justfivegrins

Finally it works

2011-11-16T13:04:00.001-08:00

The only hotel that I've had the opportunity to have an extended visit where the actually don't disturb - and quietly slid the note under the door.

Answer

2011-11-07T09:57:00.001-08:00

R-B survived the crossing intact.

Putting together for 1st time required about double the time of my clown bike; but then again it required a lot more reassembly as well - everything's in pieces. Beyond removing the seatpost, crank, pedals, and bottle cages - the similarities end there. For the R-B the handlebar gets removed as does its stem, the front brake, and the rear derailleur and trying to figure out how all those split cables reattach. Instead of quick releases, as on the clown bike, the R-B has bolts & clamps that need to be retightened. The downtube clamp even comes with a mini torque wrench. Minor adjustment to ensure smooth shifting, make sure it's all straight & ready to go.

I didn't even get a chance to take it out for a test ride before packing it away for this trip. So once install & calibrate the darn computer get all kitted up & I'll be on my way.

Yea but can I put it back together?

2011-11-06T00:19:00.001-07:00

Clown bike is officially semi-retired as I travel for the first time (later today) with my new Ritchey Break-away.

I built it up with a mixture of old & new Shimano (105, Ultegra & Dura-Ace) group components.

It's packed it in a smaller hard case container (26x26x10) than the soft-sided case (8.5x26.5x 31) that comes with it - so more disassembly was required. And since this bike is a regular bike with normal sized wheels, either case wouldn't fit in the overhead bin (like I'm used to), so I'll need to either fit in in the closet (with a sympathetic "A" FA) or send it to purgatory with the rest of the baggage (which is why I've got the hard case).

Clown bike lasted me 15 years before getting really cantankerous to maintain, and it was a great ride while it lasted - and I'll miss talking it's up features and strange looks from those I'd meet (from the hotel elevators to racers in some occasional crits). Let's hope I get another 15 outta the Ritchey.

Now it takes two hands to say how old she is

2011-10-28T17:06:00.001-07:00

The "Don't mess with..." department

2011-09-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

... T (surprisingly a very understated official website).

Where I got the clown bike out for a decent ride - hot & breezy.

Staying in the inspiration for the Truman Show, and the next best chance for the Real Housewives of... franchise. Where patriotism is on display as a sport where the houses, businesses & city centers try to outdo each other in "My flag is bigger than your flag" contest. Where at the stop signal the elderly blue hair thought it was necessary to challenge me "Why aren't you in church?" To which I responded "Why aren't you?" "We just came from there!" very matter-of-factly. "So did I" unfazed (which wasn't a complete fabrication since I had just cut through a church parking lot a few minutes prior).

Where street signs tell it like it is.

And where bigotry may not make the best business strategy.

Did not see any of these, despite the rumor of an Executive Order from the GOV. otherwise. Where the roads are surprising free of trash though not of smashed armadillos (or the smashed turkey vulture trying to feast on same). Where good eats for a post-ride meal are guaranteed to satisfy.

I'll be back.

Happy legs

2011-09-18T23:03:00.001-07:00

Ever since my Bend adventure at the beginning of the month I've been craving to do some fun stuff. My race season is over & it's more than time to unwind and have unstructured fun.

This last weekend I was on Kauai and did 2 rides there. Even though the few main roads on the Garden Island have an adequate shoulder, the side roads offer tranquility, time to enjoy the wonderful landscape, and frogs. Well I should say frogs & chickens. The frogs are usually pancake flat from having been squished while most of the feral chickens are skittish enough to usually fend for themselves - though not always as some clumps of feathers along the way answered that age old question.

Friday's & Saturday's rides.

Today I found myself in San Jose all day and though I was mostly in for putzing around & exploring, I found the attraction of the east foothills calling. So there I was spinning my way toward the hills and I found myself at the base of Sierra Road.

For those in the know Sierra Road has been a part of every TOC since it's inception. This May Stage 4 finished (the red portion of the map) at the top of the climb; 3.5 miles with an elevation gain of almost 1800; yielding a grade of just under 10% on average. I didn't have the luxury to share my Garmin story (data) because I (as it turns out conveniently) forgot to put it on the charger from the previous island rides. But this is the route I rode.

And try as I might to go up easily rather than make it a hammerfest - the best I can describe it was pleasant suffering. Steeper at the bottom than midway or at the top, but recovery isn't really an option as the effort takes its collective toll all the way up. Without the exact numbers I know my HR was pretty much at the limit as sweat dripped a trail like a leaky radiator all the way up. Paint from the lonely deserted summit has almost completely faded from the fans paying tribute to their favorite racers.

The descent is always the reward for the climb and I only saw 2 riders climbing up the easier grade. There are many similar climbs in the hills surrounding the south bay area (Mt Hamilton, Metcalf Rd, the numerous climbs to Skyline Blvd, etc), each with a slightly distinct flavor to them. I lived right near here while going to college here 30 years ago and I don't ever remember getting out and up this climb before.

You can be sure I will return & expend more calories here in the future.

ike Lane

2011-09-10T19:29:00.001-07:00

4 months already

2011-09-06T22:33:00.000-07:00

Wow has it been that long with nothing to write about?

Just returned from Bend, OR for the long weekend attending USAC's Masters Nationals. To say that everything went according to plan would be overstating things a little bit.

Having planned the majority of my season around this weekend, placing all my legs in one basket so to speak - it was an underwhelming experience, not just for me, but for our entire team. First off my training never really got on track. Family, work, and illness had their way to wreak havok on my Spring & early Summer progress. Then when race registration opened I pounced on it like it was going to fill like a Lady Gaga concert, made VRBO inquires and settled with reservations & deposits; there's plenty of time to get in shape - I'm motivated.

Six weeks out and I'm still a flatlander, with hills considered foreign territory. This is proven each time at PR when attempting the "big" hill as I gasp with each lap. Finally, with some dedicated hill intervals I start to show promise that I won't make a complete fool of myself (boy was I ever wrong).

Then in early August I mis-bid my work schedule and don't get the Labor Day long weekend off. Oh well at least it's a cushy 3-leg 3-day trip (nice long Kona & San Jose layovers, but it will leave me with that empty unfullfilled feeling.. My wife and kiddo's still plan to go to Bend, as another friend will be down that way nearby and they can visit at the Alpaca ranch.

Mid-August I come down with a sinus infection, that somehow didn't get completely cleared up with the Z-pack prescription - because I still had it at the end of August. Now armed with another prescription (that I hope isn't on the USADA prohibited list - as I self-disclose here) I call in sick for my weekend trip to join the family in Bend and see how I feel. A little dry air and relaxation will do wonders right? Maybe I can salvage this thing. Ah who am I kidding, let's just go have some fun & stay outta trouble.

Does anybody need a 13 spoke collectible boutique front wheel?

My trusty extremely lightweight LEW Sydney took a beating Friday in the Crit, as did my equally trusty Giro helmet. After getting a great position at the start to jump into 5th wheel at turn one I was keeping a steady lock mid-pack when at the 35 minute mark somebody just ahead of me rolled a tire coming out of turn four (see red dot on course) and I had nowhere to hide when trouble found me as my wheel got chewed by another racers pedal and broke 3 spokes. That wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't landed on my left hip so hard. While several bystanders were trying to get me to limp up to neutral support to keep racing (like all the rest of my fallen comrades), a look at my damaged helmet said no way. Official race results have me finishing 8th overall in the field sprint - even though I watched the finish from the medical tent after getting my road rash souvenirs cleaned up.

Several pounds of ice and Advil later I'm on the start line (again in good position) for the Road Race late Sunday afternoon. New helmet and rented wheel and I'm ready to get going - this is what I've been looking forward to all year. Temp's are warm but not too bad, with a light cloud cover and a slight northerly breeze. My hip is still sore but I'm able to pedal without pain, but I'm more concerned with my hydration as I can't seem to get that dry mouth satisfied. I've got 2 bottles with the knowledge that the feed zone will be fully stocked if necessary.

I've done this circuit several times in years past as part of the Cascade Classic Stage Race, and am familiar with the primary obstacle - the climb up Archie Briggs. It's not real steep & it's not real long, but it's just steep and long enough to get your attention. This is what my focus was with 6 weeks to go and now it's time to suffer, we go up this thing 3 times with each having the potentail of being the decisive ascent.

And we're off like a heard of turtles - prepared to stop at the 2nd roundabout in case we encounter the 45-49 group finishing. Somebody in our pack of 75 is going to be wearing the Stars & Stripes in about 2+ hours. I'm sitting pretty as I hit the bottom of the feed zone hill (at mile 10) in 5th position and set a steady tempo up in the big ring. And begin to slide backasswards. I was anticipating losing some position on this climb but - hey wait, that can't be the end of the main group, where'd everybody go? I'm giving all I can as my HR max's and still losing ground as the main pack rides away. A few of us regroup and try to chase back on once over the top as the group is still within reach turning onto the approach to Archie Briggs 4 miles later - but they are never to be seen again. Crap - really, the feed zone hill? I certainly didn't see that one coming.

A small group of 5, sometimes 6, roll through the next lap together - as the time checks at each corner gets larger and larger. After surviving Archie Briggs again on lap 2 everybody agrees to continue for another lap to finish. But the USAC Official has other plans. Even though I scream by the right turn to start lap 3 the Official is waving us on through to the finish line back at the High School. I do a U-turn & end up with a prorated time, similar to being pulled in a local Crit. Very unsatisfying effort.

I wait & watch the finish as Metcalfe demolished the remaining field winning solo by an 87 second margin, followed by a two up sprint for a photo finish for silver & bronze a few seconds ahead of the remaining 20 racers who stayed together. NW stud (former National Champ in Park City) Kerry Farrell rounds out the podium in 5th. Metcalfe was 2nd in the Crit and the guy who took 4th in the RR was 3rd in the Crit. Some impressively strong guys to keep an eye on in future races - with go away, stay away power.

Perusing the results and talking with some guys around that weekend it looks like the teams from WA were well represented in all age groups & did themselves fairly well (though the Killer Robots were licking their collective wounds). A former domestic pro took top honors in the 35-39 RR, our WSBA Prez was smiling about a top 20, another Old Guy was looking for more laps, some guys were sick, some were hurt, some DNS, some DNF's; all were doing recon for next year.

Family enjoyed the time at the 7th Mtn resort - where swimming, putt-putt golf, pony rides, playgrounds, biking, and more swimming were favorite activities. A year-round outdoor paradise - we could definitely see moving here.

Ditch filling is underrated

2011-05-06T10:35:00.000-07:00

Haircut day

2011-05-05T22:32:00.001-07:00

Family pre-birthday party for twins 4th

2011-05-02T12:06:00.001-07:00

Quandary

2011-04-30T18:30:00.001-07:00

Fatigue

2011-04-28T13:44:00.001-07:00

The FAA is on track to issue final rules of a NPRM later this Summer on new Flight Time/Duty Time (FTDT) rules which will for the first time take into account scientific data in the battle of pilot fatigue.

