You are currently browsing the monthly archive for April 2008.
May Day occurs on May 1 and refers to any of several public holidays. In many countries, May Day is synonymous with International Workers’ Day, or Labour Day, which celebrates the social and economic achievements of the labor movement. As a day of celebration, however, the holiday has ancient origins and can relate to many customs that have survived into modern times. Many of these customs are due to May Day being a cross-quarter day, meaning that it falls approximately halfway between a solstice and an equinox.
The earliest May Day celebrations appeared in pre-Christian Europe, as in the Celtic celebration of Beltane, and the Walpurgis Night of the Germanic countries. Many pre-Christian indigenous celebrations were eventually banned or Christianized during the process of Christianization in Europe. As a result, a more secular version of the holiday continued to be observed in the schools and churches of Europe well into the 20th century. In this form, May Day may be best known for its tradition of dancing the Maypole and crowning of the Queen of the May. Today various Neopagan groups celebrate reconstructed (to varying degrees) versions of these customs on 1 May.
The day was a traditional summer holiday in many pre-Christian European pagan cultures. While February 1 was the first day of Spring (season), May 1 was the first day of summer; hence, the summer solstice on June 25 (now June 21) was Midsummer. In the Roman Catholic tradition, May is observed as Mary’s month, and in these circles May Day is usually a celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In this connection, in works of art, school skits, and so forth, Mary’s head will often be adorned with flowers. Fading in popularity since the late 20th century is the giving of “May baskets,” small baskets of sweets and/or flowers, usually left anonymously on neighbors’ doorsteps.
The time trial, for Masters men, started early. Burr is what I added to “Pain Mountain.” It was 46 degrees when we started (my start time was 8:10), a little wet (just rained prior to the start) and misty.
Lots of guys were on road bikes and that made me wonder, “what the hell am I doing with my TT bike?” It didn’t matter at that point because I left my road bike at the hotel! I strolled over to a guy who was preparing some wheels for a team and asked him to help me with my rear disc wheel. In getting it pumped up I asked if lots of guys were on TT bikes. His comment: “The first 5 or 6 miles are the race and a TT bike will give you an advantage.” With the tire and the insights I started to warm up.
Naturally I like to push my luck in getting to the starting line on time. I rolled to the start area with ONE minute to spare. Literally. I pulled off my rain jacket and clipped in my pedals.
Somewhere at mile 4-ish, I passed my thirty-second man, then my one-minute man, then my minute-and-a-half man … but that was mid-way up Pain Mountain. Ha.
Pain Mountain is an 18%-20% grade in the steepest section. Clearly I had the wrong gears … as I almost ground to a halt. At 1Km I clicked over to 23 minutes … and it took me another three and a half minutes to climb 1Km. WTF! Let me tell you – I can climb but not on a TT bike, with the wrong gears, slipping tire, stabbing pain, etc. etc. A little easier gear (I had an 11-23 on the rear) would have helped. I finished at 26:29 (8 miles total).
Later in the day I learned that I was 10th overall – with just 19 seconds separating the guys in 5th through 10th position. I kept imaging a different gear selection and what I “could have done.” Ok – next year. I was happy to pull a 10th place finish.
I left the area and drove back to Lancaster. I ate a Mickey D’s Egg McMuffin and then I stopped at Sheetz and got a breakfast burrito to go. I drank more coffee … I went in and packed … I showered (again) … I readied my road bike. I left.
CRIT Time. First, I dislike crit racing. I’ve had two lovely wrecks in crits and both ended in concussions. My policy is to start at the back and work my way up. Crazy policy but at least I have the opportunity to either be dropped or move up.
The short version: I moved up to 20th place in the crit and never worked that hard. We averaged 25.8 for 22 laps. Pretty fast considering that we slowed up with 7 lead changes.
SUMMARY: 17th in RR, 10th in TT and 20th in Crit; 16th overall and I was happy to walk away from the weekend with some lessons to help me in the future. One thing I learned – in a Masters field full of CAT1/2’s you can bank on it being fast, intense and competitive. I believe the Tour de Ephrata is on my list of repeats for 2009.
Ride-on.
Photographs from the 2008 Tour de Ephrata on Elco Road.
Photographs from the 2008 Tour de Ephrata on Elco Road – ladies finish.
The Amish countryside near Myerstown gave a few hundred racers the opportunity to test their ability to push, recover, and push even harder. The weather in the early part of the day was sunny and clear. Within hours however the skies clouded up and the temperature dropped significantly.
Let’s see how this short and painful road race unfolded.
