Mid week madness!

I just thought this art was a hoot! It's actually from the Chainwheel (www.chainwheel.com) bike shop home page. Where does Pat and Bruce find this stuff?

Last nights group ride was a blast and a half! I parked at Burn's Park so I could ride a few miles to the start and feel warmed up. We had a nice sized group and I thought with the absence of Patrick and Robb the ride would be a tad slower. HA! Yeah right! We rode along at about 20 then 21 then over the bridge into Little Rock and then 22. Oh man, I had to pull at 22. I did ok for a bit and then noticed I dropped to 21 then to 20 and knew I needed to move over. The paceline passed along and for some weird reason I suddenly blew. I could not catch up. They got smaller and smaller. I kept thinking the next group would be here shortly but no one. I could still see my guys and as they got close to the new bridge there was a split. Some headed up Overlook. I turned and headed that way myself only to look up a few minutes later (yes, I did start to catch up) but it wasn't my group. It happened to be a few Carve riders training on the hill. I push my fat tail on up and up the hill and told myself "yeah baby" at the top. I let 'er rip on the way down. As I got to the bottom and hung a left I felt great! I finally met up with the guys and I was a little too proud to tell them I had just climbed Overlook. Several of the ones that started one the LR side were going to climb it now. I thought about doing it again but instead choose to stay with the group. We rode along at a nice pace and Wayne got to the front and began to pull and it was a perfect 20 miles per hour. We never went up or down. Great pull Wayne! As we came back over the Broadway Bridge we split up a little and I somehow ended up a couple hundred yards ahead (trust me, it wasn't because I was riding that fast!) and as I rode by the road to Ft Roots I turned and lo and behold I climbed it. I was really enjoying the ride! I solo'ed back to Cook's mainly to let everyone know I was fine. Our group is close knit and if someone drops, we check on them. So I said my goodby's and rode back to Burn's Park.

You know, some days you just get lucky to really have it in you and you have a great ride. Today was that day for me.

Other news:
Emily got her hard copy of her drivers license and the restriction was lifted. She is a real auto driver now. So that means I will be using my bike to get to work more now! I'm not complaining one bit!

Terri's folks arrived yesterday from Navarre, Florida for the long weekend and brought me a killer birthday present!! 8 lbs of fresh shrimp! Shrimp boil for the family at the house tomorrow night! Woo Hoooo!

I'm starting to miss it

Back in the winter when I was planning to repeat my state circle tour or the even bigger plan to ride from the Canadian border back to Little Rock, it would have been about to happen next week. There just seems to be a void right now. I thought I could fill that void by riding the NW Arkansas Challange but that has gotten put aside as well. I'm sort of in the "exactly what are your goals for biking this summer" mode. I'm hoping to get to ride the Arky 100 preview ride this Sunday. Also I'll do something on Monday since it's a vacation day. I know, I'm just whinning today.

Sean, Emily's boyfriend is looking at getting a crotch rocket. Suzuki, I think. Red and black. Fast. (I can't wait to borrow it!)

Sunday stuff

Just a quick hit...

Spent the afternoon yesterday in Benton. Everyone doing well. Dad in good spirits.

Terri thought her flight from St Paul was from 9:30 this morning and when she called the shuttle to reserve a spot she realized it was for 9:30 pm. She caught an earlier flight and has been picked up by Sean and Emmy for an 8:30 arrival. Bet she's going to be tired.

Went to church. It was good.

Went to Friday's with Emmy for lunch. It was good. Had Pecan crusted chicken salad.

Went to train solo thi afternoon. Saw lots of bud's but needed to do my own thing. Repeats of Ft Roots and the goal was to stay in the big ring. Mission accomplished.

One of my departments I recruit for, Transport, just moved out of their old stand alone building to their new offices across the street. The old building caught fire yesterday and burned down. No one hurt.

Where did that come from?

With Terri out of town and the kids bored we went over to Cold Stone and had ice cream for Friday night out. I got a peanut butter and fudge shake that was out of this world! We were going to see the Da Vinci Code but it was sold out until the 10:30 show. No thanks. then this morning the early news has all these folks slamming it. I think I'll wait for the video.

This morning I woke and knew I was going to ride. Flipped on the tube and Weather Channel is showing 72 degrees at 6:30 a.m.. Perfect riding weather. I left the house a tad after 7 and rode North Hills to the river and dodged a couple of road blocks for a charity 5K. Enjoyed a fast pace down the river and stopped for a moment at Cook's Landing. Lots of folks out enjoying the beautiful morning. Left Cook's to head back to the house and there had been a group coming toward me as I was coming towards Cook's, now it looks like they are getting back on the road after a flat or mechanical. I asked if all was ok. Got the OK and somehow ended up in the middle of the group since there was a break. I noticed that several guys had the Chainwheel jersey's on so I figured it was Bruce's Coffee Ride extended version. We started for the hill just before the Burn's Park golf course and several stood up to climb the hill. I did to and suddenly I danced the pedals and eat the hill. A beautifully excuted attack! I keep it going and turned on Championship Lane and keep the pace up until I was out of sight. The guys didn't turn on the lane but I suspect they were watching. I started thinking it was a dumb thing to do because of the energy used and the distance from home. I don't know what it came from but I keep it going all the way home. This never happens to me. I was wishing Robb, Patrick and Chris had been there becuase it was just one of those moments! I'm not bragging, it was just fun!

It's Bike to Work day!!!

ACH riders in the Bike to Work ride.

Riders coming over the Broadway Bridge from North Little Rock into Little Rock. This is a very heavy traffic road during rush and police blocked a lane for us.

My pal Ron Rizzardi riding with the trailer.

Ready to start the Bike to Work ride from Burn's Park

Listening to route directions

Keith (L) and I at the River Market when the ride ended.

Team ACH Riders

Today was National Bike to Work Day. This was the event a couple of years ago that prompt me to start bicycle commuting to work. I admit I haven't done well with it at all this year but then I usually started getting serious about it after this event. Terri is out of town on business so I didn't feel good about not having a car so I drove over to the hospital and rode back over the bridge to the NLR start point then after it was over rode with the gang back to the hospital. It's nice to have a big company owned fitness center and have locker room facilities for times like this.

Before every event ride I don't sleep well. I'm always afraid I'm going to over sleep. Last night even though Emmy said she'd set her alarm and wake me up, I still tossed and turned. I woke at 1:22 then at 4:26 and then off and on till 5.

It was a fun ride and I hope I start commuting again. Those morning rides just do something for me.

Thursday stuff

Yale and Brandon Funk getting ready to ride in the Ride of Silence last night.

Didn't ride tonight since Terri is in St Paul on business and will be till Sunday. I mowed the yard and cut tree limbs.

Ride of Silence

Monty Cole, President of BACA (Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas) speaks to the crowd before the ride begins.Tonight we will have the Ride of Silence. It's a national ride honoring those who have been hurt or killed in a crash involving bicycles. Last year Jason Pratt was killed by a possible drunk driver as he rode along the streets of Little Rock. It was a hit and run and they caught the man that did it. I didn't know Jason but from what his family and friends have said, he was a young man that really enjoyed adventure and life.

If you are reading this and notice bikes out around 7pm tonight please be respectful.

People keep saying, "I saw you out at such and such riding and you were hauling it." Gee, what a head rush! I don't haul it at all compared to my buds. Now they can haul it to the exteme.