As you may surmise the ATA, which is the lobbying agent for the major airlines, is against many of the principles outlined in the proposed rules - mainly citing increased costs associated to comply, but also stating that the FAA doesn't understand the manner in which airlines operate and that it would add significant complexity.

While many of the major pilot unions (ALPA, APA, CALPA, etc.) are not entirely happy with all the proposed rules (mainly that it doesn't go far enough to address all the issues) - each see this as a very big step in the right direction.

Last August President Obama signed HR 5900 which set a timeline for implementation of the final FTDT rule to be enacted by July 31st. I fully expected that that the ATA will be screaming to high heavens to amend that date seeing as how that is a little more than 3 months away and it takes some time for the airlines to educate their affected staff as well as change their scheduling software to comply with whatever the final rule imposes.

Fatigue affects each individual differently, but nobody is immune. It is a nasty component of our industry that usually comes up only when highlighted by an accident & is insidiously cumulative depending on many factors:

Multiple time zone changes, circadian rhythm interruptions, lousy schedule, commuting to work, multiple legs in a duty day, long duty days, hotel issues, lack of proper hydration, poor nutritional choices, lack of exercise, etc.; by all means not an all inclusive listing.

This is a decades old battle for improvement - and safety for all involved demands that it be addressed.

Glutton for punishment

2011-04-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

Trip traded a nice 3-day with a double OC (or as I prefer Red County) layovers for what seems to be the most onerous trip on the schedule.

The 1st day (last night) was one leg SEA-LAX arriving at the Hot L about midnight with lights out at 1:30AM. That was the easy part. The remainder not so much:

Tonight (actually O-to-early Friday) a 0105 departure to GDL with a scheduled return to LAX at 0925. Friday night is similar with a 2355 departure to MEX and a 0855 return to LAX Saturday morning. Saturday night is the short finale with a departure at 2100 and return to SEA at 2337.

There have been many safety complaints (nicknamed the LAX triple threat) and I am about to experience it firsthand. The pilot I traded with (who's questioning my sanity for making the request) has the seniority (juniority) that only allows him to hold this schedule, so he lives the backside of the clock flying all the time. From all the people I've talked with who've flown these - to a person say this is the worst of the worst.

This trip differs from all other backside of the clock flying that we do in that the report/departure times are later in the evening, with the corresponding arrival/release times pushed to that much later in the morning. Add to that clearing Immigration & Customs, waiting for the Hot L shuttle, and the noise and interruptions associated with and around the hotel and it adds up to a bad combination with ther potential for compounding fatigue.

Alaska Airlines decided in mid-FEB not to allow crews to layover in GDL or MEX anymore due to the increased potential for violence. This made for some initial bad ramifications with the revised schedules as they inexplicably planned a full day of flying after the all-nighter turn. This in turn lead to some zombie crews whose bodies were unable to the shift from flying all night in one duty period to then flying all day in the next. Those schedules got fixed rather quickly with the insistence of our ALPA Scheduling Committee and the assistance of the System Chief Pilot.

As I look at it this trip pairing is even worse on paper for the reasons previously described. And rather than just listen to the complaints I've made the decision to witness it myself. I will do my best to be appropriately rested when I report for duty and will let the chips fall where they may.

Why these aren't flown as turns by our LAX based brethren is confounding to me, and that may the best solution and soon change.

Beat the rain

2011-04-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

Long EZ ride to OLM today to make payoff to kiddo's college funds with the WA GET Program before inevitable price increase takes effect on May 1st - thanks Grandma!

Forgot to recharge my Garmin after the last several rides so tried the map-my-ride app on my iPhone. 1st segment is to where I inadvertently dead-ended at the VA hospital at Gravely Lake, with the remainder getting me there & almost back before it too ran outta juice (just about the time I did) with about 10 miles remaining.

Coming across the Narrows Bridge and looking south I could see the wall of water approaching, which hit hard about 30 minutes after safely arriving home.

You gotta start somewhere

2011-04-17T20:19:00.001-07:00

God vs Santa Claus

2011-03-26T18:20:00.000-07:00

I post this on the day that my dear Mother-in-Law Rushie (a stanch conservative Republican) joins Geraldine Ferraro (an equally stanch liberal Democrat) on the way to the Pearly Gates.

Rushie & I often had conversations about her conservative beliefs verses my very liberal leanings during her frequent visits to our home. Some of the fun I had with her was my prankster moments of switching her TV show from FOX Noise to MSNBC (mostly to Olbermann) when she'd get distracted. When she happened to notice something amiss many minutes later, she'd quietly switch back without saying a word.

So I found this to be amusing (as I know Rushie would too) & leave it up to you to determine which party God & Santa Claus belong to.

God is an elderly or, at any rate, middle aged male, a stern fellow, patriarchal rather than paternal and a great believer in rules and regulations. He holds men accountable for their actions. He has little apparent concern for the material well being of the disadvantaged. He is politically connected, socially powerful and holds the mortgage on literally everything in the world. God is difficult. God is unsentimental. It is very hard to get into God's heavenly country club.

Santa Claus is another matter. He's cute. He's nonthreatening. He's always cheerful. And he loves animals. He may know who's been naughty and who's been nice, but he never does anything about it. He gives everyone everything they want without the thought of quid pro quo. He works hard for charities, and he's famously generous to the poor. Santa Claus is preferable to God in every way but one: There is no such thing as Santa Claus.

Fun Ball says it all

2011-03-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

Off to where it's eternally Spring

2011-03-19T23:37:00.000-07:00

As the full moon glows large over the Pacific NW tonight awaiting the dawn of Spring (finally); a great sadness looms over our family. My wife's Mom is very ill and likely will not last the week to enjoy what Spring traditionally offers - hope, renewal, birds chasing worms, bees pollinating new flowers, youngsters of all creatures seemingly everywhere. She's going to miss all that.

I'll miss her gentle reserved manner, our long talks, and everything she's had to offer these last dozen years - what a gracious and classy lady. We know that death is inevitable, yet we wish it never comes - and certainly never expect it when it's suddenly thrust upon us. Walk fast forward Rushie, I'll miss you terribly.

Not being a religious man I nonetheless offer up the following for I know she believes and it seems so apropos:

Each Spring, God Renews His Promise.
Long, long ago in a land far away,
There came the dawn of the first Easter Day,
And each year we see that promise reborn
That God gave the world on that Easter morn...

For in each waking flower and each singing bird,
the promise of Easter is witnessed and heard,
And Spring is God's way of speaking to men
And renewing the promise of Easter again,
For death is a season that man must pass through

And, just like the flowers, God wakens him, too...
So why should we grieve when our loved ones die,
For we'll meet then again in a "cloudless sky" -
For Easter is more than a beautiful story,
It's the promise of life and eternal glory.
~Helen Steiner Rice

Broke...

2011-03-10T17:40:00.001-08:00

...Spoke on front wheel toward end of today's ride.

It's a 20" wheel off my clown bike and it seems true, plus there's 23 other good ones; but I am without a spare.

So the question is do I ride tomorrow without repairing it or go for a run?

Blockhead

2011-03-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

253-304-3117

Knucklehead passenger of the last 2 days award

2011-02-27T22:47:00.000-08:00

Just prior to descending into MZT when the FA's are going through their spiel about how to fill out the Mexican immigration forms a guy rings the call button in a bit of a panic. Seems he can't find his passport and thinks he mistakenly left it behind in the SEA (after setting it down paying for some food) after being checked in at the gate by the agent.

So we get a message off to Dispatch who tries to forewarn the agents in MZT and also informs us that the POS lost & found is closed on weekends - so if somebody found it they probably put it in the slot for the secure box.

This guy is traveling with about a dozen friends/family to come down for a number of days to celebrate his birthday (I neglected to find out if it was a milestone or not - he had other worries).

Mexican customs/immigration refused to let him in the country and the outbound flight back to SEA was already booked full - so birthday boy slept in a locked room at the airport with only his carry on luggage available to him. They fed him french fries & water and we carried him home with us this afternoon (departing 25 hours after our arrival yesterday).

I lost track of him as one of our agents was escorting him to US Immigration with the explanation. He'll be missing out on the fun as his friends/relatives apparently will have birthday celebrations with him in absentia.

Lessons...

2011-02-27T12:58:00.000-08:00

...learned in MZT.

On nice long run on family day (Sunday) - watch out for....

...tiny yapper dogs on the beach (or anywhere else for that matter), gaggle of Mom's w/strollers hogging the beach walk, same goes for old guys on delapitated beach cruisers, same goes for vagrants (and their spot on the fence/wall/momument), same goes for well just about anybody & anything - because nobody runs in MZT ('cept me). And remember the suncreen.

Also usually are leery of walking into a restaurant and nobody else eating there - but had a great lunch at Vittore (italian) just across the street from Hot L.

Gentle reminder

2011-02-25T20:00:00.000-08:00

Only 10 shopping months 'till Christmas.

Lab Rat

2011-02-25T07:11:00.000-08:00

OK so when I took my annual physical in NOV the Doc ordered the vampires to pounce and the results were total cholesterol 175, HDL 44, LDL 120, & triglycerides measured 53. Overall these were considered to be good by the American Heart Assn, but I thought I could do better.

Immediately after the cleanse late last month I had voluntarily visited those same vampires & the results (which just showed up in the mail) showed my total cholesterol at 145 (a significant 30 point decrease), HDL 54 (a significant increase from low to high end of good, greater than 60 would be optimal), LDL 78 (WOW! less than 100 is optimal) & triglycerides went up to 66 (although a slight increase, still very low - with less than 150 considered very good).

Snowy day in the Harbor

2011-02-24T10:52:00.000-08:00

Favorite Hefner quote...

2011-02-23T09:59:00.000-08:00

...during interview on CNN last night the Playboy icon stated - "You're only as young as the girl you feel."

And when the interviewer told another guy that he was going to the Playboy Mansion with his wife for a party last year - the other guy was astonished, saying "you don't bring sand to the beach."

Too bad they don't have the Big Bunny anymore - I think that'd be my calling, could even crew it with the wife (though that might violate quote #2).

Impacting my enjoyment

2011-02-21T10:53:00.000-08:00

OK people now you've taken this too far - first it's F1; what's next the cancellation of the Arabic language spelling B (televised on Al Jazeera), sand dune skiing, or world championship camel races?

You knew this was coming...

2011-02-11T15:14:00.000-08:00

The recent events in the northern Mediterranean/Middle East have spurned (or spawned) the idea that perhaps a Second US Revolution should evolve here in the US - Sarah? Rand? Anybody want to jump in here and run with this? Fox Noise? Citizens United? Tea Party? Hello, I'm waiting!

No more die hards

2011-02-11T09:23:00.000-08:00

The gentleman whose action initiated the uprising in Tunisia has lead to a number of copycats trying to get their 15 minutes of flame, er fame. Now that Hosni has left the house and acquiesced the Presidency - it's time for folks to put the gas can & matches away. Iran is not next, neither is Jordan, Syria, or Saudi Arabia.