Accustomed to jumping from the get-go – that’s exactly what I did. It was met with frowns and some odd looks. By the first turn the pace heated up. I held a line and got pushed aside. I touched a guy on the hip and it offered up some words that didn’t feel right. He ended his sentence with “fuck you.” Several of his teammates from the “Spinners” did more of the same – three of which pushed me out of the pace line. I suspect my jersey was foreign to them and they had no intentions of allowing me to stay in the pace line. Within the next mile the field jumped three times and five guys were off the front.
Not knowing anyone in the race, I would assume the few guys that launched an attack were actually elite riders who were Pros or CAT1’s. They were away – and with a strong and steady headwind for half of the course, we weren’t going to catch them unless the group worked. Clearly no one wanted to work. However, the pace and the movement on course felt more like a crit than a road race. How I wished we had a real hill to climb – to weed out some of the followers unwilling to work.
The smell of fertilizer and chicken houses (grow-out houses) was all around us … it was strong. We were in the middle of farming country with many growers laying down fertilizer most of day. I stayed near the front and worked – not with “bridging the gap” in mind – with the hopeful attitude that a few of use might make a break. No luck. Not on any lap.
The last leg of the race had us fighting a terrific cross wind and it meant that most riders were in the gutter with nothing to do but push.
The “sprint” started sooner than expected, and with about 500 meters the group strung out. I went into my best TT position and pushed. I passed six guys and crossed the line 17th. Glad to be “DONE.”
Afterward I spoke with Ellen Dorsey, UCI Commissaire about the interaction on-course. Funny, we both agreed that the rider’s sponsors wouldn’t appreciate showcasing a “tude” while racing. Moving onward – yes.
SUMMARY: 35 mile circuit race – average speed unknown (computer didn’t track it) – average heart rate 161 (whew) – new max heart rate at 191. 17th place in a field of 62 riders.
What a day. I’m thankful I left on Thursday – whew. I drove about 7 hours today and that’s too damn much. The drive was comfortable but the extra hours (several extra hours) dedicated to finding a hotel, the road race location, the time trail course and then the hotel itself … were exhaustive. When I FINALLY made it to the hotel (after driving around downtown Lancaster, PA for an hour looking for a place to get some take out) – guess what?
It was prom night. Without these photos no one would believe me. It was a mad house. Too much perfume, too much “Axe,” and too much bling, too much cleavage, and way too many guys in sneakers rather than formal shoes. Proof.
I arrived at the hotel (and couldn’t pull up to the door), I walked a “fur” piece with three bags and such. I entered the lobby after passing six stretch limos, three stretch Hummer limos and a Firetruck. There were at least three hundred people with all the parents and brothers/sisters and such. The bellboy had to make a path for me so I could dodge dresses, tuxes, and lots of kids having a good time. Waiting in line I lifted my Canon 400d and snapped a bunch of photos. Ha.
I’ll get there.
Dinner was good but it was VERY late too. I finally sacked out at 10:30 I realized I had over-done it not just for the day but for the week. I believe my workout on Wednesday (three hours in the AM – not even 12 hours from the race-like effort Tuesday evening) – was killa. I needed to go easy. I hit it again hard on Thursday AM – and knew I hadn’t recovered.
So …. all the driving and hotel shiznet did me in for the day.
When I was ready for bed I had a couple of other issues: 1) the music from “the prom” was jamming and 2) Jojo was using my Mac-cam to catch up with a friend in South Africa. I finally pulled the plug and said – “lights out!”
More from the races tomorrow. No bedbugs here. Cya.
Ok then. I left on time and had an open road with lots of po-po in the way. No less than 6 before I left town. My happy ass is en route to Ephrata, Pennsylvania — near Lancaster, PA. My pal Jojo and I stopped along the way to pick up some of his friends.
(L to R: Sneaky, Red, CrossEye, Slim, and Popeye)
The attached photo depicts the mod-squad – some real punks if you ask me. Thank goodness they sat in the trunk and were a bunch of funky monkies. Then, when we got to the hotel room — Mr. Bigshot — Jojo — was the first one to call for a beer! Showing off. (He puked about 2AM!).
Alright. The road is calling and I’ve got a buck-twenty-five in the morning. I’ll catch up on the photos and travel talk later. Best get the mod-squad up and fed. peace.
