Walk on baby!

Great way to start off a Saturday morning and the weather is supposed to be awesome! I'll be huffing out a 9 hour training ride but am going to try and ride over to cheer on the walkers for a moment!

The Miracle Mile Walk is a one-mile walk, from the State Capitol to the campus of ACH, to raise funds and awareness for Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Representatives from Children’s Miracle Network National Sponsors are encouraged to participate. Click here if you need directions to the Capitol.

This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, May 5, 2007. Registration will open at 7:00 a.m. and the Walk will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. Registration is $25 per person (kids 12 and under are free).

Afterward, walkers are invited to stay for lunch and a brief program. On the Border and Papa John’s Pizza will be on hand, with drinks provided by Coca Cola and sweet treats by Coleman Dairy.

The Miracle Mile Walk began in 2005 and in its first year raised $70,000 for Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Since then the event has grown in size and impact and last year 700 walkers raised more than $110,000.

Arkansas Children’s Hospital is the state’s only pediatric hospital with more than 267,000 patient visits each year. In 2006, over $2.6 million was raised for ACH through CMN fundraising efforts.

We hope you will walk with us to make miracles happen for the children at ACH. To register, click the link below. If you need directions to the Capitol, click here.

Inching closer to the weekend!

Well friends we are getting closer to the weekend by the minute! I’m ready too! We were supposed to go over to Memphis to the Memphis in May music festival and I was going to get to see Wolfmother before they had back across the pond but due to not getting to put my hearing aid back in it looks to be a local weekend.

Emily turns 17 tomorrow. That is so hard to grasp. At times she’s my little girl and runs across the room and lands on my lap and at times she walks through the room as she’s about to go out looking better than any model that graced magazines. She can still make me laugh harder than anyone else. She can make me laugh until my tummy hurts. I have a year and a few months left before she goes off to college…sigh….

Ok, training… here we go! It’s going to be an eat and drink on the bike training. I’ll have some supplements (Endurolytes and Perpetuum) that I’ll be trying. One of the things long distance folks are told to do is get used to eating and riding. I read one account where a female long distance rider ate her meals while she was on a trainer. Nothing like a trainer at the dining room table! HA!

The plan is to ride the river for hours. It is actually for a 9 hour ride. I had planned to go up the road about an hour north of town and ride a charity ride (Plan B), Tour of the Wine Country but with no hearing aid, guess I best not. The ride is a charity ride for the hospital and a festival.

I’ve been planning my start time and want it to be around 8 a.m. and that gets me off the bike around 5p.m. Gee whiz, I’ll be riding a whole work day. If I keep at 15 mph pace for 9 hours that will be 135 miles. That’s the distance from Ft Smith to Cook’s Landing. Half of the ride for June 28th. I’m really hoping to some how get a chance to get up toward Ft Smith or even to Ft Smith and ride back before the actual ride. May be a nice thing to do for Memorial Day Monday. I usually ride from my house to Searcy and back on that Monday or that weekend for 90 miles but I think this year I’ll change it up.

Even though Dr. D asked me not to wear the hearing aid until Tuesday, I’ll honor that but boy it’s going to be a good mental exercise if I stay down on the river riding for hours with no sound, no music, etc etc… I still find it really funny that folks know I can’t hear but they will just talk and talk. I just do the best I can picking up bits and pieces. If you only knew what I thought some people have said!

Well, lunch is about over… back to work.

Later y’all!
Geo.

Mayday

I did get to get out and ride yesterday and it was a nice ride. Just down and back on the river but it was great because I was feeling a lot better and I rode with my coach. When you ride with a coach it takes a bit to settle down and ride. How's the pedal stroke? Did I ride too fast or too slow? Is my positioning right? Etc etc etc...

I got an email of the ride and it was good! Whew! Mark, my coach, is as good as they come. He pushes me to do better but also knows whne it's time to be a family man as well and he'll tell me that. Yep, he was one of the ones who told me to ride conservative last weekend and look what happened when I didn't.

This week we have been talking alot about hydration. There are several products on the market that help folks when the heat is turned up and you've got to give it your all for a while. I considered some of these in the past but some are pricey and there's not a trial size so I'm going to bum some and test them this weekend.

Oh yeah, what did the doc say? Said the ear is healing really good but still needs me to keep the aid out for one more week. It was sort of expected but then I was hoping it would go the other way. I want life to return to normal.

I've had a lot of fun today since the stroke dropped me on my head in small town Arkansas years and years and more years ago. I was surprsed with a pancake breakfast prepared by Em his morning. I was taken to lnch by Jason and his wife Allison who both work at the hospital and it was a complete riot. They ae a hoot anyway but you take a couple that loves to cut up and a deaf guy and put them at an outside table at a busy Sonic (my choice) and you set yourself up to laugh til you cry. Allison told Jason to stop talking like Bruce Lee! I was trying to read his lips but he was talking in Japanese! Even his normal speech would throw me off because he wouldn't move his lips much. I told him his mouth wasn't normal and he cracked up. This is the same guy that went to Target to buy a gift card and the cashier asked him how much he wanted on it and he told them he just wanted to buy the card. Same guy that asked the cashier at Micky D's for hot mustard to go with his sundae. Now you know why we are friends huh?! HA! Terri made a "Sunday dinner" for supper tonight. Yep, roast and all that stuff. It was sooo good!

Anyway, I got a massive bag of double dipped malt balls. Oh man, I could have gotten sick big time but I stashed them on he other side of my office and drank FRS instead. My VP unloaded a stack of Java City bucks on me and our secretary (office momma) had ballons put in my office. I had VP's sending me e-cards and friends sending wishes by email. I felt the love. That sounds silly but times like this, I really did. I'm happy to have such a wonderful group of friends and family. It was just a nice day to be born.

Since I still can't wear the aid I had to change game plans for the weekend. I'm going to ride the river a lot on Saturday. It might even get boring but maybe not. I just don't feel comfortable going to a organized ride that I've not been on before without being able to hear.