Last nights ride was a washout. As I left the office I went through a downpour on the river bridge and afterwards for a few moments. Then again almost at the turn off to Cook's Landing. As everyone arrived we all were looking out of the courner of our eye at the black clouds. "Whadda y'all wanna do?" Yale says. "Over and back!" Patrick says. "Crap!" George thinks. I went and was riding and feeling good at 24mph. This will be a good ride after all. SWASH!!!! Downpour! The paceline breaks up and everyone wobbles back to the start point. Bummer!

Ready to ride!

I've not gotten to ride since last week so it's like a bad case of cabin fever during an Arkansas ice storm. Ya just wanna scream, "Get me outta here!"

I'll meet up with the club here in about an hour for our Tuesday night ride. It's been a fast group this year and pretty darn fun if you ask me. I need to do some hill training so I'm hoping for north side of the river with a Ft Roots climb session but I'll go with the club wherever they ride.

I'm still reliving the past weekend and the fun I had at the races.

Joe Martin and Fayetteville weekend

************Various Photos*********


(Right) Jose A and his cool SRAM Volvo. I worked for Jose this past weekend and for a guy that handles all the pro's bikes for mechanical problems when needed he is the most laid back guy I've ever met. Super nice and I learned a lot! Thanks Jose!
(Left) Riding behind the Toyota-United Team car. We were laughing that it looked like they were having a business meeting.


The left over after the massive pile up when the peleton hit the train tracks. We spent the rest of the afternoon getting guys to the feed zone to hook up with their teams again. I spoke Sunday morning with one of the guys we helped and he finally went to the hospital on Saturday night. No broken bones but he was really sore. At one time I reached down in my cargo shots pocket and had a fork of one of the Abercombie and Fitch team. I found the rider after the race and returned the piece. We both had a good laugh.










A shot of the mountains at Artist point on Mt Graynor.




**Toyota-United Photos**
Here are some of the bikes Toyota-United ride. They were great bunch of guys and I would have had a lot more photos of them but I messed up my camera. Actually still learning a lot of the features.


















Sean Sullivan of Australia. Yep, he has that cool Aussie accent. Fun to listen to him talk.


Ivan Stevic pedals away after watching the women's race for a moment. Stevic is from Serbia.

The Friday afternoon race and the Toyota-United Team car.












**CARVE PHOTOS***
Hunter East (?)on the time trial. Carve was tearing up the hill.












Got to cheer on the home team!


Friday Report:
Got to Fayetteville via Hwy 71 after leaving a few chalk messages for the guys. Grabbed a bite to eat at McDonalds and headed over to the Wal Mart parking lot where the men's pro race would start. I met up with Vince, busy as ever. Jose got there a few minutes later and I walked up and introduced myself. I half expected him to tell me to go get him some water but that was the opposite from his character. He was one of the nicest, most laid back guys I've ever met. Professional to a tee but in a great way. I was excited to know I would learn from this guy over the course of the weekend! We loaded the trucks with extra wheels, secured the bikes on the roof of the car, then I got busy helping all the pro's get their tires aired up. All were friendly and apprecitive. I just I was thinking they'd all have the Lance Armstrong complex but nope, they were just normal guys that enjoyed riding. The race starts!
Watching Jose change a wheel and get a man back on the road was a experience in itself. In seconds everything is done and the rider is back in the race and Jose is driving Euro style, honking and swerving and back to the front behind the peleton.
Evansville, the train track that took down a peleton... Just as we rounded the corner it looked like a tornado hit the group. Guys laying everywhere. They had to cross some train tracks and down they went. Several got up and took off only to be picked up hurting later. We picked up and shuttled guys the rest of the afternoon. We had 3 in the truck and I really felt bad for them because they were all hurt and bleeding and disappointment not to get to finish the race. A couple of them I never saw again this weekend. Got finished around 7 and went to Peguin Ed's BBQ with Ryan and Melissa to eat.

Saturday road race....
Met up with Jose, aired tires, tightened a cage then shifted over to the trucks. With over 200 riders we had a lot more trucks and wheels. With the Cat 3-5's they bring their own replacement wheels and the guy that was driving the truck I was going to work with hadn't done this before and wasn't into bikes. He just was talked into driving. There was a pile of wheels in the back and I had to get back there and get them set up and tagged. Jermey would drive the truck and I would jump out and change the wheels and get them back on the road...just as Jose had taught me the day before.

Saturday Time Trails...
Bascially just watched from the mid way point and encouraged riders. The course was just 2.5 mile time trail but it was all up hill. It was great to watch their endurance and then fun to see them ride back down the hill to their team cars. They would rocket down the hill.

Sunday: Met up with Jose and since I wasn't really scheduled for anything I just told him thanks for letting me work with him this weekend and how I had learned a lot from him. He LOADED me up with goodies as I was leaving. A true pro! He wanted me to come back and work with him next year... that comment was worth more then all the goodies. I walked around and spoke with Vince and others I knew and went to the Toyota-United tent. Cool stuff. I saw the guys come in as the women were racing and got to speak with Sean and Ivan for a moment. Then walked around to where the bus was and they had all the bikes out and I saw Frankie Andreau, the team director, and asked if I got get close up to the bikes and shot some photos. Got a couple of cool ones! Andreau was like Jose. Not what I expected! A nice guy and very fan friendly.

I watched Carve take the winnings on the Cat 3 race. They were great. The first few laps was a breakaway by Carve and he held on for several solo leads.

All in all, it was a good time had by all.

The picture everyone in my family wants to see!!!

Melissa and Ryan

and the twins!!!

Here's the first pregnant family portrait made this morning just before church.

CONGRATS Y'ALL!!!

I really should be packing!

Happy Birthday Lil Sista Barbie!!!

It's the night before the Joe Martin races in Fayetteville and I should be packing. After a crazy day at the office and some software not working I was bushed by the time I got home. I had a project for the VP that had to be done today for the printer and I thought it was never going to get finished. But it did.

I missed my group ride tonight but had dinner with the family and that was fun. Tyler was here and we messed around a little after dinner.

Well, I really do have to go pack! Oh by the way, I get to see Melissa pregnant with her twins tomorrow!

I plan to take a lot of photos so keep watching!

Got a little stormy!

Last night storms came through and I didn't realize it was that bad until driving to work. I got up at 6 and had just come into the kitchen and the garage light came on then went off. Then it did it again. I had not turned on the kitchen lights and knew the dogs were in the garagr since it was raining. What on earth were those dogs doing out there I wondered! Then I realized the stove clock was off. The electricity had just gone off. Terri said it came back on about 7:30. Once again, we were lucky.

As I drove down the road there were a couple of trees down and no lights anywhere except across the valley I could see street lights. JFK was all backed up and the brave NLR police were in the middle of the intersection directing traffic. Lightening was still going across the sky. There were also a couple of stalled cars in the road.

As of 11:43 this morning, it's still going on and my building has very limited power.

On a different subject, last nights ride was 34 miles of speed! I looked down and we were moving along at 24mph. I'm not sure we ever got under 18 last night. Myself and a few others stopped at the stop lights along the way and broke off from the group. They didn't run the lights but we just got caught as it changed to red. On the way back Keith, Chris, JBar sort of stuck together and made it back. Keith, if you're reading this, thanks for the long pull!

Triple Bypass

Just a cool photo I acidentally took.

The ABC Bike Club ride that we merged with. I was getting ready to take a photo and I heard folks talking behind me and felt bad that I wasn't watching. Sorry guys!

Chris Shaw and Mark Rogers talk about Chris' trip to Tour de Georgia

Will, a very strong rider.

The Fast Girls and Slow Guys club discussing the game plan for the day.

We all met over under the I-430 bridge. Actually just passed it. 1pm came and everyone was ready to roll out. The weather was hot and humid as the sun broke through the clouds and cool when the clouds would roll by can cover up the sun.