Prudoggie that means you too. Joe's doing the best he can with what he has available at the UCI (okay it's only the WSBA), and besides he's suffering after last Sunday; give him a break.

April Fooling around

2011-02-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

Two months from today - I'm sure the joke will be on me.

Flight 261 remembered

2011-01-31T22:19:00.000-08:00

Last year for the 10th anniversary I was flying the exact route (PVR-SFO); this year I was on a different flight (SNA-SEA) though over the same flight path slightly later in the evening twilight with the seas eerily calm.

Bill & Ted's heroic attempt to save their crippled airliner, though doomed to fail by mechanical circumstances they couldn't comprehend could ever happen, will always be very much appreciated.

Awareness

2011-01-29T18:42:00.000-08:00

I'll put this right on top just so you know - I've made my share of minor mistakes when out driving, much to the chagrin of those drivers that may have been affected. But I haven't had a fender bender since I was a teenager or a ticket in 25 years. You need to watch this!

I will also attest that I am a much more impatient driver on our roadways than I am when I'm aviating our airways. It think that may have to do with the fact that when I'm flying, I'm dealing mostly with other professionals - that is not the case when on the roads. Another consideration isn't what you'd think - that I've got a lot of other peoples lives in my hands when I'm flying. Whether I've got a full airplane or positioning an empty one doesn't change the way I fly. Besides one idiot doing something stupid/dangerous on the road has the chance of affecting many innocent lives as well. No, the other consideration that I can identify as to my impatience is that when I'm driving I'm not getting paid. This is my own damn time and if you're the insufferable SOB only going 60 in the fast lane on I-5; you're in my way & wasting MY time. You're probably the same clueless person who tries to enter the elevator as soon as the doors open instead of waiting momentarily to see if anybody is getting off.

Now notice I didn't say that I was an impatient unsafe driver - because I clearly draw the line between pushing the posted speed limit and safety. Just because I like to expedite things when I'm able, I do it safely. I don't tailgate, and I don't swerve or weave unpredictably, I don't pass unless well clear up the road. I feel there is definitely a time & place to be patient; around schools & in neighborhoods, near pedestrians & cyclists, giving way to emergency vehicles - or anybody more vulnerable than myself (I do this when riding my bike as well). And does anybody besides me know where their turn indicator is?

Looking at latest available data almost 100/day die on our nation's roads, including just under 500 in WA State for 2009. Though the numbers are decreasing (down 9.7% from '08), do you want to be part of that decreasing statistic? Moreover the insurance companies could point you toward why your rates aren't decreasing correspondingly - just because every accident doesn't result in a fatality or even injuries; doesn't mean that the potential isn't there. People parts cost a lot more to fix than car parts.

My expectations of drivers are higher by the choice of vehicle they're driving. When I see an upscale vehicle such as a BMW, Jaguar, or Escalade, I make certain assumptions than when I come upon somebody driving a Kia, Hyundai, VW Vanagon, or for that matter a souped up extra winged & bondo'd rice rocket. Though I'm frequently disappointed; more money (or horsepower or noise) doesn't buy common sense.

The basic tenants are - take your driving seriously, be courteous, pay attention, be aware. Putzing away in town at 16MPH when the posted limit is 25 - pull over. Changing 3-4 lanes of traffic to make that highway off-ramp - just go to the next exit and backtrack. Pulling your Suburban in that compact spot - really, you can't walk those extra 10-15 parking spots? Don't understand what right-of-way means - stay off the road. Accelerating into that intersection when the light has long been yellow - another form of Russian roulette. Swerving into oncoming traffic to avoid driving over that fallen branch in your lane (especially if you're driving a 4X4) - drive over it or use your brakes for crying out loud! Had a few & don't have (or are) a designated driver - call a cab. Braking on the downhill curve prior to the Narrows Bridge - what's that all about? Driving with your lights off after dark or in other low visibility conditions - you're in too much of a hurry, but won't be for much longer? Leaving your vehicle idling, in the line of like vehicles idling, while at the curb-side pickup next to the playground - cough, cough, shut it off. Driving around the school parking lot texting - whose kid are you willing to hit with your ineptitude??

And to all the rest of you with your heads up your arse, PLEASE PAY THE F*%K ATTENTION!! The somebody you may have spared might just be yourself.

The folks I've had-it-up-to-here with lately is those dolts slowing & creeping along, neck craning to the right, waiting & blocking obliviously (at times stopped, sometimes signaling, most times not), then quickly cutting off somebody in the right lane exiting southbound I-5 to HWY 16 (which gets pretty backed up at times - to the Tacoma Dome); and to top it all off, no wave.

For getting this far my fellow impatient readers a little treat. My secret (shhhhhh) to not waiting (at I-5/HWY 16) and being taken advantage of, and/or not resorting to being one of those taking advantage - is do this instead, it may be a bit longer distance, but I guarantee it'll take less time & aggravation. Just promise me to NOT spread the word - you're welcome.

I am Clean - Clean I am!

2011-01-27T06:15:00.000-08:00

Day 15 - JAN 20th
152.2 #, 6.4% fat, 60.4% H2O, 1818 BMR
Zip, nada, ziltch in morning, nice rice noodle stir fry for lunch (I share) and berry smoothie for din-din.

Day 16
152.0#, 6.3% fat, 60.5% H2O, 1818 BMR
Up & off to DFW early, premix smoothie. Nuts & apple then out for spin on clown bike. Not really hungry but ate late day wild & brown rice/split pea mix. Up to market for some essentials.

Day 17
Up early but had to wait for temp's to warm a bit - mid-30's for my EZ spin around town (w/stop at Whole Paycheck). Flight back to SEA w/lunch of salad/quinoa mix. Entire flat of blueberries in PM for snack (making FO salivate); no nightly smoothie; but a lot, I mean a lot, of water.

Day 18
153.6 #, 5.6% fat, 61.5% H2O, 1850 BMR
Spousal unit informed me that she fell off the program Friday, the temptations of some irresistibles plus the presence of a visiting sister didn't help - DOH! She says she'll incorporate much of the changes she's made in the last couple of weeks - including the morning smoothies.

So I trundle along solo for the remaining days. Increased water weight noticeable on morning weigh-in. Another fine homemade berry smoothie, followed by midday lunch of spinach salad & brown rice/split pea mix. Kids in pool late afternoon - I know the body absorbs water through the skin, I wonder what the morning weigh-in will indicate. Yummie* evening smoothie.

Day 19
154.4 #, 5.0% fat, 62.9% H2O, 1871 BMR
Super hydration continues as evident in the above numbers. Morning smoothie prior to run then just an apple & some nuts after swim at Y topped off with another smoothie in the evening. It's kinda amazing on some days where the mid-day meal is missed for one reason or another that I really don't crave it; even after (or because of) a couple hours of endurance type training. The appetite certainly isn't what it used to be, nor are my bad snacking habits.

A hero of mine died today & one of my favorite quotes was, "Remember this: your body is your slave; it works for you." Of this program I'd think he'd say it was OK, "I drink 6 or 7 glasses of water a day. I also drink vegetable juice. And I have at least 5 or 6 pieces of fresh fruit everyday and 10 raw vegetables." Sounds familiar; perhaps Junger was influenced, in part, by his original raw enthusiasm for total body fitness.

Day 20
152.2 #, 5.0% fat, 63.9% H2O, 1843 BMR
Late AM berry smoothie, midday lunch of stir fry rice noodles & an apple. PM bike trainer sweat fest, followed by a late smoothie.

Day 21 - January 26th
153.2#, 5.0% fat, 63.6% H2O, 1854 BMR
Part of me kinda sorta doesn't want it to end. Another part of me wants to return to some semblance of normal - as normal as my vegetarian life was like. Though I see modifications to what the new normal might be. I can certainly foresee a lot more smoothies in my future with a lot less mindless snacking. Less gluten, may not totally gluten free...certainly less dairy, more raw foods, and incorporate the 12 hour elimination rule when & where I can. As I add certain items from the excluded list back into my diet, I'll see what kind of reaction (if any) that has.

Over the last 21 days my weight loss stabilized after the 1st week & was minimal (4#), and flucuated slightly with my hydration level; my muscle mass has remained steady (138#); and while my BMR (base metabolic rate) dipped slightly in the middle of the program it has rebounded to where it started. My percentage fat has dipped 2%, though as I've noted earlier it seems to decrease with the increase in my indicated hydration level - but that weight loss must have come from somewhere (reduced mucus?).

Overall I think the program has been a success, feeling good, was regular throughout, energy levels are high, however I'll leave to others to determine whether I glow or not.

*"Yummie" being entirely subjective I realize - as my wife seems to think some of my smoothies taste like dirt, maybe it's the hemp milk.

Why don't the faithful exhibit faith?

2011-01-25T22:01:00.000-08:00

I've got to be careful here because I don't intend to offend anybody - especially those closest to me, but I don't understand the sorrow & the grief that people of faith go through when a loved one has died or is on their way.

Don't get me wrong I understand painfully the deepest of sorrow & grief having lost all my grandparents and both my parents - and I think of them often & miss them deeply. But I have no faith, never have and I doubt I ever will. As a matter of fact atheist, I accept that we live knowing that none of us ever get out of this alive. I'll be pushing up pretty flowers (or more likely scattered to the wind) someday as the earth continues to revolve and generations to come will never know who I was. After my demise I will live on only in the hearts & minds of my immediate loved ones, especially my children and I'm fine with that. I trust their memories will be good ones; but that'll be about as far as it goes.

I personally believe that there is no heaven or hell or purgatory or any of that which any particular religion (pick one) preaches where our soul might drift to. My matter returns to the earth from whence it came, and when it's lights out - whatever "soul" I have extinguishes as well.

So I find it a perplexing that people who do have faith and do fervently believe in such things where folks go in the afterlife aren't more comforted when a loved one is approaching (or has approached) their ultimate quest. Because of their beliefs, why aren't they looking forward to that particular day? Why isn't there more of - "you've lived a wonderful life, but this is what you've been waiting for..." (for lack of a better term) pep talk? Why is it always so gloomy & morose?

If I have a say in the matter, when my time comes - we're going to throw gloomy & morose a wrench - there's going to be some laughter & and for once I won't expect to get the last laugh. Maybe it'll start a trend.

"I tell people I can't afford to die; it will wreck my image!"

2011-01-24T17:35:00.000-08:00

Say it ain't so Jack; you bested the best & you're an inspiration & hero to zillions with a zest for life that will continue to live on.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

2011-01-21T22:10:00.000-08:00

Clean - week 2 or weak too?

2011-01-20T06:16:00.000-08:00

Day 8 - JAN 13th
153.4# 6.4% fat, 60.4% H2O, 1831 BMR
Feeling fine.

Day 9
Early departure so didn´t make noisy smoothie. Snacked on a few nuts & an apple. After a stop in SFO, we landed in PVR late afternoon. Would have rather gone outside but it was getting dark and didn´t want to trip on the rough pavement or uneven sidewalks so went to the Hot L workout room, scale said 70 kilos. After cleaning up I went next door to the Marina for some carrot juice & then made rice protein smoothie for dinner. With mostly liquids all day, hope the energy is there for a good workout tomorrow.

