Presenting the new jersey!!!!

I hope you all can see this! It's the most awesome jersey I've ever laid my eyes on! Jon has really gone over the top on this one! I hope you can click on it and see the big version. This is the jersey we are getting for the River 2 River ride in June!


Have you ever had those days where you look up and several days have gone by and you didn't even realize it? From last Thursday until this afternoon have been sort of a zip-zap-zoom. I worked through the day Thursday with really no sleep.

Friday -- Terri and I went to Roma for dinner. Oh man, I could live in that place!

Saturday -- stuff around the house then a nice 69.7 mile ride at 15.7 mph average. Then we grilled for dinner! Yummmmm!

Sunday -- Church, down to Benton to visit Dad, back to Sherwood, worked on donor letters for the ride in June, had friends over.

Monday -- Work, spent all afternoon doing pre-surgery for my ear surgery in April. 4 hours of docs and waiting. Gee whiz! Got home, rode 29 miles and was very surprised to see a 17.1 average especially since I rode the hill in the backside of Burn's Park. Saw my first snake of the season. It had just been hit by a car and was still moving a little.

Ok, Dad news... first of all, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the kind notes, emails and phone calls. Dad has been moved to a "skilled nursing" area. I thought the name was funny. Aren't all nurses skilled? Anyway, he has a huge room and the unit is set up so that he learns daily living skills again. The whole illness was centered around diabetes. He is doing things that he hasn't been able to do in 3 years! He has workouts a couple times a day. When we saw him yesterday he looked like a different man all together! He even spent the night solo in his room. I think his life is going to be better and this whole thing was a wake up call for him. His mental alertness was so much better too!

Well y'all take care!
Geo

Not goin' down til the sun comes up!

"Not goin' down til the sun comes up" is a song by Garth Brooks but it was my dad's anthem last night. Yep, I spent the night at the hospital with my daddy. I think he slept for maybe 2 hours all night. I slept for a couple of 10 minute sessions and here I am shoveling down my yogurt and working through the day like no one's business. Lunch as usual. Ok, that's a lie... I am working but like a propped up zombie jacked up on a veni (the jumbo cup) from Java City. My boss asked me how many I would have today and I predicted 3. Ya do what ya gotta do!

Spending the night in a hospital with my dad was actually good for me. I think I now know why my sister Sherry actually enjoys some of her insomniac nights. The world is very quite and still. I sat in a chair beside the window of his 5th floor window and watched trucks going down I-30. I began to get the silly's about 4:30 and tried to guess what was in the trucks. I had convinced myself that one of them was full of those Tickle Me Elmo toys that dance. But I also had deep thoughts. Thoughts about all of my family. Where we've been. Where we're going.

At one time when I did doze off I woke 8 minutes later to find my dad standing beside his bed without his walker. I had thought that he would be sleeping all night since he was up the night before and didn't sleep during the day. My first thought was the siblings are gonna kill me if he falls. I kept my eye on him the rest of the night. Just as he would go to sleep the nurse would come in to check vitals. At 5:30 he started shaking violently and I was just about to hit the door for the nurse station but he was yelling about being so cold. He was dreaming. When he realized this and was awake his face looked like a scared child. In all honesty, he was looking into the face of his scared child. I sat in the chair that I had now pulled up to against the bedside and put my hand on his shoulder to let him know I was there and he returned to sleeping. I sat in the early morning darkness wondering just how many nights he had done the same for me when I was a child.

Like ah hot pink storm!

It happened tonight! The "family" was all back together and what a fun time it was! The 6pm start time at Cook's and as I rolled into the parking lot I'm greeted long before I ever roll to a stop. Sort of like the beginning of the tv show "Cheers". It's just a warm fuzzy feeling when you have a bike group like the one I ride with. Ok, it was warm fuzzy until after a couple miles then it was "eat my shorts!". The kids are soooo fast this year. I remember when I first started riding with them and we rode along about 18mph. I think the 18mph was within the first couple of pedal strokes tonight. But it was all good! No wrecks, no pukes... just a good time had by all.

When we started it was like a rolling dust storm heading across the desert! Folks could see it long before it hit and when it hit, you knew it. There was a running club that had just finished as we started and they all sort of stood there with their mouths open in awe. Or maybe they were gasping for air. Then there were families walking along that stopped just to watch us roll by. Several smiled and waved. I always wished we had water bottles to toss over to kids. Hey, they don't know we don't ride "that ride over in France".

Spotted several Carve out training and one of the Competitive Cyclist guys rode with us tonight.

Yale took a bunch of photos so as soon as he post them I'll beg to snag a few and post here so you can see just how big the ride was.

Later y'all!

Oh yeah baby!!!

Emotional roller coaster the past few days.

Sunday my Dad was admitted to the hospital. I spoke with one sister and she said he was ok and I should come tomorrow. Later another sister called (there are 4 of them) and said you should go on down and see him, "it's bad". I drop what I'm doing and rush down the interstate. Yes, Dad looked trouble and they had him drugged up. I stayed until about 9:30 and drove back home. Went to work until 11 and heading back down there. He was a lot better. He had been passing out for a couple of days and was really weak. The jury is still out right now.

While I sat in the room with my parents it made me realize how lucky I was at my age to still have both parents. My mom asked if I would give Dad a shave and it was instantly an retro moment of standing on the closed toilet watching my daddy shave and wanting to do it so bad! He always gave me shaving cream to play with. Now here I am shaving my dad while he lays in a hospital bed. We both get tickled. I tried to put shaving cream between his lip and nose and I think half of it went up his nose. I took forever for me to get the shaving done. Sort of like tying a tie on a little boy. It's all done opposite from what you're used to. It was a good moment. A moment that reminds me of my upbringing.

I just now got a call from yet another sister and said she dad was doing much better. They are still looking at other stuff just to be sure but hopefully he will go home in a couple days.

My niece from was there with funny stories about her twins. I have to share this one. She was telling me that she could hear the little boy crying and went to check on him and the little girl (they're twins) was right in his face and had been licking his head and his hair was coated in spit! Another time the little girl was screaming and she ran in there to find the little boy with a fist full of her hair pulling and he was laughing. I'll get to see them in May when I go up for the Joe Martin Stage races. Can't wait!

Ok, yes it's daylight savings and oh yes... I'm excited!!! I rode for a while last night after i got back from the hospital. I had to do something after sitting for so long.

Tonight is the return of the Fast Girls Slow Guys Tuesday/Thursday night rides. I suspect there will be 50 or more folks out there. It will be a good time had by all. I'll take my spot close to the back while the racers will rip the assfault (he he he) off the road! Last night during my ride I saw a gathering of Carve all stopped and chatting. I bet they were talking race strategy for when the racing season starts. They will have a new force to recon with when Fast Girls Slow Guys start in. The season is sort of like a blockbuster movie you've been waiting for. The critics are gonna love it!

Well lunch is over and got to get back after it.

Oh, by the way, guess who I get to meet with next week... yes it's about the ride in June... Yes it's a major company... yes, they are coming here!!! PHONAK!!!!!! Rumor has it they also want to try some new technology while I'm training and riding.

Welcome spring!

It's here and I'm so happy! I woke this morning to see sunshine and blue skies after a rainy evening last night. The streets were already drying and the temp was comfortable. It was setting up to be an epic day! I had a light breakfast of just a couple of cinna-sticks and a cup of coffee and then was in the planning mode. I knew I was going to ride a lot today and wanted to get it started.

