Meeting of the Giants

Steve arrived Friday night at my place--I returned from a dinner for College of Medicine Residents--at a swank golf resort in the foothills. I think I drank too much wine. When I got home I was exhausted. Steve showed up while I fumbled around trying to get everything ready. Alarm was set for 4am. I didn't even hear it--Steve had to wake me up. So our 4am ride ended up being a 6am ride.

The plan was to test my new commute route to TMC, and then cut down to the Hungry Fox for breakfast. After breakfast, the plan was to head out to Saguaro Nat'l Park, and ride on up to Colossal Cave time permitting. With the late start--we would modify our plans to avoid 107 degrees.

Ready to roll. I spent $250 bucks on the LeMond but didn't have time to put on the new saddle, so I'm riding the trusty Raleigh-- still a sweet bike.


Steve's magical new Italian shoes--too bad they didn't come with magical Italian cleats! We had to stop and adjust them all day. But Steve looked good and that's the important thing!


We start at the YMCA and ride up Ina to Swan. Here we are just at the top of Skyline and Swan. Ina turns into Skyline and is a pretty good climb. We rode up fast and strong--still was a good amount of traffic on Ina and then Skyline, even at 6:30 am on Saturday. That's what's making me a little nervous--Skyline is busy with tons of traffic. But now I know I'm fit enought to handle the climbing.


We've been climbing in the foothills, heading due East. Now we have several miles of a sweet downhill to the Hungry Fox for breakfast. We pass my office and the commute distance is about 15 miles, and we're ridden about 50 minutes.


Broadway and Swan at the Hungry Fox. Two years ago on Father's Day, an older fellow drove through the front lobby while attempting to park his car. The place was packed, but no one was hurt. The place was closed months for repairs--probably prolonging the life of all the artery-hardened patrons.

Even though I love to eat at this place, it must be done only rarely. The regulars are quite obese and sickly-looking. Everyone has a walker or an oxygen bottle. It will take riding both days this weekend to burn off the 300,000 calories I'm about to savor.


At the Con Tiki next door to Hungry Fox, I pay homage to Dios Tiki de Tucson.


Yet another Tiki God! A gouche--that is Steve a doit, mes amis!


Tiki Gods must move aside! Zoot alors! 'Tis Team Mooney--the Giants of Triathlon! This is BigBallsWalz, or as we like to address His Fitness--Satan Bo Jangels--President of Team Mooney.


Jesus Chris Mooney--known for saying, "Let There Be Team Mooney" and it was so. I explained to the Giants I was going to wear my Team Mooney jersey--but spilled vanillia-flavored soy milk on it while eating my Honey Nut Cheerios--damn...


Bo J, Le Steve, and Jesus Chris


Yours (out of uniform) Bo J, and Le Steve

Mooney and Stef were heading back home and we're on our way to Saguaro Nat'l Park. Kind of cool that we've been able to cut right thru the heart of the city--and soon be in Saguaro Nat'l Park.


Bo J and Le Steve... Meeting of Giants


On our way--

We made a quick stop at the Ramada, which is still open althought they're re-paving the scenic 9 mile drive in the Park. Here's Rincon Peak from the Country Store on Old Spanish Trail. Colossal Cave is maybe 10 miles from here--because its getting late (thanks to my sleeping in) Steve and I decide to head back. A few years ago I hiked up to Rincon Peak-- in one day-- on Stef's Birthday--it almost killed me--but I made it. So seeing the peak humbles me because I could have carried more water and been in better shape.


We'll take Freeman Road to Tanke Verde, and then take Tanke Verde to Pima. Part of this route will be my old commute route to UofA when I lived near Sabino Canyon. Freeman Road down to Tanke Verde is fast, and it keeps us out of traffic. As you can see from the photo, its a straight shot North.


I take Steve down Pima Ave. There's a lot less traffic on Pima and the 30 mph speed limit. We drop by Pima Street Bikes but Phil and Judy have customers so we don't stay long. Judy mentioned that I wasn't riding my LeMond that she and Phil just overhauled. As you know mes amis, I was too busy drinking wine the night before to put my new saddle on the LeMond! But I digress--from here on Pima I can look down to my office, right under the old 1927 water tower there, to Grant Ave and the TMC Campus...


Pima takes us down to UMC, and we pass by my old job. A few blocks West we'll ride North up Mountain Ave to the River Bike Path.


Probably the trickiest move is the left turn from La Cholla onto Ina. The YMCA is about two miles from that crossing. As you can see, traffic was heavy. As we were going through, the green arrow turned red by the time we got in the middle of the intersection--which meant it was green for about five seconds!


66 miles later. Swimming at the YMCA pool should be nice after a long day in the office.

Happy Father's Day!

Claire's Cafe

I took the LeMond to Pima Street Bikes for an overhaul. In the mean time, I did some tinkering with my old Raliegh. My Dad bought it for me in 1977 or 1978, and only now have I appreciated what an awesome bike it is.

