Christmas Eve Ride

I was laying in bed unable to sleep. The clock read 6:51 AM. Out the window, I can see a bright star. No way that the sky is clear. The forecasts all showed rain, much like Sunday, rain, rain, and more rain. I got up and took a look out the bathroom window. Indeed it was clear and not a cloud to be seen. I layed back down and tried to put the thought of riding out of my mind. At 7:14 AM, I had enough. I get up and go downstairs. On my way downstairs, Cassie joins me. I figure I will get my Trek ready to ride. I change my back tire that is showing treads from all of the riding on the trainer. I put a light on the seat post. I pump up the tires and lube the chain. After going back into the house, I look outside and clouds are creeping in. Surely the rain will come. I better just take a look at the weather. To my surprise, the weatherman says sporatic showers. Time to eat some breakfast, spend some time with the C and the kids, and head out around 10:30 AM. It had warmed up to a balmy 40 degrees.

I had not ridden the Trek in quite some time. I figure the roads where wet and I'd rather use it as a weather bike to take the winter abuse. The detent is the forks drove me nuts. When it is wet, I'd rather turn instead of lean. With the detent, the turns are leans. The handle bars seem to narrow and the crank arms I realized today are shortly so I spin more. All interesting differences that make me faster and more comfortable on the Specialized. Even with all of this, the ride was great! I hit 30 miles with 1700 feet of climbing in 2 hours. The sun was out and warm on my face. Too bad it didn't warm anything else up. There were many out running and walking but no other riders. I needed today's ride.

Although I complained yesterday about the rain, Oregon is proving a good place. I was sitting at the table eating with Colin. He seemed so happy, much like Cassie and Craig have been today. I believe part is due to the stability and knowing that we are not packing up in the next few weeks. Cassie even commented that this is the first year in several that we are not moving. She tries so hard to find continuity in her life by holding on to our family traditions, even more so this time of year. She continually reminds us what we have done in years past. Today's example, we always clean out the garage on Christmas eve. She is going to be our family historian. I am thankful for her and I am so proud of her. She finished the Book of Mormon yesterday for the first time. She is my early morning compadre. We get our chance to talk about different things, all early in the morning whether it be going to jazz band in the car or at the breakfast table before every one else gets up. I am rambling now. Let me finish by saying, it was a good day...and by wishing all of our family, friends (both new and old), and fellow bloggers a Merry Christmas - may all your dreams come true.

(Editor's note: Tito, get me a tissue. Jermaine, stop teasing!)

A week in the garage

It really hit me yesterday morning as I looked out the window and watched the rain drops hit the puddles, I would be spending more time indoors on the trainer. During the week, I don't mind sitting in the garage and putting the time in. But on Saturday, I look forward to getting up early, suffering, and communing with nature while on the bike. To comment with a lack of sophistication concerning the weather, it sucks!

I do know that in a few months, all will be better but like the old Heinz Ketchup commercial commented, "anticipation, it's making me wait." The summer was wonderful and the longer days great for riding after work but it doesn't make it any easier.

This last week was three rides in the garage. No miles, just time on the bike.

We'll see if I am able to get out for my usual Christmas day ride - in 2004, I rode 50+ miles for the first time as I rode out towards Bandera; 2005, a short roll around the Texas hillside; and in 2006, 55 miles over the Southern California countryside. I'd hate to write this week about my ride through the garage. Who knows, maybe I'll suck it up and take it to the rain ... or just pray for a few hours of clearing to get the ride in!

Final Note: BYU willed itself to victory last night over a chippy UCLA team that just lost its head coach. This was the first win over UCLA for BYU since 1983, the Steve Young era. Way to go Mountain West Champions on a 11-2 season.

My time at work

For all of you who wonder what I do all day at work. Here are a couple of pictures:

Research and development.

Just a little rain

I got up at sunrise and took a look out the window - no rain but the streets were wet. The downstairs thermometer says 42. Good, warmer than last Saturday and no rain. I get changed and head out. The rainless condition didn't last long. I had been out about 40 minutes and a few sprinkles started to fall. As I moved closer to the hills, the intensity of the rain increased. At the hour fifteen mark, it is coming down. My Gortex jacket was working great but my legs and rear were soaked through. My feet were swimming in my shoes. I remember clearly thinking this is crazy: the rain, the cars, the slick roads, the cold - this sucks but is so great! I started home and closed it down, soaking wet and cold. A little longer and I would have been an ice cube.

Until next week.....keep on keep'in on...

2 movies, a bike ride, and a funeral

Saturday was a busy day for the pain train.

Lieing in bed on a Saturday morning is unusual for me. I thought I'd lie there until it got warm until I noticed the sun shining through the blinds. It was time to get up and get going. Although it was only 39 degrees, the sun was up and it was clear; it was time to ride. I found out that the gortex jacket was great for keeping in the warmth and I need better tights. After two hours of riding, my legs felt like ice cubes and I couldn't push any more. I was interesting as I was riding, the sun side was warm but the shadow side was cold. It was just good to be out on the rode, riding. It was the first time outside in two weeks. If it wasn't for the ice cube legs, I'd would have rode longer. I rode for about two hours, roughly 32+ miles - a good bike ride.

After I got back and cleaned up, C and I headed to a funeral of a fellow riders dad. It was a nice funeral. I especially enjoyed the memories from my friend and his siblings. One common thread in all of the memories and talks was the importance of the gospel in their lives and how their dad helped infuse that in them. Going to a funeral made me think how I wanted to be remembered and questioning what my own childern will say. Better start working a bit harder...

We got home and Cassie, Craig, and I got in the car to see a movie in celebration of Craig's birthday. We saw "The Golden Compass". Interesting show. The kids liked it.

I got home, convinced C that we needed to go out, and drove downtown to see a movie. We thought it was at the Pioneer Place Regal Theaters. We got there with about 20 minutes to movie time, only to find out that it was the wrong Regal Theaters downtown. The C thought quickly and we headed to the Apple Store for the internet. After a quick search, we found the theaters and started the five block walk. We sat down as the previews were ending. Mission accomplished.

2 movies, a bike ride, and a funeral - all in one day.

Riding notes: I did two Carmichael workouts this week - the fat burner and the cadence workout - plus a just spin day in between to rest. The workouts were incredible and just what I needed. Each time I finished with a shirt drenched in sweat. Check out the trainright website for other incredible workouts. I will be doing more of the same this week, combining in the garage for three workouts and getting out on the road on Saturday for a few hours. Two goals - get the weight down and ride more.

At the party

It was my work party this weekend. The C and I had a great time eating, mixing it up, and doing a little dancing. The C looked marvelous! I thought the Christmas party was on but the C surprised me with an "After Party" party that was off the hizzle, for shizzle, my nizzle.

Peace - I'm outta here....

Winter Maintenance

A year ago today, I posted my goals for the 2007 riding season. These were:

• Sub 5 hour century


• Eight century rides this year (don't all have to be organized rides)


• STP in less than 11 hours


• Get to 195 pounds


• Ride the "Hotter 'N Hell Hundred" with Hogg and Trickle - all of us under 5 hours

I just wanted to provide an update on my goals and tie a bow around this last year's worth of riding. I did not get to a sub 5 hour century - my best was the first century of STP at 5:19. I did get in eight century rides this year: Solvany, Reach the Beach, 2 @ STP, Vine Ride, Tour de Tucson, and two centuries I did here in Newberg with my dad and Christine. I missed the STP 11 hour mark this year but am going after it again this coming year. 195 pounds escaped me. Sadly, we did not make it out to HHH this year.

All in all, it was a good year on the bike. The best part was Christine's interest to spend time with me on the bike. I'll ride solo because I love to ride but being able to spend the hours with my bestest buddy, absolutely marvelous. Riding into Portland after 200 miles on the road with Christine next to me was a day to remember. Pain is easier to suffer with someone else.

Another highlight was being able to spend time with my dad on the bike. We rode quite a few miles together this year to include several centuries. It has been nice living so close to my family. I have seen my parents more this year than I have in the previous ten years combined. This is not only important to me but to my children as well.

Jens and I got in some great riding as well. We started it all in Solvany with a road trip and ended it with a lap around Tucson - nice bookends to the riding season. The best of it was the five days worth of seeing the desert scenery around the Phoenix area for two bills worth of miles. Thanks JD for all the pain and fun.