I am amazed at the ability of those around me – so much talent, knowledge and yet, a lack of drive. In my work-life, I observe lots of hope but not near enough drive, and I certainly witness it in student performance. What’s up with that? Anyone know??? I realize that each of us are “lazy” in some way. Occasionally, and I mean rarely, living a day of life in a “lazy fashion” can be a good thing. Some folks, however, are just plain lazy the majority of their time. Or, they are “all about lists: and “talking about” what they did rather than just gettin’ shit done. Or even worse, they make a big push for a few days then revert back to what they used to do (reminds me of people who attempt to go on a diet but stick with it for the month of January).
Me? Well, I’m lazy. Never mind the fact that I have two careers, I train 20 hours per week for cycling, and have a nice home that I maintain. I have a girlfriend and I befriend several people around me.
Truly I’m lazy. I have spare time. In that spare time I could: learn to speak another language, learn to read another language, take online computer courses to improve my knowledge of the internet, work on improving my home, meditate, help those less fortunate, and the list is so long I need not ‘go there’ in this post. My point – EVERYDAY I make an effort to do, go, enjoy, get ahead, work, and constantly visualize “hope” but I believe I can and should do more!
I owe the philosophy or attitude to my mom. Her career path and the success she’s enjoyed is what I follow. My mom is the person who influenced my dual career path. (Three years ago I had three revenue streams from three separate paying positions: advertising, teaching at UTK and teaching on the race track). She taught me to work hard, go further, do more, and do more. It was not a “talking lesson” – it was a lesson I learned through observation. There aren’t too many people I know that truly have been-there, done-that. She has done-that. And continues to do more.
Life deals each us a number bumps, laughs, opportunities, failures, etc. Each of these are accompanied with a life-lesson. Some are fun and memorable – others are just memorable. Many of life’s lessons relate to how we prepare or don’t prepare for (fill in the blank). We revert to the lazy side (not the dark side) of our personalities and wonder … “why did this occur? why did this or that happen? WHY ME?!” I have fleeting thoughts like that on occasion but those are quickly replaced with, “this will NOT do me in – it may not be something I like but it will NOT do me in!”
Every second counts. Every second. Hard work and a little hope are keys to making this thing we call life – more enjoyable. For me I’m going to use all of those seconds I’ve been alloted – to move the ball forward. Heck, it’s time I learned another language. Hawaiian is “in” this year – guess I had best get a tutor and some study material.
For now, Aloha.
Please link over to the site for the Cherohala Skyway. You’ll notice ICE & SNOW in the header photograph. Snow – ice – as recent as last week. BURRR. Warm is coming when? The Cherohala Challenge is coming soon to 400 pair of legs just hankering to hurt. The attached photo is a reminder of what’s coming. Distance junkies are readying their bikes, bodies and water bottles. I’m doing my part to suffer now – so I can suffer later. 9%- yes, that’s close enough to 10.
I elected to stick to my training program rather than veer from it. The downtown Maryville crit was tempting, but not tempting enough – on a multitude of levels. Most importantly – my Sunday routine calls for climbing: at least four hours worth. Several key races are ahead — and two of them have significant finishing climbs. My bet is that the crit work helps but not when you’re hauling your ass up a mountain climb of 10K.
Ergo – my happy ass did a double climb of the Foothills Parkway – starting with a time trail up the first three miles (for good measure). The rest – well – it was just peachy. Happy trails.
A wet weather cloud followed SCO from its “Spring Forward Time Trail” (renamed the “Iditarod Time Trail” due to freezing temps, snow, slush and a very dangerous road) to its second event this year: the South Knoxville Time Trail.
Much like its first event – this one was wet, breezy and rather treacherous due to its location – Maryville Pike. I am thankful for the organizer’s attention to detail by arranging for ample law enforcement. With their squad cars visible and the bubblegum lights rolling, vehicles in the vicinity of the event slowed down considerably.
The rain clouds dispersed but not in time for the start of the South Knoxville Time Trail. The Pro1/2’s led off early in rather wet and breezy conditions. I parked near the starter stand just 1/10th of mile away from “go.” Next to me was Kent Bostick , former Olympian and Pan-Am Gold Medal winner. In the pouring rain he warmed up on a trainer while his wife held an umbrella over him to thwart some of the pelting rain.
Near my start time the rain trimmed back to a light drizzle (thankfully) and I warmed up for about a half hour. With my rain jacket on, the tunes blaring, and my water close at hand – it was all-good. The bike seemed more ready than me so I unhooked the rear trainer-wheel and slotted in the disc. The Duchess was ready.
At 8:53 AM I rolled off the line and had one thing in mind: suffering and pain and a fast time. My heart rate monitor read 90% max within thirty seconds of the start and headed north to 92% after cresting the first hill. I pushed hard and kept my eye on my thirty-second-man.