I switched out the Brooks saddle and the aero bars I had on the LeMond. I made a few minor adjustments, and I have to say the combination looks handsome, and the ride is oh so comfortable--especially in the bars. Check out the picture. This bike is cool, and rides sweet.



Early this morning I went for a 50 mile spin and ended up having breakfast at Clarie's cafe. As I sat down and got my first cup of coffee, Bev called me from Texas. She was at a cafe herself, alone--and asked me is Steve was there with me at Claires. No just by myself. She said she'd call back later. So in a way it was like we had breakfast together.

Today marks the first day in a long time I've had time to ride. Life has been pretty stressful--Bev tells me how much Texas sucks, and how much being in the Army sucks. They work six days a week with only Sunday off. Most of the soldiers go out Saturday night and get shit-faced.

Being in Afganistan dosen't worry her--its the pin heads in her Battalion. She said there's quite a difference between being trained and being educated. There's a lot of stupid people so you have to be on your toes all the time. The hard part for Bev is that the leadership could give a rat's ass about anything other than flying their helicoptors. She said most of the pilots are pretty full of themselves and when it comes to their assigned administrative duties, they just don't want to bother. So nothing is organized and nobody cares.

Coming home through Rancho Vistoso, I got in a pack of three young women and they were all riding strong and we were going at a good clip. As we started going up a long hill, they slowly pulled ahead and I got dropped. But that's okay because it was good to have some nice people to chat with and its cool to get in a tight pack and go fast.

Allure Libre!

Air Force One

Last week when the President was in Yuma, Arizona--and other places in the State--I believe AirForceOne made a unanounced stop to re-fuel at DMAFB. I was at the park playing catch with my dog Callie--when I noticed a very large shimmering white-huge aircraft in the sky.

Normally large aircraft, which are military, don't fly in this area--but I must say this plane was flying quite low--so low in fact that I could clearly see it was AirForceOne.

Why do I mention this sighting, you say? I will explain mes amis: There was not a cloud in the sky. Nor was there wind or any stirring or any thing; machine or man or animal... Then appears this gleaming white--almost angelic--object overhead.

Once many years ago when I was a young man in Washington DC, President Reagan's car drove by close to the Potomac Ave Subway Stop where I was working in the neighborhood. Many men in black appeared and they were carring machine guns--and they were walking my way. It was pretty scary--then suddenly the just stopped and disappeared. I heard later that a mentally ill homeless man had thrown a dirt clod and hit the president's limo.

How does that song go?

You don't tug on Super Man's cape
You don't spit into the wind
You don't pull the mask off that ol' Lone Ranger
and you don't mess around with Jim

Owt

Big Lizard slain on Glenn Ave

Last night as I just left the TMC campus, a large lizard decided to try and cross Glenn. He didn't make it because I accidentaly ran over him. He was one of the biggest lizards I've ever seen. I suppose that didn't make him any faster or smarter because what was he doing crossing the road at rush hour? I really didn't see him until it was too late--I couldn't stop because I had some soccer mom tailgating me. He made a pretty big thump--I looked back in my rear view, and I saw fresh roadkill. I also noticed that the empty gaze of the bitch tailgating me had not changed. That lizard--I was sad I ran him over.

My ride in was tough--the air is dry and dusty, and full of pollen. I just took it easy. The River Park is way under construction. It used to be old ranch land but condos and subdivisions are springing up all around. Even in the morning its hot and dusty.

These condos are about done... On the North side of River Rd there's a new subdivison--I used to see cows out there. Lots of dust and dirt from the construction is in the air...


This is Mountain Ave going South to UofA, and I'm going East on Glenn. Its about four more miles to TMC.

The old water tower built in 1927 comes into view a few miles out. My office is right underneath this famous TMC and Tucson landmark. They wanted to tear it down--which they eventually will--but people have told me its too expensive to demolish. TMC is in the business of making money--not spending it.


The wall in my office--to remind me to get out and train for the big rides!

After a long day in the office, I changed and started the ride home. A breeze felt nice to keep things cool, but only after a few miles, my throat was bone dry!

Going down Glenn is kind of cool and there's some pretty funky homes and neighborhoods. The people are not that affluent. Most of the houses could use some work, and the cars are old and beat up. It seems like its a tough neighborhood. That's when its weird when I'm at a stop sign or stop light on Glenn, and a new porshe or Lexus or Jeep or Hummer pulls up beside me. They're probably doctors and residents going home from TMC. Maybe they're drug dealers!

Back on Mountain Ave I rode with another cyclist, and we chatted as we headed down the River path. He had a pretty nice bike, but he was lamenting his very very very nice bike getting stolen out of his garage a few days before. He was at home and doing chores. As the sun was going down, he thought he better put the garage door down for the evening--Dang! The bike was gone! Bummer.

Owt

Coopers Hawk

Yesterday I was leaving the office, and walked up on a Cooper's Hawk like the one in the photo I got from the web. I had heard that they were on the TMC Campus so it was very exciting for me to see this regal creature!

He was drinking from the irrigation system that was just starting to water the huge Euciliptus trees by the old student nurses living quarters--they are almost as tall as the old 1927 water tower here by the library.

