Mt Nebo (knee-blow)

Several of the Fast Girls (Brian, the guy in the bike journal jersey is one too but he lives in the country and boys can't wear pink!) Oh and yes we do have a Shimano truck that follows us around now to be sure we get service! HA!

One of the Toyota-United guys hanging on to his spot.

Rock and Republic ahead on the right.

More Rock and Republic

Climbing to the finish. One more turn.

View from the top of Mtn. Knee-blow

Yep, I did it... several times!

Just before the roll out.

This is what's so cool about being a cycle race fan. You can get right up to the racers.

These guys (Rock and Republic) have the wickest stuff!

I love it!

Well alright! here's how it went... 7 am met up with Jenn and Chris at Cook's. Jenn and I head on up. Chris stayed behind and sold their house, maybe.

When we pulled up it was a strange sight because there were only Toyota-United in the corner on the lot. Come to find out, all the teams were in the back of the building. We saw Jelly Belly, Healthnet, Carve, Waste Management (don't even think about laughing... they are good!) and then I spotted the Rock and Republic team car. Oh man, this is awesome! I'm standing there looking at the coolest road cycling kits I've seen and the team cars... Cadillac! Black with the red Rock and Republic logo with a cool Rock Racing logo. Hello! Rock and Roll comes to tiny town Arkansas!

We spotted Rubicon and made our way over to say hello and wish them well. It was deathly quite. The guys were zoned out and focusing on getting the pre-race jitters down. We didn't stay long. Walked over to Toyota-United and talked with the chase car guy a bit. Super fan friendly. We were joking about where he parked the team car. It was right under a school sign that said, "Congrats Lady Lizards!" If I could have gotten a good angle for a photo it would have been a hoot!

We walked around and waited the the guys to get ready for the roll out. Just seconds before the start the official gave them a last chance pee break and the next thing you know there are a dozen guys taking a whiz at the end of the schools tennis courts. Then a funny thing happened... they started and some were still whizzing! There were some choice words yelled as guys tried to get back in the pack. I laughed!

We headed over to WalMart to load up on chalk to text message the mountain. Usually I just buy a bucket of kids sidewalk chalk but I spotted this new 4 pack with chalk sticks the size of spray paint cans! Perfect!! I bought a couple boxes and Jenn bought a honking kiddie bike horn. She honked at everything. It was funny.

Met up with Jbar, Yale, Jenny, Brian, and Razz just after the rollout. Hung out for a few at the McDonalds parking lot then headed for the mountain. They rode up the monster.

We started chalked the snot out of the road and did as promised and used the orange for Rubicon, the hot pink was for Figy, our Cat 4 racer, and then I started putting messages for Rock and Republic. They just sort of took over and I was having a blast drawing huge skull and crossbones all the way up the mountain. We had a few other messages such as "Top = 5 miles ahead" when is was probably a mile.

While we were chalking Figy came riding up and we yelled as much as we could then Jenn took off and yelled right beside him like you watch on the Euro races. It was a hoot. We were proud of our own! Really proud... especially since he crossed the finish line on a flat tire.

I spotted Vince (race official and buddy) and he gave me grief about liking Rock and Republic. Hey if you can look cool/edgy/wicked and race good too... I'm all for you man!

We got up to the top and the riders were said to be about 20 minutes out. It didn't seem like 10 and the state trooper car came around the curve signaling the crowd. There was a nice crowd at the top and everyone cheered the riders.

It was just a good day at the races.

Brought the bike to work and plan to ride home and get those legs ready for the River 2 River ride.

Here's the weeks plans:
Ride a while then take it home after work today.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: maybe the same but they are calling for those afternoon pop up showers.
Saturday: Carti training ride at 8
Sunday: Easy spin
Monday (Memorial Day): Long endurance ride (100 plus miles on the R2R route).

If you want to donate to River 2 River (323 miles -- One day -- across the state of Arkansas) for kids with hearing impairments, log on to http://www.archildrens.org/. It's tax deductible!

