Ramble and Goose Updates

I just noticed when I am sick (which I am AGAIN! - have been helping out at a preschool with 4 & 5 year olds and caught what they have - yuck) that I don't continue to post on what Goose does.

Guess the first and foremost news is Eggie decided to keep the Madcow Ramble going this year (I just knew the "bulls" wouldn't go away!) Sorta of a new concept, but still balls-to-the-wall riding. It will be an interesting year with trips, TTs and long riding adventures. I personally love the Madcow jerseys - they look awesome on the road as a group.

Now - Goose - since I have been under the weather, he has actually ridden twice this week by himself (which he doesn't like to do). Both times he put 110% effort, which is good, a mental break through for him. His running, I think, is so far ahead of schedule compared to the last couple of years. AND, I think he is actually FINALLY having fun this year.

The biggest deal for him? He got his bling painted and now getting it all blinged up. Hopefully he gets his training bike back this week so he can get out on the road.

I looking soooooo forward to Helen. I am really looking to get away for a few days, I mean who wouldn't want to "perky", cook and clean? Oh wait, I already do that at home, but taking a trip makes it more fun.

Gotta get better so I can kick some asses for the Sunday Trainer Ride.

Tour De California

Let me start this blog with I really don't want negative comments. This is my thoughts and you can blog your own negative blog.

WOW - WTG Levi and Astana. Goose and I loved watching the entire tour. Today's final stage was so cool. The interview with Lance was such a class act. He did not try to take anything away from Levi.

Looking so forward to the Tour De France!

Multiple Subjects

Got an email from KTO about riding today. As of last night, it wasn't looking good for us. We have battle "something" this week and neither of us was feeling that good. TKO said he would rather not ride with us "just encase" which I don't blame him.

After sleeping in and getting a good breakfast, lounging around, checking out the weather, Goose decided to go for another run mid morning. After he got home, more lounging, etc., mid afternoon we decided to try and ride. He chose Uphill Grind (guess he forgot what it was and we haven't felt great this past week). He rode great, me I survived - just couldn't seem to breath. On another note, discovered my trainer was on the hardest setting, which meant I rode 5 1/2 hours that way - I know nobody cares but I do.

Watching Tour De California and I have come to the conclusion, either those mean running in speedos can't be married or their wives had no idea. The spectators have certainly been entertaining! Not at the end yet but I hope Astana pulls out the victory.

Hope this week is better than last!

Under the Weather

After a few days of under the weather, Goose decided to run today (saturday). He originally wanted to do ORRRC 14 mile trail run, but with the weather, early season, etc elected to pass on it. He did head for the trails and said he was extremely happy with his run. No falls, no twists, no injuries - now that is a good run for him (lol).

Had to laugh, Goose talked to Egg Friday evening on the way home, Egg is counting down the days to Daylight Savings Time (of course aren't we all). That means that there is a promise of Spring around the corner.

Glad Egg had a good trip and ride in FL. I think it was fun for him to ride with different people (well except for usually-around-no-matter-what-the-weather-is-Rhino). I am sure he will come out of the starting gate of the official season ready to remind everyone what riding a bike is all about (voluntary pain and gain)

It has been hard for me to overcome the blahs, our little guy AJ has been running a fever for 4 days, and of course I had him 3 of those days. Anyone that knows AJ, knows if he is lethargic and wanting to lay on my lap, he is sick.

Looking forward to riding again on Sunday.

Monday Questions

1. Did I? YEP
2. All of it? YEP --- all 5 1/2 of it.
3. Did I cheat? YEP - Didn't stand a couple of times
4. Was it boring? NOPE - Coach T has you shifting enough it helps to not get bored
5. Did I feel like quitting? YEP but didn't. The last 20-25 minutes got tough. But quitting wasn't an option.
6. Will I do it again? Not sure - ask me again in 11 months. Doing it alone wasn't that bad - maybe next time I will try with a group.
7. Am I sore? YEP - not so much my legs (as the point) but my butt - I don't know how you guys ride that long!

Sunday Fun

Jeff had run on Saturday and was very happy with the run. No real aches or pains. We knew Sunday it would just be the N & G Team riding (Egg's on his way to FL and TKO had family plans). Not really sure what to ride, so we decided on a 89-90 minute DVD. Was looking for a good ride, nothing too intense. After we were done we both agreed we rode fairly intense. Good test for Jeff's legs after his run.

Hill or Hell?

Well I can say today was hell but turned into Hillacious. A family member pushed buttons today that made me think "do you have a brain?" Goose had a busy afternoon and was not really in this world after work.