Our pace was good and steady and at first I thought we were going to be in an all out leg burning session but things calmed down as folks began to warm up. Most of the time we were in the 19-21 mph range and the paceline was set up nice.

We crossed over the bridge and I was behind one of the new guys and he rode with a removable cast on his arm. He went over the bridge with one hand in order to keep the shock of the bumps from bothering him. He's an excellent rider without the cast and a pretty amazing rider even with the cast! Stayed with the group the whole time.

As we got over the bridge we had to slow several times for familes along the trail but the speed picked back up as we got out on the road. We were moving along at about 18 or so and I thought it was a good time to grab my camera and get some action shots but the ABC ride had caught us and merged. I didn't realize someone was drafting me. Felt bad not watching and listening for them.

We turned and headed up Ft Roots and I felt good climbing. Still had a couple more gears to go at the top and had kept my speed around 10mph up the hill. Everyone made it to the top and we stopped for a second to gab about who rode what ride yesterday. Weather threw a monkey wrench into the day yesterday

Next was a nice pace out and around Burn's Park and on the road by the tennis courts we cranked it up! Rawked through there and as I looked down I saw the number 32. Paceline moving at 32 mph!! WoHooo! We got over to Cook's Landing and regrouped and started back to the Little Rock side. Robb's chain decided to play boa constrictor and wrap up and squeeze. He had to remove the back wheel to get it back on thread. Bummer!

As we got to the end of the road by the dam Chris Irons pointed to Overlook. I got excited! We were going to climb all three hills!! I'm not the best climber but I enjoy it. My goal again was to make the climbs without using the granny gears and I did it! Overlook is a beast but it's not really because of the length and the grade but because the road is slanted to the side and for some reason that messes with me. We got to the top and regrouped. Everyone did great! As we were about to head down there were other cyclist training on the hill. My bud, Charlie Haight was one of those. He's a lot of fun to ride with.

Next hill which is not much further is River Mountain Road. Again, up we went. I felt good going up although I was slow. Mark passed me on the way up and I studied his cadance and tried to find a gear that would put me in the same time as him but I was at my low gear on the mid ring so it wasn't going to happen. Mark is my mentor as far as riding. I try and copy him as often as possible. He and Chris Shaw are both very strong riders and worth trying to copy. I kid with Chris about whenever he rocks his neck back and forth that is a sign that he is about to attack. HA! We all made it to the top with no problem and headed back down to the cars.

So we did it! The local version of the Triple Bypass. Good weather and good friends. It was a dandy way to spend the afternoon!

Early Sunday morning

Up early and taking an easy glide into the morning. It's one of those cloudy Sunday mornings where you don't feel like moving much.

After church I'm planning to meet friends and ride what we call our local "Triple Bypass". We'll ride the club ride starting over in Little Rock on the river and ride along the river and over the bridge to North Little Rock then up Ft Roots then on out to Cook's Landing, regroup, then head back to the LR side and finish with 2 other nice climbs (Overlook Drive and River Mountain Road). Yes, I'll take my camera and get some photos.

There will be another ride about 6:30 this afternoon...maybe. It's Senior night at church so most will be there for the dinner afterwards. So come to think of it, there might not be a ride. Not sure if I would go if I do Triple Bypass.

I watched Seabiscuit last night. I didn't read the book and missed it on the big screen and wished I hadn't. Great movie!

I'm really starting to get excited about next weekend! Joe Martin Stage Races in Fayetteville! I will volunteer again this year and Vince gave me a NICE responsibility. I get to work with the pro's mechanics as their assistant. I've been getting more and more into the mechanics of cycling after getting to be support during the Carve camp back in the spring. So getting to work with pro mechanics is going to be a great learning experience. I love being a part of the races and as much as I'd like to race, I'm not up to their caliber so support is the next best thing. You are right there in the middle of it all. I'll be up close with the likes of HealthNet, Toyota-United, Kodak S-N, Tulsa Wheelmen, Tyson, Carve and many more. One thing that's really nice about bike racing events is that you can generally walk up and have a photo op or just shake hands and tell 'em good luck. There are the Lance Armstrong's you can't get within miles of but even those are far and few in between. The sponsors want their guys out there being in photos displaying their branding names. More on this later.

Now with even more photos!!

Photo's from today's ride to Wye Mountian.

Top left: I actually have a photo on my old blog for the first annual Flood Gate Fish Fry. Notice "Anual"? Last year's sign said by "invatation" only. Maybe someday I'll go to this party since I misspell as many words as they do! HA!

Top center: I rode passed this sign and it was one of those moments where you think, "Did I just read that right?" I even saw the jackass and he saw me. He was grazing and looked up, sighed and thought, "Another cyclist, big whoop! Not worth attacking!" Then went back to chewing on the grass.

Bottom photo: It's a cow gate but I guess the cows kept going through until the owner put these giant worms on gate.

As you see I got a new digital camera from Tyler, my son, for my birthday and was really excitied! I had been wanting one of my own that I could slip in my jersey pocket to take photos of rides. I used it today on a ride for the first time and forgot how much I enjoyed the "touring" style of rides rather than the fast and furious.

The photo I really wanted was the chickens on the tampoline! Serious! There was a trailer and a trampoline out in the yard and the chickens were all just sitting on it watching the bikes ride by. When I came back by I was solo and there were little boys playing in the yard and the chickens were still there but didn't feel right taking the photo then.

I rode from the bottom of Pinnacle Mountain over Wye Mountain. The Carve elite team was out training and blew by me but not without giving me the be howdy. I rode on to Hwy 10 then it began to rain on top of the mountain and I knew I could get back faster if I backtracked so I did. I rode in the rain for about 5-10 minutes then just a sprinkle here and there. I never dropped to my low gears climbing the mountain which was my goal for the day.

Taking my time and enjoying the surroundings is what make the ride a true adventure!

Happy Birthday Emmy!

My little girl turned 16 and of course did it in drama style! HA! She went to take her drivers test (the driving part) and passed with no problems but then found out she had to have to permit for 6 months before she could exchange it for a solo drivers license. She was heartbroken but lived. It's just a couple more months. She will be driving well by the time school starts back for the fall and she won't be nervous.

We had several of her friends over to hang out and have cake. Most are athletic and passed on the cake but took all the bottled water. We could all learn from kids... right?!

Starbucks in the Mist

I woke this morning at 6, showered and was in my car heading to Starbucks by 6:30. The rain stopped and the sun was shining. Beautiful morning. Yes, I did think about riding but the roads are still wet. As I was on my way to Starbucks it kept looking as if it was getting really cloudy again. It was a fog bank coming over the hill. I actually parked and went in for my order since there was only one other person there. When I came out the fog was just down the road and by the time I started my car it was like a cloud landed on the place. I could see the fog rolling by. I kept waiting for whatever monster Scooby Doo was going to be chasing to be in it. I drove in and out of the fog several times on my way back to the house.

Got home, read the paper and the latte has officially kicked in! Oh by the way, I let the dogs out into the backyard so they could do their business and the first thing they did was find the low spot in the yard and splash in! Again and again... sooooo guess who will be staying out all day! I mean they are nasty mud puppys! If it wasn't a church morning I'd wash 'em and keep 'em in til the ground dries a little more.

Not sure how much rain we got but the flooding made the Weather Channel top story and I know that a car dealership was under water at the tune of a million dollars.