I was only about 15 or 20 feet from him when he flew up onto a tree branch. He looked me over and I could see those reddish eyes peering at me. When I tried to move a bit closer he flew up into the trees so I couldn't see him. Many years ago TMC was a TB sanitorium, and trees and saguaros were planted to make the place feel peaceful and healing. When I can, I try to eat lunch at one of the different parks or "patios" thay still remain from the 1920s.

My ride home was good and I made good time to the car. Its getting hot so the River Path is deserted.

Owt.

Yet Another Ride Report!

Yesterday I zipped into the office and had a pleasant ride in. I met a guy Steve on his commute to UofA, and we had a nice chat about things--except when he made comment about the woman who ran the stop sign and almost ran over me. Yes, yet another complaint from Yours! Okay. I stop at Mtn Ave and Limber Lost--its a 4 Way stop. But see nobody ever stops. In this case, I passed Steve and we said Good Morning, and then I got to the intersection, stopped, and then a woman in a Jeep Liberty came up and just kept going and turning right and not even fuckin lookin just kept going and I was holding out my hand and yelling HEY STOP and she was kept going and being the nimble cat I am I got my ass out of the way just in time and I lived. So waiting at the light Steve comes up and we look at each other and he smiles and shakes his head. "They never stop, do they?" "No they don't," is my reply.

Other than that, I am feeling pretty good about things. Still tweaking the particulars of unlocking and locking things up--getting into the shower getting my clothes together, and changing with the most efficiency. For example I use two towels for the shower. One I put on the floor and fold up because the water doesn't drain too well and the whole locker room starts to flood. With the towel I don't have to worry about water everywhere. The lockers are kind of small so I can't really hang my bike stuff up to dry. I can just stash towels and shoes and soap and stuff.

Oh yeah, the blog will be almost a year old at the end of the week! Time to think about the blog and my cycling goals! And get some more pictures for you guys to look at.

Owt!

The Old Mtn

We needed sugar for the morning coffee, and my turn to buy--so a quick urban spin down to Trader Joe's at lunch. When I'm not commuting in on the road bike, I keep my campus bike in the bike locker.

I'm finding more TMC people, and other folks that work in nearby office complexes have campus bikes. Trader Joe's and Chipotle are places to see and be seen--but Grant and Swan is pretty congested. A bike is much faster... and more fun!

I can't even find bike parking in front of Chipotle! Ate there once with a friend from AHSL days. It was okay. I'm still on the look-out for more interesting places.


The Old Mtn--there's good karma when I ride this bike.

Love!

Urban Freedom Rider

I have my old Mtn Bike here on Campus--and I've used it to run around on and explore places to have lunch. Dangerous to ride around here because Grant and Swan area is King to the Automobile. It feels kinda cool to be able to be free of the steet--but twice people in cars, pulling out to turn onto Grant, didn't see me. They weren't even looking. I don't blame them because what fool would ride a bike? I'm riding on the side walks--no one using them to walk on, so it feels like I own it, Baby! I must stay alert. I am surprised at how many people I see driving that are older and on the verge of "impaired"

I biked over to the China Star resturant last week. It was pretty awful. This afternoon I biked down to Panda Express on Grant and Swan. It wasn't much better than China Star. Some lady yacked on her cell phone the whole time we were in line--in Romanian I think. She was just talking and pointing to the slop she wanted. It was pretty rude. There was this cute young Chinese girl helping us, and I smiled at her and said please and thank you. I think she appreciated my manners. I saw the same lady sitting outside, still on the cell, and stuffing her face. I noticed that one of those little finches that hops around looking for scaps took a shit on her shoulder when it flew off (she didn't notice)

I looked at my watch and noticed it had taken me about three minutes to ride down to this place--and I should slow down and not inhale my lunch.

My fortune cookie au jourd qui: You will soon receive help from an unexpected source

May will be a good Month--send checks directly to me, mes amis!

Allure Libre!

Ride Report

I rode from the Golf Course to the office this morning. Pretty uneventful except that its about time I got off my butt. I rode pretty good and I felt great. I can tell my bike is in need of a major tune-up however. I still don't think I'm ready to brave Ina which turns into Sunrise. It would get me fit alright--its all climbing. The sun is a bit better in the morning. Back when I started the new job, driving to work, the sun was right in my eyes and I couldn't see--and everybody was driving really fast. Sun is higher so by the time I think I'm ready to roll on the bike on that route, I can be seen.

My commute from the Golf Course to the bike locker is 17.7 miles, so its a bit longer that 15 that I used to ride from this spot to UofA. The last few miles from Mountain Ave to Swan, and then TMC has many lights and 4-Way stops, but the road is good for the most part.

At work I felt like a new man--all the stress and goo running thru my body get burned off when I bike, and the things that stress me out abandon the ride and don't matter. I feel lighter, and stronger...

A few days ago I brought my old Mtn bike that I never ride much, and have it locked in the bike rack that's near my bike locker. At lunch I took it for a spin and went to see friends. One friend had a Beck CD of mine and I got that back. My stylist--who cuts my hair wasn't in--he had been in a car wreck and my last appointment was cancelled. I never re-scheduled but wanted to say hello.