Now for 2008 - just two goals: Get below 200 lbs and ride more than in 2007 (in aggregate). I spent some time with my doctor on Friday. He told me I have to change my diet to incorportate more fiber and bran with more water while eating less sweets and caffienated beverages. Losing weight can only make me faster on the hills and devasting on the flats. Well, okay, by devasting I mean to my old self if I was riding with him. I have already started to prep for the riding season. It all starts in the torture chamber and Mr. Carmichael. This Saturday due to schedule and weather conditions, I was in the garage doing Chris' work out from Bicycling Magazine. It was painful but worth it. The plan is three days a week of Chris with some hours of riding on Saturday with weather willing. It is going to be three months of work but it will be worth it in the end.

One thing I realized is that this year, I need to do more lengthy rides on Saturday. I need the 60 to 80 mile rides on the weekend so that I am better suited in the second half of centuries. The metric century right now is my power alley. I need to expand my power alley to encompass the 100 mile mark.

Well, enough said.

The Tour de Tucson

My top five from the Tour de Tucson:

5. The weather - it was fabulous: clear sky and in the 80's.

4. The bike - Southwest did a good job of charging me $50 and taking care of my bike on the plane. I saw them wheeling it down to the tarmac on a cart, all by itself. So I felt real comfortable on my bike for the ride. Nothing like my red Specialized.

3. The goal - by completing the TdeT, I met my goal of 8 centuries this year. The year started in Solvang with JD and the year ended in Tucson with JD - nice book ends to a season of cycling over 4K worth of miles with a few more to come before the end of the year.

2. The pain - after 97 miles I was done and started to suffer tremendously. After riding so many miles in beautiful weather and doing some bike carrying across two dry river beds, it was time to hang on and finish. That's when I need my #1 on this top ten list.

1. The Hogg - sitting behind, pulling, or beside JD, made the whole trip worth it. Nothing like just hanging and being comfortable with doing nothing.

JD - thanks to you and your family for the hospitality, the friendship, the fun, and everything to make our journey a good one for me and my family. So, what rides we doing in '08...

No riding but plenty of work

I spent the week in Simi Valley this week at an Operations Council Meeting. It was real nice to see all of my co-workers and friends in Simi. It was like coming home. It also is good to spend time with your mentor, trying to take the pea from his hand. Funny thing about returning to Simi, many of the plant workers asked where I'd been. They weren't even aware that I'd moved to Portland. I guess since I have been to the Simi plant several times this year any way that it would be hard to fathom that I was not still working there.

The downside of being there all week was no riding. I wanted to bring my bike and hit some of the old routes but their wasn't time to do it. The weather was nice as far as I could tell. I was indoors most of the days. On Saturday, Craig and I hiked 10 miles around, over, down, and through Washington Park. My legs were spent at the end and there wasn't any light left to hit the road so the two "C" and I hung out for a little while, just relaxing.

I am so excited about this week. I am going on vacation and will be gone from work for about 10 days. It has been a long time since I have stepped away from work and taken time off. I am ready to just hang and ride with my hommies and my family. Just a note, this could be the ride to do in 5. I'll let you know when I am done. The pain train is leaving the station. It's time to ride.

The Tour de Tucson

The number 8 century is just around the corner - 109 miles around scenic Tucson, AZ. JD - we will "get busy riding." Yes, sir...

It was 57 degrees out when I got home and it was clear so I headed out to get some time on the bike on the road. Coral Creek twice and a few intervals around the block did me good. Saturday was a quick 30 after being at Scout training in the morning and then Stake Conference all afternoon. I hope, but will be disappointed, that the weather will hold for a nice multi-hour ride. If not, it will be a multi-hour ride in the "suck." There is something about suffering in terrible weather that gives me confidence and helps me deal with stress. The thought is if I can deal with this and get through it, what is anything else.

I do like to ride my bike. I will need these rides as my beautiful daughter turned 13 yesterday. My hair is already gray...

October Off

After a lot of riding this summer, I decided to take October a bit slow and not ride as much. The body was asking for a reprieve and I decided to play some b-ball instead. C has been playing as well, dropping it like its hot - just like Trickle did at the middle school gym in SA. I'll be back on the bike soon.

On the horizon, a possible trip to AZ for a ride around Tucson with the Hogg. I am eagerly awaiting the results of his ride this weekend. What really got the conversation started was JD's blog stating "just need Beecher to sit behind on this one..." Hey, I am game. Christine got all excited when I mentioned that I'd love to be there to pull. Not only to ride with my friend but to seek some clear weather and feel the sun's rays on my skin. Just thinking of it reminds me of Red's words in Shawshank Redemption at the end when he goes to cross the border..."I find I'm so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it's the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend, and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope."

I hope JD's ride goes well and we work out the plan.

Loving kick in the pants

We were at Joe's, a sporting goods store, yesterday to get both a chin strap and a tackling/blocking dummy for Craig. There was no tackling dummies there but we did get a chin strap. While we are walking out, Colin starts asking, "what am I going to get?" I offer the usual, "how about a kick in the pants?" The answer was obviously, "No!" I then offer a loving kick in the pants and the response was the same. Colin is not satisfied and continues to complain. We get out to the car and the comments subside from Colin.

We head to Fred Meyer's to get some food. As we are walking out, I start to say, "I didn't get anything." Colin pipes up and offers me a "loving kick in the pants." I say "sure" wondering what I am in for. Right before he kicks me in the back of the knee, he still is too short to kick any higher, he says "I love you Dad!" We all just started to laugh. Thanks Colin.

Just another 47 degree ride

With the days getting shorter and the increased after school activities along with my calling at church with the YM, I have come to the conclusion that I will have to ride in the garage during the week and only get outside on the weekends. I have one more century in me this season and need to get it done before it really starts to rain. Otherwise, I will be sitting for several hours in the rain getting it done. Yesterday was a shorter ride, 27 miles worth of being cold. I learned the importance of having a breathable jacket. The one I wore held the moisture in and after I had lathered up, I got cold. I have a better cold weather jacket that I need to wear. I didn't try to push hard, just spin. For the next few months, I need to work on my cardio endurance while I am on the road. In the garage, I will hit the leg strength.

During my ride yesterday, I look over and see this trees farm that has a variety of trees. I was beautiful - orange, red, yellow, and green - all mixed in together. I really like Autumn.

I spent a lot of time yesterday on the bike contemplating work, faith, and my biking buddy, JD. Work was all about what I needed to get done this weekend. Faith was more about my family, my wife and our temple trip this last week, and gratitude for a loving Savior. Finally, my friend JD, he just went through surgery and post op pain. I send out my prayers to him and thoughts for a speedy recovery. I miss the companionship and friendship, being able to talk and get out a week's frustration in the first 20 minutes of a ride and then hammering for a couple hours together, not saying much, just riding.

Get well soon my friend...

Steelers wax Niners

It is not my line. I stole it from www.espn.com but it is the truth as the Steelers put it to them 37 - 16 at Heinz Field this afternoon. Willie Parker was a big part of it as he rushed for 133 yards. The Steelers scored with all three disciplines - offense, defense, and special teams. Thanks to the Niners for being #501.

I'd like to express a special thanks to the Steelers for winning - it would have been rough for the next year or so with Yoda in my ear.

Double Baldy Week

It wasn't a century week but the intensity was there. I got up early and hit the road as the sun was just peaking over the horizon. I figured that since Thursday was a day in the hills - it would be a flat 50 today. As I crossed the bridge, I hear the all to familiar hissing coming from my back tire. Luckily, I was close to a large spot on the bridge so I didn't have to stand a few feet from the traffic. I had a spare tube but not enough CO2 to completely fill my tire. I headed home to get another spare tube, new CO2 cartridge, and pump up my tire. While I was riding home hoping to not get another flat, I thought, "what the heck, let's go back up Baldy and see how the legs feel." It was one heck of a climb back up - my legs told me about it repeatively. I got to top, rode down the other side two miles, turned around, and headed back up to the top. Punishment, doing the body good.

All told for the week, 55 miles with 5200 feet of climbing.

Baldy Birthday

Just another normal day except for it being 9/20 - 38 years since I entered the world kicking and screaming. It started that day with a slap in the pants and today ended with a kick in the pants.

I got home at 5, changed, filled the bottles, and got on the bike. I thought about the ride up Bald Peak all day but not the normal way. We took Chehalem Road to Bald Peak. The difference between Chehalem Road and the normal road is the steepness. Chehalem goes to 17% in a few parts and leaves you thinking about walking the bike. Christine kept saying "I am going to kick you in the pants when we get done." It took a little while to get up Baldy, not the 41 minutes I did a few weeks ago but still challenging. We got to the top, stopped for a drink of our tasty beverages, and strolled on down. I hit 50 MPH on the way down. Nice!