Loaded up and headed to the river. The plan was to ride laps around the river as well as some side trips. I pulled into the parking lot and Fonda, Mitch and another guy had just come in from a ride out to Scott (farmland). We spoke for a little bit and they headed home while I started getting my stuff ready to ride. Then the big "Ot-o"!! Ok they must have slid under the seat... nope. Big sigh... no shoes! I always check before leaving the house but somehow missed putting my shoes back in the bag after my last ride. Back to the house, got shoes, back to the river... 40 minutes blown.

Finally got going and it's getting foggier and foggier. It's getting cooler too. The more I rode toward the dam the darker and colder it was getting. Everyone coming my way had jackets and tights on. I have on shorts and a short sleeve jersey. No way, I turn around and start riding back toward the car and will ride toward Scott (farmlands). I ride to England! It's one the the best rides! Very light breeze if any. No traffic for most of the ride. The fields are being turned for planting and several have dark green grass growing. Not sure if it's a cover crop or for hay. It's really a mental lift to see the field all green. I ride back to the parking lot and still feel good so I ride around the river trail. Lots of bikes out and everyone seems to be smiling and happy winter is over!

I met up with Paul Creel over at Cook's. For those of you who pray, please pray for Paul's dad. He's been in the hospital for a month and has heart problems. Paul was finally getting to get out and ride a bit today and was waiting on some friends to show up. I pedaled on but after stopping and talking to my body got out of sync. I wasn't tired until then. I guess when I stopped I must have cooled down. I was still moving at 17 but I was feeling the love now. Bummer. I rode back to the car and called it for the day.

I was surprised to see my readings: 78.1 miles with a 16.6 average. Not bad at all for my first good long ride of the spring!

Since tomorrow is the beginning of daylight savings (excuse me a moment I must do a little jig!) and it's basically Christmas to me, I'll ride a recovery ride tomorrow of about 30-40 miles then maybe start riding home from the hospital. There are lots of options!

I started putting the donor letters together last night after Terri and I got back from eating out. I have 500 return envelopes. I have no telling how many companies with owner names in the cities along the route. I will hit them first since we'll be riding right through their towns. there are several cities that I can't go after such as Russellville, Conway, Clarksville since they already have ACH Circle of Friends chapters there rasing money for the hospital. The rest is fair game!

I sent a letter to FRS yesterday and got a response back from a staff member and the letter was heading over to sponsorship dept! I'm hoping since the ride is extreme distance they will jump on board! And yes I used their products today. Between that and the weather, I think that's why it was an epic riding day!

Enjoy the weekend!
Geo.

I'm now an FRS snob!

Ok, I admit, I'm an FRS products snob and for a good reason... they are awesome products! I ordered the chews and tried one this morning before leaving the house for work. I could tell all morning long that something was different. It's not like coffee/sugar rush. It's just a feeling like you had the best nights sleep you've ever had and your mentally very alert. I was plowing through my work and it was all just flowing.

More later...

Don't let the sun go down on me...

It was one of those afternoons where the weather was perfect and the riding was good! I rode from the hospital and Terri picked me up around 6:30 after her meeting. It was a get afternoon of riding. I felt strong.

I spotted Carve out for there team training. Spotted a few Compeitive Cyclist team guys out. Season is about to begin!!! Woo Hoooo!!!

Sorry for the delay in posting but it's been very busy!!

We had about a thousand kids running in the Little Rockers Marathon! Lots of fun and the hospital is a major sponsor. We chalked up the streets all around the hospital with messages to the kid runners.

In a few minutes I'll head out from the office on my bike and ride until the sun goes down. Should get close to 30-35 miles in.Coach Rogers has really turned up the heat on my riding. Long saddle time.

Daylight savings starts next week so I'll be able to train a LOT after work and outside now! I LOVE daylight savings!.

Chris Irons, on of the River 2 River riders raced his bike on Saturday and threw down a sick 1/2 marathon on Sunday. Crazy man! All the Fast Girls Slow Guy runners did awesome! Congrats freinds!! WooHoooo!

The jersey is going into the coloring stages so we'll see a color version of the front before long! Yes!!Thanks for reading!Geo.

Little Rock Marathon

Here's a few shots of the marathon today.... more and write up tomorrow...

Anybody here?

I just think these signs on my ride are a hoot!

Afternoon on the Arkansas River

Spring is almost here!

A week from tomorrow is daylight savings time!

No one on the river trail this afternoon.

I spent the early morning reading a new book I bought. Yep, another bike touring journal. Miles From Nowhere by Barbara Savage. She and her husband ride around the world. So far they have started in CA, up to Canada, across the US, down to FL fly to Spain... Reading 2 ride journals back to back plus reading journals at www.crazyguyonabike.com has really got me into the touring mood!

The weather outside was cold and windy but otherwise a beautiful sun kissed day. I worked around the house until about 4 then headed out for a ride. 45 minutes later I'm finishing up. I was one of 3 bikes this afternoon. I should have guessed that when there are no runners or bikes on the river then something is going on. I suspect most of the runners are chowing down and resting for the big marathon tomorrow. http://www.littlerockmarathon.com/

Friday afternoon quickie...

Just a quick one... it's been busy this week and looking forward to weekend.

Check this out!!! Fox 16 is going to show the finish line of the Little Rock Marathon live!
Here's your link!
http://www.fox16.com/content/marathon/default.aspx

Looks like about 1,000 kids will be running in the little rockers marathon. I'll be riding my bike as the lead out complete with ACH gear on and bunny ears! They are supposed to chase a rabbit! What can I say, I do just about anything for ACH! HA!

Also heard something like 9,000 runners for the marathon! WOO HOOO!!! We'll be putting up signs Saturday night for the runners and chalking the road by the hospital on Sunday midmorning.

Lots and lots of excitement here in central Arkansas this weekend!

Wednesday

I know, boring title. We had a Code Green (Outside of hospital disaster) drill today at the hospital is it was for a bomb that went off in a town about 45 minutes south of here. By the end of the drill it had 13,000 victims. Spooky stuff. Being in HR I didn't have a role but we had some lively discussion at lunch. They have to do these fake press releases as well so one said the situation was under control. I would bet stacks of 100 dollar bills that the staff would be under control and doing what they are trained to do but outside the hosital would not be under control.

I ordered some new FRS stuff a few moments ago. I got the chews! Hey if the chews work anything like the drink, I'll be a customer of theirs for life. Since I have the orange drink I thought I'd try the Lemon-Lime chews.

Tomorrow starts the beginning of the hospital itness challenge. I have the least amount on my team (25) but they are 25 coworkers that I know will do some sort of excercise 3x a week for the next 90 days. Last year I tried to get a lot of folks on my team then after they signed up, got their t-shirt and did the first all hosital walk then they didn't do nothing else. So I had this huge drop out rate and lost. This year my team won't win but I wan't have a drop rate either! there is one nurse that has 214 people on her team and that's awesome! I told me team we were in it for the fun!

The late edition

WooHoo... It was a rocket boy ride home. A little longer than I expected but still a lot of fun. I left the office at 5:15 and rolled in at 6:28. I didn't realize it was that much longer. I even rode about 200 yards on a really busy road but (Thank you Lord) there were on about 5 cars that passed and all were nice. No horn honking and this 200 yards is all up hill. there are a couple of parking lots so I'm able to pull over and let folks by. I had my reflective road worker vest over my backpack and had my rear flasher light blinking so I was visible. This will certainly be a training habit. Next Sunday when the time changes it will be so much better.