Later folks!
Geo.

Saturday ride

Woke to a crisp 48 degree sunrise this morning. Not sure why I woke so early but was glad a did. I had time to eat and let it digest before riding. I rolled out at 7:20 and met the Carti riders for an 8am ride leaving Burns Park and heading out to the farmlands and Scott community.

It is a training ride and some of the riders are new so there is a little antsy feeling going on in the middle of the group. Everyone was having a good time and the morning was just beautiful. I took off my wind shirt when I got to Burns because it warmed up pretty fast on the ride in.

We kept it at about 17-18mph on the way out until a couple of guys took off. I was in mid-pack and couldn't seem to get a break long enough to chase. The front group got about 50 yards ahead and stayed there until the first rest stop for regrouping.

After the break we headed towards Scott and I was right behind JBar and Keith H for the lead out. Next thing I know a dude on a bike with areo bars came flying by and of course that set the stage. We go! There is a breakaway group and I'm a few behind and I thought areo-bar-man was going to keep it going but he blew. 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17 Ok, I gotta pick up a bit so I go out and around and me and a doc from the hospital cruise on out at 22. I pulled and pulled and pulled and then I couldn't figure out if they turned and they didn't but when I slowed down doc thought I was blown and whizzed around and I jumped behind to cruise on in to regroup area #2.

On the way back we caught a little head wind but not bad since we got to turn and then had great tailwind pushing us along. I rode with Dan H for a bit and we talked about his trip (cruise) he had just taken. One of the stops was Jamacia. I asked him if he liked it and he said no. I was surprised because all the commercials they run on the tube make it look great. Said the people aren't friendly. Ok, I'll mark Jamacia off the list as places I want to go.

I headed on to try and jump on the front group but was back to far and the wind was acting a fool! Paul B and I got us a little train going on and cruise at 23 on into NLR. Paul is a great guy to be around and I always enjoy my rides with him. Same with Dan H. Just good guys.

After the ride we all stood around sharing stories of wind, attacks, some car that flipped off the front group, etc. Then I headed on to Sherwood to the house. Rolled in at a little after 11.

Ended the morning with 55.43 and a 17.6 average speed. Should have been higher but had headwind and a big hill on the way home. All in all it was a most excellent day mate!

RUBICON ROCKS!!!

JBar in the Yellow with the black crow on it, Jo in the pink and myself in the yellow

The ride coming through Riverfront Park in North Little Rock

Cops telling us not to pop wheelies.

Zipping down Ft Roots

Mayor Hayes speakes. Yes, our mayor rides!

All the photos above were taken by Diane. Thanks for letting me use them!

Yes, this is the Fast Girls.

Poor Jenn caught so much slack about this shoulder touching photo.

Everyone had a great time and we thank Rubicon for coming out and letting us hang with them.


My new favorite pro team! These guys are awesome! They came to the hospital and spent the afternoon with the kids. They led a bike ride for everyone that evening and blended into the crowd. Aaron beat our Healthnet and Totota-United for the first stage of Tri-Peaks races an hour north of here! I'll go see them climb Mount Nebo (referred to as Knee-blow by certain cyclist!) We will text message the road in bright organe for there team color.

Wanna read about them? http://www.trubicon.org/node/15

Another dime??!!!!

Gas has gone from 2.97 to 3.15 and now to 3.25 in 48 hours. Got a bike? Know how to ride it? Ya better!

I know I know...

I know I know... I've gone into blog-slackerville! I'll update this afternoon... I hope.