It was a good climb that I needed. I had been off the bike for over a week and needed to be challenged. Work has gotten all too stressful these last few weeks and a good ride does the brother good. Thanks to Christine for the ride and the kick in the pants. It was a smooth birthday.

On another note, thanks to all for the phone calls, notes, thoughts, and birthday wishes, and birthday cards.

Livestrong Party!

Another great Virgo turns 36 today!

HBD Lance!

Listen Up Yoda...

The 2-0 Niners visit the five-time Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. I just wanted to thank the San Francisco franchise ahead of time for aiding the Steelers get to 501 franchise victories. We all know the strength of the Niners schedule is suspect having beaten the Judson Rockets and the Southlake Carroll Dragons. It is time to be humbled by some real NFL competition. By the way, the NFL does have an EAP if the players need counseling after the game.

Go Steelers!

Some New Names

The C started this thing but I thought I'd follow suit with the new name list...
1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: Mopsy 4Runner
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: Vanilla Macadamia Nut
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: C-Bee
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: Black Polar Bear
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: Jason Kengawa-Ken
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: BeeCh
7. SUPERHERO NAME: The Blue Pepper
8. NASCAR NAME: Glenn Paul
9. STRIPPER NAME: Aqua Velvet Snickers
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: Ann Paul
11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: Allen Atlanta
12. SPY NAME: Fall Snapdragon
13. CARTOON NAME: Orange Underpantsy
14. HIPPY NAME: Hot Cereal Oak
15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: The Cycling Sunshine Tour

Other than the making up of funny names for myself, I did not get on the bike at all this week. It was a very interesting week for me. I spent two days in Tacoma at a conference but the highlight was being able to have dinner with my mom on her birthday. It was nice to sit and talk with my parents and be there with my mom. Being with my mom on her birthday hasn't happened in years. The rest of the week was basically spent working 12+ hours a day for budget prep. Fun, fun, fun. I am ready to get this over with but I have still a week till the actual preso. I have never had butterflies for two weeks. At least this week I am not traveling and can spend some time on my bike and with my family.

One highlight was going back to Tacoma and getting some furniture from my parents. We drove up Saturday and picked up a table and 9 chairs. This is helping to fill out some rooms in our house that we have yet to fill since giving away some furniture befor leaving Texas. All in due time...

On another note, Pittsburgh won its 500th win today, the most out of any AFC team. Congrats to the Steel City franchise. All of us life long Steeler supporters are looking for another trophy. We need to get a ring for the other hand.

Oden Out?*)#$!#@

Thanks Greg for the knee surgery. We all here in Portland remember 1984. We all thought you'd be different. Your not Sam Bowie - your Sam Bowie Redux, knee and all.

Anyone want to buy my season tickets? I don't need to see Greg doing what he is doing in this picture - sitting.

By the way, Saturday was 35 miles of into the wind. Not a full century this week but a good week at my average for the year. Nothing like heading for home into a 25+ wind, cranking at 12-15 MPH. Nice!

I needed this ride...

I am driving back from a quick lunch, where I read the new Bicycling and got inspired, and called the C - "we are riding tonight," I said. "I will be ready," was the reply. It has been a stressful week after the holiday. Budget prep, strategy sessions, distribution concerns, service concerns, new product launch concerns, Best of EFY, Scout Leader Training, Ward Conference preparation, etc. I needed some time on the bike - some serious pain time.

With only an hour of ride time available, it was the double Wilsonville loop with a Coral Creek in between. The pain train pulled away from the station and made the legs burn and the heart pound - 9'05" - only a second off my fastest time. It felt good to work so hard. I need to find the sub 9 minute time. I can see where to go faster... I just need to get there.

52 miles down this week - only a Saturday ride away from the weekly century...a couple more weeks and I will cross the 4K threshold for the year.

Just me and the road...

Century #7 started early Saturday morning on the hills around Newberg - Haugen Road (1100 feet over 3 miles), Gibb Cemetary (1000 feet over 3.5 miles, and Bald Peak (1300 feet over 6 miles). There is a peace, a comfort that comes over me sitting on the bike, suffering on a climb - just me and the road. It is difficult to explain but as many of you already know how this feels. Take a moment, close your eyes and picture it.

The balance of the ride was with my dad - down the Willamette river, across the Wheatland ferry, and back up familiar roads. It was warm, comfortable, and nice to be one step closer to the goal of 8 centuries.

Number 8 is just around the corner, but first, the romantic get away with the C.

Bueller....Bueller....Bueller.....

No takers for the 508? Anyone...a type of economics....Voo Doo Economics.

I'll take the hint - solo it is!

Pain Train

The pain train pulled out of the station this morning at 6:30 AM without any passengers. The normal passengers were not on board. One passenger, the C, was out doing the Hood-to-Coast run with over 33,000 of her closest friends. Check out www.hoodtocoast.com for more information. I am so impressed with her and her desire to conduct her own "pain train." I know I cannot run but appreciate those that do and the unique set of challenges that the activity has. I did not get a large download last night because of the amount of sleep Christine got during the trek. This morning I had the opportunity to hear all about the fun. In fact, it was very motivating for me. October 2008, Furnace Creek 508!! Who's with me? 508 miles with 35K worth of climbing over 25 to 28 hours. Step up or step off? C, where are you at? If we start training now, we will be ready for it - where's everyone going? C'mon, we can do it. Who's with me?

I cannot help but think about missing the triple H this year - 12K worth of riders, riding along at >20 MPH, and the small towns who think it is the tour. Gotta love it! They rode it this last weekend and the temperatures were in the mid 90's this year. We'd been all over it and easily cruised to a less than 5 hour century. Last year would have been the year but the heat zapped all energy. We have to get something on the calendar, put a stake in the ground, and move towards that end.

Another week of fun is ahead with a century planned for Labor Day along with some family from out of town. Come on down!

Don't believe the hype

Century #6 - The Vine Ride - started under cool conditions and cloudy skies, much like last week at the Tour de Stake. The difference for me was the approach to the ride. Last week was all about pain; this week was about the journey.

OB12OLD, the C and I started together with little fanfare at a little after 7 AM, riding on many roads that we'd been on before, either on a Saturday ride, an organized event, or driving. The biggest question about the ride was the 30 miles between mile 30 and mile 60. The website described these miles as the most challenging with an 800 foot climb over a couple miles. Coral Creek is 600+ feet at 1.75 miles so I figured it could not be tremendously challenging. At the 46 mile rest stop, one of the volunteers talked about this hill starting at 13% and getting worse from there. Now I am confused, what is this hill like? What is up with all of this hype? Not too worry, only a few miles more and I'd be on the climb and all questions would be answered. 2OLD and the C left a bit early from the rest stop while I waited for my mom to stop by with some food and Gatorade. After refueling, refilling, and talking a bit with Cassie and my mom, I got on my bike, motivated to catch up with my two riding companions. The next 8 miles I averaged over 23 MPH on flat roads, pushing myself. The catch was made at the bottom of the climb. This was no 13%; it was 8% for the first 1/2 mile and then it leveled off to 4% to 6% for the balance of the climb with a flat spot between the lower and upper sections. The final 40 miles was over familiar rolling hills. We talked and goofed off while counting down the miles. We finished a bit faster than the second century of the STP but definitely a bit more challenging. Century #6 in the books. Thanks to 2OLD and the C for the good times on the bike. For #7, I think we will be riding a portion of the same route but taking out all of the climbing and sticking near the river to keep it flat. Labor Day weekend if the target weekend to get it done.

On another note, our thoughts and prayers go out to our friends in San Antonio. Although Yoda doesn't post much these days let alone get on the bike, I hope that his family along with his mullet trimmed hair are doing well.

Up the creek

Last night was a short ride of about 12 miles, around Wilsonville Road and up the Coral Creek hill. I wanted to go short but intense. So after warming up, we hit the hill. Both the C and I pushed hard and set personal bests up to the top of the 1.75 mile hill. I did it in 9:04 and C in 10:14. Yes!! A few times I felt like my legs would go on strike and begin to picket me because of the pain. It felt good to be on the pain train. We rolled down the hill and pushed the pace hard the remaining five miles to the house. All told, 47 minutes with 32 of it pushing the threshold.