Several of us are riding this afternoon so it will be interesting to see how high the river is and how much wash out is in the middle of the bike roads. The plan today is to ride the 34 miles of the river roads and then climb 3 different hills. We call it the Triple Bypass ride. The crew I'll be riding with is a lot of fun so I'm looking forward to it. I thought about going to ride the "since you didn't ride in the rain" Tour de Toad today but just not in the mood to drive to Conway mainly because gas is so high I'm really trying to cut back. Yes, I am considering biking to work now that it's warm but I've got to have the car for a couple of things this week.

Well, got to go get really for church. I'll log in tonight and update about where and how I rode this afternoon.

Photos from the Tour de Hills in Harrison

Since Max chewed up the power chord to my laptop I've gotten behind on posting photos too.

Here's some photos from a recent ride in Harrison, AR. Enjoy!

Saturday morning blues

I woke this morning and stumbled into the shower around 6:15. I walk into the den and look out the window at a DRY deck!! WHA?! It was supposed to be raining and I've now over slept and I need to be at the caravan start point at 7 and I didn't eat dinner last night for a bike ride today and I haven't eaten breakfast or gotten my gear together or put my bike in the car or anything. Oh man!!! I'm completely bummed out!

So I flipped on the TV to see the weather and sure enough the rain is here but not in Sherwood yet. There is a yellow blob where the ride is supposed to start so my fingers are crossed that it's postponed until tomorrow at 1:30. It's now 8:15 and there it's rained a couple of times here already and the wind is gusting around 20 mph. Not a perfect day to ride. I checked the website for The Ride (bike shop) and it's posted that the event is still on. I suspect the crew is out on the course debating it. It was supposed to start at 8.

I had to let Saydee and Max in just as the rain started and they stink! Out to play in he garage for you!

No it ain't!

Ok, I was wrong. Toad Suck Daze is next weekend and boy am I glad because we have 100% chance of rain tomorrow. But the Toad Suck bike ride is tomorrow. Erik says the ride will go on unless it's really bad and then it will be rescheduled for Sunday at 1:30. I'm hoping for the Sunday at 1:30 version!

Can you believe it's a Friday night and I'm blogging. Oh man, I've got to get a life! I got home and Terri and Emmy had gone to see the high school Sr prom presenting. I cleaned the house and knocked out my chores so I wouldn't have to do them tomorrow. Now if it's raining all day then I'll go nuts because I've already done them.

Terri was coming home from a business trip to MO last night and a truck threw a rock and bashed the windshield of the Explorer. And of course Emmy is supposed to go take her drivers test next week. Terri is getting the side mirror fixed that she broke when she hit the garage door last summer while I was out on my bike tour. It'll cost $140.

Toad Suck Daze is this weekend!

Toad Suck Daze http://www.toadsuck.org/index.asp is this weekend! Yes, it's really the name of one of the best Arkansas festives around! The legend has that the sailors would get off the bardges and drink at I local tavern to the point that they would swell up like toads! Everything at the festive is frogs! This year marks their 25th year! Congrats Conway!

That have a ride called the Tour de Toad and a lot of folks from the Little Rock area are heading up to ride.

I'm heading to Conway tomorrow morning to a great bike shop called The Ride and get my bike fitted. Something has changed and I am having some pain behind my left knee about about 30 miles. I've had the bike and this set up for 2 years but I'm thinking maybe the seat has moved back a tad. Anyway, Erik is going to put me on the trainer and get my set up corrected. Then I'll be able to ride this weekend with the big Toads!

Big rain came through early this morning and caused all sorts of traffic jams. As I look out my window it appears to be turning blue skies! Means I can ride tonight with the group. Sad thing is that the gas prices have split the group. Several live on the Little Rock side of the river and they are going to ride over there and some, like myself, live on the north side so we'll continue our rides. Last week there was a wreck and many were in traffic a while and it just made them realize they are driving quite a bit rather than getting to ride. It will look like the movie Braveheart if we are going over the Broadway bridge to LR and they are coming over to NLR.

One other thing... they have finalized the Arky 100 ride for this fall. October 1st they will have the official grand opening of the bike bridge. This will be a big event!

Easter Sunday

It's early Easter Sunday and terri and Emmy are still asleep. I was hoping for a sunny Sunday morning but we got the clouds this morning but at least no rain and no cold temps. Seems the past couple of Easter have been cold and rainy. I flipped on the tv to see the weather and the sunrise Easter service was being shown live down at the riverfront. It's packed! I remember how sad it was last year with the cold and rain. Seems like just a few were there and this year it's over flowing.

I rode yesterday from Brent's house out in west LR at The Ranch. There were a good group of us and we headed out. We set up well in a paceline right off the bat and rode out to a place I knew a lot of cyclist go but I've never been there. Hwy 9 and then Hwy 10. Brent broke a spoke which sidelined him and he had to get a shuttle back in. 2 others returned with him. The wind was either straight at us or pushing to the side. When I got home I saw on the Weather Channel that it was 16 with 25mph gust. I was glad I didn't have that in my mind the whole ride. The ride ended with 4 of us completing. Rob, Christopher, Rebecca and myself.

I began to hurt when I had about 75% of the ride completed. It was behind my left knee. Not a real hurt but a pesty one. I pushed it out of my mind and rode on. It wasn't until I got in the car that it really started to make a scene but again I pushed it back and drove on home. I got to the house and opened the car door and stepped out and thought I wa going to do a face plant on the driveway. It was weird like my leg wasn't even there. I steadied myself and hobbled in. I did my best not to make it look like it hurt and boy did it ever. What's with this? Anyway, I didn't get to finish the chores I was planning to knock out.

We had a family dinner last night and I don't really know what it is about having us all (kids and dates) at the table in a casual dinner but it just always brings me a very good sense of happiness. Terri made grilled steak kabobs and chicken, rolls, homecut fries and warm brownies for dessert. We laughed and had a great time. We had Tyler eat on the "red plate" since he got a job he loves.

Later this morning we will all sit together in church and then go to the park to meet the rest of my family for a picnic lunch. I'm looking forward to it.

By the way, the leg feels fine this morning!

Countdown to the weekend!

A very quite day in the office and I'm finishing up lunch. My department had a Lunch and Learn session yesterday and there were some salads left over. I'm not sure what the official name was but these things are out of this world! Different greens with pecans, bacon bits, grilled chicken, Raspberry dressing and more. Tummy was really happy!

Now let me tell you about yesterday's lunch. Oh man, it was wrong! A coworker (Jason) and I went to Harvest Foods of all places. He told me it was good and it was. We got tons of food for 5 bucks. The bad part was that mine was a plate of fried foods. Catfish, Potato wedges, fried okra and hush puppies. As we were eating I told Jason I would pay for eating this. He laughed and said, "Man, even your bread is fried."

I met the Fast Girls and Slow Guys bike group that I ride with doing the summer evenings and the group continues to grow and changes the dynamics of the rides. Last summer when I started riding there was Yale, Wayne, Christina, Mark, Chris and his wife Jenn, and Keith. Keith had invited me and it was just the group I was hoping to find. The ride last night had about 15 or so folks. The start was a social pace and then kicked up a little later. I was in the middle and couldn't seem to get with the flow and my computer battery had gone out so I wasn't sure what the pace speed was. Take that and add the casual riders that were out there but not part of our group and the walkers, the speed was fast/slow back and forth.

We then hit Ft Roots drive something kicked in for me (maybe that fried food is good for something afterall!). I climbed easier and faster than I ever had. It was weird. I wasn't blown by the time I hit the top. Sure there were still the rockets that flew past me but I felt really good on the climb. I'm getting more comfortable going down faster and faster as well.