It was an awesome training day! I left the house and rode down to the river then out to the farmlands. I rode through England then planned to ride even further out but it was getting sort of like it was trying to build those spotty rain showers again so I headed back to North Little Rock. The corn was knee high, the wheat was ready and the rice was just starting and the snakes were everywhere. I've never seen anything like it. All kinds and sizes. All dead in the road. There was a swamp that I passed and I'm not sure what the splash was but it was a big animal. I kept thinking it might have been one of the alligators the Game and Fish have been talking about. we have them so bad now that there will be a first ever alligator hunting season this fall. But the air was filled with Magnolia, honeysuckle and several other smells that just made me so glad to be alive and able to enjoy the ride. Funny story: while I was out on the farmlands I could hear something and glanced over my shoulder to what I thought was a oncoming car but it was a whole herd of Carve riders ou for their training ride. They had a huge group. Always a bunch of friendly guys. They turned on Honey Road and I went straight to head on out to England.

Just as I get back to the river the BUZZ BBQ was in full swing! Oh man did it smell good! I rode a bit longer then stopped by my office and dined on Cheese Peanut butter crackers and an oatmeal cream pie. At first I thought the Little Debbie snack was going to make me ill because my tummy kicked a few seconds afterwards buy I strectched out for a few moments and was was well. I got back on the bike and headed out. 82 miles, not bad. I was in the office 17 minutes but it seemed like a lot longer.

I headed back over the Broadway bridge and over to the soccer fields to met up with friends for the CARTI training ride. I was feeling really refreshed and ready for more riding which was a big confidence booster! There are 2 groups and my buds talked me into going with them. When we hit 20-22 mph I thought this was a bad idea. I told Shawdawg and Shawkitty (yep, they are married) than if they dropped me not to wait. Dawg gave me the smile and said they weren't planning on waiting! We laughed and I told him I'd put a garage sale sign in their yard! They just put there house up for sell about an hour before they came. I hope it sells fast for them!
Any way we had a great ride and even went through a bust rain shower that lasted about a minue and a half but it was fairly hard. I stopped under a tree to drop my hearing aid into a zip lock. Nope, not getting that thing wet!

I rolled over 104 miles by the time I was home. I felt good all day. I mean ready good! When I got home and cleaned up I was feeling the love. I had a juice glass of Java Chocolate milk which set a little off with the tummy. Guess I ought to cool off a tad before drinking that stuff. But once I showered I felt good. I wasn't expecting that at all. I didn't feel any where near this good last Saturday after the ride.

Here's a few things I did different. I kept my gears in the small ring on the front most of the day. This was a coach trick and I think it worked. I love the big ring but it seemed to tire me out a lot faster. I drank FRS as my supplement drink. Yes, I really believe in the stuff. I rode solo all morning and kept it around 17 except for a short stretch on the farmlands where the wind was beating up on me and dropped to 14 at times. Wind is wind and if your solo riding it's going to slow you down. I rode with friends in the afternoon which seemed to help build up my confidence as well as allowed for a draft and get my speed up a notch. Jenn, Chris, Yale, Keith, Marvin and Razz... thanks friends!!

We headed down to see my folks who had just come in from FL today. They had a perfect trip thanks to Cathy and Doug and perfect weather and water. Both seemed rested and happy. My sister Sherry came over and brought mom the biggest mothers day card I've EVER seen. It was poster board sized! She's a third plotter!!! (Family joke). It was just really nice to hang out with the folks and Sherry and my little bratty sister Barbie and her husband Tim. Never a dull moment.

Ya'll call your momma or think of all the good things about your momma!

Quick hit...

Ok blog-o-nites and blog-o-nettes here we go with the weekend... Starts in 20 minutes!

Eat out with the wife for dinner. Go to Home Depot and maybe to Barney Nobels.
Home and check over bike. If eat and then home then I'll mow the yard then tell the neighborhood he needs to mow his. He he he.

Goal for the night: Stay away from the sweets!

Check over the bike. Bottles in the freezer. Put gear in the office so I don't wake anyone up in the morning.

On bike around 7 to Cook's, then out around the Cartin training loop or maybe longer. Back to the river. Stop by Murray Park to say howdt to BACA folks I've not seen in a year. Now that's really sad huh?! Over to the office if needed to break a moment and eat lunch if it's time. Back to river and ride until start of CARTI training ride (it's on Saturday at 2 this week). Then just ride out the time until stopping at 10 hours.