Ok, I admit, I'm an FRS snob now. I LOVE this stuff! I drank it about 30 minutes before riding and I was pushing 18 solo into the wind and wasn't tired. How sick is that?!

Life is good!

Tuesday 02.27.07

Ahhh, some folks talk about the beach being paradise but we’ve got it here in Little Rock! Another beautiful spring day!

The bike in down in the employee kitchen and I’m riding the baby home! I’m almost giddy with excitement! I'm planning to ride over to the capitol then down the river trail, over the BDB and back through a couple of neighborhoods into Sherwood.

Sorry for the short entry but lunch is about over. Check back later tonight for the ride home edition.

While munching on lunch...

It's a beautiful day here in Arkansas and as I sit at my desk munching on my lunch you can tell that spring is here. Folks are out, the air is cool but it doesn't matter because the sun is shining. Ah, just makes you glad to be alive!

I kept meaning to talk about an observation I made the other day. We, Mrs. Geo and I, had to make a stop at Kroger on the way home the other day. She asked me to just pull to the curb so she could dash in and pick up some stuff to grill out. As I was sitting there watching all the people coming in and out, I got bored and played a man game. Guys, you know the one… would I go out with that lady, would I marry that lady, and sorry honey but you are not for me. Did you know every woman that walked out of the store was in the “sorry, you are not for me” category. Then out came Mrs. Geo… oh my gosh, she’s a keeper! Serious! The way she walked, what she had on, carrying fresh meat in a plastic bag… man, she was.. gee, no words could describe it. Serious! I’m always reminded over and over why she was the one for me!

Yesterday was one of those perfect days! I went to church, went to my parents and had momma’s cooking and even got home in time for a good 3 hour ride! I rode later than usual for a Sunday afternoon and saw a lot of folks I’ve never seen before. Also saw a bi-zillion families on the BDB enjoying the afternoon. As I was coming back over the BDB I noticed a large group of folks had completely blocked the bridge and then I saw a bike laying down. Oh man, first thought was that a bike and a person had collided. There was a lady sitting down leaned against the rails and I made my way through the crowd and asked if everyone was ok? I know, dumb question. I thought if it was a biker, I meant know them. I didn’t but a man asked if I had some sugar. Seems she was a diabetic. She got a couple of espresso gels. Oh yeah, I bet she was rocking about 30 minutes later. She seemed to be ok and I headed on with my ride. The whole ride was solo but that was good since it was for training. I didn’t need to draft. I needed to have the wind try and push me back (headwind) and that it did. Then it times it pushed me forward (tailwind) to the point of wanting to yell out, “I’m rocket boy! Weeeee!” HA! Some days are just like that.

Looks to be a good week ahead and I have my fingers crossed that I’ll ride the bike home from the hospital tomorrow. Mrs. Geo has a reception after hours so I can either bum a ride or I can bring my bike to work and ride it home. It would be my first ride home since the BDB opened. I’ll only have a short section of road (Camp Robinson) where there will be traffic and traffic there will be! But from here I can ride all the way to the BDB and then some on the NLR side before I ever have to get on the road. My thinking is that by the time I get on the busy roads it will be about 5:30 or a tad later and most will have already gone through. Weather is light breeze, sunny and lower 60’s. Does that not sound like the perfect commute home weather?!

Later on Saturday

Well the storm came and tore up the littel town of Dumas. Sad, that little town is a stopping point whenever we go to Terri's folks in Navarre, Florida. Our little Subway and Mickey D's is gone that we would stop at. The errie thing about the big storms in Arkansas is that they always seem to hit just around March 1st.

I worked around the house and then climbed up on the horse and spun for 2 hours and 10 minutes. Had a nice average and felt strong through the whole ride. I had the tv going on Rugby which is a wicked sport! Man, I loved it! Then I rod while the Tour of California was on. That was a great race! I'm not going to spoil it since some guys read this blog and record all the races to watch later.

Several of the club are headed to Mt Magazine for training tomorrow. There is also a Carve ride right by Mom and dad's house. I hope to spot them when we go down for lunch tomorrow. My schedule calls for a 6 hour ride today and 3 tomorrow but I flipped it and rode 2 today and will ride hopefully 4 tomorrow. I've not seen my parents in a few weeks so that is taking priority tomorrow. With daylight savings coming in 2 weeks, I'll be riding home from the office some days. It's nice now with the new bridge because I can ride the LR side, come over the bridge and then cut throught he back of the neighborhood. I do have to get on Camp Robinson for a stretch but hope that most of the rush hour traffic would already have gone through.

Remember that FRS stuff I was going to try? Oh man, that's the best stuff I've ever used! It's a great steady energy source unlike coffee/sugar buzz. I think that's why my last 3 rides have been strong. Like today, I felt great the whole time on the spin and everytime I looked at my speed it seemed to be 17.2. Heart rate was good too. I'm considering asking them for a sponsorship for the June ride. Even in-kind sponsorship would be great.

Geo out!

Stormy Saturday

I woke extra early (5:30am) in hopes I could ride before the forecasted rain and storms got here. The deck was already wet but it wasn't raining at the moment. I noticed my neighbor's motion lights were on on her deck and I stood watching for a moment just to be sure as she is a retiree who lives alone. I spotted 3 HUGE raccoons coming off the top of her house and down the trellis on to her deck. These must be the same guys that Saydee goes nuts over when we let her out sometimes at night.

The plan has me scheduled for 6 hours on the bike today but not going to happened with the storms. I actually considered going down to the river and riding easy flat miles as long as the rain wasn't hard but (Flash and BOOM)... ok maybe not. The strange thing is that it's 9:45 now and that was about 8 and it hasn't flashed or boomed since. Got a downpour for 5 minutes. It is a dark day out there though.

I painted a couple more of the cabinet doors and have my fingers crossed that they dry today!

More later...

Mardi Gras - Fat Tuesday

It's Mardi Gras day! Fat Tuesday! The kids were having a ACH Mardi Gras parade today and even threw beads at us! What a hoot! I'm proud of how the staff get together to make hospital stays as fun as they can be.

Even though I'm not Catholic, one of my coworkers that used to work across the hall from me taught me a lot about lent. I think it's a good think to give up something for 40 days. So until Easter I vow to give up something that will be very hard. My coworker said that it is to be a personal thing and not something you broadcast.

I took yesterday off the bike as a recovery day from Sunday's ride. My quads were shot after that ride.

I got home from the hospital and jumped on the bike for a fast and hard ride through the neighborhood. Coach told me to work on speed and less hills but I have nothing but hills around here and I wanted to get some time in before the sun went down. I pushed as hard as I could and got home to find an average of 18.2mph!! WooHoo!

Great ride today! Warm temps and longer daylight! Yep, it's all good!

Note to my Aussie friends...

Rodney, Chris, all of you readers from Aussie land. I got a hold of Tim Tams! Oh yeah baby... those are gooood! So cool that you can suck coffee through a cookie! Give me some more ideas of stuff to go get at the Aussie store! They have a bunch of candy and foods.

G'day!
Geo.

Almost a week since? Had no idea!

It's been almost a week since I blogged? Guess I was busier than I thought... or lazy. Let me see, Terri went to Dallas (or some city around there) and she's back. Em went to TN and she's on I-40 between Memphis and home. I started a major project in the kitchen and took a break from it today. The sun came back out and the temps today were nice. Winter might be leaving soon as the temps are on the up and up all week. Saw where we might see 75 degrees by next weekend!