Gosh, this is boring--what else should I tell you? The main thing is that I just got out there and rode. Now I'm starting to see the other men and women that work at TMC ride in as well. Must be something in the air.

Owt

Glenn Ave

I had a nice commute into the office this morning. Just the 10 mile commute down Glenn Ave. It sure is nice to be on the bike, and I'll be figuring out the logistics as I go. I'm still fumbling with which entrance is faster, with less traffic, etc.

This morning, I met another cyclist in the tiny locker room--turns out the guy is Dr. Steve W. and what a cool guy. Usually I won't run into him, he says, because this morning he was running a little late. He was pleasantly surprised that the new librarian is a cyclist--this helps me out with job security because, as I found out later, Steve, as he would rather I call him, is buds with the Head Honcho here at TMC. And my boss tells me that Steve is one of the top docs and a pretty important guy--but what ever he is, he was a nice fellow.

Yesterday I drove over to Pima Street Bikes, and I was surprised how close it was. I bought a tube for Bev's bike, but discovered it was the wrong size. Today at lunch, I went back to the bike locker, got the bike, and zipped over to the shop in 2 minutes. I couldn't believe how close I was. It took me longer to drive there yesterday--I had to wait forever to make a left across Grant Ave. Anyway, I exchaged the tube for the right one, and was on my way.

The thing was that from the corner of Pima and Beverly, I could see all the down the road and just see the top of the TMC water tower. The library is right underneath this 1927 hunk of steel--that I hope never falls while I'm in the office. Anyway--I don't believe I would have noticed this vista had I been in the climate-controled auto.

Its good for me to see new things, and ride down roads I've never seen. Everywhere is a discovery. The neighborhood isn't really that great, but some on the little bungalos have quite a bit of charm. Character and charm--luckily you can still find it here and there.

Tonight I plan to make the right turn on Glenn and Mountain--so as to not ride down into the ruins.

Owt

My Food Poisoning Adventure!

Bon Jour Mes Amis.

Yes, that's right--got food poisoning. I have been home sick for going on six days. I am only able to write this because of the two IV bags I received yesterday while at Urgent Care. As the IV began to flow into my arm, everything changed from the black/white with green shadows--to RBG millions of colors--I lived!

I tried to go to work yesterday, but by 11am was in trouble. I must have been pretty dehydrated because the room started to spin and everything turned black and white. Driving myself to Urgent Care (which is ironic because I work in a 40 acre state of the art medical complex) the idiot light in 22X came on--telling me I was going to run out of fuel--which is again ironic because I was out of fuel mentally, physically, emotionally, and now mechanically. I really hit the iceburg this time...

I suppose I interrupted my Guardian Angel's lunch with the Girls so she could real quick put some magic dust in my gas tank and get my butt to at least the parking lot of Urgent Care.

The medical staff and nurses took care of the formalities--I didn't even feel the IV needle--and then the fog lifted for the first time in many days. Holy Shit! A week of my life was gone!

So Bev and I ate at a little Mexican place we like. That was Sunday late afternoon. Within a few hours I was ill, and then grappled with the beast all night, and then most of Monday. Tuesday was a rest day. Wednseday I went back to work and worked until noon--had an appointment but skipped the doctor visit--the worst is over so I thought--a mistake. Should have just stayed home one more day and rested.

Now Dr's orders are to stay home and rest--so I will. Already I'm feeling stronger and want to return to my old self with a vengence. One week missed of productivity both mental and physical. This week things really have changed and the sun rises earlier and sets later. It is Spring.

Cool.

South Mountain Ride

I was zippin down the 101 heading to Scottsdale Friday nite, when suddenly everybody started to go very very slow--this is 8:30 p.m. and I'm not far from Steve and Kim's place--all the sudden there were a series of bright stobe flashes, like lightening. Holy Shit! I'm busted! It was those speed cameras that take your picture. I remember Steve telling me about them--about they got some woman going 130 mph. They had a grace period and with my luck the grace period is over.

My speeding ticket will come in the mail soon. I was going 80 mph at least. So was everybody else, Gentle Reader--except they all knew where the cameras were placed, and slowed down, way down--while I sped on. ZAP , POW, POW! Those lights! Bastards!


Here's South Mountain about 6 a.m. The Sun is just coming up, and Steve and I are crossing the bridge into Tempe and the campus of Arizona State University.


Yours on the old Tempe Bridge. I-Hop is just a few minutes away and breakfast. Its a beautful Spring morning. Still kind of cold, and we had to wear warmers--and we'd have to carry that stuff with us all day. To stay warm, and not have to carry a jacket all day, I have yesterday's newspaper tucked under my jersey. The paper keeps out the cold morning air. I tossed the paper at I-Hop, and then wished I hadn't because it was still cool after breakfast. Even in Tempe it was cool until almost 9 a.m.


ASU Crew Club sets off for an early morning workout.