Then I have to head to the house and go to Benton to see my mom if they are home from Florida. I saw a couple of live cameras from down there this week and the beach was perfect! The water looked like a pool! Super clear!

Let the weekend begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOHOOOO!!!
Have an awesome weekend friends!
Geee-oh!

It turned out to be one of those pishhhhh showers. You know they kind this sort of like you turn the shower at home of for a few seconds. Rained at the hospital but not at the house. Awww ya gotta love those summer showers.

So I geared up and headed out to ride. The womens running club was out and there most have been a 100 women running.The river is way up and flooding a little. I was wondering if it was going to be over one of the smaller bike path bridges but everything was clear.

I did spot a small group of riders that it looked to be the Fast Girls Slow Guys club ride. They are now going so insanely fast that most folks can't really ride with them anymore. They are a racing club through and through. There is nothing at all wrong with that but they are way to fast for me and many of the riders from last year. I did see quite a few of last years riders out tonight.

I had been telling folks about all the duckings or gooselings or whatever you call baby geese. They are everywhere. I also saw a goose that looked as if it had been tangled in fishing line for a long time. It was limping pretty bad and I tried to get closed but it hopped away. I thought about calling my niece with the Game and Fish and ask them to see if they can retain it for a moment and just cut the line off. Just sort of pains me to see an animal in pain like that when it would be so easy to correct.

I rode down and back and down at a comfortable pace. I plan to get an early start on Saturday morning and ride all day. I'm taking stuff to my office so I will have a place to stop and eat and take a short recovery. I'm looking forward to the training. Plan calls for 10 hours riding on Saturday for training. Well, saddle up kids!

Tomorrow is Friday and not a moment too soon!

Later y'all
Geo.

Notta gain!!

Rain is moving in again for a lovely afternoon thunderstorm.

Looks like it might be a night of TV on the spin bike.

Afternoon riding washed out...

Another afternoon of training washed out by thunderstorms. Bummer!

Land of the hearing -- Day 2

This morning a funny thing happened. I almost walked out the door without my hearing. Hey, it is a habit ya know! I've had it on all day and people will walk by my office silly funny stuff and I'm responding and we all laugh. They seemed to all have gotten used to me being deaf. It's taking a minute for everyone get back to a "hearing" Geo.

I was fun hearing the TV last night. It was fun hearing Terri talking in he car on the way home from work. It was fun hearing the kids. I heard Sadie bark too! Now thinking back you have no idea how comical it was to watch Sadie bark but not hear it. Ok, it's funny now but not then.

Well, it's Wednesday afternoon which means it's the other side of the week and heading toward the weekend. I told Terri this morning that I have GOT to find time to ride more or I'm going to be in trouble come June 28th. She said, "Well why don't you take you're bike to work and ride home?" Why did she marry me? Smart marries dumb (She marries me). I really thought about heading out to the house and bringing the bike back and riding home. I'll just bring it with me tomorrow. As I look out of the office window the afternoon pop up storms are already building. Those guys didn't waste any time today.

Tomorrow is the big hospital ice cream party for hospital appreciation week. Semi's with ice cream come in and we get to build these giant sundaes and they give out hospital wear like polo shirts and such. There is usually music blasting and someone will always start dancing. Usually someone who can't dance. Hey, it's a large office party, what can I say. All the elements of a TV sitcom. Oh well, everyone seems to always have fun.

Weekend ride this weekend is a 10 hour training ride! That's something like 7am to 5pm will be spent on the bike training. this time I'm planning a little different. I think I'll ride from home and go to the farmlands, which by the way they are building a shopping center out that way. Ride the farmlands for a while, come back and ride along the river, Maumelle, back to river, to my office and eat and break a moment (20-30 minutes at the very most). Then start riding along the river some more then maybe the CARTI training ride route, which is heading out to the farmlands again but not as far. Then I'm not sure. Since I have my hearing back I can go out on long rides away from normal spots and not worry.

