Yesterday I went to a bike rodeo put on by a local city. They had the fire and police personel running everything and I was pretty disappointed to say the least. They were giving helmets away to the kids which I think is awesome. No, I did not take a helemt, my kid already has a good one that fits correctly. I would assume that most bike racers' kids have well fitting helmets. The people working there bike rodeo failed to place the helmet on the kids correctly. There were lots of kids with the helmets on the back of their heads, chin straps 2 inches below the chin, needless to say the helmet will not be offering much protection when one of these kids eat shit on the sidewalk.
Afterword was a bike parade and all the little tikes on their trikes and training wheel bikes did a lap of the park, it was fun and cute. And then had ice cream after as well, I only stole 1/2 my kids dessert, but it was almost dinner time so I didn't want him to spoil his dinner.
It is cold out today, I should have known as it was 58 on my pedal into work this morning, which is way warmer than it has been. When it's 68 or 70 at 0430 I worry how warm it will be, so I kinda like when it's cold in the morning, chances are that means it will be cool enough to sleep at night.
Anyway...have a good weekend.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Friday means weekend options
I really hate when I cannot decide where I want to ride this weekend. Or even what bike. Should I ride the mountain bike for a few hours? Should I ride a road ride? Should I do the Silvana race? Should I sit on my ass and do nothing?
I was thinking about riding to Silvana and then doing the race and then riding home - that would be about 100 miles or so. But it is really flat. I cannot emphasize enough how flat that course is. Not really the kid of course I like. Not a real good strength building workout at all either. I will probably skip this unless one of my teammates talk me into it, but I don't think they are into this one either. Too bad the Gig Harbor race isn't closer, I did it the on year and really liked the course. And the Carnation Course is crap. I hate to bag on any of the courses around here, as we are losing races, or at least all the good races (Snohomish), so instead I'll just say I appreciate the fact that there is a road race option this weekend and skip it instead.
I really do not know many trails around here so I cannot just go and ride my mountain bike. Japanese Gulch I know a little bit, but a lot of it is really overgrown. I'm sure I'll just ride the road bike, there is something to be said for being able to ride out my front door and be on some of the best bike roads in all of Snohomish County.
I would really like to ride Bellingham though. The trails I rode last weekend were awesome. 6 laps at race speed was pretty tough, but it was a really fun ride despite the suffering.
I was thinking about riding to Silvana and then doing the race and then riding home - that would be about 100 miles or so. But it is really flat. I cannot emphasize enough how flat that course is. Not really the kid of course I like. Not a real good strength building workout at all either. I will probably skip this unless one of my teammates talk me into it, but I don't think they are into this one either. Too bad the Gig Harbor race isn't closer, I did it the on year and really liked the course. And the Carnation Course is crap. I hate to bag on any of the courses around here, as we are losing races, or at least all the good races (Snohomish), so instead I'll just say I appreciate the fact that there is a road race option this weekend and skip it instead.
I really do not know many trails around here so I cannot just go and ride my mountain bike. Japanese Gulch I know a little bit, but a lot of it is really overgrown. I'm sure I'll just ride the road bike, there is something to be said for being able to ride out my front door and be on some of the best bike roads in all of Snohomish County.
I would really like to ride Bellingham though. The trails I rode last weekend were awesome. 6 laps at race speed was pretty tough, but it was a really fun ride despite the suffering.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Padden mtn. bike race
I don't know why more road dorks don't venture into the wild more often. Avoid burnout, learn great bike handling skills, and enjoy bike racing with way less ego / attitude than on the road. It's a great scene. Plus you will meet so many of your teammates that you never knew you had. Seriously, Bicycle Centers is EVERYWHERE in the dirt world.
I showed up early because my kid was racing the kids race. And I also got to see Randy Marrs clean house in the beginner class. Apprently Randy was getting ready for CX season by dismounting some of the trickier descents. He still won easily though. I was glad to see him there, as I've been trying to talk him into it since I did my first race at Seatac earlier this year.
My kid raced his Trek Trikester, it's an awesome machine but weighs a ton, 31 + pounds anyway. I love riding that thing although it's a lot for a 3 year old to pedal. Good thing we can ride double if need be - I can stand on the platform while he pedals my fat ass around. Can I add those miles to my training log? He had fun but bitched about his race being too short, but wants to do it again.
I also got to see the Sport classes and Open Women. Beth was haulin' ass around the course and was workin' hard, yet still managed to say hi and smile. I saw Christy Berg and cheered for her, but she has no idea who the hell I am. I'll have to introduce myself one of these days. Aaron and Bruce (ignored me) were flying around the course, and I know all managed to end up with top 5's. Well done everyone. You guys all rule and make riding bikes so much fun.
My race started off in the most retarded fashion. All 3 expert classes and the open/pro started at the same time and funneled into a turn wide enough for about 3 bikes. I have no idea what place I came through in but passed a buttload of people on the climb that felt like it went forever and ever. It was brutal! And I was going to have to do that climb 6 times. F*&%!!! Then the downhill thing, all I have to say is I'm getting better. I held up a few people and pulled over in the one of the switchbacks. Then followed them down the hill. Much better for me. These downhills were pretty technical from a predominantly road geek's perspective. Cross is riding around on a grassy field, it is nothing like this stuff. I know people that would have been afraid to walk a lot of that stuff.