The tour of California has started and I'm sort of bummed I didn't get to go out for some of it.

Tyler came over and hung out Friday night. Granddog Zero came over too. Funny little dog! Tyler bought a house around the Park Hill area! Nice little place for a first house! He closes in 2 weeks. Yep, he and Shalyn are still friends but no wedding at least not anytime soon.

I got to ride with the club today! The riding was good! I saw and spoke to a lot of guys I haven't caught up with in a while.What's in store for this week? Like I said, warmer temps and longer daylight. We do have a storm day about mid week I think with winds of 20-35 mph. Afterwards I think that's when life as we know and love it returns. I'm turning off my hospital card privilege at Java City so the sole purpose of getting out of the latte habit. I love the stuff but added up my habit and the calories attached. Thanks but that will help the tummy to go away faster! By the way, the jersey I had on was a small today. No kidding. I very relaxed fit small.

Funny article in the paper today. The LR Marathon is coming in a few weeks and the hospital is a major sponsor of the Little Rockers. It's where the kids run 25 miles over the course of months and then run their last mile at the marathon on a different course. It's huge! I mean a bi-zillion kids. Anyway they asked me last year if I'd ride in front of the runners and I did and it was fun and those kids can run a lot faster than I had given them credit for! So I'm reading the article and it says that I'm going to be riding as the lead out for the kids. Cool. then it says and he will be wearing a bunny suit?!!!?? WHA???!!!!!! A bunny suit? Buh ha ha ha ha!!! Oh, this is going to be a hoot! I'll do it since it's for the hospital and for fun but how did I ever agree to a bunny suit? Excuse me, I probably need to turn up my hearing aid! HA!Y'all have a great day!

Spoke-un

The ride yesterday took me to a hood I've not riden through in a long time. Big houses, tennis courts, swiming pools and water falls. Also a few speed bumps. Nothing like zooming down through a hood feeling the love and hitting a speed bump and snapping a couple of spokes and knocking the wheel untrue. Got the wheel over to the bike shop right after work. I love those guys! Asked me if I wanted to wait for the repair but it was also closing time so I didn't want to be one of "those" customers. Everyone wants to go home at closing time! It'll be ready by the time I get off work tomorrow.

Sean had riden his bike over to the house the other night and broke the chain as he was leaving. I fixe that for him after dinner and luckily it's raining tonight so he'll put it in the back of his SUV and take it home. Told him to test it out after the rains near his house to make sure I got it linked back tight.

Love is in the air... ya got your "other" a Valentine yet. Man, you better turn this thin off and head for Hallmark!

Way to go Vince!

Vince Cucco made it across the state on his bike Saturday. Here's the link to the story and video.
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=41446
Way to go Vince!!

On the latter or on my butt

I have spent ALL day in our kitchen painting. I've either been on the latter on on my butt sitting on the floor. I have to say though it's really looking dandy! Terri is looking for new art, bar stools and different chairs for the kitchen eating area. The cabinets are really going to look cool! They'll have some sort of crackled look. The whole thing is supposed to have some "Tuscan cafe" feel to it.

I missed getting to ride a little bit with Vince today as he came through. I thought about him all day. He started at 3am this morning in Fort Smith and was riding across the state today. Close to the same route I'm doing in June.

I got a very nice surprise email today! Yale had collected money for the River 2 River ride! Has a stack of loot to donate. It was one of those times when you just sit and stare at the screen to be sure you really read what you think you read. The kindness of my friends has always overwhelms me. Thank you Yale!

I got another surprise email. I had a cousin from when I was little that I really enjoyed when we got to get together. As we grew up I have lost touch with many of my extended family. So I asked my mom where she thought Rick was. She gave me a good idea but he wasn't in that town anymore. Then I got wind of another place he might be and sure enough I got a reply! He and his wife of 30 years were about to leave on a cruise for their anniversary. He caught me up of others in the family. Rick, if you're reading this, I wish you and Gloria many more years of happiness!

Razorbacks (baseball) lost to Troy today. Bummer! Hawgs are #5. Now Hawg baseball is something I keep up with. Now when baseball games start you know spring is getting a little closer!

Tyler is at the ADDY awards tonight getting his first for a video he did! It's a swanky event where all the ad agency's mix, and cause drama. I'm so proud of him getting this top award after graduating with his degree just barely a year ago!

Tomorrow will be a ride afternoon! Yeah-izzzz!!! HA

On top of the world!

I'm on top of the world! I met with the PR group at the hospital and they are excited and full of ideas for the River 2 River ride. The room was crowded around the big conference table and everyone was in the mood. The ride is going to be so awesome and as we get more stuff wrapped up I'll tell you the details. One of the really really cool things is that it will be live streaming video. You'll be able to watch it as it happens! Technology is so awesome! There will also be a lot to do with hearing impaired children and I'll be including them as much as I can!

Coach has me on the recovery this weekend. A 3 hour ride is it. Next weekend it doubles. The training is really about to up the bar.

I'm having the time of my life these days!!

Geo out....

Midweek celebrations!

It's lunchtime at midweek! You know how I know it's exactly midweek? Because the test sirens blast every Wednesday at noon which signals we are officially on the downside of the week barreling towards the weekend!

Great day so far! Had my yearly eval and scored my highest in the 12 years I've been here! What's even better is that it was actually due in Nov 2006 so there is back pay all the way back to Nov 1st!!! WooHooo!!

Weather intermission

We had a winter intermission day today! Beautiful clear skies and the temperature was a balmy 62 degrees! Even right now at 8:30 it's 59 but as it cools tonight it goes back to it's regularly scheduled winter. Bummer!

I talked Terri into picking me up at the office a few minutes early so I could ride the hood. Had a great ride and pushed as hard as I could. Serious. I kept telling myself that Coach as already gave me the warning that this weekend is a recovery for some serious riding next weekend and I could only ride for 3 hours. He said to resist the urge to ride more. Next weekend is a 5 and a 6 hour ride. Yo baby the training is kickin' in now. While I was out I moto'd a car. It was awesome because I was going uphill as hard as I could. The guy in the car was waving me to keep up. I did for a little bit but geesh louise I was pushing a sick 20mph. I dropped off and cut off through the neighborhood on quiter streets since it was getting to dark to play outside much more and I knew Terri would be on the front porch yelling my name across the valley to come in for dinner.

I got a package delivered to the front door! I ordered some FRS (www.frs.com) drink and the website allowed you to pick from an assortment of stuff for shipping cost only! I got the orange antitoxin energy drink mix. The bottle is huge and I should get about 10 water bottles of drink out of this! I mixed up one and Sean and I tested it. I just had enough to see what it would taste like. Sean actually drank all of his. College kid's gonna be up all night! I plan to try it out this weekend on my ride. The idea is to actually eat while riding too. I read this from several different long distance riders. They would sit and spin on the bike and eat a meal so their stomach would be accustomed to the eating/riding gig.

Thought you might like this photo. It's Em right after I came in from riding. I was about to hug her but she got arm-pitted instead. I know, what a mean thing to do.

Later friends!

The beauty of Arkansas Children's Hospital

Last Friday we had snow and this is a collection of photos by Kelley Cooper of Arkansas Children's Hospital that shows the beauty of our facility. Enjoy!

This is one of the gardens that you see while you wait in our General Pediatric Center

This is the creek that continues outside the lobby. The creek really runs through the lobby. It flows down to a very peaceful reflecting pool. That's the Arkansas State Capitol on the horizon.