We're on the old bridge. The new bridge has some cool design elements. I 'd like to steal this and use for a jersey logo. The sun is coming up over the Superstition Mtns--Let's get rolling to I-Hop!


I have to say that this 100 mile ride was just what we needed. Weather was finally good for a change, and Steve as always is strong and sets a good pace. In no time we have ridden about 50 miles, and West out onto the Gila Bend Indian Reservation.

Now we're heading East, thru Guadalupe, and South Mtn is coming into view. Guadalupe is just waking up. The fields are green, the cows are fat, and the horses are alert and watching us as we cruise past.


Getting closer. We've made good time--We actually discuss by-passing riding to the top. We need to be back early as possible--but we agree we're feeling strong, and we need to do some climbing.


Of course, one of us gets a flat. Flats take time to fix. Everything has to stop and you make the best of it. Steve fixes the flat tire while I fill up water bottles and snap a few photos of the old Ranger Station where we've stopped.


Circa 1929 sturcture.


Part of the old Ranger Station. There's a drinking fountain which has very cold water, and a restroom.


South Mtn from the Ranger Station. From here 8 miles to the summit and the towers.

Steve and I climbed the 8 miles and I believe we both felt pretty strong. I started to really feel it and had not ridden like this in about 3 weeks. The last two miles to the summit were brutal and even the last mile was killing me.

We made it to the top and I thought I was going to pass out. I didn't have much water, and it was now about 11:30 in the morning. It was very hot at the top and there was no shade--but I had to get myself together so I could get back down. Just a creepy feeling knowing that you pushed yourself almost to your limit. Mes amis, I was right on the edge. It felt like my heart was going to bust out of my chest and bounce down the mountain, me chasing after!

Oh yes, I must mention that right before the TV towers, we did the other peak called Dobbs Lookout or something like that--pretty cool.


The top!


Hey? Is that Wilbur Wright at Kitty Hawk? On examination, you can still see the elements of the bicycle in these gliders--they're not much different from the test kites and gliders the Wright Bros flew in 1904.

This was such a beautiful weekend! The para sail guys and hang glider people were up there. It was very hot so we didn't stay long--


On the way back, I got this quick snap-shot of "A" Mountain. On our way to lunch now as we ride thru ASU campus, pass the Mountain, go over that bridge, and thru Papago Park. It is 87 degrees or hotter up here in Phoenix. And we're trying to get back to Scottsdale. No place to stop really--just need to get back.

Of course 2 miles from Steve's house, I get a flat tire on the front wheel. Steve says just pump it up and keep going. This did save us some time, and finally we were back by 3:30 pm--we rode a good solid 117 miles.

So to recover so I could make the drive home, I slept on the floor for about 15 minutes. That really revived me and I took a quick shower and went on my way. It was a fast weekend, mainly on the bike which is what I like.

The 600 km looms around the corner, mes amis! Stay tuned...

Owt---

Rode in on a Broom

I probably should have taken before and after photos, Gentle Readers, of my new bike locker. I promise a full photo essay soon! All I can say is that is was filthy, and this morning I arrived early with a old rag, a broom, and bust bin to shovel out the dirt and spider webs.

A phone call to security forces, which probably would have been forwarded to the Mail Room, where I picked up the key the other day, could have eventually gotten some one out there to at least use a leaf blower and blast all that shit out.

People coming to work saw me marching across the TMC campus broom and dust bin in hand, probably wondering to themselves what the hell I was up to. Bubba or Bobby Dewayne was maybee thinkin to themselves, "That thar boy up and ought tah ride that there broom on in to his lolly-pop desk job..." Well damn their NASCAR hats, gotees, and RayBans! Je suis un Randonneur, cowboy!

So I swept out and carried off three shovel loads of what looks like years of dust and grit. I can't see how it got so messed up in there. I might be that the parking garage leaks and all the water drips down on the bike lockers--but this is a chance for me to pimp my bike locker with photos of svelt ladies and Hello Kitty posters!

Sweet!

Meth

My good friend and colleague at AHSL got his nice road bike stolen out of his garage this last Friday afternoon. I am feeling very bad for him and his family--because, as he told me in an email today--the thief came back and broke into their house Saturday. He says they smashed out the back kitchen widow in the door with one of his golf clubs. This is pretty upsetting to me, and Stef thinks its because of people on Meth.

When I bought my place here in Dog Mtn a few years ago, one evening I went outside and there were like 30 FBI and DEA agents--with guns drawn, and with K-9 Units going over the house across the street. So I had drug dealers living on my street. I knew something was up... They got a lot of visitors, and cars would be driving by all the time, and turning around in the cul du sac which is our street. The cars were nice cars, but kind of pimped. The clients of my former drug dealing neighbors crusied by for months after the Heat got them out. The house sat empty for about a year until it was fianlly bought by a couple and their kind of dim-witted pubesant daughter. Geez--at least the drug dearler dude and his freak waved and kept things tidy.

Anyway, I'm just kind of bummed out because we work hard to have nice things and then someone just smashes down your door and takes what ever they can grab, so they can get high.

