Bike and Swim

I had a pretty good ride into the office this morning. I parked at the YMCA this time--wanted to park at the golf course, but that would be 18 miles instead of 15 and I was running behind schedule--

My new Brooks saddle was giving me a great deal of pain--you guess where--so I decided I would try Gerry Goode's instructions on how to break in a Brooks saddle in 100 miles. You soak the saddle in warm water for 15 t0 30 minutes before you ride--slap the saddle on then ride about 20 miles--you're supposed to do this five times. And keep it oiled with saddle oil...

The saddle was already much softer on my sit bones, and maybe because I'm a big guy, my weight speeded the process of form fitting.

Kind of as I was suspecting, one of my legs might be a bit shorter/longer because I could see the lop-sidedness of the contour of the saddle. My cleats might be off too. What ever the case, if I can soften up this saddle it will be a major advancement in my ultra riding.

I finally got myself to Ft Lowell pool, which is open year-round for lap swim--and just not even half mile away--and I swam laps for about 20 minutes. Once I get everything figured out, I can save time and get there and back in an hour. What held me up today is that one of the Physical Theraphy fellows had just got back from his run--he tried to hurry but I didn't mind waiting. We only have one shower in our little locker room. I just took a quick shower and changed back into work clothes.

So that was kind of cool to ride into work, swim 700 meters (I am pretty sure it is a 50 meter pool) and now have the rest of the day to concentrate on whatever.

Have a great day, mes amis!

Windy Ride Home

We closed down the office at 3, so I took my time knowing I'd have lots of time to relax, eat something, and take Callie out for her cardio workout at the park, mes amis.

So I conserved energy and found a nice speed to get home, and tried not to think of the wind as my enemy so much. It was 100 degrees, but a steady headwind kept me cool. I also ate a Cliff Bar before I left, and had one for the half-way point as a boost to get me home. I also had salt tablets and endurolites--and of course plenty of water. So when I got home I wasn't so beat up.

I did have to stop and get water at Thornydale and Cortaro Farms before my desert crossing back up to Dove Mtn.

I take an old Jeep road, Camino de Oeste, which translates from the Spanish as Easterly Way or Easterly Road (funny it runs North and South) through the desert for about four miles. Open desert on the East side is now very swank yuppie homes, called Sky Ranch. The lots start at $475,000--just for the lot and not even a house, mes amis! And the houses are all packed together "Buttcheek-to-buttcheek" and it is a dirty rotten shame. Beautiful desert bladed to put up ticky-tacky. And the shacks aren't even that big--and they're gross... I suppose one could step outside of their casa, on a hot desert morning, look to the Mountains, and see his or her neighbor flossing thier teeth next door thru the window. I'd pay $400,000 to see that, yep! I mean the houses are so close you'd be able to her the neighbor's offsprings' pet gerbils fart the walls are so thin! I suppose I'm digressing quite quickly...

Well, rather than take what's left of the jeep road (can't ride too fast because of sandy spots) I cut into the development to find a short-cut to Tangerine. Well it was not to be and I was soon lost in the maze of the homes. I found a way out thru the large open gates of the community--which don't seem to be activated yet--when they are, they will be some of the largest gates of a gated community I've every seen! It was just eerie because there are a few hundred homes in various stages of being built, and people don't live there yet...

Soon I was home. I had ridden 25 miles. Just under two hours-- What a great day!
Took a shower, ate, slept for 30 minutes, and then Callie got me up to go to the park.

Allure Libre!

4th of July Freedom Commute to the Office

Yep, that's right! Freedom, Baby! C'est ce bon! It is so Good!

I took off from Dove Mnt this fine morning--about 80 degrees but that's okay... There was a headwind on my climb of 9 miles but I hung in there. Traffic was so sparse; it was mainly the cyclists out but they all seemed to be going the other way--down Skyline--instead of climbing like me.

I finally got to Skyline and Campbell and enjoyed the descent, then the one last climb to Swan. What a beautiful day to go 35 mph down hill to the office.

Bike computer says 24.3 miles in 1 hour and 33 minutes. Wind was strong, and of course I have to climb for about half of that--All in all I feel pretty good. In part to bringing enough water and a huge lunch--and a pretty loaded snack before I leave tonight--but I won't be carrying the backpack on the way home. That will free up the shoulders and keep me cooler.

I still have to get my ass home tonight, but you know mes amis, I feel I could do this commute not every day, but at least once a week. I feel tired of course, but my engine seems to be idling strong. I feel great. Let's see how tired I am when I get home.

Stef and Team Mooney were probably just starting the climb up to Mt. Lemon this morning. I should have taken the day off and done that. Not much happening here at work...