As I neared the turn into Stock Creek I slipped sideways and caught my rear wheel – then I stood up in an attempt to regain speed but the wheel slipped even more. The rain had created a slight film on the turn into Stock Creek … so I just sat my happy ass down and pushed. I crossed the line with a 7:12 (for a 5K or 3.1 miles). Not bad. I later learned I finished 8th overall and 7th in the 40+ Masters group (8 of the top 10 TT finishers were 40+ — just two were 30+!).
Soaked, I turned around and headed back to the car. I hustled to get my shiznet into the car and crank on the heat. No need to get a chill – as that would take a while to uncork.
I drove back to the house and immediately put my shoes in the dryer with the temp set on high heat. I then ate some food and jumped in shower. What a luxury to be so close the event. After an hour or so I re-packed the car with my road bike and traveled back to the start area. Our road race slated an 11:20 start. The race was 100km (62 miles) – with one decent but short climb and lots of wind on the back side of the circuit.
The start of a Masters race is usually like a Pro1/2 event – fast and to the point. No messing around, just pedals moving big gears. This was no exception. We rolled out (on a wet tarmac) and were quickly at 25mph within seconds.
The jumps, the attacks – the BS was non-stop for the first half lap. A couple of guys made it off the front but that head wind put up a good fight. Blah. One lap and we rolled on. On the second lap it was more of the same … lots of attacking and pushing and such. When we approached “Rooster hill” the leaders pushed hard … and I actually stayed with them. I was surprised – on so many levels. The peloton strung itself out and on the descent I felt uneasy because the road was still wet. A gap opened in front of me and Steve Bacon gave me a quick blast — “if you let a gap open – close the gap!” Heck, I wasn’t going to close any gap while on a wet road in a corner.
As we approached the head wind – several guys pushed hard and strung out the group. Those that were dropped on the climb struggled to catch us – and we pushed onward. Lap two down – and the group was together. I felt good – I went to the front and pushed. I chased some attacks. I also kept my position because I wanted to establish a presence for the sprint at the end.
Along the way, my chain had “dropped” twice but I picked it back up and spun on without a worry. A buddy of mine dropped his chain a couple of times as well – and he picked it up without worry. As we approached Rooster hill I commented (out loud) about dropping chains, and as I shifted my chain fell off … and the peloton kept moving. I gave the command (I cannot utter it here) and the chain did not respond with the appropriate action. I looked up and the field was moving ahead. I tried again – with the shifting action and the command. NOTHING.
The wheel truck asked if I were Ok?! I had to turn back and roll DOWN HILL. As you can imagine that’s the WRONG direction. Finally – I tricked the chain to do its thing … and the chain did jumped back in place. Oh well, the field was midway up the climb.
This SUCKS was the softer utterance I offered up.
I jammed gears hard and asked for my big ring then I gave it all I had. I tucked in behind the tire truck and had a breather for about ten seconds. When the driver realized she was helping me she stopped and I had to go around her. BLAH.
Lucky for me the leaders went harder on this climb than the last; just kidding. I caught the back of the pack (those who were dropped on the climb) and kept going – harder – faster – and way into max heart rate range (96%). I kept on going and could hear the breathing of the guys as I passed them. My breathing was significantly faster … I felt them stare at me as I past them … they knew I had been dropped due to the chain issue.
Cresting the hill I realized that if I didn’t catch the peloton on the descent that I would get dropped permanently (as in DROPPED). I shifted into the biggest gear available and PUSHED – into that freaking head wind. All my legs could do were complain. The 28-29mph seemed fast but it wasn’t fast enough …. everything moved in slow motion as I slowly bridged back to the peloton … slowly I might add.
While I was pushing hard (go figure), several guys on front elected to attack and one by one they broke away – six to be specific.
By the time I moved into the middle of the chasing peloton the leaders were GONE. I clearly had the legs to be with them … and I wasn’t. Enough teammates of those that got away were in our group, so getting away wasn’t going to happen.
The day was done. I gave the chain another comment (I cannot utter here).
The last lap and a half was without fanfare. Sure there were some jumps, lame attacks and a guy who ran his freaking mouth a whole-damn-lot. Too much for me. The kind of guy who never pulled but was touting how this was “his first race of the season … and he didn’t train that much.” WFE!