Day 10

No worries about energy - enough for an hour spin on the bike and another hour run immediately after. Got home late & didn't remember to do my olive oil prior to bed, I still strive to glow.

Day 11

152#, 6.3% fat, 60.4% H2O, 1812 BMR
Real homemade smoothie - yummy. Left home mid-morning then fly all day & into BUR late. Split Pea/quinoa/bean mix plus apple & few nuts for snacks. Officially past the halfway point in the program.

Day 12

All day in BUR on MLKJ Day. I now know what happens when you simply ignore then unplug the 5:45AM & 5:50 wake-up calls that you didn't request - you get a knock from Hot L security. This garnered a complaint to the manager. This is 2nd time in a week - what gives? Despite that lousy start to my day, I got out for a good spin around Griffith Park to the LA house. Then off to lunch at Whole Paycheck.

Day 13

150.8 #, 7.3% fat, 59.3% H2O, 1788 BMR.

Numbers a little skewed this morning - perhaps slightly dehydrated, check it against tomorrow's. Little tired in the morning as I slept until kiddo's needed to be driven to preschool. Much thanks to the wife for getting them fed & dressed - team effort.

It's a wonder what getting a real homemade smoothie into the body does for the soul. I'm not getting enough of these & missing some essence of the program by traveling so much. The shakes from the premix stuff are actually pretty tasty but they don't have the kick that the make-it-yourself ones can provide. Fresh mix of Brown Jasmine rice & beans with raw cashews for lunch. Container of organic blueberries disappeared.

Day 14

151.8#, 5.6% fat, 61.3% H2O, 1827 BMR

Weight back up as hydration increased, not sure about fat % (too much a drop in a couple days when it's been pretty steady). It seems to also be related to hydration calculation - higher hydration lower fat estimation & vice versa.

I find that as I end of week two that my energy levels are good & my appetite is satisfied - though it's hard being around home & the food we prepare for the kiddo's. I miss the pasta's, breads, and even just finishing up what they leave on their plates. So far so good on not cheating, though having any sort of enticing crap around the house isn't the best scenario (banana bread, chocolates, yogurt, other goodies).

I also find that my endurance level is good for the runs, rides and other fitness workouts that I've accomplished but I find myself purposefully holding back on hard sustained efforts, especially intervals, since I don't want to dig too deep into whatever limited energy reserves I might have due to my reduced caloric intake.

Another week to go.

Coincidence - I think not

2011-01-19T10:44:00.001-08:00

With the hot topic of the day being the SI article on the LA related doping investigation, don't you think the real reason that Chinese President Jintao is in country is because he was subpoenaed by FDA's Jeff Novitzky over their manufacture/distribution of PED's?

Now that's a definative statement

2011-01-18T10:47:00.000-08:00

"I'm relatively sure this sport cannot be fixed, but that's not my job, that's not my fight."

Clean - the 1st week (or am I wasting away?)

2011-01-06T19:20:00.000-08:00

This isn't a "diet" - it's a program; takes 21 days (though may develop long lasting habits).

My primary motivation is to support my spousal unit as we take this journey together since it seems Santa shared my concern about her eating habits and overall health. This has the potential of being the most valuable gift ever. I also think this'll cause me to refocus on what I put in my body with the positive impact that'll have after the cleanse is complete.

Follow along, or better yet join in.

DAY 1 - Thursday JAN 6th
157.2 #, 7.2% fat, 59.9% H2O, 1866 BMR
Woke up earlier than usual, and perhaps the psychological angst of the 3 weeks to come were already affecting me as I snapped at the eldest daughter for lallygagging when getting ready for school. Promptly apologized & the rest of the day went oddly really well. Didn't miss eating the typical 3 squares with the penchant for snacking on whatever/whenever. Perhaps didn't drink enough - peeing often, just not once an hour (at least not yet). Olive oil before bed is going to take a little getting used to. Otherwise the program guidelines are quite simple & EZ to follow.

DAY 2
First time at work on the program & worked out fine. Brought along a home blended smoothie in cooler-bag, with some nuts & apple for flight. Went for 2+ hour ride in DFW w/water. Late lunch on return. Wasn't really very hungry, but want to get some calories in and keep energy levels up. Smoothie mix for dinner. Walked up the block to Krogers for some stuff tomorrow (fruit, more nuts, lunch, etc.).

DAY 3
Another EZ 2+ hour ride in DFW (GPS not recharged - DOH). No hunger issues. Shake, apple, nuts, blueberries, keeping the energy up. Drank coconut water on return flight, too late for smoothie by the time I got home.

DAY 4
154.2 #, 7.0% fat, 59.9% H2O, 1832 BMR
Off to Texas for another 2-day, this time to IAH (& one of our better layovers at the Marriott in the Woodlands). Brought wild rice/quinoa lentil bean mix, but forgot to bring Rice Dream, raw nuts, or smoothie mix. Restocked once I got there at Hubbell & Hudson (which is a local less expensive version of Metropolitan Market). 5 mile run on treadmill & other fitness stuff (lunges, burpees, push ups, sit ups, etc.) topped off the day.

DAY 5
All day in IAH. Despite the cold snap passing through (dreary overcast & low 40's) got out for a nice 3 hour EZ spin. Experimented with coconut water in my bottles which at 86 calories per 16 oz serving isn't up to my usual intake but serves as an OK fluid & electrolyte replacement. Late lunch of wild rice/cranberry concoction with side of organic blueberries from H&H.

DAY 6
153.0 #, 6.4% fat, 60.4% H2O, 1827 BMR
I will not be able to continue to sustain weight loss at this rate for the duration of the program - 4.2 # in 5 full days. Though I knew my caloric intake wasn't going to match my expenditure & thus some loss was inevitable, this is more than I expected at this point in the program. So we'll see whether it continues on its current pace or levels off. They do allow for additional smoothies if necessary for athletic individuals - so I might have to partake in some more to get those calories. Still peeing often though still not every hour as the program states as a goal which I seriously doubt I'll ever manage.

DAY 7
The first 3-5 days were stated as being the toughest to adapt to the program and once over that hump the rest was fairly easy to persevere for the duration. I haven't found that to be the case. In fact giving up the mindless snacking and actually putting some thought into preparing a satisfying nutritious meal once a day is sorta kinda fun. Seems as if I was on autopilot and perhaps in a rut for my food selection as of late - and if anything sticks this has, at the very least, expanded my horizon. While the limits of foods available on the inclusion/exclusion list seems somewhat restrictive - I haven't found myself going hungry or having any cravings with absolutely no urge to cheat.

I don't know why it's taken me this long in the week to rediscover a great energy gel to utilize - they even sponsor our bike team (DUH! I'm probably going to hear about this) - Chocolate #9 (which has only agave nectar & dark cocoa; both of which are on the inclusion list above).

In addition to the disappearance of the persistent cough which I acquired a month ago, I've also noticed that my sinuses are unusually clear (which I didn't realize were seemingly always partially congested until they weren't). Feeling good, light, energetic, hydrated & regular - I'm looking forward to see what additional changes may be in store during the next two weeks.

Antiblogite

2011-01-03T16:49:00.000-08:00

This person has demonstrated a woefully neglectful blogging attitude ("because there's nothing to blog about") & has failed to post in over a month (including all of December, yes I'd call that despicable!) & has also failed to heed numerous warnings to update or face the consequences.

Therefore I call out above said blogger to formally apologize to the blogger-community-at-large & shall be banned from abstaining from the blogisphere for a term to be determined by his blogging peers. We know the creative juices are backing up waiting for an avenue of artful display otherwise it might seize up and could potentially cause an aneurysm.

Blog damn you, if not for the knowledge & amusement of others, do it for your own health - think of your kids for Christ sake (or in your case Ricky Gervais sake)!

What say you?

old & new

2011-01-01T22:24:00.000-08:00

GPS indicates that I tracked 17 running & 97 cycling events in 2010.

Running was 117.7 miles in 15.3 hours burning 14,000 calories (4#). Cycling covered 3553 miles in 22 cities & 12 different states in 203.7 hours burning 223,300 calories (64#).

I didn't get to track everything, either due to leaving the unit elsewhere, or forgetting to charge it, the unit malfunctioning, bad signal, or simply not bringing it along for the ride/run. I hope to continue to utilize this as much as possible to track my wanderlust, workouts, and races.

New for '11 Santa brought a Tanita body composition scale which will track my fitness progression.

Beginning the new year it indicates the following - I weigh 158.8# with 6% fat, a 8 physique rating, 12 metabolic age, 1910 BMR, with 61.5% of body water & 7.4 bone mass.

More than just the actual numbers on the scale which perhaps aren't a truely accurate reflection of my actual body composition is the trend that it will hopefully indicate.

Also on tap for the new year will be a 21-day detox regime following the book Santa brought my wife as outlined in this article. I promised her that we'd embark on that journey together & will keep you posted.

If you missed...

2010-12-23T20:12:00.000-08:00

...the show (which closes tonight), go buy the book.

The kiddo's were all enthralled, clapping & laughing & sooooo focused on the whole musical - until just after intermission when the day started to overcome their collective desire to watch anymore (7:30PM start time for a 1:45 run including intermission).

I'm sure this may spark some loud vocabulary & imaginative conversation around the house, especially over the validity of a certain jolly man usually dressed in a red suit. But without giving away the story - they all still believe.

The Perfect Flight

2010-12-20T07:37:00.000-08:00

Doesn't exist; never has, never will.

So to the kind gentleman getting off my flight yesterday from AUS, thank you but..... Now I know what he meant, he was satisfied, trying to be gracious and offered his salutations deplaning, but....

Ever since Icarus man's attempt to make a perfect flight has failed, always has, always will. Any airman worth his wings will tell you exactly the same.

Let me offer as an analogy to driving your car and doing it perfectly. You must obey ALL traffic laws, all recommendations in your drivers manual, ensuring you're up to date with all maintenance & your records kept current. You think you do that? Really?? Then you haven't been paying close attention. It's kind of like the old saying, "I thought I made a mistake once, but I was mistaken", thus...

So you think you always drive at or below the speed limit, stop at or before every crosswalk, you signal every lane change or turn (even when nobody is around to see you), you get that windshield repaired/replaced when a nick or crack first appears, you always have the proper tire pressure in your tires, you always change your fluids at the recommended intervals, you've always been sober, never fatigued, and never ever distracted; and you do it day in & day out -right?

Well we all strive to, we have the best intentions - but were not Saints. I'd go so far as to say that the guy who drives the Pope-mobile does something wrong (no matter how insignificant) every time.

Same with airline flying. From a pilot standpoint we're human, we all make mistakes, we recognize that - and that's important. Most errors are small & insignificant (a mistuned radio, a wrong turn on the taxiway, a radio call answered on the PA system instead of back to ATC). Some are more so (a wrong flap setting, lining up for the wrong runway, flying to the wrong navigation aid, etc.). A few years back an airline had a rash of flights landing at the wrong (small adjacent) airports that the joke was their airline name stood for Don't Ever Land There Again.