Only a few days left till century #6.

Tour de Stake

For the last six or seven years, a few members of our Stake have been putting on a "Tour de Stake." In this event, the group rides to all the buildings in the Stake - a total of five buildings over 65 miles. If you read "Tour de Stake" between the lines it reads, "A reason for a group of cycling obsessed men to get together and show who has the highest propensity to inflict pain on the rest of the group."

For a few weeks up to the event, all I heard about was beating Doug - a guy on a tricycle. I had not met Doug or seen his mode of transportation until Saturday morning. He rides a modified recumbant that sits extremely low to the ground and that he can ride extremely fast on the flats. Since I was scheduled to be at a canoe trip, I had not planned on being at that pain fest. When the chaperones fell through and we could not find replacements, I decided to just relax and ride. We got to the McMinville (Mac) chapel at 7:30 AM and Doug was already there, riding circles in the parking lot, warming up. At a little after 8 AM, we said a prayer and the parking lot emptied quickly with Doug leaving first. I came to find out that Doug does not like to lose and lets all know how well he does, especially when he wins. To borrow a phrase from JD, "it was on, like donkey kong."

The C and I were slow out of the parking lot, leaving almost last out of the 50+ riders. We had been riding quite a bit of miles the last few weeks, averaging almost 130 miles a week with a good share of riding in the hills, building leg strength. I felt good Saturday. I knew the route, the hills, and most of the riders. It was 8 miles before I saw the lead group. When I saw them, they waved to me to come along. I crossed the freeway and tried to catch up. Mistake #1, don't tell your partner the plan or discuss the route. Before I knew it, C was dropped and I was in no man's land between help. I put my head down, put it in a big gear and tried to catch up. It was in vain as the time gap continued to grow. Mistake #2, don't wait for your partner who could help out. After a few miles of losing ground, I backed off the pace and decided to make it through the flats and get to the rollers to make up time. I started to pick off riders at about mile 25. One by one they came back to me. On the last climb into Newberg, I caught the leading two, Doug and Ben. I rode into the parking lot at the Newberg chapel first - a little psychological game. I stopped, used the facilities, filled my water bottles, and took a short rest. Mistake #3, see number 2. When Doug, Mark, and Ben got on the bikes and headed out, I followed suit. The rest of the ride was much like the previous weeks ride. Before I knew it, it was just me. This time I slowed slightly and decided to ride into Mac with Ben. We talked and discussed cycling. We finished the slightly shortened course, 62 miles in a little over 3 hours 17 minutes, averaging about 19 MPH. Ben and I waited for a little over five minutes for the next rider to come in, it was Doug and he was obviously annoyed with his third place finish. Mark, was the next one in.

At this time, I realized I had better get on the bike and head out to find C. I pulled out the phone and called her. After letting me know how unhappy she was with my decisions, I told her I would meet her in Carlton, about 8 miles from Mac. After we hooked up, we rode in together and still finished faster than most of the riders. C had done extremely better than I had anticipated. We are ready for the Vine Ride, our next century.

The last few days have been great. It is going to be hard to go back to work tomorrow. I have enjoyed just being at home with the family doing all sorts of things: riding, working on the yard, finding a park route to take the kids on a ride, seeing Christine prepare for the Hood to Coast run, and seeing a few movies (Bourne was awesome).

Final Notes: Don't ever leave your wingman and it is good to be King!

Don't give me that look

I got a call last night at 9:30 PM from Mark - Mr. "It's time to bleed" - asking me to take a ride with him and a few guys. Riding with a group is always better than riding without one, especially when the SAG wagon is out of town. We hooked up at 6:30 AM and headed out. I am not a large guy but bigger than the normal cyclist (208 lbs). It is all the weight training I did for football and while bored in the Army during deployments and field problems. I have not been able to lose some of my bulk. I get this look every once in a while from people who have not ridden with me. You know the look - it is the one like "you, on a bike, yeah right." I got it today. All I can say is the pain train left the station with a purpose today. The purpose - rip their legs off. Phase one happened early in the ride on the first climb, a short one mile 5% hill. Mark goes and I stay on his wheel. After the first quarter mile, it is just us two. Mark is a triathlete and I had not ridden the hill before and could not see the top so I stayed on his wheel. At the top, no one in sight so we ripped down the back side. We put up a high pace and stopped a few miles up the road to wait for the others. A few minutes later they come around the corner and we chat a bit. I got on the front and set a blistering pace. Mark came to the front and held the pace. All held on put were in pain. The next 40 miles were uneventful. Phase 2: With about 5 miles left we hit some rollers and before I knew it, I was all alone. Just me and the trees, grasses, and asphalt. Mission accomplished.

After the ride, Mark and I went by his practice and I got the tour - a different type of pain goes on in that dental office.

Last Saturday something similar happened to Christine and I while riding. We were finishing up, about to come across the bridge over the Willamette and two cyclists came up and sat on my wheel. Christine is pulling and I following. They don't say anything and don't come around us. On the hill on the other side, they decide that they don't want to stay behind us any longer and come around. No "thank you", no "nice pull" or even a "thanks for the lift." After they get up the hill a little way, I stand up and track them down, passing one, and getting to the wheel of the other. I then sit on his wheel all the way up the hill. At the top, he looks back and sees me and not his buddy. "Hello!" I then sit up and wait for Christine. I need to teach bicycle etiquette but at the same time, it is nice to do what others don't think you can do.

What does all this teach me? Don't stereotype people due to looks. I get it and I know how I feel. I need to be better and be sure to not do that to others. I'll put it on my 2008 New Year's Resolution list.

All told, today's ride was 64 miles for a total of 132 miles for the week. A good week of hills and prep for the next century in two weeks.

On the 5

I have driven the I-5 from San Diego to Seattle but I had not ridden on it till today. Here I am sitting on a freeway that I have spent a lot of time on in a car. It was almost surreal. My mind floated memories in and out. Driving to work in Tacoma, heading to a Mariners game in Seattle, going to pick up Christine from work at Southcenter Mall, on vacation from _______ (name a town we've lived in), rolling to the Dunfords in Cali, heading home from Burbank, and then a semi buzzed me. I had to get back in the game. In fact, I believed for a long time that it was illegal to ride a bike on the interstate. When JD and I were driving back from HHH last August, I remember seeing several guys riding on the I-40 and thinking that they were crazy for riding on the interstate, especially in the middle of no where. So today, when Rick asked me to ride home with him he mentioned having to ride on the I-5.

"Isn't that illegal?"

"Nope, only in town."

He was right. There was no sign when getting on the interstate that said no bicycles or other unmotorized vehicles. There was a lot of traffic traveling fast. Lucky for us we were only on the interstate for about a mile. We had to get on the interstate to cross the Willamette rather than take a few mile detour.

I have been riding my bike to work the last few days. It has been nice getting up early and riding in. I challenged myself yesterday and rode up a two mile hill averaging over 8%. Nothing like getting up and taking a little climb. I am sitting on the bike, looking down at 14% thinking to myself, JD would like this pain while memories of the Col de Hamilton floated threw my mind. The intensity was the same just not as long. The next century is in two weeks and I will be ready. The riding so far this week has been right on point. I am aiming for over 120 this week. We'll see how the ride goes on Saturday.

(Christine is at Girls Camp all week - this is why the post - I've gotten tired of beating Craig at Madden)

Tour is done - Discovery wins!

What a tour it has been this year. With all the allegations of doping, the dopers themselves, the expulsion of the yellow jersey wearer, it still was a magnificent event. An article on www.bicycling.com asked if people still believed in the tour. I'd say, definitely yes! Perhaps the bigger question is why? Monday night I got on the bike and headed towards the hills. I did not feel exceptionally well but took up the five mile challenge. It was painful but I pushed harder than I had in the past. I kept the cadence high. What a sight from the top of the hill but also what a wonderful journey to get there. I still believe in the tour for that reason. I can partake of the pain and the joy that these riders feel. I don't know what it is to run a 4.2 40 yard dash or to block a 320 pound defensive lineman or to dunk over Ben Wallace. I do know what it feels like to suffer on long climbs (see the Col de Hamilton in San Jose, CA) or to feel the rush of riding along at 25+ MPH. I can do what these pros do with the same equipment, just not with the speed. I do love the Tour and have ever since seeing Greg pull back 50 seconds in 1989 in the final time trial.

