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!!

More Than A Bike and Jersey

Life is more than a bike and jersey - but those two things can lead to friendship that can't be replaced. I think this year has proven that. This past January Goose and I started indoor training and had Egg and Crilli up to motivate/make fun of us. I do believe the race is won in January. Next came the trip to Helen GA when family men didn't have to indulge a 3 year old, but they did (and yes that does include Crilli and Guru). After coming home, encouragement/orders were given to Goose to ride with the Cows. He listened sometimes/other times not. At times everyone (including me) made fun of Goose - but everyone always encouraged him. People let him suck wheel when they know he is hanging for dear life, and they don't complain. Ron took time to explain my camera to me (which I am still learning) ---- get your ass back out on the bike MTHD. This makes true friendships. No, everyone doesn't see each other everyday, everyone is going opposite directions - but I truly believe a true friendship has been made.

So -- to all the Cows that have encouraged (and made of fun of) Goose - THANKS.

Goose Lost His Chain

The Goose is loose on the river. The canoe portion started off 1/4 mile up river with a turn around, then heading down stream for 1 mile and then back up stream. Excellent canoe portion.

Diesel showing his support. After Goose was in the bike transition area, I saw a very familiar jersey - MAD COW! He headed out on the course, not sure how much he road on the course - but thanks!

Goose heading out of the bike transition. Please talk to Bruce E. - he saw Goose riding AND HE WASN'T IN HIS AEROBARS! BTW - Congrats to Team Troy (with Bruce as the cyclist -- and he also ran the course, even though he didn't have to) winning this Troy Vs Piqua Challenge

A no chain Day for Goose

Da' Goose near the end. The boy needs some meat on those legs!

That says is all - Glad the race is over, Boy did I have fun and an excellent race.

Won't know the results until later tonight, but it doesn't matter, Jeff had a good race day and he had fun. Next race? Lake Loramie - I think he will probably take the pro boat that day. Until then, lots of roads to be ridden and trails to be run.

Can Ya Believe the Goose Rambled!

Goose got his bling wet tonight :(

I guess they think they will melt in the rain - but guess who was out in the rain taking their picture!

After waiting out the down pour, it came time to get off the Jeep and head out. Small group tonight - started out Egg, Rhino and Goose. Egg had written out excellent directions for me (THANKS!) I headed out to Tipp Elizabeth to catch them after the "warm-up". After many roads (which you will have to refer to Egg's blog), I saw a familiar jersey coming the opposite way - it was Diesel (which now I understand how he got his name). He pulled a U Turn and they continued on. As I pulled forward, I noticed the below ---


absolutely beautiful. I was so close - but Mom eventually wanted to head across the road. They crossed right in front of the cows (don't they know? Cows rule)

Once again Egg can tell you exactly what road this is --- I just know it is before the rollers. I was really happy with how Goose road the rollers tonight. I had the radio turned up, so I didn't hear him "goosing" --- but everyone agreed he let out a few good ones.

After he road, Goose went out for a short run, wanted to test the legs. He is thrilled how they felt after riding.

Goose wanted to make sure I blogged how much he appreciated the group tonight - everyone helped him to to what he did - you have helped prepare him for his race. Now from Noose - thanks - this was a character/confidence builder for him.

This was a triple treat for me today - I rode early (to beat the rain). I took pictures of the Cows and saw the beauty of the wildlife. What more could a person ask for?

Another Beautiful Day

Wow - another beautiful day to be outside. Goose knew he was getting in the water again tonight. Late night at work, but he still went. He had a great workout - home and dinner (after 8 - which is becoming a norm in our home).

I went to the "free" movies with AJ and Rebecca. After a great lunch at their house, I wasn't sure what I was going to do. Decided to go out a ride. Made a new route (yeah all by myself) which I thought was flat - nope - 3 nice climbs in a row. Had fun - would have been more fun except was "stung" 3 times by something. Need to find a way to carry my EpiPens with me.

Goose has committed to riding Wed evening. I hope to get done early enough and try to get some pictures of the Cows along the way.