you not! No wonder I'd been having "issues" (Ironman & Ironmaiden, stop laughing, it's not funny! HA!). I haven't changed my shorts since 2005?!!
HA!
I also am looking at a new seat but y'all already know that. So I'm talking to Dan (I think is his name). He's the new manager at the Bike shop just down the road from the house. I love this shop but now that Dan is running it and plans to make some great changes it will pump life back into it. This guy was some knowledgeable and helpful. Anyway I was talking about the new seat. Nope, he was not going to sell me just any ole seat... they now have a cushion thing you sit on and the seat you need comes in a certain size. (Ok OK... fat butt... I know!). So the seats come in in a couple of weeks and I'll get fitted and get a new one. I plan to leave the bike at the shop while I'm in Orlando on business for the spring tune up.
Got home and rode around the neighborhood. Hills and hills. Either up or down. Going training though. It was a good ride... lots of sweat.
Oh, when with a bud to lunch yesterday to a place downtown called Luvah. Oh man! It's awesome. They have these mini burgers that you can get 3 of any kind you want. I ordered 3 funky but oh so good ones. A hamburger with crab meat... who would have thought?
Life is so good!
Geo.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Disney, Dry & Store, Specialized Pro
The rain stopped and that meant do all the things I need to do around the house.
Got to play in the yard a lot over the weekend and that's always good therapy for me. I went to several plant places and plotted and planned my new landscape project for the front yard.
Took the bike out for a run. Heebie geebie that last flood was way higher than any other I've ever seen. Remember those photos I posted? They were nothing compared to the last flood. There are river wash lines (piles of sticks and logs) mashed into fence lines. It's going down really fast so hopefully the whole trail will be reopened soon. Thank goodness they invested in a detour higher ground section last year so at least we can ride. The river left a lot of fine sand in places. I felt my back tire slip once and thought I was either going do or pulling off a cool power slide on a road bike.
Oh the big new... I'm heading down to the Disney Institute on the company ticket! I get to see how their Human Resources department runs and get to go into the tunnels to see all the behind the scenes stuff. Since I was flexible allowing them to book my flight that when they booked it the travel agent said I just happened to be in the right place at the right time and there was a sale on first class seats so it was cheaper to book me in first class rather than business. Oh yeah, me strolling into the airport and hopping a 6am on Sunday morning flight over to ATL then down to ORL. I want to go buy so Dolce and Gabbana (sp?) sunglasses to wear so I'll look like the other rock stars ...buh ha haha... right.... I'm excited that the director of Audiology & Speech (Patti) is going on this trip as well. She's a riot anyway plus it will be good to pick her brain about all things audiology.
Speaking of audiology stuff... I got a slight ear infection right after I got my new ear mold. I usually don't go nuts over a product but this Dry & Store unit is really on target! Serious. My ear infection was gone as fast as it came. I like the Dry & Store too because every morning my CI and hearing aid come out smelling new. That's the best feeling... sort of like a fresh just of the dryer towel... smells and feels good. I did have some email talk with one of the Dry & Store folks. Nice lady... gave me tips to keep my ear mold from drying out. One is to wipe it off before I put it in the dehumidifier. I think that may have been part of the reason my ear mold was getting whacked out. If you don't have one, order one. They're a good investment.
I had to drive today since Terri had an eye appointment so I took the bike and the plan was to ride right after work and meet some friends on the Little Rock side but as I pulled my bike out the front tire was flat. Bummer. Pulled the tire off (Specialized Pro) and the tube out. I've done this a bizillion times. Tug and pull and nothing. Is this thing glued on!? I worked with it for a while then decided to head over to the house instead. I was floored that I was losing patience over a flat. Never been a prob before. Got to the house and worked a few minutes and had it right back ready to roll. I had already changed back into street clothes so I used the time for some spring bike maintenance. She's all cleaned up and looking pretty. Tomorrow Terri and I will ride together so I'll probably just ride around the hood. My hood is the best for hill training anyway. Another thought I had was that I hadn't had a flat with thse tires at all last year! This was my first flat with the ride. Way to make a great product Specialized!
