Kids Triathlon

Almost there! His attention span is a little short ---- but almost ready to go on his own. Decided to enter him in the Kids Triathlon mid July. Short swim, run and bike. Parents are allowed in the pool for support but the rest has to be done on their own. We all know running isn't a problem, getting him to run only the distance necessary will be the problem!

Boy they grow up too quickly :(

BTW - thanks to Mthd and son for the bike!

Bellbrook Triathlon

Wow - what a beautiful day for a triathlon. Last year it was cold and raining for the Spring Race. You never know who will show up - things come up - people don't show - some register at the last minute. Twin brothers (Wes and Will) registered near the end. The are not quite half the age of Jeff and his partner - the nicest young men you would ever want to meet and excellent athletes. You know it will be an interesting day when they show up. Jeff C (race director) was helping out someone who needed a partner (Brian B his normal partner had signed up for another race). I know this info is boring to some - but if you have followed Goose racing, you know that the Jeff C/Brian B team is very difficult to beat. Looks like we can add the Wes/Will team to that category this year. They are in excellent shape and are good racers. Day started out really well in the canoe. Goose and Rick had one of the better starts, many struggled to get going and some ran into a large log off to the left. It always amazes me the people that just show up and have never been in a canoe or many years ago went down the river. To me, this is one of the more dangerous part of the tri, water can be deceiving and dangerous. The inabilities/lack of knowledge can actually put the other athletes in danger. Luckily, Rick and Jeff are well versed in the canoe. Rick can read a river like no other partner Jeff has had and they both can react quickly.

I really couldn't read Goose's face at the finish of the run. He didn't appear to be struggling, didn't look like his back was bothering him. He had an excellent transition from run to bike and came out the transition area with power in his legs.

This is near the finish and I still couldn't ready his face. Rick and Goose finished together, Rick's face didn't have a smile, but then again it was hot and extremely windy and the course is hard. After Jeff came to the top to talk to me. Rick was not happy with the cycling part, his calves had cramped and struggle on a portion. Jeff said he also had some cramping but they were able to work through it.

Bottom line? Second today. The twins won hands down. Nothing Goose/Rick could have done to beat them. Wes/Will certainly had a good race. But, nobody really had anything for Goose/Rick either. 3rd place was not close. Guess when you are almost 57, it isn't too back getting beat by a couple of young 30ish men.

Good first race of the season. Goose needs to get more road mileage on his legs. I'm happy with the time and look for improvement over the summer.

Weekend Fun

Today started Noose's official weekend. AJ had Kindergarten screening, with mandatory parental attendance, so I had and extra day off. And, he passed with flying colors, so officially he enters school in September.

Couldn't decide what time I was going to ride. Watched radar/temps/wind and decided it wasn't going to change so I headed out early. My friend joined me today for my ride. Wasn't sure which route I was going to take - but since my friend evidently missed the Class Cow Riding 101, I ended up opting for my shorter route. My friend really needs to learn proper riding procedures - Rule 1 - the wind can not be in your face the entire ride. 2. It is not nice to continue to blow you off the side of the road. 3. It really isn't nice to tempt a rider with an ever so slight tail wind and decide to shift and hit you full in the face and almost bring you to a full stop.

Goose's back is feeling a little better today. Lots of stretching, gentle massages I think have helped. He is going out tonight for an e asy spin to see if he needs to make any adjustments in riding for Sunday's race. Him and his partner are ready. River will be down this year, which actually is better for them. His partner is a plow machine in front and has always given Goose everything he has to offer on that day.

Looks like a good group for the TT Saturday morning. Sorry we have to miss it. Hope you guys have a fun/safe TT. Just remember - Ain't nobody gonna beat Eggie :P

This is the weekend that had originally been planned for GA. This is hind sight, but I am glad we had to switch to the first of April. I couldn't/wouldn't ride the GA mountains and I would really be mad if we headed this weekend and miss the excellent weather that Ohio has to offer! I can ride here!

Lessons In Life

Let me start by saying this is a female point of view. Jeff and I have been so fortunate in life to meet the neatest people through his racing, cycling, running. So many have made life long impressions in our lives. Being older than most that have stuck around, we tend to take people at a good honest value. Sometimes people shock you, they aren't what you think they are or what the portray.

