Bored

Since, against my will, I have not been able to ride since Friday - I have been really really bored. I was finally able to start one of the books I had ordered - Lance Armstrong's War. I certainly had plenty of time to read on Monday (you don't want my opinion on why), Tuesday I was in a total fog (Goose loved it), had to take it easy on Wed - another good day to just read. Today I finally went out to the falls with Rebecca and AJ. I knew it wouldn't be a fast walk, and after a quick call to the Dr this morning, decided to go anyway. It was fun just being outside - not the same as the bike - but it was outside doing something.

My plan is to try and ride easy on Friday morning and then hopefully things will be back to "normal" (or as much as they can be with me).

Goose obviously rode the Ramble last night - Rambles are always difficult and he was happy to see Big Tim come out. I think he was pleased with his ride, I know he got in some "guy" time after the ride.

Jeff loves the Animal Ride, but with vacations screwing up the Sat schedule, he has to work. I know he is looking forward (or maybe that is me -hehe) to Mthds Mayhem and hopefully he doesn't have to work Battle of the Cows.

He has two races left this year - Lake Loramie and Speedy Feet has added a Fall Belbrook Race (he loves that river - very technical). Partners are lined up and he is ready to finish out the year with two great races.

It seems strange to start thinking about 2009 goals, but tomorrow is Aug 1st. Now sure where the summer has gone, but it has been fun. I love watching the Rambles, Diesel's Adventure and Legbreaker. I have to admit there are times I think you guys are nuts! I have learned a lot from watching and listening to everyone talk about how they ride.

So I guess I have to agree with Egg ---- Every ride is a great ride. For me, it isn't about speed, it is all about me doing it for me.

Not Much

Not much going on here the last few days. Goose rode on Sunday with the Cows, lifted weights on Monday and took the day off Tues for my "procedure". I don't remember anything (thank God) and Dr told Jeff everything looks good.

After he drove me home and got me to bed he ran the bike path and ran into Fred. Said he talked to him for a few minutes and headed home.

Looks like Thur for me to be back on the bike - weather permitting Goose will Ramble Wed.

The Vacation That Keeps on Giving

Florida has just kept giving - apparently Florida isn't good for people with asthma. Since it rained just about everyday - and most of the day - the dampness has settled in my lungs. Trip to the Dr - new inhalers and antibiotic and I should be good in a few days. I asked him if I could ride on Sunday - he looked at me like I was nuts. My oxygen level is really low but said if I thought I could, go for it but easy.

Don't ya just love vacations that make you sick?

Neal Pearson

Hmmm - Neal Pearson must run in the family :). So it must be all mental. I took Egg's advice and saved some for the top (exactly where is the top? - that road is almost a constant up). But I didn't die - the winds actually helped to cool me off.

Goose likes the new Friday Route - roads that he is familiar with. Just keep reminding him of his goals next year.

Saturday he is helping me add another couple of miles to my route. That mixed with my 5 mile walk should help me with my personal goals for 2009.

Thanks for riding with him tonight.

Vacation Eating

Try as hard as we could - but vacation eating is hard. You really don't have control on how things are prepared. Saying that - I think all the lard went to my legs. Tues was just a survival day on the bike and I actually road well. Wed after talking to Jeff and discussing weather conditions I told him I was walking. Well I didn't take my own advice, decided to head back out on the bike. Wind was from the NW and it just seemed to be in my face. Did my climbs on Bollinger - the road I hate Fred Garland and then Neal Pearson. Time was good so I guess I can't complain.

Goose ran Tues and said things were OK - he wanted to get in the water Wed but the pool was closed. He ended up working on his wheel with his new tire. Gotta get ready for Friday nite ride and Sunday.

Hopefully things can be moved from Sat to Sun for Mthd's ride in August. Looking forward to that.

Monday Smiles

After almost 8 days at Disney it was time to return to the real world. Goose decided to try out the new Monday route and returned home with lots of smiles. The smiles are for many reasons - he was able to ride and I think the weight of the world was lifted off his shoulders today.

Me? I headed out twice today and hit rain on Michaels both times. No I'm not a wimp but after all the rain and being soaked clear thru at Disney - I was in no mood to get wet. I plan on riding in the morning.

Good to be home and back into the routine.

The Animals

Told ya Rhino was visiting Disney. Then he came home and won his Age Group with Troy Classic (what is with the Master's Division - he is too young for that division!)

Italy

Not much time to blog, but just wanted to say Goose took me to Italy for our 25th Anniversary. Had a wonderful meal, the we had to return "home". Actually we did have dinner in Italy at EPCOT and the meal was wonderful. Have pictures of many things - one to mention is a Rhino :)
Looking forward to coming home and we have BIKES TO RIDE.

Noose

Ramblin' Wednesday

Poor Goose, he got set up tonight - no backin' out on the group. I had planned on appearing on a few roads but Goose called early in the day - he had forgotten some things. Talked about coming home for them, but if I had plans to come out I could bring them. He wasn't coming home, to easy not to show up.