So this excrement grabbed Stef's road bike, only to realize this object was beyond his mental or physical capabilities--

Owt

DNF

The 400 didn't go so well--it was a let down. It was so cold and the wind was so strong. My legs were like noodles--I had no energy. It's like the wind just came in and robbed me of my spirit. I felt cold and empty. Everytime we seem to take on this kind physical and mental endevor, the forces of nature hammers us down.

When it was all said and done--I must say that we needed this rain. Rainfall and then sunshine make the desert around these parts quite spectacular. Driving home from Casa Grande, after dropping off Steve to met Kim for a ride home, I took the brevet route back to Tucson for awhile--a fender-bender on the Fwy had traffic backed up for 14 miles from Picacho Peak to just past Eloy--anyway, I was driving through the farm land fresh after the rain. The roads were deserted--I saw coyotes darting around. Birds were everywhere, all kinds. It was like everything came to life. The sky was that awesome deep blue, and the mountains were dark with rain. Big clouds hung on Mt Lemmon--there's snow on the Catalinas now.

I cut over West on the I-10 Frontage Rd, then went just under the Fwy and just a few miles ahead of where traffic was all backed up. Right there as you come out of the going under the Fwy, Picacho Peak is right there. A cloud was just hanging on top of it, and the cloud looked just like a white river flowing around and around the peak in a slow circle.

So even though I didn't complete the 257 miles that make up 400 Kilometers, I was happy I got to see the Peak in this special way.

Allure Libre

French Toast

As the Regional Brevet Administrator, or RBA, Susan Plonsky has the job of running the show. After the brevets are planned out, she makes sure, through her various contacts, that our brevet cards we carry with us--and so carefully guard--make it to Paris, France.

Susan rides the brevets solo the week before. That way she can be the offical for our brevets. It takes a lot of courage to do this--ride hundreds of miles on your own through the desert. Since I had the week off before the new job, and wanted to do a few training rides, Susan asked me to ride with her through more of the remote parts of the 400 Km course.

All I can say is that the head winds were relentless--a storm front was moving into Tucson. I met her at Ajo Way and Kinney at the McD's and soon I realized we were on the "Shoot Out" course that the pros and hard core dude's train on. The road sucked, and the head wind was brutal. Just for a break we stopped for a photo op at Mission San Xavier, and took the picture below.



I carried my new handle bar bag, which seemed to work well. Mostly I stashed my camera in there and it took up most of the room. I need a new camera I guess, because I know you all don't want to read, you want to see the pictures!

Head winds were tough, and I was getting beat down. Susan road strong and I had to stay on her wheel and get pulled along.

Very tough was the head wind from Green Valley to Amado Jct. That's on the Frontage Rd of I-19. And the ride to Arivaca, which is a great 22 miles through wilderness and cattle ranches--very difficult indeed.

Only on 286 through the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge did we get a break--for 35 miles we road at 20+ mph with the tailwind, and I recovered and got my strenght back. The sun set and the mountains were beautiful to behold. My lights worked very well and there was little or no traffic all the way to the store in Three Points.

Susan had ridden about 190 miles, and was on her way back to Casa Grande. I road East on Ajo Way back to my car. It was dark and the 10 miles were long and lonely, but I was able to ride pretty fast. At one point I ran over something on the shoulder and it jarred me so hard that my lights came loose, and my back-up light came flying off. I ran out onto the hwy and fetched it. I just remember long strands of plastic bags clinging to the scawny trees next to the shoulder--Sometimes they looked like ghosts with flowing hair and clothes. It was creepy and I was glad when the stop lights at Ajo Way and Kinney came into view.

Allure Libre!

Pre 400 Km Prep

The aero bars are off to make way for a handle bar bag. The bag I got at the GABA swap meet for $15. I just think I need to figure out how to make use of the extra space. Probably can hold one more water bottle, food, and warm gear. I know I have to drink more and eat more. The extra space may help in this matter.

You might notice my commuter light mounted to the right handle bar drop. This may not work but I'm going to give it a try.

I think I just need to relax--I spent most of today working on the bike--I put on new tires, and made adjustments. It's best to figure this stuff out now then try to mess with it on the road.

Steve and I had a very strong 400 Km last year. That's because we had a nice pace line going through the remote part of the course, down by the border of Old Mexico. Rich Combs and Mike Allen are not with us this year.

Stay tuned for my training adventures!

Cheers,

What I Wished For

Be careful what you wish for--because you might get it. Yesterday I drove to TMC for some formalities with the new job. So I drove the route what will be my commute.

I must say that it will be a long commute and pretty daunting. It was 80 degrees and seemed much hotter and I saw cyclists out on the road--they looked like they were working hard--yeah, this one guy going up that long climb, North on Swan, to Skyline--he was suffering. Now I know why the riders in the peleton are called prisoners. You don't own the road, the road owns you.

I'll make my peace and stop complaining--I mean, I did want a good commute--and I got it.