During the last three miles the tempo picked up but not so much that we couldn’t maintain pace. We turned into Stock Creek and at least 10 guys jumped (ha) – as if they were going to drive hard for 500 meters. Near the finish, I almost sat-up, but I stood up and sprinted (if you call it that) and moved around at least 10 guys … around those who were clearly fatigued.
My extra-effort placed me fourth across the line and officially 11th overall.
SUMMARY: TT> 8th; RR 11th, and 8th place overall (combined points). RR – average mph 22.1 – average heart rate 144 – maxed once.
NOW – the girls. I snapped some photos of the women’s group – because I missed the opportunity to capture the various men’s groups. Oh well.
Politically correct? Whatever – as long as it was persuasive the whole class was happy. At least I was happy. Why? Once again, COM240 performed more like veterans of the speaking world than college students with a few speeches under their belts. I’m continually amazed at the performance. And also at the excuses some students offer up for not having their work completed on time. Funny, the majority of the class ‘gets it’ and just a couple are coasting. I’m thankful that today’s photos are of those who truly get it.
Mr. Daniel Dale reminding us that students can co-exists in the dorms and the benefits are highly positive. Excellent speech – and well-delivered.
Ms. Caitlin Lindstrom reminding us that student tickets will be $15 starting this fall. WTF! And, we had best get ready for “financial contributors” to be seated along side student …. it’s coming. Well done!
Mr. Bristow reminding us that freedom of assembly and demonstration doesn’t give groups or people or causes the rights to invade, interrupt, or harass. Well done.
Ms. Lorrin Howard stating the truth: move-out day rules are not in favor of the students. The rules favor empty spaces. Nicely done – excellent!
Mr. Huffaker shared his views of second-hand smoke and suggested a smoke free campus. His presentation was not the butt of any joke – it was factual and persuasive. Well done.
One of my students wanted to be “cropped” or “shopped” (as in re-touched out or modified). I elected to crop as the time allotment for such activities isn’t available. Let’s just remember, life is life and what you see is what you are – or are not. We may not enjoy all aspects of life – or all views of ourselves as people. What really matters is how you feel inside your skin. Nothing more matters. The world’s reality isn’t our true reality. Remember: Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.
Peace
For those that need to know … sleep deprivation can adversely affect brain function. A 2000 study, by the UCSD School of Medicine and the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System in San Diego, used functional magnetic resonance imaging technology to monitor activity in the brains of sleep-deprived subjects performing simple verbal learning tasks. The study showed that regions of the brain’s prefrontal cortex displayed more activity in sleepier subjects. Depending on the task at hand, the brain would sometimes attempt to compensate for the adverse effects caused by lack of sleep. The temporal lobe, which is a brain region involved in language processing, was activated during verbal learning in rested subjects but not in sleep deprived subjects. The parietal lobe, not activated in rested subjects during the verbal exercise, was more active when the subjects were deprived of sleep. I hope the brain can set up a meeting among the prefrontal, temporal and parietal folks – and get the issue resolved.
Plumeria is a small genus of 7-8 species native to tropical and subtropical Americas. The genus consists of mainly deciduous shrubs and trees. P. rubra (Common Frangipani, Red Frangipani), native to Mexico, Central America, and Venezuela, produces flowers ranging from yellow to pink depending on form or cultivar. From Mexico and Central America, Plumeria has spread to all tropical areas of the world, especially Hawaii, where it grows so abundantly that many people think that it is indigenous there.
A beach is a geological landform along the shoreline of a body of water. It usually consists of loose particles which are often composed of rock, such as sand, gravel, shingle, pebbles, or cobble. The particles of which the beach is composed can sometimes instead have biological origins, such as shell fragments or coralline algae fragments.
The State of Hawaii (pronounced /həwaiiː/ or /hawaɪiiː/; Hawaiian: Mokuʻāina o Hawaiʻi) is one of the United States, located on an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of Australia. The state was admitted to the Union on August 21, 1959, making it the 50th state. Its capital is located in its major city, Honolulu on the island of Oahu. The most recent census puts the state’s population at 1,211,537.
The short version: the weather was perfect, the road course was rolling and fairly nice, and the field was full with ample competition.
Now the up front shiznet: Awoke early. Ate early. Left late. Drove fast. Over 100 at times. Missed the turn. Went 19 miles to far (out and back). Got a ticket (75 in a 45). Yelled FUCK as loud as possible while getting the ticket. Officer returned with a “tude.” Reduced the ticket to 55 in a 45 (Yay!). Got directions. Asked if the posse was coming – “no” was the response. Arrived in time to fill bottles, finish suiting up, pump up tires and lock the car. Rolled to the start without a minute to spare. Again, I missed the MASTERS field. WTF.