Allure Libre!

Puppy Dogs and Rainbows

Read more and you get to see the puppy towards the end of this yarn!

Ride Report--I go to the bike locker after work--back tire is flat. Somehow I've missed something in the tire. Hmm... This really sucks--two flats in one day. Then I get an idea. Pump up the tire enough to get down to Pima Street Bikes. Phil and Judy are still there and I have just enough time before they close. I get enough air with my hand pump and it seems to hold, so I sprint off.

Judy replaces the tube and checks out the tire and I'm good to go.

So there I am on Pima Street. Monsoon clouds are rolling in and its gonna start pouring any minute. Rather than go back up to Campus and ride Glenn to to Mtn Ave. What the heck I'll just take Pima to AHSL and get to Mountain Ave that way--and I get rolling.

Dang, but it is windy! And on Mountain its even more windy! So I've a fierce headwind all the way to the River Path--no big deal. Except now its getting stronger, and the clouds darker.

From my days in South Dakota, the Lakota people would tell me stories about the spirits and the fairies playing, and up to mischief when the wind was like this. You shouldn't be out when they're having their fun--because if you are they will delight in taunting you. You know, like grabbing your handle bars and giving them a yank! Or a bunch on them getting hold of your ankles to make your peadaling more difficult! Or holding onto to your jersey so if feels like you're not even moving. Yeah they had their fun teasing me alright.

I'm riding head-on into this wind and into dust clouds. Off the bike path and North onto La Cholla now--straight into the wind--I can only ride a few miles per hour. Mes amis it is un-natural wind and I must tell you I can hear a low roar and it seems to blast down the street... There's a Circle K up ahead where I stopped yesterday for water. I'm taking an ass beating and I pull in to get out of the wind, drink some gatoraide I mixed at the office, and take my last two Endurolites. I also note that I'm covered with a thin layer of grime--great.

Well, I'll wrap up. I get back to the car and just then the downpour begins. Just made it.

Callie is waiting at home and I unload my bike. She likes to sit in the trunk for some reason when I'm working in the garage.

Here she is just watching the storm as it rolls into Dove Mtn.


We finally get more rain.

I cooked up a mess of Spam and eggs for dinner--also Callie's favorite--for I felt I made a good effort to get myself back to the car before all Hell broke loose. I guess I didn't have much choice!

Allure Libre!

Ride Report--Flat tire at the start

The Monsoons are trying hard to start up--and will any day now! But that makes for some humidity--and last night was no exception. I just couldn't seem to drink enough water, mes amis. I had to make a stop at a Circle K on LaCholla for water, and I had to buy some Doritoes for some carbs--I was starving. The ride home is much easier and I will not attempt to ride Skyline and Ina in rush hour.

But I did ride in again this morning--but as soon I was off and down the road a ways the real tire was flat. No big deal. A quick tube replacement and I was off. Well, I have to say that this commute will be getting me in shape. Its mostly climbing unitl Skyline and Campbell--after that it is fast down hill rollers. A cyclist can ride fast, but people are driving fast and there's not much room. Cars are going past me at 50 mph plus--but when everyone has to slow down or things get bunched up because some snowbird is on his way to a tee-time--I shoot right on by, Baby!

Oh yeah, I brought an extra bottle of Gatoraide, and some pop tarts for the ride home tonight.

Tomorrow is a rest day...

Allure Libre!

Morning Ride Report

Left chez toi at 6 a.m. and had a pleasant drive to the YMCA, where I parked the car. I believe I dove 9.2 miles. At 6 a.m. the YMCA is packed! I got one of the last parking spaces...

Mes amis, it was hot and I have to say a bit muggy even--and there was traffic--but as a veteran of brevets and randonnees I left undaunted. The time was nearer to 6:15 a.m. Anyway it seemed tougher this morning (went to bed at Midnight last night) and I was on my own. When Steve and I rode on Ina (which turns into Skyline) a few weeks ago it seemed like a piece of cake.

I could feel the hills and sweat was pouring out of me! Lots of exhaust fumes too--yuck! Rode up to a guy on a bike in front of me, who looked at me like I was a ghost. I said good morning but he did not reply. In that case its time to pick up the pace and move on.

When I got up to the top, about Skyline and Campbell Ave. I think, I tucked in the aero bars and hauled arse downhill. The pavement is nice and smooth and clean. I got to ride fast and that was fun. One hump in the pavement gave me a jolt, but other than that I flew down the road.

There's a gradual climb as you near the high school--and after that you're almost to Swan. Swan heading South is about four or five miles of downhill and you can take off like a rocket--which I did. All the lights changed green for me and the momentum quickly got me to Glenn and Swan.