At TMC I had a physical. They say I'm in good shape, and were pretty impressed with my blood pressure, which seemed stronger than they noramally see. But the nurses there gave me all kinds of shots and I had to have a blood draw--and I was saying, "Hey this is for nurses and doctors and stuff--I'm just the library guy!" "No--doesn't matter," they said. "Give me your arm--" O! how I hate shots.

So my last day at AHSL is Thursday. Friday evening we're all going to get together and meet at Gentle Ben's and everyone will have a few beers and hang out. Gentle Reader, if you are in Tucson pls come by and wish me the best. My plan is to try to kiss as many of the girls as possible, so I've invited all the ones I like. With luck, they won't bring their boyfriends!

Allure Libre!

New Job! New Job!

Well you know I got's me a new job. Yep. More money, 8-2-4:30 mon - fri . A bad-ass commute that will either get me killed--or turn me into a mutant.

There's the Danger Commute, and then there's the little girl commute. I like to see the bunnies and I do appreciate the song birds. I like to hear the rooster crow in the mornings. I like to see the horses on River Ave. I like to see the pretty girls out jogging...

Riding on River, and then riding on Ina/Skyline--this is a man's ride; gritty! fast! speed! idiots behind the wheels of automobiles! Soccer Moms on cell phones! Holy sh_t but it is awesome. I feel like the Big Bad Wolf amongst the sheep.

But the speedy weedies could most likely care less. They're probably thinking to themselves, "Why can't you just drive a car like everybody else?"

I start the new job March 13th--I'll take about 10 days off to ride my bike and train for the 400 km brevet.

Friday March 3rd, after work, we're all meeting at Gentle Ben's. You're invited!

Cheers!

Cochise Revisited

Back in October, my bike in the hotel room after Cochise...

I read the official results of the Cochise Classic right before the weekend, and it included all the statistics on the event. Concerning the 252 mile ride, 30 riders had signed up and only 19 finished.

This isn't very scientific, but if you look at the times, you will see that at number 16, I was leading the second half of the riders. The storm and the wind, as you know Gentle Readers, pounded away at me and my fellow cyclists--we were slowed down almost to a crawl in that wind and rain, and hail.

The last three riders that came in were a good 2.5 to 3 hours behind my finising time--that means that 11 racers between me and the last three didn't finish. DNF.

Its clear I was pretty lucky, mes amis.

A River Runs Thru It

I haven't offically told the office, just a few close friends, but I have accepted a new position at TMC. A pretty good gig--and of course one of the great things about it is that I will be able to bike into the office. My new library is housed where the indoor pool used to be, so there's a locker room just right there. And right outside are bike lockers. One of the HR girls that helped me out during the interviewing process got one reserved for me.

At UMC they had some and I went to ask about it at UMC security a few years ago. So I walked in and the head or supervisor was a woman who looked like a weight lifter. "No, you can't have one, they are for UMC employees only," would have sufficed. Instead she gave me a lecture about how they cost $40,000.

Anyway, I had taken Bev's car to the dealership, and then would bike home--it was such a nice day. So I set out to ride to TMC to get a feel for what would be my new bike commute. Boy was I in for a surprise!

First of all, the river bike path runs out quickly after Campbell Ave. I had always tought it went thru. So I rode up Campbell North from River Ave to Ina. Ina Road eventually turns into Skyline Drive, which I'm happy to report has been re-paved and there's bike line all the way to Swan. At Swan, there's about a 4 mile downhill into the office.

The thing I notied on Skyline/Ina is that people drive very fast. The pavement is all new and so is the bike lane--but again, it wasn't even rush hour and the road was busy and people were driving like bats out of Hell. I was able to ride quite fast myself--so I'll give it a try.

I stopped in a local bike shop and looked at a map and got their take on the commute. They offered up traveling down Glenn to TMC. So this might be an alternative to the danger roads mentioned above--or for when I running late and just want to get to work no-frills. There is no way I'm going to try and drive every day. I don't need that kind of stress.

Wish me luck everyone!

Love

300 Tales

I will tell you the sad story of my week. But I forced the happy ending I wanted as I could not sit at home while the wind howled through the desert landscape. My fellow Randonneurs where out there and I decided that I would get on the bike, ride from home, and meet Steve on the course to show my support.

Wednesday night my dog Callie woke me up about 2am because she needed to go outside. That was the start of things. Callie was sick all day on my birthday, and most of Friday. I would not be able to leave her alone in the house because she would have to go outside every half hour to suffer the runs.

After $200 at the vet and pills and injections, Callie was slowly getting back to her normal self. I had to forego the brevet, Gentle Readers, to take care of the dog. Bev had Nat'l Guard all weekend, and my neighbors who help me out in times like this, were out of town and I was taking care of their place.

Late Saturday afternoon when Callie finally took her first solid shit in three days--I could wait no more and jumped on the bike and took off. I kind of knew where I might meet Steve on the course--and I had called Susan our RBA for intellegence reports. My ride had been ready since Thursday so I got in the saddle and took off--my plan to draft Steve up the I-10 frontage road.