I had every intention of making the MASTERS field today. After all, the reason I traveled 200 miles was to ride with the MASTERS. The race series separates the 35+ from the 45+, which I like a lot.
Oops. I didn’t make it. I rode with the CAT3’s again.
The start was without the fanfare – as I imagined. I was “cold” so there would be a few miles of “warming” up — and I was right. Within two miles we were hammering. Oh boy. Since I was pissed at the situation (that I got myself into) I elected to jump … and jump again. The first six breaks I chased down and loved every minute of it. Nothing like a ‘racing warm up.’
Near the end of the first lap (27.5 miles per lap), we cruised hard toward the finish area and it was our opportunity to view the road, the narrow road with a faded yellow line and the assigned area (both lanes) for sprinting. More of the same from the first lap followed the start/finish line. Attacks, bridging, more attacks, working hard, etc. Soon after the first lap, I rubbed wheels with a CAT3 woman riding in our group and nearly went down. Yes, this event was full of shiznet.
The last few miles were much like the first few miles. I sat in 8th place riding toward the finish, but a little wheel rubbing from someone in front of me sent the field flying to either side of the road, and several of us touched our breaks for just a second to avoid what we thought was a crash. Thank goodness the two riders that touched stayed upright. The race, however, was over for those of us who touched our breaks.
SUMMARY: 55 miles total racing. Nine hills with one real climb. Average heart rate 140. Maxed at 189 which is a new “high” for me. Oldest in the peloton by 6 years. Average speed 24.1. Placed 18th.
The race series going on in Greenville, South Carolina always produces unexpected turns, weather, starts and outcomes. Today was no exception.
What seemed like a quick-trip to the race course turned into an “I’m lost and I best ask for directions.” Never mind the fact that I’ve been to the course at least 8 times. Well then, maybe the racing gods had something in mind when I inadvertently took a wrong turn.
I arrived with just 30 minutes to warm up, but the weather had a mind of its own – as in Mother Nature. She unleashed lightening, thunder and heavy rain. Had I been there “on time” I would have been soaked. The delay in arrival was a blessing – yay. After registering – in MASTERS 45+ – I went back to the car and covered my seat with a plastic bag to keep it dry. I changed inside the car — all the while with the seat heater set to max. The rain was pushing some colder temps into the area.
Alright then.
I saddled up and pedaled over to the lead official and was told that we had a ‘30 minute delay.’ With a little time on my hands, I headed up the road into the 20mph+ wind and did my pre-race gig: warm-up.
The race was ’supposed’ to start at 11:10, but the additional 30 minutes meant the start would be around 11:40. At 11:35 I returned to the start/finish line and overheard the starter give the one minute warning. WTF? I needed a bio-break and wanted to toss the rain jacket — so I whipped my bike over to the car and did both. I heard “go” and damn – when I shifted to “go” my chain dropped. This unto itself isn’t a big deal, but at the start of the race – not-so-good. After a short chase I caught the train and was on the back of the peloton.
Looking around I noticed that some young folks were in the group. “Umm?” I asked a guy next to me (who looked to be 20 years old) did he ride in the MASTERS group very often. His reply was funny, “man, you’re in the CAT3’s, you’d best get to chasing – the MASTERS group left 5 minutes before us.”
The thought bubble above my head was a huge: WTF!
I was in the wrong group! Again, WTF!. My number was in the sequence of the CAT3’s but I registered as a MASTERS 45+. Go figure. My mind was in turmoil … I stared ahead at the wet roads and I knew my day was over. By that I mean, I felt as if I would be DQ’d because I was in the wrong group. As such I wouldn’t’ place with the 3’s — and thus, the Saturday race would be a bust. Again, WTF!
After the first lap, I elected to make the workout a hard one. Why not – today’s plan called for a long race at max intensity. Midway through the second lap I left the group and rode ahead and no one followed. I tucked into my TT position and moved along at about 21 or 22 …. into a 20mph headwind. Nearing the start area four guys bridged up to me and I jump in with them … moving as efficiently as possible. Luck was such that the rest of the peloton jumped hard and was coming up fast. When we grouped, near the first turn, we bunched and several guys pushed hard into the corner (which was wet – with standing water – slippery-slip-slip). One rider went down in front of me – another locked up his breaks and popped a tire (it sounded like a loud firecracker going off).
