Goose Rambled

Goose said he planned on Rambling today, but given the ride on Sunday, I wasn't sure he would and if he did would he finish.

I pulled in about the same time he did (at least he was there!) Ron wanted to take the pictures off my camera for his computer and while doing that Egg was complaining (or explaining) that his pedal was loose. Vince looked at it - probably a couple of others did too. Egg went out to warm up a little more and pop - there went his pedal :(. With that I think some were ready to just go home. Goose offered to go home and get a set a pedals he doesn't use. He headed out and was gone a little longer than I thought (was he coming back? Or was his polishing the pedals so the bling looked good?)

After a slight delay, they headed out. Which I am surprised how many were riding after Sunday. This is the fifth roller (which everyone knows Jeff hates). You really can't see him but he is on the back (you can only see his arm). I was surprised to see him with the group at this point.

This is the rear shot to show it is really Goose on the tail.

He fell off on Gearhart and took the short cut and got back on with them at Widener

He was all alone on Walnut Grove at the end - but he was there.

When everyone got back to the cars, Egg asked if Goose had gone out to run. Nope, he is still on the road. He didn't quit - he finished the ride. I think his face shows how happy he was to survive tonight.

I know a few were missing tonight to aches/pains/strains. You guys missed a good Ramble. As Egg says - one more left.

Me? I rode again and was pleased with my time. I got caught half way up Neal Pearson by a bus coming the other way. A little one was getting off and had to cross the road in front of me - I wasn't thrill with finishing the climb from a dead stand still. Oh well, I did and had fun.

Recovery

After looking at the map (no wonder I felt like I was driving in circles) with the elevations - what came to mind was "Damn that looks hard!"

Goose actually recovered better than I thought he would. Usually after a long ride he complains about his back, shoulders, butt, legs (duh) - but he really didn't complain (just didn't talk). He decided to work out at the Y on Monday and said he had a really good workout with weights. Tuesday he met Jeff C. at the lake to trim the boat. He commented for it being his first time, he was very smooth. Goose was very pleased with the canoe and ran a couple of miles after with no pain.

Goose plans on Rambling Wednesday. Should be a fun one (hehe).

Me - I needed to do a fast ride today, so I opted for the shorter route. Didn't feel like riding, but needed to. Decided early on not to bitch about my tiny climbs, just get through them. I can say I cut 3 minutes off my time (10 total since I started that route in June). Must have had some really good bike motivation this weekend!

WHY?

I had somebody ask me that a couple of years ago. Why would you follow them around, carry their "stuff", pull over when they waved at you. No way would that person do that.

Well -

How else can you get 12 men in spandex to stand close together and smile. Either they are being nice or delaying the pain.

Some people love the sounds of the birds singing (and I do) but I also love the sound of the wheels as they get near. I know when they are ready to top a climb without looking - it is that sweet sound of wheels rolling (rather fast) on the road.



I always love to watch Goose ride (now that he likes to ride). I love the different faces he makes - What have I gotten myself into this time.


Or - Oh God am I gonna die?


And yes, it has been correctly reported that I love spandex :p


Maybe it is the look of determination on every one's face as they finish a climb that makes me respect the bike and the riders

Or maybe it is a Rhino hosing himself down as the house alarm is blaring

The cars definitely showed respect to the riders on Sunday. Or maybe riding the speed limit and the cars couldn't pass.

Could it be that I want to know who got the rabbit ears that day - guess it is Rhino's turn

Or maybe it is because no matter how much pain, how hard, Goose let's me know he is OK and it was worth it. Of course Willis is still charging (and always with a smile)



It doesn't really matter why I do it, it matters that you allow be to continue doing it. To see first hand how you help each other (as Egg put it - TEAM WORK). Todd M. didn't have the miles on his legs, he shows up to ride, everyone was looking back to see where he was, some headed back to help him get back on. A couple of guys hadn't ridden that far in a while, or maybe not that distance ever - it didn't matter, regrouping and encouragement from the longer distant riders was awesome. Dobo showing up after doing a Century the day before in W. VA - priceless. It seems like everyone had their moment on the climbs, either mastering or defeated. It didn't matter - congrats were all around when stops were made.
When I was behind you on some of the climbs, I willed you my short stubby legs to help get you up the climb, cheered to myself when you reached the top. Priceless was at Ron's Mom's when the security alarm was going off - everyone just went about their business - eating, watering the lawn, bathing (lol). Police finally showed up, all he had to do was look around - men in spandex - hmmm probably not robbing the place.

I really appreciate Egg and Dobo at the end, the 2nd time at the Gorge, I think the Viagra finally wore off.

Why do I do it - miss all this fun --- not on your life.

Saturday was Fun (Sorta)

Goose didn't have to work and had planned on splitting wood sometime in the a.m. He wanted to run so he headed to the woods to run (and no he didn't fall this time!). He had a really good run and has finally admitted that his cycling has probably helped his running. Afterward he headed to West Milton. They (a guy he works with and Jeff) had downed a couple of trees earlier and stored them in another guys barn. Thought the heat from the barn would help age the wood making it easier to split. He got there early and they got the barn doors open (garage doors without springs). Guess it was sorta rigged and unfortunately the door decided to fall on Jeff's back. No springs, garage door, a guy would didn't have a lot of strength to lift it could amount to a big disaster. Fortunately, he was eventually able to lift it enough for Jeff to crawl out. No bruising, the swelling is better and he said it actually felt better this afternoon.