Special shout out to my blogging buddy WES -- Congrats on your first Tri! And you've signed up for how many more already?! HA! You sound like some of these guys around here! Hooks you more than Meth!

Well, lunch is over... sigh...

...and we have a lift off!

Oh this is so good! But y’all everything is sort of loud in the world of the hearing folks!

Yep, today Dr. D checked the ear and poked around and even shot purple dye down into my ear canal and then said, “Do you want to put your hearing aid on?” I did and he was standing there with Dr. Smith and started talking and I jumped. Hold everything!! I haven’t even turned up the aid yet and it’s too loud?!! WHA??!!! Oh my gosh, is there going to be this big of a difference? There were smiles all around the room then he gave me the pep talk and the caution talk as well.

I then went across the hall to Mary Martha’s office and she made a new ear impression for a new ear mold. I’ll have a new one with the air vent so I can let the heat and moisture out when I’m training. That was the caution part. I’m still really in the infection zone right now so I have to continue the drops every night and clean with alcohol. That’s doable.

I told Mary Martha that I didn’t realize her office was so loud. She has an air vent and a return in her office and it sounds like you are sitting in a jet. She was telling me that it’s hard for people with hearing impairment to hear in there because of that.

The rest of the afternoon was spent much like the first day I got my new hearing aid learning sounds. When a coworker in the next office coughed this afternoon it sounded as though it was in my ear! No, I didn’t have it turned up.

I was really hoping to get out and test sound on the bike this afternoon but once again the afternoon pop up thunderstorms are rolling through. I can hear thunder so I’m not going out. Instead I’ll work on donor letters tonight.

Ok, so what did I learn from this experience? I learned that I’m not as strong in the fact of sickness as I thought I was. I wondered if it would have been something that was going to be permanent if I would have handled it different? I didn’t have to learn sign language even though I think I will now. I saw the world in a different way. No one meant to but it is a world of isolation sometimes. Many people have no idea how exhausting it was to sit through a simple meeting. People naturally turn their heads while they talk but when you are forced to read lips it can wreck you. Some people don’t move their mouths very much so it’s hard to follow there speech. Nothing wrong with that, it’s just hard to keep up.

So it makes me think really hard about this ride and what it means. I wondered if after the recovery period if I’ll have a different outlook on the ride and how I can help those kids that can’t hear … oh boy, you have no idea how it has changed me! No idea!

All for the kids!
Geo.

Weekend recap -- Part 2 (Sunday ride)

I always forget the beauty of sunsets while riding. I waited today to ride after 6pm. It was crowded with walkers, runners and family bikes. Everyone having fun and wrapping up the weekend.

I kept a brisk pace of 17-18 and knocked down 27 miles quickly. The sunset was awesome! I really wanted to ride up on the BDB and lean on the rail and watch.

Legs felt good.

Plan for the week is to get a good ride in Tuesday. An easy ride one other evening and another long distance on Saturday. I think I add another hour this week which would be 10 hours of riding. But hey I'll be plugged in and can hear so I'll ride to who knows where!

I get to plug in tomorrow a little after 1pm and it's like waiting on Santa. Actually it's more like having the present you always wanted under the tree and you've started to lift the corner of the wrapping paper but then didn't. that's exactly what I did today! I started to lift the wrapping paper. I am so excited that this morning I got out my hearing aid and put it in the nice case and brought it to work. About mid morning I look over and there it is sitting on the corner of my desk. I simply couldn't stand it any longer and I opened the case, put a battery in and put it up to my ear. I needed to push it on in and as I was doing it, something just didn't feel right and I stopped and closed everything back up. It will be fine I told myself. it's just the odd feeling of not having worn a hearing aid in weeks. OK, I'm under 24 hours to being a hearing person again. You have NO idea how exciting this is...

Weekend recap -- Saturday

Oh where to start???

How about opening the garage door?

