Sunday, September 28, 2008

Life is made up of a dizzying array of choices

And because of some of the ones I've made here lately, I havent been on a bicycle in three weeks. This is UN-ACCEPTABLE.

I have this sort of malaise about riding in the last few weeks since I now know for sure I'm going to the Stan next year. Its like not wanting to start something, get solid again, just in time to stop. The benefits to me physically, right before going to live at 7000 ft above MSL for a year are beyond question, but I still drag my feet. Part of it is that I cant stand spending time away from the kids before I go. I tell myself that Im investing in their future by spending time working out, but as a rule, Taliban bullets dont care what physical condition youre in, so I say to hell with that and spend time with the babies. More soon.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Hurricane Ike

Well I'm no meterologist, but Im no casual observer either. Most folks who grow up down here in Hurricane Country (though Im something of an Expat from there now) learn to read these things pretty well. When I went on to college, I learned alot more about it through studies in Earth Science (Geology baby..no money in it though...) so I'm aware of weather patterns, and how they affect each other and all what. So watching Ike has been fascinating. I love watching the threat in the first place, I love a big storm bearing down on us, I've ridden out more than I can count, and I've evacuated for a couple as well.

For the first time in a while, it looks like Ike may come see us up here in the hill country, which is pretty cool too. We'll get some heavy rain, and we'll get some damaging winds, which will hit harder here since that isnt something that normally happens here, so most folks dont have quick tie downs and whatnot to use.



I followed Gustavs progress on twitter, I plan to do the same here, along with a healthy does of traditional media for perspective.

Monday, September 8, 2008

I cant say I hate to see this...

I may not be the biggest Lance fan in the world, but what Lance does for the sport, and his accomplishments, are without equal, and thus far, beyond reproach.

Lance is coming back...

"Lance Armstrong will come out of retirement next year to compete in five road races with the Astana team, according to sources familiar with the developing situation.

Armstrong, who turns 37 this month, will compete in the Amgen Tour of California, Paris-Nice, the Tour de Georgia, the Dauphiné Libéré and the Tour de France — and will race for neither salary nor bonuses, the sources, who asked to remain anonymous, told VeloNews.

Armstrong's manager, Mark Higgins, did not respond to questions. And an Astana spokesman denied the report to The Associated Press.

Armstrong re-enrolled himself into the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s out-of-competition testing pool prior to August’s Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike race, where he finished second to Dave Wiens, said USA Cycling chief operating officer Sean Petty.

USADA rules state that any athlete who wishes to come out of retirement must enroll in the USADA out-of-competition testing program for at least six months in advance of regaining eligible status."


So he is going for complete transparency in the new era.

This is an amazing image.

I love this photo, Im a Flickr nut, I probably spend waaay too much time on there, but photography is my second favorite hobby after turning two wheeled objects...

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Here we go A G A I N

So we get through Gustav basically unscathed, but can we get so lucky again?

Little Spin




Well the Bear wen on her first long bike ride yesterday. Shes been up to five miles before, but yesterday she went nine. Big day. Shes a little sore today, a little tired, but we made sure to manage the recovery time (Chocolate Milk), and rest last night. She seems no worse for wear, but a little fatigued. Shes getting a new bike for Christmas that she'll really be able to keep up better on, either a Specialized Hotrock, or maybe a cheaper Schwinn Mesa. The Mesa may actually be a slightly better bike for her. We shall see...