Egg was here tonight and we left it up to him on what to ride. He knows I love Hillacious and Goose told me to take out a can of whoop ass. I think we all worked through "shit" tonight and feel much better for it. Everybody worked really hard - puddles made on the floor/towels. Just what we needed.

Egg is leaving for Florida (guess Rhino is also going). OK jealous - we would love to go - let the boys ride - me I would just sit on the beach and NOT THINK ABOUT FAMILY!

And Yes Egg - hardcore porn on Monday for me (hehe) and Goose says he won't call me a dozen times that day.

Plans Coming Along

One more thing done for Helen - finalized the cabin rental. It has 5 bedrooms/3 baths on 3 floors. Hot tub, Pool Table, and one of the few that has internet. Lots of room for everyone to have their space :). It is right outside of Helen so it will be easy to meet up with ones not staying with us.

When I talked with the Management Company she said it has been 65 last weekend - barely a car on the road, everyone was riding. Now let's pray that they don't get that "occasional" snow when we are there.

Hmm did I say I am looking forward to the trip? Hopefully if Tim has room to also take my bike I will get some time in riding (trainer style). I am not brave enough to ride the roads - driving is enough for me (and who knows with a little help from TomTom I won't get lost).

Now I just have to start stocking the food.

TKO'd

We definitely got TKO'd today. I know the weather probably dictated an outside ride, but some of us won't -- some of us can't and some of us aren't permitted! Chuck was at the house about 11:45 loaded with DVDs. We let him decide what to ride (that is the last time - hehe). He had a DVD of Tour De France warm up - kick ass 5 minutes intervals from various tapes/DVDs (got to see Coach Troy with a pony tail) with a cool down to the Tour. They both worked really hard, I did what I could. Awesome workout Chuck!

Early dinner and probably early to bed!

Pulling Strings

Tonight was Dropping the Hammer - tough DVD to ride to - you actually get to decide what gears to ride in. The good Ole Puppet Master helped decide and pull strings. WOW what a work out!!!!! This was a good mix with the DVDs we have been riding in the past month. You can decide how hard your want to work ------- which means HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT and IT REALLY IS ALL VOLUNTARY. Looks like it is time to decide if you want to kick some ass or do you want your ass kicked!

Fun time tonight!

Button Pushing Day

Sunday was the day to push Goose's buttons (so to speak). We knew what had to be done, had the DVD loaded and ready to go so when Egg got here so we could get started on a long day. As Egg said, we take 1 hour at a time, breaking it down like that doesn't make it seem like an eternity on the bike (and it does work - sometimes).

Goose had said he was a little "nervous" about the ride. With the snow, flu, etc he hadn't ridden all week. He ran on Saturday in the snow and actually had an excellent run. Of course I had to mention to Egg that he felt that way, knowing Egg would take it and run with it.

During the ride when Goose seemed like he might start to struggle, Egg knew what buttons to push and Goose was mentally able to get through it. I knew within the first hour that standing every other minute was not a good idea for me, so I decided to sit most of the time (makes for a sore butt!).

Of course Egg rode as strong as ever, had the extra energy to push Goose and I through the difficult loooong internals. Goose rode stronger than he has in the past (and he actually has more time/miles in for January that he usually has the entire Jan-Mar time frame).

Goose mentioned at the 35 minute mark that it was the longest time left. Egg beefed up his button pushing and was able to make the time pass very quickly. The last 3 minutes Egg decided to ignore Coach Troy and make up his own interval - with everyone finishing really strong and with the feeling of accomplishment.

PoPo Juice and Rut Beers followed with conversation about the upcoming year. Plans are being finalized for Helen, looks like all the new routes are almost set in stone --- Now we just need spring to get here (soon!).

I can say that Tough Love has been safely tucked away until next year. After all, I don't want to wear it out!

Saturday Night Fun

We were invited to a pizza/birthday party at Egg's home. Pass up pizza and a chance to remind Egg he is another year older? Not a chance! We shared the evening with Rick T., Fred, and Big Tim ---- along with the perfect hostesses - Bethany and Emily. A couple other people were busy and couldn't come - they missed out on good Classic Pizza and a yummy birthday cake made by Bethany. This gave everyone a chance to catch up with everyone has been doing - Fred says he will ride again (after some surgery), Rick was talking about his post GM days and schooling he was/would be taking. Tim shared his Hawaii volcano climbing venture. It was fun to talk about past rides and looking forward to the new adventures/new routes for this coming year.

Big day ahead of us on Sunday - good way to start of the new month!