I spent lunch on the fitness center with my coach. We laughed and had a good time while he cracked a whip. While I was between sets on one of the leg machines I was talking to another guy and he changed the weight up a bit. I wasn't expecting it then ugh...u.g.h...oh man! When I finished he said, Geo, you broke a sweat," I just laughed and said, "Yep, us fat boys do that." He said at least 3 times a week I had to have my rear in there for training. Yes he is training me for something big for 2009. I will be in the best shape I will ever be in by this time next year. I'm having to pull back on the sugar for starters. On the weekend I can do what I want and don't worry about it since I'll be riding more that will take care of it.
By the way, I will be biking to work if this gas keeps going. How high will it get before most folks change their habits? They were doing the gloom and doom report on the way to work this morning and I just thought it was funny (sort of) because I'm stuck in a traffic jam.
Life is really good!!!!
Got to play in the yard a lot over the weekend and that's always good therapy for me. I went to several plant places and plotted and planned my new landscape project for the front yard.
Took the bike out for a run. Heebie geebie that last flood was way higher than any other I've ever seen. Remember those photos I posted? They were nothing compared to the last flood. There are river wash lines (piles of sticks and logs) mashed into fence lines. It's going down really fast so hopefully the whole trail will be reopened soon. Thank goodness they invested in a detour higher ground section last year so at least we can ride. The river left a lot of fine sand in places. I felt my back tire slip once and thought I was either going do or pulling off a cool power slide on a road bike.
Oh the big new... I'm heading down to the Disney Institute on the company ticket! I get to see how their Human Resources department runs and get to go into the tunnels to see all the behind the scenes stuff. Since I was flexible allowing them to book my flight that when they booked it the travel agent said I just happened to be in the right place at the right time and there was a sale on first class seats so it was cheaper to book me in first class rather than business. Oh yeah, me strolling into the airport and hopping a 6am on Sunday morning flight over to ATL then down to ORL. I want to go buy so Dolce and Gabbana (sp?) sunglasses to wear so I'll look like the other rock stars ...buh ha haha... right.... I'm excited that the director of Audiology & Speech (Patti) is going on this trip as well. She's a riot anyway plus it will be good to pick her brain about all things audiology.
Speaking of audiology stuff... I got a slight ear infection right after I got my new ear mold. I usually don't go nuts over a product but this Dry & Store unit is really on target! Serious. My ear infection was gone as fast as it came. I like the Dry & Store too because every morning my CI and hearing aid come out smelling new. That's the best feeling... sort of like a fresh just of the dryer towel... smells and feels good. I did have some email talk with one of the Dry & Store folks. Nice lady... gave me tips to keep my ear mold from drying out. One is to wipe it off before I put it in the dehumidifier. I think that may have been part of the reason my ear mold was getting whacked out. If you don't have one, order one. They're a good investment.
I had to drive today since Terri had an eye appointment so I took the bike and the plan was to ride right after work and meet some friends on the Little Rock side but as I pulled my bike out the front tire was flat. Bummer. Pulled the tire off (Specialized Pro) and the tube out. I've done this a bizillion times. Tug and pull and nothing. Is this thing glued on!? I worked with it for a while then decided to head over to the house instead. I was floored that I was losing patience over a flat. Never been a prob before. Got to the house and worked a few minutes and had it right back ready to roll. I had already changed back into street clothes so I used the time for some spring bike maintenance. She's all cleaned up and looking pretty. Tomorrow Terri and I will ride together so I'll probably just ride around the hood. My hood is the best for hill training anyway. Another thought I had was that I hadn't had a flat with thse tires at all last year! This was my first flat with the ride. Way to make a great product Specialized!
I spent lunch on the fitness center with my coach. We laughed and had a good time while he cracked a whip. While I was between sets on one of the leg machines I was talking to another guy and he changed the weight up a bit. I wasn't expecting it then ugh...u.g.h...oh man! When I finished he said, Geo, you broke a sweat," I just laughed and said, "Yep, us fat boys do that." He said at least 3 times a week I had to have my rear in there for training. Yes he is training me for something big for 2009. I will be in the best shape I will ever be in by this time next year. I'm having to pull back on the sugar for starters. On the weekend I can do what I want and don't worry about it since I'll be riding more that will take care of it.