Congralutions to Alberto Contador, Levi Leipheimer, and all of Team Discovery for the success that they all have had in this year's clockwise stroll around France. Contador was spectacular in the mountains and Levi was superb in the time trial. It is hard to believe that the three weeks have already past.

Back to Oregon, I rode over 100 miles this week - a stroll in the hills, some rolling hill work, and two flat episodes - C joined me for 85 miles of the journey. The legs are feeling good as I am starting to see some real decrease in my weight. With continued effort I will get down below 200 pounds in the next few weeks. Yoda better watch out! Under 200 means I might starting running again!

Work is rolling along. This week was catch up for being out so much the previous two weeks. Last night, we went to Old Fashion Days in Newberg. They put on quite a show with a lot of music and spectacular fireworks. I was impressed and glad that we fought the bugs and late night to watch the full moon filled night sky light up with the fireworks.

Finally, just a reminder - Please notify WADA, the UCI, and your team of your whereabouts, you'll never know when they'll come knocking to collect a sample.

Phoenix and back

After such a great ride last week, this week was followed with almost no time on the bike as I spent the work week in Phoenix at Kaizen training and events. The highlight of the week is being able to stop in at JD's new Boar's Head hangout. Nice crib! We spent the evening talking and watching guys in spandex ride over dogs and other high hills. The Tour is on... One word to describe the time ... comfortable. Thanks to JD, Kristin, and family for letting me hang out. It was great! I really enjoyed it.

I realized with my week in Phoenix how well I tolerate the heat. Getting up in the morning it was usually 90 degrees, hitting highs in the one teens. Even with a lot of time on the plant floor, it was that bad either. I am not complaining because I do like Newberg but the heat felt more like home to me.

A week of no riding was insane for me. My legs kept wanting to get out and I had to stay in. The hotel did not have an exercise bike and I was not ready to run. On Saturday, that all changed. We got up and saw Cassie throw down on some water polo. She is a fish and swims well. I get tired just watching her work so hard. She is the only 7th grader on the team of high schoolers. The coach calls her his next Olympian. Next was time on the bike - Christine and I headed out to ride a portion of the Vine Ride that we will be doing in a month. It was 42 miles of rolling hills of fun. Great stuff for legs to build strength on. There was little rain and only a few patches of wet concrete. We finished in 2 hours 40 minutes. As I rode down the street to our house, the ride felt incredibly short, especially taking into consideration last weeks 11 1/2 hours in the saddle. Time on the bike is all we need to be ready for the Vine Ride - the hills are the necessary pain.

Time to bleed...

Let me take you back a couple of days to lunch on Friday. The plant safety manager came off of vacation on Friday and we had a lot to cover so we went out to lunch. In looking at the menu, it hit me, "I am riding 200+ miles tomorrow!" I got the Southwest Chicken Pasta to aid in my carbo loading regime. The next four hours were tortuous, trying to focus on work and not about the ride. All I wanted to do was ride. At 10 to 4, I get a call from the front desk, "Your wife is on the way up to your office." Salvation had arrived.

We fought the traffic to get downtown, picked up some food at Chipotle, figured out where to park for the train station, checked-in for the Cascades 508 train, and boarded the train. Rumors were rampart from the other train riders about the time we would get to Tacoma. The information online was saying on-time while many of the riders were saying two hours late. I believed the online information and should have believed the riders. After four frustrating hours on the train, we finally disembarked in Tacoma and began moving towards the hotel in Seattle. I got to bed at midnight, tired, anxious, and hoping to not sleep through my alarm.

3:30 AM came earlier than expected. I got up, dressed for a day of riding, and got down to 2OLDS's room to make sure we got out in time to pick up my bike from the Vitamin Water bus. The Vitamin Water team is a group of 18 riders who had invited me to join them for the ride. Since C was riding the second half, I told them the first century would be great and thanked them for the invite to be a part of the group. We got to the bus in time, got ready, and headed to the start line. At 4:45 AM, we rode across the start line with about 150 other one day riders. The first 50 miles was uneventful (about three hours of riding) as I got to know the group. After waiting for the team to hand out Vitamin Water at the 50 mile rest stop, we hit the road again. Then it happened - after riding through the city with all of the stop lights and slow downs - we got in a pace line and began to work. After an hour of steady work at 20 MPH, Mark, the Ironman triathlete, rides up to me and says, "time to bleed." Quickly I knew what he meant. He rode to the front of the pace line and lifted the pace to 24 to 26 MPH. We bounced between 22 to 25 for the last 30 miles as the team worked together to keep up the pace. The last 50 we covered in 2:19 - very fast. Bleed I did put I didn't notice at the time nor know the impact (a little foreshadowing). I had just ridden my second fastest century. There was much celebration in Centralia, probably too much.

After 30 minutes of lunch and rest, it was back on the bike. I bid farewell to the Vitamin Water team and the C and I set out. The pain train was about to leave the station - with a new conductor. The first couple of miles of the second century indicated that I was in trouble. It was no longer easy spinning for me, my legs burned, my back ached, and the sun was in full force. The first 20 miles of the second century I was hemorraging and there was nothing to stop the bleeding except quitting and that was not going to happen. We stopped briefly for a bio break at mile 120 only to get back on the road. We continued on to Lexington, the 150 mile mark. The new conductor was merciless as she put the pedal down and made me work furiously. Christine had ridden away from me as the rollers got the best of my legs. She provided me the motivation to step up and catch here. After a few minutes of hard riding, I caught her right at the entrance to the rest stop. I was going to need help to get into Portland. We got some food, took a break, lied down, spoke to the team manager (my mom), picked up some more gels and life savers, and hit the road again. We stopped only one more time before getting to Portland. After 11 1/2 hours in the saddle, it was good to get off the bike for good - joyous to be in Portland and arrive with the C at my side.

The last 50 was made possible because of Christine. She pulled me, talked to me, and provided the support that was needed to get it done. The hard riding earlier in the day had done me in. I understand quite a bit better how it works in TdF to put riders into pain early and what that means late.

The C finished her first century with style. Congratulations! Way to go! She would have finished much faster if I had not been her anchor. She will have another chance to show her stuff in a month at the Vine Ride in Newberg. I am excited for the ride. It will be a good time with some serious pedaling. I mentioned in an earlier post the fear of her catching me and proving me the poser that I am. The time is here. Next year, she can join the group and pedal the full 200. Pictures will follow as we get them.

Century #4 and #5 complete - three more to go this year.

It's time

A good solid week on the bike - 140 miles in the books. We rode 5 days this week and completed the preparation for the STP. It looks like some 20+ folks from our stake will be at the starting block for the STP. At least there will be a few familiar faces along with 2OLD but they can't replace all the time on the bike spent with JD or the interaction of Trickle. I'll be missing them - a little gatorade on the asphalt for them.

The 4th was a great ride through some hills in Northwestern Washington. It was a clear, warm (by Washington standards), and fresh day to ride. The Olympic mountain range was an incredible sight as it's snow capped tops peaked through the tall, green pines as we rode by. Deer came out to see us on several occasions. A set of 8 point buck stood within 10 feet of us at one point. Wow!

Saturday, after a quick 32 miles, we headed to pick up our packets for the STP at the REI in Portland. Thanks to Christine who checked out packets before we left and noticed that my name had changed. We went back and we got the right packet for me. After an hour of driving, we got some food at the Tillamook Cheese factory and then found a nice patch of sand and hung out watching the waves flow in. Before we started playing, I put on the running shoes and ran about a mile with Christine. I remembered why I don't run - talk about bodily pain!

STP in 6 days...we are ready!

2 Weeks to 200

The next big ride is almost here. Two weeks to go for the STP 2007 version. Right now, it isn't about being able - it is about how fast. I have been averaging around 80+ miles a week for the last 20 weeks. I was going to get out last Saturday for a century but only got 21. I had planned on getting up at 4:30 AM to be riding by 5. Colin changed my plans so I ended up lying next to him and helping him get to the toilet. At 8, I headed over to Olympic Bodyworks to help them move to a new location. The move was part of a community service project that we did for work. I ended up helping there til 2:30 PM. I was tired. I got home, changed, and got on the bike. I started with the notion of putting in some serious time. My body had a different idea. "No mas" is all I got. The hills were difficult. The flats were difficult. The down hill was difficult. I turned it off at mile 15 and suffered the other 6 miles home. I was exhausted. Not eating all day didn't help either.