Much like many of our patients. They fight the toughest battles and thrive!

Blue skies and snow

The theme of our hospital is all natural so there is plenty of room for little feathered friends out in the gardens.

*******

But the photo below sums it all up!

This my friends, is what Arkansas Children's Hospital is all about!

I hope you have enjoyed a quick peek at "my office"

Tagged ...

I got tagged from Chris Lewthwaite (Australia) .

6 weird things huh?

1) I have the Archies "Sugar Sugar" on my IPOD (comes on right after Wolfmother)
2) I rarely have my shoes on when I'm at my desk working here at the hospital
3) I rode my bike around the borders of the state of Arkansas (1150 miles)
4) I hate spooky movies
5) I love to go out before an event an "text message" the roads for riders or marathon runners
6) I have a BAD habit of thinking I have to have an Almond Roca latte every morning at the office.

Sunday

Geese enjoying the Sunday afternoon sunshine along the river ride.

Another nice day! Got up and had an easy start, woke the girls and headed to church. We have a running bet with another church that every year on super bowl day we can pack the pantry more than they can and we won! It's a massive amount of canned foods that goes to the homeless shelters. It's gets more competitive every year!

Got to spend the afternoon riding and saw several buds and rode with a few. I got 8 hours of training in this weekend. Coach ought to be happy about that. I got to talk to Yale and Wayne for a few moments. Spotted a Carve Elite riders out for some training. Hooted when one of The Ride team riders came screaming down the hill I was climbing. I saw a guy I would have swore was Brice Jones. Is the Jelly Belly rider in town this weekend? Doubt it but man it looked like him. The afternoon ride was great! Very light winds and sunshine! Hope we have that next weekend!

Ok Super Bowl game... rain makes it a fun game! Hang on to your luggage man! HA!!! I just knew Princes dancers were going to fall and it was going to be the thing everyone was going to talk about but Chicago running that first play was a riot! Speaking of riot, there are some funny ads! I love the Bud spot where they stop and pick up the hitch hiker guy with the ax. And did you notice how many talking animals were in spots? Fun year for commercials!

Saturday Evening Post

SPRING IS COMING!!

Note to Terri: You know I would have picked it for you but it was on federal property. It's the thought that counts... right? Ok, I'll go pick it tomorrow! Love you!

The friends that made a huge difference today!

Chris, Christopher and Rebecca... THANK YOU MY FRIENDS!

You have no idea what you did for me today!

Saturday evening post ( I know, that sounds like a painting)

What an absolute awesome day! From the beginning is was setting up to be a grand one and it has been! I've gotten all my errands done including the haircut (Note to Jim: Yep, Sport Clips is a great place... use 'em all the time! Get the MVP someday and you'll think you died and went to heaven when they get finished!). Right next door to Sport Clips is Blue Coast Burrito. Fish Tacos for lunch without Emmy telling me how gross they are. Then got stuff done around the house and remembered to record the X-Terra Games! Went out in the garage to sweep up and kept thinking it's really nice out here, think I'll go for a ride. Fast forward to 5:30 this afternoon and I'm finally getting off from my ride. It was sort of one of those "Awww mom do I have to?" sort of endings. I felt alive today!

Started about 1:30 and the temp at the bank was 52 degrees. Fine afternoon I tell ya! Out riding along and not many bikes but lots of runners getting their training in for the marathon next month. I get close to the dog park and three juvenile hoodlums ride by yelling my name. I turn around and close the gap. It is Chris, Christopher and Rebecca! Rumor was that Jenn (Chris' wife) was holding down the couch. Bless her heart! I sneak up behind and ride along without a word just to see how long it would take. Sort of sealth riding! Rebecca looks back and starts laughing then the others. We had a great ride. Ya got to watch those girl riders they are FULL of it! Rebecca was pulling into the wind and doing a great job then drops back. Says something about not riding in three weeks, blah blah blah. So we take a short break under the bridge by the riverboat then head back. Rebecca out front pulling , then Christopher, then Rebecca again, then Rebecca drops off and she and Christopher ride together a little ways back. I got into some zone and locked my eyes on the back of Chris' wheel and went with it. Now Chris is one of our elite screaming fast young 'uns! This was giving me the mental push I've been needing since the first of the year. Chris points to turn so we'll be climbing Ft Roots. Just as we start to climb, from out of nowhere and I guess back from the dead comes a flying Rebecca! "I knew it, I knew you were going to pull something!" She laughed and started climbing like "Well, Lah-dee-dah!" Chris stood on the pedals and I did as well. Then something happened that hadn't happen before. I started climbing with Rebecca! WooHoo!! Right foot left foot right foot left foot faster. At one time I saw 13! I was getting a charge like no other. She was still ahead of me and she stayed ahead the whole way but I kept up with the "doo-doo headed mountian goat". The nickname is out of love. I told her thanks once we made it to the top and I meant it.

The four of us rode back to Cook's Landing where they were parked but not before we spotted a group of riders screaming around the corner by the golf course. There are very few bright orange helmets in town and Yale owns one of those but the guy riding wasn't Yale. Whaaa???!!! That IS Yale!! OMG!!! A skinny Yale. This guy is about to have one of the most awesome seasons of cycling he's ever had. He has turned into one mean lean riding machine! Man, I'm proud of that guy! What dedication! What inspiration!

We turned around and continued back to Cook's. I bidded them farewell and then returned to riding my hours. I roded around Burns Park a couple of times and one more Ft Roots then the air began to cool so I called it a day. The bank tells me 44 now. Yep, the air cooled alright!

Ya know somedays you just sit back at the end of the day and smile... really big!

Saturday morning post

Beautiful clear blue skies! The kind that make to greet the day with a big ole smile. Warm coffee with lots of vinilla creamer, fireplace going, Sadie laying on my feet keeping them warm, new book, yep, a great Saturday morning!

Terri and I had dinner at Saddle Creek last night. We've really grown to love that place. Service is always great and the food is the same. We hit up Pier One afterwards then Barnes and Noble. I bought a new book last night called Ride the Blue Moth by Bill Hancock. It's a journey across the US on his bicycle after the death of his son. The trip takes him right through Arkansas. I've read a bi-zillion books but the first chapter of this was one of the hardest chapters I've ever read. Bill Hancock is the coordinator of the NCAA Final Four/March Madness. He talks about what all is involved in his job down to being sure there is a storeroom with carpet big enough for the cheerleaders to warmup. His son was on the plane that crashed in CO with the OK basketball team aboard. Trust me guys, if you read this book, read the first chapter in a room without any distractions... you will cry. If you have a child, you will cry more! Ok, maybe not sob but you'll get all teary eyed and if you don't then you need to have your heart checked. This will only last one chapter then chapter 2 will get you into the bike ride part.

It's a crisp 19 degrees outside but weather guy is saying 42 for the high about 3pm this afternoon so I'm outta here to knock out the chores then get a ride in! Oh funny story right quick. One of the blogs I enjoy reading is a guy in MN and he was talking about running last week and the temp was something like 5 degrees and he list all the clothes he had on and it sounds alot like the little kid in The Christmas Story. 2 caps, something like 5 tops layers, 3 bottom layers, 2 sets of gloves. That my friends is a dedicated runner!

Not bad... not bad at all...

This Afternoon...Partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 80s. Mostly south winds near 10 mph.

Tonight...Partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers. Lows in the lower 70s. Mainly south winds 5 to 10 mph...Becoming variable. Chance of rain 20 percent.

Saturday...Partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers. Highs near 80. Winds becoming north near 10 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.