By the way, I will be biking to work if this gas keeps going. How high will it get before most folks change their habits? They were doing the gloom and doom report on the way to work this morning and I just thought it was funny (sort of) because I'm stuck in a traffic jam.
Life is really good!!!!
Monday, March 10, 2008
What happened at the demo stays at the demo...
Shawdawg and the new Tricross bike he picked up at the demo. Oh, so Jenn does not know about this yet? Ooops...my bad!
Ironman and Ironmaiden looking on in complete shock that Shawdawg picked up a high end bike without telling his wife (Shawkitty).
JMarI'll have to get a photo of his bike... sharpest bike in town!
One of the time trial bikes at the Specialized demo.After Friday's snow we had a good melt down on Saturday and Sunday afternoon we were smiled upon with temps in the mid 50's and lots of sun. Everyone came out to play! I lucked out and spotted the Carti training ride coming towards me and whipped around and chased 'em down and then played sissy and tucked in and rode in the back of the group with no headwind! I stayed with them to the regroup point and got to see a lot of folks I've missed since last summer. Many were the core group of the folks I started riding with a few years ago. Man, it was great seeing everyone. Even talked to Dr. Brent for a few. This guy knows how to dress for riding. Looking sharp as a tack! Meant to get a photo but was having too much fun listening to all the bike talk. Yep, you heard me right...LISTENING! I heard all the conversations going on and it was just too awesome for me.
On the way back to the start point we stopped at the Specialized demo trailer. Oh sweet jelly beans! After eyeing some of those bikes I needed to sit back and light a smoke! HA! Richard (bike shop owner) had the nerve to ask me to trade up. HA! Man, I'm still in the honeymoon stage with my bike. But I tell ya, I'm getting rid of the seat. Hate the thing! I rarely had problems with rubbing spots with my Allez seat but this has a couple of material patches and it seems to have caused me grief since day one.
This afternoon (Monday) I got over to the boat ramp and rode a down and back solo. Very quite out there. I was smart enough to take the tunes but man, I've got to get some new ones. Sometimes I wonder to myself why I would have downloaded some of the cheesy songs I do. HA!
(Note to Ironmaiden: remember our conversation about me being domestic this summer... forget the yard, I'm riding! Buh ha ha ha!)
Everyone keeps asking (trust me, they really do) about what big ride I'm planning for the year. I have a wild idea and it would be easy to pull it off... real easy but do I really have time to do the fundraising part again? I sort of got sandbagged last year with it and sort of thought about putting together a list and just send it out... just do it. There are so many things these days that folks are being hit up for donations. All are good projects and causes but you just can't give to them all. But in the back of my mind I'm wanting to do something for the Audiology group at Children's again this year. I almost feel like I h.a.v.e to because they have changed my life! Serious there are days I just stand in awe for the things I hear and I wouldn't have gotten to do that without them. Patti, Jordan, Krista, Steve, Mary Martha, Brenda, Dr. D, Dr. Bower and even Anna (she gave me a pre-cochlear implant test that I'm still going to therapy over! HA!). These wonderful folks are the best in their field and changing peoples life is just something they do everyday. The whole Audio/Speech team over there is like that.
Fast Girls Slow Guys has a 6pm ride tomorrow night. Can't wait! Two groups... the racers and the fat kids like me. Yep, I'll take the camera!
Oh and by the way... if you look and paid attention, Shawdawg really did "pick up a tricross bike", but bless his heart, that's all he did. Just picked it up... not buy it. I kind of wondered if Jen (his wife) even finished reading this blog or if she ran out to the garage yelling, "Chreee-us!!!"
Life is good... I mean r.e.a.l.l.y good!
This afternoon (Monday) I got over to the boat ramp and rode a down and back solo. Very quite out there. I was smart enough to take the tunes but man, I've got to get some new ones. Sometimes I wonder to myself why I would have downloaded some of the cheesy songs I do. HA!
(Note to Ironmaiden: remember our conversation about me being domestic this summer... forget the yard, I'm riding! Buh ha ha ha!)