After that we had tickets to the Fraze for a concert. Oh Boy - we saw Girlicious open (OK they lip synced and danced like they had poles on the stage). Then the "real" group came out - actually they sang for 2+ hours and did a damn good job. AJ made it about 3/4 through and was ready to go to sleep. Oh well, we had a good time - late night for us (passed 9 am - now that is pasted out bedtime!)

Goose decided to get in the water instead of riding today - probably a good idea, his back is feeling better and hoping to ride the Monday ride. I decided to take a day off - legs were a tad sore and my foot was cramping.

Looking forward to this coming week.

Sweep Wagon

Sweep Wagon on the 5th Roller. No motor pacing here!

Total Random Thoughts

Why I Read Blogs:
Well I stated earlier in an email to someone that I read blogs when I was bored, not completely true. Sometimes it is to stall doing something I really need to be doing. Sometimes I am looking for extra motivation for something I want to do. Most of the times it is because I am amazed at the memory that people have. I truly am amazed that you can remember every inch of your ride, what gear you were in, who dropped off an inch, look at a blurred picture and tell exactly what road you were on. Some days I have to turn around at the top of our street - I can't remember if I unplugged the curling iron. The only thing I can tell you about my ride is that I arrived home still breathing.

Planning Ahead:
Last Sunday Craig chuckled at a comment I made about next year and looking forward to it. He said "Carla, It is only August". I am not sure when this happened, but it did. After being very ill after Jeff and I got married and eventually having both of my parents die of cancer, I quit planning/looking forward to things for me. I never had a problem planning races for the following year for Jeff - I knew no matter if I were here or not, Jeff would race. But last Sunday is the first time in a very long time that I can honestly say I am excited and looking forward to something that isn't just next week. I am not sure when my thinking changed, but it doesn't matter - it just feels good!

Procrastination:
That is me now - I really don't want to mow the lawn :). But the sooner I get it done, the sooner I can get Jeff's Take And Bake Pizza from Papa Murphy's and then ride my bike.

Today I Earned The Right

OK, I haven't complained about the wind in a long time. BUT, today I earned to right to bitch. I got caught late this afternoon in the "front" that blew through. There were times when I felt like I was standing still on the bike. Luckily I got home before the down pour. I can honestly say - that sucked.

Goose decided to get in the water to give his legs some therapy. He is still pleased with his ride on Wed. He rode differently, and I think it paid off.

Looks like the Friday loop for him.

I finally figured out why some of the pictures were blurred. I got the book out in the lens, looks like I needed to put it to level 2 on stability - you guys rode too fast!

Enough Watts to Supply Electric to the City

Wow - good ramble tonight. The breakaway definitely wanted to make a statement tonight (and they did!) Obviously Egg's blog will give a pedal by pedal blow of the facts. I have to say I admire Big Tim for his huge smile tonight and Rhino for finishing (riding alone and not that far behind). Now the for DNFers :). You guys really hung tough through the Rollers. Goose did an excellent job on the 5th one - yeah. He worked on a few things tonight, and I think they really worked for him. It was a good group decision to finish like you did. Thanks to both of you for helping Goose through it.

I didn't get many photos tonight, with the 3 groups, it was hard. I wanted to make sure Goose didn't cut off after the rollers (and he didn't), so I missed many places. Mthd was out and I am sure got some great shots.

It was nice to talk to Crilli tonight before heading to NYC. I think we successfully solved many of the world problems (lol).

Me? I tried a modified Goose new route for Noose today. It was difficult, but I finished the 23 miles. When it got difficult, I just looked at the beautiful blue sky, that seemed to help.

Looks like a great bike day for everyone.

Fat Cyclist Blog

OK - I usually don't pass on some one's blog - but I admit, this is funny. We all (guys and girls) have had problems in this area (OK girls don't have exactly what he is talking about) riding at one time or another. Usually his posts are about his wife and trying to survive cancer. This one isn't and it's kinda funny (or maybe I am just tired!)

http://www.fatcyclist.com/2008/08/05/reviewed-dave-zabriskies-nuts/

Ramble tomorrow for Goose. Hope Big Tim is coming!

Sunday Fun with Reminders

Plans had been made for Egg to pick Goose up this morning to head to Big Tim's House. We got up and went to Mass this morning, which provided the reminder that let it go and it will be provided. Hard thing for me, I worry about everything (especially money).

Got home for Egg to pick Goose up. I tried to wait until I thought all the smaller churches would be out, less traffic. Today I felt about as close to normal as I have in a couple weeks. Good ride. Egg told be to attack Neal Pearson, which I gave it all I had to offer.

Egg and Goose got home and shared "funnies" about today's ride. Apparently Goose decided to trail ride :). Egg will have a better description of today, but I know Goose had to look for his "jewels" after it was over. Thanks to Egg for picking Goose up and driving and Big Tim for having them over.

Looks like Ramble Day will be a big/high energy day.

Good Day

After Goose's fun ride on Friday with a big group, he had to work today and miss the Animal Ride. The original plan was for Goose to meet Red Dog (Mark Crow) after work for some fun in the woods. Mark had to cancel so Goose ran alone in the woods and guess what - He didn't trip or fall on anything!!!!!

I finally got out today to ride and it felt so good. Wind was from the N and I really appreciate the S - SWS wind soooo much more. I survived and had a really good time.

Looks like Goose is heading to Big Tim's on Sunday. I plan on going back out and trying it again.

Life is good :)