Yep, that ‘s a good place… Ok, so it’s Saturday morning and I plan to meet Brandon in the bowling alley parking lot about 5 minute downhill ride from the house. I open the garage door and what do I feel? Sprinkles and the road is damp. Oh no no no! Mr. Weather guy said a nice day was on tap. I walk back in and flip the tube on and no rain around. Says it’s high fog and will burn off about midmorning.

I met up with Brandon and we head toward the river. I was feeling good. We ride the river and meet up with Keith on the bridge and head down the LR side.

1st stop was Central High. (http://www.nps.gov/chsc/) for an insiders look. Brandon’s folks work there so he gave us some cool facts. I felt excited and ashamed at the same time. Excited that I was seeing it close up for the first time and ashamed that this was my first time to visit this historic place. It’s huge! My goal this week is to find out what the 4 statues are on the front of the building. Who are they and what do they mean?

There is a Mobil gas station that is a museum and then across the street is a memorial time line. As I was looking at the photo on the timeline, I was looking at the Mobil station and then as I looked up I was looking straight at it in real life and it’s exactly as the photo from 1957.

Afterwards we rode over to the hospital expecting the Miracle Walk to be coming around but they were still over at the capitol doing the rah-rah stuff so we rode over there. We got to the start point and over to the side and off they go. I was a walk and not a race but the kids at the front were running to keep up with the pace car who slowed way down when he saw this.

Next was a ride through the heart of downtown and over to the Heifer Project. Keith told us about the building and I didn’t pick up all of the conversation but the put I did was really neat. I plan to get him back over there sometime when I can hear so I can get all the details.

Ok, play was over and it was really past time to get some long riding time in. We rode back to the BDB and Keith pulled out to ride home. He had already been running that morning. JMar had jumped in and rode with us a while. Then we headed over the BDB and he jumped out at Cook’s where his car was. He had already been on a farmlands ride (a fast one at that!).

Brandon and I rode out to Maumelle and at the turnaround I told Brandon I was going to get a little cash out of the ATM. So here I am doing that and not really watching what Brandon’s doing. It’s a Saturday and even though there were no cars going through the bank was open but he didn’t know that. He’s over there pushing the buttons and the canister goes flying up the tube then the voice comes on to ask if he needed help! HA!!
We take a back road back through Maumelle and it’s great because the wind has picked up and it would have been some stiff headwind coming back but it wasn’t bad since we were hidden in the trees.

The rest of the day was ride, ride, and ride. Brandon rode on home about mid afternoon and I rode the river some more. It was nice and then it was not nice. I enjoyed having folks riding with me and when Brandon left I sort of didn’t know what to do with myself. What I mean is that while he was riding I didn’t have to worry about being a deaf rider because he knew where my phone was, he knows Terri, he could talk to other riders or let me know if cars were in the area. It made for a semi-stress-less ride with him around. Brandon, if you read this, thanks for riding most of the day!

I finally rode over to my office and waited for Terri to pick me up. I was tired but felt a lot better just stopping in a cool place for a little bit.

When I got home I got cleaned up, ate and rested a bit then went out to the garage to check over the bike. I had been having computer problems on the bike and knew that I had 6 miles more than Brandon when he left off. I added and subtracted and then just sat there. Oh man, 99.7 miles! UGH!!!

I still really enjoyed the ride and getting to learn about places around my own city. Thanks guys!

Saturday long ride

Met Brandon little after 7 and rode until a little before 3. More later.
You're not going to believe this... I stopped and got off my bike without looking... milage was 99.7.... so close to 100. We picked up riders here and there and saw some sites such as the Miracle Walk, Central High (No, I've never been there until yesterday), and the Heifer Project. If you go to the Heifer Project, get Keith Moore to saw you around. He knew a lot about the architure of the building and made it really interesting! Brandon's parents work for Central as the accountant and the coach so he knew all this cool inside stuff about Central High and the upcoming 50th anniversary.

If you are a reader unfamliar with Central High. Google: Central High School, Little Rock Arkansas 1957. What happened here is..well... no words can explain.

More story and photos to come.

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.