I'll get around to writing more tomorrow.

They told you to ride conservative

I rode yesterday and it felt great so I ventured out for a real group ride and met up with the CARTI training ride at 2. John, Bandon, Jenny, Lauren, David and Blake (proud owner of the Allez!) were all there. Everyone for the most part knew I couldn't hear but I was still surprised I could communicate a little while riding. Brandon hung back with me a bit then I told him to go on I was fine. For some strange reason my throat was getting raw by the second. I would drink and not a few minutes later it was hurting again. I felt fine otherwise. We got to the regroup point and being temp-deaf really bites because I couldn't really cut up with the others.

We take off again and I am determined to stay with the front group on the way back. Another rider pulled up beside me and was telling me something about my bike. Oh great I thought, here I am completly deaf and I have a guy I've not met before talking away about my bike. I couldn't tell if he was talking about he liked it or what then I realized there was something wrong. I flat I say? No riding fine. Then something else so I stop... dang, there goes the front group. Come to find out it was purple gum that I rode through and it stuck to my tire then flew and stuck to the rear brake and then stretched and was all over the place back there and that included my shorts. I had a big purple Specialized "S" symbol on my shorts. Looked like someone sprayed silly string. Man, I was embarassed but climbed back on and rode. I laughed and told the guy I'll just have to keep my shirt pulled down back there.

I drafted behind a couple guys for a bit then when on around and hoped to get the second group where David and Blake were. I caught up and did fine until we split at the red light going back to the river. UGH! Now I can't be dropped by the second group too! There were 4 of us at the light and I went on ahead as we got close to the river, looked back and there was no one. I did not break off that fast at all.

Well I got to the river and then everything went downhill! I wasn't a normal bonk, it was a sick feeling. I spotted the second group and tried everything to catch but never happened. Finally got to the car and it seemed like a hundred degrees and there they were... the chills. Oh crud! I grabbed the water and drank... ugh... it's warm. I slow down and sip, then have a little FRS and switch back and forth slowly. I'm having real chills and it's tripping me. I'm wanting to pull over on the side of the road and sleep a moment. I've never done that! I run through the mental checklist. All I can hear are 3 people I trust telling me I should have an easy ride schedule this weekend. I also see myself firing back that it was only 30 miles...geesh. How much easier do I have to go? Then I start really thinking... ok you had a pain pill last night and you have 3 different antibodics going through your system. Maybe a fast 30 is a bit much. Sigh...

I get home and clean up, drink and eat a bit and flop down on the sofa and watch... bicycle racing. And what do I hear? How such and such is riding really well today even with such and such injury. Gawd, I hate young pros and their super human strength! No not really, I deeply admire them!

I begin to feel much better but stay put on the sofa with my trusty dog. It's really been a great weekend! I'll take a very very easy spin tomorrow, try and ride with the group on Tuesday, easy on Wednesday, maybe a easy spin on Thursday, nothing on Friday then go up to Altus and ride the tour of Wine Country on Saturday if I can wear my hearing aid. Terri is excited because it's a festival. She can shop... oh boy-ee! Goody! HA! I can actually do the century (100 miles) if I feel up to it. If not, maybe the metric century which is 63 miles.

The training for the River 2 River ride is kicking in major league big time this month so I'll be on the bike a lot. I'm ready to return to serious training.

I read a quote from Helen Keller that goes... "Being blind seperates you from things. Being deaf seperates you from people." That is so true. I still am shocked by how isolated a deaf person must feel sometimes. It is a very very isolated feeling and it's making my training have a really special meaning. I don't want kids to go through what I'm experiencing right now. I am very blessed that my deafness is temperary... very blessed!

To donate to the River 2 River ride to help children with hearing impairments go to www.archildrens.org and click on the donate now button and note it's for the bike ride.

It's all for the kids!
Geo.

Sonic BOOM, Mr . President, and I rode!

That title got ya didn't it? Here, I'll break it out for you...

Sonic Boom: Mary Martha who is my hearing aid and audiology guru wanted me to try what is called a "Boomer" hearing aid in my deaf ear while my other ear was healing. Said it might not work at all but then I may pick up some sound like a car or something. I stopped by and Mary was out and Patti and Nan worked on the set up. First aid was nothing so Nan went to get a kicker boomer. With the first I could feel the vibes bouncing off my ear drum and that is a sign that is loud. It really makes you dizzy. So we plug in the second on and BOOM!!!!! It was knee jerk effect. Serious. It hurt so bad that I jumped and my knee banged under the table. No sound but oh man could I feel it. I told them that was wilder than Space Mountian. Thanks but no thanks friends!

Mr. President: Ok, we have a lot of celebs that come to the hospital and most come and go and the staff, for the most part, don't even know it. Well that happened to me yesterday. Angel One (Yep, my Transport heros) went to Mexico to get a little boy that needed a heart transplant. It was all over the news the day I had surgery. So I go across the street to the main lobby to Java City and there were all these people coming towards me. I didn't really think a lot about it because sometimes we have kids with very large family support groups so it's not unusal. I walked through the doors as they were walking out, said the customary ACH Hello, how are you... and proceeded to get my order from Java. I noticed that Sonya and the others from Java kept looking over at the doors at all the people on the sidewalk and whispering. No big deal. I walk back over to my office and get my afternoon work done. Ok, so here I am sitting on a Saturday morning drinking coffee and watching a little of a local morning news show and what do I see??? A film clip from the front of the hospital and those people... Oh gosh!! Geo, note to yourself... be aware of the people in your surroundings. I walked right by President Vincent Fox and the First Lady of Mexico. I was sitting there with my mouth open in awe that I would do that. You know it's just one of those things when a "star" is in a different setting you just don't recongize them. They had come to the hospital while he was in town for a speaking engagment to visit the little Mexican boy.

