Re-introduced

For a week and a half I've been down and out with a cold.  I came to work a couple of times, but exhaustion had me commuting by bus or car.  This morning as I put my pedaling legs back to work I found they wanted to rebel.  Though the brisk morning air refreshed my lungs and mind, my legs began to burn and protest being back at the old grind.  It's all good, though.  The screaming should not last long.

Hit and Run...and Run...and Run

I'm amazed at the brazen nature of some folks who act as though they are made of money.  This particular instance makes me sick.  Just downplay what has been done and splash some cash at it.  That will make it all better.  It's sick.  I am appalled by the irresponsibility of some people who treat life like a video game.

If you agree that this is wrong, pop on over here and jump aboard.

Velcro Sand

There are several great things about riding a bike with fenders, but the most awesome of those things is riding through a patch of velcro sand.  Velcro sand pockets are elusive, but they are out there.  You never know if you've found one until you hear that sweet sound of ripping velcro. 

A deposite of sand may end up velcro for one bike and nothing for the next.  It's all about matching tire tread to sand particle size.  When you get that perfect match-up, the sand sticks to the tire just long enough to be lifted up and deposited against the bottom of the fender, causing that velcro music. 

100 Miles Complete!

Friday, October 29th, I finally completed the 100 Miles of Nowhere 2010!  The ride was sweet.  The ride was monotonous, monstrous, and long.  Here's the quick recap:

Miles 1-15 watched "How to Train Your Dragon".
Miles 15-30 took forever, and were very difficult.  Didn't want to stop to set up a new movie...
Miles 30-50 set a solid pace...watched Dragon twice more without sound. Cramping of left calf began at mile 40.
Breakfast at mile 50 was awesome...bacon, peanut butter on toast, and coke.
Miles 50-75 watched "Iron Man".  More cramps from miles 70 to 75 as I picked up pace to reach the 3/4 point.
Miles 75-100 watched "Star Trek". 
Finished at about 1:30 in the afternoon.

I had some great miles to think about my friend, Adam and others I know who have battled/are battling cancer.  Just over 6 1/2 hours on the bike matches one Chemotherapy Treatment.  Several times I found myself counting down the seconds for a given mile set.  I understand he's done some counting down through much more pain than I can ever imagine. 

Props to all those who fight that dirty illness that would take all!

In Preparation...

Tomorrow morning I'm going to ride 100 miles.  It's going to hurt a bit...or perhaps more than a bit.  Here's how I'm preparing to complete the task:

1.  I opened up my calendar and put the right mark on it.
2.  I took my rollers down from the wall and set my bike on them.
3.  I'll pick out a few movies to watch while suffering in my basement.
4.  I'll collect several energy foods including, but not limited to:  Powerbar Vanilla Crisp, Bananas, Peanutbutter Sandwiches, Jr. Bacon Cheeseburgers, Cliff Shotblocks, and several bottles of water and Carborocket.  I've also heard Coke is awesome on long rides...perhaps a couple of those.

I also did many rides this summer to prepare for such a task as riding 100 miles.  These rides included, and were entirely limited to:  My daily commute, and twice around the river loop (17 miles).

Alright, so thinking about my physical preparation makes me feel a little woozy.  This is going to be painful.