No one jumped (as is norm when a crash occurs) but the field pushed hard. I noticed the peloton was smaller (we dropped some folks), and with fewer riders it was evident that the average age might have been 25. Then at the top of the climb I went to the front and pushed again. And again. Especially when we cut into that nasty headwind.
The last two laps were without fanfare. Jumps, chasing, slowing down to 15mph, more jumps, and then a strong tailwind. 13 riders were left. And I was one of them.
The last stretch of road (of the last lap) was fast – we cruised at 31, 32 – then 33mph. A guy jumped and left us and my response was nothing more than a TT position big-gear-push. More riders came up and jumped. I waited. In the field sprint I was 8th. Two riders had gotten away – and that meant 10th place.
I spoke with the official afterward and there was a mix up with my number – so they classified me with the 3’s.
RECAP: 5 miles of warm-up. 55mile race. 8 miles of cool-down. Average HR 138 – maxed twice. Average speed 23.1 – Placed 10th. Average age 24. Next age (close to me) was 31.
More from the peloton tomorrow.
I wrote Bert and Ernie (or whatever they call themselves) an email today. I seriously doubt I’ll ever hear back from the dynamic beer duo. My email vented some – mostly it just laid down the Sam Adams law. According to the rule book if the manufacturer of a product has a recall, some remuneration is due the consumer. After all, we spend our jack to buy some kind of crap. In the case of Sam Adams all I got was a link to freakin’ website landing page – and that was it.
The topper? Today – the day I sent my nasty gram – was the same freakin day that Bert and Ernie sent me a happy meal-message via their e-news. An e-newsletter that was all “happy” and “cheerful.” WTF???!!!!! Some marketing dweeb probably thought that the newsletter would be a great way to “stay in touch with customers.”
Look you bone heads, I’ve been brand loyal for 15 years. I have the glasses, the bucket, the bar opener, the coasters, the portable bottle opener, tried every variety, and I have turned down drinking a beer when a Sam wasn’t available. Hell, I’ve even consumed Sam that was past its “best consumed by” date. Which BTW happens a lot with Sam Adams beer … retailers sell Sam that is “dated” and frankly it sucks. Both the beer and the fact that retailers sneak it in on us.
To make matters worse — my BGE went to Kroger to purchase some Sam (to replenish my supply) and Kroger would not sell her the beer (she’s of age smart ass). Shelf stocked with Sam, but retailer not willing to sell??? WTF. Again, WTF.
Good bye.
IT’S time that I changed my beer consumption habits — maybe my penchant for Liberty Ale should shine through. After all, I love Liberty Ale. Better yet, why not stock up on some Bass. I’ve wanted to learn the proper way to pour a black and tan. Heck, with the budget I’ve allocated to Sam now REMOVED I can put in the keg system and enjoy some Bass.
Outta’ here.
Lanai is the smallest of Hawaii’s inhabited islands, covering 140 square miles. It was once the home of a thriving pineapple plantation … but Lanai had to reinvent itself. The pineapples packed up and moved off-shore. Lanai is as an alluring resort destination offering world-class golf courses and award-winning accommodations. If you have the opportunity to visit or stay – Lanai is well worth it. I’ve been once – with 12 total days – and it was off the chain.
In ancient times, Lanai was thought to be overrun with evil spirits. A young man named Kaululaau, the son of a Maui chief, was exiled to Lanai to explore the island and deem it free of such spirits to make Lanai suitable for settling.
A major chapter in Lanai’s history was penned in 1922, when an enterprising businessman named James Dole purchased the island for $1.1 million. Dole started growing pineapple on his island, and soon canned pineapple and it became a smash hit on the mainland. In time, tiny Lanai developed into the world’s largest exporter of this succulent fruit. At one point, the island was producing 75 percent of the world’s pineapple. Then a few other countries elected to grow pineapples.
I prefer mango’s.
The sunset was beautiful today. Aloha.
And a dozen other things that are mentionable but unmentionable. This photo is terrific. On oh so many fronts. I love the fact that life has its ups, downs and tallness to get us into noticing what’s around us. I notice so many things because of my career, my second career at UTK and because of the way I view the world – through a camera.
This coming weekend is a spring-fling of photos and we’ll find out what Mother Nature offered up this year by way of flowers, spring bugs and buds on trees. Later.
The last of the group presentations focused on “voting.” A burr under my saddle because I’ve got major issues with voting in general. Hanging chads, sneaky candidates, prostitute rings, mismanaging money, taking SUPER-long breaks from sessions, greasing PAC leaders’ vacation plans, etc. etc.