I rode: Yes, I did! I rode a solo ride along the river trail on the north side a time and a half. It felt so good! Weather was back to normal and the state soccer tourney was going on so people everywhere. A lot of folks having picnics along the river banks. The ride felt good and it was nice to wake the legs up after a week and a half off. I'll be back out there tomorrow and ride a little longer and try to ride a little all week and get back in the groove.

Fun weekend so far!

WOOHOOO Weekend!

Oh yeah baby... It's almost 5 oh clock somewhere... HERE!!!!

Picking up new cleats for the shoes and a few gels. Terri has an appointment for a new do so I'm going to knock out some homey do's so I can play tomorrow!

Y'all have a great weekend!

He looked at me with evil red eyes and took it!

He looked at me with evil red eyes and took it. He did I tell ya! I just stood there wondering what on earth just happened? Am I having a nightmare? Pitch yourself. It all happened in an instant but then again it was in slow motion. I just stood then in awe. Really I did. I just stood there.

I broke the cleat on my shoe!!!! UGH!!!!!!!

I looked forward to the ride since about 10:30 this morning. I thought about the ride. I planned the ride then that nasty foul breath Grinch broke my cleat and I couldn't clip into the pedal to ride.

Just as I was about to push off I saw the club ride by. Smooth as a pro team could ever be. I was behind the car off to the side parking lot about a mile or so from the start point. Just after they went by I started to clip in and noticed I couldn't clip. I tired everything and finally click and I'm in but something is really off center here. I try to unclip. Nope, not gonna happen. Try and try and try and finally pop and it's off. I mean completely off. The cleat is broken and part of it is still on the pedal. Awww man!

Back in the car I go and drive back to the house.

Ok, now the nice part of the story... as I got out of the car I could smell someone cooking out. Yes-izzz, it's us! Well, my wife. Grilled chicken is on the menu tonight and that made this ole boy feel a lot better!

Well kids, there's always tomorrow! I hear voices telling me "Ahh young grasshopper, one must learn to be flexible." I just lean back and look at the wise one and say, "Yeah, man, ain't that the truth?!"

******BONUS CLIP******* DELETED SCENE********

Here's a blurry on purpose shot of the back of my ear. Look close, the incision really goes all the way down the back of my ear. Ewwww! HA!

R.E.L.E.A.S.E.D. TO R.I.D.E

Released to ride again!! Yep, that’s what they told me!

I went to the ENT clinic over at UAMS where Brenda removed the packing from my post-op ear. I saw the first of it coming out and closed my eyes because it was nasty! I talked myself into releasing the tension in my shoulders and relax my hands and breathe. A few seconds later I was cheering her on saying stuff like, “Ohh, that was a big piece.” The cool thing about Dr. Dornhoffer’s clinic is you get to watch a TV monitor of what they are doing. I could see down into my ear. It’s the coolest thing! I wish I could have had a tape of it. By the way, if you want to know more about the Otolaryngology clinic over at UAMS click here…www.otolaryngology.uams.edu/otology/team.asp

The visit went super easy and fast and I was about to leave and was asked not to put my hearing aid back in for a couple of weeks. Bummer, we’re going with the 3 week plan huh? But then I was given the best news… “Geo, go can train again!” Stop, turn and look, smile really big!!! I got the thumbs up to return to training?! Yea-izzzz!!!! I felt the spring in my step return at the moment and I felt like I grew a couple of inches!

First thing I did was emailed Mark (coach) to let him know I got the “Get out of Jail free” card. He said the timing of everything is just right. Man, I was glad to hear that!

I am counting down the seconds until 5 o’clock comes around so I can bound out the back door and down the steps, jump in the car and get home. I have been mentally getting my gear together all afternoon. Don’t forget water. Don’t forget sunglasses. Grab ya a gel or two. WooHoo! Oh, air those bad boy tires up. Oh man, you still haven’t put the computer on your new bike. Yeah, I know. It does me good sometimes to just ride. That’s the plan today anyway, just get out and enjoy a ride.

Oh yeah baby… life to goooood!

Chipping away

Chipping away is what I’m doing today. That last blog entry must have been more out of character than I thought because I’ve gotten a ton of emails from friends, family and training buds. I didn’t mean to come across as negative Joe but the world of no noise is one that you have to get used to. I seemed to hit the bottom yesterday and when I went home I was completely exhausted. Serious, it took everything I had to get through the day. But I did it didn’t I?!

This morning I attended my first staff meeting and even though I didn’t get all of the discussion it was good to be in there and follow what I could. By the end of the meeting I knew what the new policies and procedures where going to be. I did it all without sound. I’m counting down the moments until I get to get this packing stuff taken out of my ear! I keep thinking I am hearing certain sounds and getting excited! One of the things that is unusual is the consistent hum. It sounds like an air conditioner running all the time. It’s not loud at all.

Also I hope to get my bike release on Thursday! I almost feel like a little kid…. Please please, I’ll never ask for anything else again as long as I live. HA! I know I’ll have to take it easy and do recovery type rides but still just to be able to get out there and ride will do me wonders!

You know that new bike I bought? Well I’ve had plenty of well meaning friends offer to ride it while I’m off. HA! You have to understand my buds. If I were to crash they would ask if the bike was ok?! Ya gotta love ‘em.

Did I tell you about the banana pudding? Oh man! Talk about timing! Sunday night I was surprised with a bowl of banana pudding from Janice and Terry Williams. My teeth were hurting from the swallowing and it just plain was a pest to eat but this was soft and sugary goodness! If you go to the Symphony Designer House this year and see the name Terry Williams… yep, he is guy I’m talking about. He is also the guy that got me into this home remodeling project. Awesome designer and he and Janice are the nicest folks in the world. I ALWAYS laugh when I’m around them. Thanks guys!

All for the kids!
Geo

To donate to the River 2 River ride go to www.archildrens.org and click on donate!

In the land of silence.

In the land of silence.

In the land of silence where I live today is a very different place then I knew last week. I see things but there is no soundtrack to go along with the visual. This is very strange.

