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...