Anyway, lap 2 sucked as well. Then lap 3 I started to get into a rhythym. I rode with Todd Tucker for a bit, then we got separated and was by myself for a long time. I passed a handful of people each time up the stupid friggin climb. Then tried to recover while going downhill as fast as I could without trying to look too much like a roadie.
Lap 6 and Todd was with me again. We rode to the top together and he skirted by and disappeared down the hill. I passed a couple more people but had no idea if they were even in my class. I ended up 4th, Todd was 2nd.This race was pretty damn hard though. It probably sticks out as the 2nd hardest race I've ever done (# 1 was Gig Harbor 2 years ago).
But it was so much fun and so satisfying too.I don't know why more of the road racers won't give it a try - you have no idea what you are missing. There are 2 more races left, and I have an extra bike if anyone wants to give it a try. It is seriously so much fun.
I showed up early because my kid was racing the kids race. And I also got to see Randy Marrs clean house in the beginner class. Apprently Randy was getting ready for CX season by dismounting some of the trickier descents. He still won easily though. I was glad to see him there, as I've been trying to talk him into it since I did my first race at Seatac earlier this year.
My kid raced his Trek Trikester, it's an awesome machine but weighs a ton, 31 + pounds anyway. I love riding that thing although it's a lot for a 3 year old to pedal. Good thing we can ride double if need be - I can stand on the platform while he pedals my fat ass around. Can I add those miles to my training log? He had fun but bitched about his race being too short, but wants to do it again.
I also got to see the Sport classes and Open Women. Beth was haulin' ass around the course and was workin' hard, yet still managed to say hi and smile. I saw Christy Berg and cheered for her, but she has no idea who the hell I am. I'll have to introduce myself one of these days. Aaron and Bruce (ignored me) were flying around the course, and I know all managed to end up with top 5's. Well done everyone. You guys all rule and make riding bikes so much fun.
My race started off in the most retarded fashion. All 3 expert classes and the open/pro started at the same time and funneled into a turn wide enough for about 3 bikes. I have no idea what place I came through in but passed a buttload of people on the climb that felt like it went forever and ever. It was brutal! And I was going to have to do that climb 6 times. F*&%!!! Then the downhill thing, all I have to say is I'm getting better. I held up a few people and pulled over in the one of the switchbacks. Then followed them down the hill. Much better for me. These downhills were pretty technical from a predominantly road geek's perspective. Cross is riding around on a grassy field, it is nothing like this stuff. I know people that would have been afraid to walk a lot of that stuff.
Anyway, lap 2 sucked as well. Then lap 3 I started to get into a rhythym. I rode with Todd Tucker for a bit, then we got separated and was by myself for a long time. I passed a handful of people each time up the stupid friggin climb. Then tried to recover while going downhill as fast as I could without trying to look too much like a roadie.
Lap 6 and Todd was with me again. We rode to the top together and he skirted by and disappeared down the hill. I passed a couple more people but had no idea if they were even in my class. I ended up 4th, Todd was 2nd.This race was pretty damn hard though. It probably sticks out as the 2nd hardest race I've ever done (# 1 was Gig Harbor 2 years ago).
But it was so much fun and so satisfying too.I don't know why more of the road racers won't give it a try - you have no idea what you are missing. There are 2 more races left, and I have an extra bike if anyone wants to give it a try. It is seriously so much fun.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
July 4th
July 4th is always a crappy time of year for me. While most people are out celebrating, blowing crap up, drinking beer and generally having a good time I'm thinking about my brother who died on July 4th, 1993. This sucks so bad. I still cannot find the words to convey my feelings. I'm still pissed off. I still miss him terribly. And I still wonder why the hell it had to happen. Who the $#%^# decided it was some God's plan to take my brother away anyway? Yes, there is still some anger here.
It is so hard to be away from my mom and dad during this time of the year. I always feel so helpless living 2600 miles away during this time. I know there isn't much I can do, but I could still be there and give my mom and dad a hug and let them know how much I miss him too. I do miss you Ron, 15 years later I still can hear your voice. I can still picture your smile. And as brothers can only do to brothes, you can still piss me off. You were so full of promise, so full of life, I would give anything to spend one more day with you. And yes, I still look up to you for inspiration, and you will always be my big brother. I miss you so bad. And I love you so much.
It is so hard to be away from my mom and dad during this time of the year. I always feel so helpless living 2600 miles away during this time. I know there isn't much I can do, but I could still be there and give my mom and dad a hug and let them know how much I miss him too. I do miss you Ron, 15 years later I still can hear your voice. I can still picture your smile. And as brothers can only do to brothes, you can still piss me off. You were so full of promise, so full of life, I would give anything to spend one more day with you. And yes, I still look up to you for inspiration, and you will always be my big brother. I miss you so bad. And I love you so much.
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