Saturday Night...Becoming mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows near 70. Winds becoming northeast near 15 mph and gusty. Chance of rain 40 percent.

Sunday...Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Becoming windy. Highs in the mid 70s. Northeast winds near 20 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.


Ok, it's not for here but I was trying to cheer myself up... (it's the Key West forecast)

Friday morning snow

Across the valley

My ski slope

Thursday and the big (cough) snow storm

We did get a little snow but Terri and I had zero problems getting to work. All the schools were closed yet the roads for the most part were completely clear. Sort of felt sorry for the kids because it was a snow days minus the snow.

They closed the fitness center today but it wasbecause they use it for a rest area for personnel who stay at the hospital working straight through the inclement weather. My VP stopped by my office about 3:30 and said for me to get out and go home. WooHoo, sort of like Christmas!

I'm doing a lot of work on the River 2 River ride stuff tonight so this is a short one...

Geo out...
Fade to black......

Yep, it's snowing...

Snow started about an hour north of here about midafternoon and caused chaos. Sent some folks fleeding toward home when the first flurry started in Little Rock. It didn't really start here until right about 6:30 or so. The ground is sort of white but the roads are clear. I moved our car up the hill in front of Ron and Cheryl's house. It's a "winter weather" tradition.

I spent lunch on the spin bike and felt strong today.

Icon for today

Here's the stinking icon for this afternoon, tonight AND tomorrow.

Just a good week

Just a good week so far! I crank it out in spin class today and even felt the love enough to stay after class and tighen the resistance up really tight and envision Valley View climbs. That hill comes to me in my dreams. I will continue working that hill over and over and over.

Sorry, was day dreaming... spin class was sold out today and then several turned away. It was a great thing to see so many wanting to spin. I hope the crazy continues. Melissa is an awesome instructor and we have a deal that once I start sweating I take my hearing aid off so I don't sweat fry another one and she gives hand signals. Works out great and besides the music is so loud I can still hear the bass beat without the aid.

Winter mix is in the forcast for tomorrow night but should be gone by Friday! Nice weekend ahead. Cold but nice.

My bud Vince sent me an email and said he was riding across the state in less than 20 hours as a celebration and an awareness ride for diabetes. He has the disease but let me tell you, it doesn't slow him down. Feb 10th, I'm going to ride a little of the route in central Ark with Vince. Go Vince Go! Allez!!!!!

Geo out...
Fade to black...

Fr-Fr-Fr-Freezing cold

Sunday:
Got up, went to church, rushed home so I could eat a small bite then spend the afternoon on the bike getting my required hours in. Flipped on the Weather Channel to be sure all was clear this time (Thanks for the plan JBar... check weather then dress...who woulda thought?). Temp was 33 with 22 degree wind chill and 18 mph wind gust. Hmmmm. Common sense says stay in but when you spent the day before wishing you were on the bike, common sense goes out the door.

I got out to Burn's Park and John pulled in just a few moments later. Both of us had the same reaction... BRRR! I rode to the bridge and no bikes around. There was a group heading out on a 51 mile ride and I was hoping to at least see them.

Head on out to Maumelle to ride something a little different. The problem with riding in the cold temps and having to wear a real winter cap is that it's so thick that everytime I turn my head my hearing aid would shut off. Total silence. I messed with this a couple of times and was getting really ticked. Maumelle Blvd is not the place for a quite ride. As I'm fixing it yet again, the group coming flying by. Looks like about 8 to 10 of them. Said howdy as they went by and then got some crazed novel idea of jumping behind them and going. Looking down to see 24mph into the wind. I stay for a few minutes and hearing aid shuts off again. I'm on the back of this train with cars flying up behind us before switching lanes. I pull out into the neighborhood and circle back to the river.

I had a great ride all afternoon and got some hills in including a couple of repeats of Ft Roots and even a couple of Valley View, a short but steep hill.

All in all it was a great day to be out on the bike!


Geo out...
Fade to black...

Will Saturday EVER have Plan "A" work?

Ok, I knew they said rain so I got up early (6am). Looked out on the deck, it's dry! Yesss! I eat, shower, head back in the kitchen for cup 'o Joe #2. Hmmm wonder what the air fels like. Open the back door and step out on the deck. WHAAAA????? I feel the sprinkles. Flip on Weather Channel to see the pink (ice/rain) band coming across central Ark. Ice? It's 40 degrees! Heavy sigh... another Saturday of Plan "B".

Plan "B"
Call airport ask for the jet to be ready in a few. Text message a few cycling friends I figured would be up and acting all depressed and tell them to meet me at Central Flying Service and we're heading down to south FL for an afternoon of riding in the 75 degree, sunny weather. A dinner of seafood while watching the sun sink in the sea... you know the picture.

11:oo am -- great flight from Arkansas. Weather here is AWESOME! Matthew came with us this time and is all mad 'cause we didn't have time to go to Hooters. I suspect he'll take out his anger by pushing us to average 30mph. No big deal really, we can hang with him on that.


ahhh yes... in a perfect life! HA!

Geo out...

fade to black.....

01.26.07

Beautiful day with blue skies! I need to be out on the bike really bad. The workweek is winding down and everyone is leaving or thinking about it.

Here’s the plans for the weekend…
Friday:
Stop by bike shop and drop off jerseys.
On The Border for dinner in a bit and more home stuff shopping with Terri.

Saturday:
Starbucks! (Rolling Stones “Start me up” playing in the background!)
Morning ride due to the 60% chance of rain they are saying we’ll get between 10am and 3pm. I need to push about 3-4 hours in the saddle.
Work in the attic and finishing the flooring project then the usual Saturday chore list.
Dinner at parents house in Benton

Sunday:
Church
Eat
Ride
Eat at Kyle and Judy’s
Chill
Sleep

Back on track

Today has been a great day! I got rough sketches for the new jersey and they are awesome, awesome, and more awesome! Serious. I'll release the drawing soon. Sorry. My VP even thought it was great.

I got to get out right at sunset and ride tonight. I headed over to the sports complex to ride laps. I enjoy it over there because it's a huge parking lot that's lit up and empty. I rode for an hour and had an average speed of 16.3. I was happy. The start of the ride was cold. When I got out of the car it wasn't bad but once I started the wind in my face was chilly. Of course after a few laps, I was warm.

There are some woods on one side of the parking lot and baseball fields on the other. While I was riding tonight I noticed some movement at the other end of the lot and a guy stepped out of the woods and was walking. Not a big deal really since several folks seem to like that lot to walk on but coming out of the woods?! He stopped where the sidewalk comes to the parking lot and drops and does push ups. After I fly by he gets up and walks more. Just gave me the spooks. He disappeared over the hill and I didn't see him anymore. Just hit me as a little unsual.

I got excited a few minutes ago because I took the trash to the curb. You know what that means! The weekend is closer! HA!

Geo out...

At the end of the day

At the end of the day

(Photo by Kelley Cooper -- Arkansas Children's Hospital)

It's the end of the day yet I sit and wonder about it all. I train. I think about trianing. I read about training. When I'm down I read what the guys training for Ironman are going through. Some have been injured and some are just getting back on the wagon after a recoup through the holidays. Everyone seems to be after the same thing. A strive to be better. Although I'm not trying by any means to be Ironman, their thinking is on the money. An injury or set back can flip the world.