I know so many times we take our hearing for granted. Never again will I do this. This is just a short list of things I didn’t hear this morning:
1) I didn’t hear our dog wanting back in after I let her out.
2) I didn’t hear if I shut the door too loud.
3) I didn’t hear if I was banging the dishes in the kitchen.
4) I didn’t hear if the TV was turned up when I flipped it on.
5) I didn’t hear Emily tell me by this morning
6) Nor did I hear my wife tell me by either. (Both were in the form of a hug).
7) I didn’t hear the cars around us as we drove to work (Terri drove).
8) I didn’t hear the car door close
9) I didn’t hear my keys as I unlocked my office
10) I didn’t hear anyone say good morning
11) I didn’t hear people walking by my office door
12) I didn’t hear my phone
13) I didn’t hear my printer
14) I don’t hear the tapping of the keys on my keyboard
15) I don’t hear the people talking in the hall even though I see them
16) I didn’t hear any cars as I walked to the lobby of the hospital
17) I didn’t hear the greeters telling me good morning
18) I didn’t hear the waterfall in the lobby
19) I didn’t hear the “phish” of steam that the espresso machine makes at Java City
20) I didn’t hear Sonya joke about my order
21) I didn’t hear coworkers ask me how the surgery went while waiting for my coffee.
22) I didn’t hear the fire truck coming
23) I didn’t hear the music playing

… and it’s only 8:30 in the morning…. What will the next 3 weeks be like?

Yes, being deaf will make me a better man… much better!

Not a good recovery patient

Ok, I'll admit, I'm a lousy recovery patient. I'm supposed to just sit around and watch the paint dry or the grass grow but that's not my style. I've tried to do things off and on but if I look up I get dizzy. I keep thinking little things will be ok to do but then much movement starts making me feel the love.

I sort of freaked out a tad this morning because I am now able to leave the "cup" off except when sleeping. I heard my ear may be numb but wasn't expecting it. It's the numbness like when you go to the dentist. You know your lip is there but you don't really feel it. I also now know the incision goes all the way up the back of my ear. They did fold it over. EWWW!

Ok, on to nicer subjects. Tyler closed on his house yesterday and go to sleep there last night. I felt bad that I was unable to help him move. He is coming by in a little while to get some of his stuff from upstairs and then Terri and I will follow him over to his house and I'll try and him him with putting up a blind or two. I'll more than likely just sit and watch. His house is really nice inside. Someone bought it and flipped it. Yard has huge oak trees and the street has a nice homey Heights sort of feel to it.

Y'all have a great weekend!
Geo

All systems go!

Yep, that's the latest fashion statement...

sport supporter cup for the ear!

Got to the hospital at 6 and was in preop by 6:10. That was fast! Got to wear the paper gown and everything.

High points of the day.

Preop nurse was Sheila, super nice lady.

Versed (pronounced vers-said). It's the shot in the IV that makes you not care.

Judy, the OR nurse.

John, my doc

Brenda, doc's nurse (the boss)
The recovery staff that thought I lost my mind! Keep reading!

When I came out of the land of ZZZ's the recovery nurse was standing there rubbing my arm and talking nice to me. I had a bet with some friends that I'd act a fool if I could remember so I did! I looked up at her, put my hands on my chest and asked her if my breast implants took alright?! She looked at me then busted out laughing and the nurse helping the person in the recovery bed next to mine busted out laughing too then she told a whole desk of staff and they were all laughing! Jason owes me lunch! They knew I was joking but I was hoping to brighten their day a little. I heard it was a very busy surgery schedule.

I came home and slept a while then got up and watched Ray on FX. Ok, here's a funny story for you. Here I am watching a movie about a blind guy and I'm deaf. Ain't that a real Helen Keller combo for ya?! By the way, the movie is awesome!

My parents came by for a few minutes with my sister. Man, dad looked great! He has lost a lot of weight since he is eating right again.

It's killing me that the weather has returned to beautiful Arkansas spring time and the club is out riding right now and I can't. All in good time!

Ok, on being deaf: friends, this is not fun already. I figured out that I can read some peoples lips real easy and others hardly at all. My dad is one of those I could read very well. He doesn't move his mouth much when he talks so he would say something and then I'd look at Terri and she'd repeat it and most of the time I knew what she was saying. I think by the end of this 3 weeks I will really have a feeling towards deaf people. In all honest, I thnk this is going to make me a better person.

I watched Wheel of Fortune tonight and there was an Energizer commercial and it was for hearing aid batteries! Thanks Energizer you're a great sponsor!

Heading in...

Yep, it's 5 in the morning and I'm heading to the hospital for the surgery. I'll happen at 7 and should be recovery around 9-9:30. Feeling great this morning and ready to get it over with.

Now... 3 weeks in the world of silence.... no niose, no sound... but I can still write and work!

Can't stop laughing!

Keaton and Elliott (my great nephew and neice)

I got this photo from my neice and it's her twins. I laughed and laughed... and I'm still laughing.

Sunday ride with CARTI

Fun ride today! Took the new bike out from the house, rode down to the river and around the trail. Tons of folks out! After the freezing Easter weekend then rain and cold yesterday I think everyone was ready to get out for some fun.

After riding a loop and a half I wanted to try a new group ride that was meeting at 2 over at the soccer fields. It was actually a training ride for CARTI Tour de Rock this June. I rode up and I knew one person out of about 35 riders. It was GREAT! I had a lot of fun meeting a lot of the new riders.

We had 2 groups, one that would average 16-18mph and another that would average 12-14mph. Yes, I went with the first. Super tailwind on the way out to the farmlands made for a super easy ride.

We got out to the regroup area and didn't really have to wait to long for the others. Took a break then the whole group headed back together. The organizers were smart and got us over into the forest roads so we had some wind blockage. Man, once we came out of the forest it was hard (22mph) wind straight on. The girl in front of me hit a pot hole and her water bottle went flying. I dropped out of the line to return to get it but another rider in the next group got it so then I had to sprint to get back to the lead group. Giddy up pony!