My nephew was here all this last week. It has been good to have him here. Alex has helped us be motivated and do some cooking as well as just be good to have around. We cooked up some Salmon on the grill. It was incredible. Christine spiced it up nice. The grilled cooked it up perfect. Today, we did up some "beer" can chicken on the grill. If you haven't tried it, it is an easy way to cook some chicken that tastes great. The chicken was the third component of the trifecta. We hit up some pork ribs on Friday night. It is good to have a grill again (my father's day gift).

Two weeks to go to STP. Time to ride...

Two weeks of fun

The last two weeks have been a blur. Not a mile was ridden in the first week but 115 miles over three days are in the books for this last week. Too much other stuff going on to get in the miles.

The high points:

Baseball tourney - we ended the regular season in 6th place and had a tough row to hoe to get to the top. I was hoping to play well, play three games, lose two games, and be done with the tourney by Tuesday. The boys had a different idea. We played Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. We beat the #1 and #3 seeded teams, lost to the #2 and #4 seeded teams by a combined two runs, and ended up in 4th place for the tourney. The highlight of the season for me as the coach was the huge improvement of the boys over the course of the season. We went from having issues hitting, fielding, pitching, and base running to being able to put runs on the board, get 3 outs without allowing runs, and finding many natural pitchers in the process that would shut other teams down. The team showed its heart in the tourney, leaving it all on the field. As a father, I saw Craig go from "please don't make me play" to "let's get the cleats on and throw the ball around." My father's highlight is a combination of things: him being aggresive at the plate, hitting the ball hard; him standing on the mound pitching with velocity, letting it go not aiming; and finally, him fielding his position and understanding the game and the game situation. We will do it again next year.

Moving - Part of my desire to play three and be done was because we closed on our house and wanted to move. Actually, we wanted to be out so the rental company could get the house rented before we had to pay rent for July (the house was rented - no July rent!!). On June 7th, Christine's birthday, we got the keys and the fun started. We moved some items on Thursday and after picking up the U-haul on Friday afternoon, we moved a whole bunch more on Friday night. Remember the baseball tourney, we'd make a few trips, go to the game, and come home each night/day and continue to move household items. Saturday was the heavy day. Without the help of my parents and Scott from work, we'd never had made it. I am extremely grateful for their support and willingness to help out. We'd never had made it without y'all. Thanks. I was disappointed that my brothers did not come down to help out. I will leave that at that and say we got it all done with other's help. By Sunday night, we had the garage done and we able to park our cars in the garage. By Monday night, we were 95% done with the moving in portion. All that is left is to hang up the pictures on the walls. I am sure we'd have been done if not for our vacation that started on Tuesday night. We love our new house and can't wait to get back to it.

Vacation - I left work early on Tuesday and we loaded up the car and headed out to Boise. Seven hours later we stopped in for the night. The next morning, we headed South to St. George, UT for the Putnam Family Reunion. The family had rented a large house with two pools, a hot tub, a ping pong table, an air hockey table, a fusball table, several TVs and DVD players, and lots of space. We have spent the last four days riding through the hills of Southern Utah, BBQing, taking pictures, swimming, tanning, spending money, eating out, eating in, talking, a talent show, paying tribute, and enjoying each others company. To share something about what I have learned this trip is understanding the moment and acting accordingly. This has made all the difference this trip. Sometimes, it is not about "me." Thanks to Christine for all of her hard work and for being so dedicated to the cause. You have made a difference. Thanks to the entire Putnam family for their hospitality and good times.

The Rides - Christine and I aquainted ourselves with the area and the local bike routes. We put in 115 miles of fun through and over the red rocks. Thursday was Snow Canyon and 35 miles of hills. Friday was 26 miles of more hills, shortened by Colin's upheaval. Saturday I rode solo for 50 miles of more hills. The fun about the hills was coming down them, hitting almost 50 MPH in some areas. Over the next few weeks, the C and I will have to get ready for the next big ride, the STP in July. My quest for my June century this week was postponed due to time constraints. Next weekend will be prime time to get it done, right after I get back from Detroit.

Stay tuned for more fun and pictures from our rides in Snow Canyon. Tomorrow, we will get in our last day of riding here in SoUtah - one more trip up the canyon and some hill fun.

Nothing but riding

Not much to comment on this week. 110 miles logged on the bike to include a half century on Saturday, record time up Coral Creek, tournament coaching, and sleeping outside in tents for two nights.

The weather has been great this week. It is not bad when wanting to do things outside. It just takes a while to cool the house off at night after the sun goes down with no A/C. Craig had to complete a few Webelo requirements so we set up the tents. It was nice and cool outside after the sun went down. Perfect for dealing with a hot house.

This next week will be exciting. We close on the house and start the move in process. In fact, this is all I can think of. By Saturday night, the plan is to have most of the stuff at the new house. I'll fill all in by next Sunday.

We remember

Memorial Day 2007 will be remembered for visiting three cementeries and two rides.The day started with the intent of taking Bald Peak and the West side of the river. Plans change. We ended taking Cassie on our 10 mile loop in the cold. After being in the 70's on Saturday, 50's on Sunday, this morning was in the mid 40's and there was no way I wanted to climb into freezing temperatures.

We got home and got on the road. Our first stop was Willamette National Cementery to put flowers and flags on the graves of my o'pa and grandfather. It was amazing to see all of the flags out on the graves, some 129,000+. The next stop was across the street at Lincoln Memorial Park to lay a flower and visit the grave of my grandmother and her parents. We found that the head stone has not yet been placed. After a lunch break at Chipotle downtown, our final stop was at the graves of my great grandmother, other grandfather, and my younger sister. At every stop, I was amazed that the kids would stand motionless and listen to me tell stories. Craig said at one point, with tears in his eyes, "I didn't even get to know him." This is one of those times when I am thankful for the plan of happiness and the opportunity to share my testimony with Craig. Great moments!

After the round trip around Portland, we got home, readied the bikes, changed, and hit the road. By this time, it is in the 70's and clear skies. Great riding weather! We hit the road to Bald Peak. This time up the Peak was a stark contrast to our first trip up together. There was no stopping, no pushing, all riding. We beat our previous time up and down the hill. It felt good and we even got to see all five peaks at the top today.

Finally, the Spurs win, going up 3 -1 over Utah. It was an amazing day.

Wheatland 52

The last two weeks have been a blur. After a week in Sacramento for Kaizen training, Reach the Beach last Saturday, busy church filled Sunday, and another full week of work, baseball, three nights at the church for Eagle scout stuff and pack meeting, and a little bit of riding. Wow!

So, the instructions for the day was no riding before 7 AM. It was good to sleep in till 6:30. We got out at 7:30 and rode down to the Wheatland Ferry and Willamette Mission State Park. It was a great day to ride. The weather in the mid 60's, no rain, and no cougar sightings since May 7th. We lifted our pace and rode hard for stretches. We had our fastest combined day of riding yet. All told it was 3 hours 21 minutes for 52 miles of riding. For the week, we hit racked up 80 plus miles. Not bad for not having much time to get on the bike.

C is worried that she will never catch up and carry the pace long term. I am worried that all of her running, riding, and eating right will put her over the top and I will be trying to hold her wheel. Monday is another ride - maybe Bald Peak again. We'll see what the day holds...

Incredible Christine...

Reach the Beach 2007 was a good ride. It was even more inspiring to see Christine fight to get it done. To the story - 2old and I started from Beaverton at about 7:30 AM and took on 2100 feet of climbing (out of the 3200 feet) in the first 25 miles. The climbing was not extremely instense but steady. It helped that I had ridden most of these roads before and knew where to push - flying down the hill at 35 MPH, blowing by other cyclists.

We picked up Christine at the elementary school stop. The original plan was for her to start at Amity, only 55 miles to the beach. Now, it was going to be a 75 mile ride for her, almost double here current max. To put this in perspective for me, I'd have to ride almost 400 miles to double my current maximum one time ride.

At mile 71, after riding into a stiff breeze and on the very busy highway to the coast with little room to pass due to a narrow shoulder, rumble marks, and plenty of cars, we stopped for a break. Christine is now entering no man's land, that time between suffering and knowing what time it is - with 30 miles to go. I call my mom to tell her to meet us at the next rest stop. Christine says something to the effect - I am finishing, not quitting, no matter how long it takes. Wow! Cool! I know this defiance. "Pain is only temporary, quitting lasts forever." I got a front row seat to see her fight all the way to the finish. Inspiring!

What a sight the beach was!

