Night Before Christmas (Vacation)

Wow - not sure how we are getting the food packed into the car. Luckily Tim could take our bikes. We have AJ's in (thanks to Mthd for the bike). Lots of food, now do we really need clothes? Some don't plan on anything for the hot tub :). I will have to take a picture. It is more stuff than when we went to the worlds. We fit 4 people, a bike and lots of "stuff" in the back.

We plan out heading out early - most likely lots of potty stops. This is a bitter sweet trip - mostly likely the last for AJ (unless it falls into spring break). He will be in kindergarten next year (where has the time gone).

Rumor has it somebody is taking off early for some "secret training".

How To Be Tortured and Enjoy It?

How To Be Tortured and Enjoy It? Invite Egg up for an "easy" spin! He had dropped off his Coach Troy Mt Lemon DVD on Friday, but Goose rode outside. Today with the rain, wind, etc was the day to ride it again. Somehow I forgot exactly what this DVD contained - so quickly reminded when we stayed in the Big Chain/13 for an extended amount of time.

Egg stopped after an hour - he really doesn't need to ride anymore than that - he is so prepared for Helen. That left Goose and I riding together during the last 6 minute of pure hell! Egg coached us the entire time - I honestly would have stopped if he had left. Thanks Egg for the extra coaching to get us to the finish.

Counting down the days to leave. Looks like warm weather, no rain, great mountains to climb.

Friday Night

Egg had dropped off his Mt Lemon DVD for Goose and I to ride for Friday night. The weather held out and Goose actually got outside! This is the first outside ride of the year. He wanted to make sure everything was working on his bike. He got in about 20 miles and said everything felt great - him and the bike.

Not sure what Sunday will bring. There is a difference of opinions of what the weather will be like. Guess we will just roll with the weather.

I do know that the weather looks BEAUTIFUL for GA.

Finally

Goose has his "bling" back - The pictures really don't do justice to the paint - black pearl
- pretty in the sunlight - but of course he will be riding so fast it will all be a blur : p (haha)
There is a story behind the orange - done for somebody really special.

Sorry guys - they are still there (aero bars). Goose needs his comfort!

He has his name put on in case he gets lost or has a LMD Day - you can remind him what his name is.

Of course his famous flames - on his pro boat and bikes.

Ezio worked really hard to get this together. He is slammed at the bike shop (a good thing) and worked it in for the trip. Can't thank him enough.

Goose is looking forward to hitting the mountains. Of course everyone knows I was ready back in September. Tomorrow I will finish up the food purchases, things will be frozen and ready to make the trip. The good thing is, we don't have to pack many clothes, it will be really nice to have a washer/dryer (especially for the ride home - no stinky cycling clothes).

Fun Weekend

Beautiful weather - Spring really is here! Saturday was a good brick day for Goose. Goose and both rode hard - he had trouble getting his legs to respond on the second part of the brick - but I think he did really well. We also watched AJ play his last basketball game of the year.

Sunday was a hard day in the saddle - 90 minutes - Goose had it going on. I had trouble getting my mind where it needed to be, but we finished STRONG!

He talked to the bike shop and his bike is on the stand. It is getting there and it will be ready to ride in style on April 1st!

George Carlin

Got an email today with George Carlin's view on ages/aging. I think what struck me the most what this comment:

The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

I think sometimes we forget to be alive and we just exist through the day. I know there will be some LIVING in a few day!

Congrats

Congratulations to Egg for his two years and moved forward in life! Proud of you.

Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Mthd - remember Ron - 50 is just that much closer.

Mentally Kicked His A$$

Coach Troy that is. I know today was a beautiful day for riding outside. Most did and glad you had a good/sunny day! Goose opted out again today (because of his training bike) and stayed home with me. We wanted to do something challenging, but doable after his great brick yesterday. We decided on Mentally Tough, lots of big chain 12 with standing. We actually had a great/fun ride!

How many more days? Too many (hehe). Plans are going well, just need to get in the car and head south!!!