The upcoming weekend looks to be a fun one. It's Easter weekend. I have a list of things to get done around the house which I'll start this afternoon if Terri and I aren't going out to eat. There are several rides and I'm hoping to get in on one heading out from Brent's house around 11 tomorrow. I think it's about a 40 miler but there will be wind. We'll go to church Sunday morning and then meet the rest of the family at Maumelle Park for a picnic. Then I'll get a quick ride in if I have all my chores done.

Blogging again... he thinks

Oh man, I've not blogged all month? Sorry readers!

Let's see... Yep, I've been riding and even Terri has gotten back on the bike to ride along the river. It was fun to ride along side of her.

Tyler is working for Jones Productions and I saw his first tv spot last night. Sounds like Fox 16 might be wanting him to come edit news for the weekends so he'll be working the 7 days a week gig for a while. there are dollar signs in his eyes.

Em is about to be 16 in a couple of weeks and has already tried to take over the Honda. Even put some tooty-fruity air freshener in it that was so strong I felt quizzy.

The dogs: They are growing and Max ate most of the bushes in the backyard. I give up. Saydee is out of her routine now so I've got to give her more attention.

The parents are doing well and I'll see them Sunday (Easter).


Lots of rides coming up. More later

He's blogging again!

I know, I know... I actually sat down to blog and the goofy thing kept asking me for my password over and over and then told me it was wrong. I finally gave up. So, that said, here's a weeks worth of blogging from my noggin'.

We saw Delirium at Alltel last Thursday night. Very cool show! I hope it comes back again some time!

Melissa, my niece is having twins and everyone is so happy for them. I sent here a list of hot names used by young parents these days. They got to see the 2 little heart beats and everyone cried.

Terri and Emily are in Memphis shopping today. Emily is on spring break.

Terri's parents were here from Navarre, FL and the pollen has kicked in up here and sent them straight back home with runny noses. I'm sure we'll get a letter saying something to the effect of, "We don't have that stuff down here."

Tyler is working at Journey's (out selling everyone) and at Jones Productions doing his video magic. He seems happy to be back in Arkansas and not living in downtown among the high rise buildings. The warmer weather seems to be a plus for him too.

I lucked out and was the 10,000th person to visit my nephew Jim's blog. That was cool since I don't luck into stuff like that very often at all. He said he was sending me a prize and I told him I just couldn't wear on of those "I Bleed Orange" t-shirts.

I have decided not to ride the two week bike trip around the state like I did last year. It’s just not a good time to be able to put that much work into it. I think I'll do something again but not 2 weeks worth. I do plan to ride a lot of the charity event rides as well as rides with friends.

Last week I went out to Two Rivers Park in Little Rock to ride Wye Mtn. As the guys were getting their bikes ready they ALL had areo bars on. This is a bad sign! They all ride for Carve and are all about 10 years younger and much leaner. So we take off and I told them not to wait if I get dropped. I did good until about half way up the mountain and zoom there they come and go! I saw them a couple more times but in the end the drooped me like a rock when we reached Hwy 10. It was ok because I slowed down and started enjoying the ride for me rather than competitive riding. I saw a couple of wild turkey's crossing Hwy 10. I saw a flock of geese coming in for the evening at Lake Maumelle. That sort of scenes is what makes a ride for me.

Oh yeah, and we got another puppy. Actually, Sean, Emily's boyfriend got a puppy but he lives at our house. I said, well, what if y'all break up will you have joint custody and each gets the pup every other weekend? Ok, here's the kicker... Max is a 12 week old Chow/Rotweiler (sp?) mix. He eats more than Saydee and is a brick of muscle. I've spoken with several that have Rotti's as they are called and all have said, it depends on how you raise them and train them. Max will be our outside dog. I just hope he stays as loveable as he is now. Yes, Saydee is very protective of him. I thought it was jealous but she treats him like it's her baby. Fun to watch them play. Sean has to buy Max's food and upkeep and knows that if he (Max) eats the house then Sean has to pay for it.

Next week I will be riding the Tour de Hills in Harrison with several friends. 62 miles of hills then a drive home! I'll spend the night up there on Friday night but I'm thinking I'll drive home on Saturday after the event. Probably will stop and eat a dozen times on the way home! HA!

Well, my favorite part of the weekend is coming up! The start of the weekend... Friday at 5pm!!!

Y'all have a fun weekend!

Delirium made me crazy!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day (And happy birthday Jim)

Happy Saint Patrick's Day (And happy birthday Jim)

Traditional Irish Blessing and Toast
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be ever at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And the rain fall softly on your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand

It's my nephew Jim's birthday and it's really easy to remember it since it's on this day. I can still remember the day he was born. I was in the 6th grade and it was cold and rainy. Our school had grown so the sixth grade classes were in portable buildings. My little sister Barbie came and knocked on the classroom door and told me while class was going on. I remember yelling, "It's a boy!". The only other little person I had that made me an uncle was Shannon, so a boy was a big deal. Oh by the way, Jim is the family member that broke all the rules and moved to Texas. Well I should take that back, Jason, the nephew that came a few months after Jim, moved there first.

In case you are wondering I ended up with Shannon, Jason, Jim, Melissa, Brit, Linsey, Matt and then a whole nother herd of them that got in as families changed (divorce/marriage).

Tyler has been busy with Jones Productions and he has already worked on Backyard Burger and Lee's Chicken animations for their TV spots. I got to see the Backyard burger animation and it was really cool looking! Way to go kiddo!

I drove in record time to the hospital even though I didn't leave until 7:28. The school's are out and it's just a nice day and the Hogs are in Dallas in the tournie so no one went to work. I even got a prime parking spot that is never open! Luck 'o the Irish ya say?!

I'm planning to bust out by 4 and take a ride. With 3 days of rain heading this way, I better ride while I can. I can only hope the luck 'o the Irish smiles on me again today and gives me a ride like yesterday! It was just o'dandy!

Babies, tornados, and good days

Nice title huh? Here's the scoop ...

There were tornados in Arkansas up where Melissa, my neice, lives. They just found out they are having a baby (possible MULTI) and I just had my best riding day of the year today.

First, Congrats to Ryan and Melissa! Yes the family is jinxing you with 2 little mini-ryans It's the least we can jinx you with! Serious, everyone is excited. I've prayed that God will instill a hate for the color burnt orange and cow with horns. They are instruments of evil!

Second, Melissa said they have hail in their freezer the size of baseballs. They thought it was going to bust out their windows. The tornado that hit was only about 4 miles from their house.

Third, today was one of those days that the after work training ride was just dandy. I started off and the wind was right in my face along with bugs and flying sand. I left my sunglasses on the back of the car last Sunday when I finished riding and the flew off on the interstate says the car that pulled up beside me. Awww crap! Now I remember why I buy cheap safety sunglasses from Home Depot. They honestly look like a lot of the ones I've seen in the cycling catalogs. Anyway, I rode for a bit then climbed Ft Roots 2 times and back out by the river and fought the wind thinking how fun it was going to be riding back when the wind is at my back. I decided to ride out by the soccer fields and around Burns Park. There is a hill that I enjoy training on and today I attacked the thing. I didn't drop the gears as I have other times this winter. I rode by several baseball and softball games as well as golf and tennis. Everyone was out enjoying the warm (72 degree) afternoon. So I rode on out to the landing and noticed that the sun was going down behind the mountain so I knew I'd best start heading back. Man oh man was that fun! I had the wind pushing me along and I look down to see myself flying along at a whooping 26 mph and enjoying it. I was in the groove! Some days are just meant to be outside!

An 80 mph tailwind... now that's wicked!