Putting those biased thoughts aside, I opened up to the idea of voting – again. Sorta like the second strike by MLB (I gave up on them and haven’t gone back to watching). Ok-Ok.
Much like the prior three groups – this was an excellent presentation. It was informational, newsy, and persuasive. I felt as if the team of students really dug in and worked hard to convince all of us (i.e., me) to vote. The call to action was a voter registration card! Go figure.
My vote will be cast — in the next presidential election. No worries. And to COM240 – great work!
Each morning, rain or shine, this pier would require a visit to check in and make sure “life is good.” When a gem is this good, it’s best enjoyed on a daily basis. I might add it’s better than pinching yourself. Pohnpei is made up of one large volcanic island and six inhabited atolls, with most of its 133 square miles on Pohnpei island. Pohnpei State, with a population of 34,486 (est. 2000), is the national capital of the FSM and site of the Community College of Micronesia. I’ve applied for a teaching position: News @11.
Pohnpei is a lush, mountainous and fertile island with much local agriculture and a growing tourism industry. It is also gaining a reputation for its gourmet pepper.
Pohnpei is a 133.4 square area – with 117 on the island proper. Pohnpei is the largest of the FSM. Its climate is tropical and humid (what I love), with about 195″ of rain in Kolonia town alone. With temps hovering in the 80’s, this is a lovely place. You seem to be working out when you’re not working out. The great news: typhoons rarely hit Pohnpei. Just enjoy the photos and bask in the sunlight. Kaselehlia!
Somewhere the bulbs were flashing – telling the seasoned traveler to go west young man. Further, farther, go-west and keep going. Just a long damn way from Hawaii is Micronesia. Yay. Far out there. But not really.
I recommend that we travel to Pohnpei, the oldest and tallest (whatever) island in the Federated States of Micronesia.
This Gem is lush and beautiful. The waterfalls are numerous and range from pleasant to spectacular, creating a refreshing and breathtaking experience for those venturing to the base of the falls. There are even camping areas at some sites for those who want to hear the tumble of the water as they sleep under the tropical sky. The streams are great for cooling off after a hike in the hills.
It rained here most of the day – blah! It was raining when we woke, raining before we rode. The rain passed while we were out, but once we landed back home the pelting of droplets kept coming. And it rained for the rest of the afternoon – and it’s still raining. The forecasters missed the boat, the PFD and the they must have issues reading the radar screen.
On the Big Island it was snowy. Ergo the photo. Lots of it – with a clear view and calm winds. I would have traded the snow for rain today – especially if it were on the Big Island. The ocean, just miles away, makes the snowball toss even more fun. More about that later. Aloha.
I’ve uploaded a great series of photos from Hawaii. Several that seem to fit the spirit of Aloha and many that just make me want to re-visit again. And again. I’ve taken time out to really find some shots from my archives that look great – feel even better – and several that bring a smile to my face. DOUBLE click a shot and the larger image will load. Enjoy.
My day started with 24 bright-eyed students who really get it. I’m talking every one of them. This semester has been a huge blessing on so many levels – especially with COM240. Seeing, hearing and watching a group of young adults show me (!) how to present has been … entertaining, challenging, stressful (at times), fulfilling, and it has kept me young at heart.
Seeing these folks “do their thing” while on stage in front of their peers is pretty kewl. Even with tough topics like Volunteering, Exiting the War — or Staying in the War, they gave their best. I see so much potential in them – in their futures. Wow is what I say! Rock-on COM240.
And the day was full of interesting twists of fate, agendas, issues and petty life-crap. At each turn, “life” reminded me of its simple premise: enjoy each day as if it were our last. Yet, I kept making it complex by thinking and re-thinking the days ahead … or years.
Each day most of us who are “alive” contemplate life – and specifically what it’s bringing us for the moment. We act as if “life” depends on the success of each interaction – each decision – each breath. Whatever. Complexity only means stress and with it a shorter view of the inevitable. We’re all going to die – when it’s our time. I subscribe to the philosophy that we had best make EVERY second count.
I’m certain that the men and women who served on the USS Arizona had no inkling that they would perish while harbored on the beautiful island of Oahu. What complex issues were going on within the families that were linked to those serving aboard the Arizona? Think about it. Can you imagine? Each person serving was connected with a family … somewhere … somehow. Each person had issues, dreams, problems, desires. Each had a choice as to how to view “life.”
Crazy as it sounds, I slept better because I realized that today was a gift. The moments I have – now – are the present. Tomorrow is uncertain. The “present” we’re given today had best be enjoyed for what it is — the present — a gift.