Batteries Recharged

Well after a not so good Friday 13th for our family - well may be it is a blessing in disguise and we just haven't found out yet. Goose had a kick ass run today followed by 50 minutes on the bike to spin out his legs. We both worked hard on the bike, amazing what a little saddle time does for the troubled soul!

Family is looking forward to new adventures and personally one starts on April 1st!

What A Good Day

Wow - what can you say - it was still daylight at dinner time! I think everyone will get rid of the grumpies with more daylight. I walked while AJ ran today - so much fun to be outside. He had a blast, you have to beg him to go inside. Got lots of picnics planned this spring :)

Goose and I both watched him swim tonight, he is making leaps and bounds. I think it is finally starting to click. Then Goose worked out - got to keep his manly muscles!

Hope he has his bike back and road ready this weekend. Counting the days to the fun trip. The group looks great, everyone ready for some fun in the mountains.

Sunday Fun

Hmm, what to do today after springing forward. Guess it required some spring to a ride. I let Goose decide what was on tap for this afternoon. He decided on the 1 hour Time Trial DVD. Lots of ladders, one leg drills, super spins and lots of sweat and fun.

After the ride Goose commented on how well we get along riding together this year. Last year it was a struggle at times. He, at times, was more worried over my gears than he was about his ride. Guess old age can do weird things :P

Goose LMD Day

Goose had the day off and decided to run before we rode this afternoon. He had an excellent hour run followed by almost 90 minutes on the bike. He is pleased with the performance of his legs. And guess what? The Momma was in the house :)

I know, I know, today was a prime day for him to scramble (I didn't use the work ramble, since it has officially been retired, but sorta figured out a way to still use it) with the cows down south. He still doesn't have his training bling back yet (should be this week!)

Tonight we spring forward which means the warm weather is just around the corner and will be here to stay for a few months.

Thank God it is Hump Day

After some negative issues today, Goose's "outside" bike not back yet, he opted to ride with me in the trainer ---- what was up? Zoot! Short, sweet and worked your ass off. We both were able to ride out some frustrations. We both know in the end, everything will be OK, but I guess it is the initial shock.

Goose rode really well. He put 110% effort tonight. Was happy to see what he could do. Me? I did 95% of the riding (the standing part kepts me everytime), But the main point is, we had fun.

Looking forward, dealing with the cards dealt, and having fun. After all , we still have each other, roof over our heads, people who care and love us AND bikes to ride :)

Not That Anybody Cares

except my family! Sunday was a good milestone for me. When Egg and Guru showed up at the house I had no intentions of riding. I was sick, had just taken 2 teaspoons of codeine cough syrup and feeling really sad. Many aren't close to their parents, I was. March 1st 1998 my mother died at home. I still remember that day like it was yesterday. I usually take that day every year to feel sorry for myself. Add in this year I was sick, I was so ready to really have a personal pity party for myself. Thanks to Goose, Egg and Guru I wasn't given that opportunity. When Rick said it was good to sweat when you are sick, he didn't realize that is was also good for my soul that day.

OK enough down stuff ---- Guess what - Goose can still blow up a balloon by himself -- with the air from his lungs --- even at his age --- and thrilled AJ!!!!!!!

Priceless Day

Sunday and hopefully the last trainer day for the guys. Egg had already committed and TKO was out of town. Pleasant surprise that the Guru decided to bring his rollers and entertain us. I had already decided not to ride, but buttons got pushed and I gave in --- after all it was Hillacious. All three guys rode strong - Rick was amazing on his rollers. After we were done he continued the entertaining:

This was take 2 - I am sure Egg will post on the Madcow site the first take (glad Rick has a sense of humor!)

After the ride Guru did a little tweaking on my bike. The 3 of them decided what I need to replace to make me fit better and gain power riding. We talked about Helen, finalizing the food and cabin arrangements. With this cabin, in the evening there should be lots of toys for the boys to play with.

It is finally March, weather should be getting better, bikes to be ridden!