Myself and the rider that had picked up the bottle took turns pulling into the wind until we made the first group and then hid inside the peleton to recover. We were laughing and having a great time.

We finally got to our turn off road and the group was able to recover a tad then over the first set of railroad tracks and back to the road that would get us back to North Little Rock. The front took off and I chased a bit then another guy went to the front to pull and I planned to move up but the line closed so I headed straight to the front to pull into the head winds. I haven't moved my computer to the new bike so I had no idea how fast I was going. I kept my head down and pulled as hard as I could pointing out potholes, glass and sticks along the way. I could feel myself tiring a bit and was ready to pull out of the line and I looked back expecting to see a wheel on my tail but n-o-t-h-i-n-g. There was no one behind me. I felt really bad to have jumped like that but I really didn't know how fast I was going. I heard later that the group was going 20-21 mph. I slowed to go over "the" railroad tracks.

Sidebar: "The" railroad tracks as you enter into North Little Rock from the southeast side are still a fear of mine, even after 2 years. On Sunday a group of friends and I were returning for a great ride and we rolled over those tracks at a screaming 23mph and my wheel dropped down and flipped me and a rider behind me. Cracked helmet, beat up bike and blood. Sara’s bike was gone, as in nowhere to be found. It flipped off down into a deep ditch while she went over me. To this day, I have no idea how we kept from breaking bones. I still fear the tracks.

The front group got back together at the light and we headed back to the trail (it’s really a paved bike path about the width of a street).

The soccer fields were a welcomed sight and as we rolled into the parking everyone was once again smiling and laughing.

After talking a bit and meeting more of the group I started my ride to the house into the wind. I locked out about mid way and got to have tailwind just in time. This ole boy was getting tired! I had one big hill to climb and it was on a road with a lot of traffic. There was a guy in a motorized wheelchair going up the hill (no sidewalks) and had traffic really backed up about ½ mile. Man, I felt sorry for him but no one honked and were very courteous.

I finally rolled into the driveway and unclipped from the pedals and smiled! What a great day to be out! New friends, a fun ride… just doesn’t get much better!

Going out for surgery is going to be a bummer because next weekend is calling for sunny skies and temps in the upper 70’s to low 80. I’ll be sleeping off anesthesia on the deck at the house.

Saturday!

Kids and Photoshop.... Thanks Tyler!

Yep, I'm still on cloud 9 about having Energizer as a sponsor! It's going to be a lot of fun!

Ok, I did what I said I would and moved the spin bike to the den. I rented School for Scoundreals. It's a hoot. Cheer on the underdogs! I rode during the entire movie 16-18mph. It was the light bulb going on in my head. This is how to watch a movie and not feel guilty. Sometimes when I sit and watch TV it seems I feel guilty because there are so many other things I could be during, like training.

This has nothing to do with anything but my soapbox... have you noticed how many times this week that famous Imus quote has been used. Not by the guy himself but by eveyone else. I mean come on media and groups... if it's so offensive (and I agree it was) then stop saying in. Every press interview has whoever I upset about it saying it half a dozen times throughout their interviews. Ok, I said my side.

Emmy is at ACT testing today, Terri is at day 2 of Women of Faith. 9 thousand women at Alltel Arena. Bet the mall is empty today! HA! I'm hoping to get to see Tyler's new house today!

Weekend = Rain ... Again

Yep, big chance of rain starting any moment now. Once again I'm facing a rainy Saturday. Not exactly the best training weather. And yep, once again, Sunday will be nice meaning early services then hit the bike for the afternoon until sundown. I really want a 100 miles on Sunday. I really NEED a 100 miles.

I have decided to move the spin bike into the den and if I am going to watch any TV then I have to do it spinning. That will start tonight. Emmy is going to be out with her boyfriend, Tyler will be working, and Terri will be at the Women of Faith conference at Alltel. Do you know what that means??? It's gonna be a Blue Coast Burrito night with a basket of fish tacos, Baja Tea and a movie that is NOT a romantic comedy! Yes, I think Reese Withersppon is fine looking but tonight she'll need to carry a gun and fart if she's going to be in a movie that I'll be watching. I'll beat my chest and be all manly! HA!

I did ride last night. It was a fun club ride mostly spent in a pack with Brandon, Bill, Dan and myself. I got to the top of Ft Roots and then something happened that totally deflated me.... I shifted to a baby gear accidentlly and threw the chain and couldn't unclip for the pedal fast enough. Yep, I fell over. I haven't done that in years and I was so embarrassed! I took the hit with my elbow and knee so I wouldn't scar my new bike. The gearing on this bike is a little different from my old one so I'm still getting used to it at times. I still love the thing! Sooo smooth!

We have a great new sponsor! Energizer has come on for the River 2 River ride!! This is such an honor to have them. Everyone knows the bunny!!

Have a great weekend!
Geo.

C.A.N.C.E.L.L.E.D

After a 4 month wait my surgery for tomorrow got cancelled. Doc hurt his foot and is in surgery himself this afternoon. I'm begging for a very fast reschedule... we'll see. I know, I know, everything happens for a reason... yeah yeah yeah... whatever.

-- Update -- Ok, it's rescheduled for next Thursday the 19th. I can live with that.

Rainy Tuesday

Just rainy... I think I smell something burning....

Going NATIONAL!

Audiology Online published a news item about the River 2 River ride. This is the website that all the Audiologist go to. It has all the new technology news! What a rush!

Fr-Fr-Fr-Freeezing cotton tails

Almost every blog and journal I read today during lunch was slamming the weekend weather. There are several journals I’m reading by cyclist riding the Southern Tier route from CA to Savannah, GA. Yep, they are mostly in TX right now and talking about the cold and wind. I feel sorry for them but it’s about to warm back up!

As for myself, yep, I was cranky too. I did ride both Saturday and Sunday afternoons but didn’t get anywhere near the time in the saddle I should have. I actually had on full winter riding gear on Saturday and pushed slowly through the wind. Of course I got to loop around and had fantastic tailwind too.