Today it seemed as if my world were slowly flipping and pardon the expression but it sucked! I got the call from the doc and the surgery date is April 12th. I would need to be in intense training mode the month of April for the River 2 River ride set for May 24th. After I hung up I leaned back in my chair and ran my hands through my hair giving it the just woke up look. Then I stood to look out the office window and collect my thoughts. Man, my ride is disappearing before my very eyes. I have folks already to jump on this thing in all sorts of ways. There is a killer jersey (with no date on it thank goodness!) in the works. There are a couple of outside interest seeking the ride out. There are a couple of major companies ready to buy in as well as furnish some amazing technology. I'm so disappointed and bummed.

Ok, whining over. Sorry but I had to write it and get it out of my system. So what are we gonna do about it? Reschedule! The ride WILL take place just a little later. I've thought about this over and over today. I'm off the bike for 1 week. Ok, big deal, just act like it's a recovery week. In fact, make it a recovery week after April 12th. I'll go out and literally beat the snot out of myself the weekend before the surgery. I know March 31st is a century (100 mile) ride called Tour de Cure here in Little Rock so I'll get that done! Then I'll have another weekend after that so I'll get a ton more riding in. That will be April 7 & 8. Easter is on the 8th so it will be a sunset ride. Surgery on Thursday April 12th. I'm thinking out loud here... because after surgery it will be 2 weeks of total silence. I guess I could call this "Silence of the Limbs" HA!

What's going on on Thurday, June 28th? It starts the 4th of July weekend which is that following Wednesday. There enough time in there that the crazys should have to go to work on that Friday so I'm thinking if anyone is going to take off extra fdays or the 4th they'll do it that week rather than my ride week. Terri has a summer convention at the Holiday Inn in Ft Smith the week before so she might not be to thrilled to go back again so soon. July 7th we are heading for the beach. Y'all see where this is going??? I'm feeling MUCH better already!

Kids, I think I'm gonna go for it! Stay tuned for more!

01.21.07

Finally the rain stopped during the night and that gave it enough time to dry the roads pretty well. I got out and rode 42 miles this afternoon and averaged 15.3. I climbed some hills and the roads were damp in places so I wasn't taking any chances coming down.

I spotted the Fast Girls Slow Guys out for their afternoon of hammering. Racing season is just around the corner and they will be one of the strongest clubs around. I can't wait to see them cut it loose this spring.

Just as I was leaving Brandon pulled up and was about to get a few miles in. Was good to see him.

The LR Marathon runners were all out in force doing their long runs today. There is a visually impaired runner that runs with a guide. It is the most awesome and inspriational thing to watch. This afternoon I came up behind them and recongized the bright orange vest. I slowed and watched. That is complete faith in someone to be able to run blind. They were moving at a good runners pace too. I really hope he is going to run the marathon in March.

Ok, got some news. I'm going to have some outpatient surgery on my hearing aid ear in a couple of weeks. No big deal, takes doc about an hour. I have some rare deal where my ear canal is trying to grow closed. Weird huh? He is just going to go in and cut the tissue out then put in a skin graft. Said no bike for a week. I can live with that but then no hearing aid for at least 2 weeks. I can't live with that! I will be in total silence for at least 2 weeks. My boss said I can work from home if I want too but I'll probably go to the office once doc releases me to. Hoping for a Wed or Thurs surgery then I can be back on Monday. My team is good to me so they'll take the calls and I'll do everything by email which is almost what I do now anyway. The good part is that once I put my hearing aid back in everything will be booming loud after no sound.

Another milk and bread scare?!

Ok, so this is the icon for the weekend for us. Well ain't that just dandy?! I think we saw the sun for a few moments yesterday and maybe well see it again before the weekend. As long as it's not wet out then I'll go get my miles in. Coach has me down for 3 hours this weekend. I'll be a bit crisp and fresh outside but I can handle that. Everything they predict this sort of weather everyone goes and gets milk and bread like we'll be shut in for a week.

I'm eating lunch in the office and blogging because today is a busy day otherwise. Still working on cutting back on certain foods. Those girls that I live with have a thing about sugar. No not kissing sugar but cookie sugar. I know I know... just don't eat it. Well, that's easier said than done. I keep looking at those brownies or cookies telling them that I'm bigger, badder and better than them. They just look up with their little chocolate chip eyes and draw me in.

I didn't realize that daylight savings started it's new schedule this year! Yep, March 11th rather than April 1st. Certainly will help me with my afterwork riding schedule! I love daylight savings!

Well back to work... Geo out...

But I was riding...

Just keep reading and you'll understand why this photo of Wye Mountian is here. By the way, it's just a few more weeks and the mountain will look like this once again!

I know I said I would write some more but I was riding on the new rig!

There are 8 programs and 16 settings. I rode the 20 minute program which is one of the first listed. It is flat then an incline. On the screen it looks big but not really. I kept getting the "down" arrow telling me to slow down! Oh my gosh! I love this bike! No one ever tells me to slow down! I never did slow down.

I finished that 20 minute program and was feeling like I was just warming up so I clicked through a few other programs and found a 30 minute course that kicks in on a climb real quick and the climb is real. For those in the central Ark area... it was Wye Mountain real. Yeah baby, I was having to stand and push hard to get that pedal to go around. Shirt was soaked and Sadie was giving me that dog is smarter than owner look while laying on the floor watching me. I didn't think the last 8 minutes of the course would ever run out and the thing was telling me to keep the target speed at 10mph?!!! Man, Patrick can't even ride up Wye at 10 mph and that guy is a nuts-o on the bike. So who is Reebok telling me to climb at 10? I kept getting the up arrow now and I finally told myself, "Ok Geo, take it to the top and if you pass out trying at least you are at home and it would only be about 30 minutes before wife came to the back and found your dead body in the floor (one foot still strapped to the bike of course!)". So I pushed and pushed and pushed and made it. Ok it was a private "Rocky" moment... it's sort of like that dance like nobody's watching moment. A few gulps of water and some stretching then I walked through the house. Terri was in the den and just looked at me like "boy, oh no you don't!" Like I was going to drip on the kitchen floor or something. Ok funny story time: When I was on the climb and stood up I didn't realize that the ceiling fan would cut my head off. Y'all know the rest of the story.... HA!!!

Just a quick hit

Just a real quick it this morning. I worked ALL weekend on reports so when I got finished I didn't even want to look at the computer.

Here's the weather update for you readers outside the central Arkansas area. Yes, it is STILL raining! Last I heard it was something like 5 and a half inches had fallen. Streets are flooded here and there. The river is way up but still within in banks. The Saline River in Benton where my parents live is a different story but they are in no danger at all. High upon a hill and a mile away from the river. If they ever are in danger from the river, the Ark would be looking pretty good!

We did get our new "house" bike. It's really nice! I laughed and laughed when I saw one of the features! It has controls on top of the handlebars and the display becomes games! Yes, you can play video games and spin at the same time. Emmy boyfriend loves that feature. I spun and watched Terminal (Tom Hanks) Saturday night. I think I'm really going to like this!

Back to work... I'll write more tonight.

Weather... what weather?

Wow! I flipped on the tube this morning to see Fresno at 21 degrees? Oh no! I flip over to the Weather Channel and they are all over this wicked weather weekend. Denver, oh those poor guys. What is this something like their 4th or 5th weekend for winter storms? Just glad Tyler has graduated and moved back to Ark. I think he misses the snow though.