Nice ride tonight, Egg and Crilli rode strong as usual. Goose and Bryan hung in and finished strong. Egg took the victory with Crilli on his wheel, Jeff won the next round, said he just couldn't give up (hmmm remember that on the 5th roller - and you know I love ya!)

Egg is heading for Asheville and we are heading for Disney. It will be a week without bikes for us - but plenty of Goofy, Mickey and Minnie!

Sunday Fun

Goose had decided he wanted to test his legs running today. After watching the Tour he headed out to the Falls. He said he ran about 7 miles "easy" - not really pushing it - just wanted to see how it felt. He was happy with the outcome, even though he still has twinges in his right calf.

I headed out on the bike to get a few extra miles in this week. I passed a guy riding the opposite way on Dog Leg and we met again on Frederick at the stop sign. He told me I should have reversed my course and I could have had tail winds most of the way. I just smiled and thanked him for the advice but said "But that won't make me strong".

Goose and both agreed that today was a little more humid than we first thought.

We both had a good day training. Now off to mow before we have to get some goats.

Saturday Fun

Plans were made ahead of time for Egg to ride with Goose and then paint some bling on White Lightening. Time changed because of the Tour - Egg showed up with promises of someone showing up. The people he named, we knew would not be here. Lo and behold - the world traveler pulled in. Everyone was ready - me wanting them to take off so I could head out. I was not going first to have them blow by me, so I waited them out.

All I know about their ride is they made Goose work. I love the fact they made him pull on my "animal" road (Fred Garland). The wind was with me going out, coming home - it sucked. I had probably one of the best rides I have ever had. Of course, I had to beat them back to the house, even though they probably road double what I did.

After everyone was back, Crilli shared his photos - what an awesome trip (via the pictures for us). I think Goose and I would love to take a trip like that (finance permitting) and Egg via the slow boat to China (hehe).

Crilli had family and friends to catch up with after his trip. Egg stayed to have extra bling applied to his Jeep. Of course it took 2xs the time Goose said and I cooked dinner for all.

It was a fun day, laughs shared, futures dreamed and full bellies in the end.

Thanks to Egg and Crilli for keeping Goose busy today!


OH and we are watching to replay of the Tour for the 10th time today.

Goose and Egg Chat

I know Goose wasn't asking Egg if he wanted to ride another 50!

Goose Stayed on the Road

Ready to Ramble

Egg coaching Jeff on Rudy

The dreaded 5th Roller

Jeff had planned on riding the Ramble (well he had his bling with him - good clue Carla). The weather was nice, a little wind - but I talked to him later in the afternoon and that excitement (?) in his voice was missing. He asked me a couple of times if I was coming out to watch. At that point, I wasn't really sure, I had an appointment earlier in the day and I hadn't gotten to do what I wanted/needed to do.

Jeff called after 5 and was running late, said he was going to call Craig and tell him he might be a little late -- but I was not leaving any opportunity for him not to ride - I had just finished walking and told him I was heading in to Arby's and I would let Craig know. When I pulled in I saw Craig's Jeep tucked away in a corner - hmmm he rode to work. There was somebody circling Arby's - wasn't sure who he was, but he looked like he could ride. As he got a little closer I saw One Call logo on his Jersey. Craig rolled in, Shane, Vince, Jeff and Bryan were there. Pleasant comments shared and they rolled out.

Through the weeks, Jeff has shared with me the points that he really struggles with (bet he doesn't do that any more!) The herd rode past me - no Goose. Craig yelled 'Don't Let Him Quit". Jeff passed and turned on a road (not on my list roads to follow) - so I followed him. He wasn't quitting, just taking one of the short cuts Craig has pointed out to catch back up.

Jeff jumped back on the group on Rudy. As they passed me, I only saw cows, no Bryan. I hung back until he passed to make sure everything was OK. At one point it looked like he was going to get back on with the group. After the cows crossed 571 I saw Bryan turn back to Tipp.

Craig hung back to talk Jeff back onto the group (but I think Vince and Shane slowed down a bit). After the turn on Studebaker, I knew the next road was 201 - the dreaded rollers. Once again Jeff shared that the 5th roller kills him and I knew there was a road he could turn on and go home. Not today. I found a nice place to park at the top of the 5th one - Craig, Vince and Shane all passed me, I waited on Jeff. He struggled up it and took a short cut to get back on with the group. That is OK he didn't quit and go home (dinner wouldn't have been ready anyway).

Craig had a mechanical problem on Walnut Grove and was pissed at Jeff for sitting up - he yelled at me "I got him back on and he SITS UP". Jeff would never leave Craig behind - but then again I am out there and all you have to do is tell me and I will go back to get someone.

I think Jeff had a good ride, no it wasn't the entire route, but he didn't quit. I am really proud of him for that. He had a good race on Sunday and I think his recovery time is a little more than it use to be.

Looking forward to the long weekend!!