Nah, I didn't really get out and ride as the storm was approching but when I heard that the north county got winds gusting around 80 mph I thought how wicked that would have been to go out and just jump out in it and not even pedal. Of course there would be a curve and the wind would send me straight out into some cow pasture and endo into the cow poop. By the way, the storm came through about 10:30 and I was downstairs conducting interviews and had left my office window cracked open (I love the fresh air!). When the storm hit it sent papers a flying and one of my coworkers had to come in and shut the window. When I got back up here I noticed a few drops of water here and there. Something tells me if Chris wouldn't have shut the window then my office would have been soaking wet.

I didn't ride yesterday due to playing Mr. Mom while Terri was out of town. Emily, Sean, and myself decided we had to have Olive Garden. We always slip out and go eat places when Terri leaves town. Yep, we are perfectly able to cook but why?

I've seen several of my friends that ran the Littel Rock Marathon last Sunday and all are doing well and most have gotten out to run light recovery runs.

Well the storm and it's 80 mph tailwinds have left town and the sky is returning to it's beautiful shade of "after the cold front" blue. Now it's looking like a good day to count down the minutes til after work riding time!

Counting down the minutes

You have have an event that you just want to count down the minutes? My "event" is not big by any means but it's something that I look forward to. I'm talking about my after work bike ride. Some days you just look forward to getting out there and feeling the fresh air rushing by. There are several trees and flowers already blooming and the smell of spring is really refreshing.

It's funny since I'm sitting here at my desk finishing my lunch and thinking, "Ok Geo, put your head into it and blast through the afternoon wiothout looking up and 5 0'clock will be here before you know it." I'm sure there are things you do the same with. My coworkers and I were talking about funny stuff like this a few weeks ago and it was a diffcult week and I told them that I loved Wednesday mornings because I got to take the trash to the curb. Yep, the lounge got pretty quite after that weird remark. Then I explained to them that on Wednesday mornings when I take the trash down to the curb that means the week is half over and the weekend is getting closer. I'll tell you this, Friday afternoon at 5 o'clock is by far my favorite part of the weekend! Friday at 5 means you have the whole weekend ahead. It's the time when you want to run to your car throwing papers in the air and lauging!

Hey, my neice Shannon did great at the LR Marathon! I got to see her at 2 different places and she was going strong! I saw several other friends and coworkers in the pack as well. I went down to the 20 mile mark and some of these folks were looking pretty rough. I couldn't get half that far even if they told me my hair was on fire. Marathon runners are a very cool breed. Guess what country the winner was from....yep, Kenya! 2 hours, 18 minutes to run 26 miles.

With the weather turning to our favor and the sun being out longer I've gotten in some good after work rides in.

There is a big meeting tonight at the city hall where Alltel Corporate is wanting to open the bike lane to car traffic. This is going to get ugly. There has been way too much money put into the bike/ped path system to open it up to cars. The new bridge will be completed in Oct and if they open the road the bridge will be a bust.

SEC, riding and dough-dough eggs

Another beautiful day and I rode a quick 18 miles out and back on the north side. There was a thunderstorm orth of the city so there weren't very many riders out. Mark was going to work on "cruise intervals". I had said something about not being much of a conversationist the other night and he said I had the pace up high enough that he couldn't hardly talk due to labored breathing anyway. Sure buddy, whatever you say. He said the drills tonight would be painful. Hope he worked hard. He said the drills are from a book called the Cycist Training Book. Said it was awesome. I plan to look for it this weekend.

The women's SEC tournament is in town and I park close to the arena where they are playing. Tonight was a TN game and there were folks in orange everywhere! They love their Vols don't they!

Sean and Emily made dough dough eggs (chocolate no-bake cookies). My nephew Jason called them that when he was little so my whole family adopted the name.

I'm ready for the weekend!

It's 3-1 finally!

I always get excited when we finally get to 3-1! That's March 1st. I noticed it this morning when I woke at a few minutes after 6 and it was daylight. I noticed last night when me and the guys were riding that I didn't turn my bike light on until almost 6:30. Take that and add some excellent weather we are having right now (Sunny and 75 degrees) and today should be the first day of spring! Honestly, outside my office there is a row of Bradford Pear trees and they have exploded into white flowers today. I also noticed when I took the trash to the curb this morning that the ants are waking up and letting me know it with there little ant hills down by the street.

Training for the summer ride is going better too. We have a mountian climbing ride this Saturday afternoon. It's going to be tough cookie but I'll be with friends that enjoy the ride as much as keeping the speed up. We are supposed to do Wye Mountain 3 sides. One of the clubs I ride with (the same as Saturday's ride) will be riding what's called Tour de Hills in Harrison on April 8th. I've heard it was 62 miles (a metric entury) of nothing but hills.

The Little Rock Marathon is this weekend and my niece Shannon is running as well as a bunch of friends. I plan to ride my bike down to different spots in the course and hoot and hollar. At one I have to lead the Little Rockers (ages 7-12) for the last mile on my bike. Yep, there are some kids in that age group that can run an under 6 minute mile.

Did you know your tire is missing?

Has it really been almost a week since my last post? Gee, I thought I was better than that! I would have swore that I was sitting at the desk at home pecking out a blog last week.

Well, it's been a good almost week. The sleet, snow and ice have moved on and this week the weather just improves to a nice 77 degrees by Wednesday. There's a 30% chance of rain by the weekend and I hope not because of the LR Marathon on Sunday morning. I plan to be down there cheering on the bud's of mine that run. Hope it's cool in the morning for them.

Carve training camp was this past weekend. I missed Friday due to working. Missed Saturday due to going to Benton and not getting back in time (but it was worth it! Dad and I had a great time!). Sunday I was in the support car and Shelby was my partner in crime. He's a good guy. My plan was to drive awhile then take my bike off the rack and ride the rest but there were a couple of guys from California with Velo News (bike racing publication) that were riding and I gave up my tube, then my tire, and my gloves. So I didn't get to ride after all. Sort of bummed a little but I keep telling myself it was for a good cause. My new tire and tube at the bike store today at lunch was 45 bucks. Here's some pics from camp... http://clients.aristotle.net/artdept/client/chainwheel/carve/galleries/camp%2Dday3/

I did get out and ride Saturday afternoon for a bit and it felt good. I'm really needing to get with the training plan now. Not later... now! Feb was such a crappy month for training and I heard the weather guy say it has been raining or snowing 8 out of the past 9 weekends.

Toyota-United! Now I'm really excited!

Amgen Tour of California: Juan Jose Haedo sprints to a first place finish in stage one. And what team does he ride for? Toyota-United baby!!!

I saw a few minutes of it yesterday but would not read any bike boards until I saw the tape of the highlights I recorded at 1am last night. A couple of riders had a breakway early in the race and stayed out there for a long time. This was what was going to be a sprinters race and man was it. Bob Roll reported that they were riding at 30mph and that was a ways out. Then as they got closer the teams set up their riders and closer , closer, closer and it cuts loose! Sprint-oh-mania! Then out of the blue comes a smoking Haedo! No need for gasoline on the road, the man's already on fire! I was sitting in the floor of the guest room watching this unfold and when it was over I realized I had pitched the crap out of my leg! It was so great! For them to come out blazing as they have just makes me more excited about the Joe Martin Stage races in Fayetteville in May because these guys will be there and I'll get to see them live. Of course my team Carve will be there as well. Gord Fraser is looking pretty good for Healthnet and I spotted Brice Jones in the peleton. Just a great day of racing and a tape I'm sure I'll watch a few times!