Jeff and I try very hard to stay neutral in most situations. Sometimes people put you in the situation that you must decide what road you will take. Something that neither one of likes to do. Then looking over past adventures, you decide, what the hell, try one more time to let people know you aren't making a choose, there is room for everyone. You extend your hand in peace. Disappointingly it is either ignored or or viewed that you aren't worthy. Jeff gets over things easily saying they weren't a true friend. Me? I don't accept that. I wonder what the hell did we do, what can I do to fix it.

Maybe it is my age, not sure. But today my feeling is - you lost - you had 2 people who really cared for your happiness and you either thought you were too good for us, either you have moved on and don't have the guts to say so OR you really didn't like us to begin with. Yep ---- You got it ----- MAMMA HAS THE DRAMA TONIGHT! And she really doesn't give a shit.

I have people who really care about us, not just the cycling end of it. We are thrilled to have the support of so many cyclist, some that we don't see often, nor do we talk to them often. But, when we do, it is like a minute hasn't passed and we start where things left off. You know who you are -- and like Jeff has said many times, you can count your true friends on one hand.

Done with the drama - I give up!

Rain Rain Go Away

It is hard to get back on the trainer after being outside. But gotta do what ya gotta do!

Goose had an excellent training day on Saturday with the canoe and run, water works for Sunday. Looks like Tue will also be in the water. Trying to keep his legs and back fresh for the race.

Trainer rides for me until Thur ---- they weather man says sunny skies and that means outside.

Friday Fun

Wow is all I can say. It was warm and BEAUTIFUL. I was the classroom aide for AJ's class and met a little friend of his and the grandmother for lunch. Let the kids play and what a delightful lady to talk to. I headed home to ride. Must admit I was a tad nervous riding outside the first time. You always remember where you were at the end of the year and pray you didn't lose much over the winter months. The air smelled wonderful, the sun was warm and just a "tad" of my friend from the SW. I had such a wonderful time out doors. I am happy with where I am starting this year year. I did take my easier route with no intention of adding in Neal Pearson. Got to my cut off point and I was still feeling fairly good so decided to put Neal Pearson in. Fun :)

Goose headed out for a Friday night ride with the guys (since he was not feeling well Wed). He came home saying the Friday course is tough (if it were easy, everybody would be doing it). He was pleased with the ride. He had a hard run down south with his group Thur, and was happy with his legs on Friday. I am told the hammer was put down in Neal Pearson by a couple of guys ! Sounds like everyone had a good ride. Glad Goose stuck around for the "small" talk and grins after the ride. This riding group has really meshed together this year, nothing but positive feedback from everyone. Looks like most of the group (if not all) will be heading to Asheville this summer (including the N & G team)

The week starts the first pre-race rituals. Goose's first official race is Sunday, April 26. I am glad everyone was able to move the time for Helen to the first of the month. Goose was signed up and ready to race on the 26th and he needed the time in the mountains.

Wednesday Night Delight

Well it looks like the weather held out for the night, unfortunately Goose was under the weather and made a really wise decision to come home, take some meds and hit the hay early. I had told Egg earlier that if he wanted to ride trainer and was debating the issue, I would ride again with him that night. For me, thank goodness he didn't feel well enough to ride (I had ridden hard that morning).

Looks like a good group for the Delightful Ride - Egg, Big Tim, T-Bolt and Viper (Beefcakes, sweet cheeks, etc-he has gotten many names this spring!). Sounds like they had a good ride and rolled the roads up behind them with their speed.

Hopefully Goose will be out Friday night AND it looks like I will get my FIRST ride of the season outside on Friday ---- Y E A H!

Sunday Fun (?)

Plans were after Mass, if time permitted, we were riding trainers before going to AJ's for an early dinner. I had been cooking all Saturday (go figure) and needed to finish Sunday. Wasn't really into riding trainers, I wanted outside. Goose decided to ride outside and I took a nice walk. It was fun to see little ones out looking for the eggs that the bunny had left for them.

Goose had a "good" ride. He said the wind was a little stronger than first thought. It does him good to go out and test his legs by himself. See where he is, what he needs to push and not worry about the other riders.

Good dinner with family, Egg hunt with AJ and Jeff and AJ worked on his cycling abilities. He is getting better, but too much going on yesterday - concentration ability was missing.

Looks like rain today, Monday - Jeff will be at the Y and I will probably be back on the trainer.

Full Whooosh Moon

Great day, a little chilly for me (Noose) so I once again rode my traine inside. Wasn't sure what else I was going to do. I knew Goose was heading out for his first Wednesday Night Delight ride. Should/would I show up somewhere on the route and take a few pictures? Told Goose I wouldn't be out, oh what the heck, of course I would show up :)

Beautiful full cow jumped over the moon night. What a beautiful view to finish the ride!