Thanks to 2old and the C for a great ride.

Pain Train Schedule

The Pain Train is scheduled for another run tomorrow. 100 miles to the coast from Portland. There are just currently two passengers - 2OLD and one who does not have a nickname yet - could be Blue Max but I don't know if that fits into any nickname realm that we currently have. We'll have to work on one. Who knows, organized rides seem to have a way to give people nicknames. It might be the case tomorrow.

Although this is a Pain Train run, it will be more like a little pain. The target for the 5 hour century is for my August century. August will be a local event due to all of the craziness this summer with moving again and work related absences. So, anyone out there wanting to get on the bus and do a 5 hour century, give me a call and I will let you know when. The Beecher Hotel currently has vacancies.

After traveling this week, I have only got in 20 miles and that was going no where - in the hotel exercise room. The legs feel good and after a few miles tonight, the train will be ready to roll.

Editior's Note: To all the Suns fan out there, get over it! Don't blame David Stern and the NBA. Blame the '97 Knicks and Heat for getting the rule instituted - leave the bench area and get suspended. Granted it is instinct to protect your own as Amore and Boris did. I would have left the bench area as well but there are consequences. On another note, what ever happened to hard playoff fouls? No easy shots or fast breaks? Get over it! Have we all forgot about this guy named Newton and three of his laws? I'll give you a hint: f=m*a. How much does Nash weigh in relation to Horry? With Nash's higher than average flop rating, it looked much worse than it was. Game 6 is on...Are you ready to rumble? But don't leave the bench or you'll get suspended.

Go Spurs Go!

Editor's Note

Correction: In a previous post, I stated ambiguity over which team I'd like to see win the NBA championship. I'd like to set the record straight. I have an addiction, to blogging, saying anything to get people to read my posts of streaming thoughts, to view pictures that might not be of me or anyone I know, and to find their favorite haircut. Have no fear, I have checked myself into BA - Bloggers Anonymous. I am committed to the thirteen step process in order to find peace in this world of words and information.

With this being said, please remember, I am and will always be a SPURS fan.

GO Spurs GO!!!

On the bike

Saturday finally came. It has been a long week - a high level of stress due a number of issues. It didn't help that we had three baseball games and an Eagle project to work through after work as well. Even with all this going on, we got in over 90 miles on the bike this week in preparation for the May century which is next Saturday, the 19th.

We set some new records for Christine this week: most miles in a week and most miles in a single ride. We started early Saturday morning with OB12Old to get the later done. It was cold. I have come to believe that the warm mornings that I am used to from Texas and California will not happen here in Oregon. After getting warm, 2OLD flatted but this was the only real incident of the day. We did get chased a few times by dogs but no bites, no kicks, no errors. All told, it was 42 miles around the southern portion of Yamhill county.

I am excited for next Saturday. New records will be set as we ride to the beach together. My challenge for this next week is to get through the week as I will be out, learning Kaizen.

I know JD watched the game tonight. The Suns are playing inspired ball but the Spurs were one step better. This is the series to watch. I just hope that the Eastern Conference does not win it this year. Miami was bad enough last year. Spurs or Suns - I am fine with either but I still say:

Go Spurs Go!!

Bald Peak Part Deaux: The Unforgiven

Friday-

After finding a torque wrench to properly torque the crank on, I took the bike out for a test ride to see if it worked to fix my loose crank. I put it through the ropes for 15 miles and it stayed tight. I had been hearing about this ride up the back side of Bald Peak. During the ride, I am thinking it is time to get on up this hill. I have never seen a hill I did not like or could not get up. Even after the drive up it, I was not intimidated. But it was steep...

Saturday-

It is 36 degrees when I roll out of the garage at 6:30 AM. I must be carrying 10 extra pounds of clothing to keep warm and still feel the chill coming down the hill from the house to start the ride. It is 18 miles to the base of the climb. Before starting, I pause at the Laurelwood school to get myself together and check the crank - all still good.

The sign said curves, next 1 mile. Sure - it should have said "Pain." There is no easing into the climb. It goes from no grade to 14% and then up to 20% for a mile. It was tough. I stopped at the top to regroup for the second half of the climb. My heart was pound at 170+ bpm. After the quick recovery, another sign, curves, next 3/4 mile. It was part two of the climb and equal to the first. In fact, my GPS stopped registering grade. Once at the top, it was still another 1.5 miles to the park and down hill. For this section, 1.5 miles with 1400 feet of climbing - that is an average of 13.3% grade. The hill got me this time - it will not be as lucky the next time we meet. All told, it was 37 miles of riding with a week's worth of pain. Next century is in two weeks for the "Reach the Beach" ride.

Sunday-

Drove to Tacoma after our baseball game and hung out with my family - parents and my two brothers and their families. Matt blessed his new daughter, Cate, today and we got to stand in the circle. Awesome. Thanks to Matt and his family for their hospitality.

Time to relax.

Like a Glove

With all the crank problems on the Specialized, I put it on temporary ride hold till I can get it fixed or fix it myself. Tonight, I rode my Trek for the first time in about 6 months. After all of the miles spent on it over the last several years, it was a very familiar ride. It is definitely different than the carbon frame of the Specialized, not as fast but still very comfortable. After the century on Saturday, tonight was a 13 mile ride around Crater, our normal loop, to get the legs back into it.

Next century is only two and a half weeks away on May 19. Christine has signed up to ride the 55 mile portion of it. She'll be able to pull me home to the beach. Let's go, we're deep into the spring rides getting ready for the big one in July.

Crank, Don't Fail Me Now!

The rooster wasn't even awake when I rolled out of the garage yesterday morning. I knew it was going to be a busy day even without trying to get in a century. This meant wrestling the mattress monster so I could get out of bed and riding before the sun had its first cup. I am glad I did. I got out a bit before 6 AM and had 60 in by 9:25 AM. All this fun was not without troubles or concern from my crank. At mile 6, I look down and the keeper for the crank bolt is sticking out. I take my tunes out of one ear in time to hear it bounce on the asphalt. Ping! I turn around and luckily, it is right in the middle of the road, easy to find. Call it luck, maybe. To me, its a make-up call 7 days later. This time, I could do something about it. I had bought the night before an Alien II (see picture) just in case. As many of you know, I have been lobbying against hauling tools around just in case. In fact, I have made jokes about hauling toolboxes under seats and have made it a point to only carrying the bare bones with me on rides. Just in case never had come for me until last Thursday when I am one-legging it up the hill to my house. I tightened the crank bolt, put the keeper back on, got back into the saddle, and headed down the road. I was not to be denied today!

In Keizer, about 30 miles from home, I stopped again to tighten the crank bolt. The ride home was eventless but fast. I averaged right at 18 MPH. The Oregon countryside was beautiful. Springtime and everything is blooming, growing, and colorful. April century part 1 complete.

Now in the house, I got showered, grabbed two cookies and glass of milk, and out the door to meet with a realtor about some homes. We saw several we really liked and if all goes well, we will be putting an offer on one soon. Patience! More news to follow. House-hunting complete.

Back to the house, load up the car, get some real breakfast, and off to Dundee for opening day of Baseball season - game at noon. The No Name Newberg Minor team proved to be too tough for its oponents, winning 12-6 on some excellent pitching and timely hitting (it is always timely with runners in scoring positions). It has been fun so far this year coaching. Challenging, definitely, but to see how it all came together yesterday, incredible. We have a slew of games over the next month and a crazy schedule but it will be fun. Before we know it, the season will be over and we will be left wanting for more. Baseball game complete.

On the way home, all I can think about is getting the ride done and spending time with Christine. How to balance it? I am seriously slow at time. Here is an excellent example. I am driving, mulling this over, thinking: take her downtown after the ride, restaurant, shopping, some quality time. She must have smelt the rubber burning and asks, "Do you have something against me riding with you?" Sure, great! BRILLANT! Then she asks, "Aren't you hungry?" I was so focused on getting the ride in and all the other activities, I wasn't even thinking about food. We stopped and got some lunch.

We got home and Rob had called as well saying he had a window to ride. Changed, prepped the bikes, and off we went. Other than the occasion hill, Christine did well and put down a personal best of 40 miles. She also helped me complete my century. April century part 2 complete.

What is a century without the traditional Mexican food? Every century, with the exception of Solvang where we tried the post ride BBQ and should not have, Mexican food has been the reward for the suffering. Today was no different. After washing my dirt laden car and sending Cassie off to work (babysitting), we rolled over to Beaverton and sank our teeth into some burritos, chips, and salsa. Mexican food reward complete.