Sunday, I went to Easter services then to spend time with the family then out to ride. I kept holding out wishing for warmer temps but didn’t seem to get there. I told myself it was a little warmer and took the sleeves off the jacket and wore regular half fingered gloves. Nope… I rode a couple of miles, signed and returned to the car. Too cold for this gear. I put the sleeves back on, put full fingered gloves on, skull cap and shoe covers. Uh-uh… yep, full winter riding gear for day #2.

I was leaving the river, which I shamefully drove to, and spotted a couple of my club and one was on the side of the rode. I circled back to be sure they were fine and it was Jenny and Patrick. Screaming fast club riders. Everything was fine and we chatted a moment and they asked when do they get to see the new bike? Like a rock star getting out of the back of a limo, I rolled down the back window for them to look in. OHHHH… AHHHHH… sweet! Made me feel good to get thumbs up from them! Patrick is like racing god. They asked if I had been riding and fessed up to “yep, if you want to call it that”. I told them I rode but I was just not there today mentally. The cold just defeated me.

Since the after work temp should be maybe 60, I plan to ride the neighborhood. Plenty of hills to work on.

On another note… have you guys seen Discovery Channels Planet Earth? Man, what video! I’m hooked!

Warm veni latte’s to everyone!
Geo.

Sick

No, not sick like as in "cool" but sick as in sick. I was feeling bad yesterday as the afternoon wore on the worse I felt. I kept thinking a short ride around the hood would do me good but I didn't even want to to that. Terri saw me in jeans and looked at me like I was from outer space. "You're not going to ride?!"
"No, I just don't feel good."
"You must feel bad then."

Yep, I could feel the disappointment of the new kid out in the garage wanting to go play.

Bummer to have a new bike and not feel like riding. A r.e.a.l bummer!

Tomorrow is supposed to be a long training riding ... and ... tomorrow is only supposed to be 53 degrees ... and ... it's the last chance for a long ride before Thursday surgery. Guess I'll bungle up , stop whinning and go ride and ride and ride and ride!! HA!

It's Friday!

All for the kids!
Geo.

Counting down the minutes til 5!

It sits at home waiting. Like my faithful Golden Sadie who attacks me everytime I walk throuigh the door, she waits for me to get there. Tonight I get to ride not a test bike but MY bike. I cashed in some vacation time and said yes to the deal and became the proud own of a Specialized Roubaix Gerolsteiner edition bike. I loved it on the test ride Tuesday night so much. I told a few folks that I'm not sure if it was because I have been riding the wrong size bike all this time or if it was the upgrade from Allez but it was a super sweet ride. Normally I feel all the bumps and cracks in the rode but Tuesday night I flew over them. I'm skipping the bike club meeting tonight so I can ride since I wasn't able to last night. It will be a bungle up ride though. Going from the 80's to barely 60 for a high really bites right now. Saturday for my long ride I'll be lucky to see 60 degrees. I'm hoping for a century on the new ride. Actually if I can get over 106 miles then I'll feel better since that was last Sunday's ride.

By the way, Emmy made honor roll! Way to go love child! I'm really proud of you!

It's a boy!!!

It's a boy!!!

Delivered at 3:13pm

56mm

Wrapped in white bar tape with the Specialized Gerlosteiner seal

Both dad and bike are resting comfortably

Photo's to come

Delivery Arkansas Cycle and Fitness

Assisting in delivery were Joe, Eric, Robb and Richard

Chilly morning

It's a chilly morning outside and the temps are about 20 degrees less than yesterday for the high. 60 compared to 80.

Ok, last night's ride was a complete insane blast! The test ride was about the most fun I'd had in a while. It was so responsive with each pedal stroke! My friend Rebecca has a bike very much like this and she eats the hills and makes it look so simple. Last night was one of those, "Ahhh, now I get it!" My bike is took big folks have told me and after riding the test bike, I'll agree. I didn't feel the road and bump and jump all over the place like I do on my regular bike.

More later... gotta get to work

Geo, Governor Beebe's office is on the line for you.

"Geo?"
"Yes ma'am?"
"Governor Beebe's Office is on the line."
(Laughing)"You're messed up!"
"Geo?"
"Yes?"
"I'm uh really serious, they are on the line."
(I'm thinking of picking up the line and saying "Yo baby!" but ditch the idea at the final second....)
"Hello, this is George"
"Mr. Cobb?"
"Yes"
"The is Governor Beebe's office..."

She goes on to tell me that I have been asked to serve on the Governor's Advisory Board for Newborn Hearing & Screening.

I forget to breath...

The phone call ends and I'm sitting in my office in shock. Did this really just happen?
Stop what you're doing and live the moment I tell myself. I can't relive the moment because it was surreal and I don't remember it.

Life these days is just magical! It is a true honor to be asked something that I feel so strongly about.

It's all for the kids!
Geo.

Testing..testing...

This is my favorite ride of the summer. I ALWAYS have a good time on the CARTI ride!

Sign up at www.carti.com Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute

Yeah baby! I'll be test riding this jewel on the Tuesday night club ride.

It was a WooHoo sort of day!

Oh before I start... there is NO new bike! I thought it would be an early April Fools joke but no one reads the comments posted so it was a bust. I will have a bike out testing it Tuesday night on the club ride.

The rains ended Saturday afternoon so I got a nice 32 miles in but the rain brought out every bug in Arkansas to the river. I could not ride hard at all becasue the minute you open your mouth you'd get some tastey all natural protein. There were times when I would go through swarms of bugs.

Ok, yes I rode all day (well, after early services) and I ended wth 106 miles at 15.3 average. I felt really good the whole day until the very end and I took a big drink of some left over sports drink that was hot in one of my water bottles and about 15 minutes later my tummy went south. I forgot about hot sports drinks. Ugh!