Most are recognized right away by the pilot OR caught by either the other pilot, the air traffic controller, the FA's, sometimes the passengers, or the airplane itself. The training we receive, backed up with the experience we've obtained, mixed with the checks & balances all help manage to trap errors. Recognizing that the routine of the job requires attentiveness. Searching for those subtle differences that makes each flight unique - different weights, different runways, different routing, different weather, different crew, etc. - helps keep the routine fresh.

Untrapped errors frequently compound until you're watching it on the evening news; which rarely even cover traffic accidents anymore because they're so frequent. BTW you notice they're never called traffic on-purposes, even though we all bear witness to knucklehead driving all the time.

You can rest assured that knucklehead pilots don't make it very far in this business; the profession pretty much ensures that. That old saying goes, "There are old pilots, and bold pilots, but there are no old bold pilots."

So while I was just focused on this from a pilot point of view, but it starts much earlier. From the initial & refined design, manufacturing, testing of the aircraft, engines & components, all the FAA rules & Company policies in place (most written in blood), the mandated ongoing training that everyone gets, the oversight from various departments & agencies, from management, to the maintenance side, to the dispatchers, to the ramp guys loading the baggage & cargo properly, to the FA's and ultimately the folks in the pointy end - to the ATC folks and manufactures of their equipment, to the airport folks and the guys who built & grooved & plow the runways, and installed the navigation aids, and the approach lighting, and to the engineers on the performance side who ensure given various conditions we can takeoff & land at certain weights & design T-Pro's and the like - ALL focused on getting Mr & Mrs 27 A/B from their point of origin to their destination safe & sound (and oblivious to the W,W,W,W & how's that made it so). And doing it every day & all night for thousands of flights with millions of passengers worldwide every 24/7.

It may not be perfect, but we're doing the best we can.

QofTD - answer

2010-12-19T17:55:00.000-08:00

Question was - When is a warthog called a bulldog and asked to be a guinea pig?

Answer - When the lead aircraft of a group of Fairchild-Republic A-10 Thunderbolts (affectionately, or not) known as the Warthog (or simply Hog) with the 354th FS (with the radio call sign of Bulldog) based out of Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson is asked by Air Traffic Control to see if the weather has lifted enough for the visual approach into Navy North Island.

AUS

2010-12-19T13:47:00.000-08:00

EZ spin today out enjoying the perfect weather. My Garmin Edge 305 was on the fritz when I left (though I finally got it to reset), so see route here.

Quiz of the day

2010-12-18T22:59:00.000-08:00

When is a warthog called a bulldog and asked to be a guinea pig?

Toughest 2 hours on TV - DEC 18th

2010-12-16T07:31:00.000-08:00

It's official - I'm a Blockhead!

2010-12-11T14:07:00.000-08:00

Official Results ALA Council #67
Group III Representative Election Ballot

There were 714 eligible voters. 202 voted electronically through either the web site (193) or the IVR system (9) representing 28.3% of the eligible voters.
For Term Beginning 3/1/11 and Ending 2/28/13 Seniority Block Representative #4 (Vote for One):

Erik G. Scheller (#0605907)
162 99.39%

Ries, Paul R (#0789206)
1 0.61%

Total 163 100%

Foxtrot Oscar Golf = FUN

2010-12-10T21:33:00.000-08:00

That was the word of the day.

After a shortish layover in SAN, I got an earlier than normal wake up call from scheduling at 4AM. The scheduler indicated that the plane for our early departure did not make it in the night before due to fog & low visibility and diverted to LAX. So we were rescheduled to limo up to LAX and ferry the plane back to SAN with a planned 8AM return & then a flight to SEA to finish up the day earlier than planned.

Of course the scheduler was very optimistic that the SAN weather was going to stay as it was - which at 4AM was pretty clear, though very humid. I had my doubts.

Sure enough by the time the sun started to warm up the FOG reformed and thickened all down the coast. This happens when the temp/dew point is already close and then as the sun rises the air warms slightly & able to hold more moisture; add in a very slight wind mixing the ingredients just so and viola! Can you say Ground Stop boys & girls?

Ground Stop (GS) is an Air Traffic Control function whereby planes take there delay on the ground rather than get airborne & hold until the weather clears. Of course planes already airborne on long cross-country or international flights don't usually have the luxury to take their delays on the ground and is the reason why we all carry enough fuel to divert to an alternate destination should the weather become a factor.

SAN visibility was reported to be 1/8 mile, which is well below their landing minimums of 1 mile. This is an unusually high visibility value for a major city airport, but due to a number of factors - terrain, tall buildings, and runway lighting - it is what it is.

While waiting for the weather to improve the Flight Attendants (FA's) were goofing around in the back of the plane - our only "passengers" - and a one point I noticed that a the cockpit air was beginning to fill with sparkly floaty stuff. Well that's just what it was - some sort of glittery makeup that got out of control. I opened my window to help it dissipate, but this only increased the flow of the stuff as it now had a method of escape. After awhile it cleared out, but I've had a persistent cough ever since - is this crap toxic?

By 10AM the FOG also began to dissipate and we were off. As were all the other flights that had been on a GS or had diverted. So now the airspace was saturated with aircraft instead of clouds or fog. We were in line at LAX for 1/2 hour before we were finally allowed to takeoff & then when finally airborne we took the slow route to SAN. Normally this would be a 25 minute flight, and it took about twice that, with many turns (ATC vectors) and speed adjustments to fall in line for our arrival slot into SAN.

On the ground it didn't get any easier. Our gate was not available as another plane was still in their boarding process so we parked at one of the remote ramps. We were the first in a sequence of many joining us as airplane after airplane landed (from every carrier) and they also didn't have a place to park. As the various remote ramps started filling up, and the taxiways filled with planes trying to taxi either to those remote ramps or for departure, they started blocking other planes wishing to push off their gates. As more airplanes continued to land & needed space to clear off the runway, even if their gate was open there was no clear taxi route to get them there. The entire airport was rapidly becoming a chaotic parking lot. Frustration started to creep into the fray as tempers started to fly (even as they physically weren't), radio transmissions were being blocked, as too many planes just sat.

We actually had the best seat in the house & with no passengers to worry about (at least none onboard) - we were relatively stress free. Once we did finally get to a gate (45 minutes after landing), the plane we brought in was not the one we were taking out (of course). And our FA's missed their OGG flight and were reassigned to cover something else. Since they need the FA's to be onboard prior to passengers boarding, this further delays the process. The plane we were taking back to SEA was still parked in remote waiting for their gate to clear. Inside the terminal it was pandemonium.

As many of the early flights were cancelled, due to lack of planes and/or crews - I'm sure many passengers Friday travel plans got screwed as mostly full later flights filled to capacity. We finally returned to SEA later than we were originally scheduled - and while we didn't actually fly very much, it felt otherwise.

You might think this airline biz is all glamorous - but all I got at the end of the day is a bunch of shimmery glitter on my clothes & in my hair & and this persistent cough. Are we having fun yet?

For Sale - best offer

2010-12-09T23:01:00.000-08:00

Kid Kraft Fire Truck cot. Like new, great condition, fully assembled - slept in 1 year (not by me mind you, ask the boy how comfortable it is). Comes with mattress.

For product description - http://kidkraft.com/furniture-and-decor/toddler-beds/76021

Beaver trap

2010-12-07T21:53:00.000-08:00

If those ladies didn't know he was the leaker they should've doubled up. Prosecution or persecution (Pravda knows it when it sees it)?

If it's Sunday...

2010-12-05T14:20:00.000-08:00

...this must be AUS. Trying to keep focused on mostly everything else but actually getting on the bike. This is my 4th (maybe 5th) straight day out running. Today an EZ 30 minute trail run adjacent to Lady Bird Lake (to the darn dam & back). I could've gone out for more, and legs felt energized; but felt like I needed to hold back to prevent overdoing it.

Looking to follow some advice from Bicycling Mag for once and throw some informal fitness training into the mix. I'll still get in the rainy commute (schedule permitting), pack the bike with me for longer layovers & even jump on the dreaded stationary trainer soon to get some bike specific workouts in so I don't grow too stale. I do have some particular short & long term goals and I think this is the right way to keep balanced.

Sometimes we get too focused on a particular goal(s) that we forget what the primary objective is - HAVE FUN and stay healthy & fit.

What to do in SJC for 3 hours?

2010-12-04T23:51:00.000-08:00

Run.

Timber vultures

2010-12-04T15:01:00.000-08:00

Just like ambulance chasers. The County cut down a big fir tree Friday that was a leaner. It wouldn't have been long before another good wind would have blown her over. Standing at the end of a cul-de-sac it wasn't in danger of causing any traffic disruptions but potentially was a hazard to cars that may be parked up there (including our own). And the wrong wind might have blown it the our way, surprisingly not much of a root structure that keep them standing.

So the County came out in force with a big high lift bucket truck, a dump truck hauling a chipper and a crew of six. After trimming the branches of an adjacent maple that was in the way of the projected fall, they attached a cable midway up the fir to one of the trucks, and meticulously cut the base so it would fall where they wanted. Then finally with a flick of a thumbs up from the chain saw guy, the truck backed away ever so slowly & down she came with a big thuwmp. "TIMBER!", my 3 kiddo's were yelling watching the whole show. The county guys then trimmed off & chipped up the branches, cleaned up the mess, bucked up the rest in 6' log sections.

And unfortunately for us the direction of the slope of the road where the tree lay it was easiest for the County crew to put the logs on the other side of the road rather than next to our hedge. Later that afternoon as I was returning home from a run, the first timber vulture was assessing the scene. He had the big rig 4X4 but didn't have his chain saw; but he was coming back. A few of the neighbors were also lurking.

Seeing as it was a tree on county property & the county crew cut it down, it was technically free for the taking, so we had to move fast.

We made a deal with one of our neighbors who came down with a tractor with a big claw & his big truck, so that he would buck all the logs into a manageable splittable size - and he could take half. She wasn't really an old fir, only had a 3' across base maybe 75' tall, where the kiddo's will now play on her stump. We'd rather see her stay in the neighborhood, than go to those who'd just come & take. It'll be a year or more to season it so it isn't so green, but when we do finally hear her crackle in the fireplace we'll have full appreciation for our giving tree.

Keeping the leaks flowing

2010-12-04T07:10:00.000-08:00

Amazon may have caved to pressure, as did PayPal (a division of eBay); both claiming violations of their policies banning "illegal activities"though there has been no legal charges brought against anybody (yet). None of these companies will suffer as a result; folks are too fickle to really care (though they should), as they could wreak havoc against their bottom line especially in this Holiday Season should folks decide to stick up for their principles. But who really has the Time when there's presents to be bought & deals to be had?

I, for one, in protest will personally switch to utilizing

for my future billings; and dump my stock.

How long and how much of an effect that has may depend on you.