Mes Amis the wind was brutal and must have known my intentions. The wind was strong and relentless. I just tried to keep a steady pace and try to have fresh legs to draft Steve. I would ride out about 15 miles to meet him, then help him ride at least to the Picacho Peak Dairy Queen--further if I could get a ride back. My plan was to also ride with Steve in the darkness for the last long-haul to Casa Grande, bum a ride part way home if I had to.

My new Lumotec Lamp...

As I neared the Marana exit off I-10, I saw three lone riders on the course before I saw Steve. He and a group of other riders just pulled out of the mini-mart controle. I turned around and then sped up to meet them. I'm guessing Steve saw me and the pace line slowed for me to catch them.

What can I say? I rode and took my turn with the pace line. I was feeling strong and had to slow a few times because I think I was going a little too fast. The guys had already over 100 miles on their legs. In the pace line, John Heller and Eric Ewing caught up to where I was sitting and they couldn't believe it was me. I quickly negotiated a lift back to Tucson should I ride all the way to Casa Grande. I also had to promise that after the ride I would go out to the resturant for beer and grub.


The hub on my LeMond

So I rode with Steve and three other fellows up the frontage Rd. In my zeal to hit the road, I didn't quite bring enough warm clothes so as we neared the final controle at La Palma, I had to hang back out of the wind to stay warm--and wouldn't you know it--I flatted about a mile from the I-10 overpass. Everybody was cheerful and waited while I struggled with the tire.

I believe I rode about 75 or 80 miles. I just had to get out and ride. If I would have done the 300 I would have had to come home to a mess with the dog and Bev in my face, and I would be having to push a rug shampooer after riding 190 miles. So everything worked out just fine.

At the resturant, John and Eric paid for my dinner and beer. They had a change of clothes and there I was in my riding tights. I got some looks from the folks in the place but I didn't seem to care after a while. It was a good thing I did the ride because shortly after we had dinner the guys were falling asleep and were unable to drive or even stand. I ended up driving up back to Tucson while everyone else slept.

The best thing about this little trek is that my Schmitd Dynamo worked flawlessly. It was given to me by Gerry Goode, and although he complained about drag, I could feel none. The Lumotec light given to me by Steve worked well and I have one less thing to worry about. The light just looks like a motorcycle light and I can see the road and ride faster.

Yes the 300 seems to be my curse. The last one it rained and this one left me unable to even start. I'll have to do a make-up 300 someplace. But the 400 is around the corner, and then the 600--which I will be ready for come Hell or Highwater!

Allure Libre!

Ride Report and Rant (sans expletives)

I've ridden in the last few days and it has been okay--kind of cold on Wednsday, but there was an awesome sunrise. I met this guy named Alex on Mountain Ave and rode with him for awhile. His ride is 17 miles and he rides it 3 days a week. I was cold but he seemed nice and warm because he had on more layers. This morning I had on more layers and my ride was much more pleasant.

Well, there's an unknow cyclist up in UMC. He got hit Tuesday at Mountain and Roger. I know this intersection well. Last night on the way home I went through that intersection and I could see where the police had painted marks and arrows on the pavement.

Apparently at this 4 Way Stop, a lady ran the stop sign and just turned left and ran over the guy. He's still unconscience and had no ID, so they don't know who he is. They suspect that he's an out-of-town visitor, maybe a guy out here training in Tucson because of the nice weather.

There's also this student named Tina that I see around and say hi too. She's a triathlet and soon to be medical student. A few days ago the same thing happened to her--a guy turned left, and instead of running her over, she slammed into his truck. Her collar bone shattered. At least the guy stopped and helped her out and got her to the Hospital.

So I am being extra careful these days, mes amis, and I'm wearing the Road ID Steve got me as a Christmas present. If I do get run over, the ID had phone numbers and tells emergency guys that I don't have allergic reactions to stuff etc etc.

I helped this girl out at the reference desk with some of her research this morning--statistics from CDC or someplace like that. Anyway, looking at the number of how people get killed, we are much more likely to get killed in a car wreck--like 30,000 more times--than to get killed riding a bike.

But Tucson is kind of messed up--like this guy said in the paper in the editorial: lived in Tucson for four decades and seen that Tucson has never had a plan for growth, its run by developers and car dealerships--and do you think they give a Rat's Ass about streets and hwys and us getting to our jobs? Gentle Readers, as long as they can get our asses in one of their custom homes that's about all they care about.

Its not easy to get around parts of the city, and Mountain Ave, which is the premire bike commute street in Tucson with its eleoquently designed bike friendly 30 mph (for cars) Avenue of Love--O no! Its the speed zone for the slackers who work at UMC and go to UofA that are running late, trying to beat the traffic, and trying to get there. Everybody speeds, nobody stops at the lights or 4 way stops. I usually have to physically put my arm out and yell "Stop!" And they act surprised to see me. If they even see me at all.

On a happy note--the last few days I drove, it sucked so bad. When I drove to the park, then biked--where I missed all the backed up traffic--I actually got home 10 minutes earlier. It was still light outside and I had time to take Callie to the park to play ball.

Owt