I ran into Rebecca Irons out early and rode with her a little. Chris was with the team in NW Ark for the race. Fast Girls, Slow Guys did well it sounds like with fast girl Jo doing some smoking in the Ozarks! Way to go Jo baby! Wooooo! Brian was in the big crash but is fine. Bruised up a bit as is Loren (?) Jenny's daughter. Way to rock the race FGSG team!

Oops, got off subject... so I rode with half a dozen different folks today. It was really good to get out and see if the legs could handle the 100. They did great but the tummy incident really ticked me off as I was going to ride 4 more hours to sunset.

My first very brief stop was at the offices of Safe Foods (www.safefoods.net). It's the offices where my coach works. When you go to the website and the different screen change then when you see the smiling guy with the suit that has the title of Legal Guru then that's my coach. Don't let the smile fool you because if you have him for a coach he can "motivate" the snot out of you. Ok, honestly, he is an awesome coach!

My second stop of the day was while I was riding solo early and stopped at the state capitol. I never get close up to the place even though I drive in front of it every morning. I took a close look at the front of the capitol which is really a work of art then I rode over to the side and stopped at an memorial that I really wasn't expecting to have an effect on me but came very close to bringing tears to my eyes. The Little Rock Nine. This is a memorial to the first nine black students that went to Central High in 1957. It was a ... well, there really aren't words to dscribe it. It was a lesson, turning point, blessing, and hell all at the same time. Each of the nine have a plate with a quote. As I read the one from Ernest Green I stopped and looked beyond the trees to see the children's hospital. At that very moment it became very clear why I will ride for those kids. The quote is, "We wanted to widen the options for ourselves and more for our children." I want the kids to have a better shot at hearing technology as a child then I did. I want them to hear and to succeed. Ernest Green, thank you!

Later I caught up with some others and rode out the rest of the day with them until the end when I dropped off after spotting my niece Shannon on her way to a soccer game.

This was a guy out enjoying the river and super spring afternoon. Friends told me that I need to use THIS bike for our ride in June.

All in all it has been a great weekend!

Geo.

It's a Plan "B" day

Ok, it's a Plan "B" day...

After a fitful nights sleep, which I always do if I have an early ride time schduled, I woke at 5:15 and got ready to ride. The deck out the back door was damp but no rain! I ate a quick breakfast and flipped on Weather Channel. Yep, rain is heading this way but maybe we'll get a few minutes of riding in today.

I grab my gear bag and head out into the garage, open the door and here it comes... rain. Big sigh of disappointment then turn around and head back into the house, flip the coffee maker on and stand there and stare at it.

I return to my stack of donor letters and it's a growing stack to say the least. I plan on making an impact for these kids I'll be riding for. If I can help make the life of a hearing impaired kid a little better and help him/her to succeed in life then I'm happy. To change it for many? Well, honestly that would be like winning the lottery, I can't comprehend it! It's too good! But it does happen to people! We all dream!

Ok, true confessions... actually two. First, the story about the new bike was an early April Fool's joke but not many folks read the comments attached to the daily entry's so it was a bust. I really do love that bike and am actually taking it out for a test on Tuesday night for the club ride.

Confession #2: Yes, I'm becoming very nervous about going for 3 weeks without a hearing aid and basically being completely without hearing. It's just outpatient surgery but the ear has to heal. Dr. Dornhoffer, who is a hero to me and many others, said no bike for 1 week but no hearing aid for 3!! No music or laughter is just something that spooks me to no end. Serious, can you imagine not hearing anything? Stop for a moment and list all the things you can hear at this very moment. Now take them ALL away. Nope, you can't even hear the tapping of the keyboard, no music, no family voices, no friends voices not even the lawn mower if you were standing right beside it. Spooky huh? That my friends is EXACTLY why I am riding for these kids!

Plan "B" calls for riding in the beautiful forecasted sunny and 80 degrees tomorrow! I can't wait!

All for the kids!
Geo

Weekend quick hit...

Ok lunch is almost over so I have to write fast! Here are the weekend training plans.
Saturday morning:
6:30 start time from hut at the bottom of the Big Dam Bridge (yes, that's really what it's called)
We'll ride until the start of the diabetes charity ride, Tour de Cure

We'll ride the century at a social pace (about 15mph) due to the long day in the saddle. When we finish we'll stay down on the river and continue riding until every falls over.

Ok, Plan "B" -- There is a 70% chance of rain tomorrow (Saturday).
Move long rides to Sunday, start around 10:30 (after early service), ride until the sun goes does around 7:30.

Goal: Must have 100 miles in at least one day this weekend.

Oh goodness! What have I done?!!!

I bought this jewel and she's fast and I'm in soooo much trouble! My wife is out of town on business and I haven't mentioned it to her yet. I was supposed to buy a new lawn mower but I bought a bike instead. Oh friends... someone let me stash this Specialized beauty in your garage until I figure out what to do!

The rain cometh!

There are rivers of yellow flowing down the roads! The rain finally came and started washing the pollen off of everything. It's been a mess! Everyone has yellow cars.

Since we are having rain I took it as a cue to work some more on the donor letters. It's actually fun to do but really time consuming so I get up a lot earlier so I can work on them before the sun raises and then I can spend after work on the bike and with family. I don't see how these men and women that train for the Ironman races do it. I have one bud that gets up at 4am to swim.

Everything is really come together for a great ride event. I got an email from Unitron, the maker of my hearing aid, and they will be a part of the event and gave me news that made me jump and yell! Serious! They made a donation. It's a major one! More details later... yep, it's like getting that little bit of frosting off the spoon and wondering how great the dessert will be when it's all finished! To Sue, Brian and all the wonderful staff at Unitron, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have changed so many lives with your products. I still remember the day I stepped out of my car that afternoon I got my Unitron and I heard the dry leaves rolling across the parking lot.... magic doesn't even capture it! Hearing things I've not heard since I was a kid. It was a then and there moment that you just never forget! Thank you!

Audiology Online has also jumped on with a great donation and a story that will be worth gold! Paul and Joanne are the best in helping me tell the story in hopes that folks want let a hearing impairment stop them from what they love to do.