I went to spin class at lunch and there were only 3 of us there besides the instructor. I like the classes better when it's sold out. At least we got new music. I did good on my eating until Terri called and said she was picking up take out on the way home and Captains D's was on the way. Why oh why do I do this? Push like a crazy fool in a lunch spin class, drink water during the day and then blow the whole thing by eating the junk? Ok, I admit, I loved almost every bite. Like a drunk that knows he's not supposed to drink and loves it while he's doing it and hates it and feels guilty afterwards. I've got to do better and the bad part is that Terri leaves for MO on business for the rest of the week and when that happens, Emily and I always eat out. I'll just have to eat out healthy. I guess I need to call my bud Gary and confess. Of course he's dropped about 20 lbs and ready for the Little Rock Marathon. But we have been strictly honest with each other on our training so it helps that I have to tell him.

One of my "E-coaches" sent me a note the other day that I liked. He told me that we were going to set my goals higher than others and train hard to reach them but remember the minute I reach them the bar is going to be raised higher. Other than Gary, I've never had someone who believed in me that much to push me that hard than "E". When I keep that in my mind, I do push harder such as in spin class I tell myself over and over than I have to keep my cadance up higher than the instructor. I also saw an advertisement for a sports drink from the winner of Kona Ironman that said, "Compassion. It's when those that were with you are now behind you." It's not a snob thing, it's just a statement to do your best and be competitive. I don't ever forget those who brought me to this dance! Mike, Kyle, Doug and Rick. The church guys.

All systems go...

I started my "true" training today. Probably the worse day in the world to start but a start nonetheless. I used my lunch time for core training and it was tough. Today was the arms and abs day and I was shaking by the time I got back to the locker room. I didn't start until 2 and had only eaten breakfast around 6 this morning so I'm the blame for that dumb mistake. Tomorrow is legs day which is usually an easier day for me.

Afterwork I came home and hung out with Emily and her boyfriend Sean. Nothing like a dad around to pester them. Emily even made dinner. I had to pass in order to ride on the trainer first which was probably just fine with them since they got to cut up in the kitchen while I spun. The nice part about the spin was that I had recorded the first day of the Tour of Cailfornia. Man what a bunch of big names are there. Yesterday was a time trail that was only 1.9 miles but it was up one of the famous "hills" of San Fransico. I think it was Telegraph Hill but don't quote me on that. Levi with his Specialized bike won! I mention the brand Specialized because that's the same brand is mine! Zoom zoom!

Speaking of the Tour of CA, this afternoon I had gotten my work done to the point of having a couple of priddly things left to do so I Googled San Fransico television stations. Lo and behold, one of them was running t race LIVE ad free! I sat there at my desk for a few minutes and watched the race. Couldn't believe it because no one had said anything about it on the bike boards. It will highligt on ESPN2 tonight at midnight so I'll have something to watch tomorrow. It's a very exciting stage today and there are attacks right and left!!

Tomorrow I might go in early and do my core training then spin class at lunch and be done for the day. It's a good thought that I hope I still have at 5:30 tomorrow morning. HA!

The Olympics have been fun to watch and my favorite, the freestyle skiing is on now.

Later!

Is this what cabin fever feels like?

Like I said yesterday day, icey weekend number 2. I came home from the office Friday and haven't been anywhere since. Not that we couldn't get out but I really didn't need anything and Terri and Emily wouldn't stay home ALL day no matter how bad the weather or how sick they might be. Terri's brother Ronnie went to FL for the week and left Terri in charge of his dogs. He doesn't excatly live in our neighborhood and she goes over there 2x a day. He said just to leave them in the house... all week. Thank goodness she's going over there. Yesterday one went out in the his backyard and wouldn't come in no matter what so she had to leave it out there. I think he needs to put them in a kennel when traveling. Oh well, enough soapboxing...

I got a lot done around the house since it was icey and sooo cold outside. But since I didn't get to ride I'm going to go watch another race from last year while I spin on my trainer. At least tomorrow will be 38 and the thaw will be on! It's also President's Day holiday for some folks so at least the raods will be light traffic.

The first stage of the first Tour of California happened today. ESPN2 will run it at midnight central time. VCR is ready! At least I can watch that will I spin tomorrow. I get a stage per night so I'll have a whole tape!

Sleet and snow! Weekend number 2

We had sleet and snow last weekend and this weekend it has made a pest of itself! It started sleeting last night after midnight and has sleeted off and on all day. Sometimes hard. Roads are still in really good shape for this weather but tonight when the sun goes down it's going to change unless we have wind to dry the roads. It's funny watching the television because it's a continuous ticker line of closings and the churches started closing first thing this morning.

Carve camp was this weekend but has been cancelled until next weekend. Sort of depresses the weekend. Hunter put a note on the message board that he as going to ride his mountain bike on the city streets starting at 1:30 this afternoon. It was an invitation to join him. Crazy man, he is! But then, he is the best on the team. Go figure.

I did get out in the garage and got it really cleaned up. Just backed the car out and got to work. Still want to get some cabinets to go out there and really tidy it up.

I watched Lords of War this afternoon on DVD. Slow movie with alot of language.

I guess I'll get on the trainer and spend for a while this evening since I ate a Wendy's Chicken sandwich with cheese and fries and coke. Fat boy here needs to get rid of that!

Champs for Children

On of my favorite radio stations is camped out in our lobby doing the Champions for Children radiothon. B98.5 did this last year for us and it was talked about all year. They really go all out and they have parents and kids on there telling their stories. Sometimes you laugh and sometimes you cry ... and sometimes both. Thanks B98.5! We love you too!

Ok, I got out and rode after work yesterday and got in 15 miles. I planned to ride at lunch today but the wind is whipping and I was afraid that I would get over by I-430 and then coming back would be headwind and it would s-l-o-w me down. So I went to Burger King and got a kids meal. Hey, I'm cutting back remember? I really wanted a BK Big Fish biggest size combo meal!

Another note, today it's a windy 64 degrees and tomorrow is supposed to be about 74 and windy then it's going to bottom out for the weekend. 3 days of freezing rain is forcasted. Oh man! We have Carve bike camp coming up for the weekend. I just hope it's not a bust.

Valentines Day

Yep, it's Valentines Day and yep I already have the gift and card. The card was bought weeks ago because I waited til the night before one year and had to basically have a ballroom brawl with another guy that had waited too long too. Ok... maybe not but it would have made a good story. Emily woke up to a HUGE stuffed dog that looks like Sadie (by the way, where is Sadie?! I know, that ain't right! HA!) and a heart shaped box of chocolate, which I will get my hands on and a card.

I got to get out an ride after work yesterday! The sun is finally out long enough now to get a ride in. I rode down and out for 15 miles and then met up with Jim Britt and we rode with lights on the river for another 20 miles so I had 35 miles in by 7:30 last night. Been awhile since I've pulled that off after work! When I started it was 52 degrees. 2 hours later it was 42 and a cold 42. On my first down and back the deer where beginning to move around and when Jim and I rode back out the field had a dozen or so out under the full moon. Deer in the field at night are one of my favorites sights to see as long as the deer stay still. When they spook and start running, it's bad news.

I got an email for a guy up in WI asking me about rides around the Mt Home area. Come to find out they are racers and are opting to use Arkansas as training base this year rather than AZ. He said AZ has just gotten to crowded with traffic. What an honor to have someone from out of state ask me something like that. I put a lot of time into the email and gave him several resource links as well.

By the way, my ride last night rolled me over into the 600 mile mark for the year. Actually 611. There are several AR guys that log their miles where I do that have over 1K already.

Y'all have a happy Valentines Day!

Brrrrrrr!