It was a boy's name first

2010-11-29T09:25:00.000-08:00

I'm smiling just thinking about how you've always made me laugh - RIP.

$99/night giveaway

2010-11-28T06:08:00.000-08:00

La Niña is forecast to hit the NW hard this Winter - MAUI! >> YOU!! >>> NOW!!!

December & January special rates in effect for 1 BD/2 BA Wailea Condo.

Sunny but not Hotlanta

2010-11-27T13:32:00.001-08:00

Explore ATL out to Stone MTN.

It just takes one out of the thousands who are ignorant to the rules of the road. As in most states bikes belong on the road as a vehicle. Try to tell that to Jane who not only tried to left hook me, but then felt that the best way to get my attention when she was behind me was to lay on her horn. Then having the gall to yell, "get on the sidewalk" as she finally passed by in a huff.

Do you want to know?

2010-11-27T06:42:00.000-08:00

Age Guesstimater

ATL revisted

2010-11-26T18:30:00.000-08:00

Definitely not Hotlanta this time of year, but rather Coolanta tonight. Returning to the hub airport of my past life seems like I never left - even though it's been 21 years. Staying just north of the airport and went out for a nice exploratory run. I haven't been running as much this Fall as I had hoped, but still nice to know I can get out & pound out a few at a decent tempo for a change of fitness pace. Next time my feet will appreciate my not forgetting socks.

Tomorrow, with nice mild weather forecast - I'm having trouble finding a Saturday "ride" nearby - so I'll keep you informed as to what I come up with.

Confession of a EPO cheat

2010-11-24T14:41:00.000-08:00

Sanctioned Masters Racer confesses on Facebook (after being caught by the USADA):

I wanted to post this to all my cycling friends and colleagues. I have been sanctioned for two years by the cycling federation for buying and using erythropoietin in August 2006. I had always wondered what it would feel like to cycle on it and exactly how much it could increase a person's performance, so I bought some online in early August of that year and took a dose each week for a month.

My hematacrit before I took it was 42.3 and when I had it tested the lst week in September it had gone up to 49.2, and by mid-October it had dropped back to 44.5 I had trained with a powertap that year and my maxmimum wattage output had been 332 watts for 32 minutes at the Willow Time Trial. I did a 25 minute time trial test the 2nd week in September and my wattage was 361 watts. It was almost a 9% increase on end of season fatigued legs.

When you consider that the difference between lst and last place in the Tour is only 3%, it's easy to understand why epo can skew the whole playing field and why it can't be in the sport. It made it easy to understand how whole pro careers can be made by riding 10-20 percent over their natural abilities. I did not race on it during this time, but it was still the absolute wrong choice to make.

I think we all know deep down when we are doing something we should'nt be doing, and I should have listened to myself better. It was very easy and tempting to just send an email and order it, and I lacked the self-discipline then to not do it even though I knew deep down it was'nt right. I shared the numbers so hopefully anyone curious can refer to these and NOT try it!!!!

I've told my son about this experience and I hope he can take away from it that there will be many times in your life that temptation to make the wrong choice will arise, and that you have to be able to have the self-discipline and moral fiber to make the right one. I hope that can be a positive aspect of this.I am a good father, husband, and honest businessman, and every time I've ever knowingly gone against my morals, I've paid the price. I stole a .98 cent car air freshener in 10th grade and got caught, I knowingly drove my car way over the legal limit when I was 23 and got caught, and this time with the epo. I can say for sure that I will always listen to my moral compass from this point on!!!

You can't selectively apply your morals, they have to be the end all/ be all that keeps you on the right path. I hope everyone understands that although I've haven't raced much in the last 3 years, I feel terrible about bringing any negative aspect to the sport.

I feel proud starting the West Branch race, and I want to make sure I give something positive back to the sport and not cast it in a bad light. I love to simply ride my bike with my friends and will always do that. If you have any questions or comments, please let me know.

Take Care
Neal

Not that the EPO really helped his personal results, maybe he was using it for embrocation.

Maybe USADA will get to a point where they don't have to exhaust all their investigative resources and should offer up an amnesty program whereby all the cheats (Pro & amature alike) would be encouraged to self-disclose in exchange for information on the whereabouts of their obtaining the illicit drugs in an effort to eradicate them from the market (black or otherwise) with the result being that no formal racing sanction would be levied other than the pressure they'd feel from their racing peers (which would vary on the extremes with little middle ground).

TSA = ...

2010-11-23T18:25:00.000-08:00

...at first it was Thousands Standing Around; I think now most would agree that it has morphed to Temporary Sexual Arousal.

How insensitive of me

2010-11-22T13:08:00.000-08:00

I'm am not a tech guy, or rather a very low-tech guy - but when news broke recently about somebody finding a jawbone on the beach in Aruba, and authorities were going to test it to see if it belonged to the missing teen - I thought they were referring to this. But I guess that it wasn't even on the market until a year after the teen disappeared; my bad.

Worst person...

2010-11-17T08:30:00.000-08:00

in the world!

OK, that may be a stretch, but definitely the worst person in CT! Here's a summary of his recent lost appeal which provides much detail of the case.

Current CT law requires helmets for kids 15 & under, which was updated in '08 from 12 & under.

Never mind the continued emotional distress he's causing the victim's family (a person with his history of reckless behaviour has no empathy), but how does this idiot have any case? Especially when the law states, "Failure to wear protective headgear as required by this subsection shall not be considered to be contributory negligence on the part of the parent or the child nor shall such failure be admissible in any civil action."

Man up dickhead & don't drop the soap.

Technology increases security?

2010-11-16T10:28:00.000-08:00

With all the flak the TSA's been getting about it's increased secondary screening pat down procedures & full image body scans - it's no wonder folks are mad as hell.

There are differing approaches for dealing with the same problem - old school vs new school. And before you all get on the bandwagon for the El Al method - think again about the cost & time involved.

Yes, the TSA can be credited with stopping threats at checkpoints; week at a glance:
NOV 08 - NOV 14
6 artfully concealed prohibited items found at checkpoints,
11 firearms found at checkpoints,
6 passengers were arrested after investigations of suspicious behavior or fraudulent travel documents;

And while they pat themselves on the back & tell you how well they're doing (the numbers above do indicate a certain level of danger) how many of the above didn't they detect? How many artfully concealed prohibited items, how many firearms, how many travelers w/fraudulent documents did they let through and traveled without incident? Impossible to tell.

They also don't do themselves any good with knuckleheads of their own not behaving. Lest you think this is limited to Newark, look at DTW, LAX, MIA, PHL, etc.

So I've got to wonder if through the Patriot Act, a grandiose new government agency, increased focus on shared intelligence, more beat feet, & the ever increasing wonder toys that get deployed at our airports; is the intelligence & security community being reactive to the threat as they perceive it OR are they thinking proactively to end whatever vulnerabilities still exist OR is it a lot of fluff designed to look impressive but not accomplish much?

I've got my suspicions, what say you?

No 2fer today

2010-11-15T13:06:00.000-08:00

Usually when I snap my overused seatpost binder bolt, I have a replacement; not today. I missed out on some great riding weather in PSP this morning; the Idyllwild loop will just have to wait for another day. So I got out for a decent run instead.

UCI is aiming for YOU!

2010-11-13T11:55:00.000-08:00

And this soon-to-be (Spring or Fall) Classic may very likely be the race that sets you up for earning the coveted Rainbow Jersey.

Work, smurk!

2010-11-12T09:54:00.001-08:00

Haven't been aviating since OCT 22nd - because I -

had vacation through the rest of that month,
had the eldest BD parties, 1st w/kids then w/family,
entertained 34 kids + their parents for Trunk er Treat preceding Halloween,
did the neighborhood Halloweenie thing with the trio,
studied for & completed recurrent training (only 8 to go, but who's counting?),
got 2 physicals - one from my GP and the other from my aviation examiner,
finally paid a visit to the guy who has this license plate; giddy up!

Whew! Back to work Sunday for some rest & relaxation.

Next up is the dentist (next week) & some special security training (the week after).

Power to weight ratio

2010-11-11T16:57:00.000-08:00

If your in need for a chick magnet that'll set you in the books for an absolute LSR, check out this little tricycle.

Cheers

2010-11-11T08:48:00.000-08:00

New Poll

2010-11-10T09:11:00.000-08:00

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

MSNBC Suspends Keith Olbermann

http://www.thedailyshow.com/

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

Rally to Restore Sanity

Keith Olbermann - for or against?

Conflict of interest

2010-11-09T15:53:00.000-08:00

How is it that Mr 60% was in the process of signing the guy who was racing against his (then) current top guy (who just lost the yellow jersey), and he's offering advice to the yet to be signed guy (who just gained the yellow jersey in controversy) to apologize to his (then) current guy? He's playing both sides and can't lose.

But then there is the possibility that Riis didn't really want his guy to get the top spot since he had already privately told Bjarne that he wasn't racing for him next year. Did this in any way create a possibility that he sabotaged the race (strategy, team tactics, equipment setup, etc.) of his (then) current top guy in favor for the soon to be signed guy?

So now one top guy is gone, the other embroiled in a doping charge - but at least Bjarne has a book to sell.

40%

2010-11-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

That's the overall US estimate, based on 2006 data, of how many of us will vote today - WA State had a turnout of 47%; but why?

I mean why vote at all - what do the other 60% know that I don't?

Do they not vote because they:
are disgusted, flabbergasted, or appalled with the process?
are the ultimate undecided?
feel apathetic that their 1 measly vote won't matter?
let their spouse vote for them?
are too busy to participate?
are not registered?
can't find their polling place?
misplaced their absentee ballot?
lost their voter registration card?
intimidated by so-called "election observers"?
are supremely confident that all their candidates & issues will win?

Did you vote in my poll yet on which was the best rally?

Don't Forget

2010-11-01T19:29:00.000-07:00

VOTE Tuesday!

New Poll posted - who's rally was best?

2010-11-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

Restoring Honor or Restoring Sanity?

Previous results; for the Donkeys 75% - not voting 25%. How's that going to pan out tomorrow?

Midterm Election simplified

2010-11-01T06:36:00.000-07:00

Do you vote for the party or the person? Most would say person but when it comes down to it they really mean party. Like it or not - party ideology trumps individualism, especially on big ticket items.

The party of No! wants to reverse everything. The Tea (er Me) Party has evolved from its demand to reduce "big" government to ever increasing extremists views. They both blame the Democrats for running up the tab. But Supply-side & voodoo economics actually raised our debt to our present unimaginable level; which you can thank Reagan & the Bush's for that. Economics was never my strong point; but cutting taxes while increasing spending (mainly for defense buildup & wars) indicates to me a very bassackwards approach.

The Stimulus & Bailouts were, IMHO, a necessary evil. Yes, it raised our deficit spending to even greater levels, but it has help turn around the economy. The DOW is up, the GDP is up, 2010 YTD profits are up. Corporate America is stabilizing and growing. Yes unemployment & underemployment are still way too high, the lag confounding everyone as the economy improves; but job growth will slowly return. Deregulation is not the answer, neither is unfettered corporate greed - both flourish in Republican administrations.

