Just you and me and the rain

It had been a few weeks since I had got on the bike outside. I was in Scottsdale the last part of the week. A kind apology to my hommies in the hood - it was from the early morn'in to the late eve every day, making Jack a very dull boy. Seeing all that sun inspired me. It had been clear here in Portland all week as well. Waking up this morning, I thought the clear sky would carry over - not happening. Determined as I was, I got ready and headed out on the weather bike (my Trek). I figured to not ride to far from home and I needed the pain of the hills - Coral Creek it was x 3. Yes, that is correct, three times.

It was cold. Riding up it was almost surreal. The rain drops, the wet road, no cars, the trees, U2 in my ears, and the bike under me. As I started up the hill, Bono sings out "it's just you and me and the rain..." I could only smile and sing along. I thought by the time I reached the top, it would be snowing. In fact, at one point when I stood up to push, the rear tire spun on the pavement. I didn't do that again. The first time up was methodical, not much passion. The way down was tricky and slick. I almost abandoned but thought "I need this." The second time up was much better - more pain and a lot of passion. Only one car passed me. The third was the focused effort - 9 1/2 minutes - almost a summer time ride effort. On the last descent, I knew it was time to go. I was freezing. All of the sweat and drenched me under my Gortex and I was starting to get cold. As I rolled up to the garage, Christine met me outside. I has ice all over my bike - on my cables, the tubes, the shifters. In fact, I was growing icicles off my helmet where the water was dripping and there was a thin layer on top of my helmet. My Gortex was wet on the outside and the inside. I worked hard and felt good, just cold. I needed this ride.

I needed the ride because I am struggling to make a decision. I need some clarity that usually comes on tough rides. It did not come. I have an opportunity to go back to Simi and do not know which way to go. So many good things come to mind about Simi, especially the cycling. I am looking for some inspiration. It really comes down to where the company feels I am most needed. I'd go where they need me to go and be properly compensated. It has been a tough year in Portland where I have learned a tremendous amount and I know that I will continue to do so where ever I am. I just want to step on the field every day, play the game the best I know how, and leave it there at the end of the day. Toujours Pret!

Almost one month gone and I am ahead of 2007 in time on the bike. I am steady with the pounds.

14 Yard Catch and Run

Miles, more miles, and not getting anywhere. I continue to spend time on the trainer in the garage. Only 4 hours this week on the trainer but I offset the missing time with 3 hours worth of basketball. The pain on the trainer will all pay off when I get back out on the hills. I am eagerly awaiting the time that I can do that. Saturday was a good day - got up and rode the trainer for an hour, drove to basketball and played for an hour and a half with little breaks. We only had six players so I stayed on most of the game. I put in 20 our of our 55 points but we still ended up losing. It is tough to play with only 6 when the other team has 9 or 10 and runs you all game. We held tough till the last few minutes. After getting back home, Christine and I sat on the trainers for another 35 minutes. I was a bit sore later in the day. But it was a good sore. I knew I had worked.

I will be doing some traveling a bit the next month or so. I thankful it is to warmer climates - Phoenix, Hollister, and San Diego. I am thinking about taking my bike for the longer travel in order to get some miles in, especially to the warmer climates. I'll have to see. I'd love to climb Col du Hamilton again!!

Finally, a very Happy Birthday wish to my friend, Briggs Dunford - welcome to double digits!

Washing Machine Dance

Just a little time on the bike but a bit more basketball this last week. We had our first Stake basketball game. Although we had been playing each week, it was on a smaller court. We did not fair as well as liked but we scored 68 points to their 82. The other team just would not miss from 3 point land. For as much as we ran at them, we could not track them down. There was three good shooters and only two of us quick enough to keep up with them. We had fun and I filled up the stat line - 17 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds, 3 steals. It helped to shed some sun on our grey day. I was done and did not ride.

I caught a show last night on Discovery Channel about two riders who got to ride stage 16 of last year's TdF. Not only did they ride the toughest stage of the course (a day ahead), the got to ride with Hincapie, Leipheimer, and Danielson on a couple trainng rides, get the new Madone, free travel, and a complete kit of Team Discovery gear along with special team passes that allowed them to be at the finish line to sip champagne with Discovery. What a dream come true! One dude did quite well and the other quit after the second major climb. I was speechless. How could he quit. Dream come true and you quit - no way. I'd been crawling if needed to make the climb. I don't think I would have but if it came to that, I am making it like a baby.

Watching the show, I got motivated and hit the bike tonight. The pain train was leaving the station and the sweat was pooling under the bike in the garage.

Can I just say Girona, Spain - next vacation while in Germany?

Until we meet on the road...

It's a New Year

Let me start by saying to all my blog readers - Happy New Year! May 2008 bring you joy, happiness, and success (see below for poem). Thanks for the time you take to read my rantings and ride reviews. Thanks for the comments and all of the love.

2008 started with a bang. We rolled up to T-town for New Year's eve and spent the evening with my parents and my brothers and their families. Too much food, great company, warm conversation, and smooth music. We didn't spend the night-too much going on in thriving Newberg on the 1st.

After getting up and taking down the tree lights, I met up with the group in the picture of a New Year's Day ride. It was a balmy 44 degrees with no rain and dry roads. We headed South to the flat lands. After 12 miles, we stopped and let the rest of the group catch up. I was riding with the two triathletes that I rode STP with - Mr. Bleed and Lifesaver. The other part of the group was heading back and we wanted some more miles so we went deeper, ending the day with 37 miles in about two hours. It was good to be out pushing the pace and seeing how the legs felt. The legs got worked out and the cardio was good. Solvang is only eight weeks away and I have some work to do. The rest of the riding for the week was done indoors with the same scenery.

Two goals this year: weight down and more miles. So far, weight is the same and miles is better than '07. More work to do but it will get done. Let's ride...

Success:

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.

(Editor's Note: Yes, I know - my team went home yesterday. It is good to be home.)