Everyone keeps asking (trust me, they really do) about what big ride I'm planning for the year. I have a wild idea and it would be easy to pull it off... real easy but do I really have time to do the fundraising part again? I sort of got sandbagged last year with it and sort of thought about putting together a list and just send it out... just do it. There are so many things these days that folks are being hit up for donations. All are good projects and causes but you just can't give to them all. But in the back of my mind I'm wanting to do something for the Audiology group at Children's again this year. I almost feel like I h.a.v.e to because they have changed my life! Serious there are days I just stand in awe for the things I hear and I wouldn't have gotten to do that without them. Patti, Jordan, Krista, Steve, Mary Martha, Brenda, Dr. D, Dr. Bower and even Anna (she gave me a pre-cochlear implant test that I'm still going to therapy over! HA!). These wonderful folks are the best in their field and changing peoples life is just something they do everyday. The whole Audio/Speech team over there is like that.
Fast Girls Slow Guys has a 6pm ride tomorrow night. Can't wait! Two groups... the racers and the fat kids like me. Yep, I'll take the camera!
Oh and by the way... if you look and paid attention, Shawdawg really did "pick up a tricross bike", but bless his heart, that's all he did. Just picked it up... not buy it. I kind of wondered if Jen (his wife) even finished reading this blog or if she ran out to the garage yelling, "Chreee-us!!!"
Life is good... I mean r.e.a.l.l.y good!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Full winter gear today
No one around today
Got the tunes, got the bike... happy camper!
It was a good day. I had the whole river trail to myself except for 2 other bikes and a hand full of folks training for the upcoming Little Rock Marathon.
It was freezing rain yesterday and caused complete chaos on the roadways. So bad just outside of my hometown that they had to detour I-30 traffic. I think when it started sleeting and lots of folks freaked and took off for home and grid locked traffic. If you waited until about 3 the road crews had had a chance to work the roads and I drove home like it was just a normal rainy day.
I got out to ride today and it was supposed to be sunny and 48 but it was just breaking through the clouds as I was finishing up this afternoon. I had a great ride for this early in the year and coming back from slack-o-rama. I was surprised to see a 17.3 average for 24.67 miles.
There was a huge soccer game going on so I stopped for a moment to watch towards the end of my ride but I got cold and rode on in.
I used my hearing aid for tunes and the CI for hearing. It worked out great!
I really liked this shot due to the reflection on the water
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Hell's Gate opens at 5:30 tomorrow
That's right, you heard me! Hell's Gate opens at 5:30pm tomorrow.
I return to the fitness center for training. All that slacking has come to an end. The demons will greet me at the entrance tomorrow holding billy clubs and whips. They will roll their eyes if I even mention pain or shake. They are evil but I love them and they make me a better man. I will sweat so bad that I'll fry my hearing aid and CI... and then I'll smile because I have coverage!
I've got that Coldplay song "Clocks" stuck in my head again... goes right along with the feeling of the night before training starts...
Lights go out and I can't be saved
Tides that I tried to swim against
You've put me down upon my knees
Oh I beg, I beg and plead (singing)
Come out of things unsaid, shoot an apple off my head (and a)
Trouble that can't be named, a tiger's waiting to be tamed (singing)
You are, you are
First order of business is a spin class at 5:30 tomorrow. Those will be Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Tuesday and Thurs and maybe Fridays will be core training. I will be told to walk around with a bottle of water and cut the crap food. You know that stuff I've been eating for the past 3 months. I will be the first to admit I did not train as I should have last year for my cycling. Don't get me wrong at all here... I had an awesome coach (Mark)last year and he pushed me but I should have stayed on the core training as I did when I looped the state tour. Man, I wish I had time to pull another one off those tours.
Saturday may find me heading back to the farmlands for a building base miles ride. Temps are going to nose dive then come back to normal by the weekend. Of course Friday they are using that "freezing rain" word. In my mind, I tell myself to use the word "commitment" again and again and again.
Big news.... Arkansas Children's Hospital made the Forbes TOP 100 Employers in the US to work for! As a recruiter that's like the gold card! By the way, we had almost 10K applicants apply last year. Gee after this I wonder how much that will jump?
Life is good... r.e.a.l good
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