So the question for tomorrow is - do you believe that change is possible & still desirable AND are willing to hold the line for what you voted for in 2008 OR do you go running to the naysayers & fear mongers and bring everything to a standstill?

Undecided? All you need to remember is that D is for drive, R is for reverse (and T is for all talk).

She stole 2 lives

2010-10-28T22:22:00.000-07:00

By not contesting the charges she saved the emotional toll on the surviving family members & the taxpayers the expense of a trial - another unsafe driver off to jail.

New feature

2010-10-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

Poll (top right). Every couple of weeks your chance to weigh in on a new topic.

New?

2010-10-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

What's with the "new" issued license replacement plates? The only difference I notice is that the "old" one is stamped while the "new" one is not. Oh - they're more reflective, really; I didn't notice?

They do come in 3's

2010-10-14T15:19:00.001-07:00

Recently received a parking ticket on my Dad's old '91 Taurus that I park in the employee lot in LAX because it doesn't have a current monthly tag hanging for the rear view mirror. Well I guess I can't complain too much because I can't remember the time when I've actually bought the last monthly tag. So it's been getting away with free parking for over a year, a $55 fine is getting off cheaply.

Also recently we were notified by our mortgage broker that on one (of 3) credit reports that they pull for our refi, there was a lien attached in '07 by a former security monitoring company because of payments we disputed. But we've never received the notice on this action until now & probably still wouldn't know if we weren't taking advantage of the "historically low" interest rates right now. While the monitoring company is now out of business (gee I wonder why, ethical business practices?); we still have to do some court stuff to clear it up officially, but we're confident it'll be resolved favorably shortly.

The 3rd is the most heartbreaking, just happened this afternoon - I broke the fastening strap on my trusty little fanny pack that I run with. I know, I know, laugh all you want...but I've had the thing since they gave it to me as a participant at the '90 Ironman (20 years). The IM logo, Gatorade placard, & the dayglow orange color (that was all the rage then) have long since faded, but it up until now - it was large enough to carry the Hot L keycard, some bills and/or cc, a gel, & a cell phone if need be, and small enough so as not to be too intrusive and bouncy during a nice run. Dang!

If you're happy & you know it....

2010-10-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was National Coming Out Day. ‎1 of every 10 people born is gay. And as Seinfeld said, "not that there's anything wrong with that." Seriously - that means 1 of every 10 people is instantly put down, given bad labels, pitied, left alone, put in minority, discriminated against, & so much more; just because of who they are.

And how does their sexuality affect you? Don't ask, don't tell - pleeeeese!

Gay teens, who are just dealing with their raging hormones like every other teen, often turn to suicide as a way of escape. Many, including adults, hide the truth and are afraid of societal & career consequences. If you want to tell them to hold their heads high, & that you respect them for who they are treat them as a normal human being. Because that's WHO THEY ARE! Do you think they judge you on your sexual behavior? They don't necessarily need for you to go out of your way for support (though that'd be nice, especially on a 1-to-1 basis) - just not your harsh judgement & admonition.

long hot windy sweaty day

2010-10-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

If you can't wait for the 2-hour edited wrap up in December - watch for live updates here or here or here; starting today at 9:30AM PDT.

What's Ron got to gain here?

2010-10-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

El Pistolero

2010-09-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

I gather that the famed finish line gesture should be now attributed to shooting himself in the career; probably fires last shot (at least for 2 years) at tomorrow's mea culpa excuse filled press manipulation.

I already imagine him saying something along the lines of, "Vino said it was melatonin to help me on my rest day" or "Andy sent me a nice steak for dinner."

At same time Andy, sporting a grey outfit & oversized glasses, will announce his main Luxembourg sponsor for his new team - North Korea!

Unity

2010-09-28T22:10:00.000-07:00

I threw my proverbial hat into the ring this afternoon to run for a recent vacant position as CAPT Rep. Three of us were nominated. I'm told that in the 1st round of votes we were all pretty even though I was a vote or two short & thus the low man out. Next round was a landslide victory as my supporters consolidated behind the best of the remaining two.

I want to thank those that supported me today - especially those that failed to show, I owe everyone a few beers.

Take this to the bank(s)

2010-09-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine - I'll call him RAAM-boy - recently got a job as a Sales Rep with a bike company down in SoCal selling cruiser bikes with the cushiest territory ever - the coastal communities from Long Beach to San Luis Obispo. This is cruiser bike heaven with miles & miles of beach paths with 100's of thousands of potential wanna-be cruisers. Though perhaps, I thought, maybe too saturated already. With the LA radio stations dedicating helicopters to call out traffic on the beach paths, and light regulated on ramps to meter the flow, even HOV bike paths already too crowded with Beach Cruisers - which is why my friend got the job. He's doomed!

So I thought I make a couple of suggestions to improve his career chances. He's moving from the Monterey Bay area - which is in the vicinity of Soledad Prison - a very rough & tough place, even if you're a rough & tough criminal. My suggestion was to tap into this market by attracting new customers to the Cruising scene.

The Crips (blue) Cruiser & the Bloods (red) Cruiser, along with the Skinhead (black & white) Cruiser, and let's not forget the Latinos with their (plaid) Cruiser. Each could be outfitted according to their individual gangsta style with appropriate graphics & gear. I thought even a Cruiser for the guys wanting to emulate those on death row - choosing between the Gas or Syringe Cruiser for that one last spin. You could even market it by location, certainly those choosing the San Quentin model would want to differentiate from those of the Folsom or Pelican Bay models. They could even offer a retro Alcatraz model - an off-road version called "The Rock."

With the recent tragic death of last year's RAAM winner - there's an opportunity to outfit the next best guy for the 2011 RAAM with an ultrasleek aero Cruiser - and tap that ultracyclist market.

I'm sure this'll be a hit all around CA & beyond - and my buddy will rolling in the megabucks soon & offering me a job flying him around to bike races in a new G650.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzz........

2010-09-25T20:58:00.000-07:00

OK we've all done it haven't we - set the alarm for an early wake up & then after silencing the bugger at O-2-early, went back to bed (please Mom just 10 more minutes). Which is exactly what happened when the alarm went off at 7:15 this morning. I told myself that if I just lay down for another 10-15 minutes I'd get going - kinda softly waking up is how I refer it.

I was in the Windy City after all - and I was voluntarily getting up early (5:15 body clock time) to get ready for one more treat. One last season ending race (a local Crit) that I found on the web the night before taking place late Saturday morning (11:05 start). Only I needed to get going no later than 8:30 to allow myself to navigate the 30-ish miles to the start, allowing 2 hours to get there, registering, affixing my number, and allowing the competition to get overly confident sizing up me on my clown bike, etc.

So when I finally did get out bed indeed the minutes on the clock said :30 and I went about getting my front derailleur straightened, dressed in my kit, while downing my vitamins & a couple of homemade extra cinnamon bagels (that I bought down from the Silverbow Bakery in Juneau the day prior) lazily checking weather.com to see what indeed I should plan for & a few other sites for good measure as well. I left the room 45 minutes later, in what I assumed was about 8:15-ish, so as not to feel rushed.

I navigated sort of along the route suggested by googlemaps.com (by bike) and was happy about my progress arriving 1:45 later on the top-of-the-hour; presumably 10AM, plenty of time. Legs warmed up & raring to go.

So what are all the 30 or so old guys doing rushing to line up? It still didn't register in my pea brain that this was my group until I waltzed over to the registration table, filled out the USAC release, finagled my license & two $20's out of my jersey pocket and went up the the lady - who upon examining my release & license without missing a beat said - "Did you sleep in or something?"

It still wasn't clear what she was referring to. No, I explained, that I was actually up early to come out and race, something about time zones & body clock and yada yada rambled on when - DOH! - the light bulb came on.

Was that my group that just started, I asked meekly; but I already knew before she nodded yes. She asked if I wanted to do the CAT 1/2 race later that afternoon & I disappointingly explained that I barely had time for "that race" (pointing off to the bunched group going by on lap 2) as I've got a 3:30 departure back to the Jet City. She handed me back my license + the two $20's, and I watched for a few laps as a break of 4 went off the front. They were away pulling almost half a lap lead by the time I left 10 minutes later, getting a head start on my 30-ish mile ride back to the Hot L.

So I gather that while I thought I was just laying there with my eyes closed telling myself that I'm going to get up at any minute - that minute was an hour later than I thought it was. I got out of bed when I should've been on my way. I've got to take some advice from - OK I never thought I'd mention this person's name on this blog (or anywhere else for that matter) - Lady Gaga, when she said, "I'll sleep when I'm dead"(why do I even know she said this?); and just get going when the alarm goes off.

I still got in a very nice ride in comfortable weather along a mix of limestone trails & roads - some decent & some not so decent (too many deep cuts & ruts, not enough of a shoulder, with too much traffic).

Not too many days like that left in the year - so get up, get out and enjoy.

Great idea

2010-09-22T06:57:00.000-07:00

P or SC, part 2

2010-09-21T10:53:00.001-07:00

Well at least we get an apology (after-the-fact mind you) with perhaps promise of further insight (drama?) to come. And I'm not sure whether he is sorry because he got caught or because he was a cheat? "A mind is a terrible thing" (as Eddie Murphy liked to point out on SNL) and some people do certain things because they want to get caught, even if it takes awhile for the proper authorities to catch up with them; others don't give a damn. Who's next?

Message from me
by ddickey » Thu Sep 16, 2010 10:06 am
I'd like to start by saying I'm sorry to everyone who believed in me, supported me, liked me as a person and counted me as a friend. I am terribly sorry for what this does to my mom and sisters. To the people close to me, friends and family, I ask for your forgiveness. To the others, I doubt anything I say will change your mind about what you think of me, but I am offering you my apology anyway.

I want to make it very clear that everything that's happened to me is because of my own actions. I blame no one else or any circumstance, and am offering no excuses for what I have done. I feel sickened by what I've done and what I’ve become. I took my first sip almost ten years ago and never put the bottle down. There will be no more lies and half-truths from me—I'm done with living this life of deception. My parents did not bring me up like this, and I feel embarrassed by my actions.

I'd like to tell my story about how this has happened to a 'good' guy. I will not offer it as an excuse, only as an apology. That will come at a later date, for now I have to get my life back in order. Thanks for listening and for your support.

Sincerely, Dewey

Perseverance or shortcuts

2010-09-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

In life we take paths that define the type of person we are. Do you lie on your resume, exaggerate on your education or experience, and otherwise cheat to get ahead even if nobody notices OR do you play fair & accept yourself for who you are and deal with the hand your dealt with?

I did an out-and-back run to the end of a popular trail in Juneau today that was mostly slightly uphill paralleling Gold Creek on the way up with roots, rocks, and steaming berries; challenges all. There was no way to get to the platform at the end of the trail overlooking the waterfall & valley below and the unless you followed that path. There were no shortcuts - 7+ miles round trip. As defined this was a "steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement."