This was the first point I saw the guys. The rode by with the sound I love - whooosh. Everyone looked strong and smiled as they went by.

Thanks for the horns Mthd!

See T-bolt I did get a picture of you!

Goose finished strong (after dropping his chain) up the climb.

This is the 5th time outside on the bike for him - 3 of those days were in Helen. Looks like he is getting into race shape.

Thanks for giving Goose a good ride tonight.

Helen GA AJ Style

This the story according to AJ:

Day one leaving Dayton OH - are we there yet? Oh wait 10 more minutes down the road - are we there yet? More of that question to follow. Upon arrival - wow is that our home? Then to be later called the cabinen? Upon entering he ran to all the bedrooms and baths - loved the double walk in- knew he could have lots of fun in it (which he did). Then - hey where is my friends?

Most memorable events: Uncle Craig put a plastic bag on his head. Vinnie Bear showed everyone his beeehind and my Nannie renamed him Sweet Cheeks until he farted in her face in the kitchen. Oh yeah - I farted in Uncle Craig's face.

Rick got a safety violation when he road my Nannie's bike through the cabinen with no helmet on.

Tim drive this BIG green thing (later learned it is called a van) and I wasn't allowed to ride in it.

I did get to ride in my Nannie's car sitting on the floor on a bag. I threw up in my car seat (guess mountains and I don't get a long).

Nicholas' mommy and daddy came over to our cabinen so Nicholas could play with me.

I got to play putt-putt golf and beat my PoPo (actually AJ was a sneeze away from having a hole in one!)

I had fun and didn't want to go home but was happy to see my mommy and daddy when I got home.

I slept most of the way home and didn't ask any more than 2 times if we were there yet.

The trip according to AJ.

True Meaning of Cyclist

OK I am skipping past the most EPIC day in GA history (yesterday) and fast forwarding to today which was a different kind of epic day.

The day was absolutely beautiful - Everyone was ready and eager to ride in a much deserved beautiful day. I won't go into all the specifics of the ride (at this time) but what was memorable for me.

Goose was really mentally struggling and his lower back was killing him. At a regroup point Egg asked him if he was going to quit - Hell No, I want Hog Pen and how bad do you want it! They headed out and Goose dropped off, Egg glanced back and pulled off the road and waited on Jeff. Jeff told him to go and and Egg wouldn't. He got back on for Hog Pen. I was at my pull off spot and counted and watched they guys go by. Goose had moved up to 3rd (which really surprised me). The others passed by except Egg. I told Tim I was heading back down down the mountain to look for Egg. Traffic was a little heavy and you always fear the worst. Got almost down to the bottom and there stood Egg with a smile on his face. He had flatted and his CO2 didn't work.

What to do? Hmm Rhino's Zips were in the back - borrow one and ride to the top :) He told me to go on to the top and tell everyone else to head on down. Goose said no way was he leaving Egg, one by one they said they weren't leaving him Rhino headed back down to ride back up with him (the joke at dinner tonight was he wanted to make sure he got his wheel back).

I guess these guys get that this year - no cyclist will be left behind. They all rode strong - especially as a group - competition at its best - friendship ruled above ego.

What a fun trip, I am sad to see it end. The cabin was great, I cooked a little but tonight I was treated to dinner (and a drink).

Thanks guys for a fun time.

Helen April Fools Day Arrival

Arrival Day in GA - and this isn't and April Fools!! Luckily TIm could take our bikes in the big green machine! Egg picked them up Tues evening and we started packing the food. Nellie (my car) was definately squatting in the back. When we hit the dirt road to head up to the cabin, we were afraid of bottoming out.

We got to the cabin a little later than estimated. The log home is beautiful. 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 hot tubs, small kitchen (but it works and is cheaper than eating out all the time). On the bar we found a note from Egg --- "Got here earlier than expected and I decided to do the 6 Gap Century" - he is nutz or what!

Funny thing - 27 years ago on the 1st Jeff and I had out first date - maybe I was his April Fools joke to him - but he married me!

Guys had a good first day of riding. They got sprinkled on - but it didn't seem to bother them. Can you believe than Goose didn't even mind his new paint bling getting wet and dirty? Friday is going to be the killer day. Most are up and ready for breakfast - time to rattle those pots and pans.