It is good to have a rest day. I am worn out from all the excitement from yesterday.

Gett'in on Up with no Crank

I finally found some time this week to get back on the bike. Between coaching baseball, working with the Young Men and teaching them how to cook some easy meals (with Christine's help of course), and my Six Sigma project, it has been hard to get time on the bike. So when last night I had a little time, I got on the bike for a double dime. After hitting 19 1/2 miles on the home stretch, I was a man without a crank and no SAG. So, I picked up the crank arm and coasted down the hill to the entrance to our subdivision and one legged it up the little hill to the garage.

Tomorrow is my last opportunity in April to get my century in. Between looking for a house and a baseball game. I have my challenge before me. Time to "get 'er dun!"

Sidelined by the Head

It was all planned. The bikes were lubed and prepped. The water bottles were filled and the gels in the pockets. The weather was cooperating and then, BAM! Colin's excitement got the best of him as he decided to see who would win between his head and "the white thing by the window." The "white thing", the window sill, won causing a nice gash that required two stitches. Cassie and Christine were at "water pillow" so the ride was delayed by several hours so we could go to the emergency room.

After returning from the emergency room, we figured we had a few hours to ride still so we took off. Now the rain is coming down pretty good (we are soaked in a matter of minutes) but I am determined to get in at least 50. About a mile into it I flat. I stop, get off the bike, and start to change the flat. My dad says I'll go get Mom to come get you. As he rides away, I stop and in a moment of realization in the rain standing on the side of the road, ask myself "isn't that two strikes?" Time to do what I need to do and get to the "water pillow" tournament. That is exactly what we did after got changed and ran an errand.

Time to start a new this week. Got in 22 last night - called it good tonight due to the flu but will be back on it to get my April century in this weekend.

Coral Creek Rd

Today was like SoCal sunshine in the winter. Perfect for getting on the bike. It was just a short 20 miles and a ride up Coral Creek Road. Everytime up I have gotten faster. Today was again the case, only 10:01 to get to the top, that's a 33% improvement since the first time up. This is partly due to getting to know the road and the hill and motivation being the other half.

It is going to be an exciting weekend with water polo, baseball, and cycling. Time for the century.

Parable of the Bald Peak Bike Ride

Christine so inspired me, I am posting her talk here for all.

"Recently, I pushed myself to a position where I wanted to give up & quit.

A few weeks ago, we had a taste of early spring with warm sunshine & blue skies much like these past few days. As many people took to the outdoors, my husband Chris & I were no exception & took advantage of a prime opportunity to ride our bikes up to Bald Peak. Chris had done the ride once before & cautioned me that it was a challenging climb, but had confidence in my ability to make the uphill passage to the peak. Awaiting at the top, he described, was a breath-taking, scenic view of the Willamette Valley & 5 snowcapped Cascade peaks. That was enough incentive for me to decide this was a ride I wanted to undertake. We had a nice steady ride from our house over to highway 219. The traffic was a bit heavy due to rush hour & other motorists I’m sure who were out for a scenic drive taking advantage of the weather condition. As we approached the intersection of the 219 & turn-off to Bald Peak Road I hesitated about how to make the left turn across the 2-lane road with busy traffic. Chris advised me to go ahead & head out towards the middle of the road next to a van that was already stopped & signaling ot turn left as well. As I came up towards the van, the uphill grade of the road stole away my momentum & before I could clip out of my pedals, I crashed right there in the middle of the road behind the van. Instinctively, I promptly hopped up & ran back to the right side of the highway. After assessing my minor scrapes, we waited for a break in traffic & ran our bike to the opposite side of the intersection. From there we commenced our 5 mile ascent up Bald Peak Road. At this point we had probably only been riding for about 20 minutes. But the constant rise in elevation & powering up & over one hill after another provoked quick fatigue to my body & introduced me to the meaning of lactic threshold. Knowing that I only had a couple of miles to go & that this spectacular view awaited me I kept pedaling. One curve after another the hills kept coming. I decided to stop & get off the bike. The mental game began playing in my mind. I digested the situation of my exhaustion, the difficulty of the ride, my crash on the road & the hills still to come. I considered that maybe it was time to turn around & head back home…downhill. It was an easy solution to my predicament. But I also knew that it would be such a personal disappointment to have worked so hard & come to this point only to give up & forego the reach to the peak. With much encouragement from my riding partner, I decided to endure the physical drain & to keep going. It was so hard after stopping on an uphill grade to get the momentum going again. So, Chris put his hand on my back & started pushing me up the hill as he continued to pedal as well. The last ½ mile up to the summit was the steepest part of the ride & with his help I was able to reach the point. The reward was truly worth the rigorous bike ride. I was overcome with emotions of relief, deliverance & gratitude all at the same time. I deeply appreciated the support of my riding partner throughout the entire experience. He was right-on when he told me the view was breath taking. I ran out of breath a bunch of times just to be able to get up to the view point!

Let me read Christ’s words from 3rd Nephi:

Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.
And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me
And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day.

The resurrection is the center of every Christian’s faith. It is the greatest of all miracles. It is the gift that will be given to all mankind. 1 Corinthians chapter 15:22 assures us that every living thing will be resurrected. 'As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.' But it is our responsibility to do the work which is required of each of us to achieve eternal life & exaltation. The Lord’s ultimate concern is for the salvation & exaltation of each individual soul. Only those who endure to the end will receive eternal glory.

Using excerpts from John chapter 6, Elder Russell M. Nelson poises a couple of questions to ponder on quote:

What if the Apostle Paul’s conversion had not been enduring? He never would have testified as he did at the end of his ministry: 'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.'

What if Jesus had wavered in His commitment to do His Father’s will? His Atonement would not have been accomplished. The dead would not be resurrected. The blessings of immortality and eternal life would not be. But Jesus did endure. During His final hour, Jesus prayed to His Father, saying, 'I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.'

Early in His mortal ministry, Jesus became concerned about the commitment of His followers. He had just fed the 5,000, then had taught them the doctrines of the kingdom. But some had murmured, “This is an hard saying; who can hear it?” Even after He had fed them, many lacked the faith to endure with Him. He turned to the Twelve and said, “Will ye also go away?
“Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord … thou hast the words of eternal life.
“And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Peter’s answer defines the real core of commitment. When we know without a doubt that Jesus is the Christ, we will want to stay with Him. When we are surely converted, the power to endure is ours.”

Sometimes the need to endure comes when we face a physical challenge & is often accompanied with spiritual trials as well. Heavenly Father did not intend for us to fail or give up. He sent His Son to Earth to walk with men & to show us the pathway back to heaven in every way.

Throughout our lives we may find ourselves in situations that will cause us to doubt our abilities, our testimonies, our faith or even our purpose. These road blocks may cause us to fall & stop along our journey towards eternal progression. Problems often arise that are not of your own making. Some of you may suffer disappointment at the hand of someone close to you. But you will never be forsaken by your Redeemer, who said, “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say.”

Satan will try to steal away our momentum on our pathway to eternal glory. He will try to get us to pause & hesitate in decisions that we must make during our lives. We must remember that it harder to get going again in the right direction once we have decided to stop our progress. It is essential to our success that we stay the course in our commitments to our families & marriages, our church attendance, fulfilling our church callings, acquiring strong testimonies & building the kingdom of God. In hindsight, many of us have seen how giving up on finishing goals was a lost opportunity & are left with the feelings of, "If only I would have kept going & finished!" Those of us who have experienced those moments now push our own children over those climbs in hopes they will enjoy the satisfaction of completing goals & see the blessings manifest.

It is my testimony that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer and that through Him we can endure all things. Heavenly Father has poured out his blessings upon me personally & upon my family when I have chosen to follow the teachings of His latter-day prophets, when I have committed to keep my temple covenants, when I have obeyed the commandments & chose to be Christ-like in my actions towards others. I have felt His hand in my life, pushing me up & over life’s hills I’ve encountered. I am so grateful for the example of my brother Jesus Christ & how he did not shun responsibility or waver in completing his mission here on earth. He was promised the beauty of eternal life & exaltation upon fulfilling his Father’s will. We too can earn this wonderful blessing.

The Lord said, “If you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.” The Prophet Joseph included this concept of endurance in the thirteenth article of faith: “We have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things.”

It is my hope that the Spirit has brought the Savior’s love & peace to you this Easter.