Yes, it is raining, sleeting and changing to all snow "after 2pm"

Ok, we've had this great warm winter that I'm not complaining about but when we get the white stuff and cold temps it just makes it hurt that much more. Yep, we're cold weather whimps and darn proud of it!

Since I had to go home and play Mr. Mom after work yesterday, I set up the trainer in the guest room and plugged in a race from last year and spun for an hour. It felt really good. I bought my clothes and plan to spin this afternoon over in the fitness center before heading home.

Valentines day is coming up next week and I already know what I'm getting for Terri and I got the card weeks ago. I told her that I wanted black socks. She laughed and looked at me funny. But I was serious. I have all these "singles" in my sock drawer. I told her I need a pack of black gold toe so if one of them runs off to wherever socks AWOL to then I would have others that matched. Black socks for Valentines day....HA!

Toyota-United Cycling Team

I'm excited! I usually don't get this way with new cycling teams but this group is solid! Toyota-United http://www.toyota-united.com/ has me ready for the races in north Ark in May. These guys are making there race debut next weekend at the Tour of California against some heavy hitters such as Healthnet, and Discovery just to name a few. When you look at there team roster, it's great! They also have a foundation that helps homeless families and kids. That's something I don't see every day.

I've been off the bike for a couple of days. We had a cold snap and all my buds that have gotten out are sick with colds. I really wanted to get out and ride the Monday "Nite Lite" ride but stayed in by the fireplace. I know, it was a whimpy thing to do. If I don't ride after work today then it's time to plug in last year's races on the tube and spin on the trainer.

Oh, a friend of mine, Shannon Boshears, has the title track song for a new movie coming out called "Come Early Morning." It's getting big press from the Sundance film. Here's the website, which is cool! Shannon's name and the name of the song is up in the top right corner. Be sure to turn your speakers on because it's playing in the background of the website too! Way to go friend! I'm mighty proud of ya chick! http://www.comeearlymorningthefilm.com/

Staright into the wind

Yesterday Bill Stewart and I left from Sherwood at 8 a.m. and rode right down JFK with not problem. It was early enough that most folks were still at home. We got from Taco Bell in Sherwood to Mr. Mason's BBQ in about 20 minutes. Not bad at all! Bill was riding his "fixie" which is bascially an indoor racing bike. He had one gear. It was something to see this guy ride like he does with just one gear. Yep, he couldn't change to a granny gear if the hill got steep and he has to keep pedaling on the down hills.

We met up with the others and took off and a route I never thought of riding but it was really nice. There was a bike shop out in East End called the Outskirts. It's a great little shop with a friendly owner. Most where mountian bikes which I would expect out there. Lots of off road stuff. I hope he does well.

After a couple of stops here and there be started our trip back toward Little Rock. And I remember seeing on the weather before I left that it was going to get "breezy" during the afternoon. Well, it got a little breezy before afternoon. We turned right into it and fought it all the way back. When we finally got back to Mr. Mason's Bill and I were supposed to ride back to Sherwood. We were too tired. I would have done it and so would have Bill if the wind wouldn't have killed us. Doug lives a block from Bill and they both live about a mile or so from me so Doug packed us in his van and saved us. Doug is one of my favorite riders around. Very strong rider that doesn't know a stranger and has a great sense of humor.

I finished painting the guest room when I got home but had to keep drinking Dr. Pepper and Frap's to keep me moving. I knew I would crash if I stopped.

Terri made brisquet for everyone for dinner so once againthis week we had a family dinner at the table with both kids and their dates. It's been a fun week!

The afternoon is supposed to be cool and calm so I'll head out for an hour or two and get my riding in. Come home and watch the Superbowl for a bit. Not a big fan of either team. Still wished the Denver Bronocs were in the bowl.

Wash out

I should be getting dressed for a lunch time ride but it's a wash out. The weather guys didn't call for rain. Maybe it will be done by 4 and we'll have a little wind to dry the roads off.

I'm hoping to ride tomorrow. Carve is heading back to the mountian for training and I'll just stay over here on this side of the river. I've heard that once they go back to the mountian that it's hard for most riders to keep the pace with the elite team. Jim has a ride starting from a great bar-b-que (Mr. Mason's) spot downtown so I might go ride with those guys.

Goals for the weekend:
1) Eat light and cut the fried stuff.
2) Get in at least 50 miles but try for 75 and up.

By the way, Emily passed her driving test... everyone stay off the streets! HA!

Maybe it's time to fasten my seatbelt

No, I didn't have a wreck but instead sat in a PR meeting this afternoon that was the starting point for the state bicycle tour. There were some great ideas coming out and I walked out more excited than ever about this year's ride! There are some tricks up the sleeve!

I'm trying to cut back on my eating and drop some pounds last month before my serious training really kicks in. I secretly slated Feb 1st as "kick it in" day. It's fitness center and serious cycling start up time. I went the lunch spin class and Rance and I seemed to be in a little friendly competition. Both had a good sweat going on. Rumor has it that his classes are harder when I'm there. If that's true, cool beans!

I'm taking my bike to work tomorrow and riding during lunch. I think that will be fun and a chance of pace!

Tyler's back!

A beautiful day in Little Rock!

We got a call last night from Tyler and he was in KS. We thought he was staying there for the night but he drove through and stopped about 4am at some truck stop for breakfast and about 6:30 he was coming down our street. It's good to have him back. He'll be job searching and apartment searching. A college graduate! Still great! I'm going to put him to work producing a really knock out promo for my summer tour. Hay, that's what he majored in so it's the least he can do for his dad! HA!

I was supposed to be at Gator's by 6 last night for a night light ride down by the river but I got there about 10 after and I could see the group leaving the parking lot. Try as I may to get my gear on and pedal like a madman to catch them, just didn't happen plus they took a turn so I missed them all together. I rode 15 miles in the dark, well with my headlights on. I saw deer, armadillo and a raccoon couple. At one time there was a loud crashing in the brush just beside me. Someone said this morning it was Bigfoot heading back to the mothership! As loud as it was, I almost believe it.

Today is beautiful outside as I finish my Backyard Burger chicken sandwich for lunch. Days like this make it hard to stay insdie and work but I got to pay some bills and support my daughter's mall habit! HA!

So many people

Got up and went to church. Sean met us there and then came home with us for lunch. He and Emily are completely nuts over each other. He's a good guy and we enjoy having him around.
We had a good time at lunch because Terri made his favorites and I blamed him for not getting fried okra, he laughed an said but you're getting upgraded mashed potatoes.

I went out to ride some distance since it rained yesterday and I didn't get to go out. I rode with the club and then rode quite a while afterwards solo. I kept the speed up around 18 and that was witht ehsouth wind blowing. With the club we keep it in the 18-20 mph zone but you get to tuck in behind friends which makes it a lot easier. I also did some hill work in preparation for the ride I'm leading in a few weeks called the Triple Bypass. Not the big one by the same name in Colorado. I would love to go out there and ride it one day. I ended up riding with a fellow Carve rider and talking about the upcoming camp. He said that he can train all year just to try and ride Donnie or Hunters wheel. Those guys are superhuman on their bikes. There were so many folks on the bike paths today that at times you couldn't get any speed. Still a good day that ended with 52 miles under my belt.

One of the riders in the club is one of my Tuesday/Thursday bunch "Fast Girls and Slow Guys" club. Jenn is married to Chris and they both are great folks. Anyway Jenn works just about a block or two away from my office so we are going to ride a few days a week at lunch.. There are others around that ride lunch as well and I'm hoping to get some ACH folks to ride. It would be get to have a lunch crowd.

Tyler is leaving denver behind tomorrow around noon. I wonder how he really feels about that? I hope he has a good safe trip back.