Tomorrow will find me back out on the bike and training on the hills. This is one of the little hills out the back side of my neighborhood. It's a nice hill that makes me think of new words as I climb it. I took this photo about midway down. What you can't see is that after what looks like the bottom of the hill, well, it goes on and on and on. It's great for training and car are used to seeing cyclist back there some they're good. I've only had one crazy car in all the years I've been training on this.

I saw the forecast for Saturday and we are supposed to ride in the morning, then ride to the Diabetes ride called Tour de Cure and ride their century then ride more after the ride. On the saddle for at least 8 hours Saturday is the plan. Keep your fingers crossed the weather plays fair! I'll go nuts if I have to cancel a whole training day.

I have this weekend and next then I have my canal plasity (sp?) and have to stay off the bike for a week and no hearing aid allowed for up to 3. Man, it's going to be an expereince when I enter 3 weeks of no sound. In all honesty, I think it will make me a better man. It will make me understand what a deaf person goes through. It will make me train that much harder to ride that much better for the kids.

Remember... it's ALL for the kids!

Geo.

Saturday ride

What a day I tell ya'll! It was great right from the start. Beautiful morning with spring time temps and light wind. I was just about to head out and Emand Terri got up so I stuck around to greet the morning with them. I rolled out about 8:30 and headed down North Hills to the river. I was feeling great this morning! Full of energy and had a big smile on my face ... well til the bugs started hitting my teeth! HA!

When I got down the the river I remembered that last week I noticed the new baseball stadium had it's gates open for the workers to come and go. I decided I would take and get in and sure enough the gates were open and I rode my bike right through the gates and into the stadium. What a beautiful place! I can't wait to go to a game there!

Just after I left the baseball stadium I rode right by the Hilton and there were two tour buses there. I had forgotten that Evanescence (sp?) is in town town. Actually they are back "Home" tonight. They are from Little Rock! The buses were all roped off and it was funny because one of the buses also had a black hummer sitting in the roped off section as well. I suspected that the leader singer Amy Lee went home to crash. Alltel Arena is non stop shows and concerts this spring. The Who was heere a couple of nights ago and I heard it was great. Rod Stewart is coming, Evanescence is tonight. Cirque is coming in late May. There are several others I'm sure.

While I was riding by the Hilton another rider rode up beside me and lo and behold it was Rick Beall! He is one of the guys that got me back on the bike several years ago. We had a great ride and rode together until we got to the boat ramp and dropped off for the Trek bikes demo days. They were really ready and would be there until 4 so I left and got more miles in. I came back a while later and spoke with the demo guy and got to take a sick Trek Pilot 5.0 out for a while! I'm in love! The bike I have is actually too big but I've been happy with it for over 3 year now. Well, I finally rode one that was my size for the first time and it was candy! It was smooth, quick to change to giddy up, just pure love! If I can get a good trade in I might do it. Richard, the owner of the bike shop, found out today that his shop sold me the bike and said he was sorry several times. I told him it was cool and that I have been happy with it for 3 years now. I really am. Yep, that's the Pilot over in the photo. He also suggested an different Specialized so I'll probably go at least look. Maybe since I have them as a sponsor then I can get are really go deal. If anyone wants a bike, go see Robb or Richard at Arkasnas Bike and Fitness and tell them I sent you!

Stats: 46 miles

Average speed: 16.2

Did not count miles on the Pilot demo.

Year to date miles: 868.10

Thursday night

Great training ride tonight. Everyone was in the zone and playing hard. When I got to where I normally park my car it was close to 6 already so I expected to see them coming through within seconds but no club. I rode toward the starting point and I could see them up on the hill in the parking lot about to start. They would be coming my way so i started down the route. Just as I got to Ft Roots they fast guys caught me. I rode the rest of the ride in the mid group.

Awesome aftenoon and evening to be out. We had to stay away from Alltel since The Who was in town.

I'm ready for the weekend!
Geo.

It's PHONAK!

Kelly (Phonak), Patti (Driector of ACH Audiology/Speech), Me, Nanette (UAMS), and Mary Martha (ACH -- my Audiolgist guru)

Wow! What an awesome day yesterday was! I had so much to get done but somehow it all feel in place.

I met with Phonak rep Kelly in our Audiology Center here at the hospital and we discussed all sorts of things to do during the ride in June. Kelly wired me for FM and it was mind blowing to say the least! Kids these days have such an advantage when it comes to hearing impairments. Kelly had me put on this necklace and then she had a control that looked like a remote. She was able to pick up my hearing aid signal (that was mind blowing enough!) and then she started talking and I sat there with my mouth opened in awe! Serious! Everyone in the room was laughing. Hear speech was actually IN my hearing aid. Then she got up and walked down the hall a long ways and I could here every word she said and very loud. What this was, was the FM device that they now use in the school system to help kids with hearing problems. There were all sorts of ways to configure the system. I could even answer the cell phone by a touch of the button and not even pulling the cell phone out and the voice was inside my hearing aid. Thanks PHONAK!

I met up with the club and we rode out to Ft Roots for climbing and socializing. After we all flew down the hill we rode the road a little bit then turned around to head back to Burn’s Park. I was riding along with David M and his son Blake (up and coming bike star!). We rode up Ft Roots again instead of chasing the crew to Burn’s. On the way up it was great to listen to David coaching his son. David has been around the cycling world for a long time and is know as a strong rider. He is also married to Lori who works here at the hospital as a Telecommunications Director. While going up the hill the second time Blake told me this was his first time to climb Ft Roots. Wha?!! The kid is a turning into a strong riding machine! I think his is 13. I remember last year when he came out with us and he did great then for a young rider but now he is really zoning in on his skills. When you hear the name Blake Mc talked about on the Jr circuit, you remember where you heard it first!

The rest of the ride was good and I met up with the guys over in Burn’s for the tail end of the ride and social jabbering in the parking lot afterwards.

All in all it was just a great day!
Geo.

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!