Velonews has a report today on the acceptance of lifetime ban by another top (Master's & CAT 1) 41 year-old cyclist. Stupid!, you'd say, nice catch USADA, a good riddance to a Kenny Williams wanna-be. But further scrutiny might provide an in depth look at this man's situation and provide a better understanding of what's going on, as well as bringing up more questions.

Last May, Chicago Bike Racing reported on his out-of-competition test. A previous detailed article by the Minneapolis/St Paul Magazine is a pretty amazing story of the harsh life he's endured the past few year's.

However the fact that he's accepted a lifetime ban begs to ask the question was this indeed another person taking shortcuts that got caught or is this a case of excessive enforcement? Also what did the TUE's that came after the test allow (certainly not EPO)? And if, in fact, he needed EPO for his medical condition, what is the minimum time that he should've sat out before he could compete again?

Seems like a guy, who a lot of people admire (sounds familiar), whose hand was caught in the steroid cookie jar previously - made another bad mistake taking shortcuts to improve his physical condition to get results. Other mistakes are #1: not taking the out-of-competition test and then appealing the result by showing his medical history & associated after the fact TUE's (though with the associated sneers & jeers from his peers) & #2: taking the most enhancing of the PED's around without explanation.

I also have to wonder why the USADA (and/or USA Cycling) continued to allow him to participate in almost 2 dozen races throughout the Midwest after his May 11th refusal to submit? Does it really take 4 months to get the word out to race promoters? It is also unclear what the reference to April 2007 is all about; and what's been going on for the 3-year period if there's been a previous indiscretion?

I would like to believe that most persevere to make the most of our accomplishments - whether they be in our career, our athletics, or our family. Some however choose to take shortcuts and the easiest way regardless of the moral, ethical or personal consequences. Which do you choose?

Regardless - I think there may be more on this story than what we know now, & there might be a great deal on a load of bikes available from Cokato, Minnesota on EBAY or Craigslist soon.

Ignoramus

2010-09-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure why these folks feel compelled to do what they indicate they're going to do on Saturday but I'm more mystified about all the attention they're getting. The General, the Secretary General, the President & a host others all commenting - plus now a visit to the church by the FBI???

I've learned a few simple things when raising kids that these folks maybe have forgotten - you ignore the raucous rants by children who are solely seeking attention.

If I burned the Bible, the Qur'an, the Talmud, the Veda, the Tao-te-ching, the 5 classics attributed to Confucius right now in my backyard - nobody would notice (except maybe my neighbors wondering what that kook was doing during the fire ban). If I announced it to the world - via any/all forms of media - I'd literally have a firestorm on my hands. And to what purpose?

This is where we find ourselves headed for a countdown to Saturday. One group of religious intolerant nuts in Florida who have a religious extreme view as those they're protesting against. In our country it is legal within their right to do this. We have it in our Constitution that protects wingnuts to say & pray as they please - even if the majority disagrees & it is hurtful to others. This is the best & worst of free speech & practice of religion.

We've also learned and taught our children - that sticks & stones phrase; and that one's actions are louder than words. Turn a blind eye and don't pay this guy & his small flock any more attention - ignore the ignoramus.

Now that's easier said than done - as it's not EZ to unscramble the eggs. Perhaps the best that could be done is to organize a large interfaith group to show up at this proceeding on Saturday & have a non-violent sit-in to demonstrate how to properly tolerate non-tolerance (a la the various civil rights groups in the 60's). Course that Florida church group probably wouldn't understand what all the fuss was all about.

End of Season

2010-09-05T11:17:00.000-07:00

I actually got in early enough on layover to race Friday afternoon in the short TT - but I thought what's the point. So Saturday at Tour de Austin:

1st race (10AM Masters 40+ 3/4 combined w/50+ 1/2/3/4) placed 12th overall (of 100+ racers) & 3rd in the 50+. Unfortunately cash payout was only 10 deep in combined race; though I'm 3rd in points for the 50+ Omnium which pays out 3 deep - I wouldn't expect that to last since I'm not participating in any more races this weekend.

Stayed for 2nd race (Noon CAT 2/3) & finished dead last in shifty crash prone bunch sprint (75+ racers).

Would've loved to race in the Crits Sunday & Monday but not the case as I wasn't going to be in town. Sorta weird Omnium with no formal road race especially with the number of open roads nearby and the cycling crazy support from the locals (?).

Finally feeling in decent shape for bike racing - now time to hone the overall fitness for next year.

Running on empty

2010-09-02T21:47:00.000-07:00

In the Mile High City this afternoon & I intended to get out for a little spin to loosen the legs from a long day. Where I intended to turnaround came so quickly that I decided to make a little loop out of it; around the airport grounds - though as I knew it's a big airport.

The turnoff for the short loop that I had previewed on Goggle maps turned out to be all gravel so I continued eastbound until I could turn south (HWY 79). This resulted in doubling my distance with the bonus (a PruDog fav) of 5-6ish miles of gravel anyway - I wasn't about to go explore another route at that point. Up until the gravel road segment I was averaging slightly over 20 MPH and the dirt portion significantly slowed that. And if you ever need some motivation mumbling the words to the Jackson Brown hit actually helped keep me focused & running down the road (which then had me mumbling Eagles lyrics).

The epic part of this isn't the total time out (3:40) or the distance (70.5) but the fact that I had only 1 large bottle of H2O, 1 CLIF bar, and 1 gel packet. The route was so desolate that, besides some farms, there weren't any stops to rehydrate or refuel until nearing the Hot L; so I had to fend with what I had. I also turned off my little handlebar light most of the way (except when the rare car came screaming by) to enjoy the darkness & solitude miles from nowhere.

I came back on fumes - but what a great ride.

If history is any guide from previous long rides - this'll only improve my chances in AUS on Saturday (though I'll again be struggling to acclimate to the inevitable heat & humidity). If I get through the Old Guy race in the AM in good shape perhaps I'll jump in the CAT 2/3 race at Noon; we'll see.

Cold & Wet

2010-08-31T12:53:00.000-07:00

With temps in the hi-50's and showers all day, I normally wouldn't consider racing my bike. But with the season ending race on the line tonight - and the fact that we've finished 3rd & 2nd the last two races, watch out we're intent on closing it out on top.

9/1 update: So the track was wet, but not raining, and the temp's were OK with the intensity high enough for the short duration (35 minutes) that it was actually not unpleasant. I usually hate to use a double negative to describe a situation - but to say that it was comfortable would be overstating it. A small turnout of the tough guys willing to endure the wet showed guaranteeing a fast race. My tummy wasn't cooperating fully but my legs felt OK. Our tactics worked fairly well as we initiated & covered breaks and then secured 2nd in an attack on the final lap; which was probably better than it may have worked out in a bunch sprint.

Shoes

2010-08-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

It's all about getting the equipment straight for the various races that I do. A key component of that would usually involve footwear. Yesterday for my 1st triathlon in ages I needed 2 sets of shoes - the first for my bike segment & the second when transitioning to the run segment. My triathlon shoes are an old pair of Carnacs that are EZ to slip on & off using a single large Velcro closure across the top. These aren't as secure as my regular bike shoes, but allow for quicker entry & exit which is more important (particularly in sprint tri's - see pic at left).

After my early morning tri yesterday I had visions of racing an afternoon regular road race up in nearby Carnation and thus had a another bike & a separate bag-o-stuff for that. That race didn't happen (for several reasons) and I transported all my crap home in the back of my SUV.

This afternoon when going up to the season ending race at Seward Park I thought I switched all the necessary above mentioned road bike & crap to our van (for kiddo transport). Upon arrival getting all kitted up and ready for racing I pinned on my WSBA number to my jersey, got dressed, took the bike off the roof, checked the tires, set out my helmet on the handlebars, yada yada... and had that curious feeling that something was missing. Then it occurs to me, DOH!

In sorting through my stuff in the SUV for what to transfer to the van and what to leave behind, I remember placing my regular bike shoes off to the side - for some reason that made sense then, but doesn't now - and left them where I placed them. Well having all the other stuff is great, but I can't get too far or be very competitive in the running shoes I had on during a bike race (especially with the small lollipop pedals I use). Double DOH!

So the lemonade part is that the kiddo's had fun with their bud Sammy & I sorta got to watch a bike race and cheer the Killer Robots snatching a few primes in their aggressive style AND almost win the whole enchilada with a hard 4 or 5 lap solo effort toward the end by Jamie ---though it wasn't destined to be (and it may have had something to do with shoes).

4 pts = $9

2010-08-25T23:24:00.000-07:00

A line too far - after leading out the sprint from the bottom of the hill (not in sight - though see additional pics here 229-237) I placed best of the rest at PR last night. Fun times w/PruDog beating up on the old guys.

185

2010-08-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

The scene - Austin, TX; 8:30AM, temp in the mid-80's w/humidity to match (and only to get worse).

The show - A local shop (not owned by the guy who's won 7 TdF's) for what was advertised as:
One of the largest group rides in the country leaves every Saturday from the shop. In a case of dogs and cats living together, you can witness roadies and tri-geeks battling head to head and somehow all getting along. 30 or 50 mile loops. Hope to see you there. Wheels down at 8:30am!

The group - 50+ guys split between high end roadies and TT bikes.

The ride - This is the edge of Texas Hill Country and we rolled out peaceful enough though as road turned up the pace did to. I didn't feel too bad but was surprised to see my HR already in the mid-160's. I was placed near the back of the pack keeping track of things and getting a lay of the land. I was in the gutter of the shoulder swerving by guys who were getting popped left & right. A little gap opened as a couple guys in front of me drifted off the back of the main group ahead. Not wanting to get dropped I was trying to go around and close this one last gap as we neared the top of the climb when I noticed my HR at 185 - the highest I can recall ever seeing on the bike.

The end - And then my rear tire punctured. "Dude you've got a flat" was the call from the guy on my wheel - well no s*%t master-of-the-obvious Sherlock!

I wasn't sure if this was a crushing blow or a huge relief. So after a much too long fix - I continued on solo at a much more pedestrian pace. I never found out whether they did the short (30-ish) or longer (46-ish) mile loop. So I did the long loop. By the end I was totally wasted - probably due to my lack of acclimation to riding that hard in those weather conditions.

It always seems as if/when I go on a ride with a group in territory I'm not familiar with I get a flat. I think this is due to the fact that I don't know the roads and their particular pitfalls. And I can't see the dangers (glass, thorns, whatever) with riders ahead. Combined these with the fact that I'm usually riding far right (in the gutter) to avoid being pushed out into traffic - and you have a perfect storm for punctures.

O2K reunion

2010-08-19T22:59:00.000-07:00

I will be in Steamboat Springs this weekend in spirit.

My 5-year Racer Bob showdown will have to wait until we meet again (triathlon next summer perhaps?). I'll have to wait another time to hear further about RAAM from Charlie. All the other fun catching up that is best done in person (Pat's Italian adventure). And to the mystery person who pies TK's smiling face - post pictures please.