I rolled into Campus and off the bike at 7:15 a.m. Not bad. Not bad for Cat 2 overweight and having consumed way to much alcohol at the Beck Concert, and I stayed up until midnight doing on-line bill pay last night...

Oh I have my rain coat with me as the monsoons are coming. Maybe today? My heart is light today mes amis!

Allure Libre

El Mega Weekend

The Start of El Mega Weekend. 5:15 a.m. at I Hop. We left Scottsdale at 4 a.m., mes amis! Oh yeah, as we saddled up the neighbor's donkey heard us and started "hee hawing" to annouce our depature to the entire block. You wounldn't think that Scottsdalianites would have a donkey, but when you're wealthy and eccentric I guess you can do whatever with your ass...


Beautiful ASU Campus, Tempe, Arizona--USA Baby!


South Mountain by 8 o'clock!


Steve looks for Endurolites.


Its cooler up here, but you can't stay long. The ride home will be grueling with the heat.


Locals relaxing after the climb before they head down.


The big guy makes it to the top yet again. Steve and I felt pretty good about meeting our goal of South Mtn by 8 o'clock--I started out hurting--but so was everyone. Even as early as we started, the heat was brutal.

Coming down I relaxed--and I think I rode down a little faster. But you wouldn't want to get too comfortable. If you were to mess up going down Summit Drive you would certainly get yourself killed. So I just try to enjoy the feeling of flying, and live to ride the Mtn again another day!


On the way home, I snapped this old church in Guadalupe--this side of the tracks is Mexican. We go over a bridge and the Anglo surburban sprawl begins.


Driving back on Hwy 51 there was a pickup on the shoulder burning. It was kind of cool. I tried to get my camera ready, but this is the best shot I could get. A Hwy Patrolman waved his arms, saying to everybody to just keep moving. I'm glad because I needed to get home!

Beck at the Rialto Theatre

My Man, Beck. This show was awesome! The Rialto is a cool old theatre and not that big, so we were able to see well an were up close. Beck and his band Rocked the House. Speaking of Howse--he keep putting a big glass of beer in my hand the entire show.


Oh yeah--there weren't any seats in the theatre. They had taken them out. So I had to stand for about three and half hours, packed in the crowd. Because I started getting bad leg cramps right before I left Steve and Kim's place--I had this awful fear that the 90 miles that morning would catch up with me--and my legs would give out. Luckily the didn't give out until we were back at Stef and Angela's place. They let me crash on the couch in the living room--I'd been up almost 20 hours.

Thanks to Kim for the gormet lunch after the 90 miles. Thanks to the Walz Compound for a quick dinner before the Beck Show, the couch, and for breakfast this morning. Now I must nap and do laundry and all that other stuff to get ready for the week.

Allure Libre!

Team Mooney Jersey

It was bad luck for me running into Mooney and Stef, and without my "Show Time" jersey. I had a gut feeling I should have had it on--my name is mud... But you're probably not reading this anyway...

I have no idea who this model is in the photo. Maybe I'll meet her July 2nd--a full report will follow!

Allure Libre!

Mountain Bike

I pulled the Mtn Bike from the bike locker and rode down to Chipotle for a bite. It was only 95 and not 105, and there were clouds--so you don't get that cooking feeling. But there were lots of people out and I had to wait in line at the resturant.

Mainly I had to wait in line so long because people would come in from their office, and they would be the first one there--then all their chump cohorts would arrive--and they'd cut in. So in the 20 minutes I was there, about 15 people cut in line. So if a person takes about a minute to get their order and get through the line, well you can see how I would have to wait an extra 15 minutes before I ordered.

These people were mainly airmen from the airforce base--but there were office girl types too. Just really bad manners. The thing that really irked me is that I was trying to exit, and people just kept walking in. These are mainly younger people in their twenties and thirties--everybody was so self absorbed and on their cell. Only after about 1o people bargded in did two older, better dressed, and probably educated men use good manners and hold the door and let me exit. We were all amazed at the total lack of manners of the herd.

But it was just great to get out and move, and get my heart rate going. I felt like I accomplished more today, and the air was fresh and clean and felt good.

On the bike you can see things that you would miss in the car. Like rattlesnakes in the wash... The wash is what's left of an ancient wash and is all concrete. I know that it runs for miles uninterrupted, as it runs through the heart of TMC, and on the way to Chipotle, I cross it again on Grant. Looking South it seems to go on for miles. I'd like to ride in there and see how far I can go--like some kind of journey of discovery. Cool--I think I'll do that.

Owt

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.