Terri and I went to Cracker Barrel to have dinner tonight. I felt like an old folk but Terri had the stomach bug and wanted something a little easier. I had breakfast and coffee. We then went over to Office Depot and looked at router stuff so we could figure out how to make our laptop wireless in the house. The set up looks simple. AT&T has called us half a dozen times offering deals if we'll drop Comcast Cable for our internet and use them. We were wondering if the same set up basically goes for DSL as it does for cable on wireless set up. I didn't want to buy the cable set up if we are thinking of changing if they weren't compatable.

After that Terri said we should go over to look at upright stationary bikes! Yea-izzzz!!!! The darling wants to start riding again! We checked out a few and will probably go back tomorrow to get on. The Reebok RT 300 is looking good. It has the features for training indoors and get this, has a quirky little game feature so you can play video games on the screen. The graphics looks like 1980 Space invader graphics. We laughed. There are 16 different programmed levels. This is sort of like Chrsitmas Eve! We both like to look and on "big" purchases (purchases over 100 bucks) we look then leave. That way, tomorrow if we are still feeling strong about it then we'll go buy it. I put a note out on my club email that I was selling my Cycle-Ops Mag trainer. I like it but just never used it that much since I could ride outside or ride in the fitness center.

Terri just ran over to the store to get groceries before the big rain comes. It had rained before she left. Guess what, it's starting to rain now. I hope it's not raining much when she comes out of the store.

Looking forward to the weekend... aren't you!

Oh gee....

Of gee, let me see.... A snapshot of the last 24 hours...
Something happened to the dryer and rolled the smoke and now it smells like a burnt out house.
Terri has some stomach bug.
I didn't go to the gym or ride today.
I ate fried foods.
My VP wants a report reformatted... ugh, it's actually about 50 reports.
It's about to rain heavy for the net 2 possible 3 days.

Ok, enough whinning. Now the good stuff...
I read where several girls in our club are getting serious about a race in March.
Tomorrow is Friday.
I fixed the dryer.
I have a trainer for my bike so I can ride this weekend in the house. I know, I'm not a bike trainer fan.
I filled 4 positions today which makes for an easier Friday.

Little milestones

There are little milestones that happen to everyone through out there day/week/ year/life and as comical as this sounds, every Tuesday night is a small milestone. It's trash night. I know, that's goofy but when I take the trash to the curb on Tuesday night that means that the week is half over almost. Actually is just a way to make it seem like the weekend will be here faster.

I had another milestone tonight. I got home, suited up and drove right down the road to the Kevin McReynolds Sports Complex and rode laps around the parking lot. I kept thinking I would do this so I wouldn't have to sit on the trainer. It was awesome! There were a few folks finishing up there walking when I got there and I could watch several sports going on. I could see the Sylvan Hills Bear soccer team practicing, as well as Bear baseball (guys) was wrapping up. The nice part was that the kids all had their cars still on the school lot so there were no cars coming or going! I rode the lot a few laps to warm up and look for broken glass and lucky there was only one place and it wasn't in my way. My own private training course. I got it going on and look down to see and nice 20 mph (Geo's thought, "Go on big boy, you're going to suck air in just a moment!"). Around a couple of laps and feeling really good. There is a little incline so it gave me a chance to climb, sort of. After several more laps I took it all the way up to big ring and big gear. Going down the incline was super fast, banking the curve was a "woowoo" moment then up on the pedals and sprinted to the end, bank and do it again. Where was this coming from? Lap after lap. Everytime I rode under a certain light I would look to check my speed. Never under 17!!! I can taste that coppery taste that happens when you are working out hard in the cold air. A sip of water settles that and Rainforest (techno mix) by Moby comes on. Oh man, that's a tune to crunch it to. I push as hard as I can up the incline. I want to sit before I get to the top but tell myself that I'd only be cheating myself. I was true to myself and kept it going.
A couple more laps slowing down to cool down. I stop at the car and see my breath in the cool night air. I see the stars and a jet cruising through the heavens. I lean up against the car and sigh thinking to myself, "Yep Geo, now you're training!"

Train time: 56 minutes
Average speed: 16.7

Be right back...

I know, I know.... I haven't posted anything in a couple of days. Been busy. I'll post after my ride tonight...

This is gonna be some trippin'

Well, Coach sent me my River 2 River training schedule today. Oh ho ho!!!

I looked at first week (this week), piece of cake baby... 3 hours in the saddle.

Feb has a couple of Saturdays with 6 hours in the saddle.... yeah, that's doable.

March has an 8, 9 and 10-er. Yes, those are riding HOURS.

April, I'm outta breath just looking at it.
4/16 -- 10 hour ride
4/23 -- 11 hour ride
4/30 -- 12 hour ride

Oh and did I mention there are some weekday rides too? There are. So I guess I might ought to download those songs that would take up a whole album side... what do you mean, what's an album? Oh go ask your grandparents kid!

Here's the deal, and I'm not making it up, I'm looking forward to it. I need to keep the pace at 15 mph for hours and hours on end. I can do that. The hard part is not to let myself jump in with the big dawgs and try and ride fast and tire out. There are some days I'll get to go out and hammer (Well, hammer as much as I can! HA!) and there are some days I get to go out and climb.

Big news, I got to go down a belt notch today! I'm not sure how but I did. I sort of ate a some snack foods but not my fall 2006 amounts after we got in last night.

I worked on my donation letter that I'll be sending out and sent a draft over to the girl in Foundation who handles my ride and to the girl in PR who handles getting the stories out to news folks. Both sent a email reply back and both said they cried. YES! If I pull on heartstrings and I pulled hard this time then I hope I'll get more donations. My goal is $10,000 for the hospital.

I was a rainy then very foggy day here so I got my rear over to the fitness center and did a 30 minute solo spin (easy) then a real spin with the 12:30 lunch spin crowd. Buckets of sweat! Oh, that reminds me, those nasty clothes are still in the bag... guess I better run!

Take care and thanks for reading!

2007 -- day 2

Back to work it was today and it was still for the most part quite. Had a person that I recruited that called early this morning before anyone got to their offices and left a message with her new boss that "something came up" and she wouldn't be in. She was due to start this morning. It chaps my hide when applicants do that. Oh well, we'll have someone in place over in that clinic in a couple of weeks and this person will probably be even better!

I worked out at home tonight for about an hour. It felt good. I used the weights and the tension bands. I really like those because you can lay in the floor watching tv and work out. Sad huh? Well, I was really working out to the point of shaking like a leaf.

The real plan was to take the bike down the street to a huge parking lot and ride laps but when I got home I started looking for the reflective riding vest I wore when I would commute by bike to the office. I have one of those big clear plastic buckets out in the garage that I keep touring bike stuff in. Nope, not in there. So there is another big bucket with other bike stuff in it so I start going through it. Hummm, memory lane here we come! I found numbers from all my event rides, goodie bags that I'd just thrown in there, a great first aid packet I had put together, and ah ha... the vest! "Honey, dinners ready." Thought to myself, "Ok, eat and get out there and ride." I go back to the bedroom after eating and lo and behold look at the pile of stuff I've got all over the bedroom. Ok, so I'll be stuck home tonight cleaning the mess up.

On the bright side of it, it did give me a chance sort of scope out what goods I had and what I needed to get all geared up for the coming year. I found a sheet of reflective stickers that were the same color as my helmet so I cut them in strips and put them all over it for early morning and night riding. It was funny because I wanted to see if it reflected all sides and I was standing in the bathroom with a flash light moving it around to see how much reflect I would see. Sadie (our dog) just sort of stood there looking like, "Dad, why are you playing with a flash light in the bathroom?"

Take care y'all!